NewzIntel.com

Category: Natural Disasters

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Further free electric blanket testing and energy advice days to be held in city

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The advice days, organised by City of Wolverhampton Council’s Trading Standards team, will take place on:

    • Tuesday, 5 November at Civic Centre, St Peter’s Square, WV1 1SH.
    • Wednesday, 6 November at Bob Jones Community Hub, Bromley Street, WV2 3AS.

    Both days will run between 9.30am and 4pm.

    Residents with an electric blanket will be able to bring it along to be tested by experts from Gems Electrical Testing. It is important that all leads, controls and plugs associated with the electric blankets are brought along for testing.

    If the blanket fails and the owner is a Wolverhampton resident, a replacement will be offered for free. Funding for the blankets has been provided by UK charity Electrical Safety First.

    General support and advice about energy bills will also be available from charity Act on Energy. Advisors can give general advice and arrange to speak to residents individually about ways to save on bills, how to switch providers and how to access energy debt support.

    Other help on offer during the 2 days will include information about ways people can protect themselves from scams, rogue traders and bogus callers which can increase over the colder weather and during the run up to Christmas.

    The 2 days next month follow similar sessions held at Ashmore Park Community Centre and Bilston Indoor Market where 24 electric blankets were tested and 21 new blankets provided free of charge to replace those that had failed.

    John Roseblade, director of resident services at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “As the weather is turning colder, we welcome residents to these events where they can get their electric blankets tested and speak to others for energy advice.

    “The condition of electric blankets can deteriorate over time and become faulty. This can risk injury and fire, so we would encourage people to come along and get their blankets checked for peace of mind.”

    People do not have to book an appointment for the electric blanket testing but are asked to please be prepared to wait if the event is busy. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Assessing the U.S. and Global Climate in September 2024

    Source: US National Oceanographic Data Center

    September Highlights:

    The release of the September 2024 U.S. and Global Climate Reports was delayed due to significant infrastructure damage near NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) headquarters in Asheville, NC from Hurricane Helene. NCEI is in the process of returning to full operations and anticipates restoration of most data feeds in the near future.

    • Temperatures were above average across much of North and South America as well as Europe, but globally, temperatures averaged cooler than what was observed during September 2023, ending the 15-month record streak of record warm global temperatures.
    • The year-to-date global temperature was the warmest such period on record, with North America, South America, Europe, and Africa each ranking first.
    • The contiguous U.S. was second warmest on record with record warm conditions blanketing portions of the northern Plains, Upper Midwest, and south Florida.
    • Year-to-date temperatures across the contiguous U.S. averaged second warmest on record.
    • Hurricane Helene was the strongest hurricane on record to strike the Big Bend region of Florida, the deadliest Atlantic hurricane since Maria (2017), and the deadliest to strike the U.S. mainland since Katrina (2005).
    • Three new hurricanes (Debby, Helene, and Milton) and one tornado outbreak were added to the 2024 Billion Dollar Weather and Climate Disaster total. The year-to-date total now stands at 24 events — the second-highest event total for this period.
       

    Temperature

    The September global surface temperature was 2.23°F (1.24°C) above the 20th-century average of 59.0°F (15.0°C), making it the second warmest September on record. This value was 0.34°F (0.19°C) cooler than what was observed during September 2023. According to NCEI’s Global Annual Temperature Outlook, there is a 99.8% chance that 2024 will rank as the warmest year on record.

    The average temperature of the contiguous U.S. in September was 68.6°F, 3.8°F above average, ranking second warmest in the 130-year record. Generally, September temperatures were above average across much of the contiguous U.S., with near average temperatures observed from portions of central Texas to the central Atlantic Coast. Arizona, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota each ranked warmest on record for September.

    Other Highlights

    • Arctic sea ice extent was the sixth smallest in the 46-year record at 1.69 million square miles. Antarctic sea ice extent was 6.59 million square miles, the second lowest on record.
    • The Northern Hemisphere snow cover extent in September was slightly below average. Snow cover over North America was below average (by 320,000 square miles); Eurasia was slightly above average (by 90,000 square miles).
    • Global Precipitation in September was near the long-term average. Notably, much of the Sahara desert had its wettest September on record, driven by the rare passage of an extratropical cyclone on September 7-8.  
    • The U.S. has sustained 400 separate weather and climate disasters since 1980 where overall damages/costs reached or exceeded $1 billion (including CPI adjustment to 2024). The total cost of these 400 events exceeds $2.790 trillion.
      • Cost estimates for Hurricanes Helene and Milton have yet to be determined and are not part of the cost total at this time. 
      • The 2024 Billion Dollar Weather and Climate Event Disaster total of 24 events through mid-October is second only to the 27 events reported by this time last year.

    This monthly summary from NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information is part of the suite of climate services NOAA provides to government, business, academia and the public to support informed decision-making. For additional information on the statistics provided here, visit the Climate at a Glance and National Maps webpages. For a more complete summary of global climate conditions and events, explore our Climate at a Glance Global Time Series.
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Myanmar: Rohingyas face worst violence since 2017 – new testimony

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Rohingya face persecution from rebel Arakan Army and Myanmar military

    Bangladesh has forcibly returned more than 5,000 Rohingyas this year

    Refugee camps desperately short of essential supplies and services

    ‘We quickly hid in the mud, sitting down in the muddy water, and then another bomb exploded, killing my parents, sisters and many others’ – 18-year-old woman

    ‘Those lucky enough to make it to Bangladesh do not have enough to eat, a proper place to sleep, or even their own clothes’ – Agnès Callamard

    Newly arrived Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh need urgent access to food, shelter and medical attention after enduring the worst violence against their communities since the Myanmar military-led campaign in 2017, Amnesty International said today.

    New testimony gathered by Amnesty shows how Rohingya families forced to leave their homes in Myanmar have been caught in the middle of increasingly fierce clashes between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army, one of many armed groups opposing the junta. Hundreds of thousands of people have been internally displaced and upwards of tens of thousands of Rohingya have crossed the border or are waiting to cross the border to seek refuge in Bangladesh.

    The recent escalation in Myanmar’s Rakhine State started in October 2023 with the launch of a rebel counter-offensive by the Arakan Army and two other armed groups that has posed the biggest threat to military control since the 2021 coup. Myanmar’s military has responded by stepping up indiscriminate air strikes that have killed, injured and displaced civilians.

    The impact on Rakhine State, where many of the more than 600,000 Rohingya in Myanmar still live, has been severe with towns transformed into battlegrounds.

    In Bangladesh, authorities have been pushing Rohingya fleeing the conflict back into Myanmar, while those who reached the Bangladesh camps told of a desperate shortage of essential supplies and services there.

    Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General, said:

    “Once again, the Rohingya people are being driven from their homes and dying in scenes tragically reminiscent of the 2017 exodus.

    “We met people who told us they lost parents, siblings, spouses, children and grandchildren as they fled fighting in Myanmar. But this time, they are facing persecution on two fronts, from the rebel Arakan Army and the Myanmar military, which is forcibly conscripting Rohingya men.

    “Those lucky enough to make it to Bangladesh do not have enough to eat, a proper place to sleep, or even their own clothes.

    “The interim Bangladesh government and humanitarian relief organisations must work together so that people can have access to essential services such as food, adequate shelter and medical care.

    “Bangladesh must also ensure that it does not forcibly return people to escalating conflict. Meanwhile, the international community needs to step up with funds and assistance for those living in the refugee camps.”

    First-person accounts of killings

    In September, Amnesty interviewed 22 people in individual and group settings who recently sought refuge in Bangladesh, joining more than one million Rohingya refugees, the majority having arrived in 2017 or earlier.

    The new arrivals said the Arakan Army unlawfully killed Rohingya civilians, drove them from their homes and left them vulnerable to attacks, allegations the group denies. These attacks faced by the Rohingya come on top of indiscriminate air strikes by the Myanmar military that have killed both Rohingya and ethnic Rakhine civilians.

    Many Rohingya, including children, who were fleeing the violence to Bangladesh drowned while crossing by boat.

    Bangladesh blocks Rohingya seeking safety

    The people Amnesty interviewed in Bangladesh had recently fled Maungdaw Township in northern Rakhine State, which the Arakan Army tried to capture from the Myanmar military after seizing Buthidaung Township in May.

    Many were survivors of a drone and mortar attack that took place on 5 August on the shores of the Naf River that divides Myanmar and Bangladesh.

    All those interviewed stressed that their urgent priority now was access to basic services in the camp, including aid, shelter, money, security, food and healthcare.

    They were also terrified of being sent back to Myanmar. But Amnesty International found that Bangladeshi border authorities have forcibly returned Rohingya people fleeing the violence, in violation of the international law principle of non-refoulment, which prohibits returning or transferring anyone to a country where they are at risk of serious human rights violations.

    A 39-year-old Rohingya man told Amnesty that he fled Maungdaw with his family on 5 August and on the early morning of following day when they were near the Bangladesh shore their boat started taking on water before tipping over.

    He said he passed out and woke up on the beach to see dead bodies washed ashore. He later discovered that all six of his children, aged between two and 15, had drowned. He said his sister also lost six of her children.

    He said: “The border guards were nearby, but they did not help us.” Residents told him later that Bangladeshi border guards prevented them from helping.

    Instead, the Bangladesh border guards detained him and he and the others who were with him were sent back to Myanmar the next evening; they found another boat and returned. According to one credible estimate, there have been more than 5,000 cases of refoulement this year, with a spike following the 5 August attacks.

    “Sending people back to a country where they are at real risk of being killed is not only a violation of international law; it will also force people to take greater risks while making the journey to avoid detection, such as traveling by night or on longer routes,” Callamard said.

    Denied essential support in refugee camps

    The Rohingya who made it to the refugee camps are living off the generosity of relatives there. New arrivals in particular expressed concern that they were unable to register with the UN refugee agency for essential support. As a result, many are going without meals, and are afraid to venture out for fear of deportation, even when in need of medical care.

    Interviewees also mentioned the deteriorating security situation in the camps, due mainly to the presence of two Rohingya armed groups: the Rohingya Solidarity Organisation and the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army. Myanmar’s shifting conflict dynamics in Rakhine State have meant that some Rohingya militants have aligned with the junta in Myanmar. As a result, Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh fear that they or their family members could be snatched and forcibly taken back and conscripted to fight there.

    A 40-year-old woman said:

    “We are constantly afraid of moving from one place to another because we don’t have any documents. We are newcomers here, and we have also heard about people being abducted.”

    In a meeting with Amnesty, Bangladesh officials rejected the allegations of refoulement but said border guards “intercept” people trying to cross the border. They also stressed that the country cannot accommodate any more Rohingya refugees.

    The vast majority hoped for resettlement in a third country.

    Trapped between the Arakan Army and Myanmar military

    The Myanmar military has persecuted Rohingya for decades and expelled them en masse in 2017. It is now forcing them to join the army as part of a nationwide military service law. The Myanmar military has also reportedly reached an informal “peace” pact with the Rohingya Solidarity Organisation, an older Rohingya armed group that has reemerged as a force in recent months. These complex developments have further inflamed tensions between the Rohingya and the ethnic Rakhine, whom the Arakan Army purports to represent.

    The rise in fighting nationwide has also resulted in mounting allegations of abuses by armed groups fighting against the military. Many Rohingya described the fatal consequences of being trapped between the two sides.

    “Every time there is a conflict, we get killed,” one Rohingya interviewee told Amnesty.

    A 42-year-old shopkeeper said that on 1 August, a munition of unknown origin landed outside his house in Maungdaw, killing his four-year-old son. On 6 August, the Arakan Army – who he identified by their badges – entered his village in Maungdaw and relocated all the Hindu and Buddhist families to another area they said was safe, while the Rohingya families were left in place.

    “They began causing unrest [using it as a base to launch attacks] in the village, which forced us, the Muslim families, to leave on 7 August. We were the only ethnic group left in the village. It seemed like they did this intentionally,” he said.

    When he later took shelter in downtown Maungdaw on 15 August, he said he saw Arakan Army “snipers” shoot two Rohingya civilians. “I witnessed the Arakan Army kill a woman right on the spot with gunfire while she went to a pond to collect water … there was another man who was sitting and smoking in front of his house and he too was shot right in his head and killed.”

    On 13 October, in response to Amnesty’s questions, the Arakan Army said these allegations were unsubstantiated or not credible. It said it issued warnings for civilians to leave Maungdaw ahead of its operations and helped evacuate people, that it instructs its soldiers to distinguish between civilians and combatants, and that in case of breaches, it takes disciplinary action.

    Since late last year, Amnesty has separately documented Myanmar military air strikes that have killed civilians and destroyed civilian infrastructure in Rakhine State. This year, the impact of the Myanmar military conscripting Rohingya has added to the historical, systemic discrimination and apartheid already experienced by Rohingya. 

    “I felt really bad that they were involving us in their fight, even though we had nothing to do with it. It felt like they were laying the foundation to get us killed,” a 63-year-old cattle trader said.

    Families wiped out

    On 5 August, the intensity of bombardments and gunfights between the Myanmar military and Arakan Army forced scores of people from Maungdaw to seek shelter in sturdier homes near the Naf river border with Bangladesh.

    Recalling that day, the Rohingya cattle trader said the Arakan Army was:

    “getting closer to our village, capturing the surrounding villages … they flew drones in the sky, holding them there for about an hour, and could drop bombs from the drones whenever and wherever they wanted with remote control. They killed so many people”.

    That afternoon, many recounted seeing a drone and hearing multiple blasts. The cattle trader said he heard eight to 10 blasts, and that bombs were exploding “before even touching the ground”. He saw a small unmanned aerial device flying near the crowd that looked like a “rounded-shaped drone” with something attached underneath.

    He said his wife, daughter, son-in-law, and two of his grandchildren were killed, while the youngest grandchild, aged one, was seriously injured and later had her lower left leg amputated at the knee in Bangladesh.

    One 18-year-old woman from Maungdaw said she lost both parents and two of her sisters, aged seven and five, during the blast. At the time of the attack, her father was carrying one of her sisters while her mother carried the other. When they reached the Maungdaw shore in the afternoon in search of boats to cross to Bangladesh, an explosion occurred.

    “We quickly hid in the mud, sitting down in the muddy water, and then another bomb exploded, killing my parents, sisters and many others,” she said. “I saw it all with my own eyes – my parents and sisters were killed when the bomb shrapnel hit them.”

    She said she saw about 200 bodies on the shore, a figure cited independently by another interviewee.

    Almost everyone who Amnesty spoke to said they lost at least one relative while trying to flee Myanmar. Medical records shared with Amnesty from the days after the attack show treatment for bomb blast injuries after arriving in Bangladesh. Since August there has been a dramatic increase in treatment of war wounds from those fleeing Myanmar.

    In its response to Amnesty, the Arakan Army said that the Myanmar military or aligned armed groups were likely those most responsible and that eyewitnesses or survivors may be affiliated with militant groups.

    Callamard said:

    “The Arakan Army must allow an independent, impartial and effective investigation into possible violations carried out during their operations. Both the Arakan Army and the Myanmar military must abide by international humanitarian law.

    “We continue to call on the UN Security Council to refer the entire situation in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court.”

    The 2021 military coup in Myanmar has had a catastrophic impact on human rights. Myanmar’s military has killed more than 5,000 civilians and arrested more than 25,000 people. Since the coup, Amnesty has documented indiscriminate air strikes by the Myanmar military, torture and other ill-treatment in prison, collective punishment and arbitrary arrests.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Dispatch from Pennsylvania: How marketing affects swing voters as U.S. election looms

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Dave Bussiere, Associate Professor, Marketing, University of Windsor

    Americans will soon elect their next president after a race for the White House that is essentially tied. From a marketing perspective, think of Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris as each holding 45 per cent market share. The remaining 10 per cent includes undecided voters and people disinclined to vote.

    My political marketing class at the University of Windsor is using a marketing lens to understand the variables that will influence the outcome on Nov. 5. My recent road trip to the battleground state of Pennsylvania gave me insight into the strength of both the Democratic and Republican brands.

    I am viewing the parties as long-established brands. There is brand loyalty to both parties. Those brands’ current success, however, is influenced by the ongoing campaign.

    In terms of the Democratic Party, voters obviously aren’t being asked to buy it, but they are being asked to buy the party as augmented or diminished by Harris, its current presidential candidate. The same can be said for Trump’s Republican party.

    From a marketing perspective, we can monitor promotional efforts that include traditional media, social media, debates, interviews and rallies, and we receive updates on the parties’ fundraising efforts — essentially a promotional budget. We’ll see the results of these efforts on Nov. 5.

    Predicting results

    This is the third time I’ve offered a political marketing course based on an American presidential election. The class focuses on understanding the core party brands, and the impact of candidates, debates, media coverage and Political Action Committees. Students forecast the election results the day before the election.

    The presidency is not decided by the national popular vote. It is a state-by-state competition, with each state assigned votes in the Electoral College. There are 538 Electoral College votes, so 270 are needed to win.

    Most states are predictable. California will undoubtedly vote Democrat (54 votes); Texas will more than likely vote Republican once again (40 votes). The election therefore comes down to seven swing states: Nevada, Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania.



    Read more:
    North Carolina is not really a red or blue state − and that makes political predictions much more difficult

    The Democrats, with 226 safe Electoral College votes, have 20 possible routes to 270 — and 19 of them require a Pennsylvania win. Republicans, with 219 safe Electoral College votes, have 21 possible routes to 270 — 19 also require a Pennsylvania win. That’s why I decided to drive through Pennsylvania and speak to voters.

    Understanding Pennsylvania

    I was in Pennsylvania during the week of Sept. 30 to Oct. 4, just after Hurricane Helene hit the southeast, when a vice-presidential debate was held in New York, as the Longshoremen started to strike and as Hurricane Milton was bearing down on Florida.

    First I went to Erie, a bellwether county with a long history of having the same voting pattern as the full state of Pennsylvania, so it’s a strong predictor of statewide results. I went to a Pittsburgh suburb, and then to the borough of State College, home of Penn State University. I periodically left the interstate to drive through other towns to see the signs, grab lunch and talk.

    Each time, my introduction was simple:

    “I’m a marketing professor from Canada running a class about the U.S. presidential election. Would you mind explaining to me how you think Pennsylvania will vote? I do not need to know how you will vote.”

    The university students I spoke to were juniors and seniors. Other than the students, the people I spoke to would be considered working class, a mix of blue collar and white collar. The non-students were 35 to retirement age. Everyone I spoke said they’d voted in the 2022 mid-term election and intended to vote this year.

    At an Erie car show, voters I interviewed were evenly split between a group of 50-plus men with vintage cars and male university students with newer vehicles. I heard from both groups that Pennsylvania was divided, but that the mood between the parties differed.

    Both argued that people voting Democrat were brand-loyal or rejecting the Trump brand. Both age groups, including Democratic voters, noted that Trump supporters were primarily focused only on him as the current Republican brand offering.

    Economic concerns

    Most said the biggest issue that will most influence undecided voters is the economy, followed closely by a more narrow economic concern — inflation.

    One Democrat conveyed a simple message that was representative. Asked who would take Erie County: “Democrats.” Asked why they would win, he replied: “I’m just hoping.”

    Contrast that with a visit to a diner in Erie. One woman explained that she supports Harris because of reproductive rights. Everyone else backed Trump because of his policies on the economy, the southern border, international wars and crime.

    One diner patron had been to a recent Trump rally in Erie. He described it as a rock concert and spoke of the excitement, and hearing Trump say the exact same lines he always says. “It was your favourite rock band playing their hits,” he said.

    I left Erie understanding that Democrats were brand loyal or voting to avoid Trump. Republicans, however, never referenced past voting or leaders. They were simply Trump supporters.

    The Pittsburgh scene

    Pittsburgh was a bust. I chose the wrong town outside Pittsburgh. While I spoke to dozens of voters in Erie, I found only two people to speak to in Smithton.

    State College was different. My hotel was close to Penn State University, and there was a restaurant/sports bar on the hotel property.

    I entered at 4 p.m. The bartender asked why I was in town. A nearby patron said that he would answer questions. Then another person volunteered. I left seven hours later. People were asking to be next.

    I spoke to people from all political spectrums. Of the 40-plus people I spoke with, one couple illustrated the mood in the state particularly well. She is a Republican. He is a Democrat. He explained: “There is too much going on — inflation, the hurricanes, the Longshoremen strike, steel and fracking, illegal immigration. Too much.”

    He shrugged his shoulders, discouraged. She smiled, eager for Election Day.

    Conclusions from talking to voters

    If the election were held today, I believe Republicans would win Pennsylvania based on my conversations with voters. But that could change if there is a change in one of the key topics: strong or unanticipated positive economic news, perhaps, or if a new issue or story develops that has not yet impacted the race.

    The road trip provided insights into voter decision-making. It highlighted the importance of brand loyalty and enthusiasm. A substantial portion of voters indicated they wished both parties had different leaders. This could impact voter turnout.

    It also illuminated a key difference between traditional consumer decision-making and voter decision-making. If, on Black Friday, I prefer Walmart’s offering over Amazon’s, I am not impacted by my neighbour’s purchase decision.

    In politics, however, how my neighbour votes will influence my life for the next four years.

    Dave Bussiere 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. Dispatch from Pennsylvania: How marketing affects swing voters as U.S. election looms – https://theconversation.com/dispatch-from-pennsylvania-how-marketing-affects-swing-voters-as-u-s-election-looms-241336

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Report by the Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussions: UK statement to the OSCE, October 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The UK underlines full support for the work of the Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussions, and for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.

    Location:
    Vienna
    Delivered on:
    (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

    The United Kingdom continues to strongly support the Geneva International Discussions (GID) and the work of the GID Co-Chairs. We look forward to the next round of discussions scheduled for 5-6 November. As the only international forum that brings together all sides from the conflict, the GID plays a vital role in trying to achieve a lasting resolution.

    Madam Chair, the United Kingdom reaffirms its full support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. We call on the Russian Federation to reverse its recognition of the so-called independence of Georgia’s Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions. We commend Georgia’s commitment to not use force in resolving the conflict, and condemn any suggestion Georgia or its allies including the United Kingdom would seek a military solution against Russian aggression.

    We continue to call upon the Russian Federation to immediately fulfil its obligation under the ceasefire agreement to withdraw its forces to pre-conflict positions, fulfil its commitments to allow unfettered access for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and cease all borderisation tactics. We also continue to call for immediate and unimpeded access to Georgia’s breakaway regions for international and regional human rights mechanisms to fully implement their mandates.

    The United Kingdom welcomes the continuation of dialogue on challenging issues through the GID platform, and will follow closely both the outcome of the 62nd round of discussions and the presentation of the next Co-Chairs’ Report to the Permanent Council.

    Thank you, Madam Chair.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: Full Text: Address by Chinese President Xi Jinping at ‘BRICS Plus’ leaders’ dialogue

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

    Full Text: Address by Chinese President Xi Jinping at ‘BRICS Plus’ leaders’ dialogue

    KAZAN, Russia, Oct. 24 — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday delivered an important speech at the “BRICS Plus” leaders’ dialogue in Kazan, Russia.

    The following is the full text of the speech:

    Combining the Great Strength of the Global South To Build Together a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind

    Remarks by H.E. Xi Jinping

    President of the People’s Republic of China

    At the “BRICS Plus” leaders’ dialogue

    Kazan, October 24, 2024

    Your Excellency President Vladimir Putin,

    Colleagues,

    I would like to thank President Putin and the Russian government for putting together this “BRICS Plus” leaders’ dialogue, and warmly welcome all the leaders joining us today. It is a great pleasure to see old and new friends in Kazan.

    The collective rise of the Global South is a distinctive feature of the great transformation across the world. Global South countries marching together toward modernization is monumental in world history and unprecedented in human civilization. At the same time, peace and development still faces severe challenges, and the road to prosperity for the Global South will not be straight. Standing at the forefront of the Global South, we should use our collective wisdom and strength, and stand up to our responsibility for building a community with a shared future for mankind.

    — We should uphold peace and strive for common security. We should come forward together to form a stabilizing force for peace. We should strengthen global security governance, and explore solutions to address both symptoms and roots of hotspot issues. Many parties have warmly responded to my Global Security Initiative. Under the Initiative, we have made prominent progress in maintaining regional stability and in many other areas. China and Brazil jointly issued the six-point consensus, and launched the group of Friends for Peace on the Ukraine crisis together with other Global South countries. We should promote early deescalation to pave the way for political settlement. Last July, Palestinian factions reconciled with each other in Beijing, marking a key step toward peace in the Middle East. We should continue to promote comprehensive ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and revive the two-State solution. We must stop the flames of war from spreading in Lebanon and end the miserable sufferings in Palestine and Lebanon.

    — We should reinvigorate development and strive for common prosperity. The Global South emerges for development and prospers through development. We should make ourselves the main driving force for common development. We should play an active and leading role in the global economic governance reform, and make development the core of international economic and trade agenda. Since its introduction three years ago, the Global Development Initiative has helped make available nearly US$20 billion of development fund and launch more than 1,100 projects. And recently the Global Alliance on Artificial Intelligence for Industry and Manufacturing Center of Excellence has been established in Shanghai. China will also build a World Smart Customs Community Portal and a BRICS Customs Center of Excellence. We welcome active participation by all countries.

    — We should promote together development of all civilizations and strive for harmony among them. Diversity of civilization is the innate quality of the world. We should be advocates for exchanges among civilizations. We should enhance communication and dialogue, and support each other in taking the path to modernization suited to our respective national conditions. The Global Civilization Initiative I proposed is exactly for the purpose of building a garden of world civilizations in which we can share and admire the beauty of each civilization. China will coordinate with others to form a Global South Think Tanks Alliance to promote people-to-people exchanges and experience-sharing in governance.

    Colleagues,

    The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China made systemic plans for further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization. This will provide more opportunities for the world. Last month, we held in Beijing a successful summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and announced ten partnership actions for China and Africa to jointly advance modernization. This will instill new energy for the Global South on its way toward modernization.

    No matter how the international landscape evolves, we in China will always keep the Global South in our heart, and maintain our roots in the Global South. We support more Global South countries in joining the cause of BRICS as full members, partner countries or in the “BRICS Plus” format so that we can combine the great strength of the Global South to build together a community with a shared future for mankind.

    Thank you!

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Science on Health, Safety to Launch on 31st SpaceX Resupply Mission

    Source: NASA

    5 min read

    New science experiments for NASA are set to launch aboard the agency’s SpaceX 31st commercial resupply services mission to the International Space Station. The six investigations aim to contribute to cutting-edge discoveries by NASA scientists and research teams. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft will liftoff aboard the company’s Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

    Science experiments aboard the spacecraft include a test to study smothering fires in space, evaluating quantum communications, analyzing antibiotic-resistant bacteria, examining health issues like blood clots and inflammation in astronauts, as well as growing romaine lettuce and moss in microgravity.

    Developing Firefighting Techniques in Microgravity

    Putting out a fire in space requires a unique approach to prioritize the safety of the spacecraft environment and crew. The SoFIE-MIST (Solid Fuel Ignition and Extinction – Material Ignition and Suppression Test) is one of five investigations chosen by NASA since 2009 to develop techniques on how to contain and put out fires in microgravity. Research from the experiment could strengthen our understanding of the beginning stages of fire growth and behavior, which will assist in building and developing more resilient space establishments and creating better plans for fire suppression in space

    NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins services components that support the SOFIE (Solid Fuel Ignition and Extinction) fire safety experiment inside the International Space Station’s combustion integrated rack
    Credit: NASA

    Combating Antibiotic Resistance

    Resistance to antibiotics is as much of a concern for astronauts in space as it is for humans on Earth. Research determined that the impacts of microgravity can weaken a human’s immune system during spaceflight, which can lead to an increase of infection and illness for those living on the space station.

    The GEARS (Genomic Enumeration of Antibiotic Resistance in Space) investigation scans the orbiting outpost for bacteria resistant to antibiotics and these organisms are studied to learn how they thrive and adapt to microgravity. Research results could help increase the safety of astronauts on future missions as well as provide clues to improving human health on Earth.

    A sample media plate pictured aboard the International Space Station. The GEARS (Genomic Enumeration of Antibiotic Resistance in Space) investigation surveys the orbiting laboratory for antibiotic-resistant organisms. Genetic analysis could provide knowledge that informs measures to protect astronauts on future long-duration missions
    Credit: NASA

    Understanding Inflammation and Blood Clotting

    Microgravity takes a toll on the human body and studies have shown that astronauts have had cases of inflammation and abnormally regulated blood clotting. The MeF-1 (Megakaryocytes Orbiting in Outer Space and Near Earth: The MOON Study (Megakaryocyte Flying-One)) investigation will conduct research on how the conditions in microgravity can impact the creation and function of platelets and bone-marrow megakaryocytes. Megakaryocytes, and their progeny, platelets, are key effector cells bridging the inflammatory, immune, and hemostatic continuum.

    This experiment could help scientists learn about the concerns caused by any changes in the formation of clots, inflammation, and immune responses both on Earth and during spaceflight.

    A scanning electron-microscopy image of human platelets taken at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory
    NASA Space Radiation Laboratory

    Building the Space Salad Bar

    The work continues to grow food in the harsh environment of space that is both nutritious and safe for humans to consume. With Plant Habitat-07, research continues on ‘Outredgeous’ romaine lettuce, first grown on the International Space Station in 2014.

    This experiment will sprout this red lettuce in microgravity in the space station’s Advanced Plant Habitat and study how optimal and suboptimal moisture conditions impact plant growth, nutrient content, and the plant microbiome. The knowledge gained will add to NASA’s history of growing vegetables in space and could also benefit agriculture on Earth.

    Pace crop production scientist Oscar Monje harvests Outredgeous romaine lettuce for preflight testing of the Plant Habitat-07 experiment inside a laboratory at the Space Systems Processing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida
    NASA/Ben Smegelsky

    Mixing Moss with Space Radiation

    ARTEMOSS (ANT1 Radiation Tolerance Experiment with Moss in Orbit on the Space Station) continues research that started on Earth with samples of Antarctic moss that underwent simulated solar radiation at the NASA Space Radiation Lab at Brookhaven National Lab in Upton, New York.

    After exposure to radiation some of the moss samples will spend time on the orbiting outpost in the microgravity environment and some will remain on the ground in the 1g environment. ARTEMOSS will study how Antarctic moss recovers from any potential damage from ionizing radiation exposure when plants remain on the ground and when plants grow in spaceflight microgravity. This study leads the way in understanding the effects of combined simulated cosmic ionizing radiation and spaceflight microgravity on live plants, providing more clues to plant performance in exploration missions to come.  

    An example of moss plants grown for the ARTEMOSS mission
    Credit: NASA

    Enabling Communication in Space Between Quantum Computers

    The SEAQUE (Space Entanglement and Annealing Quantum Experiment) will experiment with technologies that, if successful, will enable communication on a quantum level using entanglement. Researchers will focus on validating in space a new technology, enabling easier and more robust communication between two quantum systems across large distances. The research from this experiment could lead to developing building blocks for communicating between equipment such as quantum computers with enhanced security.

    A quantum communications investigation, called SEAQUE (Space Entanglement and Annealing Quantum Experiment), is pictured as prepared for launch to the International Space Station on NASA’s SpaceX 31st commercial resupply services mission. The investigation is integrated on a MISSE-20 (Materials International Space Station Experiment) device, which is a platform for experiments on the outside of space station exposing instrumentation directly to the space environment. SEAQUE will conduct experiments in quantum entanglement while being exposed to the radiation environment of space
    Credit: NASA

    Related resources:

    NASA’s Biological and Physical Sciences Division pioneers scientific discovery and enables exploration by using space environments to conduct investigations not possible on Earth. Studying biological and physical phenomenon under extreme conditions allows researchers to advance the fundamental scientific knowledge required to go farther and stay longer in space, while also benefitting life on Earth.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: USGS Reinvents Widely Used NLCD

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Annual NLCD arrived October 24, 2024, with a new ability to look at land cover and land change year by year, and over a longer time span than previous versions: from 1985 to 2023.

    Two years of effort went into the reinvention of a resource that’s widely used by federal agencies, state and local governments, researchers and many others. NLCD has contributed to a foundation of data essential for land monitoring, planning and decision-making.

    While Annual NLCD focuses on the ground, it relies on data captured 438 miles up. Satellites in the Landsat Program provide the long time series of data that allows users of Annual NLCD to compare change over time such as city growth, wildfire effects and forest fluctuations. 

    Previously, NLCD offered land cover information every two to three years from 2001 to 2021. Annual NLCD offers land cover information for every year for nearly four decades and has a shorter production time going forward. The new October release, called Annual NLCD Collection 1.0, includes information from the previous year for the lower 48 United States, just as the update in 2025 will include information from 2024.

     

    Upgrading ‘Built-in, Foundational Layer’ 

    Annual NLCD, produced at the USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center, is part of a larger suite of land cover mapping and monitoring data produced by the Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics (MRLC) consortium, a group of federal agencies that coordinate and generate consistent and relevant land cover information at the national scale.

    The new “Annual” part of NLCD comes in response to the needs of people who use NLCD data. As Earth Observation Applications Coordinator for the USGS National Land Imaging Program, it’s Zhuoting Wu’s job to know what kinds of Earth observation products are valued most by federal agencies. 

    Through a survey, Wu discovered: “NLCD is the most widely used observation product we surveyed. People use it pretty much for everything. It goes into models or applications as a built-in, foundational layer.”

    Terry Sohl, Chief of the Integrated Science and Applications Branch at EROS, agreed. “The user community is so extensive,” he said. “There are so many federal agencies that absolutely rely on it, whether it’s the Bureau of Land Management, whether it’s the Environmental Protection Agency for regulatory concerns, whether it’s Fish and Wildlife for habitat management, or whether it’s Health and Human Services. It’s hard to find an agency that does not use NLCD.”

    However, in the federal survey from Wu, users did express the desire for annual updates produced more quickly.

    In the meantime, another EROS-led land cover project arose to provide annual land cover and change information stretching back to 1985. However, Land Change Monitoring, Assessment and Projection (LCMAP), first released in 2020, did not contain as much detail about land cover types as NLCD, especially in urban and forested areas.

    Wu said users found NLCD useful for its classification detail and LCMAP for its frequency, but “a combination of the two really gets the needs met.” That combination is Annual NLCD.

    The USGS EROS Center’s production of the Annual National Land Cover Database (NLCD) involves Terry Sohl, Chief of the Integrated Science and Applications Branch; Physical Scientist Jon Dewitz; and Research Geographer Jesslyn Brown.

    Evolution of NLCD Leads to ‘Touching Every Landsat Pixel’

    Work on the original NLCD product began well before high performance computing and cloud computing could provide automation. Processes have changed since Annual NLCD team member Jon Dewitz spent two years leading field work nearly 20 years ago to figure out which land classes should be labeled where. 

    “Making a land cover map from scratch is very different than developing an algorithm,” Dewitz said.

    That hard-earned information proved foundational to the progression of NLCD, however; processes for each data release grew more automated over time. “This has been a gradual evolution,” Dewitz said. “It’s another magnitude of effort to produce Annual NLCD because are we touching every Landsat pixel.”

    That “magnitude of effort” might be stating it mildly. The number of Landsat pixels processed for Annual NLCD numbered 295 trillion, from a total of 310 terabytes of Landsat data used.

    The task of creating Annual NLCD required new methods involving a lot of research and development, along with engineering. 

    One improvement that helped the team produce Annual NLCD in just two years was the ability to process the vast amount of imagery in the cloud alongside the Landsat data. “That is enabling us to make things faster,” said Jesslyn Brown, the Annual NLCD project manager, compared to previously having to move the imagery to a supercomputer for processing.

    Deep Learning Key to Development 

    Deep learning is another technological advantage the team leveraged for processing. Deep learning is a type of artificial intelligence that uses large amounts of data and, like the human brain, learns to recognize patterns—in imagery, for example—to solve problems or make predictions. This was especially important for Annual NLCD because datasets that helped with past NLCD land cover decisions didn’t go as far back as 1985. 

    The six different Annual NLCD science products, with examples all shown of the Marysville, Washington, area. 

    “We had to rely a lot more on the spectral imagery and also on deep learning to do a better job of inferring what’s happening in the Landsat imagery,” Dewitz said. “Deep learning really did a great job of linking all of that data together.”

    EROS Center Director Pete Doucette has long been an advocate for the use of data science to help solve scientific challenges. “Annual NLCD is blazing the trail as among the first generation of operational products at EROS that incorporate deep learning methods to improve performance,” Doucette said. “And I believe that we’re just getting started with where we can take machine learning methods at EROS.”

    Rylie Fleckenstein, the Research and Development (R&D) technical lead for Annual NLCD and a contractor at EROS, looked at previous methods for producing NLCD and LCMAP to help determine the new Annual NLCD process—“moving away from the hand editing, so to speak, and incorporating algorithms or different approaches to automate the process.”

    That production process included a change detection component, like LCMAP had, to determine where and when change had occurred on the landscape, and also a classification component to determine the type of land cover in an area. Some refinement was necessary in areas with trickier or inaccurate classifications. 

    The resulting new release contains a suite of six products associated with land cover and change: 

    • Land Cover: The predominant land cover class
    • Land Cover Change: The change between one year and the next
    • Land Cover Confidence: The probability value for the land cover class
    • Fractional Impervious Surface: The amount of area covered by artificial surfaces like pavement or concrete
    • Impervious Descriptor: The differentiation between roads and other artificial surfaces
    • Spectral Change Day of Year: The timing of a significant change in Landsat data  

    Team Met Challenges During ‘Intense Two Years’

    Brown estimated about 30 people have been involved in producing Annual NLCD. That includes scientists and engineers involved in the research and production stages, and also those collecting reference data to check for errors and validate the results.

    Dewitz praised the team for all they accomplished in the two-year timeframe. “The R&D team was challenged and pushed, and they performed wonderfully,” he said. 

    The engineering side had to do much of their work while R&D was still going on. “Thankfully we have an excellent engineering team,” Dewitz said. “They worked in pieces and did kind of a hybrid engineering process.”

    Sohl, the EROS science chief, thinks the infrastructure developed to produce Annual NLCD should be helpful for other science projects, too. 

    “This has been an intense two years,” Sohl said. “I’m just so proud of the team. They have worked so hard, and they performed a minor miracle in terms of completely revamping the methodology and moving all of the technology into the cloud. Now that we have this infrastructure set up, it really facilitates the next level of improvements for Annual NLCD.”

     

     

    Improvements Helpful for Heat and Flooding Studies

    Annual NLCD is national in scope, but on a local level, it fills the need that cities or other entities have for detailed and accurate land cover information that spans decades.

    George Xian, a research physical scientist at EROS, is grateful that Annual NLCD has arrived so he can start using it in his urban heat island work. He is in the midst of expanding his study of trends in changing average surface temperatures and hotspot locations from 50 to 300 U.S. cities.

    This type of information is important for cities to know because they can develop plans to help residents cope during periods of extreme heat, which can cause illness or death in vulnerable populations.

    For the 50-city study, Xian and his colleagues needed the annual land cover data beginning with 1985 that LCMAP provided, but also the more detailed information about paved surfaces, concrete and rooftops—collectively called impervious surfaces, which typically retain more heat—contained in NLCD. “We had to use a so-called hybrid way to integrate NLCD and LCMAP to gather the data for this four-category urban area and also annual change,” Xian said.

    The Annual National Land Cover Database (NLCD) is produced at the USGS EROS Center, which is located in a rural area north of Sioux Falls. Sioux Falls has steadily grown in size and population, as seen here in red in an Annual NLCD animation spanning nearly 40 years. Annual NLCD provides four different developed classes to provide more detailed information about cities.

    For the expanded study with more than 300 cities from 1985 to 2023, Xian said, “we can use Annual NLCD to directly define our urban categories into four categories. We can study their variations and their variation impact to the urban heat island. We can directly pull the data into our algorithm and use it. We don’t need to regenerate the data.”

    Ryan Corcoran is looking forward to using Annual NLCD as well. He serves as the Coordinated Needs Management Strategy (CNMS) team lead at Niyam IT, which is part of the Advancing Resilience in Communities joint venture that provides planning, engineering and mapping support for FEMA’s Zone 1.  One aspect that Corcoran and his colleagues work with involves checking whether flood studies of river and coastal areas remain valid after a period of time, or whether conditions have changed and require a new study.

    In the past, Corcoran said they have had to use multiple data sources, including NLCD, for baseline watershed information and to assess annual changes. 

    “We are excited about the upcoming expansion of the NLCD. It will make it easier for us to calculate baseline watershed imperviousness and land use changes using a single dataset,” Corcoran said. “The availability of this extensive data is critical, as we sometimes validate flood studies that date back to the 1970s. Increased data availability allows us to better evaluate flood risk, especially when validating older flood studies.”

    More Access to Annual NLCD Data

    Annual NLCD users have more options to access the data than before. The data is still available on the MRLC website, but it also has been added to the cloud and to the USGS EROS data access site EarthExplorer. 

    “We’re trying to respond to people’s requests for data in all kinds of different ways,” said Brown, the Annual NLCD project manager.

    The data will be updated more frequently, too. “In the past, it’s usually taken over a year, if not more, to do an NLCD update,” said science branch chief Sohl. “We’re setting the stage where, by the middle of every year, we’re going to have an update for the previous year.”

    Annual NLCD is providing more useful information more quickly for the people relying on it—which, as it turns out, might be most of us, with NLCD’s history as a key source of data woven into the background of society.   

    “Annual NLCD represents the next generation of highly accurate mapping information that keeps pace with evolving user needs,” said EROS Director Doucette. “Annual NLCD products will become increasingly relevant toward assessing land use and land condition. They provide key change indicators for understanding environmental interactions and consequences. These are the kinds of things that decision makers ultimately want to know.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Parson Congratulates Major General Levon Cumpton on His Selection for Key National Guard Leadership Position in Europe

    Source: US State of Missouri

    OCTOBER 24, 2024

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced that Major General Levon E. Cumpton, The Adjutant General (TAG) of the Missouri National Guard (MONG), was selected to be the U.S. Army Europe and Africa’s Chief of Staff and Deputy Commanding General for the Army National Guard, effective February 2025.

    “We congratulate and are excited for Major General Cumpton as he enters this next chapter of his career,” Governor Parson said. “General Cumpton has built an incredibly strong team for the Missouri National Guard. While we will miss his leadership and devotion to our state and nation as TAG, we know our nation’s military is stronger and safer with him in this new role.  The Missouri National Guard’s steadfast and dedicated team members will help ensure a smooth transition and continue serving the citizens of our state and nation with excellence.”

    “Levon’s efforts, above and beyond the call of duty, and devotion to his home state have helped bring greater opportunity to thousands of Missourians. Teresa and I thank him for his service and wish him, along with his wife Linda, the best in this new role and all that comes next,” Governor Parson continued.

    “It’s an absolute honor to serve as Missouri’s TAG; I was humbled to be selected by Governor Parson. I continue to be humbled to have the continued confidence and support of our state and national leadership to serve in this new role supporting our U.S. and Allies operations in these critical overseas theaters,” General Cumpton said. “My wife, Linda, and I are blessed to be on this team. To our Missouri National Guard Airmen and Soldiers, thank you for who you are and what you do for our state and nation as you continue to Train, Fight, and Win while Taking Care of Each Other as One Team. Linda and I are moving overseas, but our roots are in Missouri. We love this state, we love our country. Keep Winning.”

    General Cumpton has served as TAG of the MONG since August 2, 2019. He provides command and control of over 12,000 MONG Soldiers, Airmen, and Federal and State employees. He ensures the MONG is staffed, trained, equipped, and resourced for its dual state and federal missions.

    During his tenure, he led MONG in support of civil authorities during the COVID-19 pandemic and numerous relief efforts during floods, winter storms, and other natural disasters. He modernized facilities and the organization of the Joint Force Headquarters and Army and Air units within the state to best meet the interagency needs of the state and federal governments. The MONG deployed units around the globe, in defense of the U.S. homeland, on the U.S. southern border, and throughout the State of Missouri, ensuring the National Guard was always ready, always there.

    General Cumpton will continue to serve as TAG until he takes on his new assignment in February 2025. The next Governor of the State of Missouri will appoint General Cumpton’s replacement as TAG of the MONG.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Oregon Delegation Seeks Federal Help for State’s Record Fire Season

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04)

    October 24, 2024

    For Immediate Release: October 24, 2024

    Citing severe damages to Central and Eastern Oregon, state lawmakers’ letter asks President Biden: “to swiftly provide the federal resources for our communities to recover and rebuild.” 

    WASHINGTON D.C. – Oregon’s entire congressional delegation today urged President Biden to grant Governor Kotek’s request that Oregon receive a major disaster declaration in response to record-setting wildfires that burned about three times the average acreage this year.

    “The 2024 wildfire season has been one of the most devastating and costly fire seasons on record,” U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley as well as U.S. Reps. Earl Blumenauer, Suzanne Bonamici, Cliff Bentz, Val Hoyle, Andrea Salinas and Lori Chavez-DeRemer wrote in their letter to the president. “Central and Eastern Oregon experienced intense heat waves this summer, which dried out vegetation and created extreme fire risk on the landscape.  Severe lightning storms ignited a large number of fires, and windy conditions allowed many of these fires to spread rapidly.”

    “Over 1.9 million acres burned, making it the largest wildfire season by acreage in Oregon’s history.  For context, the state’s 10-year average acres burned is 640,000 acres,” they wrote. “The estimated damages and cost to public infrastructure exceeds $650 million, and this figure does not account for the long-term loss in revenue local businesses will experience as a result of these fires.“

    This year’s extreme infernos and severe storms hit Gilliam, Grant, Jefferson, Umatilla, Wasco, and Wheeler counties hardest, the delegation wrote.  

    “The fires destroyed 42 homes and 132 additional buildings and structures, damaged critical infrastructure and the natural environment, interrupted schools, care facilities, and social services, injured 26 civilians and fire responders, and led to the death of an air tanker pilot,” they wrote. “These fires have also created profound hardship for our ranchers, as they destroyed private and public grazing lands and cut off access to essential resources for livestock.” 

    Governor Kotek declared a statewide emergency from July 12 through October 1, 2024, to mobilize emergency response across rural central and eastern Oregon.  In their letter supporting the governor’s request for federal disaster assistance, the Oregon lawmakers asked the Biden-Harris administration to ensure state, local, and tribal governments have access to all available resources through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and that the state’s cost-share be waived due to a lack of available state funding. 

    “Oregonians now require federal support and assistance to navigate the aftermath of this unprecedented fire season.  The back-to-back incidents and lack of basic services had a devastating effect on the safety and stamina of our fire crews,” the delegation wrote. “We urge you and your administration to swiftly provide the federal resources for our communities to recover and rebuild.” 

    The entire letter is here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Orleans Man Sentenced For Drug and Firearm Crimes

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

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – HARRY BANKS (“BANKS”), age 23, of New Orleans, was sentenced on October 22, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Darrel James Papillion to 97 months incarceration, five (5) years of supervised release and, payment of a mandatory $300 special assessment fee after previously pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute Fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(b)(1)(C) and Title 21, United States Code, Section 846; conspiring to possess firearms in furtherance of  drug trafficking activity, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(o); and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i).

    According to court records, on December 6, 2022, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Agents saw Jerome Shaquille Wilson driving a white Dodge Challenger in the 1900 block of Frenchmen Street in New Orleans, with a passenger, Gerroy Toca.  Agents subsequently saw Toca, Wilson, and BANKS engaged in apparent illegal narcotics transactions, while in possession of firearms.  Agents later saw BANKS enter the white Dodge Challenger and exit with a pistol that he concealed in his waistband.  Thereafter, New Orleans Police Officers   detained Toca and BANKS.  BANKS was found with 6.7 grams of fentanyl and a Smith & Wesson Model M&P 40 2.0M, .40 caliber pistol, concealed in his waistband. 

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

    The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the New Orleans Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Maurice Landrieu of the Narcotics Unit and Mike Trummel of the Violent Crimes Unit. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Chilton County Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm He Used in a Shooting

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

                Montgomery, Ala. – Today, Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced the sentencing of a Chilton County, Alabama man for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On October 23, 2024, a federal judge ordered that 57-year-old Alvin Lee McCary, serve 300 months in prison. A jury found McCary guilty of illegally possessing a firearm following a trial in March of this year. Federal inmates are not eligible for parole.

                According to court records and evidence presented during McCary’s trial, on July 22, 2020, McCary had an argument with another individual at a residence in Clanton, Alabama. The argument escalated and McCary retrieved a shotgun. Witness reported that McCary shot the victim and then fled. When searching McCary’s residence, investigators eventually discovered a shotgun and ammunition at the bottom of a well adjacent to the property. McCary has previous felony convictions and is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

                This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.

                The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Chilton County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorneys Mark E. Andreu and Ashley J. Avera prosecuted. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Grafton, Vermont Man Charged with Illegal Possession of a Firearm

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

    Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office stated that Terry Russ, 42, of Grafton, Vermont, has been charged by criminal complaint with possessing a firearm, knowing that he had previously been convicted of a felony.

    On October 23, 2024, Russ appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle, who ordered that Russ be detained during the pendency of this matter.

    According to court records, a search warrant was executed at Russ’s residence in Grafton on October 22, 2024. During execution of the search warrant, law enforcement recovered three firearms from the bedroom Russ had identified as his. An on-and-off housemate of Russ’s, who was also present, stated that he had purchased cocaine base and fentanyl/heroin from Russ in Russ’s bedroom and that Russ displayed a silver pistol next to the drugs he was selling. The housemate’s description of the silver pistol’s appearance was consistent with that of one of the firearms recovered from Russ’s bedroom.

    The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that Russ is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Russ faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

    United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Vermont State Police, and the Springfield, Massachusetts Police Department.

    The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Corinne Smith. Russ is represented by Robert Behrens, Esq.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: West Virginians Have One Week Left to Apply for FEMA Assistance

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: West Virginians Have One Week Left to Apply for FEMA Assistance

    West Virginians Have One Week Left to Apply for FEMA Assistance

      Oct. 24, 2024DR-4787-WV NR-014FEMA News Desk: 215-931-5597FEMAR3NewsDesk@fema.dhs.govNews releaseWest Virginians Have One Week Left to Apply for FEMA AssistanceCHARLESTON, W.Va. – Residents in Boone, Hancock, Kanawha, Marshall, Ohio, Roane, Wetzel and Wood counties have one week left to apply for FEMA Assistance for damages sustained during the severe storm of April 11-12, 2024. The deadline to apply is SATURDAY, NOV. 2.FEMA assistance for individuals and families affected by the flooding can cover home repairs, personal property losses and other disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.Residents may apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone line operates from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.Nov. 2 is also the deadline to apply for a U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loan. Residents can do so—and get more information –online at sba.gov/disaster.  They can also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955, or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.For more information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit emd.wv.gov, West Virginia Emergency Management Division Facebook page,www.fema.gov/disaster/4787 and www.facebook.com/FEMA.###FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.Follow us on X at x.com/FEMAregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).
    issa.mansaray
    Thu, 10/24/2024 – 15:15

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New reforms to boost confidence in police accountability system

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Confidence in the police, and in the systems that hold them to account, will be boosted under a package of reforms announced by the Home Secretary.

    The announcement will reassure both the police and the public that the system of vetting and accountability is working.

    It will tackle delays in investigations, ensuring the complexity of specialist police roles are considered from the outset, and introduce stronger vetting processes so the highest standards are always upheld and maintained.

    This follows the long-awaited accountability review and draws on findings of the reviews undertaken by Dame Louise Casey and Lady Elish Angiolini.

    In a statement to Parliament, Yvette Cooper set out the government’s mission to put confidence back into policing, ensuring both that the police have the confidence of the communities they serve, and that officers have the confidence they need to do the vital job of keeping people safe.  

    She set out new measures that will be taken forward in response to the accountability review started under the previous government, including:

    • a presumption of anonymity for firearms officers facing criminal proceedings following police shootings, up until the point of a conviction
    • raising the threshold for the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to refer police officers to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), so that only cases that have a reasonable prospect of conviction are referred – as is already the test for members of the public suspected of committing a crime
    • a rapid independent review to consider the legal test for use of force in misconduct proceedings and the threshold for unlawful killing in inquests
    • an examination by the Director of Public Prosecutions of CPS guidance and processes in relation to charging police officers for offences committed in the course of their duties
    • the creation of a national lessons-learned database for deaths or serious injuries following police contact or pursuits to ensure findings are incorporated into future training and guidance
    • placing the IOPC victims’ right to review policy on a statutory footing

    The Home Secretary also announced reforms to address fundamental flaws in police vetting and misconduct processes, including delivering on key manifesto commitments. These will:

    • for the first time, place vetting standards on a statutory footing
    • empower chief constables to promptly dismiss officers who fail their vetting
    • strengthen requirements relating to the suspension of officers under investigation for violence against women and girls
    • ensure officers convicted of certain criminal offences are automatically found to have committed gross misconduct and create a presumption of dismissal in gross misconduct cases

    The Home Secretary set out these reforms to address concerns held by police, local communities and the families of those impacted by police use of force. 

    As well as legislating for a presumption of anonymity, ministers will take forward 3 measures set out by the previous government. These will align the threshold for IOPC referrals of officers to the CPS to that used by police for members of the public, accelerate processes by allowing the IOPC to send cases to the CPS prior to their final investigation report where there is sufficient evidence, and place the victims’ right to review policy for IOPC decisions on a legislative footing to ensure the voices for victims and bereaved families are heard.

    The Home Office and Ministry of Justice have also appointed 2 independent reviewers, Tim Godwin OBE QPM and Sir Adrian Fulford PC, to undertake a rapid review of the legal test for use of force in misconduct cases, and the threshold for determining unlawful killing in coronial inquests, to bring greater clarity and prevent delays in the accountability system following recent legal rulings.

    The Attorney General has also requested that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) reviews CPS guidance and processes in relation to charging police officers for offences committed in the course of their duties, reflecting the complexity of specialist roles.

    Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

    The British tradition of policing by consent relies on mutual bonds of trust between the public and the police. For our policing model to work, it is essential that the police have the confidence of the communities they serve and that officers have the confidence they need to do their vital and often extremely difficult job of keeping us all safe.

    Too often in recent times, both elements of that confidence have become frayed. The government have made it a mission to put confidence back into policing.

    The measures I have outlined are practical steps to rebuild confidence, tackle delays, provide clarity and ensure that high standards are maintained. The government is determined to take the necessary action to strengthen public confidence in the police, and to strengthen the confidence of the police when they are out on the street every day, doing the difficult job of keeping us all safe.

    Chief Constable Simon Chesterman, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Armed Policing, said:

    Police officers are not above the law, and nobody expects them to be, but the system that holds officers to account when they use force to protect the public, their colleagues and themselves, has become broken.

    We are supportive of the Home Secretary’s announcement and welcome their commitment to getting it right for officers and the public they serve and improving overall policing standards.

    The ongoing work on the accountability review now has momentum to continue and is a real opportunity to get the balance right in the interests of the public we are here to protect.

    We are proud to have the most restrained and professional armed officers in the world, but increasingly they are more afraid of going to prison for doing their jobs, than facing the violent and dangerous individuals we rely on them to protect us from.

    “Good police officers need to know that if they do what they are trained to do, they will be supported by the leaders of the police service, government and most importantly the public. > > We remain determined to get police accountability right and we will support government to address concerns about the current accountability system to restore the confidence of police officers and the public.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Supporting women in ocean sciences

    Source: US Government research organizations

    The U.S. National Science Foundation, in collaboration with Every Page Foundation (EPF), is excited to announce 22 women science leaders as the 2024 NSF-EPF Ocean Decade Champions. 

    Each champion is associated with a project funded by the NSF Coastlines and People (NSF CoPe) program and receives a monetary award to support leadership activities, networking opportunities, technical and communications training and cross-disciplinary and intercultural scientific endeavors. 

    NSF CoPe is endorsed by the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, also known as the Ocean Decade, which aims to promote ocean health and ensure any development efforts are sustainable and informed by science. The initiative’s 10 Decade Challenges include a fair representation of women and other underrepresented groups in ocean science and decision-making.  

    The champions contribute to CoPe projects focused on coastline and community research that integrates natural and social processes and creates new or adapts existing technologies to bolster coastal resilience. The champions excel in their research and prioritize mentoring others and positively impacting society.  

    NSF and EPF, along with support from Panorama Global, contributed over half a million dollars to support the careers of these leading women. Each awardee received support ranging from $20,000 to $50,000.  

    The 2024 NSF-EPF Ocean Decade Champions 

    Lynette Adams 
    Black in Marine Science 
    NSF Award Number: 2209284 
    Lynnette Adams is a director of development leading initiatives that bridge science, community and advocacy while centering joy as a driving force for equity and inclusion in marine biology.  

    Wai Allen
    Arizona State University 
    NSF Award Number: 2103843 
    Wai Allen (Diné/Navajo) is a postdoctoral researcher exploring the interface between systems of Western science and Indigenous knowledge that converge to help Indigenous communities actualize their self-determination through Indigenous data sovereignty and governance in the geosciences.   

    Sharon Alston
    Norfolk State University 
    NSF Award Number: 2209139 
    Sharon Alston is an associate professor of social work, researching risk and resilience among youth in public housing and exploring the career aspirations of African American youth.  

    Rebecca Asch 
    East Carolina University 
    NSF Award Number: 2052889 
    Rebecca Asch is a fisheries oceanographer researching interactions between fish reproduction, fish early life history, plankton ecology, climate change and climate variability.  

    Natasha Batista 
    Stanford University 
    NSF Award Number: 2209284  
    Natasha Batista is a marine spatial analyst and researcher investigating blue carbon modeling, ecosystem service valuations, community-based management and co-developed nature-based solutions.  

    Mona Behl 
    University of Georgia 
    NSF Award Number: 1940082 
    Mona Behl is an associate director of Georgia Sea Grant, and her research focuses on building climate adaptation and broadening participation in geosciences and workforce readiness. 

    Marilyn Brandt 
    University of the Virgin Islands 
    NSF Award Number: 2209284 
    Marilyn Brandt is a research associate professor studying the characteristics and impacts of coral reef diseases and using insights from her work to create effective strategies for coral conservation and restoration.   

    Lisa Carne 
    Fragments of Hope 
    NSF Award Number: 2209284 
    Lisa Carne founded Fragments of Hope, a community-based organization restoring coral reef habitats in 2013 after conducting coral reef research in Belize and witnessing the area’s vulnerability to hurricanes and rising sea temperatures.  

    Jade Delevaux 
    Seascape Solutions 
    NSF Award Number: 2209284 
    Jade Maeva Delevaux is a natural resource management specialist who works with decision-makers, local communities and nongovernmental organizations across the Pacific and the Caribbean to co-develop place-based solutions. 

    Allie Durdall 
    University of the Virgin Islands 
    NSF Award Number: 2209284 
    Allie Durdall is a marine and environmental scientist dedicated to coastal systems — mangroves, seagrass beds and salt ponds — who prioritizes fostering camaraderie among women and minorities in science.  

    Anne Guerry 
    Stanford University 
    NSF Award Number: 2209284 
    Anne Guerry is a scientist who studies the relationship between people and nature. She works on coastal resilience, marine planning, natural capital assessments and ecosystem services.  

    Sucharita Gopal 
    Boston University 
    NSF Award Number: 2209284 
    Sucharita Gopal is a multidisciplinary researcher who uses spatial analysis and modeling, GIS, data mining, information visualization and artificial neural networks to address various problems in biology, environmental science, public health and business.  

    Cindy Grace-McCaskey 
    East Carolina University 
    NSF Award Number: 2209284 
    Cindy Grace-McCaskey is an applied environmental anthropologist who uses qualitative, quantitative and participatory methods to examine the multiple ways social and natural systems interact with and influence one another and what that means for equitable resource management, adaptation and governance. 

    Kristin Grimes 
    University of the Virgin Islands 
    NSF Award Number: 2209284 
    Kristin Grimes is a research assistant professor who studies human impacts on nearshore environments. She focuses on mangrove ecosystems and is interested in how community-driven science approaches can improve restoration, education and stewardship outcomes. 

    Jamie Melvin 
    Elizabeth River Project 
    NSF Award Number: 2209139 
    Jamie Melvin is an engagement coordinator who develops and implements thoughtful and equitable programming at the Elizabeth River Project’s new Ryan Resilience Lab to engage with Norfolk’s diverse communities and coordinate the Knitting Mill Creek EcoDistrict. 

    Laura Moore 
    University of North Carolina 
    NSF Award Number: 1939447 
    Laura Moore is a professor researching how low-lying coastlines respond to climate change, emphasizing understanding the interactions between human activities and natural processes.  

    Tiara Moore 
    Black in Marine Science 
    NSF Award Number: 2209284 
    Tiara Moore is a CEO dedicated to promoting diversity and involvement in science through her research on biodiversity and efforts to increase participation in science through innovative methods such as environmental DNA and community engagement.  

    Shouraseni Sen Roy
    University of Miami 
    NSF Award Number: 2209284 
    Shouraseni Sen Roy is a geographer working on the long-term spatial-temporal patterns of climate processes, trends and impacts in the “global south,” incorporating geospatial analysis techniques.  

    Diamond Tachera 
    Rising Voices Center for Indigenous and Earth Sciences, NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research
    NSF Award Number: 2103843 
    Diamond Tachera is a kanaka ‘ōiwi (Native Hawaiian) and co-director whose research is driven by the Indigenous knowledge of her kūpuna (ancestors); she uses modern hydrogeochemical techniques to investigate the relationships between ʻāina (land), wai (water) and kānaka (people).  

    Nikki Taylor-Knowles 
    University of Miami 
    NSF Award Number: 2209284 
    Nikki Traylor-Knowles is a cell biologist whose research is dedicated to unraveling the evolution of immunity, wound healing and regeneration. She seeks to apply her research to conservation efforts.  

    Maya Trotz 
    University of South Florida 
    NSF Award Number: 2209284 
    Maya Trotz is a professor whose research covers water quality, water source protection and water provision for sustainable communities. She works with partners in the United States and the Caribbean on ridge-to-reef nature-based solutions. 

    Jingya Wang 
    University of Delaware 
    NSF Award Number: 2209190 
    Jingya Wang is a postdoctoral researcher focused on studying decision-making under deep uncertainties and strategies for adapting to climate change. She specializes in making risk-informed decisions to adapt systems to evolving conditions.   

    Rebecca Zarger 
    University of South Florida 
    NSF Award Number: 2209284 
    Rebecca Zarger is an environmental anthropologist working at the intersection of environmental knowledge and social justice to address coastal futures, climate change and youth informal science education.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Speech of Commissioner Summer K. Mersinger to Keynote at the S&P Global Commodity Insights Nodal Trader Conference

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    Good morning, and thank you for the warm welcome.  A special thank you to Nodal for inviting me to join your annual Trader Conference again this year.  It is truly an honor to address all of you this morning.  I am more than two years into my role as a commissioner at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and I still feel humbled by the opportunity to stand on a stage with a microphone to address accomplished professionals like all of you.  My children, on the other hand, are surprised that anyone would want to hear me talk about anything, and they are even more shocked that I would need a microphone to be heard as they are convinced that the only volume I ever use when speaking is shouting.

    The topic for my speech on today’s agenda is:  New Perspectives on Energy Trading and Power Markets, and I plan to focus on the road ahead for these markets.  But before discussing the road ahead, I will start with a story from my childhood about when I learned to drive.  I say this is a story from my childhood because in South Dakota, children as young as fourteen years old are allowed to obtain a driver’s license.  As much as I miss my home state, when I look at my fourteen-year-old son and think about him driving, I see the wisdom in Virginia’s approach.

    At the ripe old age of twelve, my dad decided it was time for me to learn how to drive.  As a tall child, I could reach the gas and brake pedals, which was apparently the minimum criteria for beginning driving lessons on the farm.  To be honest, I was scared to death of driving.  But my parents said I should learn because if there was ever an emergency, and I was the only one home, I may need to drive for help.  That logic just made me scared of driving and being left alone on the farm.

    My experience as a parent teaching two teenagers to drive involved multiple practice sessions in empty parking lots before slowly graduating to quiet side roads before paying another adult to do the really scary stuff, such as driving on highways and making left turns across oncoming traffic.  I suspect that sounds familiar to many in this room as well. 

    But that suburban approach is not how I learned to drive.  My lesson – notice I said lesson, not lessons—was a little more hands-off.  On the day I learned to drive, my dad had me jump in the passenger seat of his 1977 blue Chevy pick-up truck to take a ride with him.  Oddly, my older brother jumped in another farm truck and followed close behind.

    After driving a few miles away from our house, my dad drove the truck into the middle of a freshly plowed field.  Dad threw the truck into park, jumped out, and told me to slide over to the driver’s seat.  He then shut the door, leaned into the window, and told me to drive around the field until I was comfortable enough to drive myself home.  At that point, I realized why my brother had followed us in another vehicle—it was my dad’s getaway car.

    Honestly, I panicked.  I screamed, pleaded, and begged.  But my dad was confident in his approach.  And he left me with this advice:  always keep your eyes on the road.  But don’t just look at the road immediately in front of the vehicle; be sure to watch the road ahead so you know where you are going—and so that you do not smash into a deer.

    I’m sharing this story with you today for two reasons.  First, to offer some entertainment.

    Second, I found the advice my dad gave me that day relevant to the topic for my speech today.  Specifically, I want to share with you some thoughts and observations on energy markets, the road ahead for these markets, and potential down-the-road effects on the derivatives markets that are regulated by the CFTC.

    Being a derivatives regulator can feel a little like being that driver who is looking down the road to see what is ahead.  Our markets are forward looking, offering a view into points off in the distance so drivers are prepared for the path ahead.  But, just like a careful driver needs to see what is right in front of the vehicle as much as what is on the road ahead, careful regulation requires us to also keep our eyes on current market conditions, in addition to ensuring the reliability and safety of the futures markets, which reflect the road ahead.  The CFTC is always surveilling markets, spotting trends, and monitoring for risk that could impact the futures markets.

    Now, here is where this speech will diverge from my story of learning to drive.  While I was left to teach myself how to drive and had no one willing to share their expertise with me, our work at the CFTC in following markets occurs with the benefit of a variety of internal resources (such as the Market Intelligence Branch of the Division of Market Oversight and the Office of the Chief Economist) as well as external resources (such as our advisory committees).

    At the CFTC, we have five advisory committees, each of which is sponsored by a commissioner.  These committees are comprised of subject matter experts representing a variety of viewpoints, such as private sector stakeholders, non-profit groups, academia, and other governmental entities.  As many of you know, especially those who are members, I sponsor the Energy and Environmental Markets Advisory Committee.

    Growing up on a farm in South Dakota, I always understood that the price of energy had a major impact on whether it was a good year or a bad year for the farm.  Even at a young age, I could tell you the exact cost-per-gallon of diesel because either my dad was grumbling about it as he left for the field, or it was the topic of discussion at the local café in town where the older farmers convened for their morning coffee.

    The price of diesel determined the cost of running planters, tractors, combines, and trucks.  The cost of fertilizers and pesticides are also directly linked to fossil fuel input prices, and spreading those fertilizers and pesticides required hiring a spray pilot whose services were priced based on the cost of the aviation fuel.

    Even after our crops were harvested, energy costs were critical.  Energy prices influenced the cost of storage at the grain elevators and transportation; barges and ships run on bunker fuel and trains need diesel.  Everything in the farm economy depends on the price of energy.  You might have perfect temperatures, exactly the right amount of rain at exactly the right time, and high yields but still see your net profit shrink due to high energy prices.

    As the only Commissioner with a background in production agriculture, sponsoring the Commission’s Agriculture Advisory Committee may have seemed like the obvious choice.  But I saw the EEMAC as an opportunity to focus on sectors critical to the agricultural economy and to study those energy markets to understand their impact on the markets we regulate.  The goal is for the energy futures complex to serve end-users who need to hedge those costs and to mitigate the frequent price volatility experienced by the underlying cash markets.

    As the EEMAC has held meetings and participated in discussions around energy markets, we have heard over and over that the United States has critical gaps in its energy and power infrastructure.  As those gaps widen, so do risks to the stability of these markets that become more sensitive and less resilient to forces beyond US control.  Instability and volatility in spot energy markets and prices have a direct impact on the derivative products we regulate.

    Energy infrastructure’s impact on energy prices is something that cannot be ignored, and this reality has become even more apparent in the last decade.  Of course, it makes sense that energy transmission and delivery directly impact the cost to the end consumer.  However, truly understanding how energy infrastructure market fundamentals influence energy spot and derivatives prices requires hearing directly from hardworking domestic energy producers and seeing the infrastructure up close.

    With that in mind, the EEMAC has held a series of meetings on the road, and members of the advisory committee have joined me in getting outside of Washington to see our energy production and infrastructure and to talk directly with the experts who manage these facilities.

    In our first meeting, we visited Oklahoma and focused on more traditional energy markets such as crude oil and natural gas.[1]  We visited Cushing, Oklahoma, where the WTI Crude Oil contract settles to see the pipelines and storage facilities as well as to talk with those in charge of storing, blending, and moving the oil to locations throughout the US.  During the EEMAC meeting, a witness from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission described an anomaly in the price of natural gas in New England.[2]  Despite having one of the largest concentrations of natural gas in the Marcellus Shale just over two hundred miles away, a lack of pipeline capacity makes it impossible to fully supply New England with gas from the Marcellus Shale.[3]  This situation means that New England relies on liquified natural gas (“LNG”) supplies from tanker ships.  As a result, the price New England end users pay is based on the Henry Hub price for exported LNG, rather than the domestic production price.  This circumstance creates an unusual situation where the spot price that a natural gas-fired power plant in Massachusetts pays for its fuel is more dependent on Europe’s desire for natural gas and a global market thousands of miles away than on the price and availability of natural gas produced two states away in Pennsylvania.

    To examine power markets and electrification, we held meetings in Roy, Utah; Nashville, Tennessee; and Golden, Colorado.[4]  In the course of those meetings, we had the opportunity to tour a large Ford EV production facility in Spring Hill, Tennessee, the Bingham Canyon Copper Mine in Utah, and a startup company looking to reuse mine tailings to produce critical metals and minerals in Golden, Colorado.

    Here in the United States, we have some of the largest deposits of the metals necessary for power generation, transmission, and use, but large gaps in our infrastructure and policies render these advantages almost meaningless.  In Golden, Colorado, we learned that despite a startup company’s cutting-edge technology that can turn mine waste into critical metals and minerals, China’s dominance in rare earth markets means that they can manipulate prices at will and squeeze out competition and force any US production into bankruptcy.

    Southwest of Salt Lake City, Utah, we toured the Bingham Canyon Copper Mine.  The Bingham County Mine is the largest man-made excavation in the world.[5]  It’s also the world’s deepest open pit mine, and it has produced more copper than any other mine in the world.[6]  As you can probably guess, the US has abundant supplies of copper; however, because of a lack of domestic smelting capacity, much of the copper mined in the US must be shipped overseas, often to China, to be processed and refined.  In fact, since 2000, China has been responsible for 75% of the global smelter capacity growth.[7]

    Finally, in Spring Hill, Tennessee, we learned that car companies are increasingly concerned  about logistical challenges reducing their  ability to provide cost-competitive electric vehicles.  This is not an idle concern.  Just four weeks ago, Rivian disclosed that it will be forced to reduce production and decrease its sales target in 2024 by almost 20% because of difficulties sourcing a component used in its electric motor.[8]  And last week, to secure a steady supply of lithium, GM announced an almost $1 billion investment in the Thacker Pass mine in Nevada.[9]

    For years, the problem for domestic energy policy was how to mine, drill, and import enough raw materials to satisfy America’s growing energy demand.[10]  Even after the oil glut of the 1980s and lower energy prices, we were still concerned with our reliance on foreign energy.[11]  The continuous mantra of Presidents starting with Richard Nixon was the concept of “Energy Independence” as a policy goal.[12]  Now, not because of government mandates, plans, or policies, but thanks to technological innovation, hard work, and the deployment of private capital, that goal has largely been achieved.  We have the raw materials in the ground that we need to power American energy independence; however, we need our infrastructure to catch-up with our domestic supply.

    Returning to my driving lesson, when I look at the road ahead, I see the United States coming to a crossroads.  One road leads to more resilient infrastructure, lower prices, and energy abundance.  The other road leads to energy scarcity, higher prices, and a loss of energy independence.  The direction we take as a country will have a major impact on the energy markets and the futures markets we regulate at the CFTC.  Unfortunately, gaps in energy infrastructure lead to instability and volatility in energy markets, which have a direct impact on the derivatives markets.  If derivatives markets fail to offer adequate price discovery and risk mitigation, they will no longer serve producers and end users as appropriate tools to hedge their exposure.  That is a road we cannot afford to go down.

    As a regulator, the CFTC is not the driver of this car, but we definitely have an interest in taking the road that leads to liquid, stable, and vibrant derivatives markets that serve as a tool for hedging against risk. We can do that by ensuring that new derivative products come to market efficiently without the fear of litigation or unreasonable staff positions, and by cultivating new market structures that minimize conflicts and instill market confidence.  Our enforcement efforts should be focused on ‘bad actors’ and not on trying to shortcut deliberative policymaking.  The CFTC should prefer “responsible regulation” over “regulation by enforcement.”  To arrive at our desired destination, we all need to keep our eyes on the road, to see what is right in front of us while simultaneously paying attention to the road ahead.

    Thank you for taking this road trip with me today.  I look forward to answering your questions.

    [1] CFTC Energy and Environmental Markets Advisory Committee meeting in Stillwater, Oklahoma, September 20, 2022.

    [4] CFTC Energy and Environmental Markets Advisory Committee meeting in Nashville, Tennessee, February 28, 2023.  CFTC Energy and Environmental Markets Advisory Committee meeting in Roy, Utah, June 27, 2023.  CFTC Energy and Environmental Markets Advisory Committee meeting in Golden, Colorado, February 13, 2024.

    [5] Kristine L. Pankow, Jeffrey R. Moore, J. Mark Hale, Keith D. Koper, Tex Kubacki, Katherine M. Whidden, and Michael K. McCarter.  “Massive landslide at Utah copper mine generates wealth of geophysical data.” Geological Society of America, vol. 24, no. 1, January 2014.

    [7] Securing Copper Supply: No China, No Energy Transition, WoodsMcKenzie, August 2024, Nick Pickens, Robin Griffin, Eleni Joanides, and Zhifei Liu.

    [8] Ed Ludlow and Kiel Porter. “Rivian Misstep Triggered Parts Shortage Hobbling Its EV Output.” Bloomberg, October 7, 2024.

    [9] Camilla Hodgson.  “General Motors increases investment in lithium mine to nearly $1bn.” Financial Times, October 6, 2024.

    [10] US Energy Information Administration, “U.S. energy facts explained, Imports & Exports.”  Last updated July 15, 2024, with data from the Monthly Energy Review.

    [12] Charles Homans, “Energy Independence: A Short History.”  Foreign Policy, January 3, 2012.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Prince Albert — Prince Albert RCMP warning the public of dangerous persons

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Prince Albert RCMP is warning the public of dangerous persons involved in multiple vehicle robberies involving a firearm.

    On October 24, 2024 at approximately 8:30 a.m., Prince Albert RCMP received a report of a robbery north of Prince Albert, SK.

    Initial investigation determined that an individual was in a vehicle driving near the White Star elevator north of Prince Albert, SK when they were approached by multiple males in a vehicle.

    The individual was shot by the suspects. They have been transported to hospital with unknown injuries. The suspects stole the individual’s vehicle.

    The suspects are described as three or four males. They may be wearing black bandanas or black balaclavas. The suspects are believed to be armed with a gun and considered dangerous.

    They may be driving a white 2020 Dodge Ram with Saskatchewan license plate RNF 50. (Yes, there are only 5 characters.)

    The suspects are believed to be travelling near the intersection of Highways #55 and #123 near Prince Albert.

    More information to come. If in the Prince Albert and surrounding area: seek immediate shelter or shelter in place and close and lock doors and windows. Do not leave a secure location. Be cautious of someone asking for a ride. Do not pick up hitch hikers. Do not disclose police locations. Be cautious if not in the immediate described areas.

    The situation is rapidly unfolding and we will provide updates as soon as possible.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Whatever we lose we will come back

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    Amid the ongoing Israeli bombardment and incursions across southern Lebanon, countless families have been uprooted, many seeking refuge in the coastal city of Saida. Médecins Sans Frontières’ (MSF’s) mobile medical teams have been visiting several locations in the southern city, offering general healthcare, medication, and mental health support to people displaced by the violence. Here are some of the testimonies of our patients there:

    Hassan Zeineddine

    “There’s nothing like living in your own home,” reflects Hassan Zeineddine, 67, an internally displaced Lebanese man with hypertension. He and his wife fled Kfar Melki, in the south of Lebanon, after nearby Israeli bombardments, leaving with only the clothes on their backs. “My sons are also displaced, scattered across the country. That alone is a struggle, but what we are going through is similar to what everyone else is.”

    Having been uprooted three times during the recent escalations, Hassan, a retired employee who lost his pension and savings in the 2020 economic crisis, reminisces about the olive harvest and his deep connection to the land he was forced to leave behind.

    “There is nothing quite like the south,” he says. “Wherever we go, whatever we lose, and whatever we are offered, we will always come back. I lived through the 1982 Israeli invasion and remember the airstrikes on southern villages then. As we returned to our homes then, we will now.”

    Khadija

    Khadija, a Syrian refugee and mother of five, was displaced from Nabatieh with her family. “She’s fading right before my eyes,” says Khadija, pointing to her seven-year-old daughter, who she says suffers from stunted growth. She describes the harsh conditions in the open parking lot by the Saida coastline where they’ve sought refuge.

    “We never feel clean. People are competing over food here, and we don’t have enough clean water to wash. We go to the sea to relieve ourselves, but there are often men around.”

    Her children are battling various health issues and it’s breaking her spirit. “Sidra, 13, has asthma, Hiba, 7, weighs barely 10 kilograms, and Malak, my 8-month-old, has a fever and diarrhoea. I breastfeed her whenever I can, but it’s not always enough, and I can’t properly clean her bottles.”

    In a moment of despair Khadija admits, “Sometimes I wish we had stayed and died in an airstrike instead of living like this.”

    Um Mohammad

    Um Mohammad, a 40-year-old Syrian refugee displaced from Qsaibeh, in south Lebanon, has three daughters. She used to maintain her employer’s garden, landscaping and building fences around his land. The night she fled Qsaibeh, an airstrike landed dangerously close.

    She recalls joining the community with buckets of water to put out the fire, and then her employer told her it was time to leave. She packed a change of clothes for each of her daughters, aged 18, 6, and 4, and grabbed only a blanket, leaving behind the groceries she had just bought that day on her kitchen floor.

    Hala

    Hala, 24, is a Syrian refugee and mother of three—Yamen, 2, Rawan, 3, and Razan, 6. She fled from the coastal town of Adloun in south Lebanon amidst airstrikes and the sirens of ambulances. “We left with nothing. We escaped on a motorcycle, but it broke down here in Saida. My husband went back to retrieve our belongings, but everything was stolen.”

    Now, they rely on aid for food.

    “All my children are sick with vomiting and diarrhoea. Rawan, who has down syndrome, used to receive physical therapy to walk and move. We had high hopes that she would begin verbal communication through speech therapy soon, and she had made so much progress. But now, all that is gone. She requires lots of medications and is often bullied by other children for not being able to express herself.”

    Shams Al Mahmoud, Marimar, and Kazem

    Shams Al Mahmoud, whose first name means ‘sun’ in Arabic and is a Syrian refugee, remains as bright and warm as ever, despite the hardships she and her family have endured. Along with her children—Mimar, 24, Mimas, Kazem, 20, and Marimar,14—Shams was displaced from Kfar Roumane and now lives in a parking lot in Saida, southern Lebanon.

    With an endearing smile, she recounts the moments her family escaped Israeli airstrikes in the town they had called home for over a decade, fleeing for 12 hours on foot to finally find relative safety in Saida. A few days later, Kazem and one of his sisters made a dangerous trip back to their former home on a borrowed motorcycle to rescue their two kittens, Simba and Mimi.

    “We thought of them as we were leaving,” says Marimar, as she fondly strokes one of the kittens. “But the airstrikes were too close. I’m so relieved we could go back for them.”

    Najah Ashour

    Najah Ashour, a Syrian refugee living in south Lebanon, was displaced once again along with her daughters—Maya, 11, Lujain, 6, and Sary, 9 months—after airstrikes struck the southern town of Baisariyeh. She is among the 1.2 million people displaced by the ongoing Israeli bombardments. While the war affects everyone, minority groups like Syrian refugees, migrant workers, the elderly, and people with disabilities face even greater risks of discrimination and exclusion, further limiting their access to healthcare and humanitarian aid.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Global: ‘Our nuclear childhood’: the sisters who witnessed H-bomb tests over their Pacific island, and are still coming to terms with the fallout

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Christopher Hill, Associate Professor (Research and Development), Faculty of Business and Creative Industries, University of South Wales

    Nuclear detonations were the backdrop to Teeua and Teraabo’s childhood. By the time the sisters were eight and four, the Pacific island on which they grew up, Kiritimati, had hosted 30 atomic and thermonuclear explosions – six during Operation Grapple, a British series between 1957 and 1958, and 24 during Operation Dominic, led by the US in 1962.

    The UK’s secretary of state for the colonies, Alan Lennox-Boyd, had claimed the Grapple series would put Britain “far ahead of the Americans, and probably the Russians too, in super-bomb development”. Grapple, the country’s largest tri-service operation since D-Day, also involved troops from Fiji and New Zealand. It sought to secure the awesome power of the hydrogen bomb: a thermonuclear device far more destructive than the atomic bomb.

    Britain’s seat at the top table of “super-bomb development” was emphatically announced in April 1958 with Grapple Y: an “H-bomb” 200 times more powerful than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945. This remains Britain’s largest nuclear detonation – one of more than 100 conducted by the UK, US and Soviet Union in 1958 alone.

    More than six decades later, the health effects on former servicemen based on Kiritimati, as well as at test locations in South and Western Australia, remain unresolved. Greater Manchester’s mayor, Andy Burnham, has called the treatment of UK nuclear test veterans “the longest-standing and, arguably, the worst” of all the British public scandals in recent history.



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    Unlike the Post Office, infected blood and Grenfell Tower inquiries in 2024, there has been no UK inquiry into British nuclear weapon tests in Australia and the Pacific. Yet veterans and their descendants maintain these tests caused hereditary ill-health effects and premature deaths among participants. The British government has been accused of hiding records of these health impacts for decades behind claims of national security.

    Over the past year, the life stories of British nuclear test veterans have been collected by researchers, including myself, for an oral history project in partnership with the British Library. Whether from a vantage point of air, land or sea, the veterans all recall witnessing nuclear explosions with startling clarity, as if the moment was seared on to their memories. According to Doug Herne, a ship’s cook with the Royal Navy:

    When the flash hit you, you could see the X-rays of your hands through your closed eyes. Then the heat hit you, and it was as if someone my size had caught fire and walked through me. To say it was frightening is an understatement. I think it shocked us into silence.

    British servicemen describe their nuclear test experiences. Video: Wester van Gaal/Motherboard.

    But what of the experiences of local people on Kiritimati? I have recently interviewed two sisters who are among the few surviving islanders who witnessed the nuclear tests. This is their story.

    ‘A mushroom cloud igniting the sky’

    At the start of Operation Grapple in May 1957, around 250 islanders lived on Kiritimati – the world’s largest coral reef atoll, slap bang in the centre of the Pacific Ocean, around 1,250 miles (2,000km) due south of Hawaii. The island’s name is derived from the English word “Christmas”, the atoll having been “discovered” by the British explorer James Cook on Christmas Eve 1777.

    In May 2023, I visited Kiritimati for a research project on “British nuclear imperialism”, which investigated how post-war Britain used its dwindling imperial assets and resources as a springboard for nuclear development. I sought to interview islanders who had remained on the atoll since the tests, including Teeua Tekonau, then aged 68. In 2024, I visited her younger sister, Teraabo Pollard, who lives more than 8,000 miles away in the contrasting surroundings of Burnley, north-west England.

    Far from descriptions of fear and terror, both Teeua and Teraabo looked back on the tests with striking enthusiasm. Teraabo recalled witnessing them from the local maneaba (open-air meeting place) or tennis court as a “pleasurable” experience full of “excitement”.

    She described having her ears plugged with cotton wool before being covered with a blanket. As if by magic, the blanket was then lifted to reveal a mushroom cloud igniting the night sky – a sight accompanied by sweetened bread handed out by American soldiers. So vivid was the light that Teraabo, then aged four, described “being excited about it being daytime again”.

    An Operation Grapple thermonuclear test near Kiritimati, 1957-58. Video: Imperial War Museums.

    In view of the violence of the tests, I was struck that Teeua and Teraabo volunteered these positive memories. Their enthusiasm seemed in marked contrast to growing concerns about the radioactive fallout – including those voiced by surviving test veterans and their descendants. As children, the tests seem to have offered the sisters a spectacle of fantasy and escapism – glazed with the saccharine of American treats and Disney films on British evacuation ships.

    Yet they have also lived through the premature deaths of family members and, in Teraabo’s case, a malignant tumour dating from the time of the tests. And there have been similar stories from other families who lived in the shadow of these very risky, loosely controlled experiments. Teraabo told me about a friend who had peeked out from her blanket as a young girl – and who suffered from eye and health problems ever since.

    ‘Only a very slight health hazard’

    Kiritimati forms part of the impossibly large Republic of Kiribati – a nation of 33 islands spread over 3.5 million square kilometres; the only one to have territory in all four hemispheres and, until 1995, on either side of the international date line. Before independence from Britain in 1979, Kiribati belonged to the Gilbert and Ellice Island Colony, which in effect made Kiritimati a “nuclear colony” for the purpose of British and American testing.

    In 1955, Teeua and Teraabo’s parents, Taraem and Tekonau Tetoa, left their home island of Tabiteuea, a small atoll belonging to the Gilbert group of islands in the western Pacific. They boarded a British merchant vessel bound for Christmas Island nearly 2,000 miles away. Setting sail with new-born Teeua in their arms, the family looked forward to a future cutting copra on Kiritimati’s British coconut plantation.

    The scale of this journey, with four young children, was immense. Just how the hundred or so Gilbertese passengers “managed to live [during the voyage] was better not asked”, according to one royal engineer who described a similar voyage a few years later. “There were piles of coconuts everywhere – perhaps they were for both food and drink.”


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    Within two years of their arrival, the family faced more upheaval as mother Taraem and her children were packed aboard another ship ahead of the first three sets of British nuclear tests in the Pacific. Known as Grapple 1, 2 and 3, they were to be detonated over Malden Island, an atoll some 240 miles to the south of Kiritimati – but still too close for the comfort of local residents.

    According to Teeua, the evacuation was prompted by disillusioned labourers brought to Kiritimati without their families, who went on strike after learning how much the British troops were being paid. But the islanders’ perspectives do not feature much in the colonial records, which give precedence to British disputes about logistical costs and safety calculations.

    The Grapple task force resolved that the safe limit set by the International Commission on Radiological Protection should be reduced, to limit the cost of evacuations. A meeting in November 1956 noted that “only a very slight health hazard to people would arise from this reduction – and that only to primitive peoples”.

    Shocking as this remark sounds, it is typical of the disregard that nuclear planners appear to have had, both for Indigenous communities and the mostly working-class soldiers. These lives did not seem to matter much in the context of Britain’s quest for nuclear supremacy. William Penney, Britain’s chief nuclear scientist, had bemoaned how critics during tests in Australia were “intent on thwarting the whole future of the British Empire for the sake of a few Aboriginals”.

    Tekonau, Teeua’s father, was one of the 30 or so I-Kiribati people to stay behind on Kiritimati during the Malden tests in May and June 1957. As one of the only labourers to speak English, he had gained the trust of the district commissioner, Percy Roberts, who invited Tekonau to accompany him during inspections of villagers’ houses in Port London, then the island’s only village. On one occasion, Teeua said, the islanders did not recognise her father as he had been given a “flat top” haircut like the Fijian soldiers. “This means he had a nice relationship with the soldiers,” she told me. “Thank God for giving me such a good and clever dad.”

    Since the initial tests did not produce a thermonuclear explosion, the task force embarked on further trials between November 1957 and September 1958, known as Grapple X, Y and Z. In view of expense and time, these were conducted on Kiritimati rather than Malden Island – and this time, the residents were not evacuated to other islands. Rather, families were brought aboard ships in the island’s harbour and shown films below deck.

    After these tests, the islanders returned to find the large X and Y detonations had cracked the walls of their homes and smashed their doors and furniture. One islander found their pet frigate bird, like so many of the wild birds on Kiritimati, had been blinded by the flash of Grapple Y. No compensation was ever paid to the islanders, although the Ministry of Supply did reimburse the colony for deterioration of “plantation assets”, including £4 for every damaged coconut tree (equivalent to £120 today).

    A month before Grapple Y, Teraabo was born. Her earliest and most vivid childhood memories are of the US-led Operation Dominic four years later, by which time evacuation procedures had been abandoned altogether.

    This series of tests was sanctioned by Britain in exchange for a nuclear-powered submarine and access to the Nevada Proving Grounds in the US – regarded as pivotal to the future of British weapons technology ahead of the signing of the Test Ban Treaty in October 1963, which would prohibit atmospheric testing.

    Dominic’s 24 detonations on Kiritimati – which usually took place after sunset around 6pm, between April and November 1962 – were “awesome”, according to Teraabo. Recalling the suspense as the “tannoy announced the countdown”, she described “coming out of cover [and] witnessing the bomb [as] an amazing experience … When the bomb set off, the brilliance of the light was tremendous.”

    Each explosion’s slow expiration would re-illuminate the Pacific sky. One, Starfish Prime, became known as a “rainbow bomb” because of the multi-coloured aurora it produced over the Pacific, having been launched into space where it exploded.

    So spectacular were these descriptions that I almost felt I had to suspend disbelief as I listened. At one point in my interview with Teraabo, she leaned in to reassure me that she had no interest in exaggerating these events: “I’m a very proud person,” she whispered, “I would never lie.”

    ‘In our blood’

    More than six decades on from the Grapple tests, I was sitting in Teeua’s kitchen in the village of Tabwakea (meaning “turtle”), near the northern tip of Kiritimati. I had driven here in a Subaru Forester, clapped-out from the many potholes on the island’s main road, itself built by royal engineers over 60 years ago.

    Teeua Tekonau in her kitchen during the author’s visit to Kiritimati in 2023.
    Christopher R. Hill., CC BY

    Teeua’s home, nestled down a sand track, had a wooden veranda at the front where she would teach children to read and write under shelter from the hot equatorial sun. Handcrafted mats lined the sand and coral floor, fanning out from the veranda to the kitchen at the back.

    The house felt full of the sounds of the local community, from the chatter of neighbours to the laughter of children outdoors. No one could feel lonely here, despite the vastness of the ocean that surrounds Kiritimati.

    As Teeua cooked rice and prepared coffee, we discussed the main reason for my visit: to understand the impacts of the nuclear tests on the islanders, their descendents, and the sensitive ecosystem in which they live. Teeua is chair of Kiritimati’s Association of Atomic Cancer Patients, and one of only three survivors of the tests still living on Kiritimati. She pulled up a seat and looked at me:

    Many, many died of cancer … And many women had babies that died within three months … I remember the coconut trees … when you drank [from the coconuts], you [were] poisoned.

    Both Teeua’s parents and four of her eight siblings had died of cancer or unexplained conditions, she said. Her younger brother, Takieta, died of leukaemia at the age of two in November 1963 – less than a year after Operation Dominic ended. Her sister Teraabo, who discovered a tumour in her stomach shortly after the trials, was only able to have her stomach treated once she moved to the UK in 1981, by which time the tumour had turned malignant.

    Teeua’s testimony pointed to the gendered impacts of the nuclear tests. She referred to the prevalence of menstrual problems and stillbirths, evidence of which can be inferred from the testimony of another nuclear survivor, Sui Kiritome, a fellow I-Kiribati who had arrived on Kiritimati in 1957 with her teacher husband. Sui has described how their second child, Rakieti, had “blood coming out of all the cavities of her body” at birth.

    A rare military hospital record from 1958 – stored in the UK’s National Archives at Kew in London – also refers to the treatment of a civilian woman for ante-partum haemorrhage and stillbirth, though it is unclear whether this was a local woman or one of the soldier’s wives on the passenger ship HMT Dunera, which visited briefly to “boost morale” after Grapple X.

    Members of the Kiritimati Association of Atomic Cancer Patients.
    Courtesy: Teeua Taukaro., CC BY-ND

    Having re-established the Association of Atomic Cancer Patients in 2009, Teeua has continued much of the work that Ken McGinley, first chair of the British Nuclear Tests Veterans Association, did after its establishment in 1983. She has documented the names of all I-Kiribati people present during the tests, along with their spouses, children and other relatives. And she has listed the cancers and illnesses from which they have suffered.

    In the absence of medical records at the island hospital, these handwritten notes are the closest thing on the atoll to epidemiological data about the tests. But according to Teeua, concerns about the health effects of the tests date back much longer, to 1965 when a labourer named Bwebwe spoke out about poisonous clouds. “Everyone thought he was crazy,” Teeua recalled.

    But Bwebwe’s speculations were lent credibility by Sui Kiritome’s testimony, and by the facial scars she bore that were visible for all to see. In an interview with her daughter, Sui explained how she was only 24 when she started to lose her hair, and “burns developed on my face, scalp and parts of my shoulder”.

    In a similar manner to claims made by British nuclear test veterans, Sui attributed her health problems to being rained on during Grapple Y – which may have been detonated closer to the atoll’s surface than the task force was prepared to admit.

    When I asked Teeua why her campaigning association was only reformed in 2009, she explained it had been prompted by a visit from British nuclear test veterans who “told us that everyone [involved in the tests] has cancer – blood cancer”. They had been told this in the past but, she said, “we did not believe it. But after years … after our children [also] died of cancer, then we remembered what they told us.”

    After some visiting researchers explained to Teeua and the community that the effects of the tests were “not good”, she concluded that “our kids died of cancer because of the tests … That’s why we start to combine together … the nuclear survivors, to talk about what they did to our kids”.

    I found Teeua’s testimony deeply troubling: not only because of the suffering she and other families have been through, but in the way that veterans had returned to Kiritimati as civilians, raising concerns among locals that may have lain dormant or been forgotten. The suggestion that radiation was “in her blood” must have been deeply disturbing for Teeua and her community.

    But I reminded myself that the veterans who came looking for answers in 2009 were also victims. They made the long journey seeking clues about their health problems, or a silver bullet to prove their government’s deception over the nuclear fallout.

    As young men, they were unwittingly burdened with a lifetime of uncertainty – compounded by endless legal disputes with the Ministry of Defence or inconclusive health studies that jarred with their personal medical histories. And, like the islanders, some of these servicemen died young after experiencing agonising illnesses.

    The scramble for the Pacific

    My research on British nuclear imperialism also sheds light on how imperial and settler colonial perceptions of “nature” shaped how these nuclear tests were planned and operationalised.

    British sites were selected on the basis of in-depth environmental research. When searching the site for Britain’s first atomic bomb (the Montebello Islands off the west coast of Australia), surveyors discovered 20 new species of insect, six new plants, and a species of legless lizard.

    Monitoring of radioactive fallout from nuclear tests fed into the rise of ecosystem ecologies as an academic discipline. In the words of one environmental specialist on the US tests, it seemed that “destruction was the enabling condition for understanding life as interconnected”.

    Since H-bombs would exceed the explosive yield deemed acceptable by Australia, Winston Churchill’s government in the mid-1950s had been forced to look for a new test site beyond Western and South Australia. British planners drew on a wealth of imperial knowledge and networks – but their proposal to use the Kermadec Islands, an archipelago 600 miles north-east of Auckland, was rejected by New Zealand on environmental grounds.

    So, when Teeua and her family landed on Kiritimati in 1955, their journey was part of “the scramble for the Pacific”: a race between Britain and the US to lay claim to the sovereignty of Pacific atolls in light of their strategic significance for air and naval power.

    The British government archives include some notable environmental “what ifs?” Had the US refused the UK’s selection of Kiritimati because of its own sovereignty claim, then it would have been probable, as Lennox-Boyd, Britain’s colonial secretary, admitted, that “the Antarctic region south of Australia might have to be used” for its rapidly expanding nuclear programme.

    Instead, this extraordinary period in global history recently took me to a Victorian mansion in the Lancashire town of Burnley, where I interviewed Teeua’s younger sister, Teraabo, about her memories of the Kiritimati tests.

    ‘No longer angry’

    Teraabo’s home felt like the antithesis of Teeua’s island abode 8,300 miles away: ordered instead of haphazard, private instead of communal, spacious instead of crowded. And our interview had a more detached, philosophical tone.

    Teraabo Pollard with her father’s nuclear test veteran medal.
    Christopher R. Hill., CC BY-ND

    Like her sister, Teraabo has worked to raise awareness about the legacy of the nuclear tests, including with the Christmas Island Appeal, an offshoot of the British Nuclear Test Veterans Association that sought to publicise the extent of the waste left on Kiritimati from the nuclear test period.

    The appeal succeeded in persuading Tony Blair’s UK government to tackle the remaining waste in Kiritimati – most of which was non-radiological, according to a 1998 environmental assessment. The island was “cleaned up” and remediated between 2004 and 2008, at a cost of around £5 million to the Ministry of Defence. Much of the waste was flown or shipped back to the UK, where 388 tonnes of low-grade radioactive material were deposited in a former salt mine at Port Clarence, near Middlesbrough.

    Yet Teraabo’s views have evolved. She told me she is “no longer angry” about the tests, a stark contrast to her position 20 years ago, when she told British journalist Alan Rimmer how islanders had “led a simple life with disease virtually unknown. But after the tests, everything changed. I now realise the whole island was poisoned.”

    Whereas the Teraabo of 2003 blamed “the British government for all this misery”, she has since become more reflective. In the context of the cold war and the nuclear arms race, she even told me she could understand the British rationale for selecting Kiritimati as a test site. This seemed a remarkable statement from a survivor who had lost so much.

    Over the course of the interview, it became clear Teraabo had grown tired of being angry – and that she had felt “trapped” by the tragic figure she was meant to represent in the campaigns of veterans and disarmers. Each time Teraabo rehearsed the doom-laden script of radiation exposure, she admitted she was also suppressing the joy of her childhood memories.

    A turning point for Teraabo seems to have come in 2007, when she last visited Kiritimati and met her sister Teeua. By this time, the atoll’s population was 4,000 – quite a leap from the 300 residents she grew up with. “It is no longer the island I remember,” she said.

    The Kiritimati of Teraabo’s memory was neat and well-structured. The one she described encountering in 2007 was chaotic and unkempt. She had come to the realisation that the Kiritimati she had been campaigning for – the pristine, untouched atoll of her parents – had long since moved on, so she should move on with it. The sorrow caused by the test operations would not define her.

    Radioactive colonialism

    Not long after I left Kiritimati in June 2023, the global nuclear disarmament organisation Ican began researching the atoll ahead of a major global summit to discuss the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Descendants of Kiritimati’s nuclear test survivors were asked a series of questions, with those who provided the “right” answers being selected for a sponsored trip to UN headquarters in New York.

    The chosen representatives included Teeua’s daughter, Taraem. I wondered if the survivors of Kiritimati are doomed to forever rehearse the stories of their nuclear past – a burden that Teeua and Teraabo have had to carry ever since they stood in awe of atomic and thermonuclear detonations more than 60 years ago.

    They have had to deal with “radioactive colonialism” all their adult lives – the outside world demanding to see the imprint of radioactivity on their health and memories. But the sisters’ fondness for British order, despite all they have been through, prevails.

    Their positive memories of Britain may in part reflect the elevated role of their father, Tekonau Tetoa – a posthumous recipient of the test veteran medal – within the British colonial system. During my visit, I happened upon an old photo of Tekonau, looking immaculate as he hangs off the side of a plantation truck in a crisp white shirt. Knowing Teeua did not possess a photo of her parents, I took a scan and raced to her house down the road.

    “Do you recognise this man?” I asked, holding up my phone.

    She flickered with recognition. “Is that my father?”

    I nodded, and she shed a tear of joy.

    Tekonau Tetoa, father of Teeua and Teraabo, hangs off the door of a coconut plantation truck in Kiritimati.
    Courtesy: John Bryden., CC BY-ND

    Memories of Teeua and Teraabo’s father are preserved in the island landscape of their youth: pristine, regimented by the ostensible tidiness of colonial and military order.

    But such order masked contamination: an unknown quantity that would only become evident years later in ill-health and environmental damage. It was not only the nuclear tests: from 1957 to 1964, the atoll was sprayed four times a week with DDT, a carcinogenic insecticide, as part of attempts to reduce insect-borne disease. In the words of one of the pilots: “I had many a wave from the rather fat Gilbo ladies sitting on their loos as I passed overhead, and gave them some spray for good measure!” British tidiness concealed a special brand of poison.

    Today, the prospect of a meaningful response from the UK to the concerns raised by the islanders and servicemen alike seems slim. In October 2023, the UK and France followed North Korea and Russia in vetoing a Kiribati and Kazakhstan-proposed UN resolution on victim assistance and environmental remediation for people and places harmed by nuclear weapons use and testing.

    Over in Kiritimati, meanwhile, Teeua still tends to a small plot where Prince Philip planted a commemorative tree in April 1959, shortly after the British-led nuclear tests had ended. It is rumoured he did not drink from the atoll’s water while he was there.


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    Christopher Hill receives funding from the Office for Veterans’ Affairs, UK Cabinet Office. The research for this article was also supported by funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), UKRI. The author wishes to thank the following for their support with this article: Fiona Bowler, Ian Brailsford, Joshua Bushen, John Bryden, Jon Hogg, Brian Jones, Rens van Munster, Wesley Perriman, Maere Tekanene, Michael Walsh, Rotee Walsh and Derek Woolf. Sincere thanks to Teeua Tekonau and Teraabo Pollard for sharing their family stories.

    – ref. ‘Our nuclear childhood’: the sisters who witnessed H-bomb tests over their Pacific island, and are still coming to terms with the fallout – https://theconversation.com/our-nuclear-childhood-the-sisters-who-witnessed-h-bomb-tests-over-their-pacific-island-and-are-still-coming-to-terms-with-the-fallout-239780

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Former Georgia Deputies Plead Guilty to Violating Civil Rights of Jail Detainee

    Source: United States Attorneys General 11

    Two former Richmond County, Georgia, Sheriff’s Office deputies pleaded guilty yesterday to federal civil rights charges involving an assault on a jail detainee.

    Daniel D’Aversa, 52, and Melissa Morello, 28, pleaded guilty to an information charging both officers with one felony count of deprivation of civil rights under color of law.

    According to court documents, Morello was assigned as a jailer at Richmond County’s Charles D. Webster Detention Center, and D’Aversa was a corporal with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office. On May 7, 2022, Morello and D’Aversa were working with other Richmond County Sheriff’s Office deputies to secure inmates who had caused flooding in a section of the jail. Fellow deputies deliberately removed the handcuffs of a compliant inmate and then proceeded to punch and kick him. Both Morello and D’Aversa pleaded guilty to failing to intervene or stop the assault on the inmate, who was not posing a threat to anyone at the time of the assault.

    U.S. District Court Judge J. Randal Hall will schedule sentencing for D’Aversa and Morello upon completion of pre-sentence investigations by U.S. Probation Services.

    Sentencing hearings will be set at a later date. Both D’Aversa and Morello face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, along with substantial fines and restitution, followed by up to three years of supervised release upon completion of any prison term. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and any other statutory factors.

    Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Jill E. Steinberg for the Southern District of Georgia and Acting Special Agent in Charge Sean Burke of the FBI Atlanta Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI Atlanta Field Office is investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney George J.C. Jacobs III for the Southern District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Anita T. Channapati of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Upper Sackville — RCMP traffic stop results in seizure of handgun and drugs

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    A traffic stop by the Nova Scotia RCMP’s Southeast Traffic Services (SETS) on Highway 101 has resulted in numerous charges and the seizure of a restricted firearm, drugs, illegal tobacco, and cash.

    On October 23 at approximately 1:55 p.m., an officer with SETS was conducting traffic enforcement on Highway 101 in Upper Sackville and queried the license plate of a passing Dodge Ram, showing it to be unregistered. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was determined to have a revoked driver’s license.

    During the course of the Motor Vehicle Act investigation, the officer observed a quantity of unstamped tobacco cigarettes in the vehicle, and the driver was arrested under the Excise Act. The officer subsequently searched the vehicle and located more unstamped tobacco, bags of suspected methamphetamine pills, a significant quantity of cash, a 9mm handgun with the serial number removed, and two high capacity magazines.

    The driver, 37-year-old Jacob Netherton of Mount Uniacke, has been charged with numerous offences including, but not limited to:

    • Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
    • Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
    • Firearm Possession Contrary to Prohibition Order
    • Tampering with Firearm Serial Number
    • Possession of a Prohibited Device (over-capacity magazines)

    Netherton was held in-custody pending an initial court appearance on October 24, 2024 at Halifax Provincial Court.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz Introduces Legislation to Honor Local War Hero, Lance Corporal Dustin Sekula

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

    Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz introduced the Lance Corporal Dustin Sekula Congressional Gold Medal Act on Friday (October 18th). The bill would posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to Edinburg, Texas, native Lance Corporal Dustin Sekula. The legislation seeks to honor Sekula’s courageous service and ultimate sacrifice for his country.

    Lance Corporal Sekula was the first Edinburg native to be killed during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was just 18 years old when he died on April 1, 2004, after sustaining injuries from enemy fire in Iraq. A proud Marine, Sekula had turned down an agriculture college scholarship to join the military at the age of 17, driven by a desire to serve and protect the United States.

    The medal would be presented to Sekula’s family in recognition of his heroic life and the lasting impact he has had on his community and his country. His legacy continues in Edinburg, where the Dustin Sekula Memorial Library stands as a tribute to his memory.

    “Lance Corporal Dustin Sekula made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, and this bill ensures that his bravery and service are honored at the highest level,” said Congresswoman De La Cruz. “His story is one of unwavering dedication to his family, his community, and his country. We must never forget his courage and sacrifice.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chavez-DeRemer Joins Oregon Delegation in Seeking Federal Help for State’s Record Fire Season

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05)

    Citing severe damages to Central and Eastern Oregon, lawmakers’ letter asks President Biden “to swiftly provide the federal resources for our communities to recover and rebuild.”

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Oregon’s entire congressional delegation, including Reps. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Cliff Bentz, Earl Blumenauer, Suzanne Bonamici, Val Hoyle, Andrea Salinas, and Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, are urging President Biden to grant the governor’s request for Oregon to receive a major disaster declaration in response to record-setting wildfires that burned about three times the average acreage this year.

    “The 2024 wildfire season has been one of the most devastating and costly fire seasons on record,” the lawmakers wrote. “Central and Eastern Oregon experienced intense heat waves this summer, which dried out vegetation and created extreme fire risk on the landscape. Severe lightning storms ignited a large number of fires, and windy conditions allowed many of these fires to spread rapidly.”

    “Over 1.9 million acres burned, making it the largest wildfire season by acreage in Oregon’s history.  For context, the state’s 10-year average acres burned is 640,000 acres,” they continued. “The estimated damages and cost to public infrastructure exceeds $650 million, and this figure does not account for the long-term loss in revenue local businesses will experience as a result of these fires.“ 

    The delegation wrote that this year’s extreme infernos and severe storms hit Gilliam, Grant, Jefferson, Umatilla, Wasco, and Wheeler counties hardest.  

    “The fires destroyed 42 homes and 132 additional buildings and structures, damaged critical infrastructure and the natural environment, interrupted schools, care facilities, and social services, injured 26 civilians and fire responders, and led to the death of an air tanker pilot,” the lawmakers wrote. “These fires have also created profound hardship for our ranchers, as they destroyed private and public grazing lands and cut off access to essential resources for livestock.”   

    In their letter supporting the governor’s request for federal disaster assistance, the Oregon lawmakers asked the Biden-Harris administration to ensure state, local, and tribal governments have access to all available resources through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and that the state’s cost-share be waived due to a lack of available state funding. 

    “Oregonians now require federal support and assistance to navigate the aftermath of this unprecedented fire season.  The back-to-back incidents and lack of basic services had a devastating effect on the safety and stamina of our fire crews,” the delegation wrote. “We urge you and your administration to swiftly provide the federal resources for our communities to recover and rebuild.”

    Full text of the letter is available HERE.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sagkeeng First Nation — Powerview RCMP arrest two after firearms complaint

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On October 22, 2024, just after 12:00 am, Powerview RCMP responded to a call of two males with a firearm walking in the community.

    Officers began patrols immediately and spotted a running vehicle parked in front of a residence with two occupants inside. As officers approached the vehicle, they noticed a rifle in the back seat.

    Melvin Courchene, 26, and a 32-year-old male were both arrested without incident, and the firearm was seized. At that time, officers became aware there was still another male inside the residence with a firearm.

    Officers on scene contained the residence, and requested assistance from the RCMP Emergency Response Team (ERT). A warrant to enter the residence was granted, ERT responded, and the suspect, Isaiah Morrisseau, 39, surrendered without incident.

    Isaiah Morrisseau is charged with:

    -Possession of Firearm when Knowing Possession Unauthorized

    -Weapons Possession Contrary to Order and Fail to Surrender Authorization

    -Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

    Melvin Courchene is charged with:

    -Possession of Firearm when Knowing Possession Unauthorized

    -Possession of a Firearm in Motor Vehicle

    -Weapons Possession Contrary to Order and Fail to Surrender Authorization x2

    The 32-year-old male was arrested for:

    -Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm

    -Possession of a Firearm Ammunition in Motor Vehicle

    Morrisseau and Courchene have been remanded, while the 32-year-old male was released on conditions and cannot be named.

    The investigation continues.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Baldwin Leads Senate Resolution Designating October 23 National Marine Sanctuary Day

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced a Senate Resolution designating October 23, 2024 as “National Marine Sanctuary Day.” The resolution highlights the role of national marine sanctuaries in increasing access to nature, protecting biodiversity, and boosting economic activity for coastal communities.

    “Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary is an engine for tourism and world-class research along Lake Michigan, stimulating our local economies and pioneering breakthroughs for our Great Lakes,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m proud to have fought for and delivered a national marine sanctuary for Wisconsin, and will continue to fight to protect our nation’s natural resources and ensure generations to come can enjoy our coastlines.”

    Senator Baldwin has fought to support national marine sanctuaries, successfully leading the charge to bring a National Marine Sanctuary to Wisconsin in 2021. In October 2013, Senator Baldwin urged the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to re-open the public nomination process for marine sanctuaries for the first time in 20 years. After the Administration announced in June 2014 that Americans would be given the opportunity to nominate nationally significant marine and Great Lakes areas as national marine sanctuaries, Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan proposal was submitted and Senator Baldwin called on NOAA to support their efforts. The Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary was officially designated in 2021.

    As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Baldwin has continued to advocate for Wisconsin’s Great Lakes by supporting robust funding for the National Marine Sanctuaries Program and by requesting federal funding for the Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary Foundation.

    The resolution is co-sponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Gary Peters (D-MI).

    The resolution is supported by Alabama Coastal Foundation, Azul, California Academy of Sciences, Carolina Ocean Alliance, Creation Justice Ministries, EarthEcho International, The Florida Aquarium, Friends of the Mariana Trench, Global Rewilding Alliance, Greater Farallones Association, GreenLatinos, Guy Harvey Foundation, Healthy Ocean Coalition, Inland Ocean Coalition, Minorities in Shark Sciences, Monterey Bay Aquarium, National Aquarium, National Ocean Protection Coalition, National Wildlife Federation, Next 100 Coalition, Ocean Defense Initiative, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium + Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Shark Stewards, Shedd Aquarium, South Carolina Aquarium, Surfrider Foundation, Sustainable Ocean Alliance, The Ocean Project, WILDCOAST, Wildlife Conservation Society, and World Ocean Day.

    “National marine sanctuaries are special places in America’s waters where people show up as part of the solution to steward our blue planet,” said Joel R. Johnson, President and CEO of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. “From the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico, the Chesapeake Bay to Pacific Islands, national marine sanctuaries connect us with wildlife and our shared history making us feel like we are part of something much greater than ourselves. Our continued support for these treasured waters is more essential than ever and makes a positive impact for present and future generations.”

    “The conservation of our special ocean and Great Lakes places is vital for the species that depend on them, the communities that rely on them, and the future generations that dream about them,” said Ayana Melvan, Director of Conservation Action of the Aquarium Conservation Partnership.

    “The ACP and its members strive to celebrate the science and stories of our National Marine Sanctuary System at every opportunity. We’re proud to stand behind the Senator’s resolution to recognize the 600,000 sq. miles and growing of marine and Great Lake waters that truly make America beautiful,” said Kim McIntyre, Executive Director of the Aquarium Conservation Partnership.

    A full version of this resolution is available here and below.

    Designating October 23, 2024, as “National Marine Sanctuary Day”.

    Whereas, on October 23, 1972, the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 (33 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.) became law and ushered in a new era of ocean conservation;

    Whereas the National Marine Sanctuary System is a nationwide network that conserves spectacular oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes;

    Whereas communities across the United States can nominate their most treasured marine and Great Lakes waters for consideration as national marine sanctuaries;

    Whereas national marine sanctuaries protect biodiversity, safeguard extraordinary seascapes, historic shipwrecks, and sacred cultural places, and provide abundant recreational opportunities;

    Whereas national marine sanctuaries seek opportunities to partner with indigenous governments and communities to achieve shared conservation goals and to support the care-taking of ecological resources and cultural sites of indigenous peoples;

    Whereas national marine sanctuaries protect vital habitats for countless species of fish and wildlife, including many species that are listed as threatened or endangered;

    Whereas the conservation of marine ecosystems is vital for healthy oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes, for addressing climate change, and for sustaining productive coastal economies;

    Whereas the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and its partners work to protect and nurture the growth of the National Marine Sanctuary System;

    Whereas national marine sanctuaries increase access to nature for all, support coastal communities, and generate billions of dollars annually in local communities by providing jobs in the United States, supporting commercial, Tribal, and recreational fisheries, bolstering tourism and recreation, engaging businesses in stewardship, and driving the growth of the blue economy;

    Whereas national marine sanctuaries connect people and communities through science, education, United States history, recreation, and stewardship and inspire community-based solutions that help individuals understand and protect the spectacular underwater habitats, wildlife, archaeological resources, and cultural seascapes of the United States;

    Whereas national marine sanctuaries are living laboratories that enable cooperative science and research that improves resource management and advances innovative public-private partnerships;

    Whereas national marine sanctuaries can help make oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes more resilient by protecting ecosystems that sequester carbon, by safeguarding coastal communities from flooding and storms, and by protecting biodiversity;

    Whereas the United States is a historic maritime Nation, and oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes are central to the way of life of the people of the United States;

    Whereas engaging communities as stewards of these protected waters makes national marine sanctuaries unique and provides a comprehensive, ecosystem-based, highly participatory approach to managing and conserving marine and Great Lakes environments for current and future generations; and

    Whereas October 23, 2024, is recognized as “National Marine Sanctuary Day” to increase awareness about the importance of the National Marine Sanctuary System and healthy oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes and to celebrate the many recreational opportunities available for the enjoyment of this network of protected waters: Now, therefore, be it

    Resolved, That the Senate—

    (1) designates October 23, 2024, as “National Marine Sanctuary Day”;

    (2) encourages the people of the United States and the world to responsibly visit, experience, recreate in, and support the treasured national marine sanctuaries of the United States;

    (3) acknowledges the importance of national marine sanctuaries in supporting community resilience, protecting biodiversity, and increasing access to nature;

    (4) recognizes the importance of national marine sanctuaries for their recreational opportunities and contributions to local and national economies across the United States;

    (5) celebrates the ability of the National Marine Sanctuary System to protect nationally significant places in oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes;

    (6) calls on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to partner with communities and to complete designations of new national marine sanctuaries; and

    (7) encourages Federal agencies to balance priorities and work together to support the priorities of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 (33 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: CVB Financial Corp. Reports Earnings for the Third Quarter 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Third Quarter 2024

    • Net Earnings of $51 million, or $0.37 per share
    • Return on Average Assets of 1.23%
    • Return on Average Tangible Common Equity of 14.93%
    • Net Interest Margin of 3.05%

    Ontario, CA, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CVB Financial Corp. (NASDAQ:CVBF) and its subsidiary, Citizens Business Bank (the “Company”), announced earnings for the quarter ended September 30, 2024.

    CVB Financial Corp. reported net income of $51.2 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared with $50.0 million for the second quarter of 2024 and $57.9 million for the third quarter of 2023. Diluted earnings per share were $0.37 for the third quarter, compared to $0.36 for the prior quarter and $0.42 for the same period last year. Net income of $51.2 million for the third quarter of 2024 produced an annualized return on average equity (“ROAE”) of 9.40%, an annualized return on average tangible common equity (“ROATCE”) of 14.93%, and an annualized return on average assets (“ROAA”) of 1.23%.

    David Brager, President and Chief Executive Officer of Citizens Business Bank, commented, “We are pleased with our third quarter results. The Bank continues to execute on our strategy of banking the best small to medium sized businesses in the markets we serve. The results in the third quarter represent our 190th consecutive quarter of profitability. I am very proud of the commitment of our associates to our mission and the loyalty of our customers to our shared vision of success.“

    Highlights for the Third Quarter of 2024

    • Net interest margin of 3.05%
    • Efficiency Ratio of 46.5%
    • TCE Ratio = 9.7% & CET1 Ratio > 15%
    • Net income grew by 2.4%, compared to the second quarter of 2024
    • Deposits and customer repurchase agreements increased $408 million compared to the end of the second quarter of 2024
    • Noninterest-bearing deposits were 59% of total deposits
    • Early redemption of $1.3 billion of Bank Term Funding Program borrowings
    • Sold $312 million in AFS securities for a loss of $11.6 million
    • Executed the sale and leaseback of two buildings generating gains of $9.1 million
    • Loans declined by $109 million, or 1.3% from the end of the second quarter of 2024
    • Net recoveries were $156,000 for the third quarter of 2024

    INCOME STATEMENT HIGHLIGHTS

      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended  
      September 30,
    2024
    		     June 30,
    2024
    		     September 30,
    2023
    		     September 30,
    2024
    		     September 30,
    2023
    		    
      (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
    Net interest income $ 113,619     $ 110,849     $ 123,371     $ 336,929     $ 368,634    
    Recapure of (provision for) credit losses   –       –       (2,000 )     –       (4,000 )  
    Noninterest income   12,834       14,424       14,309       41,371       40,167    
    Noninterest expense   (58,835 )     (56,497 )     (55,058 )     (175,103 )     (163,956 )  
    Income taxes   (16,394 )     (18,741 )     (22,735 )     (53,339 )     (67,918 )  
    Net earnings $ 51,224     $ 50,035     $ 57,887     $ 149,858     $ 172,927    
    Earnings per common share:                  
    Basic $ 0.37     $ 0.36     $ 0.42     $ 1.07     $ 1.24    
    Diluted $ 0.37     $ 0.36     $ 0.42     $ 1.07     $ 1.24    
                       
    NIM   3.05 %     3.05 %     3.31 %     3.06 %     3.32 %  
    ROAA   1.23 %     1.24 %     1.40 %     1.23 %     1.41 %  
    ROAE   9.40 %     9.57 %     11.33 %     9.43 %     11.50 %  
    ROATCE   14.93 %     15.51 %     18.82 %     15.19 %     19.24 %  
    Efficiency ratio   46.53 %     45.10 %     39.99 %     46.29 %     40.11 %  

    Net Interest Income
    Net interest income was $113.6 million for the third quarter of 2024. This represented a $2.8 million, or 2.50%, increase from the second quarter of 2024, and a $9.8 million, or 7.90%, decrease from the third quarter of 2023. The quarter-over-quarter increase in net interest income was primarily due to a $7.0 million increase in interest income resulting from a $513 million average increase in our interest-earning balances due from the Federal Reserve, partially offset by a $3.8 million increase in interest on deposits. The decline in net interest income compared to the third quarter of 2023 was primarily due to a 26 basis point decline in net interest margin.

    Net Interest Margin
    Our tax equivalent net interest margin was 3.05% for both the second and third quarters of 2024, compared to 3.31% for the third quarter of 2023. Our cost of funds compared to the second quarter of 2024 increased nine basis points, which was offset by a six basis point increase in our interest-earning asset yield. The six basis point increase in our interest-earning asset yield was due to a five basis point increase in loan yields and funds on deposit at the Federal Reserve increasing as a percentage of earnings assets to 8.2%, from 4.8% in the prior quarter. Average funds held at the Federal Reserve of $1.22 billion, grew by $513 million from the second quarter of 2024, earning 5.4% on average for the third quarter. Our cost of funds increased in the third quarter to 1.47%, as our cost of deposits and customer repurchase agreements increased by 14 basis points to 1.01%. The cost of interest-bearing non-maturity deposits increased from the prior quarter by 22 basis points. On average, borrowings decreased by $121 million compared to the second quarter, while continuing to have an average cost of 4.77%. The 26 basis point decrease in net interest margin compared to the third quarter of 2023, was primarily the result of a 55 basis point increase in cost of funds. This increase in cost of funds from the prior year quarter was the result of a 46 basis point increase in the cost of deposits and an increase in the level of borrowings, which grew on average by $411 million. A 25 basis point increase in earning asset yields over the prior year quarter partially offset the increase in funding costs. The higher earning asset yields, included higher loan yields, which grew from 5.07% for the third quarter of 2023 to 5.31% for the third quarter of 2024. The higher earning asset yield was also the result of the increase in average funds held at the Federal Reserve, which grew from 3.1% of earning assets in the third quarter of 2023 to 8.2% in the third quarter of 2024.

    Earning Assets and Deposits
    On average, total earning assets grew by $262 million, or 1.79%, quarter-over-quarter. This growth includes the $513 million increase in average funds on deposit at the Federal Reserve. Investment securities and loans declined on average by $126.9 million and $126.3 million, respectively, when compared to the second quarter of 2024. The decline in investment securities includes the impact of selling approximately $300 million of AFS securities during the third quarter. Compared to the third quarter of 2023, the mix of assets changed modestly, with the average balance of investment securities decreasing by $462.6 million, declining from 37% to 34% of total earning assets. Conversely, the average amount of funds held at the Federal Reserve increased by $748.8 million, growing from 3.1% of total earning assets in the third quarter of 2023 to 8.2% for the third quarter of 2024. Noninterest-bearing deposits declined on average by $28.4 million, or 0.40%, from the second quarter of 2024 and interest-bearing deposits and customer repurchase agreements increased on average by $279.2 million. Compared to the third quarter of 2023, total deposits and customer repurchase agreements declined on average by $503.7 million, or 3.90%, including a decline of $688 million, or 8.8%, in noninterest-bearing deposits. Non-maturity interest-bearing deposits and customer repurchase agreements decreased by $247.5 million on average, while time deposits grew on average by $431.9 million. On average, noninterest-bearing deposits were 59.10% of total deposits during the most recent quarter, compared to 60.20% for the second quarter of 2024 and 62.09% for the third quarter of 2023.

        Three Months Ended  
    SELECTED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024   September 30, 2023  
        (Dollars in thousands)  
    Yield on average investment securities (TE)   2.67 %     2.71 %     2.64 %  
    Yield on average loans   5.31 %     5.26 %     5.07 %  
    Yield on average earning assets (TE)   4.43 %     4.37 %     4.18 %  
    Cost of deposits   0.98 %     0.88 %     0.52 %  
    Cost of funds   1.47 %     1.38 %     0.92 %  
    Net interest margin (TE)   3.05 %     3.05 %     3.31 %  
                               
    Average Earning Asset Mix Avg   % of Total   Avg   % of Total   Avg   % of Total
      Total investment securities $ 5,080,033   34.01 %   $ 5,206,959   35.49 %   $ 5,542,590   37.20 %  
      Interest-earning deposits with other institutions   1,232,551   8.25 %     716,916   4.89 %     473,391   3.18 %  
      Loans   8,605,270   57.61 %     8,731,587   59.51 %     8,862,462   59.48 %  
      Total interest-earning assets   14,935,866         14,673,474         14,900,003      

    Provision for Credit Losses
    There was no provision for credit losses in the third and second quarter of 2024, compared to $2.0 million in provision in the third quarter of 2023. Net recoveries for the third quarter of 2024 were $156,000, compared to net charge-offs $31,000 in the prior quarter. Allowance for credit losses represented 0.97% of gross loans at September 30, 2024, compared to 0.95% at June 30, 2024.

    Noninterest Income
    Noninterest income was $12.8 million for the third quarter of 2024, compared with $14.4 million for the second quarter of 2024 and $14.3 million for the third quarter of 2023. During the third quarter of 2024, the Bank executed sale-leaseback transactions with the sale of two buildings, which operate as Banking Centers, and were simultaneously leased back, resulting in a pre-tax net gain of $9.1 million. The gains on selling the buildings were offset by realizing a pre-tax net loss of $11.6 million on the sale of $312 million of AFS securities. Third quarter income from Bank Owned Life Insurance (“BOLI”) increased by $557,000 from the second quarter of 2024 and increased by $2 million compared to the third quarter of 2023. We experienced $320,000 in death benefits that exceeded the asset value on certain policies in the third quarter of 2024, compared to no death benefits in the second quarter of 2024 and no death benefits in the third quarter of 2023. The year-over-year increase of $2 million in BOLI income was primarily due to the restructuring and enhancements in BOLI policies during the fourth quarter of 2023. Trust and investment service fees grew by 4.0% or $137,000 compared to the prior quarter and by 9.8% or $319,000 compared to the third quarter of 2023.  

    Noninterest Expense
    Noninterest expense for the third quarter of 2024 was $58.8 million, compared to $56.5 million for the second quarter of 2024 and $55.0 million for the third quarter of 2023. The $2.3 million quarter-over-quarter increase included a $1.2 million increase in staff related expense, as annual salary increases took effect in July. The $690,000 quarter-over-quarter increase in regulatory assessments was due to the $700,000 accrual adjustment in the second quarter of 2024 related the FDIC special assessment. There was a $750,000 recapture of provision for unfunded loan commitments in the third quarter of 2024, compared to a $500,000 recapture of provision in the second quarter of 2024 and $900,000 recaptured in the third quarter of 2023. Occupancy and equipment expense grew by $432,000 or 7%, compared to the prior quarter, including the impact of the two buildings that were sold and leased back during the third quarter.

    The $3.8 million increase in noninterest expense year-over-year included increased staff related expenses of $1.9 million, or 5.48%. Professional services increased $738,000, including a $627,000 increase in legal expense year-over-year. Occupancy and equipment expense increased by $586,000, or 10.43% and software expense increased $258,000, or 7% year-over-year. As a percentage of average assets, noninterest expense was 1.42% for the third quarter of 2024, compared to 1.40% for the second quarter of 2024 and 1.33% for the third quarter of 2023. The efficiency ratio for the third quarter of 2024 was 46.53%, compared to 45.10% for the second quarter of 2024 and 39.99% for the third quarter of 2023.  

    Income Taxes
    Our effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was 26.25%, compared with 28.20% for the same period of 2023. Our estimated annual effective tax rate can vary depending upon the level of tax-advantaged income from municipal securities and BOLI, as well as available tax credits.

    BALANCE SHEET HIGHLIGHTS

    Assets
    The Company reported total assets of $15.4 billion at September 30, 2024. This represented a decrease of $748.3 million, or 4.63%, from total assets of $16.15 billion at June 30, 2024. The decrease in assets included a $416.9 million decrease in interest-earning balances due from the Federal Reserve, a $304.8 million decrease in investment securities, and a $109.4 million decrease in net loans.

    Total assets decreased by $617.8 million, or 3.86%, from total assets of $16.02 billion at December 31, 2023. The decrease in assets included a $549.9 million decrease in investment securities, and a $328.4 million decrease in net loans, partially offset by a $142.9 million increase in interest-earning balances due from the Federal Reserve.

    Total assets at September 30, 2024 decreased by $499.8 million, or 3.14%, from total assets of $15.90 billion at September 30, 2023. The decrease in assets was primarily due to a $491.8 million decrease in investment securities and a $299.0 million decrease in net loans, partially offset by an increase of $188.6 million in interest-earning balances due from the Federal Reserve and a $57.1 million increase in the cash surrender value of BOLI.

    Sale-Leaseback Transaction
    During the third quarter of 2024, the Bank executed sale-leaseback transactions and sold two buildings, that are utilized as Banking Centers, for an aggregate sale price of $17 million. The Bank simultaneously entered into lease agreements with the respective purchasers for initial terms of 15 and 18 years. These sale-leaseback transactions resulted in a pre-tax net gain of $9.1 million for the third quarter of 2024. The Bank also recorded Right of Use (“ROU”) assets and corresponding operating lease liabilities each totaling $11.2 million.

    Investment Securities and BOLI
    Total investment securities were $4.87 billion at September 30, 2024, a decrease of $549.9 million, or 10.14% from December 31, 2023, and a decrease of $491.8 million, or 9.17%, from $5.36 billion at September 30, 2023.  

    At September 30, 2024, investment securities available-for-sale (“AFS”) totaled $2.47 billion, inclusive of a pre-tax net unrealized loss of $367.7 million. AFS securities decreased by $280.2 million from the prior quarter end, by $490.5 million, or 16.59%, from December 31, 2023 and decreased by $407.6 million, or 14.19%, from $2.87 billion at September 30, 2023. Pre-tax unrealized loss decreased by $120.2 million from the end of the prior quarter, and declined by $82.1 million from December 31, 2023 and by $260.7 million from September 30, 2023.

    Concurrent with the sale-leaseback transactions during the third quarter of 2024, the Bank sold AFS securities with a book value of $312 million, resulting in a net pre-tax loss of $11.6 million.

    At September 30, 2024, investment securities held-to-maturity (“HTM”) totaled $2.41 billion, a decrease of $24.6 million from the prior quarter end, a $59.4 million, or 2.41% decline from December 31, 2023, and a decrease of $84.2 million, or 3.38%, from September 30, 2023.

    Combined, the AFS and HTM investments in mortgage backed securities (“MBS”) and collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMO”) totaled $3.82 billion or approximately 78% of the total investment securities at September 30, 2024. Virtually all of our MBS and CMO are issued or guaranteed by government or government sponsored enterprises, which have the implied guarantee of the U.S. Government. In addition, at September 30, 2024, we had $552.6 million of Government Agency securities that represent approximately 11.3% of the total investment securities.

    Our combined AFS and HTM municipal securities totaled $485.7 million as of September 30, 2024, or 10% of our total investment portfolio. These securities are located in 35 states. Our largest concentrations of holdings by state, as a percentage of total municipal bonds, are located in Texas at 16.09%, Minnesota at 11.07%, and California at 9.71%.

    At September 30, 2024, the Company had $316.6 million of Bank Owned Life insurance (“BOLI”), compared to $308.7 million at December 31, 2023 and $259.5 million at September 30, 2023. The $57.1 million increase in value of BOLI, when compared to September 30, 2023, was primarily due to a restructuring of the Company’s life insurance policies at the end of 2023, including a $4.5 million write-down in value on surrender policies that was offset by a $10.9 million enhancement to cash surrender values, as well as additional policy purchases totaling $41 million. This restructuring has increased returns on our BOLI policies resulting in additional non-taxable noninterest income in 2024.

    Loans
    Total loans and leases, at amortized cost, of $8.57 billion at September 30, 2024 decreased by $109.3 million, or 1.26%, from June 30, 2024. The quarter-over quarter decrease in loans included decreases of $46.3 million in commercial real estate loans, $37.5 million in construction loans, $19.7 million in commercial and industrial loans, and $8.1 million in dairy & livestock and agribusiness loans.

    Total loans and leases, at amortized cost, decreased by $332.3 million, or 3.73%, from December 31, 2023. The decrease in total loans included decreases of $165.9 million in commercial real estate loans, $70.5 million in dairy & livestock and agribusiness loans, $52.0 million in construction loans, and $33.4 million in commercial and industrial loans.

    Total loans and leases, at amortized cost, decreased by $305.1 million, or 3.44%, from September 30, 2023. The $305.1 million decrease included decreases of $224.4 million in commercial real estate loans, $48.3 million in construction loans, $13.1 million in SBA loans, $9.0 million in dairy & livestock and agribusiness loans, and $8.0 million in municipal lease financings.

    Asset Quality
    During the third quarter of 2024, we experienced credit charge-offs of $26,000 and total recoveries of $182,000, resulting in net recoveries of $156,000. The allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) totaled $82.9 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $82.8 million at June 30, 2024 and $89.0 million at September 30, 2023. At September 30, 2024, ACL as a percentage of total loans and leases outstanding was 0.97%. This compares to 0.95% at June 30, 2024 and 0.98% at December 31, 2023 and 1.00% at September 30, 2023.

    Nonperforming loans, defined as nonaccrual loans, including modified loans on nonaccrual, plus loans 90 days past due and accruing interest, and nonperforming assets, defined as nonperforming plus OREO, are highlighted below.

    Nonperforming Assets and Delinquency Trends September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2023    		    
               
    Nonperforming loans   (Dollars in thousands)    
    Commercial real estate   $ 18,794     $ 21,908     $ 3,655      
    SBA     151       337       1,050      
    Commercial and industrial     2,825       2,712       4,672      
    Dairy & livestock and agribusiness     143       –       243      
    SFR mortgage     –       –       339      
    Consumer and other loans     –       –       4      
    Total   $ 21,913     $ 24,957     $ 9,963   [1]  
    % of Total loans     0.26 %     0.29 %     0.11 %    
    OREO                
    Commercial real estate   $ –     $ –     $ –      
    Commercial and industrial     647       647       –      
    SFR mortgage     –       –       –      
    Total   $ 647     $ 647     $ –      
                     
    Total nonperforming assets   $ 22,560     $ 25,604     $ 9,963      
    % of Nonperforming assets to total assets     0.15 %     0.16 %     0.06 %    
                     
    Past due 30-89 days (accruing)                
    Commercial real estate   $ 30,701     $ 43     $ 136      
    SBA     –       –       –      
    Commercial and industrial     64       103       –      
    Dairy & livestock and agribusiness     –       –       –      
    SFR mortgage     –       –       –      
    Consumer and other loans     –       –       –      
    Total   $ 30,765     $ 146     $ 136      
    % of Total loans     0.36 %     0.00 %     0.00 %    
                     
    Classified Loans   $ 124,606     $ 124,728     $ 92,246      
         
    [1] Includes $2.6 million of nonaccrual loans past due 30-89 days.    

    The $3.0 million decrease in nonperforming loans from June 30, 2024 was primarily due to the payoff of one nonperforming commercial real estate loans totaling $2.3 million and $1.4 million in paydowns of nonperforming commercial real estate loans associated with two relationships. Past due loans grew to more than $30 million on September 30, 2024. Classified loans are loans that are graded “substandard” or worse. Classified loans decreased $122,000 quarter-over-quarter, primarily due to a $668,000 net decrease in classified commercial real estate loans, which included the payoff of 4 loans totaling $11.5 million that were partially offset by the addition of six classified commercial real estate loans in the third quarter of 2024. Classified dairy & livestock and agribusiness loans declined by $3.5 million due to paydowns and classified commercial and industrial loans increased $3.5 million primarily due to the addition of one classified commercial and industrial loan.

    Deposits & Customer Repurchase Agreements
    Deposits of $12.07 billion and customer repurchase agreements of $394.5 million totaled $12.47 billion at September 30, 2024. This represented a net increase of $407.9 million compared to June 30, 2024. Total deposits at September 30, 2024 included $400 million in brokered time deposits. Total deposits and customer repurchase agreements increased $761.7 million, or 6.51%, when compared to $11.71 billion at December 31, 2023 partially due to the growth in brokered deposits, and decreased $161.3 million, or 1.28% when compared to $12.63 billion at September 30, 2023.

    Noninterest-bearing deposits were $7.14 billion at September 30, 2024, an increase of $46.7 million, or 0.66%, when compared to $7.09 billion at June 30, 2024. Noninterest-bearing deposits decreased by $69.4 million, or 0.96% when compared to $7.21 billion at December 31, 2023, and decreased by $449.8 million, or 5.93% when compared to $7.59 billion at September 30, 2023. At September 30, 2024, noninterest-bearing deposits were 59.12% of total deposits, compared to 60.13% at June 30, 2024, 63.03% at December 31, 2023, and 61.39% at September 30, 2023.

    Borrowings
    As of September 30, 2024, total borrowings consisted of $500 million of FHLB advances. The FHLB advances include maturities of $300 million, at an average cost of approximately 4.73%, maturing in May of 2026, and $200 million, at a cost of 4.27% maturing in May of 2027. During the third quarter of 2024, we repaid the $1.3 billion of borrowings from the Federal Reserve’s Bank Term Funding Program, with a cost of 4.76%, that were scheduled to mature in January of 2025.

    Capital
    The Company’s total equity was $2.20 billion at September 30, 2024. This represented an overall increase of $119.9 million from total equity of $2.08 billion at December 31, 2023. Increases to equity included $149.9 million in net earnings and a $48.7 million increase in other comprehensive income, that were partially offset by $83.9 million in cash dividends. We engaged in no stock repurchases during the first nine months of 2024. Our tangible book value per share at September 30, 2024 was $10.17.

    Our capital ratios under the revised capital framework referred to as Basel III remain well-above regulatory standards. 

            CVB Financial Corp. Consolidated  
    Capital Ratios   Minimum Required Plus Capital Conservation Buffer   September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023   September 30, 2023  
                       
    Tier 1 leverage capital ratio   4.0 %   10.6 %   10.3 %   10.0 %  
    Common equity Tier 1 capital ratio   7.0 %   15.8 %   14.6 %   14.4 %  
    Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio   8.5 %   15.8 %   14.6 %   14.4 %  
    Total risk-based capital ratio   10.5 %   16.6 %   15.5 %   15.3 %  
                       
    Tangible common equity ratio       9.7 %   8.5 %   7.7 %  
                       

    CitizensTrust

    As of September 30, 2024, CitizensTrust had approximately $4.7 billion in assets under management and administration, including $3.3 billion in assets under management. Revenues were $3.6 million for the third quarter of 2024, compared to $3.2 million for the same period of 2023. CitizensTrust provides trust, investment and brokerage related services, as well as financial, estate and business succession planning.

    Corporate Overview
    CVB Financial Corp. (“CVBF”) is the holding company for Citizens Business Bank. CVBF is one of the 10 largest bank holding companies headquartered in California with more than $15 billion in total assets. Citizens Business Bank is consistently recognized as one of the top performing banks in the nation and offers a wide array of banking, lending and investing services with more than 60 banking centers and three trust office locations serving California.

    Shares of CVB Financial Corp. common stock are listed on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “CVBF”. For investor information on CVB Financial Corp., visit our Citizens Business Bank website at www.cbbank.com and click on the “Investors” tab.

    Conference Call
    Management will hold a conference call at 7:30 a.m. PDT/10:30 a.m. EDT on Thursday, October 24, 2024 to discuss the Company’s third quarter 2024 financial results. The conference call can be accessed live by registering at: https://register.vevent.com/register/BI6b56a1a5e9bf45efa402c04252b87308

    The conference call will also be simultaneously webcast over the Internet; please visit our Citizens Business Bank website at www.cbbank.com and click on the “Investors” tab to access the call from the site. Please access the website 15 minutes prior to the call to download any necessary audio software. This webcast will be recorded and available for replay on the Company’s website approximately two hours after the conclusion of the conference call and will be available on the website for approximately 12 months.

    Safe Harbor
    Certain statements set forth herein constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “will likely result”, “aims”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “could”, “estimates”, “expects”, “hopes”, “intends”, “may”, “plans”, “projects”, “seeks”, “should”, “will,” “strategy”, “possibility”, and variations of these words and similar expressions help to identify these forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or performance to differ materially from those projected. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on the Company including, without limitation, plans, strategies, goals and statements about the Company’s outlook regarding revenue and asset growth, financial performance and profitability, capital and liquidity levels, loan and deposit levels, growth and retention, yields and returns, loan diversification and credit management, stockholder value creation, tax rates, the impact of economic developments, and the impact of acquisitions we have made or may make. Such statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond the control of the Company, and there can be no assurance that future developments affecting the Company will be the same as those anticipated by management. The Company cautions readers that a number of important factors, in addition to those set forth below, could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, such forward-looking statements.

    General risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: the strength of the United States economy in general and the strength of the local economies in which we conduct business; the effects of, and changes in, trade, monetary, and fiscal policies and laws, including interest rate policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; inflation/deflation, interest rate, market and monetary fluctuations; the effect of acquisitions we have made or may make, including, without limitation, the failure to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals, the failure to achieve the expected revenue growth and/or expense savings from such acquisitions, and/or the failure to effectively integrate an acquisition target, key personnel and customers into our operations; the timely development of competitive products and services and the acceptance of these products and services by new and existing customers; the impact of changes in financial services policies, laws, and regulations, including those concerning banking, taxes, securities, and insurance, and the application thereof by regulatory agencies; the effectiveness of our risk management framework and quantitative models; changes in the level of our nonperforming assets and charge-offs; the effect of changes in accounting policies and practices or accounting standards, as may be adopted from time-to-time by bank regulatory agencies, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other accounting standards setters; possible credit related impairments or declines in the fair value of loans and securities held by us; possible impairment charges to goodwill on our balance sheet; changes in customer spending, borrowing, and savings habits; the effects of our lack of a diversified loan portfolio, including the risks of geographic and industry concentrations; periodic fluctuations in commercial or residential real estate prices or values; our ability to attract or retain deposits (including low cost deposits) or to access government or private lending facilities and other sources of liquidity; the possibility that we may reduce or discontinue the payment of dividends on our common stock; changes in the financial performance and/or condition of our borrowers; changes in the competitive environment among financial and bank holding companies and other financial service providers; technological changes in banking and financial services; systemic or non-systemic bank failures or crises; geopolitical conditions, including acts or threats of terrorism, actions taken by the United States or other governments in response to acts or threats of terrorism, and/or military conflicts, which could impact business and economic conditions in the United States and abroad; catastrophic events or natural disasters, including earthquakes, drought, climate change or extreme weather events that may affect our assets, communications or computer services, customers, employees or third party vendors; public health crises and pandemics, and their effects on our asset credit quality, business operations, and employees, as well as the impact on general economic and financial market conditions; cybersecurity threats and fraud and the costs of defending against them, including the costs of compliance with legislation or regulations to combat fraud and cybersecurity threats; our ability to recruit and retain key executives, board members and other employees, and our ability to comply with federal and state employment laws and regulations; ongoing or unanticipated regulatory or legal proceedings or outcomes; and our ability to manage the risks involved in the foregoing. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements are discussed in the Company’s 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC and available at the SEC’s Internet site (http://www.sec.gov).

    The Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect occurrences or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements, except as required by law. Any statements about future operating results, such as those concerning accretion and dilution to the Company’s earnings or shareholders, are for illustrative purposes only, are not forecasts, and actual results may differ.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures — Certain financial information provided in this earnings release has not been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and is presented on a non-GAAP basis. Investors and analysts should refer to the reconciliations included in this earnings release and should consider the Company’s non-GAAP measures in addition to, not as a substitute for or as superior to, measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. These measures may or may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.

    CVB FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)
                 
                 
        September 30,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023    		   September 30,
    2023
     
    Cash and due from banks   $ 200,651     $ 171,396     $ 176,488  
    Interest-earning balances due from Federal Reserve     252,809       109,889       64,207  
    Total cash and cash equivalents     453,460       281,285       240,695  
    Interest-earning balances due from depository institutions     24,338       8,216       4,108  
    Investment securities available-for-sale     2,465,585       2,956,125       2,873,163  
    Investment securities held-to-maturity     2,405,254       2,464,610       2,489,441  
    Total investment securities     4,870,839       5,420,735       5,362,604  
    Investment in stock of Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB)     18,012       18,012       18,012  
    Loans and lease finance receivables     8,572,565       8,904,910       8,877,632  
    Allowance for credit losses     (82,942 )     (86,842 )     (88,995 )
    Net loans and lease finance receivables     8,489,623       8,818,068       8,788,637  
    Premises and equipment, net     36,275       44,709       44,561  
    Bank owned life insurance (BOLI)     316,553       308,706       259,468  
    Intangibles     11,130       15,291       16,736  
    Goodwill     765,822       765,822       765,822  
    Other assets     417,164       340,149       402,372  
    Total assets   $ 15,403,216     $ 16,020,993     $ 15,903,015  
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity            
    Liabilities:            
    Deposits:            
    Noninterest-bearing   $ 7,136,824     $ 7,206,175     $ 7,586,649  
    Investment checking     504,028       552,408       560,223  
    Savings and money market     3,745,707       3,278,664       3,906,187  
    Time deposits     685,930       396,395       305,727  
    Total deposits     12,072,489       11,433,642       12,358,786  
    Customer repurchase agreements     394,515       271,642       269,552  
    Other borrowings     500,000       2,070,000       1,120,000  
    Other liabilities     238,381       167,737       203,276  
    Total liabilities     13,205,385       13,943,021       13,951,614  
    Stockholders’ Equity            
    Stockholders’ equity     2,472,660       2,401,541       2,378,539  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax     (274,829 )     (323,569 )     (427,138 )
    Total stockholders’ equity     2,197,831       2,077,972       1,951,401  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 15,403,216     $ 16,020,993     $ 15,903,015  
                 
    CVB FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS
    (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)
                         
                         
          Three Months Ended
    		    Nine Months Ended
        September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2023    		   September 30,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2023
    Assets                    
    Cash and due from banks   $ 162,383     $ 162,724     $ 176,133     $ 162,385     $ 176,559  
    Interest-earning balances due from Federal Reserve     1,216,671       704,023       467,873       786,282       285,573  
    Total cash and cash equivalents     1,379,054       866,747       644,006       948,667       462,132  
    Interest-earning balances due from depository institutions     15,880       12,893       5,518       13,161       7,630  
    Investment securities available-for-sale     2,661,990       2,764,096       3,040,965       2,774,981       3,139,369  
    Investment securities held-to-maturity     2,418,043       2,442,863       2,501,625       2,439,427       2,524,799  
    Total investment securities     5,080,033       5,206,959       5,542,590       5,214,408       5,664,168  
    Investment in stock of FHLB     18,012       18,012       21,560       18,012       27,460  
    Loans and lease finance receivables     8,605,270       8,731,587       8,862,462       8,720,058       8,905,697  
    Allowance for credit losses     (82,810 )     (82,815 )     (86,986 )     (83,788 )     (86,222 )
    Net loans and lease finance receivables     8,522,460       8,648,772       8,775,476       8,636,270       8,819,475  
    Premises and equipment, net     38,906       43,624       45,315       42,291       45,731  
    Bank owned life insurance (BOLI)     315,435       312,645       258,485       312,574       257,358  
    Intangibles     11,819       13,258       17,526       13,216       19,256  
    Goodwill     765,822       765,822       765,822       765,822       765,822  
    Other assets     365,740       390,834       357,280       368,951       343,782  
    Total assets   $ 16,513,161     $ 16,279,566     $ 16,433,578     $ 16,333,372     $ 16,412,814  
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity                    
    Liabilities:                    
    Deposits:                    
    Noninterest-bearing   $ 7,124,952     $ 7,153,315     $ 7,813,120     $ 7,153,557     $ 7,908,749  
    Interest-bearing     4,931,220       4,728,864       4,769,897       4,705,566       4,624,848  
    Total deposits     12,056,172       11,882,179       12,583,017       11,859,123       12,533,597  
    Customer repurchase agreements     363,959       287,128       340,809       320,280       461,478  
    Other borrowings     1,729,405       1,850,330       1,318,098       1,856,771       1,273,521  
    Other liabilities     196,832       157,463       164,624       174,328       133,046  
    Total liabilities     14,346,368       14,177,100       14,406,548       14,210,502       14,401,642  
    Stockholders’ Equity                    
    Stockholders’ equity     2,479,766       2,456,945       2,383,922       2,456,348       2,357,028  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax     (312,973 )     (354,479 )     (356,892 )     (333,478 )     (345,856 )
    Total stockholders’ equity     2,166,793       2,102,466       2,027,030       2,122,870       2,011,172  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 16,513,161     $ 16,279,566     $ 16,433,578     $ 16,333,372     $ 16,412,814  
                         
    CVB FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
    (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
                         
                         
          Three Months Ended
    		        Nine Months Ended
        September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2023    		   September 30,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2023
    Interest income:                    
    Loans and leases, including fees   $ 114,929     $ 114,200     $ 113,190     $ 345,478     $ 332,574
    Investment securities:                    
    Investment securities available-for-sale     20,178       21,225       22,441       62,849       61,393
    Investment securities held-to-maturity     13,284       13,445       13,576       40,131       41,272
    Total investment income     33,462       34,670       36,017       102,980       102,665
    Dividends from FHLB stock     375       377       598       1,171       1,430
    Interest-earning deposits with other institutions     16,986       9,825       6,422       32,884       11,583
    Total interest income     165,752       159,072       156,227       482,513       448,252
    Interest expense:                    
    Deposits     29,821       25,979       16,517       77,166       32,647
    Borrowings and customer repurchase agreements     22,312       22,244       16,339       68,418       46,971
    Total interest expense     52,133       48,223       32,856       145,584       79,618
    Net interest income before provision for (recapture of) credit losses     113,619       110,849       123,371       336,929       368,634
    Provision for (recapture of) credit losses     –       –       2,000       –       4,000
    Net interest income after provision for (recapture of) credit losses     113,619       110,849       121,371       336,929       364,634
    Noninterest income:                    
    Service charges on deposit accounts     5,120       5,117       5,062       15,273       15,244
    Trust and investment services     3,565       3,428       3,246       10,217       9,475
    Loss on sale of AFS investment securities     (11,582 )     –       –       (11,582 )     –
    Gain on sale leaseback transactions     9,106       –       –       9,106       –
    Other     6,625       5,879       6,001       18,357       15,448
    Total noninterest income     12,834       14,424       14,309       41,371       40,167
    Noninterest expense:                    
    Salaries and employee benefits     36,647       35,426       34,744       108,474       103,539
    Occupancy and equipment     6,204       5,772       5,618       17,541       16,585
    Professional services     2,855       2,726       2,117       7,836       6,375
    Computer software expense     3,906       3,949       3,648       11,380       10,372
    Marketing and promotion     1,964       1,956       1,628       5,550       4,664
    Amortization of intangible assets     1,286       1,437       1,567       4,161       5,006
    (Recapture of) provision for unfunded loan commitments     (750 )     (500 )     (900 )     (1,250 )     –
    Other     6,723       5,731       6,636       21,411       17,415
    Total noninterest expense     58,835       56,497       55,058       175,103       163,956
    Earnings before income taxes     67,618       68,776       80,622       203,197       240,845
    Income taxes     16,394       18,741       22,735       53,339       67,918
    Net earnings   $ 51,224     $ 50,035     $ 57,887     $ 149,858     $ 172,927
                         
    Basic earnings per common share   $ 0.37     $ 0.36     $ 0.42     $ 1.07     $ 1.24
    Diluted earnings per common share   $ 0.37     $ 0.36     $ 0.42     $ 1.07     $ 1.24
    Cash dividends declared per common share   $ 0.20     $ 0.20     $ 0.20     $ 0.60     $ 0.60
                         
    CVB FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    SELECTED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
    (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
                         
        Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
        September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2023    		   September 30,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2023
    Interest income – tax equivalent (TE)   $ 166,285     $ 159,607     $ 156,771     $ 484,120     $ 449,888  
    Interest expense     52,133       48,223       32,856       145,584       79,618  
    Net interest income – (TE)   $ 114,152     $ 111,384     $ 123,915     $ 338,536     $ 370,270  
                         
    Return on average assets, annualized     1.23 %     1.24 %     1.40 %     1.23 %     1.41 %
    Return on average equity, annualized     9.40 %     9.57 %     11.33 %     9.43 %     11.50 %
    Efficiency ratio [1]     46.53 %     45.10 %     39.99 %     46.29 %     40.11 %
    Noninterest expense to average assets, annualized     1.42 %     1.40 %     1.33 %     1.43 %     1.34 %
    Yield on average loans     5.31 %     5.26 %     5.07 %     5.29 %     4.99 %
    Yield on average earning assets (TE)     4.43 %     4.37 %     4.18 %     4.38 %     4.04 %
    Cost of deposits     0.98 %     0.88 %     0.52 %     0.87 %     0.35 %
    Cost of deposits and customer repurchase agreements     1.01 %     0.87 %     0.51 %     0.87 %     0.34 %
    Cost of funds     1.47 %     1.38 %     0.92 %     1.39 %     0.75 %
    Net interest margin (TE)     3.05 %     3.05 %     3.31 %     3.06 %     3.32 %
    [1] Noninterest expense divided by net interest income before provision for credit losses plus noninterest income.        
                         
    Tangible Common Equity Ratio (TCE) [2]                    
      CVB Financial Corp. Consolidated     9.71 %     8.68 %     7.73 %        
      Citizens Business Bank     9.59 %     8.57 %     7.63 %        
    [2] (Capital – [GW+Intangibles])/(Total Assets – [GW+Intangibles])        
                         
    Weighted average shares outstanding                    
    Basic     138,649,763       138,583,510       138,345,000       138,415,424       138,360,531  
    Diluted     138,839,499       138,669,058       138,480,633       138,548,651       138,481,462  
    Dividends declared   $ 27,977     $ 28,018     $ 27,901     $ 83,881     $ 83,695  
    Dividend payout ratio [3]     54.62 %     56.00 %     48.20 %     55.97 %     48.40 %
    [3] Dividends declared on common stock divided by net earnings.        
                         
    Number of shares outstanding – (end of period)     139,678,314       139,677,162       139,337,699          
    Book value per share   $ 15.73     $ 15.12     $ 14.00          
    Tangible book value per share   $ 10.17     $ 9.55     $ 8.39          
                         
        September 30,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023    		   September 30,
    2023    		        
                   
    Nonperforming assets:                    
    Nonaccrual loans   $ 21,913     $ 21,302     $ 9,963          
    Other real estate owned (OREO), net     647       –       –          
    Total nonperforming assets   $ 22,560     $ 21,302     $ 9,963          
    Modified loans/performing troubled debt restructured loans (TDR) [4]   $ 15,769     $ 9,460     $ 7,304          
                         
    [4] Effective January 1, 2023, performing and nonperforming TDRs are reflected as Loan Modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty.        
                         
    Percentage of nonperforming assets to total loans outstanding and OREO     0.26 %     0.24 %     0.11 %        
    Percentage of nonperforming assets to total assets     0.15 %     0.13 %     0.06 %        
    Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming assets     367.65 %     407.67 %     893.26 %        
                         
        Three Months Ended    Nine Months Ended
        September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2023    		   September 30,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2023
    Allowance for credit losses:                    
     Beginning balance   $ 82,786     $ 82,817     $ 86,967     $ 86,842     $ 85,117  
    Total charge-offs     (26 )     (51 )     (26 )     (4,344 )     (224 )
    Total recoveries on loans previously charged-off     182       20       54       444       102  
    Net recoveries (charge-offs)     156       (31 )     28       (3,900 )     (122 )
    Provision for (recapture of) credit losses     –       –       2,000       –       4,000  
    Allowance for credit losses at end of period   $ 82,942     $ 82,786     $ 88,995     $ 82,942     $ 88,995  
                         
    Net recoveries (charge-offs) to average loans     0.002 %     -0.000 %     0.000 %     -0.045 %     -0.001 %
                         
    CVB FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES  
    SELECTED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS  
    (Unaudited)  
    (Dollars in millions)  
                                             
    Allowance for Credit Losses by Loan Type                                    
                                             
        September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023   September 30, 2023    
        Allowance
    For Credit
    Losses    		   Allowance
    as a % of
    Total Loans
    by Respective
    Loan Type    		   Allowance
    For Credit
    Losses    		   Allowance
    as a % of
    Total Loans
    by Respective
    Loan Type    		   Allowance
    For Credit
    Losses    		   Allowance
    as a % of
    Total Loans
    by Respective
    Loan Type    		    
                                             
    Commercial real estate   $ 69.7     1.05 %     $ 69.5     1.02 %     $ 70.9     1.04 %      
    Construction     0.5     3.07 %       1.3     1.91 %       1.0     1.59 %      
    SBA     2.5     0.92 %       2.7     0.99 %       3.0     1.08 %      
    Commercial and industrial     5.3     0.56 %       9.1     0.94 %       9.3     0.99 %      
    Dairy & livestock and agribusiness     3.8     1.12 %       3.1     0.75 %       3.6     1.01 %      
    Municipal lease finance receivables     0.2     0.28 %       0.2     0.29 %       0.3     0.33 %      
    SFR mortgage     0.4     0.16 %       0.5     0.20 %       0.5     0.20 %      
    Consumer and other loans     0.5     0.99 %       0.4     0.85 %       0.4     0.82 %      
                                             
    Total   $ 82.9     0.97 %     $ 86.8     0.98 %     $ 89.0     1.00 %      
                                             
    CVB FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES  
    SELECTED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS  
    (Unaudited)  
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)  
                               
    Quarterly Common Stock Price  
                               
          2024       2023       2022    
    Quarter End   High   Low   High   Low   High   Low  
    March 31,   $ 20.45   $ 15.95     $ 25.98     $ 16.34     $ 24.37     $ 21.36    
    June 30,   $ 17.91   $ 15.71     $ 16.89     $ 10.66     $ 25.59     $ 22.37    
    September 30,   $ 20.29   $ 16.08     $ 19.66     $ 12.89     $ 28.14     $ 22.63    
    December 31,   $ –   $ –     $ 21.77     $ 14.62     $ 29.25     $ 25.26    
                               
    Quarterly Consolidated Statements of Earnings  
                               
            Q3   Q2   Q1   Q4   Q3  
              2024       2024       2024       2023       2023    
    Interest income                          
    Loans and leases, including fees       $ 114,929     $ 114,200     $ 116,349     $ 115,721     $ 113,190    
    Investment securities and other         50,823       44,872       41,340       42,357       43,037    
    Total interest income         165,752       159,072       157,689       158,078       156,227    
    Interest expense                          
    Deposits         29,821       25,979       21,366       18,888       16,517    
    Borrowings and customer repurchase agreements     22,312       22,244       23,862       19,834       16,339    
    Total interest expense         52,133       48,223       45,228       38,722       32,856    
    Net interest income before (recapture of)                      
    provision for credit losses         113,619       110,849       112,461       119,356       123,371    
    (Recapture of) provision for credit losses     –       –       –       (2,000 )     2,000    
    Net interest income after (recapture of)                      
    provision for credit losses         113,619       110,849       112,461       121,356       121,371    
                               
    Noninterest income         12,834       14,424       14,113       19,163       14,309    
    Noninterest expense         58,835       56,497       59,771       65,930       55,058    
    Earnings before income taxes         67,618       68,776       66,803       74,589       80,622    
    Income taxes         16,394       18,741       18,204       26,081       22,735    
    Net earnings       $ 51,224     $ 50,035     $ 48,599     $ 48,508     $ 57,887    
                               
    Effective tax rate         24.25 %     27.25 %     27.25 %     34.97 %     28.20 %  
                               
    Basic earnings per common share       $ 0.37     $ 0.36     $ 0.35     $ 0.35     $ 0.42    
    Diluted earnings per common share     $ 0.37     $ 0.36     $ 0.35     $ 0.35     $ 0.42    
                               
    Cash dividends declared per common share   $ 0.20     $ 0.20     $ 0.20     $ 0.20     $ 0.20    
                               
    Cash dividends declared       $ 27,977     $ 28,018     $ 27,886     $ 27,945     $ 27,901    
                               
    CVB FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    SELECTED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
    (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)
                         
    Loan Portfolio by Type
        September 30, June 30,   March 31,   December 31,   September 30,
          2024       2024       2024       2023       2023  
                         
    Commercial and industrial   $ 6,618,637     $ 6,664,925     $ 6,720,538     $ 6,784,505     $ 6,843,059  
    Construction     14,755       52,227       58,806       66,734       63,022  
    SBA     272,001       267,938       268,320       270,619       283,124  
    SBA – PPP     1,255       1,757       2,249       2,736       3,233  
    Commercial and industrial     936,489       956,184       963,120       969,895       938,064  
    Dairy & livestock and agribusiness     342,445       350,562       351,624       412,891       351,463  
    Municipal lease finance receivables     67,585       70,889       72,032       73,590       75,621  
    SFR mortgage     267,181       267,593       276,475       269,868       268,171  
    Consumer and other loans     52,217       49,771       57,549       54,072       51,875  
    Gross loans, at amortized cost     8,572,565       8,681,846       8,770,713       8,904,910       8,877,632  
    Allowance for credit losses     (82,942 )     (82,786 )     (82,817 )     (86,842 )     (88,995 )
    Net loans   $ 8,489,623     $ 8,599,060     $ 8,687,896     $ 8,818,068     $ 8,788,637  
                         
                         
                         
    Deposit Composition by Type and Customer Repurchase Agreements
                         
        September 30, June 30,   March 31,   December 31,   September 30,
          2024       2024       2024       2023       2023  
                         
    Noninterest-bearing   $ 7,136,824     $ 7,090,095     $ 7,112,789     $ 7,206,175     $ 7,586,649  
    Investment checking     504,028       515,930       545,066       552,408       560,223  
    Savings and money market     3,745,707       3,409,320       3,561,512       3,278,664       3,906,187  
    Time deposits     685,930       774,980       675,554       396,395       305,727  
    Total deposits     12,072,489       11,790,325       11,894,921       11,433,642       12,358,786  
                         
    Customer repurchase agreements     394,515       268,826       275,720       271,642       269,552  
    Total deposits and customer repurchase agreements   $ 12,467,004     $ 12,059,151     $ 12,170,641     $ 11,705,284     $ 12,628,338  
                         
    CVB FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES  
    SELECTED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS  
    (Unaudited)  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
                           
    Nonperforming Assets and Delinquency Trends  
        September 30, June 30,   March 31,   December 31,   September 30,
    		  
          2024       2024       2024       2023       2023    
    Nonperforming loans:                      
    Commercial real estate   $ 18,794     $ 21,908     $ 10,661     $ 15,440     $ 3,655    
    Construction     –       –       –       –       –    
    SBA     151       337       54       969       1,050    
    Commercial and industrial     2,825       2,712       2,727       4,509       4,672    
    Dairy & livestock and agribusiness     143       –       60       60       243    
    SFR mortgage     –       –       308       324       339    
    Consumer and other loans     –       –       –       –       4    
    Total   $ 21,913     $ 24,957     $ 13,810     $ 21,302     $ 9,963   [1]
    % of Total loans     0.26 %     0.29 %     0.16 %     0.24 %     0.11 %  
                           
    Past due 30-89 days (accruing):                      
    Commercial real estate   $ 30,701     $ 43     $ 19,781     $ 300     $ 136    
    Construction     –       –       –       –       –    
    SBA     –       –       408       108       –    
    Commercial and industrial     64       103       6       12       –    
    Dairy & livestock and agribusiness     –       –       –       –       –    
    SFR mortgage     –       –       –       201       –    
    Consumer and other loans     –       –       –       18       –    
    Total   $ 30,765     $ 146     $ 20,195     $ 639     $ 136    
    % of Total loans     0.36 %     0.00 %     0.23 %     0.01 %     0.00 %  
                           
    OREO:                      
    Commercial real estate   $ –     $ –     $ –     $ –     $ –    
    SBA     –       –       –       –       –    
    Commercial and industrial     647       647       647       –       –    
    SFR mortgage     –       –       –       –       –    
    Total   $ 647     $ 647     $ 647     $ –     $ –    
    Total nonperforming, past due, and OREO   $ 53,325     $ 25,750     $ 34,652     $ 21,941     $ 10,099    
    % of Total loans     0.62 %     0.30 %     0.40 %     0.25 %     0.11 %  
                           
      [1] Includes $2.6 million of nonaccrual loans past due 30-89 days.                
                           
       
    CVB FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES  
    SELECTED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS  
    (Unaudited)  
                       
    Regulatory Capital Ratios  
                       
                       
                       
            CVB Financial Corp. Consolidated  
    Capital Ratios   Minimum Required Plus
    Capital Conservation Buffer    		   September 30,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023    		   September 30,
    2023    		  
                       
    Tier 1 leverage capital ratio   4.0 %   10.6 %   10.3 %   10.0 %  
    Common equity Tier 1 capital ratio   7.0 %   15.8 %   14.6 %   14.4 %  
    Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio   8.5 %   15.8 %   14.6 %   14.4 %  
    Total risk-based capital ratio   10.5 %   16.6 %   15.5 %   15.3 %  
                       
    Tangible common equity ratio       9.7 %   8.5 %   7.7 %  
                       
    Tangible Book Value Reconciliations (Non-GAAP)
     
    The tangible book value per share is a Non-GAAP disclosure. The Company uses certain non-GAAP financial measures to provide supplemental information regarding the Company’s performance. The following is a reconciliation of tangible book value to the Company stockholders’ equity computed in accordance with GAAP, as well as a calculation of tangible book value per share as of September 30, 2024, December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023.   
     
                   
          September 30,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023    		   September 30,
    2023    		  
          (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)  
                 
    Stockholders’ equity   $ 2,197,831     $ 2,077,972     $ 1,951,401  
    Less: Goodwill     (765,822 )     (765,822 )     (765,822 )
    Less: Intangible assets     (11,130 )     (15,291 )     (16,736 )
    Tangible book value   $ 1,420,879     $ 1,296,859     $ 1,168,843  
    Common shares issued and outstanding     139,678,314       139,344,981       139,337,699  
    Tangible book value per share   $ 10.17     $ 9.31     $ 8.39  
                 
    Return on Average Tangible Common Equity Reconciliations (Non-GAAP)
                             
    The return on average tangible common equity is a non-GAAP disclosure. The Company uses certain non-GAAP financial measures to provide supplemental information regarding the Company’s performance. The following is a reconciliation of net income, adjusted for tax-effected amortization of intangibles, to net income computed in accordance with GAAP; a reconciliation of average tangible common equity to the Company’s average stockholders’ equity computed in accordance with GAAP; as well as a calculation of return on average tangible common equity.
     
          Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended
          September 30, June 30,   September 30, September 30, September 30,
            2024       2024       2023       2024       2023    
          (Dollars in thousands)  
                             
      Net Income   $ 51,224     $ 50,035     $ 57,887     $ 149,858     $ 172,927    
      Add: Amortization of intangible assets     1,286       1,437       1,567       4,161       5,006    
      Less: Tax effect of amortization of intangible assets [1]     (380 )     (425 )     (463 )     (1,230 )     (1,480 )  
      Tangible net income   $ 52,130     $ 51,047     $ 58,991     $ 152,789     $ 176,453    
                             
      Average stockholders’ equity   $ 2,166,793     $ 2,102,466     $ 2,027,030     $ 2,122,870     $ 2,011,172    
      Less: Average goodwill     (765,822 )     (765,822 )     (765,822 )     (765,822 )     (765,822 )  
      Less: Average intangible assets     (11,819 )     (13,258 )     (17,526 )     (13,216 )     (19,256 )  
      Average tangible common equity   $ 1,389,152     $ 1,323,386     $ 1,243,682     $ 1,343,832     $ 1,226,094    
                             
      Return on average equity, annualized [2]     9.40 %     9.57 %     11.33 %     9.43 %     11.50 %  
      Return on average tangible common equity, annualized [2]     14.93 %     15.51 %     18.82 %     15.19 %     19.24 %  
                             
                             
      [1] Tax effected at respective statutory rates.                      
      [2] Annualized where applicable.                      
                             

    Contact:        
    David A. Brager        
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    (909) 980-4030

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Little Rock Man Sentenced to Over 17 Years In Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking Methamphetamine and Fentanyl, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug-Trafficking Crime

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

          LITTLE ROCK—Christopher Monroe, a multi-convicted felon, will spend the next 215 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by United States District Judge Brian S. Miller.

          Monroe, 44, of Little Rock, was indicted on June 6, 2023, in a six-count indictment charging possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. 

          On April 12, 2024, Monroe pleaded guilty to the fentanyl and methamphetamine crimes, as well as to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Today Judge Miller sentenced Monroe to 155 months in federal prison for the methamphetamine and fentanyl crimes, as well as for being a felon in possession of a firearm, with those offenses to run concurrently. Judge Miller also sentenced Monroe to 60 months in federal prison for possessing the firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, to be served consecutively after the 155-month sentence. In addition to the 215 months’ total imprisonment, which is more than 17.5 years, Judge Miller sentenced Monroe to five years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

          An investigation revealed that on May 20, 2023, Arkansas State Troopers observed a GMC Sierra Denali that had previously fled from Sherwood Police and Arkansas State Police in recent weeks and evaded arrest. Troopers pulled up next to the truck and identified the driver as Monroe, the sole occupant of the vehicle. Monroe had confirmed warrants out of Sherwood. Troopers attempted to block the Denali and initiate a traffic stop State Highway 167, but Monroe refused to stop. He collided with patrol cars and fled from troopers, exceeding speeds of 100 m.p.h. and endangering others. Troopers continued to chase Monroe from Sherwood through Little Rock before the pursuit was terminated by immobilizing Monroe’s vehicle at Roosevelt Road. 

          During a search of Monroe’s vehicle, law enforcement officers located 309 grams of methamphetamine; 109 grams of fentanyl; cocaine; marijuana; and oxycodone. Officers also located in a safe a loaded Taurus Judge .45/.410 caliber firearm. Also located in the safe were multiple controlled substances, baggies, scales, and cash. 

          Judge Miller based Monroe’s sentence on the offense as well as his documented criminal history. At the time of the Monroe’s possession of the firearm and drugs, he had been previously convicted of 3rd degree domestic battery, possession of marijuana, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, theft of property, and theft by receiving, as well as illegal possession of a firearm.

            The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Arkansas State Police and Sherwood Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bart Dickinson.

    # # #

    Additional information about the office of the

    United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at

    https://www.justice.gov/edar

    X (formerly known as Twitter):

    @USAO_EDAR 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Santa Maria Man Charged with Weapon of Mass Destruction Offense in Connection with Bomb Attack in Lobby of County Courthouse

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – A three-count federal grand jury indictment returned today charges a Santa Barbara County man with committing a bomb attack at a courthouse in Santa Maria in which several people were injured.

    Nathaniel James McGuire, 20, of Santa Maria, was charged with one count of using a weapon of mass destruction, one count of maliciously damaging a building by means of explosive, and one count of possessing unregistered destructive devices. McGuire has been in custody since his arrest in September, shortly after the attack. 

    McGuire’s arraignment is scheduled for October 25 in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.

    “The facts alleged in the indictment are disturbing,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “The new charge of using a weapon of mass destruction underscores how seriously we are treating this misconduct and my office’s determination to hold accountable those who seek to bring violence upon our courts, law enforcement personnel, and the public.” 

    “Any time an individual commits such an act of terror, victims are traumatized and there is a potential for tragic consequences” said Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. “If convicted, Mr. McGuire faces significant prison time thanks to the combined efforts of our local and federal law enforcement partners.” 

    “We are grateful that the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office have taken this serious case to the grand jury, and that they have returned an indictment,” said Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown. “This crime shocked our entire community and we are pleased to see that the suspect in this case is being held accountable.”

    According to the indictment and criminal complaint, on September 25, McGuire entered a courthouse of Santa Barbara County Superior Court and threw a bag into the lobby. The bag exploded and McGuire left the courthouse on foot. The explosion injured at least five people who were near the bomb when it exploded.

    Shortly thereafter, McGuire was apprehended and detained by law enforcement officials as he was trying to access a red Ford Mustang car parked outside the building. McGuire allegedly yelled that the government had taken his guns and that everyone needed to fight, rise up, and rebel.

    Inside the car, a deputy saw ammunition, a flare gun, and a box of fireworks. A search of the car revealed a shotgun, a rifle, more ammunition, a suspected bomb, and 10 Molotov cocktails. Law enforcement later rendered the bomb safe. McGuire told law enforcement he intended to re-enter the courthouse with the firearms in order to kill a judge.

    A search of McGuire’s residence revealed an empty can with nails glued to the outside, a duffel bag containing matches, black powder, used and unused fireworks, and papers that appeared to be recipes for explosive material.

    An indictment is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

    If convicted of all charges, McGuire would face a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison.

    The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, and Santa Maria Police Department are investigating this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Mark Takla and Kathrynne N. Seiden of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section are prosecuting this case with substantial assistance from Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman of the Counterterrorism Section in the Department of Justice’s National Security Division.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Florida Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Aggravated Identity Theft and Wire Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                Montgomery, Ala. – Today, Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced the sentencing of a Palm Bay, Florida man to 70 months in prison for using a fake identity to purchase a vehicle. On October 21, 2024, a federal judge sentenced 39-year-old Anthony Vila to 70 months in prison. In addition to the prison sentence, the judge also ordered that Vila serve three years of supervised release following his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.

               According to his plea agreement and other court records, in early August of 2022, Vila contacted a salesman at a Prattville, Alabama car dealership via electronic communications regarding the purchase of a vehicle valued at $45,000. After being denied financing, Vila sent the personal identifying information of someone he claimed to be his aunt to be used by the dealership as a co-signor on the loan. The information included a copy of the co-signor’s driver’s license and a pay stub. However, both documents were counterfeit. Vila also provided a date of birth and social security number for his alleged co-signor and had an unknown female claiming to be his aunt speak to the dealership over the phone. The $45,000 loan was eventually approved. The individual that Vila falsely claimed to be his aunt had no knowledge of the transaction and had not given permission for her personal information to be used.

                On August 4, 2022, Vila picked up the vehicle from the dealership. Vila was apprehended with the vehicle a few days later in Montgomery. During a search of the vehicle, investigators found a laptop, printer, holograms, phone, firearm, and other items commonly used to commit identity theft. The phone contained over 100 stolen identities. The laptop contained evidence of the vehicle purchase described above. Vila pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft on June 7, 2024. 

                The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Montgomery Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney J. Patrick Lamb prosecuted the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –