NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/DR CONGO – Escalation of violence in North Kivu: M23 rebels advance towards Goma

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) – The North Kivu region, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is facing a serious escalation of violence, with intense fighting between the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) and the M23 rebels, who are supported by Rwandan soldiers. For their part, government troops are supported by Burundian soldiers, the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), the blue helmets of MONUSCO and Wazilendo militiamen.The advance of the rebels has been significant, managing to conquer the towns of Mumbambiro and Sake, located just 30 km from the city of Goma, capital of North Kivu. In recent days, fighting has focused on strategic arteries such as Sake-Kirotshe, Sake-Mushaki and Sake-Kitshanga. The heavy fighting in Sake has triggered a new mass exodus of displaced people towards Goma, where the humanitarian situation is already alarming. Clashes have now reached the territory of Nyiragongo, near Goma, particularly in Kibumba, some 20 km from the city. Heavy artillery shelling can be heard in the northern districts of Goma, while the camps for internally displaced people in Bulengo, Kimashini and Lushagara, west of the city, have been evacuated, forcing their occupants to seek refuge in the city centre. The chaos is exacerbated by the spread of contradictory news, such as the alleged assassination of the military governor of North Kivu, Péter Cirimwami. While media close to the rebels claim his death, other sources close to the government deny it, although there has been no official confirmation. The Congo River Alliance, the political arm of the M23, has issued a statement in English and French urging SAMIDRC troops and MONUSCO blue helmets not to intervene alongside Congolese forces. In addition, the rebels have announced their intention to advance on Goma with the declared aim of “bringing peace and stability to the region.” Given the seriousness of the situation, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi returned to Kinshasa from Davos on January 23 to meet urgently with the Ministers of the Interior and Defense. He also chaired an extraordinary meeting of the High Council of Defense on January 24 to address the crisis. In parallel, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on a visit to Kigali, Rwanda, expressed his willingness to mediate between Rwanda and the DRC to end the conflict. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 24/1/2025)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Extension’s Mental Health First Aid Training Offers Hope and Support

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Mental health conversations were virtually nonexistent for many in Generation X and the Baby Boom generation. Today, however, policies, non-governmental organizations, and advocacy efforts have shifted mental health from a taboo topic to an open and ongoing dialogue. This progress has been instrumental in reducing stigma and promoting awareness about mental health challenges.

    One key initiative in this effort is the Mental Health First Aid Training, offered by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. The program equips participants to assist individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge, much like traditional first aid prepares someone to respond to a physical health emergency.

    Maryann Fusco-Rollins, an assistant extension educator with UConn Extension in Tolland County (Kara Bonsack/UConn Photo)

    Maryann Fusco-Rollins, an assistant extension educator with UConn Extension in Tolland County, brings this transformative training to adults through the UConn 4-H program. Supported by the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) Strategic Vision Implementation grant, her mission is both professional and deeply personal.

    Growing up in the 1980s, Fusco-Rollins witnessed a family member struggle with mental health challenges. “There wasn’t as much information available then as there is now, but I was already seeking services and connecting people to get help,” she recalls. This early exposure to mental health advocacy left a lasting impression, inspiring her to pursue work in this field.

    After serving in the Peace Corps in Guatemala, Fusco-Rollins took a job at a crisis hotline, balancing patient intakes by day and hotline calls by night.

    “I took as many professional training and certification classes as I could,” she says. Her drive to learn and help others led to a role as a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills trainer, working with individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. She also served as an on-site supervisor at a residential program supporting individuals with schizophrenia.

    “The DBT skills training opened my eyes to the importance of mental wellness practice for everyone,” Fusco-Rollins shares. “What resonated most with me was the comprehensive nature of DBT. It’s not just about helping the client—it’s about equipping the entire care team with mindfulness tools. It’s like putting your own oxygen mask on first.”

    Fusco-Rollins emphasizes that mental health is about recognizing challenges and taking action when needed. “It’s about getting to know yourself and being honest about when you’re not okay,” she says. Yet, she acknowledges, asking for help can be one of the hardest steps.

    The Mental Health First Aid Training she now teaches is designed to address this hesitation. Participants learn to support someone in crisis or non-crisis situations until professional help is available. The course provides practical, real-world skills, including how to listen non-judgmentally and connect individuals to appropriate resources. Pre-work ensures participants are prepared, while follow-up materials offer continued support.

    “This training is for everyone—whether you have experience or not,” Fusco-Rollins explains. “Like traditional first aid, it doesn’t teach you to diagnose or treat conditions. Instead, it empowers you to act as a bridge, offering crucial assistance during a mental health crisis or emerging concern.”

    Just as wearing a seatbelt or eating healthfully supports physical well-being, prioritizing mental health is essential for overall health.

    Amy Harder, Ph.D., associate dean for extension, is excited to see UConn Extension increasing its efforts in this area.

    “Addressing mental health was reported as a leading priority when we surveyed Connecticut residents last year about their needs, and it’s important that we work on topics that are meaningful to local communities,” shares Harder.

    Participants in the training also learn to care for themselves. The course emphasizes the importance of self-care routines to manage stress and maintain long-term wellness. “The MHFA course trains people to help others in a supportive, non-judgmental way,” says Fusco-Rollins. “By the end, participants feel confident they can help someone in a concerning situation or crisis. They know how to access additional resources, and they leave with a sense of hope. We are not struggling alone—there are people who can help, recovery is possible, and there is hope.”

    This work is supported by CAHNR’s Health and Wellbeing Strategic Vision Implementation Committee.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: All Hands on Deck for the Energy Transition | World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    With the global targets of tripling renewable energy and doubling energy efficiency by 2030 fast approaching, it is critical to accelerate the implementation, build political momentum and monitor progress.

    How can countries and industries close this gap and what tools are at their disposal?

    Speakers: Ursula von der Leyen, Fatih Birol, Morten Wierod, Dina Ercilia Boluarte, Mirek Dušek, Gurdeep Singh, Lars Rebien Sorensen

    The 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum will provide a crucial space to focus on the fundamental principles driving trust, including transparency, consistency and accountability.

    This Annual Meeting will welcome over 100 governments, all major international organizations, 1000 Forum’s Partners, as well as civil society leaders, experts, youth representatives, social entrepreneurs, and news outlets.

    The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.

    World Economic Forum Website ► http://www.weforum.org/
    Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/worldeconomicforum/
    YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/wef
    Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/worldeconomicforum/
    X ► https://twitter.com/wef
    LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-economic-forum
    TikTok ► https://www.tiktok.com/@worldeconomicforum
    Flipboard ► https://flipboard.com/@WEF

    #Davos2025 #WorldEconomicForum #wef25

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2YrBr-YlRg

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Keller-Sutter to attend ceremony marking 80th anniversary of Auschwitz liberation

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Finance

    On 27 January, around 40 heads of state and government and heads of international organisations will join Holocaust survivors at a ceremony to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration and extermination camp. The President of the Swiss Confederation, Karin Keller-Sutter, will represent Switzerland at the event. She will be accompanied by two Swiss survivors.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Wood burning stoves are a serious problem for your health – and the environment

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Asit Kumar Mishra, Research Fellow in School of Public of Health, University College Cork

    Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock

    There is something cosy and appealing about settling down next to a roaring fire in winter but, every year, nearly 61,000 premature deaths in Europe are caused by air pollution as a result of people burning wood or coal to heat their homes.

    Wood-burning stoves are often considered safer, cleaner and more attractive than open fires. This may, in part, explain why from 2021 to 2022, sales of wood-burning stoves increased by 40% in the UK.

    However, burning wood is not necessarily a healthier or greener alternative to coal or gas for home heating.

    Wood burning produces a complex chemical mixture of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and gases, which can be breathed deep into the lungs. The specific contents vary based on the type of stove and the type of fuel, but chemicals can include carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen and a range of volatile organic compounds, such as cancer-causing formaldehyde and benzene.

    Exposure to wood smoke affects the heart, blood vessels and the respiratory system – and PM2.5 is considered to be the biggest threat. Wood smoke increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes and can exacerbate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Exposure to PM2.5 from wood burning can also cause premature death.

    Exposure to this pollution also leads to loss of work days, reduced productivity, higher expenses on healthcare and increased hospital admissions.

    The risks are higher for people over 65, children, pregnant women and people with existing heart or lung conditions. Chronic wood smoke inhalation has been associated with systemic inflammation, which can make the lungs more vulnerable to infections, such as flu and COVID.

    In the UK and Ireland, solid fuel heating is the main source of outdoor PM2.5 during wintertime. While wood is the dominant solid fuel in the UK, peat burning is regularly found to make the largest contribution to PM2.5 in Ireland.

    Under cold, stagnant weather conditions, air pollution, even in small rural towns, can be as high as that found in very polluted parts of north India.

    Exposure to outdoor air pollution caused by wood burning is an obvious health risk. But the pollution also finds its way into homes, worsening indoor air quality. Also, when lighting or refuelling a wood stove, large quantities of PM2.5 escape into the indoor air. Depending on how effective the home ventilation is, the PM2.5 levels can take hours to reduce.

    Looks aren’t everything

    In surveys carried out in Ireland and the UK, it was found that most people using solid fuel stoves did it for the aesthetics and the “homely feel”. The desire to save money or necessity came next.

    Most people who use indoor wood burning in London are in wealthier neighbourhoods, while those most affected by the consequent air pollution are in poorer areas.

    Educational campaigns regarding the effect of wood-burning stoves on health and the environment can be an important tool to reduce their usage. New initiatives, such as the Clean Air Night held in the UK and Ireland, are valuable in raising awareness and possibly changing long-term heating habits.

    Encouraging users to move to more efficient and renewable heating technologies like heat pumps can reduce emissions and harm to health. This move even works out to be cheaper, except for people who source their own wood.

    Communities can also be provided with information on their local air quality, allowing them to visualise real-time effects of their actions. For example, the PM2.5 sensor network map for Cork is freely accessible to the community and identifies locations and times when PM2.5 pollution is unhealthy.

    If you have a wood burner, you could check that the pollution levels aren’t too high before you fire it up.

    How to reduce emissions

    People who rely on solid fuel stoves as their only source of home heating can adopt the following measures to reduce emissions. Use low-emission labelled stoves that reduce pollution. When burning, have small hot fires, with enough air supply and do not let the fire smoulder.

    Choose carefully what is burnt, in compliance with relevant regulations. Do not burn garbage, plastics, cardboard, treated or painted wood in your stoves. These items increase exposure to toxic pollutants.

    Ensure that stoves are installed and maintained annually by professionals. And, when lighting up or refuelling, make sure that the room the stove is in is well ventilated. This means open windows, no blocked vents, and exhaust fans or kitchen hoods can be used for additional ventilation.

    People who use solid fuel stoves as a secondary source of heating could consider using the stove less or even stopping using it altogether. That really would be a breath of fresh air.

    Asit Kumar Mishra is a DOROTHY co-fund Fellow and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow and receives funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No 101034345.

    John Wenger has previously received funding from several governmental organisations in Ireland for research into solid fuel burning, including the EPA and Irish Research Council.

    – ref. Wood burning stoves are a serious problem for your health – and the environment – https://theconversation.com/wood-burning-stoves-are-a-serious-problem-for-your-health-and-the-environment-245737

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why peat is a key ingredient in whisky and the climate crisis

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Toby Ann Halamka, Postdoctoral Researcher in Organic Geochemistry, School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol

    Kondor83/Shutterstock

    Burnt. Smoky. Medicinal. Each of these represents a subcategory of “peaty” whisky in the Scotch Whisky Research Institute’s brightly coloured flavour wheel.

    A more chemistry-focused flavour wheel might include names like lignin phenols, aromatic hydrocarbons or nitrogen-containing heterocycles. Perhaps less appealing, but these chemicals define the flavours of Scotch whisky and represent just a few of the many types of organic carbon that are stored in peatlands.

    However, when peat is burned for the production of whisky, ancient carbon is released into the atmosphere. Approximately 80% of Scotch whisky is made using peat as a fuel source for drying barley during the malting process. The aromas of the burning peat, or “reek” as it is known in the industry, are steeped into the grains providing the intense smoky flavours associated with many Scotch whiskies.

    Historically, peat was a critical fuel resource for Scotland – a nation famously rich in peatlands with few trees for wood-burning. But as the industry has modernised, peat burning in whisky manufacturing has become less a story of adapting to resource limitations and more one of tradition and distinctive flavouring.

    There is little debate about the importance of peat burning in generating some of the most highly sought-after flavours in the world of whisky. Some enthusiasts identifying as “peat heads” track the parts per million (ppm) of peaty compounds in their favourite brands. The ppm measure represents phenol concentrations (a group of aromatic organic compounds) in the malted barley. But this does not represent how peaty your whisky will taste as much will get lost in subsequent processes. Nor does the ppm represent how much peat was burned in production.

    Most of the peat that is extracted in Scotland is used in horticulture as compost to grow things like mushrooms, lettuce and houseplants. However, both the Scottish and UK governments are making efforts to reduce peat extraction for gardening needs.

    The Scotch whisky industry makes up about 1% of total peat use in Scotland. But, as horticulture practices change, this may represent a larger portion of peat use in the future.

    In 2023, the Scotch whisky industry outlined a long-term sustainability plan that expresses goodwill but lacks clearly defined goals towards peatland restoration.

    Such policies that ban or limit the use of peat in certain industries have followed an increased awareness of how important peatlands are to locking carbon away instead of releasing it into our atmosphere. Despite making up only about 3% of Earth’s land surfaces, peatlands store more carbon than all the world’s forests.

    So, should you worry about the climate consequences of peat use in Scotch whisky?

    No matter how you slice it, harvesting peat is not good for the environment – and getting your hands on a nice dry slab of peat to extract those smoky flavours is no easy task. Peat is formed by waterlogged, oxygen-poor conditions that slow the natural breakdown process of plant material.

    While it is critical for healthy peatlands, excess water is not ideal for burning or transporting peat. Hence, peat extraction usually involves the extensive draining of peatlands. This halts the natural peat accumulation process and releases greenhouse gases from the now-degraded peats into the atmosphere.

    More than 80% of Scotland’s peatlands are degraded.

    Some recovery efforts are being made, and it has been suggested that the whisky industry can offset their peat degradation by investing in peat restoration. But, peatland restoration is a long-term and imprecise solution that might take decades to properly assess, while existing peatlands are needed as a natural carbon sink now.

    Flavour innovations

    There are reasons for “peat heads” (both whisky fans and climate warriors) to feel optimistic about the future of this industry.

    For decades, the barley malting industry has focused on extracting the most flavour out of the least peat. Innovations in enhanced peat burning efficiency and investigations into peat flavouring alternatives are just some of the ways that the whisky industry is decreasing its peat footprint.

    Change in this sector takes time. Any innovations in whisky made today must age for at least three years before being ready for the “flavour wheel”. This delay underscores the urgency of developing new methods as it will take time to find the perfect eco-friendly recipe that compromises neither the taste nor tradition of Scotch whisky.

    In the meantime, whisky drinkers can seek out distilleries that are taking active steps to decrease their environmental impact and try drinking peat-free or peat-efficient whiskies.

    To continue celebrating the uniqueness of peat as a flavour in whisky, we need to better acknowledge the effect it has on peatland degradation and continue to advocate for positive changes in the industry.

    The story of peat use in Scotch whisky will continue to evolve. But while experimenting with future flavours, Scotland must preserve one of this nation’s most precious environmental resources.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Toby Ann Halamka receives funding from the CERES (Climate, Energy and Carbon in Ancient Earth Systems) UKRI grant at the University of Bristol.

    Mike Vreeken 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. Why peat is a key ingredient in whisky and the climate crisis – https://theconversation.com/why-peat-is-a-key-ingredient-in-whisky-and-the-climate-crisis-245497

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Almost 2 million people in the UK didn’t have the right ID to vote in 2024

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Ralph Scott, Leverhulme Early Career Fellow in Politics, University of Bristol

    The 2024 general election was the first in the UK’s history to be run under a system of voter ID. When heading to the polling station, people could only vote if they proved their identity first. This was the result of a law brought in in 2023 and that had already applied to local elections in England that year.

    Using data from the British Election Study, we tracked people eligible to vote between 2023 and 2024 and found that 5% of people eligible to vote – nearly 2 million people – didn’t own any recognised voter identification. This lack of ID was concentrated among poorer and less educated voters.

    Of course, lacking photographic ID is not necessarily a permanent state. Some people will have been in the process of renewing passports and driving licences during this period. All of these people would also have been eligible for a voter authority certificate, a form of identification brought in with the new law – although we found take up of these was low.

    We found that around 0.5% of all voters reported being turned away at polling stations as a result of lacking ID in the local elections of 2023. We also found that four times as many people (around 2%) reported not voting because they knew they didn’t have the right ID.

    The equivalent figures were slightly lower at the general election of 2024, but a meaningful contingent still did not participate. Around 1.3% of electors – or over half a million people – were turned away or didn’t show up at all because of voter identification requirements.

    While administrative records can provide accurate numbers about how many people were turned away at the polling station, they tell us little about people who were discouraged from even trying to vote because they didn’t have the right ID. So it is clear from our analysis that the impact of voter ID on turnout is likely larger than previous estimates based on polling station returns.

    Who benefits?

    We also found that the Conservatives were more likely to benefit from the voter ID law than other parties.

    This is not surprising when we consider demographic factors. As our research shows, Conservative voters are more likely to own ID, because they are more likely to be older and more affluent. Despite changes in social patterns of party support since the 2016 Brexit referendum, this pattern still holds true.

    The types of identification which are allowed under the new law – and especially the decision to allow older people but not younger people to use travel passes – exacerbates these differences.

    Who didn’t have ID?

    Percentage of party supporters (general election vote intention) without photo ID, May 2023 (lighter column) and 2024 (darker column)
    British Election Study, CC BY-ND

    The chart above shows the percentage lacking photo ID by general election vote intention, as measured in May 2023 (lighter bars) and May 2024 (shaded bars), shortly before the general election was called.

    In 2024, only 2.4% of Conservative supporters were likely to not have photo ID, while 3.8% of Labour supporters and 4.1% of Reform supporters were lacking.

    One notable difference is an increase in Liberal Democrats and non-voters with no photo identification in 2024, although this is almost entirely due to a change in the number of people supporting the Liberal Democrats or deciding not to vote rather than changes in people’s actual ownership of ID.

    Liberal Democrat voters had the lowest proportion of supporters without voter ID in 2023 (1.3%), but in 2024, the Liberal Democrat rate exceeded that of the Conservatives (2.9%).

    There are still opportunities to mitigate the risks posed by voter ID. Ahead of the next election the new government should extend the forms of identification allowed (especially for those younger than state pension age).

    Improving public awareness around the law and the availability of voter authority certificates is another important step. There are also suggestions that a system of allowing people to vouch for others who don’t have voter ID would be an option.

    In an electorate of 49 million, if almost two million aren’t able to vote because they don’t have the right ID, there is a problem. Those interested in building trust in our democracy should consider not only minimising electoral fraud but reducing this number by as much as possible.

    Ralph Scott receives funding from the Leverhulme Trust and has previously received funding from the Economic and Social Research Council.

    Ed Fieldhouse receives funding from the Economic and Social Research Council.

    – ref. Almost 2 million people in the UK didn’t have the right ID to vote in 2024 – https://theconversation.com/almost-2-million-people-in-the-uk-didnt-have-the-right-id-to-vote-in-2024-246270

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Yukon issues special warrant to meet critical funding needs

    Government of Yukon issues special warrant to meet critical funding needs
    jlutz

    The Government of Yukon has issued a special warrant to ensure that essential government programs and operations can continue without disruption until the Supplementary Estimates No. 2 for the 2024–25 fiscal year can be introduced and debated in the Yukon Legislative Assembly.

    The special warrant provides budgetary authorization for up to $70.2 million in additional government spending for the 2024–25 fiscal year. These funds address urgent and immediate requirements across key departments.

    The Special Warrant (No. 1) 2024–25 has been issued as an Order-in-Council under the Financial Administration Act. This funding ensures that the departments of Energy, Mines and Resources, Highways and Public Works and Community Services have the financial resources to continue delivering on their mandates.

    Specific funding included in this special warrant is as follows:

    • $51.8 million in operations and maintenance funding in the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources to ensure that the department can continue to deliver on major commitments during this fiscal year. This includes payments included as part of the loan to the Receiver for Victoria Gold.
    • $10 million in capital funding in the Department of Community Services to ensure that the department can continue to advance land-development work, which has seen higher-than-expected productivity across the construction sector this fiscal year.
    • $8.4 million in operations and maintenance for the Department of Highways and Public Works. This funding is essential to maintaining service levels and ensuring the safe, reliable operation of the Yukon’s transportation infrastructure and government-owned buildings. It will help cover rising utility costs and sustain key services for roads and highways following landslides and washouts earlier this year, as well as other critical infrastructure that supports the territory’s transportation network.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement from Premier Pillai on the meeting of First Ministers

    Statement from Premier Pillai on the meeting of First Ministers
    zaburke

    Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement: 

    “Yesterday, I met with the Prime Minister and Premiers to reaffirm Canada’s commitment to a unified approach to Canada-U.S. relations.

    “Our message remains clear, while Canada and the U.S. are neighbours and we are friends, any tariffs imposed by the United States will harm the citizens of both nations.

    “In our discussions, we focused on strengthening the Canada-U.S. border, advancing internal trade priorities and continuing meaningful engagement with key U.S. Administration, Congressional and business leaders. We are resolute in our determination to protect Canadians, their jobs and our economies in the wake of President Trump’s tariff tax threat.

    “This includes putting Canada first by buying Canadian products, reducing barriers to internal trade within Canada and fostering economic reconciliation through partnerships with Indigenous Peoples.

    “As Premier of the Yukon, I will continue to amplify the voices of northerners in these national discussions. While we have made significant progress in ensuring Yukon businesses have access to markets, investors and procurement opportunities across Canada, there is still work to be done.

    “I will continue to urge the federal government to increase defence spending in the North, invest in dual-use infrastructure and strengthen Arctic partnerships for long-term security and prosperity.

    “I thank the Prime Minister and fellow Premiers for their collective effort to defend Canadian values and protect the best interests of Canadians.”
     

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese premier visits old revolutionary base ahead of Spring Festival

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

    HEFEI, Jan. 24 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday visited the old revolutionary base area of the Dabie Mountains, in east China’s Anhui Province, ahead of the Spring Festival.

    Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, extended his Spring Festival greetings to primary-level officials and residents during the visit.

    In Huangpu Village of Qianshan City, the premier visited the homes of elderly veterans and CPC party members, where he emphasized the importance of accelerating the modernization of agriculture and rural areas by addressing shortfalls in pensions, education and healthcare.

    He also urged efforts to improve rural infrastructure, public services and living environments.

    When inspecting a silkworm and mulberry industrial park in Zhongfan Village, also of Qianshan City, Li said industrial development is key to rural revitalization. He noted that it is essential to leverage the resources unique to local areas, develop multi-functional agriculture, and tap into the diverse values of rural areas to drive the upgrading of the whole industrial chains in rural areas.

    Following the visit, Li chaired a symposium in Hefei, capital city of Anhui, on Thursday, hearing officials’ opinions and suggestions concerning the government work report and the work of the government.

    He called on all levels of government to implement the party’s decisions and arrangements and take proactive and prompt measures to promote sustained economic recovery and growth. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Reskilling for the Intelligent Age | World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    With businesses now investing over $240 billion annually in AI and digital infrastructure, the lack of skills remains the top barrier to unlocking the full potential of digital transformation.

    What collaborative effort is needed to bridge the skills gaps and unlock the benefits for competitiveness, growth and productivity?

    Speakers: Omar Abbosh, Vimal Kapur, Adam Grant, Joe Ucuzoglu, Claudia Azevedo, Jayant Chaudhary

    The 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum will provide a crucial space to focus on the fundamental principles driving trust, including transparency, consistency and accountability.

    This Annual Meeting will welcome over 100 governments, all major international organizations, 1000 Forum’s Partners, as well as civil society leaders, experts, youth representatives, social entrepreneurs, and news outlets.

    The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.

    World Economic Forum Website ► http://www.weforum.org/
    Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/worldeconomicforum/
    YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/wef
    Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/worldeconomicforum/
    X ► https://twitter.com/wef
    LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-economic-forum
    TikTok ► https://www.tiktok.com/@worldeconomicforum
    Flipboard ► https://flipboard.com/@WEF

    #Davos2025 #WorldEconomicForum #wef25

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhWgYKbZqrU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Proud and safe – a new action plan for equal rights and opportunities for LGBTIQ people

    Source: Government of Sweden

    The Government is announcing a new action plan for an inclusive and equal society. The action plan aims to further strengthen efforts to support rights and opportunities for LGBTIQ people by consolidating, supplementing and mobilising these efforts.

    “LGBTIQ people must be able to live lives in which their rights and identities are fully respected. Although progress has been made, sadly we see that challenges such as discrimination, threats, hatred and violence remain. These are things we will never accept,” says Minister for Gender Equality and Working Life Paulina Brandberg.

    ”All LGBTIQ people have the right to safety and security. It is especially important that we ensure that young LGBTIQ people have the right to a safe and secure upbringing, free from discrimination, violence and other violations. This action plan is an extraordinarily important tool in our continued efforts to gaurantee equal rights and opportunities for all,” says Minsiter for Social Services Camilla Waltersson Grönvall.

    “The Government is continuing its long-term, systematic and strategic work for LGBTIQ rights and freedoms. With the new action plan, we are taking the next steps in our efforts to ensure that everyone can be who they are and love who they want,” says Minister for Public Administration Erik Slottner.

    The new action plan complements the existing strategy for equal rights and opportunities regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, and the efforts will be stepped up with concrete measures until 2027 . 

    Eight focus areas and new strategic agencies

    The following focus areas are considered to be of continued vital importance in efforts to support rights and opportunities for LGBTIQ people: violence, discrimination and other violations; health, health care and social services; working life; young LGBTIQ people; older LGBTIQ people; private and family life; civil society; and cultural life.  

    The new action plan includes goals for each focus area based on various policy areas. To ensure a consolidated, structured and long-term approach to measures within the focus areas, a number of government agencies have been designated as strategic LGBTIQ agencies. These are the Ombudsman for Children in Sweden, the Public Health Agency of Sweden, the Forum for Living History, the Swedish Gender Equality Agency, the Swedish Migration Agency, the Family Law and Parenthood Support Authority, the Swedish Agency for Youth and Civil Society, the Swedish Police Authority, the National Board of Health and Welfare, the Swedish Arts Council, and the Swedish National Agency for Education. 

    The Government has also designated the Swedish Work Environment Authority and the Swedish Agency for Work Environment Expertise as strategic agencies for the working life focus area, which had previously lacked strategic agencies. 

    The Government will also task the Swedish Defence Research Agency with surveying the prevalence of LGBTIQ hostility in digital environments and spreading knowledge compiled within the framework of the assignment. 

    The Public Health Agency of Sweden will be given an expanded assignment to coordinate, support and follow up the work of the LGBTIQ strategic agencies.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Defra’s Science Advisory Council Chair appointed

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Professor Rowland Kao has been appointed as the Chair of Defra’s Science Advisory Council

    The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has appointed Professor Rowland Cao as Chair of the Science Advisory Council (SAC). This will be for a term of 3 years from 8 January 2025 until 7 January 2028.

    The appointment has been made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

    Biography

    • Professor Rowland Kao is Professor of Veterinary Epidemiology and Data Science at the University of Edinburgh. Kao’s research focusses on infectious disease dynamics, mainly with respect to the role of demography in the spread and persistence of infectious diseases in wildlife, humans and livestock.
    • Rowland previously served as a member of the Science Advisory Council (SAC) from 2018 to 2024.

    Notes to editors:

    • Defra’s Science Advisory Council is an advisory non-departmental public body who provide expert independent advice on science policy and strategy to the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
    • All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: London ETO supports Year of Snake screenings at British Film Institute (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    London ETO supports Year of Snake screenings at British Film Institute (with photos)
    London ETO supports Year of Snake screenings at British Film Institute (with photos)
    ************************************************************************************

         The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO) partnered with Focus Hong Kong to celebrate the Year of the Snake with a curated selection of Hong Kong films at the British Film Institute (BFI) Southbank in London from January 23 to 26 (London time).     The Director-General of the London ETO, Mr Gilford Law, remarked that the office is committed to supporting initiatives that showcase the vibrancy and creativity of Hong Kong’s film industry on the international stage. “The Government will continue to strengthen support to Hong Kong film industry through the Film Development Fund, increase the exposure of the Hong Kong film industry globally, and leverage the cultural influence of films to strengthen tourism promotion and attract more visitors to Hong Kong,” Mr Law added.      The Focus Hong Kong Chinese New Year programme showcases three films at the BFI, namely, the UK Premiere of “True Love, for Once in My Life”, “All Shall be Well” and “Shanghai Blues (4K Restoration)”. 

     
    Ends/Friday, January 24, 2025Issued at HKT 21:40

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ERO Houston repatriates accused child rapist to Mexico who has illegally entered US 4 times

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    HOUSTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations Houston, with assistance from ERO Mexico and the Security Alliance for Fugitive Enforcement Task Force, repatriated Nestor Flores Encarnacion, a 58-year-old undocumented alien, to his home country of Mexico Jan. 23. Flores has illegally entered the U.S. four times and is wanted in Veracruz, Mexico, for rape of a child.

    ICE deportation officers transported Flores from the Montgomery Processing Center in Conroe, Texas, to the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge in Laredo, Texas, and he was transferred into the custody of Mexican authorities.

    “This foreign fugitive brazenly entered the U.S. in violation of our nation’s laws on four separate occasions to evade prosecution in Mexico for allegedly raping a child,” said ERO Houston Field Office Director Bret A. Bradford. “Dangerous foreign fugitives and criminal aliens who are accused of, or have committed, heinous crimes like sexually assaulting a child will find no safe haven in Southeast Texas. Our immigration officers work tirelessly to successfully locate and apprehend undocumented aliens in the Houston area who threaten public safety, national security, and border security, and will not rest until they’re repatriated to their country of origin and no longer a threat to the community.”

    Flores illegally entered the U.S. Feb. 16, 2002, near Roma, Texas. The U.S. Border Patrol apprehended Flores and voluntarily returned him to Mexico Feb. 17, 2002. Flores illegally re-entered the U.S. on Feb. 20, 2002, and Feb. 22, 2002. On both occasions, he was arrested by Border Patrol officers and voluntarily returned to Mexico the same day.

    Flores illegally entered the U.S. for a fourth time on an unknown date and at an unknown location. ERO Houston deportation officers successfully apprehended Flores Aug. 23, 2024, at a residence in Houston after receiving an alert indicating that he was potentially illegally residing in the Houston area and wanted in Mexico for rape of a child. Flores was placed into immigration proceedings and granted a voluntary departure under safeguards by an immigration judge with the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review Dec. 19, 2024.

    The Security Alliance for Fugitive Enforcement Program is a fugitive enforcement and information sharing partnership that was created in 2012 to better use subject information derived from local in-country investigative resources and leads to locate, apprehend, detain, and remove individuals residing in the U.S. illegally who were subject to foreign arrest warrants. The SAFE Program operates under the respective host nation’s Assistant Attaché for Removal, which constructs a SAFE task force composed of relevant foreign law enforcement agencies, immigration authorities, attorneys general, and national identification repositories – as well as other regional, national, state, and local government agencies. The managing assistant attaché ensures that each task force member complies with SAFE policies and standards consistent with the program’s standard operating procedures. Once established, the assistant attaché led SAFE task force generates new leads and vets existing SAFE fugitive referrals for ERO action.

    ERO is one of ICE’s three operational directorates and is the principal federal law enforcement authority in charge of domestic immigration enforcement. ERO’s mission is to protect the homeland through the arrest and removal of those who undermine the safety of U.S. communities and the integrity of U.S. immigration laws, and its primary areas of focus are interior enforcement operations, management of the agency’s detained and non-detained populations, and repatriation of noncitizens who have received final orders of removal. ERO’s workforce consists of more than 7,700 law enforcement and non-law enforcement support personnel across 25 domestic field offices and 208 locations nationwide, 30 overseas postings, and multiple temporary duty travel assignments along the border.

    Members of the public who have information about foreign fugitives are urged to contact ICE by calling the ICE Tip Line at 1 (866) 347-2423 or internationally at 001-1802-872-6199. They can also file a tip online by completing ICE’s online tip form.

    For more news and information on how ERO Houston carries out its immigration enforcement mission in Southeast Texas follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, @EROHouston.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Political assassinations, police violence and lack of press freedom: 3 barriers to peace in Mozambique

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Corinna Jentzsch, Assistant Professor of International Relations, Leiden University

    Mozambique’s parliament and its new president, Daniel Chapo, were sworn in in mid-January 2025 after a tumultuous post-election period of protests, barricades and police violence.

    The 9 October 2024 elections prompted countless reports of fraud, leading the European Union election observer mission to note

    irregularities during counting of votes and unjustified alteration of election results.

    Based on this, and other accounts of fraud, the opposition candidate Venâncio Mondlane claimed to have won the elections and coordinated several weeks of protests across the country.

    These were met with a harsh police response. Over 4,200 people were reportedly arrested, 730 shot and 300 killed with live ammunition between 21 October 2024 and 16 January 2025.

    After spending several weeks abroad, Mondlane returned to Mozambique on 9 January to join ongoing political talks between the government and opposition parties.

    Read more: Mozambique’s deadly protests: how the country got here

    How can Mozambique move forward?

    To get out of its political crisis will not be easy. It will require the party in power, Frelimo, to fundamentally change how it deals with disagreement and discontent. Buying off political opposition elites, as has been done in the past, will not calm this political storm.

    Based on my research into political violence, I suggest that the cycles of violence in the country can only be broken if the new president addresses three issues related to state repression. He needs to do this in dialogue with opposition forces to earn trust and public support for the new government.

    The three issues are:

    • putting an end to violence perpetrated by the police and army

    • ending political assassinations and ensuring accountability for the ones that have taken place

    • protecting media freedom and ending violence against journalists.

    No more blind eye to police (and army) violence

    Human rights experts urged the government in November 2024 to end the post-election violence and allow thorough investigations. Experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council expressed concerns about

    violations of the right to life, including of a child, deliberate killings of unarmed protesters and the excessive use of force by the police deployed to disperse peaceful protests.

    Such extensive repression has been a common response by the Mozambican security forces over the past years, with severe consequences for the evolution of conflict. For example, state repression has been a major contributor to armed conflict in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, where an Islamist insurgency has been raging since 2017. Victims of violence by security forces are an important source of recruits for the insurgency.

    Accountability for political assassinations

    Mozambique has suffered from targeted killings of political opposition figures. The most recent, high-profile political assassinations took place after the elections in October. Elvino Dias, Mondlane’s lawyer, and Paulo Guambe, an official of Podemos, the political party that supported Mondlane’s run for president, were shot dead in Maputo by unknown gunmen.

    Dias was preparing a court case challenging the election results.

    Mozambique has a long history of such political assassinations. These have rarely been investigated and no one has been held accountable. The government and police regularly deny any involvement, and people have come to speak of “death squads” seeking to intimidate the political opposition and civil society.

    Freedom of the press and civil society

    The ability of the press in Mozambique to hold people accountable for their actions has been severely constrained. Its ability to report and investigate those involved in state-sanctioned violence has been a challenge for a long time.

    In its annual report for 2023 the Media Institute of Southern Africa documented the extent to which journalists had been intimidated and attacked. It reported that such incidents increased during election periods.

    This was indeed the case in the 2024 pre-election period. Journalists faced arrests when, for example, reporting on police trying to disrupt opposition parties’ events.

    Mozambique enjoys a diverse media landscape, including multiple private and local media outlets. Nevertheless, press freedom has been curtailed. An example has been the treatment of journalists investigating the armed conflict in Cabo Delgado. Soon after the conflict began in October 2017, the government barred journalists from visiting the province, and many of those reporting nevertheless were detained and held for extended periods or arrested for unsubstantiated charges.

    Read more: Mozambique’s long struggle to build a nation – four novels that tell the story

    The case of Amade Abubacar made headlines in 2019 when he was detained and held for 13 days in military barracks without access to a lawyer. He was then charged with “violation of state secrets” and “public instigation to crime”.

    What Abubacar did was report on the insurgency. Since then, the situation has got worse for the media. Last year, the Cabo Delgado governor Valige Tauabo accused unnamed journalists of colluding with the insurgents.

    As I was writing this, news reached me that Arlindo Chissale, a journalist and political activist from Nacala, had been arrested, tortured and killed by the “death squads” mentioned earlier on 7 January 2025. Arlindo worked with me on researching the conflict in Cabo Delgado.

    Freedom of the press is important to hold the new government accountable for the promises it has made to the Mozambican people.

    The way forward

    Chapo delivered a well-crafted inauguration address on 15 January. It was well crafted because, as some analysts commented, he incorporated many of the policies being advocated by Mondlane.

    Read more: Venâncio Mondlane is Mozambique’s political challenger: what he stands for

    He said in his speech that he had heard what the protesters were telling him during the demonstrations. And he promised to promote unity, human rights and political dialogue to (re-)create social and political stability.

    Chapo is also aware of the waves being made by Mondlane, who has recognised the political power of mobilising people around the issue of police violence. On his return to Mozambique, Mondlane presented the government with a list of demands to be implemented in the first 100 days of the new government. The first was that steps needed to be taken to stop the violence against the population.

    Since his return he has also met victims of violence at the hands of the police and army.

    The challenge is that Chapo’s party, Frelimo, which has been in power since independence in 1975, is strong and can severely curtail the president’s ability to introduce relevant reforms.

    Read more: Mozambique’s cycles of violence won’t end until Frelimo’s grip on power is broken

    It’s therefore far from clear whether Chapo can pursue any of his suggested policy goals.

    Dialogue with Mondlane is necessary. But if this leads to another “elite bargain” that might get him a cabinet position but does not benefit the common people, Mozambicans will not calm down. Any agreement must address the lack of accountability for police violence, stop political assassinations, and allow journalists to investigate political violence.

    – Political assassinations, police violence and lack of press freedom: 3 barriers to peace in Mozambique
    – https://theconversation.com/political-assassinations-police-violence-and-lack-of-press-freedom-3-barriers-to-peace-in-mozambique-248153

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Defying the Odds | World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    What does a British Olympic champion diver who was bullied at an early age for his success and a renowned chef and restaurateur who grew up as a “second daughter” in traditional India have in common?

    Join this conversation with two leaders who, while navigating social stigmatization, have forged platforms to advocate women’s empowerment and LGBTQ+ rights.

    Speakers: Tom Daley, Asma Khan, Richard Quest

    The 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum will provide a crucial space to focus on the fundamental principles driving trust, including transparency, consistency and accountability.

    This Annual Meeting will welcome over 100 governments, all major international organizations, 1000 Forum’s Partners, as well as civil society leaders, experts, youth representatives, social entrepreneurs, and news outlets.

    The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.

    World Economic Forum Website ► http://www.weforum.org/
    Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/worldeconomicforum/
    YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/wef
    Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/worldeconomicforum/
    X ► https://twitter.com/wef
    LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-economic-forum
    TikTok ► https://www.tiktok.com/@worldeconomicforum
    Flipboard ► https://flipboard.com/@WEF

    #Davos2025 #WorldEconomicForum #wef25

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLbT4TBEFbo

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Rare Anglo-Saxon Gold Panel at risk of leaving the UK

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A temporary export bar has been placed on a rare Anglo-Saxon, Gold and Garnet Panel

    • The panel is valued at almost £4,000
    • The export bar has been placed to allow time for a UK gallery or institution to acquire the panel 

    An export bar has been placed on a rare Anglo-Saxon, Gold and Garnet Panel (c. 600-670) to provide an opportunity for a UK gallery or institution to acquire it for the nation.  

    The panel was discovered with a metal detector near Pocklington, East Riding of Yorkshire, on 6 March 2013 and has never been publicly exhibited. 

    The discovery of the panel near Pocklington is significant as it potentially offers insight into the study of artistic, political and cultural relationships between two of the most powerful kingdoms in 7th-century England, East Anglia in the east, and Northumbria in the north.

    The item comprises a gold and garnet cloisonné panel of trapezoidal shape and displays clear links to the significant gold and garnet cloisonné metalwork from the Sutton Hoo ship burial and the Staffordshire Hoard. 

    The upper surface is filled with tiny interlocking cloisons or cells made from upright strips of gold soldered to a sheet gold backplate and filled with hand-cut garnets.

    Arts Minister, Sir Chris Bryant said: 

    Across the country, detectorists continue to make important discoveries, which help tell us the history of our nation. 

    This beautiful panel potentially holds information into how the mediaeval kingdoms of this country interacted and co-existed. I hope a UK buyer can be found so it can be studied further and its stories can be shared with the public.” 

    Committee Member Tim Pestell said:  

    Amid the bitter politics of seventh-century England, rival kingdoms fought to gain power and prestige. An important way of expressing their resulting wealth was through delicate and technically complex pieces of jewellery like this example, found near Pocklington in Yorkshire. Using tiny hand-cut garnets set in gold cells or cloisons, the designs used in this example finds ready parallels in the better-known metalwork of Sutton Hoo and the Staffordshire Hoard. I hope that the bar placed on its export allows a museum to acquire this wonderful artefact as it has much yet to tell us about this pivotal period in English history.

    The RCEWA Committee found the panel met the first and third Waverley criterion for its outstanding connection with our history and national life and its outstanding significance to the study of early mediaeval English regional society, English metalwork, the study of workshop practises, collaboration, and national and international exchange.

    The decision on the export licence application for the panel will be deferred for a period ending on 23 March 2025 inclusive. At the end of the first deferral period owners will have a consideration period of 15 Business Days to consider any offer(s) to purchase the panel at the recommended price of £3,968 (inclusive of VAT of £128 [which can be reclaimed by an eligible institution]). The second deferral period will commence following the signing of an Option Agreement and will last for three months.

    Notes to editors

    1. Organisations or individuals interested in purchasing the panel should contact the RCEWA on 02072680534 or rcewa@artscouncil.org.uk.
    2. Details of the item are as follows: The object is a trapezoidal panel of unidentified function, perhaps from a larger composite object. It dates from the early to mid-7th century and is made from gold inlaid with garnets in the cloisonné technique. The object measures 21.3 mm in length, with a width of 7.3 mm (min) expanding to 14.9 mm (max), 2.8 mm thick and weighing 2.89 g. The maker is unknown, as is standard for metalwork of this period. It is in fairly good condition, with some damage to the gold framework. Nine of the original 14 garnets survive in situ.
    3. Provenance: From the Collection of Dr Tony Abramson; Bonhams, Antiquities Sale, 2 October 2014, lot 140; Found at Pocklington area, East Yorkshire Recorded with the British Museum, ref. NLM-1A8B56 // 2013 T184
    4. The Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest is an  independent body, serviced by Arts Council England (ACE), which advises the Secretary of State for  Culture, Media and Sport on whether a cultural object, intended for export, is of national importance under specified criteria.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Key Tronic Corporation Announces Preliminary Results for the Second Quarter of Fiscal Year 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash., Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Key Tronic Corporation (Nasdaq: KTCC), a provider of electronic manufacturing services (EMS), today announced its preliminary results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025 ending December 28, 2024.

    For the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, Key Tronic anticipates reporting revenue of approximately $114 million, and a net loss of approximately $0.40-$0.48 per share, both of which are below previous guidance. The lower than anticipated revenue and earnings for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025 are primarily due to the impact from unexpected component shortages, lower-than-expected production during the holiday season, and reduced demand from certain customers which together lowered revenue by approximately $15 million for the quarter. As previously announced, the Company also expects to report approximately $1.0 million in write-offs of unamortized loan fees related to refinancing its debt with a new lender.

    Key Tronic expects revenue and earnings to recover in the third quarter of fiscal year 2025 as strategic initiatives undertaken in previous quarters come to fruition. The Company is actively streamlining its international and domestic operations, with further headcount reductions to enhance efficiency, building on similar actions announced in the third quarter of fiscal year 2024. At the same time, Key Tronic continues to win new programs involving aerospace systems and energy resiliency technology products, which was announced in a separate press release on January 24, 2025, and has reduced inventories to be more in line with current revenue levels.

    For the third quarter of 2025, the Company expects to report revenue in the range of $115 million to $130 million and earnings in the range of $0.00 to $0.15 per diluted share.

    The revenue and earnings estimates for the second and third quarters of fiscal 2025, and the finalization of financial results for the second quarter of 2025, are subject to completion of the Company’s quarterly close and review procedures which are still ongoing. The Company plans to report its complete results and host its earnings conference call for the second quarter of fiscal 2025 on February 4, 2025. Details for the conference call have been announced in a separate press release.

    About Key Tronic

    Key Tronic is a leading contract manufacturer offering value-added design and manufacturing services from its facilities in the United States, Mexico, China and Vietnam. The Company provides its customers full engineering services, materials management, worldwide manufacturing facilities, assembly services, in-house testing, and worldwide distribution. Its customers include some of the world’s leading original equipment manufacturers. For more information about Key Tronic visit: http://www.keytronic.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Some of the statements in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to those including such words as aims, anticipates, believes, continues, estimates, expects, hopes, intends, plans, predicts, projects, targets, will, or would, similar verbs, or nouns corresponding to such verbs, which may be forward looking. Forward-looking statements also include other passages that are relevant to expected future events, performances, and actions or that can only be fully evaluated by events that will occur in the future. Forward-looking statements in this release include, without limitation, the Company’s statements regarding its expectations with respect to financial conditions and results, including revenue and earnings, cost savings from headcount reduction and the Mexican Peso exchange rate, demand for certain products and the effectiveness of some of its programs, business from customers and programs, and impacts from operational streamlining and efficiencies, including reductions in inventories. There are many factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted or projected in forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: the future of the global economic environment and its impact on our customers and suppliers; the availability of components from the supply chain; the availability of a healthy workforce; the accuracy of suppliers’ and customers’ forecasts; development and success of customers’ programs and products; timing and effectiveness of ramping of new programs; success of new-product introductions; the risk of legal proceedings or governmental investigations relating to the previously reported financial statement restatements and related material weaknesses, the May 2024 cybersecurity incident and the subject of the internal investigation by the Company’s Audit Committee and related or other unrelated matters; acquisitions or divestitures of operations or facilities; technology advances; changes in pricing policies by the Company, its competitors, customers or suppliers; impact of new governmental legislation and regulation, including tax reform, tariffs and related activities, such trade negotiations and other risks; and other factors, risks, and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the Company’s SEC filings.

         
    CONTACTS: Anthony G. Voorhees Michael Newman
      Chief Financial Officer Investor Relations
      Key Tronic Corporation StreetConnect
      (509) 927-5345 (206) 729-3625

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: AvePoint Submits Application for Dual Listing on the Singapore Exchange

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AvePoint (Nasdaq: AVPT), the global leader in data security, governance, and resilience, has submitted an application to list its shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Shares”), on the Main Board of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (the “SGX-ST”). The Company’s Shares currently trade on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, and if such application is approved would also trade on the SGX-ST. 

    “Our application to list AvePoint’s common stock on the Singapore Exchange – which would be in addition to our current and continuing listing on Nasdaq – aligns with our ongoing strategy to broaden our presence in the APAC region, where we have a long and successful track record,” said Dr. Tianyi Jiang (TJ), CEO and Co-Founder, AvePoint. “We established a presence in Singapore in 2009, and since then have fostered strong relationships with governmental organizations and corporations in the region; today, Singapore serves as our Asia headquarters and International R&D Hub. Finally, we believe that our consistent execution and strong financial performance, both globally and particularly in APAC, will make us attractive to APAC-focused investors seeking in-region high quality B2B SaaS opportunities.”

    No final decision or commitment has been made as to the timing, terms or conditions of any such listing on the SGX-ST, and the Company may decide to not proceed with an SGX-ST listing of its Shares.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer or an invitation to buy any securities of the Company, nor shall there be any offer or sale of the securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.

    About AvePoint:

    Securing the Future. AvePoint is a global leader in data security, governance, and resilience, and over 21,000 customers worldwide rely on our solutions to modernize the digital workplace across Microsoft, Google, Salesforce and other collaboration environments. AvePoint’s global channel partner program includes over 3,500 managed service providers, value added resellers and systems integrators, with our solutions available in more than 100 cloud marketplaces. To learn more, visit http://www.avepoint.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements:

    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws including statements regarding the future performance of and market opportunities for AvePoint. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: changes in the competitive and regulated industries in which AvePoint operates, variations in operating performance across competitors, changes in laws and regulations affecting AvePoint’s business and changes in AvePoint’s ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and ability to identify and realize additional opportunities, and the risk of downturns in the market and the technology industry. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of AvePoint’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Copies of these and other documents filed by AvePoint from time to time are available on the SEC’s website, http://www.sec.gov. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and AvePoint does not assume any obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements after the date of this release, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. AvePoint does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations. Unless the context otherwise indicates, references in this press release to the terms “AvePoint”, “the Company”, “we”, “our” and “us” refer to AvePoint, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

    Disclosure Information:

    AvePoint uses the https://www.avepoint.com/ir website as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD.

    Investor Contact
    AvePoint
    Jamie Arestia
    ir@avepoint.com
    (551) 220-5654

    Media Contact
    AvePoint
    Nicole Caci
    pr@avepoint.com
    (201) 201-8143

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Meridian Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter 2024 Results and Announces a Quarterly Dividend of $0.125 per Common Share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MALVERN, Pa., Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Meridian Corporation (Nasdaq: MRBK) today reported:

      Three Months Ended   Year Ended
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)(Unaudited) December 31,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023
    Income:              
    Net income $ 5,601   $ 4,743   $ 16,346   $ 13,243
    Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.49   $ 0.42   $ 1.45   $ 1.16
    Pre-tax, pre-provision income(1) $ 11,168   $ 8,527   $ 33,186   $ 23,782
    (1) See Non-GAAP reconciliation in the Appendix              
                   
    • Net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 was $5.6 million, or $0.49 per diluted share and $16.3 million, or $1.45 per diluted share, for the year.
    • Pre-tax, pre-provision income1 for the quarter and the year were $11.2 million and $33.2 million, respectively.
    • Net interest margin was 3.29% for the fourth quarter of 2024, with a loan yield of 7.17%. Net interest margin was 3.16% with a loan yield of 7.28% for the year.
    • Return on average assets and return on average equity for the fourth quarter of 2024 were 0.92% and 13.01%, respectively, and 0.70% and 9.93% for the year.
    • During the quarter a net gain of $4.0 million was recognized on the sale of $6.6 million in residential mortgage loan servicing rights held at amortized cost and, a $317 thousand gain was recognized on the sale of a $1.7 million OREO property.
    • Fees and other disposal costs of $1.0 million, net, were recognized during the quarter for the early termination of the Blue Bell lease.
    • Total assets at December 31, 2024 were $2.4 billion, compared to $2.4 billion at September 30, 2024 and $2.2 billion at December 31, 2023.
    • Commercial loans, excluding leases, increased $34.8 million, or 2% for the quarter and $177.1 million, or 12% year over year.
    • Fourth quarter deposit growth was $26.4 million, or 1%, and $181.9 million, or 10% year over year.
    • Non-interest-bearing deposits were up $3.7 million or 2%, quarter over quarter, and $1.6 million or 1%, year over year.
    • On January 23, 2025, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.125 per common share, payable February 18, 2025 to shareholders of record as of February 10, 2025.

    Christopher J. Annas, Chairman and CEO commented:

    Our fourth quarter earnings showed significant improvement from the third quarter, increasing by 18.1% to $5.6 million, or $0.49 per share. For the year, net income increased 23.4% to $16.3 million, and $1.45 per share. While we are pleased with the improvement, we are still working through the drastic rate shock brought on by the Fed, particularly in our net interest margin which is down 50 basis points from 2019 levels. The team is working diligently each day to return to historical spreads.

    Loan growth of 12% (minus planned lease paydowns) for 2024 was exceptional, and our three main lending groups all contributed. Commercial real estate is benefiting from a continued lack of homes for sale, and our C&I and SBA teams are winning client relationships with persistence and creative advisory. Legacy low fixed-rate loans often made it unprofitable for us to solicit business from prospects. Deposits were up nearly 10%, mostly from money market accounts that can be rate-adjusted anytime.

    The mortgage group had significant improvement, with a $4.1 million pre-tax income versus a large loss in 2023. The hard cuts we made in the cyclical slowdown have given us much operational leverage and allows us to pivot quickly based on market conditions. Part of the cuts included prepaying a major lease at a discount and allowing many operations personnel to work from home. The Philadelphia metro region is still very low in housing inventory, which stymied an even bigger improvement in our business.

    Our wealth segment had a banner year with pre-tax income nearly doubling to $2.4 million. Strong growth in assets under management along with better stock market returns were the big contributors. We will devote more resources to wealth in 2025 to leverage our brand and deepen relationships with our commercial customers for referrals.

    We are encouraged by the new administration and communications about reduced regulatory burdens and prospects for economic growth. Our regulatory costs are substantial and, quite frankly, make little sense for a bank our size that is not systemically significant. We are hopeful that new and broader thinking can help banks like Meridian to better serve their markets and produce better returns for shareholders.

    Select Condensed Financial Information

      As of or for the three months ended (Unaudited)
      December 31,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024    		   March 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023
      (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
    Income:                  
    Net income $ 5,601     $ 4,743     $ 3,326     $ 2,676     $ 571  
    Basic earnings per common share   0.50       0.43       0.30       0.24       0.05  
    Diluted earnings per common share   0.49       0.42       0.30       0.24       0.05  
    Net interest income   19,299       18,242       16,846       16,609       16,942  
                       
    Balance Sheet:                  
    Total assets $ 2,385,867     $ 2,387,721     $ 2,351,584     $ 2,292,923     $ 2,246,193  
    Loans, net of fees and costs   2,030,437       2,008,396       1,988,535       1,956,315       1,895,806  
    Total deposits   2,005,368       1,978,927       1,915,436       1,900,696       1,823,462  
    Non-interest bearing deposits   240,858       237,207       224,040       220,581       239,289  
    Stockholders’ equity   171,522       167,450       162,382       159,936       158,022  
                       
    Balance Sheet Average Balances:                  
    Total assets $ 2,434,270     $ 2,373,261     $ 2,319,295     $ 2,269,047     $ 2,219,340  
    Total interest earning assets   2,342,651       2,277,523       2,222,177       2,173,212       2,121,068  
    Loans, net of fees and costs   2,029,739       1,997,574       1,972,740       1,944,187       1,891,170  
    Total deposits   2,043,505       1,960,145       1,919,954       1,823,523       1,820,532  
    Non-interest bearing deposits   259,118       246,310       229,040       233,255       254,025  
    Stockholders’ equity   171,214       165,309       162,119       159,822       157,210  
                       
    Performance Ratios (Annualized):                  
    Return on average assets   0.92 %     0.80 %     0.58 %     0.47 %     0.10 %
    Return on average equity   13.01 %     11.41 %     8.25 %     6.73 %     1.44 %


    Income Statement –     Fourth Quarter 2024 Compared to Third Quarter 2024

    Fourth quarter net income increased $858 thousand, or 18.1%, to $5.6 million due to increased net interest income, combined with increased non-interest income which included a gain of $4.0 million on the sale of mortgage servicing rights, along with a $317 thousand gain on sale of a residential property included in other real estate owned. These increases were largely offset by a quarterly provision for credit losses that was higher by $1.3 million and an increase in non-interest expense of $865 thousand, or 4.2%, which was impacted by the early termination of the Blue Bell lease. Detailed explanations of the major categories of income and expense follow below.

    Net Interest income

    The rate/volume analysis table below analyzes dollar changes in the components of interest income and interest expense as they relate to the change in balances (volume) and the change in interest rates (rate) of tax-equivalent net interest income for the periods indicated and allocated by rate and volume. Changes in interest income and/or expense related to changes attributable to both volume and rate have been allocated proportionately based on the relationship of the absolute dollar amount of the change in each category.

      Three Months Ended                
    (dollars in thousands) December 31,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2024    		   $ Change   % Change   Change due
    to rate    		   Change due
    to volume
    Interest income:                      
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 801   $ 416   $ 385     92.5 %   $ (52 )   $ 437  
    Investment securities – taxable   1,684     1,480     204     13.8 %     124       80  
    Investment securities – tax exempt(1)   397     397     —     — %     5       (5 )
    Loans held for sale   565     766     (201 )   (26.2 )%     (49 )     (152 )
    Loans held for investment(1)   36,666     37,339     (673 )   (1.8 )%     (1,268 )     595  
    Total loans   37,231     38,105     (874 )   (2.3 )%     (1,317 )     443  
    Total interest income $ 40,113   $ 40,398   $ (285 )   (0.7 )%   $ (1,240 )   $ 955  
    Interest expense:                      
    Interest-bearing demand deposits $ 1,244   $ 1,390   $ (146 )   (10.5 )%   $ (234 )   $ 88  
    Money market and savings deposits   8,266     8,391     (125 )   (1.5 )%     (934 )     809  
    Time deposits   8,831     9,532     (701 )   (7.4 )%     (465 )     (236 )
    Total interest – bearing deposits   18,341     19,313     (972 )   (5.0 )%     (1,633 )     661  
    Borrowings   1,608     1,985     (377 )   (19.0 )%     (10 )     (367 )
    Subordinated debentures   780     779     1     0.1 %     —       1  
    Total interest expense   20,729     22,077     (1,348 )   (6.1 )%     (1,643 )     295  
    Net interest income differential $ 19,384   $ 18,321   $ 1,063     5.80 %   $ 403     $ 660  
    (1) Reflected on a tax-equivalent basis.                    

    Interest income decreased $285 thousand quarter-over-quarter on a tax equivalent basis, driven by rate changes, particularly in the loan portfolio. The overall yield on earnings assets decreased 25 basis points during the period, impacting interest income by $1.2 million. This decrease was significantly offset by favorable volume changes as the level of average earning assets increased by $65.1 million contributing $955 thousand to lessen the interest income decrease.

    Average total loans, excluding residential loans for sale, increased $32.5 million resulting in an increase due to volume in interest income of $595 thousand. The largest drivers of this increase were commercial, commercial real estate, and small business loans which on a combined basis increased $40.4 million on average, partially offset by a decrease in average leases of $11.4 million. Home equity, residential real estate, consumer and other loans held in portfolio increased on a combined basis $3.2 million on average. The yield on total loans decreased 24 basis points, and the yield on cash and investments increased 6 basis points on a combined basis.

    Total interest expense decreased $1.3 million, quarter-over-quarter, due to a lower volume of time deposits and borrowings, combined with a decrease in the cost of all deposit types, despite a higher level of interest-bearing and money market deposits. Interest expense on total deposits decreased $972 thousand and interest expense on borrowings decreased $377 thousand. During the period, interest-bearing deposits and money market accounts increased $8.8 million and $81.4 million on average, respectively, while time deposits decreased $19.7 million on average. Borrowings decreased $29.7 million on average. Overall increase in interest expense on deposits due to volume changes was $661 thousand.

    The cost of interest-bearing deposits decreased 35 basis points driven by certain money market funds and wholesale time deposits which repriced at lower costs. The total decrease in interest expense on deposits attributable to rate changes was $1.6 million. Overall the net interest margin increased 9 basis points to 3.29% as the cost of funds decline outpaced the decline in yield on earning assets, and non-interest bearing balances increased $14.2 million on average.

    Provision for Credit Losses

    The overall provision for credit losses for the fourth quarter increased $1.3 million to $3.6 million, from $2.3 million in the third quarter. The provision for funded loans increased $1.6 million and the provision on unfunded loan commitments decreased $331 thousand during the current quarter. The fourth quarter provision for funded loans of $3.6 million increased from the prior quarter due largely to an increase of $5.0 million in net charge-offs and was positively impacted by favorable changes in certain portfolio baseline loss rates.

    Non-interest income

    The following table presents the components of non-interest income for the periods indicated:

      Three Months Ended        
    (Dollars in thousands) December 31,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2024    		   $ Change   % Change
    Mortgage banking income $ 5,516     $ 6,474     $ (958 )   (14.8 )%
    Wealth management income   1,527       1,447       80     5.5 %
    SBA loan income   1,143       544       599     110.1 %
    Earnings on investment in life insurance   224       222       2     0.9 %
    Gain on sale of MSRs   3,992       —       3,992     100.0 %
    Net change in the fair value of derivative instruments   (146 )     (102 )     (44 )   43.1 %
    Net change in the fair value of loans held-for-sale   (163 )     169       (332 )   (196.4 )%
    Net change in the fair value of loans held-for-investment   (552 )     965       (1,517 )   (157.2 )%
    Net (loss) gain on hedging activity   192       (197 )     389     (197.5 )%
    Net loss on sale of investment securities available-for-sale   2       (57 )     59     (103.5 )%
    Other   1,545       1,366       179     13.1 %
    Total non-interest income $ 13,280     $ 10,831     $ 2,449     22.6 %

    Total non-interest income increased $2.4 million, or 22.6%, quarter-over-quarter after recognizing a gain of $4.0 million on the sale of $6.6 million in residential mortgage loan servicing rights; change in gains of $389 thousand in hedging activity; and a $317 thousand gain on the sale of a $1.7 million residential OREO property, which is recorded in other non-interest income. In addition, SBA income increased $599 thousand due largely to a higher level of SBA loan sales. SBA loans sold for the quarter-ended December 31, 2024 totaled $19.9 million, up $8.0 million, or 67.4%, compared to the quarter-ended September 30, 2024. The gross margin on SBA sales was 7.5% for the quarter, down from 7.9% for the previous quarter. These gains were partially offset by unfavorable portfolio fair value changes of $1.9 million combined, and lower levels of mortgage banking income, which decreased $1.0 million, or 14.8%. Mortgage loan sales decreased $29.8 million or 12.1% quarter over quarter driving lower gain on sale income at a slightly lower margin.

    Non-interest expense

    The following table presents the components of non-interest expense for the periods indicated:

      Three Months Ended        
    (Dollars in thousands) December 31,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2024    		   $ Change   % Change
    Salaries and employee benefits $ 12,429   $ 12,829   $ (400 )   (3.1 )%
    Occupancy and equipment   2,270     1,243     1,027     82.6 %
    Professional fees   1,134     1,106     28     2.5 %
    Data processing and software   1,553     1,553     —     — %
    Advertising and promotion   839     717     122     17.0 %
    Pennsylvania bank shares tax   243     181     62     34.3 %
    Other   2,943     2,917     26     0.9 %
    Total non-interest expense $ 21,411   $ 20,546   $ 865     4.2 %

    Occupancy and equipment expense increased $1.0 million, net, due to fees, credits and other disposal costs for the early termination of the Blue Bell lease. The lease termination is expected to improve occupancy expense by $359 thousand per year. Advertising and promotion, which includes business development with other expenses, were up $148 thousand due to seasonal events. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in salaries and benefits of $400 thousand. Bank and wealth segments combined increased $5 thousand, while the mortgage segment decreased $405 thousand. Mortgage segment salaries, commissions, and employee benefits expense are impacted by volume and decreased commensurate with the lower levels of originations, which were down $36.1 million over the prior quarter.

    Balance Sheet – December 31, 2024 Compared to September 30, 2024

    Total assets decreased $1.9 million, or 0.1%, to $2.4 billion as of December 31, 2024 from $2.4 billion at September 30, 2024. Despite continued strong loan growth during the quarter, total assets decreased due to the decline in mortgage loans held for sale and the sale of mortgage servicing rights. Interest-bearing cash increased $2.1 million, or 10.4%, to $21.9 million as of December 31, 2024, from September 30, 2024.

    Portfolio loan growth was $22.8 million, or 1.1% quarter-over-quarter. The portfolio growth was generated from commercial mortgage loans which increased $23.0 million, or 2.9%, construction loans which increased $9.0 million, or 3.6%, commercial & industrial loans which increased $3.5 million, or 1.0%. Lease financings decreased $10.7 million, or 12.4% from September 30, 2024, partially offsetting the above noted loan growth, but this decline was expected as we continue to refocus away from lease originations.

    Total deposits increased $26.4 million, or 1.3% quarter-over-quarter, due largely to higher levels of money market accounts and interest bearing demand deposits to a lesser degree. Money market accounts and savings accounts increased a combined $90.7 million, while interest bearing demand deposits increased $8.0 million. Time deposits decreased $75.9 million from largely wholesale efforts. Non-interest bearing deposits increased $3.7 million. Overall borrowings decreased $20.4 million, or 14.1% quarter-over-quarter.

    Total stockholders’ equity increased by $4.1 million from September 30, 2024, to $171.5 million as of December 31, 2024. Changes to equity for the current quarter included net income of $5.6 million, less dividends paid of $1.4 million, offset by a decrease of $876 thousand in other comprehensive income. The Community Bank Leverage Ratio for the Bank was 9.21% at December 31, 2024.

    Asset Quality Summary

    Non-performing loans decreased $18 thousand to $45.1 million at December 31, 2024 compared to $45.1 million at September 30, 2024. As a result of the decrease, the ratio of non-performing loans to total loans decreased 1 bps to 2.19% as of December 31, 2024, from 2.20% as of September 30, 2024. During the quarter a $1.7 million residential property in OREO was sold, reducing non-performing assets by $1.7 million. As a result, the ratio of non-performing assets to total assets decreased 7 bps to 1.90% as of December 31, 2024, compared to 1.97% as of September 30, 2024. The decrease in non-performing loans was primarily due to the partial charge-off of a commercial loan relationship discussed below, largely offset by an increase in non-performing construction loans.

    Meridian realized net charge-offs of 0.34% of total average loans for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, up from 0.11% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. Net charge-offs increased to $7.1 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to net charge-offs of $2.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. Fourth quarter charge-offs consisted of $3.5 million in charge-offs on a protracted commercial advertising loan relationship, $1.3 million of small ticket equipment leases which are charged-off after becoming more than 120 days past due, and $1.7 million in SBA loans. Overall there were recoveries of $315 thousand, largely related to leases and small business loans.

    The ratio of allowance for credit losses to total loans held for investment, excluding loans at fair value (a non-GAAP measure, see reconciliation in the Appendix), was 0.91% as of December 31, 2024, a decrease from the coverage ratio of 1.10% as of September 30, 2024 due largely to the level of charge-offs in the quarter discussed above. As of December 31, 2024 there were specific reserves of $2.7 million against individually evaluated loans, a decrease of $4.1 million from $6.8 million in specific reserves as of September 30, 2024. The specific reserve decline over the prior quarter was the result of the commercial loan relationship specific reserve charge-off, combined with specific reserve charge-offs on SBA loans, while new specific reserves were established on additional SBA loans in the current quarter.

    About Meridian Corporation

    Meridian Bank, the wholly owned subsidiary of Meridian Corporation, is an innovative community bank serving Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. Through its 18 offices, including banking branches and mortgage locations, Meridian offers a full suite of financial products and services. Meridian specializes in business and industrial lending, retail and commercial real estate lending, electronic payments, and wealth management solutions through Meridian Wealth Partners. Meridian also offers a broad menu of high-yield depository products supported by robust online and mobile access. For additional information, visit our website at http://www.meridianbanker.com. Member FDIC.

    “Safe Harbor” Statement

    In addition to historical information, this press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include statements with respect to Meridian Corporation’s strategies, goals, beliefs, expectations, estimates, intentions, capital raising efforts, financial condition and results of operations, future performance and business. Statements preceded by, followed by, or that include the words “may,” “could,” “should,” “pro forma,” “looking forward,” “would,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” or similar expressions generally indicate a forward-looking statement. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on various important factors (some of which, in whole or in part, are beyond Meridian Corporation’s control). Numerous competitive, economic, regulatory, legal and technological factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially include, without limitation, credit losses and the credit risk of our commercial and consumer loan products; changes in the level of charge-offs and changes in estimates of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses, or ACL; cyber-security concerns; rapid technological developments and changes; increased competitive pressures; changes in spreads on interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities; changes in general economic conditions and conditions within the securities markets; unanticipated changes in our liquidity position; unanticipated changes in regulatory and governmental policies impacting interest rates and financial markets; legislation affecting the financial services industry as a whole, and Meridian Corporation, in particular; changes in accounting policies, practices or guidance; developments affecting the industry and the soundness of financial institutions and further disruption to the economy and U.S. banking system; among others, could cause Meridian Corporation’s financial performance to differ materially from the goals, plans, objectives, intentions and expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements. Meridian Corporation cautions that the foregoing factors are not exclusive, and neither such factors nor any such forward-looking statement takes into account the impact of any future events. All forward-looking statements and information set forth herein are based on management’s current beliefs and assumptions as of the date hereof and speak only as of the date they are made. For a more complete discussion of the assumptions, risks and uncertainties related to our business, you are encouraged to review Meridian Corporation’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and subsequently filed quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K that update or provide information in addition to the information included in the Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filings, if any. Meridian Corporation does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by Meridian Corporation or by or on behalf of Meridian Bank.

    MERIDIAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    FINANCIAL RATIOS (Unaudited)
    (Dollar amounts and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)
      Three Months Ended
      December 31,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024    		   March 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023
    Earnings and Per Share Data:                  
    Net income $ 5,601     $ 4,743     $ 3,326     $ 2,676     $ 571  
    Basic earnings per common share $ 0.50     $ 0.43     $ 0.30     $ 0.24     $ 0.05  
    Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.49     $ 0.42     $ 0.30     $ 0.24     $ 0.05  
    Common shares outstanding   11,240       11,229       11,191       11,186       11,183  
                       
    Performance Ratios:                  
    Return on average assets(2)   0.92 %     0.80 %     0.58 %     0.47 %     0.10 %
    Return on average equity(2)   13.01       11.41       8.25       6.73       1.44  
    Net interest margin (tax-equivalent)(2)   3.29       3.20       3.06       3.09       3.18  
    Yield on earning assets (tax-equivalent)(2)   6.81       7.06       6.98       6.90       6.81  
    Cost of funds(2)   3.71       4.05       4.10       4.00       3.81  
    Efficiency ratio   65.72 %     70.67 %     72.89 %     73.90 %     78.63 %
                       
    Asset Quality Ratios:                  
    Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans   0.34 %     0.11 %     0.20 %     0.12 %     0.11 %
    Non-performing loans to total loans   2.19       2.20       1.84       1.93       1.76  
    Non-performing assets to total assets   1.90       1.97       1.68       1.74       1.58  
    Allowance for credit losses to:                  
    Total loans and other finance receivables   0.91       1.09       1.09       1.18       1.17  
    Total loans and other finance receivables (excluding loans at fair value)(1)   0.91       1.10       1.10       1.19       1.17  
    Non-performing loans   40.86 %     48.66 %     57.66 %     60.59 %     65.48 %
                       
    Capital Ratios:                  
    Book value per common share $ 15.26     $ 14.91     $ 14.51     $ 14.30     $ 14.13  
    Tangible book value per common share $ 14.93     $ 14.58     $ 14.17     $ 13.96     $ 13.78  
    Total equity/Total assets   7.19 %     7.01 %     6.91 %     6.98 %     7.04 %
    Tangible common equity/Tangible assets – Corporation(1)   7.05       6.87       6.76       6.82       6.87  
    Tangible common equity/Tangible assets – Bank(1)   9.06       8.95       8.85       8.93       8.94  
    Tier 1 leverage ratio – Bank   9.21       9.32       9.33       9.42       9.46  
    Common tier 1 risk-based capital ratio – Bank   10.33       10.17       9.84       9.87       10.10  
    Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio – Bank   10.33       10.17       9.84       9.87       10.10  
    Total risk-based capital ratio – Bank   11.20 %     11.22 %     10.84 %     10.95 %     11.17 %
    (1) See Non-GAAP reconciliation in the Appendix                
    (2) Annualized                  
    MERIDIAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)
    (Dollar amounts and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)
      Three Months Ended   Year Ended
      December 31,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023    		   December 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023
    Interest income:                  
    Loans and other finance receivables, including fees $ 37,229     $ 38,103     $ 34,469     $ 147,157     $ 130,081  
    Securities – taxable   1,684       1,480       1,020       5,739       3,873  
    Securities – tax-exempt   314       320       331       1,283       1,369  
    Cash and cash equivalents   801       416       526       1,848       1,266  
    Total interest income   40,028       40,319       36,346       156,027       136,589  
    Interest expense:                  
    Deposits   18,341       19,313       16,806       74,037       57,819  
    Borrowings and subordinated debentures   2,388       2,764       2,598       10,994       9,828  
    Total interest expense   20,729       22,077       19,404       85,031       67,647  
    Net interest income   19,299       18,242       16,942       70,996       68,942  
    Provision for credit losses   3,572       2,282       4,628       11,400       6,815  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   15,727       15,960       12,314       59,596       62,127  
    Non-interest income:                  
    Mortgage banking income   5,516       6,474       3,394       21,044       16,537  
    Wealth management income   1,527       1,447       1,239       5,735       4,928  
    SBA loan income   1,143       544       1,022       3,458       4,485  
    Earnings on investment in life insurance   224       222       204       868       789  
    Gain on sale of MSRs   3,992       —       —       3,992       —  
    Net change in the fair value of derivative instruments   (146 )     (102 )     (126 )     30       91  
    Net change in the fair value of loans held-for-sale   (163 )     169       120       (25 )     32  
    Net change in the fair value of loans held-for-investment   (552 )     965       805       214       132  
    Net (loss) gain on hedging activity   192       (197 )     (53 )     (87 )     28  
    Net loss on sale of investment securities available-for-sale   2       (57 )     —       (55 )     (58 )
    Other   1,545       1,366       1,512       6,166       5,001  
    Total non-interest income   13,280       10,831       8,117       41,339       31,965  
    Non-interest expense:                  
    Salaries and employee benefits   12,429       12,829       11,744       47,268       47,377  
    Occupancy and equipment   2,270       1,243       1,232       5,976       4,842  
    Professional fees   1,134       1,106       1,382       4,767       4,312  
    Data processing and software   1,553       1,553       1,651       6,144       6,415  
    Advertising and promotion   839       717       931       3,293       3,730  
    Pennsylvania bank shares tax   243       181       233       972       968  
    Other   2,943       2,917       2,530       10,729       9,481  
    Total non-interest expense   21,411       20,546       19,703       79,149       77,125  
    Income before income taxes   7,596       6,245       728       21,786       16,967  
    Income tax expense   1,995       1,502       157       5,440       3,724  
    Net income $ 5,601     $ 4,743     $ 571     $ 16,346     $ 13,243  
                       
    Basic earnings per common share $ 0.50     $ 0.43     $ 0.05     $ 1.47     $ 1.19  
    Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.49     $ 0.42     $ 0.05     $ 1.45     $ 1.16  
                       
    Basic weighted average shares outstanding   11,158       11,110       11,070       11,113       11,115  
    Diluted weighted average shares outstanding   11,375       11,234       11,206       11,243       11,387  
    MERIDIAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONDITION (Unaudited)
    (Dollar amounts and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)
      December 31,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024    		   March 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023
    Assets:                  
    Cash and due from banks $ 5,598     $ 12,542     $ 8,457     $ 8,935     $ 10,067  
    Interest-bearing deposits at other banks   21,864       19,805       15,601       14,092       46,630  
    Cash and cash equivalents   27,462       32,347       24,058       23,027       56,697  
    Securities available-for-sale, at fair value   174,304       171,568       159,141       150,996       146,019  
    Securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost   33,771       33,833       35,089       35,157       35,781  
    Equity investments   2,086       2,166       2,088       2,092       2,121  
    Mortgage loans held for sale, at fair value   32,413       46,602       54,278       29,124       24,816  
    Loans and other finance receivables, net of fees and costs   2,030,437       2,008,396       1,988,535       1,956,315       1,895,806  
    Allowance for credit losses   (18,438 )     (21,965 )     (21,703 )     (23,171 )     (22,107 )
    Loans and other finance receivables, net of the allowance for credit losses   2,011,999       1,986,431       1,966,832       1,933,144       1,873,699  
    Restricted investment in bank stock   7,753       8,542       10,044       8,560       8,072  
    Bank premises and equipment, net   12,151       12,807       13,114       13,451       13,557  
    Bank owned life insurance   29,712       29,489       29,267       29,051       28,844  
    Accrued interest receivable   9,958       10,012       9,973       9,864       9,325  
    Other real estate owned   159       1,862       1,862       1,703       1,703  
    Deferred income taxes   4,669       3,537       3,950       4,339       4,201  
    Servicing assets   4,382       4,364       11,341       11,573       11,748  
    Servicing assets held for sale   —       6,609       —       —       —  
    Goodwill   899       899       899       899       899  
    Intangible assets   2,767       2,818       2,869       2,920       2,971  
    Other assets   31,382       33,835       26,779       37,023       25,740  
    Total assets $ 2,385,867     $ 2,387,721     $ 2,351,584     $ 2,292,923     $ 2,246,193  
                       
    Liabilities:                  
    Deposits:                  
    Non-interest bearing $ 240,858     $ 237,207     $ 224,040     $ 220,581     $ 239,289  
    Interest bearing                  
    Interest checking   141,439       133,429       130,062       121,204       150,898  
    Money market and savings deposits   913,536       822,837       787,479       797,525       747,803  
    Time deposits   709,535       785,454       773,855       761,386       685,472  
    Total interest-bearing deposits   1,764,510       1,741,720       1,691,396       1,680,115       1,584,173  
    Total deposits   2,005,368       1,978,927       1,915,436       1,900,696       1,823,462  
    Borrowings   124,471       144,880       187,260       145,803       174,896  
    Subordinated debentures   49,743       49,928       49,897       49,867       49,836  
    Accrued interest payable   6,860       7,017       7,709       8,350       10,324  
    Other liabilities   27,903       39,519       28,900       28,271       29,653  
    Total liabilities   2,214,345       2,220,271       2,189,202       2,132,987       2,088,171  
                       
    Stockholders’ equity:                  
    Common stock   13,243       13,232       13,194       13,189       13,186  
    Surplus   81,545       81,002       80,639       80,487       80,325  
    Treasury stock   (26,079 )     (26,079 )     (26,079 )     (26,079 )     (26,079 )
    Unearned common stock held by employee stock ownership plan   (1,006 )     (1,204 )     (1,204 )     (1,204 )     (1,204 )
    Retained earnings   111,961       107,765       104,420       102,492       101,216  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (8,142 )     (7,266 )     (8,588 )     (8,949 )     (9,422 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   171,522       167,450       162,382       159,936       158,022  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 2,385,867     $ 2,387,721     $ 2,351,584     $ 2,292,923     $ 2,246,193  
    MERIDIAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND SEGMENT INFORMATION (Unaudited)
    (Dollar amounts and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)
      Three Months Ended
      December 31,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024    		   March 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023
    Interest income $ 40,028   $ 40,319   $ 38,465   $ 37,215   $ 36,346
    Interest expense   20,729     22,077     21,619     20,606     19,404
    Net interest income   19,299     18,242     16,846     16,609     16,942
    Provision for credit losses   3,572     2,282     2,680     2,866     4,628
    Non-interest income   13,280     10,831     9,244     7,984     8,117
    Non-interest expense   21,411     20,546     19,018     18,174     19,703
    Income before income tax expense   7,596     6,245     4,392     3,553     728
    Income tax expense   1,995     1,502     1,066     877     157
    Net Income $ 5,601   $ 4,743   $ 3,326   $ 2,676   $ 571
                       
    Basic weighted average shares outstanding   11,158     11,110     11,096     11,088     11,070
    Basic earnings per common share $ 0.50   $ 0.43   $ 0.30   $ 0.24   $ 0.05
                       
    Diluted weighted average shares outstanding   11,375     11,234     11,150     11,201     11,206
    Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.49   $ 0.42   $ 0.30   $ 0.24   $ 0.05
      Segment Information
      Three Months Ended December 31, 2024   Three Months Ended December 31, 2023
    (dollars in thousands) Bank   Wealth   Mortgage   Total   Bank   Wealth   Mortgage   Total
    Net interest income $ 19,178     $ 70     $ 51     $ 19,299     $ 16,908     $ (15 )   $ 49     $ 16,942  
    Provision for credit losses   3,572       —       —       3,572       4,628       —       —       4,628  
    Net interest income after provision   15,606       70       51       15,727       12,280       (15 )     49       12,314  
    Non-interest income   2,669       1,527       9,084       13,280       2,051       1,239       4,827       8,117  
    Non-interest expense   13,641       1,026       6,744       21,411       13,202       957       5,544       19,703  
    Income (loss) before income taxes $ 4,634     $ 571     $ 2,391     $ 7,596     $ 1,129     $ 267     $ (668 )   $ 728  
    Efficiency ratio   62 %     64 %     74 %     66 %     70 %     78 %     114 %     79 %
                                   
      Year Ended December 31, 2024   Year Ended December 31, 2023
    (dollars in thousands) Bank   Wealth   Mortgage   Total   Bank   Wealth   Mortgage   Total
    Net interest income $ 70,706     $ 146     $ 144     $ 70,996     $ 68,835     $ (27 )   $ 134     $ 68,942  
    Provision for credit losses   11,400       —       —       11,400       6,815       —       —       6,815  
    Net interest income after provision   59,306       146       144       59,596       62,020       (27 )     134       62,127  
    Non-interest income   7,576       5,735       28,028       41,339       7,743       4,928       19,294       31,965  
    Non-interest expense   51,584       3,506       24,059       79,149       48,827       3,661       24,637       77,125  
    Income (loss) before income taxes $ 15,298     $ 2,375     $ 4,113     $ 21,786     $ 20,936     $ 1,240     $ (5,209 )   $ 16,967  
    Efficiency ratio   66 %     60 %     85 %     70 %     64 %     75 %     127 %     76 %
                                   

    MERIDIAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    APPENDIX: NON-GAAP MEASURES (Unaudited)
    (Dollar amounts and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

    Meridian believes that non-GAAP measures are meaningful because they reflect adjustments commonly made by management, investors, regulators and analysts. The non-GAAP disclosure have limitations as an analytical tool, should not be viewed as a substitute for performance and financial condition measures determined in accordance with GAAP, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of Meridian’s results as reported under GAAP, nor is it necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies.

      Pre-tax, Pre-provision Reconciliation
      Three Months Ended   Year Ended
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data, Unaudited) December 31,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023    		   December 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023
    Income before income tax expense $ 7,596   $ 6,245   $ 728   $ 21,786   $ 16,967
    Provision for credit losses   3,572     2,282     4,628     11,400     6,815
    Pre-tax, pre-provision income $ 11,168   $ 8,527   $ 5,356   $ 33,186   $ 23,782
      Pre-tax, Pre-provision Reconciliation
      Three Months Ended   Year Ended
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data, Unaudited) December 31,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023    		   December 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023
    Bank $ 8,206   $ 6,222   $ 5,757     $ 26,698   $ 27,751  
    Wealth   571     653     267       2,375     1,240  
    Mortgage   2,391     1,652     (668 )     4,113     (5,209 )
    Pre-tax, pre-provision income $ 11,168   $ 8,527   $ 5,356     $ 33,186   $ 23,782  
      Allowance For Credit Losses (ACL) to Loans and Other Finance Receivables, Excluding and Loans at Fair Value
      December 31,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024    		   March 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023
    Allowance for credit losses (GAAP) $ 18,438     $ 21,965     $ 21,703     $ 23,171     $ 22,107  
                       
    Loans and other finance receivables (GAAP)   2,030,437       2,008,396       1,988,535       1,956,315       1,895,806  
    Less: Loans at fair value   (14,501 )     (13,965 )     (12,900 )     (13,139 )     (13,726 )
    Loans and other finance receivables, excluding loans at fair value (non-GAAP) $ 2,015,936     $ 1,994,431     $ 1,975,635     $ 1,943,176     $ 1,882,080  
                       
    ACL to loans and other finance receivables (GAAP)   0.91 %     1.09 %     1.09 %     1.18 %     1.17 %
    ACL to loans and other finance receivables, excluding loans at fair value (non-GAAP)   0.91 %     1.10 %     1.10 %     1.19 %     1.17 %
      Tangible Common Equity Ratio Reconciliation – Corporation
      December 31,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024    		   March 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023
    Total stockholders’ equity (GAAP) $ 171,522     $ 167,450     $ 162,382     $ 159,936     $ 158,022  
    Less: Goodwill and intangible assets   (3,666 )     (3,717 )     (3,768 )     (3,819 )     (3,870 )
    Tangible common equity (non-GAAP)   167,856       163,733       158,614       156,117       154,152  
                       
    Total assets (GAAP)   2,385,867       2,387,721       2,351,584       2,292,923       2,246,193  
    Less: Goodwill and intangible assets   (3,666 )     (3,717 )     (3,768 )     (3,819 )     (3,870 )
    Tangible assets (non-GAAP) $ 2,382,201     $ 2,384,004     $ 2,347,816     $ 2,289,104     $ 2,242,323  
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio – Corporation (non-GAAP)   7.05 %     6.87 %     6.76 %     6.82 %     6.87 %
      Tangible Common Equity Ratio Reconciliation – Bank
      December 31,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024    		   March 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023
    Total stockholders’ equity (GAAP) $ 219,119     $ 217,028     $ 211,308     $ 208,319     $ 204,132  
    Less: Goodwill and intangible assets   (3,666 )     (3,717 )     (3,768 )     (3,819 )     (3,870 )
    Tangible common equity (non-GAAP)   215,453       213,311       207,540       204,500       200,262  
                       
    Total assets (GAAP)   2,382,014       2,385,994       2,349,600       2,292,894       2,244,893  
    Less: Goodwill and intangible assets   (3,666 )     (3,717 )     (3,768 )     (3,819 )     (3,870 )
    Tangible assets (non-GAAP) $ 2,378,348     $ 2,382,277     $ 2,345,832     $ 2,289,075     $ 2,241,023  
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio – Bank (non-GAAP)   9.06 %     8.95 %     8.85 %     8.93 %     8.94 %
                       
                       
      Tangible Book Value Reconciliation
      December 31,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024    		   March 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023
    Book value per common share $ 15.26     $ 14.91     $ 14.51     $ 14.30     $ 14.13  
    Less: Impact of goodwill /intangible assets   0.33       0.33       0.34       0.34       0.35  
    Tangible book value per common share $ 14.93     $ 14.58     $ 14.17     $ 13.96     $ 13.78  

    Contact:
    Christopher J. Annas
    484.568.5001
    CAnnas@meridianbanker.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: First Federal Savings Bank and ICBA Provide Tips to Safeguard Sensitive Information During Data Privacy Week Jan 24-28

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    EVANSVILLE, Ind., Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In recognition of Data Privacy Week, First Federal Savings Bank and the Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) are reminding customers to take steps to safeguard their sensitive data and shield against financial losses in the event of a compromise or data breach. The global average cost of a data breach in 2024 was $4.88 million, a 10 percent increase over 2023 and the highest ever recorded.

    “While there’s no fool-proof method to safeguard sensitive data, at First Federal Savings Bank, we believe that an important step in the fight against such attacks is arming customers with the proper protocols to reduce their exposure,” said Christy McBride, Chief Operations Officer & Information Security Officer, EVP. “As a community bank, First Federal Savings Bank uses sophisticated technology and monitoring techniques, intricate firewalls, and other methods to secure customer data. Additionally, we maintain stringent privacy policies and educate employees to treat confidential information with the utmost care.”

    Reducing Your Risk
    As a consumer you also can help minimize your risk by:

    • Restricting use of public wi-fi and computers—These networks may be convenient but are not as secure. If you make purchases while away from your home or work network, use a virtual private network or mobile hotspot.
    • Limiting disclosed information—Never respond to requests for personal information such as your banking ID, account number, username, or password, even if they appear to originate from your bank, government agencies or officials, or companies with which you have a relationship.
    • Taking advantage of security features—Update your computer security software and apply software updates to your computer system, mobile devices, web browsers, and operating system regularly to defend against viruses, malware, and other online threats.
    • Monitoring account activity—Carefully review bank statements, card transactions, and check your credit report regularly for unusual or unexplained charges, unknown accounts in your name, or unexpected denials on your card and report any suspicious activity to your bank immediately.
    • Protecting each account with a unique, complex password—Use numbers and symbols at least 12 characters long along with using a password manager. Use multifactor authentication for accounts that allow it.

    Responding to a Data Breach
    In the unfortunate event of a data breach, to minimize your risk:

    • Consider a security freeze on your credit report to restrict credit file access.
    • Set up a fraud alert, which directs banks to verify your identity before opening a new account, issuing an additional card, or increasing the credit limit on an existing account.
    • Shred documents with personal or sensitive information and change your passwords.
    • Report stolen finances or identities and other cybercrime to the Internet Crime Complaint Center and to your local law enforcement and/or state attorney general.

    Learn more about how to protect your digital life by visiting the Stay Safe Online website and spreading the word on social media with the hashtag #BeCyberSmart.

    About First Federal Savings Bank Member FDIC

    First Federal Savings Bank was established on Evansville, Indiana’s Westside in 1904. A community bank offering eight locations in Posey, Vanderburgh, Warrick, and Henderson County. First Federal Savings Bank is also proud to offer Home Building Savings Bank locations in Daviess and Pike County.

    About ICBA

    The Independent Community Bankers of America® has one mission: to create and promote an environment where community banks flourish. We power the potential of the nation’s community banks through effective advocacy, education, and innovation.

    As local and trusted sources of credit, America’s community banks leverage their relationship-based business model and innovative offerings to channel deposits into the neighborhoods they serve, creating jobs, fostering economic prosperity, and fueling their customers’ financial goals and dreams. For more information, visit ICBA’s website at icba.org.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Key Tronic Corporation Awarded Major New Contract with Energy Resilience Technology Provider

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash., Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Key Tronic Corporation (Nasdaq KTCC), a world class provider of manufacturing and design engineering services, today announced that it expects to begin manufacturing in the second half of 2025 for a market revolutionizing, innovative energy resilience technology provider.   

    Key Tronic has been awarded the manufacturing of an industry leading, innovative energy resiliency product. Initial production will ramp in late 2025 at the Key Tronic manufacturing campuses in Juarez, Mexico and Arkansas. Once fully ramped, Key Tronic believes the yearly revenue could exceed $60 million dollars.

    “We are looking forward to the design and manufacturing expertise of Key Tronic to help accelerate introduction of new products, as well as enhance our ability to increase product availability to fulfill the anticipated overwhelming demand,” said the CEO of Key Tronic’s new customer.

    “We are very excited to be working with a recognized, emerging leader in the energy resiliency industry,” said Brett Larsen, President and CEO of Key Tronic. “The product has the potential to assist in better asset management and public safety by ensuring increased vigilance across all operations. Our new customer is a highly respected company and we are thrilled to be involved with a product that can assist in the greater good. This important new strategic relationship represents an expansion of our customer base and we expect it will contribute to profitable long term growth.”

    About Key Tronic

    Key Tronic is a leading design engineering and contract manufacturer offering value-added design and manufacturing services from its facilities in the United States, Mexico, China and Vietnam. Key Tronic provides its customers full engineering services, materials management, worldwide manufacturing facilities, assembly services, in-house testing, and worldwide distribution. Its customers include some of the world’s leading original equipment manufacturers. For more information about Key Tronic visit: http://www.keytronic.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Some of the statements in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including Key Tronic’s opportunities and its partnership, the potential success of Key Tronic and the customer, and related revenues. Forward-looking statements include all passages containing verbs such as aims, anticipates, believes, estimates, expects, hopes, intends, plans, predicts, projects or targets or nouns corresponding to such verbs.  Forward-looking statements also include other passages that are primarily relevant to expected future events or revenue or that can only be fully evaluated by events that will occur in the future.  There are many factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted or projected in forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: the success and timing of ramping; availability and timing and receipt of critical parts or components; demand from customers and sales channels; the future of the global economic environment and its impact on our customers and suppliers; the availability of a healthy workforce; the accuracy of suppliers’ and customers’ forecasts; development and success of customers’ programs and products; success of new-product introductions; the risk of legal proceedings or governmental investigations relating to the previously reported financial statement restatements and related material weaknesses, the May 2024 cybersecurity incident and the subject of the internal investigation by the Company’s Audit Committee and related or other unrelated matters; acquisitions or divestitures of operations or facilities; technology advances; changes in pricing policies by the Company, its competitors, customers or suppliers; impact of new governmental legislation and regulation, including tax reform, tariffs and related activities, such trade negotiations and other risks; and other factors, risks, and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the Company’s SEC filings.

    CONTACTS: Anthony G. Voorhees   Michael Newman
      Chief Financial Officer   Investor Relations
      Key Tronic Corporation   StreetConnect
      (509) 927-5345   (206) 729-3625

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo: FDIC Chairman Charting New Course for Sound Policy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), a senior member of the Senate Banking Committee, applauded Acting Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Chairman Travis Hill’s outline of priorities to refocus the agency’s efforts on sound banking practices and workplace conduct.
    “Travis has started the process of charting a new course at the agency that will promote the safety and soundness of banks, right-size regulations, improve innovation and technology, end all Choke Point-like tactics, and reestablish a strong workforce culture where misconduct is not tolerated,” said Crapo.  “I look forward to working with him to right-size regulation and promote economic growth.”
    Among Hill’s priorities is one to ensure law-abiding customers have access to bank accounts and banking services.  During the Obama Administration, Crapo fought against “Operation Choke Point,” an initiative in which Federal agencies pressured banks to “choke-off” politically disfavored industries’ access to payment systems and banking services.  Crapo has challenged banks in the past for issuing guidelines that could effectively cut off financial services to law-abiding firearm manufacturers, retailers and firearms purchasers if they do not comply with the bank’s firearms preferences. 
    In July 2024, Crapo joined several colleagues in demanding the FDIC withdraw its corporate governance guidelines, stating, “safety and soundness is the cornerstone regulatory principle of the U.S. banking system.”  Hill outlined priorities to withdraw these problematic proposals.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo, Risch Introduce Bill to Ban Critical Race Theory in U.S. History and Civics Education

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senator Jim Risch Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Tim Sheehy (R-Montana) and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming) introduced the Protect Equality and Civics Education (PEACE) Act to prohibit the use of taxpayer dollars to promote politically divisive concepts, such as Critical Race Theory, through the U.S. Department of Education’s American History and Civics Education program.
    The PEACE Act codifies the Trump Administration’s definition of “divisive concepts” as outlined in the 2020 Executive Order on Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping, ensuring our education standards reflect America’s founding principles and reject extreme ideology. 
    “Teaching children they are inherently ‘bad’ or ‘good’ based on conditions they cannot control is destructive and unproductive,” said Crapo.  “Schools should get back to quality education that will allow the next generation of leaders to thrive.”
    “For too long, the radical left has tried to rewrite American history and indoctrinate future generations with their woke agenda,” said Risch.  “My PEACE Act ensures taxpayer dollars are not used to promote Critical Race Theory or subject students to a divisive and misguided political agenda.”
    “It’s disgraceful that the Biden Administration spent the last four years using taxpayer money to force their radical, woke agenda onto our kids. I appreciate the work of my colleagues to put an end to this nonsense so the next generation can learn how to think, instead of what to think, and focus on preparing for success after graduation,” said Sheehy.
    “Rather than focusing on the safety and prosperity of our nation, the Biden administration spent the last four years funding and forcing far-left ideology on students across the United States,” said Lummis.  “I am proud to join my colleagues to combat this radical agenda in our public schools and focus on quality education.” 
    ?

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Political assassinations, police violence and lack of press freedom: 3 barriers to peace in Mozambique

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Corinna Jentzsch, Assistant Professor of International Relations, Leiden University

    Mozambique’s parliament and its new president, Daniel Chapo, were sworn in in mid-January 2025 after a tumultuous post-election period of protests, barricades and police violence.

    The 9 October 2024 elections prompted countless reports of fraud, leading the European Union election observer mission to note

    irregularities during counting of votes and unjustified alteration of election results.

    Based on this, and other accounts of fraud, the opposition candidate Venâncio Mondlane claimed to have won the elections and coordinated several weeks of protests across the country.

    These were met with a harsh police response. Over 4,200 people were reportedly arrested, 730 shot and 300 killed with live ammunition between 21 October 2024 and 16 January 2025.

    After spending several weeks abroad, Mondlane returned to Mozambique on 9 January to join ongoing political talks between the government and opposition parties.



    Read more:
    Mozambique’s deadly protests: how the country got here

    How can Mozambique move forward?

    To get out of its political crisis will not be easy. It will require the party in power, Frelimo, to fundamentally change how it deals with disagreement and discontent. Buying off political opposition elites, as has been done in the past, will not calm this political storm.

    Based on my research into political violence, I suggest that the cycles of violence in the country can only be broken if the new president addresses three issues related to state repression. He needs to do this in dialogue with opposition forces to earn trust and public support for the new government.

    The three issues are:

    • putting an end to violence perpetrated by the police and army

    • ending political assassinations and ensuring accountability for the ones that have taken place

    • protecting media freedom and ending violence against journalists.

    No more blind eye to police (and army) violence

    Human rights experts urged the government in November 2024 to end the post-election violence and allow thorough investigations. Experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council expressed concerns about

    violations of the right to life, including of a child, deliberate killings of unarmed protesters and the excessive use of force by the police deployed to disperse peaceful protests.

    Such extensive repression has been a common response by the Mozambican security forces over the past years, with severe consequences for the evolution of conflict. For example, state repression has been a major contributor to armed conflict in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, where an Islamist insurgency has been raging since 2017. Victims of violence by security forces are an important source of recruits for the insurgency.

    Accountability for political assassinations

    Mozambique has suffered from targeted killings of political opposition figures. The most recent, high-profile political assassinations took place after the elections in October. Elvino Dias, Mondlane’s lawyer, and Paulo Guambe, an official of Podemos, the political party that supported Mondlane’s run for president, were shot dead in Maputo by unknown gunmen.

    Dias was preparing a court case challenging the election results.

    Mozambique has a long history of such political assassinations. These have rarely been investigated and no one has been held accountable. The government and police regularly deny any involvement, and people have come to speak of “death squads” seeking to intimidate the political opposition and civil society.

    Freedom of the press and civil society

    The ability of the press in Mozambique to hold people accountable for their actions has been severely constrained. Its ability to report and investigate those involved in state-sanctioned violence has been a challenge for a long time.

    In its annual report for 2023 the Media Institute of Southern Africa documented the extent to which journalists had been intimidated and attacked. It reported that such incidents increased during election periods.

    This was indeed the case in the 2024 pre-election period. Journalists faced arrests when, for example, reporting on police trying to disrupt opposition parties’ events.

    Mozambique enjoys a diverse media landscape, including multiple private and local media outlets. Nevertheless, press freedom has been curtailed. An example has been the treatment of journalists investigating the armed conflict in Cabo Delgado. Soon after the conflict began in October 2017, the government barred journalists from visiting the province, and many of those reporting nevertheless were detained and held for extended periods or arrested for unsubstantiated charges.



    Read more:
    Mozambique’s long struggle to build a nation – four novels that tell the story

    The case of Amade Abubacar made headlines in 2019 when he was detained and held for 13 days in military barracks without access to a lawyer. He was then charged with “violation of state secrets” and “public instigation to crime”.

    What Abubacar did was report on the insurgency. Since then, the situation has got worse for the media. Last year, the Cabo Delgado governor Valige Tauabo accused unnamed journalists of colluding with the
    insurgents.

    As I was writing this, news reached me that Arlindo Chissale, a journalist and political activist from Nacala, had been arrested, tortured and killed by the “death squads” mentioned earlier on 7 January 2025. Arlindo worked with me on researching the conflict in Cabo Delgado.

    Freedom of the press is important to hold the new government accountable for the promises it has made to the Mozambican people.

    The way forward

    Chapo delivered a well-crafted inauguration address on 15 January. It was well crafted because, as some analysts commented, he incorporated many of the policies being advocated by Mondlane.



    Read more:
    Venâncio Mondlane is Mozambique’s political challenger: what he stands for

    He said in his speech that he had heard what the protesters were telling him during the demonstrations. And he promised to promote unity, human rights and political dialogue to (re-)create social and political stability.

    Chapo is also aware of the waves being made by Mondlane, who has recognised the political power of mobilising people around the issue of police violence. On his return to Mozambique, Mondlane presented the government with a list of demands to be implemented in the first 100 days of the new government. The first was that steps needed to be taken to stop the violence against the population.

    Since his return he has also met victims of violence at the hands of the police and army.

    The challenge is that Chapo’s party, Frelimo, which has been in power since independence in 1975, is strong and can severely curtail the president’s ability to introduce relevant reforms.



    Read more:
    Mozambique’s cycles of violence won’t end until Frelimo’s grip on power is broken

    It’s therefore far from clear whether Chapo can pursue any of his suggested policy goals.

    Dialogue with Mondlane is necessary. But if this leads to another “elite bargain” that might get him a cabinet position but does not benefit the common people, Mozambicans will not calm down. Any agreement must address the lack of accountability for police violence, stop political assassinations, and allow journalists to investigate political violence.

    Corinna Jentzsch has received research funding from the Dutch Research Council (NWO).

    – ref. Political assassinations, police violence and lack of press freedom: 3 barriers to peace in Mozambique – https://theconversation.com/political-assassinations-police-violence-and-lack-of-press-freedom-3-barriers-to-peace-in-mozambique-248153

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Seizure of Sally Mann’s photographs in Texas revives old debates about obscenity and freedom of expression

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Amy Werbel, Professor of the History of Art, Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)

    Photographer Sally Mann poses with her dog in 2004. Michael Williamson/The Washington Post via Getty Images

    Four photographs by celebrated artist Sally Mann were recently removed from the walls of an exhibition at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth at the behest of local Republican officials, who claimed they constituted child pornography. The Fort Worth Police Department is now investigating the allegation.

    Those photographs – taken more than 30 years ago – feature Mann’s children posing in the nude on the family’s isolated farm in rural Virginia. They were included in an exhibition titled “Diaries of Home,” which also featured images by renowned photographers LaToya Ruby Frazier, Nan Goldin and Catherine Opie, among others.

    One of the seized photographs depicts her son’s naked torso dripping with a melted popsicle, suggesting the innocence and messiness of childhood. In another, Mann’s naked daughter tiptoes across a tabletop, evoking both her strength and vulnerability.

    For decades, these works have elicited admiration and, yes, condemnation.

    I’m an art historian, and my most recent book documents the rise of art censorship following passage of the nation’s first federal anti-obscenity law in 1873, which became known as the Comstock Act after its chief lobbyist, the Christian evangelical activist Anthony Comstock.

    Today, the Comstock Act is in the news mostly because it prohibits abortion medication, which was considered a form of obscenity alongside erotic images, sculptures and sex toys. But in the law’s early years, it was used to confiscate vast quantities of art and literature deemed lewd, obscene or erotic. Though this form of censorship has since been deemed unconstitutional by various U.S. Supreme Court decisions, debates over what constitutes obscenity, child pornography and artistic expression persist.

    To me, the events surrounding the removal of Mann’s photographs echo those of a censorious past.

    Evangelical underpinnings

    Throughout Comstock’s career, evangelical Christians served as the most fervent supporters of his work; they were behind the creation of the New York Society for the Suppression of Vice, which funded his investigations.

    Anthony Comstock.
    Bettmann/Getty Images

    Comstock’s censorship campaigns varied. Sometimes he went after nude drawings, paintings and sculptures. But even relatively tame photographs of actresses wearing tights attracted his ire.

    In Fort Worth, objections originated from local Christian activists and organizations. Chief among them was the Danbury Institute, which penned an open letter to the Fort Worth museum, accusing Mann’s photographs of “normalizing pedophilia” and the exhibition more generally of “promoting “the breakdown of the God-ordained definition of family” through its depiction of LGBTQ parents. In its mission statement, the institute declares that “Scripture is authoritative, inerrant, infallible, and sufficient.”

    Comstock similarly believed that “God’s Law” ought to be the guiding standard for American jurisprudence. To justify seizing and destroying an enormous array of images and objects during his 43-year career, Comstock often claimed to be battling Satan.

    His efforts were broadly popular when it came to the sexually explicit images that tended to circulate in bars and saloons. But he eventually ran afoul of Americans’ more liberal and pluralistic attitudes when he targeted art and popular culture.

    Courts expand freedom of expression

    Over the course of the 20th century, the Comstock Act lost most of its teeth.

    Judges and juries increasingly upheld civil liberties claims in cases concerning freedom of expression, vastly expanding the scope of the First Amendment.

    In 1973, the Supreme Court established the current three-part “test” for obscenity. The final prong of that test dictates that a work is not obscene if it has “serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value.”

    In my view, there’s no credible claim that Mann’s long-celebrated photographs do not have serious artistic value.

    Following the removal of Mann’s photographs, arts advocates were quick to point out that the seized images are featured on prominent museum websites around the country. The National Coalition against Censorship and Artists at Risk organization issued strong statements in support of the exhibition of Mann’s photographs.

    Sally Mann’s ‘Holding the Weasel’ on display at a Sotheby’s press preview in 2008.
    Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images

    The Fort Worth sheriff’s office, which is holding the images, is reportedly evaluating whether they violate Texas’ child pornography statute. But because Mann’s photographs do not depict any sexual acts, the only phrase in this state law that could be deemed relevant is “lewd exhibition,” with “lewd” defined as an intent to stimulate sexual desire.

    Here, context is key. As one critic of the removal of Mann’s works pointed out, “Most everyone reading this can easily make a distinction between going to a museum and opening Pornhub.”

    By selectively removing a few of Mann’s photographs from the exhibition and suggesting they may be child pornography, Texas officials stripped them of their context as works of art. In doing so, they introduced the photographs to an audience that would never have seen them in an art museum but that now may search for them online with prurient intent.

    Once again, I can’t help but see a connection to Comstock’s crusades. His efforts backfired, to a degree, in that the targets of his ire, from student drawings of nude models to birth control literature, ended up getting more publicity than they otherwise would have.

    Curators also play a role

    Despite legal protections, curators are still sensitive to how works of art may offend viewers and have developed a set of practices to accommodate these sensitivities.

    Three years ago, I interviewed curators and directors in academic art museums and galleries across the country as a fellow at the University of California National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement.

    My research focused on how museum professionals deal with the exhibition of potentially controversial artwork. They spoke to me about a variety of best practices. For example, prominently displayed content warnings allow viewers to choose to opt in or avoid the exhibition altogether. Thoughtful placement of the works and supplemental commentary add more context and provoke thought and discussion.

    Fort Worth’s Modern Art Museum, where Mann’s photographs were displayed.
    Michael Barera, CC BY-SA

    The curators of “Diaries of Home” clearly followed these best practices.

    They stated the objective of their exhibition: to “examine conceptions of home in all their complexity,” and to feature the perspectives of women, LGBTQ and nonbinary artists and subjects. A content warning was visible to audiences before they entered the gallery: “This exhibition features mature themes that may be sensitive for some viewers.” Museum staff provided wall labels, tours and artist discussions.

    These contributions situate the exhibited artworks within a broader conversation about families in America today, which are diverse in makeup, in definition and in lifestyle.

    In other words, they show how these are serious, thoughtful works of art.

    Although I can’t imagine any sort of successful criminal prosecution will take place, I do think damage has been done. This may have been a goal from the start.

    Threatening legal action undoubtedly has a chilling effect. The Modern Art Museum in Fort Worth must grapple with a potential loss of donors. It takes time, money and effort to respond to official and public critics.

    In Comstock’s era, civil liberties activists, artists and arts organizations rose to the challenge of defending their freedom of speech.

    Those who value artistic expression today will have to follow in their footsteps.

    Amy Werbel receives funding from the State University of New York and the UC National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement.

    – ref. Seizure of Sally Mann’s photographs in Texas revives old debates about obscenity and freedom of expression – https://theconversation.com/seizure-of-sally-manns-photographs-in-texas-revives-old-debates-about-obscenity-and-freedom-of-expression-247321

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Navigating deepfakes and synthetic media: This course helps students demystify artificial intelligence technologies

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Mozhdeh Khodarahmi, Associate Library Director, Macalester College

    A Macalester College course helps students navigate a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Khanchit Khirisutchalual/Getty Images

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

    Title of course:

    AI Literacy and Building Resilience to Misinformation

    What prompted the idea for the course?

    As an associate director of a college library, I’ve watched artificial intelligence technologies become commonplace in society. They help shape our media. They influence our social interactions.

    And they’re also reshaping education.

    Through conversations with colleagues and students, I discovered an urgent need: a course that demystifies AI and provides students with tools to navigate a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

    This need is relevant today given the increasing prevalence of online misinformation.

    AI-driven social media algorithms – used by Facebook and TikTok, for example – and content generation tools like ChatGPT can amplify certain voices while obscuring others.

    Those using AI tools maliciously can also create entirely false content, such as deepfake videos or misleading AI-generated news articles. By understanding these dynamics, students can become more discerning consumers and responsible users of information.

    I worked with faculty member Michael Griffin and associate director of academic technology Tamatha Perlman to design a course that introduces students to several AI fields.

    They include machine learning – how computer systems imitate the way humans learn – and deep learning, which uses artificial neural networks to learn from data.

    We also delve into generative AI – a type of AI that can produce images, videos and other forms of data – and prompt engineering, which designs prompts to guide AI models.

    What does the course explore?

    The course explores two themes: AI literacy and building resilience to misinformation.

    Students learn AI technologies such as natural language processing, which allows machines to understand and generate human language, and generative AI. They explore how these tools influence the ways information is created, shared and interpreted.

    We then delve into the ethical implications of AI, from data privacy to bias and algorithmic transparency – the principle of making AI decision-making processes understandable and open for review.

    The idea is to foster a nuanced understanding of AI’s potential benefits. One example is AI tools that personalize educational content by adapting lessons to a student’s learning pace and style.

    We also examine its potential pitfalls. Some AI hiring tools, for example, have discriminated against specific demographic groups, such as systems that disproportionately rejected women’s resumes for technical jobs.

    The course also explores cognitive biases, or systematic patterns of deviation from rationality in judgment, which can make people more susceptible to misinformation.

    We look at confirmation bias, the inclination to search for information that supports one’s preexisting beliefs. We also examine recency effect, the tendency to give more weight to recent information over earlier data.

    Students experiment with AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini and NotebookLM. They do so to examine misinformation case studies and participate in discussions on some complex questions.

    They include: When does AI assist in learning? When does it hinder learning? How can AI be used more responsibly? How can we know when it’s being manipulated?

    Why is this course relevant now?

    AI tools are increasingly embedded in social media and news content. This makes it critical for students to discern credible sources from misleading content.

    As AI technologies evolve, so too do the methods for spreading misinformation.

    They include AI-generated images and synthetic media, which is digitally created or altered content designed to appear authentic.

    All of these technologies can be difficult to identify and authenticate. This course gives students the tools to make informed decisions in a digital age.

    What’s a critical lesson from the course?

    Many students are surprised to learn that AI-powered platforms tailor content to match their interests.

    For example, watching a series of videos on a particular topic can lead to being shown increasingly similar content, reinforcing existing beliefs. This, in turn, can shape perceptions and distort reality.

    To address this, we introduce students to practical techniques for broadening their information sources. They also learn to cross-reference facts and scrutinize AI-curated content.

    For instance, we practice a technique called “lateral reading,” where students verify information by examining multiple sources simultaneously.

    What materials does the course feature?

    UNESCO’s Media and Information Literacy Curriculum – E-version inspired our syllabus.

    Besides academic journal articles, we draw extensively from articles and videos published by The New York Times, The Washington Post and other major news outlets to analyze misinformation stories. These sources offer ample real-life examples, enabling students to engage with timely and relevant case studies.

    We also review the AI Competency Framework for Students and the AI Competency Framework for Teachers, launched by UNESCO in September 2024. These frameworks provide valuable insights into fostering AI literacy and ethical engagement with AI technologies.

    What will the course prepare students to do?

    The goal is to empower students to approach digital information with a critical and informed mindset. This will position them as responsible citizens in a world increasingly shaped by AI.

    The course will also help students feel more confident when identifying credible sources, cross-checking information and making sense of AI-powered content. These skills will serve students well in their academic and personal lives.

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

    – ref. Navigating deepfakes and synthetic media: This course helps students demystify artificial intelligence technologies – https://theconversation.com/navigating-deepfakes-and-synthetic-media-this-course-helps-students-demystify-artificial-intelligence-technologies-243689

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Harvard expands its definition of antisemitism – when does criticism of Israel cross a line?

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Joshua Shanes, Professor of Jewish Studies, College of Charleston

    Harvard has adopted a broader definition of antisemitism. Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

    As part of Harvard University’s agreement in response to two federal lawsuits filed by Jewish students alleging antisemitic discrimination, it will adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, or IHRA, “working definition” of antisemitism.

    This is a definition favored by many Jewish community leaders and politicians because its broad language can be applied to most anti-Israel rhetoric. This includes Kenneth Marcus, who served as assistant secretary of education during the first Trump administration and represented the students as chairman of the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law.

    In contrast, many scholars prefer either the competing Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism or the definition offered by the Nexus Task Force, a committee of experts led by the Bard Center for the Study of Hate. I am a member of the Nexus group and also helped compose its 2024 “Campus Guide to Identifying Antisemitism.”

    The controversy over this move indicates that many well-intentioned people still struggle to understand what exactly constitutes antisemitism and when anti-Israel rhetoric crosses the line.

    As a scholar of modern Jewish history, I offer this primer that helps answer this question.

    History of antisemitism

    There has been a sharp increase in antisemitism around the world since the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre by Hamas and Israel’s subsequent military attacks in the Gaza Strip.

    Anti-Jewish animosity dates to antiquity. The early Christian church attacked Jews, whom it blamed for crucifying Christ, and claimed to replace them as God’s chosen people. The Gospel of John in the New Testament accused Jews of being Satan’s children, while others called them demons intent on sacrificing the souls of men.

    Medieval Christians added other myths, such as the blood libel – the lie that Jews ritually murdered Christian children for their blood. Other myths accused them of poisoning wells or desecrating the consecrated host of the Eucharist to reenact the murder of Christ; some even claimed that Jews had inhuman biology such as horns or that they suckled at the teats of pigs.

    Such lies led to violent persecution of Jews over many centuries.

    Modern antisemitism

    In the 19th century, these myths were supplanted by the additional element of race – the claim that Jewishness was immutable and could not be changed via conversion. Though this idea first appeared in 15th-century Spain, it was deeply connected to the rise of modern nationalism.

    Nineteenth-century ethno-nationalists rejected the idea of a political nation united in a social contract with each other. They began imagining the nation as a biological community linked by common descent in which Jews might be tolerated but could never truly belong.

    Finally, in 1879, the German journalist Wilhelm Marr pushed the term “antisemitism” to reflect that his anti-Jewish ideology was based on race, not religion. Marr imagined the Jews as a foreign, “semitic” race, referring to the language group that includes Hebrew. The term has since persisted to mean specifically anti-Jewish hostility or prejudice.

    The myth of a Jewish conspiracy

    Modern antisemitism built on those premodern foundations, which never completely disappeared, but was fundamentally different. It emerged as part of the new politics of the democratic modern era.

    Antisemitism became the core platform of new political parties, which used it to unite otherwise opposing groups, such as shopkeepers and farmers, anxious about the modernizing world. In other words, it was not merely prejudice; it was a worldview that explained the entire world to its believers by blaming all of its faults on this scapegoat.

    Unlike earlier anti-Jewish hatred, this was less about religion and more about political and social issues. Antisemites believed the conspiracy theory that Jews all over the world controlled the levers of government, media and banking, and that defeating them would solve society’s problems.

    Thus, one of the most important features of modern antisemitic mythology was the belief that Jews constituted a single, malevolent group, with one mind, organized for the purpose of conquering and destroying the world.

    Negative traits attributed to Jews

    Antisemitic books and cartoons often used claws or tentacles to symbolize the “international Jew,” a shadowy figure they blamed for leading a global conspiracy, strangling and destroying society. Others depicted him as a puppet master running the world.

    In the late 19th century, Edmond Rothschild, head of the most famous Jewish banking family, was villainized as the symbol of international Jewish wealth and nefarious power. Today, the billionaire liberal philanthropist George Soros is often portrayed in similar ways.

    This myth that Jews constitute an international creature plotting to harm the nation has inspired massacres of Jews since the 19th century, beginning with the Russian pogroms of 1881 and leading up to the Holocaust.

    More recently, in 2018, Robert Bowers murdered 11 Jews at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh because he was convinced that Jews, collectively under the guidance of Soros, were working to destroy America by facilitating the mass migration of nonwhite people into the country.

    Modern antisemites ascribe many immutable negative traits to Jews, but two are particularly widespread. First, Jews are said to be ruthless misers who care more about their allegedly ill-gotten wealth than the interests of their countries. Second, Jews’ loyalty to their countries is considered suspect because they are said to constitute a foreign element.

    Since Israel’s establishment in 1948, this hatred has focused on the accusation that Jews’ primary loyalty is to Israel, not the countries they live in.

    Antisemitism and anti-Zionism

    In recent years, the relationship between antisemitism and anti-Zionism has taken on renewed importance. Zionism has many factions but roughly refers to the modern political movement that argues Jews constitute a nation and have a right to self-determination in that land.

    Some activists claim that anti-Zionism – ideological opposition to Zionism – is inherently antisemitic because they equate it with denying Jews the right to self-determination and therefore equality.

    Others feel that there needs to be a clearer separation between anti-Zionism and antisemitism. They argue that equating anti-Zionism with antisemitism leads to silencing criticism of Israel’s structural mistreatment of Palestinians.

    Zionism in practice has meant the achievement of a flourishing safe haven for Jews, but it has also led to dislocation or inequality for millions of Palestinians, including refugees, West Bank Palestinians who still live under military rule, and even Palestinian citizens of Israel who face legal and social discrimination. Anti-Zionism opposes this, and critics argue that it should not be labeled antisemitic unless it taps into those antisemitic myths or otherwise calls for violence or inequality for Jews.

    This debate is evident in these competing definitions of antisemitism. Remarkably, the three main definitions tend to agree on the nature of antisemitism except regarding the relationship of anti-Israel rhetoric to antisemitism. The IHRA definition, which is by design vague and open to interpretation, allows for a wider swath of anti-Israel activism to be labeled antisemitic than the others.

    The Jerusalem Declaration, in contrast, understands rhetoric to have “crossed the line” only when it engages in antisemitic mythology, blames diaspora Jews for the actions of the Israeli state, or calls for the oppression of Jews in Israel. IHRA defenders use that definition to label a call for binational democracy – meaning citizenship for West Bank Palestinians – to be antisemitic. Likewise, they label boycotts, even of West Bank settlements that most of the world considers illegal, to be antisemitic. The Jerusalem Declaration does not.

    In other words, the key to identifying whether anti-Israel discourse has masked antisemitism is to see evidence of antisemitic mythology. For example, if Israel is described as leading an international conspiracy, or if it holds the key to solving global problems, all three definitions agree this is antisemitic.

    Equally, if Jews or Jewish institutions are held responsible for Israeli actions or are expected to take a stand one way or another regarding them, again all three definitions agree that this crosses the line because it is based on the myth of a global Jewish conspiracy.

    Identity and pride

    Critically, for many Jews living in other countries, Zionism is not primarily a political argument about the state of Israel. It instead constitutes a sense of Jewish identity and pride, even a religious identity. In contrast, many protests against Israel and Zionism are focused not on ideology but on the Israeli government and its real or alleged actions.

    This disconnect can lead to confusion if protests conflate Jews with Israel just because they are Zionist, which is antisemitic. On the other hand, Jews sometimes take protests against Israel in defense of Palestinian rights to be attacks on their Zionist identity and thus antisemitic, when they are not. There are certainly gray areas, but in general, calls for Palestinian equality, I believe, are legitimate even when they upset people with Zionist identities.

    Harvard’s statement captures this distinction. It posted a statement that, “For many Jewish people, Zionism is a part of their Jewish identity,” and added that Jews who subscribe to this identity must not be excluded from campus events on that basis.

    This does not mean that Jews are protected from hearing contrary views, any more than they are protected from hearing Christian preachers on campus or professors who teach secular views of the Bible. It means that they cannot be excluded based only on those beliefs.

    This does not, however, require an adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism, which goes much further. Many advocates of the IHRA definition use it to label political calls for Palestinian equality as antisemitic, as well as accusations against Israel that they consider wrong or unfair.

    Harvard’s adoption of the IHRA definition, accordingly, would mean that any speech that calls for full equality for Palestinians risks academic and legal sanction, even without any material discrimination against Jewish students. It is thus opposed by students who advocate for Palestinian rights as well as supporters of free speech more generally.

    Editor’s note: This is an updated version of an article first published on Jan. 29, 2024

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

    – ref. Harvard expands its definition of antisemitism – when does criticism of Israel cross a line? – https://theconversation.com/harvard-expands-its-definition-of-antisemitism-when-does-criticism-of-israel-cross-a-line-248199

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The technology that runs Congress lags so far behind the modern world that its flag-tracking system just caught up to 2017-era Pizza Hut

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Lorelei Kelly, Research Lead, Modernizing Congress, McCourt School of Public Policy, Georgetown University

    Tracking one of these items to your door has been possible since 2017 – tracking the other is all new. FTiare/iStock / Getty Images Plus

    On a typical day, you can’t turn on the news without hearing someone say that Congress is broken. The implication is that this dereliction explains why the institution is inert and unresponsive to the American people.

    There’s one element often missing from that discussion: Congress is confounding in large part because its members can’t hear the American people, or even each other. I mean that literally. Congressional staff serve in thousands of district offices across the nation, and their communications technology doesn’t match that of most businesses and even many homes.

    Members’ district offices only got connected to secure Wi-Fi internet service in 2023. Discussions among members and congressional staff were at times cut short at 40 minutes because some government workers were relying on the free version of Zoom, according to congressional testimony in March 2024.

    Congressional testimony discusses meetings being cut off at 40 minutes.

    The information systems Congress uses have existed largely unchanged for decades, while the world has experienced an information revolution, integrating smartphones and the internet into people’s daily personal and professional lives. The technologies that have transformed modern life and political campaigning are not yet available to improve the ability of members of Congress to govern once they win office.

    Slow to adapt

    Like many institutions, Congress resists change; only the COVID-19 pandemic pushed it to allow online hearings and bill introductions. Before 2020, whiteboards, sticky notes and interns with clipboards dominated the halls of Congress.

    Electronic signatures arrived on Capitol Hill in 2021 – more than two decades after Congress passed the ESIGN Act to allow electronic signatures and records in commerce.

    The nation spends about US$10 million a year on technology innovation in the House of Representatives – the institution that declares war and pays all the federal government’s bills. That’s just 1% of the amount theater fans have spent to see ‶Hamilton“ on Broadway since 2015.

    It seems the story of American democracy is attractive to the public, but investing in making it work is less so for Congress itself.

    The chief administrative office in Congress, a nonlegislative staff that helps run the operations of Congress, decides what types of technology can be used by members. These internal rules exist to protect Congress and national security, but that caution can also inhibit new ways to use technology to better serve the public.

    Finding a happy medium between innovation and caution can result in a livelier public discourse.

    The pandemic compelled Congress to allow witnesses to testify before committees by videoconference.
    Stefani Reynolds-Pool/Getty Images

    A modernization effort

    Congress has been working to modernize itself, including experimenting with new ways to hear local voices in their districts, including gathering constituent feedback in a standardized way that can be easily processed by computers.

    The House Natural Resources Committee was also an early adopter of technology for collaborative lawmaking. In 2020, members and committee staff used a platform called Madison to collaboratively write and edit proposed environmental justice legislation with communities across the country that had been affected by pollution.

    House leaders are also looking at what is called deliberative technology, which uses specially designed websites to facilitate digital participation by pairing collective human intelligence with artificial intelligence. People post their ideas online and respond to others’ posts. Then the systems can screen and summarize posts so users better understand each other’s perspectives.

    These systems can even handle massive group discussions involving large numbers of people who hold a wide range of positions on a vast set of issues and interests. In general, these technologies make it easier for people to find consensus and have their voices heard by policymakers in ways the policymakers can understand and respond to.

    Governments in Finland, the U.K., Canada and Brazil are already piloting deliberative technologies. In Finland, roughly one-third of young people between 12 and 17 participate in setting budget priorities for the city of Helsinki.

    In May 2024, 45 U.S.-based nonprofit organizations signed a letter to Congress asking that deliberative technology platforms be included in the approved tools for civic engagement.

    In the meantime, Congress is looking at ways to use artificial intelligence as part of a more integrated digital strategy based on lessons from other democratic legislatures.

    A panel discussion of various ideas for modernizing how Congress hears from the American people.

    Finding benefits

    Modernization efforts have opened connections within Congress and with the public. For example, hearings held by video conference during the pandemic enabled witnesses to share expertise with Congress from a distance and open up a process that is notoriously unrepresentative. I was home in rural New Mexico during the pandemic and know three people who remotely testified on tribal education, methane pollution and environmental harms from abandoned oil wells.

    New House Rules passed on Jan. 3, 2025, encourage the use of artificial intelligence in day-to-day operations and allow for remote witness testimony.

    Other efforts that are new to Congress but long established in business and personal settings include the ability to track changes in legislation and a scheduling feature that reduces overlaps in meetings. Members are regularly scheduled to be two places at once.

    Another effort in development is an internal digital staff directory that replaces expensive directories compiled by private companies assembling contact information for congressional staff.

    The road ahead

    In 2022, what is now called ”member-directed spending“ returned to Congress with some digital improvements. Formerly known as “earmarks,” this is the practice of allowing members of Congress to handpick specific projects in their home districts to receive federal money. Earmarks were abolished in 2011 amid concerns of abuse and opposition by fiscal hardliners. Their 2022 return and rebranding introduced publicly available project lists, ethics rules and a search engine to track the spending as efforts to provide public transparency about earmarks.

    Additional reforms could make the federal government even more responsive to the American people.

    Some recent improvements are already familiar. Just as customers can follow their pizza delivery from the oven to the doorstep, Congress in late 2024 created a flag-tracking app that has dramatically improved a program that allows constituents to receive a flag that has flown over the U.S. Capitol. Before, different procedures in the House and Senate caused time-consuming snags in this delivery system.

    At last, the world’s most powerful legislature caught up with Pizza Hut, which rolled out this technology in 2017 to track customers’ pizzas from the store to the delivery driver to their front door.

    Lorelei Kelly has received funding from Democracy Fund and the Hewlett Foundation for her research on modernization in the US Congress.

    – ref. The technology that runs Congress lags so far behind the modern world that its flag-tracking system just caught up to 2017-era Pizza Hut – https://theconversation.com/the-technology-that-runs-congress-lags-so-far-behind-the-modern-world-that-its-flag-tracking-system-just-caught-up-to-2017-era-pizza-hut-245931

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –