NewzIntel.com

Category: Security

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Sentenced in Fentanyl Drug Trafficking Organization

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

    MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two people have been sentenced for their roles in an Eastern Panhandle drug trafficking organization.

    The indictment, returned in January 2024 against Gary Brown, Jr. and eighty-one others, charged that the defendants caused substantial amounts of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine to be distributed in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties.

    Darien Jacob Horton, also known as “Dee Jae,”, age 25, of Shenandoah Junction, West Virginia, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison. Horton was one of the distributors in the operation, purchasing large quantities of fentanyl capsules and other drugs for redistribution. Horton has prior convictions of attempted murder, firearms violations, and domestic battery.

    Jennifer Nicole Barthlow, age 41, of Charles Town, West Virginia, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison. Barthlow was one of Brown’s distributors.

    Of the 82 defendants, 81 have been convicted. Including this week’s two, 74 defendants have been sentenced. Brown, Jr. was sentenced to 327 months in federal prison in May 2025.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lara Omps-Botteicher and Kyle Kane prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government.

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

    Investigative agencies include the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Pittsburgh Field Division and Baltimore Field Division); the Drug Enforcement Administration; the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations; the United States Postal Inspection Service; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the United States Marshals Service;  the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the West Virginia Air National Guard; the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office; the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office; Ranson Police Department; Martinsburg Police Department; Charles Town Police Department; the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office; Stafford County Sheriff’s Office (Virginia); Frederick County Sheriff’s Office (Maryland); Frederick County Sheriff’s Office (Virginia); Winchester Police Department; and the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office (Virginia).

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Gregg County man sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for trafficking fentanyl

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

    TYLER, Texas – A Longview man who sold fake prescription drugs has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for trafficking fentanyl in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

    Kym Andrew Wallace, also known as Trigga, 28, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl resulting in death and was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on July 30, 2025.

    According to information presented in court, Wallace admitted to selling what were supposed to be prescription pills, which a 17-year-old juvenile consumed them and died from a fentanyl overdose on May 29, 2024.  Following the overdose of the juvenile victim, investigators analyzed pills purchased from Wallace and determined they contained fentanyl.  Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid commonly used as an analgesic or anesthetic that is 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  The pills purchased from Wallace were round and light blue, bearing the markings “M” and “30,” which are the same manufacturer’s markings for 30 milligram tablets of generic oxycodone.

    “Thirty years in a federal prison cannot compare to the lifetime sentence of grief that the victim’s family faces as the result of Wallace’s actions,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.  “Wallace deserves every day of this 360-month sentence.  Our office, and our law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively work to protect our communities from drug traffickers like Wallace.”

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

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Gregg County Sheriff’s Office; and Longview Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucas Machicek.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Titusville Resident Indicted on Child Exploitation Charges

    Source: US FBI

    ERIE, Pa. – A resident of Titusville, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    The four-count Indictment named David Garrett Struchen, 20, as the sole defendant.

    According to the Indictment, in and around June and July of 2024, Struchen induced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a depiction of such conduct. Struchen also possessed these depictions and distributed them to the minor victim.

    The law provides for a total sentence of up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

    Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Titusville Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two teenagers convicted after fatal stabbing of Daejaun Campbell

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Two teenagers have been convicted of murder and manslaughter in relation to the death of a 15-year-old boy in Woolwich, in an unprovoked attack – the exact motive for the attack remains unclear. A third teenager was acquitted of murder.

    Two appeared at the Old Bailey today and the jury returned their verdicts after a six week trial.

    Marko Balaz, 19 (20.12.2005) of Sewell Road, SE2, was convicted of manslaughter and a 17-year-old boy was convicted of murder.

    Jacob Losiewicz, 18 (22.07.2006) of Church Manorway, SE2, was acquitted of murder on Tuesday, 30 July.

    The victim, 15-year-old Daejaun Campbell, was fatally stabbed following a disturbance on Eglington Road, SE18.

    Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn said: “Daejaun’s murder shocked the local community and will forever impact his grieving family and those who loved him.

    “I commend the strength of Daejaun’s family, in particular his mother, throughout this awful ordeal. She has demonstrated exceptional courage and composure throughout this trial and has become an advocate to raise awareness of the dangers of young people carrying knives and the devastation that knife violence causes.”

    A murder investigation was launched on Sunday, 22 September 2024 after police were called to reports of the stabbing of a boy on Eglington Road, SE18.

    Witnesses called the police at around 18:30hrs to reports of a boy screaming for help and being chased down the street before being attacked with what looked like a machete. Brave members of the public ran to help Daejaun, who was lying on the floor after sustaining multiple stab wounds.

    London Ambulance Service and HEMS attended the scene but sadly Daejaun died a short time later in the road where he had been stabbed.

    A murder investigation commenced, quickly identifying a car which had been used to bring the defendants to the scene. CCTV footage including doorbell camera footage was identified which showed the teenagers leaving a property to attack Daejaun. The identities of the group were soon established.

    Losiewicz was arrested the following day with the distinctive top he was wearing during the murder being recovered on his bedroom floor, but his tracksuit bottoms and sliders were missing. During his interview, Losiewicz denied being involved in Daejaun’s murder and claimed to be a witness who ran from the scene after being scared. He claimed to have been unable to stop the attack.

    Balaz was arrested at his home address on 25 September where he denied any involvement, claimed to have been at home during the offence and denied any prior knowledge of Daejaun or his murder. Balaz was, however on an electronically monitored tag which demonstrated he was lying and had travelled to Eglinton Road at the time of the murder. Officers were to later find multiple internet searches on Balaz’s phone around relating to Daejaun’s murder.

    The 17-year-old boy was arrested on 27 September. His phone was analysed and messages were found which showed he was worried about spending 20 years in prison after killing someone and joking with friends that his life was “about to take a massive turn”. Losiewicz sliders were found in the 17 year old’s house and Daejaun’s blood was found on them. At trial he admitted to stabbing Daejaun but claimed he did so in self defence, as Daejaun also had a knife.

    All three were charged with murder and remanded into custody.

    DCI Kate Blackburn added: “We have never fully established why Daejaun was murdered in such a brutal way. I believe it is likely because he did not live in the area and had been exploited into dealing drugs there. It is possible that the defendant’s were linked to an opposing drugs line.

    “This group were willing to bring a machete out in broad daylight and use it to kill a 15-year-old boy who, when challenged, threw his knife away and ran in the opposite direction.

    “Today’s convictions conclude a lengthy and emotional investigation, and we can expect the two convicted teenagers to spend a considerable time in prison. However, they will still be able to have lives after their incarceration, Daejaun was not given that opportunity.

    “I hope that the conviction today provides some sense of justice to Deajuan’s family.”

    The pair will be sentenced at the same court on Monday, 6 October.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley Advances PELOSI Act to Ban Congressional Stock Trading Out of Committee 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)

    Wednesday, July 30, 2025

    Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), along with members of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, voted to advance the Preventing Elected Leaders from Owning Securities and Investments(PELOSI) Act, which would ban members of Congress from trading or holding individual stocks. 

    “Americans have watched politicians earn a fortune using information not available to the general public while the average family struggles to get by. It’s just wrong,” Senator Hawley said. “Members of Congress should be focused on delivering results for their constituents, not returns on investments. It’s time to find out where members stand. It’s time we restore trust in Congress and ban all members from trading and holding stocks.” 

    The PELOSI Act would ban lawmakers and their spouses from purchasing, selling or holding individual stocks for the duration of the lawmaker’s time in office. Lawmakers would be allowed to invest in diversified mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, or U.S. Treasury bonds while in office.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Questions 9th Circuit Nominee Eric Tung on Sexist Comments, Narrow Legal Experience

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla Questions 9th Circuit Nominee Eric Tung on Sexist Comments, Narrow Legal Experience

    WATCH: Padilla warns of Trump’s pattern of nominating extremely partisan ideologues to the bench

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, pressed Eric Tung, nominee to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, headquartered in San Francisco, on his extreme conservative ideology, including his past public comments decrying “radical feminists try[ing] to blur gender roles” and his role leading anti-labor protests pushing messages including “end mandatory maternity leave.”

    During Tung’s nomination hearing, Padilla underscored the concerning pattern of Republicans confirming partisan ideologues as the Supreme Court and conservative judges continue to erode public trust through extreme rulings that break longstanding legal precedent.

    Both Padilla and Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) previously opposed the nomination of Tung, and instead recommended Republican judges previously nominated by President Trump to the district court. The Trump Administration’s refusal to meaningfully consult with home‑state Senators on these nominees follows a pattern of bypassing of the Senate’s advice‑and‑consent duty, including Trump’s recent power grab to keep Bill Essayli empowered as top prosecutor for the Central District of California.

    Padilla also slammed Tung for lacking the necessary trial litigation experience to serve a lifetime appointment as a judge. Tung has never served as the sole or lead counsel in a case tried to verdict or to judgment from the bench, and he estimates that only 10 percent of his work has been on criminal cases.

    • “I’m opposed because Mr. Tung believes in a conception of the Constitution that rejects equality and liberty, and that would turn back the clock and continue to exclude vast sections of the American public from enjoying equal justice under the law.”
    • “In just the last few years, we’ve seen what extreme, conservative ideology has done to erode public trust in institutions like the judiciary, including and especially the Supreme Court, as long-established legal precedents have taken a back seat to whatever novel conservative legal approach accomplishes the desired political outcome. By continuing to confirm extreme ideologues to the federal bench, the Senate would be doing California and the American people a deep disservice.”
    • “During the first six months in office, Donald Trump has mounted a historic attack on our nation’s justice system. He’s tried to remake the Department of Justice and even the federal bench in his own image, rewarding those who have demonstrated their loyalty to him over the rule of law.”

    In his questioning, Padilla blasted Tung for his past sexist comments and criticism of the “welfare state” and “dissolution of the family.” Tung has said he believes “in gender roles and that women are simply better than men at some things. When these radical feminists try to blur gender roles, they undermine institutions like marriage — institutions which hold society together.” Tung dodged Padilla’s questioning on his past comments and refused to say when his viewpoints changed on women’s role in the workplace.

    • PADILLA: Mr. Tung, can you list for us the things that you believe women are “simply better at than men?”
    • TUNG: Senator, again, the comments you’re referencing, and captured by a Yale Daily News reporter, were captured over 20 years ago when I was an undergraduate in college.
    • PADILLA: I understand that, but that was 2006 not 1956. Even the year 2006, I don’t think the country’s mood level and the law was what you’re suggesting here. … Do you still believe that women should stay home and not go out into the workplace?
    • TUNG: Senator, the suggestion that I think women should not be provided with the same professional opportunities as men is inaccurate.
    • PADILLA: So at what point in the last 20 years, not 50 or 60, just in the last 20 years, did your mind change on this?
    • TUNG: Senator, my views on policy matters and sociological matters that you’re referencing again, are the subject of wide debate, and for that reason, as a nominee sitting here today before the committee, I cannot answer under judicial canons.

    Padilla also questioned Tung on his leadership of an anti-Labor Day protest and attacks against workers. At Yale, Tung was the president of a group called “the Committee for Freedom” that organized a protest on Labor Day, with protesters pushing messages including “end mandatory maternity leave — it hurts women,” and “workers of the world, get back to work!” Tung told the Yale campus that “unionized labor hurts consumers,” while proudly holding a sign that read “Union NO.” Padilla questioned how individuals with questions about labor law could trust Tung as a judge given his harsh anti-labor viewpoints.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Padilla Exposes Alarming Surge in Voter Suppression, Republican Push for Racial Gerrymandering in Texas During Spotlight Forum

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    WATCH: Padilla Exposes Alarming Surge in Voter Suppression, Republican Push for Racial Gerrymandering in Texas During Spotlight Forum

    Padilla: “Instead of running on a record of clawing away health care coverage to pay for tax cuts for billionaires, they’re trying to rig the rules of the game.”

    WATCH: Padilla: “The Trump Administration is not focused on protecting your right to vote. They’re focused on denying it.”

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration and California’s former Secretary of State, and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, convened a Rules and Judiciary Committee Democrats spotlight forum titled “Protecting the Future of American Democracy: Fighting a Surge in Voter Suppression.”

    Padilla’s remarks at the forum focused on recent trends in disturbing voter suppression tactics, including:

    • The Trump Administration’s efforts to pressure Texas and other states to undertake mid-decade racial redistricting for partisan political purposes;
    • The six-month long effort to overturn the election for the State Supreme Court in North Carolina by the targeted disenfranchisement of eligible voters after they cast their ballots, including military voters serving our country overseas; and
    • The change in mission of the DOJ Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section to focus on unsubstantiated voter fraud claims, and the DOJ’s demands for multiple states’ sensitive voter information.

    During the forum, Padilla uncovered recently received DOJ requests to Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco for their voter data, setting up a potential purge of voter rolls.

    Padilla also shed light on potential violations of the Hatch Act committed by senior Trump Administration political appointees regarding their partisan redistricting efforts in Texas. He highlighted his letter to the independent Office of Special Counsel requesting an investigation into senior Trump Administration officials for any role they are playing in carrying out the president’s partisan scheme to racially gerrymander Texas and other states, calling it “a clear violation of the Hatch Act.”

    Democratic Senators heard from former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, North Carolina Supreme Court Associate Justice Allison Riggs, LMU Loyola Law School Professor Justin Levitt, and Vet Voice Foundation Chief Executive Officer Janessa Goldbeck on systematic attacks on the right to vote.

    Key excerpts from Senator Padilla’s opening remarks are included below:

    Key Excerpts

    • “Today, just one week ahead of the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, we’re witnessing a disturbing trend, a coordinated campaign frankly, of voter suppression led by the Trump Administration. Their goal is to amplify their false narrative of insecure elections, to justify their power grabs and to make it harder to register to vote, to stay on the rolls, and to actually cast your ballot.”
    • “What started with the Trump Executive Order on Election Integrity and the Republicans’ SAVE Act has now moved on to the wholesale weaponization of the Department of Justice: The Department of Justice’s Voting Section has reversed their mission statement to drop voting rights protection and prioritize alleged voter fraud. And now, all across the country, the Department of Justice is demanding that states turn over voter rolls — not just a list of names, but a lot of sensitive, private, and confidential information for folks that are registered to vote.”
    • “The last few months, Trump and his Republican allies have seen the thin margins in the House and can feel the political winds shifting. Instead of running on a record of clawing away health care coverage to pay for tax cuts for billionaires, they’re trying to rig the rules of the game. From the South Lawn of the White House, Donald Trump has directed the Department of Justice and state officials to redraw congressional maps in Republicans’ favor.”
    • “The Trump Administration is not focused on protecting your right to vote. They’re focused on denying it.”
    • “Colleagues, if we want to defend the future of American democracy, we can’t afford to wait until election season rolls around to act. We’ve got to raise the alarm today by shining a spotlight on the shocking voter suppression efforts coming out of the White House.”

    Senator Padilla has led the charge in fighting back against the Trump Administration’s unprecedented efforts to suppress the right to vote. Earlier this month, Padilla, Durbin, and Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) led 13 Senators in raising the alarm on the DOJ Civil Rights Division’s policy shift to focus on unsubstantiated voter fraud investigations. Padilla and Senators Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) also recently expressed serious concerns that recent changes to and the expanded use of the insufficiently tested Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program could purge eligible citizens from state voter rolls. Previously, Padilla led 11 Senators in introducing the Defending America’s Future Elections Act to repeal Trump’s illegal anti-voter executive order and prevent the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing sensitive voter registration data and state records. He also led 14 Democratic Senators in calling on Trump to revoke his illegal anti-voter executive order and issued a statement slamming the order when it was announced.

    This spotlight forum is the second in a series of Rules Committee Democrats’ forums focused on protecting the future of America’s elections.

    The series continues to underscore the dangers of the Trump Administration’s unprecedented attacks on election security, integrity, and funding required to smoothly administer elections and protect American democracy. The first spotlight forum in May focused on Congressional Republicans’ Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act and Trump’s illegal anti-voter executive order, both of which threaten to disenfranchise millions of eligible American citizens.

    Padilla’s full remarks, as delivered, are available below:

    Good afternoon and thank you all for being here for today’s spotlight forum on “Protecting the Future of American Democracy: Fighting a Surge in Voter Suppression.”

    I’m Senator Alex Padilla, Ranking Member of the Rules and Administration Committee here in the Senate. Joined by my colleage, Senator Dick Durbin, Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee. I’m still getting used to that. I’m used to just calling you Chairman. I was spoiled for the prior four years.

    And just one quick word of housekeeping as we set the stage for the hearing, our Senate Democratic Caucus lunch is a few minutes from adjourning, so you’ll see an influx of members during either our opening statements or your opening statements. There’s a lot of interest in the conversation today, one that the majority has no interest in holding at the subcommittee level or at the committee level in either of our committees. But the issues are important to make sure we shed light on them. So looking forward to your testimony, the question, answer, discussion portion of it, and a lot of engagement from our colleagues.

    Today, just one week ahead of the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, we’re witnessing a disturbing trend, a coordinated campaign frankly, of voter suppression led by the Trump Administration.

    Their goal is to amplify their false narrative of insecure elections, to justify their power grabs and to make it harder to register to vote, to stay on the rolls, and to actually cast your ballot.

    What started with the Trump Executive Order on Election Integrity and the Republicans’ SAVE Act has now moved on to the wholesale weaponization of the Department of Justice:

    The Department of Justice’s Voting Section has reversed their mission statement to drop voting rights protection and prioritize alleged voter fraud.

    And now, all across the country, the Department of Justice is demanding that states turn over voter rolls — not just a list of names, but a lot of sensitive, private, and confidential information for folks that are registered to vote.

    In fact, this month, Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco, counties, local jurisdictions, were also hit with those requests — a move that looks a lot like they’re laying the groundwork for mass voter purges.

    Their actions are also helping to embolden election deniers outside of the federal government.

    Just look to this past November, when even after leading her opponent by over 700 votes and winning two separate recounts, North Carolina Supreme Court Justice candidate Allison Riggs was forced to defend her victory in court for six months before taking office.

    Now, taking a page from Trump’s playbook, her Republican challenger sought to undo the votes of over 65,000 North Carolinians — many of which were cast by military voters serving overseas.

    Today, even after Justice Riggs has taken her seat, the Trump Administration has now taken up the cause and sued North Carolina, threatening to disenfranchise around 100,000 previously registered voters.

    But the last few months, Trump and his Republican allies have seen the thin margins in the House and can feel the political winds shifting.

    Instead of running on a record of clawing away health care coverage to pay for tax cuts for billionaires, they’re trying to rig the rules of the game.

    From the South Lawn of the White House, Donald Trump has directed the Department of Justice and state officials to redraw congressional maps in Republicans’ favor.

    Earlier today, I wrote to the Office of Special Counsel requesting an investigation into senior officials for any role they are playing in carrying out the president’s partisan scheme.

    It’s a clear violation of the Hatch Act in my view.

    So no, the Trump Administration is not focused on protecting your right to vote. They’re focused on denying it.

    Colleagues, if we want to defend the future of American democracy, we can’t afford to wait until election season rolls around to act.

    We’ve got to raise the alarm today by shining a spotlight on the shocking voter suppression efforts coming out of the White House.

    And for that reason, I’m looking forward to hearing more about each of our witnesses’ experiences.

    With that, let me recognize Senator Dick Durbin.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Rules for calculating climate risk in financial reporting by NZ businesses need revisiting – new research

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Martien Lubberink, Associate Professor of Accounting and Capital, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington

    Andrew MacDonald/Getty Images

    The recent International Court of Justice (ICJ) decision on climate action marked a significant step forward in formalising an idea many already accept: climate inaction is not merely a policy failure, but potentially a breach of legal duty by governments.

    The court’s opinion is not legally binding but establishes global expectations. Crucially, the court confirmed environmental protection includes a duty to regulate private businesses and organisations.

    In New Zealand, large organisations already have to list climate-related risks in their annual reports and regulatory filings under the External Reporting Board’s Climate Standards.

    But our latest research suggests the benefits of mandatory climate reporting regulation in New Zealand may not be as straightforward as they appear.

    Extreme weather, limited financial impact

    We analysed how New Zealand’s stock market responds to extreme weather events (heavy rain, windstorms, snow, temperature spikes and thunderstorms) using data curated by Earth Sciences New Zealand.

    Climate risk is widely assumed to have an impact on markets. So, we expected investors would respond to damaging weather with selloffs or price adjustments.

    Instead, we found most extreme weather events had little to no impact on the share prices of New Zealand’s 50 largest listed companies, those on the NZX50.

    Even firms directly exposed to these events – airlines, utilities, logistics companies – showed only muted reactions, if any.

    It may be that markets already price in these risks. Or that firms have managed them effectively through infrastructure investment and planning.

    What is more, the location and severity of extreme weather in New Zealand have remained relatively stable over the past three decades.

    Using a statistical analysis, we found no evidence of accelerating trends typically attributed to global warming. This technique assessed whether a particular extreme weather event can be linked to human-induced climate change.

    New Zealand’s extreme weather events tend to involve cold, rain and wind – unlike the heatwaves, wildfires and droughts that dominate international headlines.

    What this means for disclosure mandates

    If markets are already efficiently pricing in these risks – or if the risks are genuinely immaterial for the company – the benefits of mandatory disclosure may be overstated.

    Our study suggests the case for universal, mandatory disclosure of extreme weather events under the climate board’s standards may not be strong. If financial impacts are already reflected in stock prices, the current voluntary framework may suffice for many firms.

    This is not an argument against disclosure broadly. While our study did not assess other climate-related risks – such as supply chain disruption or chronic sea level rises – these may well be material for some organisations, especially unlisted or regionally exposed firms.

    But for the NZX50, where climate regulation is currently focused, the value of standardised extreme weather events disclosures seems limited.

    Global principles, local realities

    None of this contradicts the ICJ’s opinion.

    The court emphasised that states must act, not only to reduce emissions but to protect against climate-related harm. That includes harm caused by private actors, who must be subject to effective regulation.

    But the ICJ also recognises the importance of national circumstances. While bound by international obligations, each country still needs to tailor its climate policies to the actual risks it faces.

    To do otherwise risks shifting government energy and private capital towards compliance that offers little benefit to investors, the public or the climate.

    New Zealand at a crossroads

    The ICJ decision comes as New Zealand’s climate ambition appears to be softening.

    The government recently released an updated emissions pledge that barely improves on its predecessor. At the same time, it is also reviving offshore oil and gas exploration, expanding coal production and backing legislation to shield carbon-intensive firms from environmental, suitability and governance aligned lending decisions by banks.

    Such moves may be politically popular in some quarters, but they sit uneasily with both the ICJ’s vision and New Zealand’s obligations under the Paris Agreement and various trade deals.

    If New Zealand wants to avoid being seen as lagging – or worse, a bad-faith actor – it must reconcile its domestic policies with international decision-making.

    That does not mean copying regulation from other countries. But it does mean being honest about what is material, what is symbolic and what actually helps reduce emissions or build resilience.

    Regulation needs to be smart, not just visible

    The ICJ opinion should not be used to justify every climate policy proposal. Rather, it should encourage governments to develop regulation that is meaningful, proportionate and based on evidence.

    Our study offers one such piece of evidence. In terms of financial market impacts, New Zealand’s extreme weather may not justify the same disclosure obligations as those in countries where the physical risks are more severe or more clearly linked to climate change.

    This is not a reason to do less. It is a reason to do better. Policy needs to target disclosure where it matters, to focus adaptation spending where it is needed and to measure the impact of climate policies not only by their intentions, but by their outcomes.

    In short, the ICJ has spoken. Now it is up to each country to act wisely.

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

    – ref. Rules for calculating climate risk in financial reporting by NZ businesses need revisiting – new research – https://theconversation.com/rules-for-calculating-climate-risk-in-financial-reporting-by-nz-businesses-need-revisiting-new-research-262024

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Garbarino, Torres Reintroduce Bipartisan Saving Vet Halls Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Andrew Garbarino (R-NY)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02) and Congressman Richie Torres (D-NY-15) announced the reintroduction of the Saving Vet Halls Act, bipartisan legislation to create a grant program addressing the needs of local Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) as they continue to struggle to keep their facilities open. VSOs such as the American Legion, AMVETS, and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) serve as community centers providing crucial services to veterans, servicemembers, dependents, and survivors in our communities, many of which require the use of VSO facilities.

    “Veterans’ halls play an important role in our communities. They connect veterans to the services they’ve earned and give people a place to come together,” said Rep. Garbarino. “These spaces host everything from job fairs to memorials, but too many are being forced to close their doors because of aging infrastructure and limited resources. The Saving Vet Halls Act makes sure Veteran Service Organizations can continue supporting the men and women who served and the communities they live in.”

    “Veterans’ halls are the heartbeats of our communities, where neighbors come together to celebrate life’s milestones and where veterans receive vital support,” said Rep. Torres. “The Saving Vet Halls Act of 2025 recognizes the essential role played by Veteran Service Organizations like the American Legion, AMVETS, and Veterans of Foreign Wars, ensuring they can continue serving those who’ve served us. By creating this $10 million grant program, we’re giving local heroes the tools they need to repair, renovate, and modernize their facilities for the next generation.”

    There are over 100 national Veterans Service Organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that serve millions of veterans across the country. Too often, these organizations are forced to rely on small fundraisers, volunteer labor, or go without essential repairs due to a lack of dedicated funding. That’s why Congress must act by establishing a federal grant program specifically designed to help VSO posts make critical facility repairs and upgrades.

    The Saving Vet Halls Act of 2025 takes action to alleviate the financial burden on these local Veterans’ Halls so that veterans and their families can continue to rely on them for support. Specifically, this bill would:

    1. Establish a $10 million grant program through the VA that allows local VSOs to apply for grants of up to $75,000 to make necessary infrastructure and technology improvements to keep these buildings open and operational.
    2. Require VSOs to submit plans demonstrating the need for funding as well as the use of such funds to the VA Secretary, who would then prioritize grant allocation based on need and the capacity to complete the project.

    Additional original cosponsors of the Saving Vet Halls Act of 2025 include Representatives Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY-11), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23), Nick LaLota (R-NY-1), Don Davis (D-NC-1), Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), Angie Craig (D-MN-2), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1), Joe Neguse (D-CO-2), and Tom Kean (R-NJ-7). First introduced in 2022, this legislation is endorsed by the American Legion, VFW, and AMVETS.

    “The American Legion proudly supports the Saving Vet Halls Act of 2025. This commonsense legislation recognizes the essential role that local veterans service organizations play in our communities—providing fellowship, outreach, and critical support to those who served. By offering targeted grants to chartered veterans service organizations for facility repairs and technology upgrades, this bill will ensure that posts across the country remain safe, accessible, and equipped to serve future generations of veterans. We thank Congressman Garbarino for his leadership in introducing this important bill and urge Congress to swiftly advance it,” said Mario Marquez, Executive Director of Government Affairs of The American Legion.

    “AMVETS proudly supports the Saving Vet Halls Act of 2025, which would provide critical resources to preserve and modernize local veterans’ halls. These spaces are essential to the well-being and connection of the veteran community, and this bill ensures they remain open and accessible for generations to come,” said Joseph Chenelly, National Executive Director of AMVETS.

    The full text of the bill can be found here. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Crawford Call on Director Patel to Review Untapped Information Ignored by FBI in Clinton Email Investigation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Rick Crawford (R-Ark.) recently sent a letter to Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel requesting the FBI review unevaluated material related to Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server and mishandling of highly classified information during her time as Secretary of State.

    This untapped and unreviewed information has lived within thumb drives in the FBI’s custody inside a Northern Virginia offshoot office of the FBI’s Washington Field Office since 2018. This letter was sent in response to Chairman Grassley’s efforts to get the appendix to the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General’s (DOJ OIG) June 2018 report reviewing the DOJ and FBI’s handling of the Clinton investigation, also known as the “Clinton annex,” declassified.

    “The revelations contained in the declassified OIG appendix are at the heart of why the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) became distrusted by so many under your agency’s prior directors: a failure to impartially conduct its law enforcement and intelligence mission. Concerning the issue at hand, Comey’s FBI shockingly failed to review and exploit evidence in its own possession, even though they admitted in written memos the information was necessary to conduct a ‘thorough and complete investigation.’ The FBI also failed to review and exploit other foreign intelligence information,” Grassley and Crawford wrote.

    “Therefore, we now write to stress the importance that this material be immediately dug out from hiding and properly assessed. How evidence which purportedly includes information related to ‘former President Barack Obama’s emails’ and ‘network infrastructure diagrams for U.S. government classified networks,’ remained unreviewed by the preeminent law enforcement agency in the world is mind-numbing. We know you will not similarly ignore evidence in your agency’s possession, no matter where its exploitation or conclusions might lead,” Grassley and Crawford continued.

    Read the full letter HERE.

    Notably, the declassified Clinton Annex revealed that:

    • Russian-language reports were also obtained by the FBI of discussions between then-Democratic National Committee (DNC) head, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and George Soros’ Open Society Foundations, with suggestions concerning the deletion of evidence on Hillary Clinton’s email servers, mention of FBI’s investigation into the Clinton Foundation, and reports suggesting then-Attorney General Loretta Lynch was in contact with Hillary Clinton’s staff.
    • DOJ OIG also relied on the now-debunked Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA) on the Russia collusion hoax during its review, once again shedding light on the damage caused by the ICA’s widely spread tentacles.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen FBI Whistleblower Protections

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), co-founder and co-chair of the Whistleblower Protection Caucus, today introduced the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act. Grassley’s legislation is cosponsored by Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.).

    “The Biden-Harris administration’s weaponization of the Justice Department and FBI, as well as its egregious retaliation against whistleblowers, caused great damage to our nation’s federal institutions. Multiple agents who bravely blew the whistle had their security clearances suspended and were placed under investigation with no end in sight, leaving them in professional limbo and causing serious financial harm. While the Trump administration has taken significant steps to undo the damage, Congress must offer a solution to ensure future FBI whistleblowers aren’t subjected to a similar retaliatory playbook,” Grassley said. “My legislation will ensure these patriotic whistleblowers receive the protections they deserve, rather than being treated like skunks at a picnic.”

    The bipartisan bill would provide Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) employees with whistleblower protections established by the Grassley-led Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989, and its subsequent amendments. Specifically, the FBI Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act would:

    • Protect FBI whistleblowers who appeal adverse personnel decisions, or who cooperate in whistleblower investigations;
    • Require the Grassley-authored anti-gag provision to be included in FBI nondisclosure policies, forms and agreements to inform employees of their right to report waste, fraud or abuse, including to Congress;
    • Prohibit the FBI from coercing employees to engage in political activity;
    • Clarify which whistleblower disclosures are legally protected;
    • Require the Attorney General to fully inform FBI employees of their whistleblower protection rights, including challenging retaliatory security clearance suspensions;
    • Implement the Government Accountability Office (GAO) 2024 recommendation to clarify the process for FBI whistleblowers to seek corrective action from the Merit Systems Protection Board;
    • Eliminate the requirement that whistleblowers wait a year before challenging the denial, suspension or revocation of their security clearance; and
    • Require the Director of National Intelligence to ensure agency investigations and adjudications of security clearance denials, suspensions and revocations are free from conflicts of interest.

    The FBI Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act is supported by multiple whistleblower advocacy groups, including Empower Oversight and the Government Accountability Project.

    “Senator Grassley’s bill represents the culmination of more than four decades of fighting to ensure that those who protect America’s security have the security to speak truth to power. We urge Congress to pass this legislation swiftly and finally deliver justice that’s been delayed far too long,” said Tom Devine, Legal Director of the Government Accountability Project.

    Read the bill text HERE.

    Background:

    During the 101st Congress, the Grassley-led Whistleblower Protection Act became law, requiring the Attorney General to establish whistleblower protections for FBI employees through regulatory action. However, the Department of Justice (DOJ) refused to implement whistleblower protection regulations until 1997, when then-President Bill Clinton issued a memo requiring them to do so.

    Following concerns of continued retaliation, the Grassley-led Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012 was signed into law, directing the Attorney General to issue a report reevaluating the 1997 FBI whistleblower protection regulations. Due to the DOJ’s lack of responsiveness, Grassley commissioned the GAO to issue a report, which was published in 2015 and revealed alarming gaps in the FBI’s whistleblower regulations.

    In response to the 2015 GAO report, Grassley introduced the FBI Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2016, which subsequently became law. This legislation directed the FBI to implement modernized whistleblower protection regulations and codified certain FBI whistleblower protections. Despite Grassley’s bill and his call for the FBI to follow the law, the FBI failed to implement these regulations until 2024 – right before the GAO was set to publish a report evaluating the FBI’s implementation of Grassley’s 2016 law. Much like the 2015 report, the 2024 GAO report revealed significant failings in the FBI’s whistleblower protection regulations.

    Given the FBI’s inability over the last 35-years to effectively implement whistleblower protection regulations, as well as the Biden-Harris administration’s pervasive retaliation against whistleblowers, Grassley is now introducing legislation to cement the much-needed protections into law.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Democrat Blocks Five Bipartisan Local Law Enforcement Bills

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today joined Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) on the Senate floor to request unanimous passage of seven bipartisan law enforcement bills, which were passed out of the Judiciary Committee by a unanimous voice vote in May as part of Police Week.

    Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, objected to Cortez Masto and Grassley’s request to pass the bipartisan law enforcement package. Booker did not previously object to the bills in committee and today objected in an effort to force federal dollars to sanctuary cities that blatantly violate federal immigration law.

    In response to Booker’s objection, Cortez Masto requested unanimous passage of two of the Police Week bills, including the Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act and the Improving Police CARE Act. Booker allowed these bills to pass, but blocked the five remaining Police Week bills.

    The five local law enforcement bills blocked today include:

    Video and a transcript of Grassley’s remarks regarding the Police Week bills are below.

    [embedded content]

    VIDEO 

    Law enforcement [officers] across the country put their lives on the line every day.

    We see examples of the dangers they face on the news and in our communities on a daily basis.

    This month, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported an 830 percent increase in assaults on their officers and agents during the course of their enforcement duties.

    Agents and officers had rocks and other projectiles thrown at them causing injury to persons and property.

    These agents and officers have been doxed and had their home addresses, family member names and other personal information posted on social media for anyone to see, which has resulted in an increased number of threats and intimidation to them.

    We had the opportunity to hear firsthand from three federal law enforcement officers during a Judiciary Committee hearing on cartels last month about the ongoing risks and dangers to law enforcement.

    Special Agent in Charge, Matthew Allen, of the Los Angeles Field Office of DEA testified that his agents are oftentimes surveilled by cartel members and other bad actors.

    He further testified that he has lost several friends and fellow law enforcement officers as a result of their law enforcement duties.

    And just recently, we learned that an off-duty Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer was shot in the face in New York City during an attempted robbery by a previously deported illegal alien.

    Thankfully, the officer is expected to survive.

    According to the Fraternal Order of Police, as of June 30, 2025, 166 officers were shot in the line of duty. 21 of them were killed.

    While these numbers are lower than from the previous year, the shooting this weekend is yet another example of the threats and dangers our men and women in blue face daily, both on and off duty.

    Earlier this year, Senator Durbin and I led a resolution honoring 234 officers who made the ultimate sacrifice and are being recognized as line-of-duty deaths. It passed with over 80 cosponsors.

    We worked together across the aisle to report these seven bipartisan bills out of committee on Police Week.

    The seven bills are part of the largest Police Week Package in over 15 years.

    The package of seven bills passed the Committee with bipartisan support and unanimous vote.

    They provide a good example of the extensive problems facing our law enforcement community.

    For example, one bill deals with recruitment and retention issues to ensure our law enforcement is well staffed.

    Other bills deal with protecting law enforcement from the dangers of fentanyl and providing law enforcement with the equipment they need to serve our communities.

    Lastly, the bills provide protection to the families of first responders and provide the much-needed resources for the mental health of law enforcement.

    Simply stated, these bills strengthen our law enforcement community to help keep our citizens safe.

    It’s time to send these bills to the House and then to President Trump.

    Each helps law enforcement and first responders across our country.

    These folks are true heroes, and they deserve our strong support.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley: Exhaustive Efforts to Vet Emil Bove’s Nomination Prove He’s Fit for the Job

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Ahead of the Senate’s vote on the nomination of Emil Bove to be United States Circuit Judge for the Third Circuit, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) released an exhaustive overview of his work to thoroughly vet Bove’s nomination in light of three whistleblower allegations made against the nominee.

    In a speech on the Senate floor, Grassley outlined how his team ran into challenges while attempting to review each whistleblower disclosure in good faith: “any assertion that I or my staff was uninterested in the evidence is false.”

    Grassley is a co-founder and co-chair of the Senate Whistleblower Protection Caucus.

    Bove’s letter to the committee regarding the most recent whistleblower allegations is HERE.

    Video and a transcript of Grassley’s floor remarks is below.

    [embedded content]

    Prepared Floor Remarks by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa

    Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee

    “The Nomination of Emil Bove”

    Tuesday, July 29, 2025

    VIDEO

    Soon, this body will proceed to a final vote on the nomination of Emil Bove to be a judge on the Third Circuit. As I said in my statements in Committee multiple times, I support the nomination of Mr. Bove. He has a strong legal background and has served his country honorably. I believe he will be a diligent, capable, and fair jurist. My Republican colleagues on Committee agreed, and that’s why he was reported out of Committee with every Republican supporting his nomination.

    It’s no surprise to anyone who’s followed this nomination that I have serious concerns with how my Democratic colleagues have conducted themselves. The vicious rhetoric, unfair accusations and abuse directed at Mr. Bove by some on this Committee has crossed the line. I wish I could say that this posture has been limited to just this nomination, but unfortunately, it appears to be a pattern.

    Since the very beginning of this Congress, Democrats have engaged in a relentless obstruction campaign for nearly every one of President Trump’s nominees. Their playbook has included maximum procedural obstruction, unfair media attacks, repeated attempts to allege misconduct and demands for delayed consideration, records and investigations.

    This Congress alone, Democrats have sent at least 26 letters to 17 agencies or parties demanding records, delays or investigations into President Trump’s nominees just in the Judiciary Committee. Like clockwork, just before a hearing or vote, we get another breathless accusation that one of President Trump’s nominees needs to be investigated.

    I’m afraid that what we’ve seen recently on the Bove nomination has been more of the same. My Democratic colleagues have tried to weaponize my respect for whistleblowers and the whistleblowing process against me and against Mr. Bove, and I’m going to set the record straight.

    I take whistleblower complaints very seriously. During both Republican and Democratic administrations, I have spent over four decades defending patriotic whistleblowers.

    My conduct in defending whistleblowers and running bipartisan investigations stands in stark contrast to the conduct of my Democratic colleagues.

    During the first Trump administration, I defended the Ukraine whistleblower’s use of the whistleblower process—despite serious concerns about the substance of his complaint.

    When I was last Chairman, I interviewed Donald Trump Jr. and other Republicans as part of my bipartisan investigation into alleged Russian collusion—conducted through the Senate Judiciary Committee.

    But when it came to the Biden family and his Administration, despite serious allegations and overwhelming evidence of misconduct, Democrats made no effort to investigate or conduct similar interviews. In fact, they worked hard to thwart any attempt at oversight.

    These weren’t fringe claims—they involved potential crimes squarely within the Judiciary Committee’s jurisdiction.

    This administration has said Mr. Reuvini isn’t a whistleblower. I’ve publicly disagreed with that position.

    That’s the opposite posture my Democratic colleagues took with the IRS whistleblowers who blew the whistle on the Biden administration. My Democratic colleagues tried to destroy them and used the press to falsely claim they weren’t whistleblowers.

    No one can say that I don’t take whistleblower complaints seriously, or that I don’t investigate allegations in good faith. I’ve always said that my door is open to whistleblowers, and my efforts regarding the Bove nomination show this is true.

    Mr. Reuveni first made allegations against Mr. Bove the morning before his nomination hearing. The allegations broke in a New York Times story, and the paper gleefully ran the unvetted accusations without so much as giving the Justice Department or the nominee the opportunity to respond.

    The Deputy Attorney General flatly denied the allegations in a public statement, and the nominee denied them under oath both in the hearing and in response to written questions.

    Then, my Democratic colleagues received additional records from the whistleblower on July 1 and July 7 but hid them from Republicans. I didn’t receive them until July 10—the same day that Mr. Bove was scheduled for his first markup.

    The coordinated media strategy involved a New York Times exclusive about the files, and a Democratic press release containing a misleading summary of the documents—all designed to smear Mr. Bove.

    This timeline raises serious concerns, and it’s legitimate to raise them as a major problem. If my Democratic colleagues wanted to investigate allegations, they should have come to me and we could have vetted the allegations in good faith, together. They didn’t want this. They wanted to run a one-sided media campaign.

    Regardless, I still did my job and investigated.

    My staff reviewed the disclosures document-by-document and analyzed the facts. The result? Almost none of the material references Mr. Bove at all. More concerningly, the Democrat summary grossly mischaracterized the documents it purported to summarize. In short, the documents didn’t say what Democrats say they did.

    My staff also interviewed multiple people who were present for the March 14 meeting described in the whistleblower disclosure. Four separate people other than Mr. Bove who were present in the meeting told us the following:

    My staff also spoke to numerous other individuals, including many current or former Justice Department employees, who wanted to share information about the Bove nomination. All told, my staff interviewed or spoke with more than a dozen individuals who came forward to discuss the Bove nomination.

    With respect to the initial whistleblower allegations, even if you accept most of the claims as true, there’s no scandal. Government lawyers aggressively litigating and interpreting court orders isn’t misconduct—it’s what lawyers do.

    Concerningly, the Minority repeatedly recast discussion of litigation strategy as wrongdoing, even discussions that reflected the government’s official litigation positions, some of which prevailed on appeal.

    The whistleblower alleged misconduct—but ten days after the key event he describes, he signed a brief stating—without qualification—that “the Government has complied with the Court’s orders in this case.”

    If he believed the Department defied court orders, why sign a brief as an officer of the court saying it had complied?

    During the hearing, Mr. Bove firmly denied the allegations. He testified under oath: “I did not advise any Justice Department attorney to violate court orders.”

    Recent public reporting backs his account. Months before the whistleblower came forward, his former supervisor wrote in a letter that Mr. Bove advised our team that we must avoid a court order halting an upcoming operation to implement the Act at all costs. This statement confirms Mr. Bove advised his team to avoid triggering a court order, not defy one—that’s consistent with his testimony.

    That was the initial allegation, but now, on the eve of Mr. Bove’s final vote, the Democrats and their media allies have launched yet another salvo against Mr. Bove.

    On Friday, we learned from social media that two other whistleblowers allegedly have derogatory information about Mr. Bove.

    One whistleblower said that they’ve filed a complaint with the Inspector General. My staff requested the complaint and to speak with the whistleblower. Their requests were declined.

    Another group, called Justice Connection, publicly alleged that a whistleblower has evidence that Bove wasn’t truthful in his hearing, and that the whistleblower “has tried to share info with Republican senators for weeks and they haven’t responded.”

    To the extent that anyone is suggesting that I haven’t been willing to receive and consider relevant evidence—this is plainly false. I’m the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, and I represent Republicans on this nomination. Regarding this whistleblower, my office wasn’t proactively approached.

    Indeed, since we saw these new reports on Friday, my staff proactively – and repeatedly – reached out to the whistleblower’s lawyers, asking to see the evidence that they apparently had already shared with multiple Democrats and the media.

    My staff assured them that we would review the evidence in good faith, but all weekend, my staff was stonewalled and given the runaround. Any assertion that I or my staff was uninterested in the evidence is false.

    It wasn’t until Monday morning that my staff received any information. Even then, it was bits and pieces of information created by the lawyers, not original information. My staff tried over and over to get all the information, only to be rejected.

    My staff was not shown the underlying transcript of the meeting until this morning. They were shown what was represented to be a verbatim transcript of a meeting, but we still didn’t get access to the underlying source.

    So, what did I do? I followed my usual process and asked Mr. Bove to respond to the allegations that his testimony was inconsistent with the evidence presented. And he sent me a letter doing just that. I’ll plan to make it public.

    In his letter, Mr. Bove flatly denies the allegation that he misled the Committee. He explained that he testified truthfully in response to “compound yes/no questions that sought to attribute words to me that I did not use during the February 14, 2025 video meeting.” He also responds to the attacks on his character and rejects the allegations against him.

    Viewed in light of the transcript, Bove’s responses to compound, hostile questions about specific words used a meeting that happened months before his hearing do not, to me, indicate deliberately false or misleading testimony.

    And more importantly, the substance of the meeting itself does not reflect misconduct. It reflected a sympathetic tone during a turbulent time, and appropriately characterizes the role of a Justice Department attorney. In the meeting, Mr. Bove specifically acknowledges that being a Justice Department Attorney means “Following orders from the President and from the Attorney General, unless we view them as unlawful or unethical.” He apologized to the attorneys present for the tension and told them, “I don’t want to put pressure on you.”

    This context is important.

    I’m also curious at my Democratic colleagues’ newfound interest in candor to the Committee. During the last administration, Kristen Clarke unequivocally perjured herself before the Judiciary Committee in response to written questions.

    When the information came to light after her confirmation, Democrats closed ranks and refused to join Republicans in their call to hold her accountable. Democrats likewise expressed no interest in evaluating the misleading or inconsistent testimony from numerous other Biden appointees.

    When this Committee considered the nomination of Justice Kavanaugh, I criticized the tactics the Democrats employed.

    I said:

    “The Ranking Member sat on these allegations for nearly seven weeks, only to reveal them at the eleventh hour when it appeared Judge Kavanaugh was headed towards confirmation.”

    With respect to the Bove nomination, as with other nominees this Congress, Democrats appear to have dusted off the playbook they devised against Justice Kavanaugh. They hid allegedly relevant information until a politically opportune time, and then used it as an ambush to hurt the nominee.

    As I said about the Democrats conduct during Director Patel’s nomination:

    “This is becoming a pattern, and I will not facilitate a campaign to undermine the results of the election by delaying the consideration of nominees.”

    If anyone, including my colleagues, has information regarding a nominee that they believe is relevant to their fitness for office, I expect them to share it with me in a timely and candid manner so that the allegations can be fairly vetted. My door is always open to whistleblowers, and while I may not always agree with someone else’s conclusion, I’ll always fairly consider any information brought to my office.

    My message to the three whistleblowers is this: just because I may disagree with the conclusions in a whistleblower disclosure, it doesn’t mean that I don’t support a whistleblower’s right to come forward.

    Whether I agree or disagree with a whistleblower, I’ll defend whistleblower rights.

    Reasonable minds can differ. And when I direct my staff to allocate resources away from other ongoing whistleblower projects to handle situations like Bove, their efforts ought to be respected and given good faith treatment.

    But eleventh-hour media smears by my colleagues based on information that was hidden from the Committee are unacceptable, and I won’t stand for it as a delay and obstruction tactic.

    This tactic didn’t work against Justice Kavanaugh, and it won’t work against Mr. Bove.

    I look forward to supporting Mr. Bove and urge all of my colleagues to do the same.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Columbia Financial, Inc. Announces Financial Results for the Second Quarter Ended June 30, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FAIR LAWN, N.J., July 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Columbia Financial, Inc. (the “Company”) (NASDAQ: CLBK), the mid-tier holding company for Columbia Bank (“Columbia”), reported net income of $12.3 million, or $0.12 per basic and diluted share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, as compared to $4.5 million, or $0.04 per basic and diluted share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. Earnings for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 reflected higher net interest income due to both an increase in interest income and a decrease in interest expense, higher non-interest income and a decrease in non-interest expense, partially offset by higher income tax expense.

    For the six months ended June 30, 2025, the Company reported net income of $21.2 million, or $0.21 per basic and diluted share, as compared to $3.4 million, or $0.03 per basic and diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2024. Earnings for the six months ended June 30, 2025 reflected higher net interest income due to both an increase in interest income and a decrease in interest expense, a decrease in provision for credit losses and higher non-interest income, and a decrease in non-interest expense, partially offset by higher income tax expense.

    Mr. Thomas J. Kemly, President and Chief Executive Officer commented: “We are pleased with our results for the second quarter of 2025, which reflect a substantial increase in earnings and the continued expansion of our net interest margin resulting from our previously announced strategies. During the quarter, we also experienced solid loan growth, complemented by the purchase of approximately $130.9 million in commercial equipment finance loans. Assets and deposits continued to increase throughout the 2025 period, and we reduced our overall operating costs.”

    Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2024

    Net income of $12.3 million was recorded for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, an increase of $7.8 million, as compared to net income of $4.5 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. The increase in net income was primarily attributable to a $9.6 million increase in net interest income, a $993,000 increase in non-interest income and a $1.3 million decrease in non-interest expense, partially offset by a $3.9 million increase in income tax expense.

    Net interest income was $53.7 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, an increase of $9.6 million, or 21.8%, from $44.1 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. The increase in net interest income was primarily attributable to a $3.2 million increase in interest income and a $6.4 million decrease in interest expense on deposits and borrowings. The increase in interest income was primarily due to an increase in the average balance of loans coupled with an increase in average yields on loans and securities. During the fourth quarter of 2024 the Company implemented a balance sheet repositioning transaction which resulted in an increase in the average yield on securities and a decrease in the cost of borrowings, which had a notable impact on net interest income for the quarter ended June 30, 2025. The 100 basis point decrease in market interest rates during the last four months of 2024 contributed to lower interest rates paid on new and repricing deposits and borrowings during the quarter ended June 30, 2025. Prepayment penalties, which are included in interest income on loans, totaled $615,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, compared to $436,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2024.

    The average yield on loans for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 increased 3 basis points to 4.96%, as compared to 4.93% for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. Interest income on loans increased due to an increase in both the average balance and yield on loans. The average yield on securities for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 increased 66 basis points to 3.55%, as compared to 2.89% for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. This was a result of lower yielding securities sold as part of the balance sheet repositioning transaction implemented in the fourth quarter of 2024 being replaced with higher yielding securities purchased in 2024 and throughout the six months ended June 30, 2025. The average yield on other interest-earning assets for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 decreased 114 basis points to 5.16%, as compared to 6.30% for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, mainly due to a 150 basis point decrease in the dividend rate received on Federal Home Loan Bank stock.

    Total interest expense was $62.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, a decrease of $6.4 million, or 9.3%, from $69.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. The decrease in interest expense was primarily attributable to a 19 basis point decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing deposits along with a 52 basis point decrease in the average cost of borrowings, coupled with a decrease in the average balance of borrowings, partially offset by an increase in the average balance of interest-bearing deposits. Interest expense on deposits decreased $482,000, or 1.0%, and interest expense on borrowings decreased $5.9 million, or 30.6% for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 as compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2024.

    The Company’s net interest margin for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 increased 38 basis points to 2.19% when compared to 1.81%, due to an increase in the average yield on interest-earning assets coupled with a decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities. The weighted average yield on interest-earning assets increased 11 basis points to 4.75% for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 as compared to 4.64% for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. The average cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased 31 basis points to 3.18% for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 as compared to 3.49% for the quarter ended June 30, 2024.

    Non-interest income was $10.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, an increase of $993,000, or 10.8%, from $9.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase of $425,000 in demand deposit account fees mainly related to commercial account treasury services, an increase of $366,000 in loan fees and service charges related to swap income, gains on securities transactions of $336,000, and a $281,000 gain on the sale of real estate owned, partially offset by a decrease of $693,000 in other non-interest income. The gain on the sale of other real estate owned resulted from the sale of a commercial real estate property acquired by foreclosure in 2024 with a book value of $1.3 million which was sold in June 2025.

    Non-interest expense was $44.9 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, a decrease of $1.3 million, or 2.9%, from $46.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in professional fees of $1.0 million, as legal, regulatory, and compliance-related costs were higher in the 2024 period, a decrease in merger-related expenses of $692,000, and a decrease in other non-interest expense of $798,000.

    Income tax expense was $4.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, an increase of $3.9 million, as compared to income tax expense of $279,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, mainly due to an increase in pre-tax income. The Company’s effective tax rate was 25.4% and 5.8% for the quarters ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The effective tax rate for the 2024 period was primarily impacted by permanent income tax differences.

    Results of Operations for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2024

    Net income of $21.2 million was recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2025, an increase of $17.8 million, or 526.4%, compared to net income of $3.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024. The increase in net income was primarily attributable to a $17.7 million increase in net interest income, a $2.1 million decrease in provision for credit losses, a $2.0 million increase in non-interest income and a $3.2 million decrease in non-interest expense, partially offset by a $7.2 million increase in income tax expense.

    Net interest income was $104.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, an increase of $17.7 million, or 20.6%, from $86.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024. The increase in net interest income was primarily attributable to a $6.7 million increase in interest income and a $11.0 million decrease in interest expense on deposits and borrowings. The increase in interest income was primarily due to an increase in the average balance of loans coupled with an increase in the average yields on loans and securities. During the fourth quarter of 2024 the Company implemented a balance sheet repositioning transaction which resulted in an increase in the average yield on securities and a decrease in the cost of borrowings, which had a notable impact on net interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2025. The 100 basis point decrease in market interest rates during the last four months of 2024 contributed to a decrease in interest rates paid on new and repricing deposits and borrowings during the six months ended June 30, 2025. The decrease in interest expense on borrowings was also impacted by a decrease in the average balance of borrowings and the decrease in the cost of new borrowings. Prepayment penalties, which are included in interest income on loans, totaled $872,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to $703,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2024.

    The average yield on loans for the six months ended June 30, 2025 increased 6 basis points to 4.92%, as compared to 4.86% for the six months ended June 30, 2024. Interest income on loans increased due to an increase in both the average balance and yield on loans. The average yield on securities for the six months ended June 30, 2025 increased 73 basis points to 3.50%, as compared to 2.77% for the six months ended June 30, 2024. This was a result of lower yielding securities sold as part of the balance sheet repositioning transaction implemented in the fourth quarter of 2024 being replaced with higher yielding securities purchased in 2024 and throughout the six months ended June 30, 2025. The average yield on other interest-earning assets for the six months ended June 30, 2025 decreased 72 basis points to 5.47%, as compared to 6.19% for the six months ended June 30, 2024, due to lower dividends received on Federal Home Loan Bank stock.

    Total interest expense was $124.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, a decrease of $11.0 million, or 8.1%, from $135.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024. The decrease in interest expense was primarily attributable to a 10 basis point decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing deposits along with a 53 basis point decrease in the average cost of borrowings coupled with a decrease in the average balance of borrowings. Interest expense on deposits increased $1.2 million, or 1.3%, and interest expense on borrowings decreased $12.3 million, or 32.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2025 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2024.

    The Company’s net interest margin for the six months ended June 30, 2025 increased 37 basis points to 2.15%, when compared to 1.78% for the six months ended June 30, 2024. The net interest margin increased for the six months ended June 30, 2025, due to an increase in the average yield on interest-earning assets coupled with a decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities. The weighted average yield on interest-earning assets increased 15 basis points to 4.72% for the six months ended June 30, 2025, as compared to 4.57% for the six months ended June 30, 2024. The average cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased 25 basis points to 3.19% for the six months ended June 30, 2025, as compared to 3.44% for the six months ended June 30, 2024.

    The provision for credit losses for the six months ended June 30, 2025 was $5.4 million, a decrease of $2.1 million, or 27.7% from $7.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024. The decrease in provision for credit losses was primarily attributable to a decrease in net charge-offs, which totaled $4.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025 as compared to $5.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024, and a decrease in quantitative loss rates based on the evaluation of current and projected economic conditions.

    Non-interest income was $18.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, an increase of $2.0 million, or 12.1%, from $16.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in gain on securities transactions of $1.6 million, an increase of $900,000 in demand deposit account fees mainly related to commercial account treasury services, an increase of $461,000 in loan fees and service charges related to swap income and a $281,000 gain on the sale of real estate owned, partially offset by a decrease of $2.0 million in other non-interest income.

    Non-interest expense was $88.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, a decrease of $3.2 million, or 3.4% from $91.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in federal deposit insurance premiums of $615,000, a decrease in professional fees of $3.1 million, a decrease in merger-related expenses of $714,000 and a decrease in other non-interest expense of $1.3 million, partially offset by an increase in compensation and employee benefits expense of $2.3 million. Professional fees for legal, regulatory and compliance-related costs decreased in the 2025 period.

    Income tax expense was $7.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, an increase of $7.2 million, as compared to income tax expense of $150,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2024, mainly due to an increase in pre-tax income. The Company’s effective tax rate was 25.6% and 4.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The effective tax rate for the 2024 period was impacted by permanent income tax differences.

    Balance Sheet Summary

    Total assets increased $263.5 million, or 2.5%, to $10.7 billion at June 30, 2025 as compared to $10.5 billion at December 31, 2024. The increase in total assets was primarily attributable to an increase in debt securities available for sale of $31.0 million, and an increase in loans receivable, net, of $254.1 million, partially offset by a decrease in cash and cash equivalents of $41.0 million.

    Cash and cash equivalents decreased $41.0 million, or 14.2%, to $248.2 million at June 30, 2025 from $289.2 million at December 31, 2024. The decrease was primarily attributable to purchases of securities of $159.3 million, purchases of loans of $150.9 million and the origination of loans receivable, partially offset by proceeds from principal repayments on securities of $98.5 million, and repayments on loans receivable.

    Debt securities available for sale increased $31.0 million, or 3.0%, to $1.1 billion at June 30, 2025 from $1.0 billion at December 31, 2024. The increase was attributable to purchases of securities of $126.0 million, consisting primarily of U.S. government obligations and mortgage-backed securities, and a decrease in the gross unrealized loss on securities of $22.1 million, partially offset by maturities on securities of $28.5 million, repayments on securities of $73.6 million, and the sale of securities of $15.7 million.

    Loans receivable, net, increased $254.1 million, or 3.2%, to $8.1 billion at June 30, 2025 from $7.9 billion at December 31, 2024. Multifamily loans, commercial real estate loans and commercial business loans increased $118.1 million, $177.8 million, and $104.5 million, respectively, partially offset by decreases in one-to-four family real estate loans, construction loans and home equity loans and advances of $81.6 million, $58.2 million, and $2.6 million, respectively. The increase in commercial business loans was primarily due to the purchase of $130.9 million in equipment finance loans from a third party in May 2025, at a $3.2 million discount, which included $5.1 million of purchased credit deteriorated loans (“PCD”). The principal balance of the PCD loans was charged-off by $3.2 million. The allowance for credit losses for loans increased $4.5 million to $64.5 million at June 30, 2025 from $60.0 million at December 31, 2024, primarily due to an increase in the outstanding balance of loans.

    Total liabilities increased $223.2 million, or 2.4%, to $9.6 billion at June 30, 2025 from $9.4 billion at December 31, 2024. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in total deposits of $39.3 million, or 0.5%, and an increase in borrowings of $192.0 million, or 17.8%, partially offset by a decrease in other liabilities of $12.2 million. The increase in total deposits consisted of increases in non-interest-bearing demand deposits, money market accounts and certificates of deposit of $1.9 million, $114.0 million, and $80.2 million, respectively, partially offset by decreases in interest-bearing demand deposits and savings and club accounts of $149.0 million and $7.7 million, respectively. The $192.0 million increase in borrowings was driven by a net increase in short-term borrowings of $122.0 million, coupled with new long-term borrowings of $130.0 million, partially offset by repayments of $60.0 million in maturing long-term borrowings. Proceeds from borrowings were utilized to fund the purchase of $130.9 million in equipment finance loans from a third party in May 2025.

    Total stockholders’ equity increased $40.3 million, or 3.7%, with a balance of $1.1 billion at both June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024. The increase in total stockholders’ equity was primarily attributable to net income of $21.2 million, and an increase of $15.3 million in other comprehensive income, which includes changes in unrealized losses on debt securities available for sale and unrealized gains on swap contracts, net of taxes, included in other comprehensive income.

    Asset Quality

    The Company’s non-performing loans at June 30, 2025 totaled $39.5 million, or 0.49% of total gross loans, as compared to $21.7 million, or 0.28% of total gross loans, at December 31, 2024. The $17.8 million increase in non-performing loans was primarily attributable to a $5.9 million construction loan designated as non-performing during the 2025 period, an increase in non-performing one-to-four family real estate loans of $2.6 million, an increase in non-performing commercial real estate loans of $7.5 million, and an increase in non-performing commercial business loans of $1.3 million. The $5.9 million non-performing construction loan represents the construction of a mixed use five-story building with both commercial space and apartments. The increase in non-performing one-to-four family real estate loans was due to an increase in the number of loans from 32 non-performing loans at December 31, 2024 to 43 loans at June 30, 2025. The increase in non-performing commercial real estate loans was due to an increase in the number of loans from four non-performing loans at December 31, 2024 to 14 loans at June 30, 2025. The increase in non-performing commercial business loans was due to an increase in the number of loans from 11 non-performing loans at December 31, 2024 to 16 loans at June 30, 2025. Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets totaled 0.37% at June 30, 2025, as compared to 0.22% at December 31, 2024.

    For the quarter ended June 30, 2025, net charge-offs totaled approximately $3.2 million, as compared to $533,000 in net charge-offs recorded for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. For the six months ended June 30, 2025, net charge-offs totaled $4.1 million as compared to $5.5 million in net charge-offs recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2024. Charge-offs for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 included $3.2 million in charge-offs related to PCD loans included in the equipment finance loan purchase noted above.

    The Company’s allowance for credit losses on loans was $64.5 million, or 0.79% of total gross loans, at June 30, 2025, compared to $60.0 million, or 0.76% of total gross loans, at December 31, 2024. The increase in the allowance for credit losses for loans was primarily due to an increase in the outstanding balance of loans.

    About Columbia Financial, Inc.

    The consolidated financial results include the accounts of Columbia Financial, Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiary Columbia Bank (the “Bank”) and the Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiaries. Columbia Financial, Inc. is a Delaware corporation organized as Columbia Bank’s mid-tier stock holding company. Columbia Financial, Inc. is a majority-owned subsidiary of Columbia Bank, MHC. Columbia Bank is a federally chartered savings bank headquartered in Fair Lawn, New Jersey that operates 69 full-service banking offices and offers traditional financial services to consumers and businesses in its market area.

    Forward Looking Statements

    Certain statements herein constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act and are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may be identified by words such as “believes,” “will,” “would,” “expects,” “projects,” “may,” “could,” “developments,” “strategic,” “launching,” “opportunities,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “plans,” “targets” and similar expressions. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the Company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements as a result of numerous factors. Factors that could cause such differences to exist include, but are not limited to, adverse conditions in the capital and debt markets and the impact of such conditions on the Company’s business activities; changes in interest rates, higher inflation and their impact on national and local economic conditions; changes in monetary and fiscal policies of the U.S. Treasury, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and other governmental entities; the impact of tariffs, sanctions and other trade policies of the United States and its global trading counterparts; the impact of legal, judicial and regulatory proceedings or investigations, competitive pressures from other financial institutions; the effects of general economic conditions on a national basis or in the local markets in which the Company operates, including changes that adversely affect a borrowers’ ability to service and repay the Company’s loans; the effect of acts of terrorism, war or pandemics, including on our credit quality and business operations, as well as its impact on general economic and financial market conditions; changes in the value of securities in the Company’s portfolio; changes in loan default and charge-off rates; fluctuations in real estate values; the adequacy of loan loss reserves; decreases in deposit levels necessitating increased borrowing to fund loans and securities; legislative changes and changes in government regulation; changes in accounting standards and practices; the risk that goodwill and intangibles recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial statements will become impaired; cyber-attacks, computer viruses and other technological risks that may breach the security of our systems and allow unauthorized access to confidential information; the inability of third party service providers to perform; demand for loans in the Company’s market area; the Company’s ability to attract and maintain deposits and effectively manage liquidity; risks related to the implementation of acquisitions, dispositions, and restructurings; the successful implementation of our December 2024 balance sheet repositioning transaction; the risk that the Company may not be successful in the implementation of its business strategy, or its integration of acquired financial institutions and businesses, and changes in assumptions used in making such forward-looking statements which are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, those set forth in Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and those set forth in the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, all as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which are available at the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. Should one or more of these risks materialize or should underlying beliefs or assumptions prove incorrect, the Company’s actual results could differ materially from those discussed. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. The Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect changes in underlying assumptions or factors, new information, future events or other changes, except as required by law.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Reported amounts are presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). This press release also contains certain supplemental non-GAAP information that the Company’s management uses in its analysis of the Company’s financial results. Specifically, the Company provides measures based on what it believes are its operating earnings on a consistent basis and excludes material non-routine operating items which affect the GAAP reporting of results of operations. The Company’s management believes that providing this information to analysts and investors allows them to better understand and evaluate the Company’s core financial results for the periods presented. Because non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized, it may not be possible to compare these financial measures with other companies’ non-GAAP financial measures having the same or similar names.

    The Company also provides measurements and ratios based on tangible stockholders’ equity. These measures are commonly utilized by regulators and market analysts to evaluate a company’s financial condition and, therefore, the Company’s management believes that such information is useful to investors.

    A reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures are included at the end of this press release. See “Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.

           
    COLUMBIA FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
    (In thousands)
           
      June 30,   December 31,
      2025   2024
    Assets (Unaudited)    
    Cash and due from banks $ 248,113     $ 289,113  
    Short-term investments   111       110  
    Total cash and cash equivalents   248,224       289,223  
           
    Debt securities available for sale, at fair value   1,056,950       1,025,946  
    Debt securities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value of $368,232, and $350,153 at June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively)   402,159       392,840  
    Equity securities, at fair value   7,253       6,673  
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock   68,663       60,387  
           
    Loans receivable   8,175,499       7,916,928  
    Less: allowance for credit losses   64,467       59,958  
    Loans receivable, net   8,111,032       7,856,970  
           
    Accrued interest receivable   41,161       40,383  
    Office properties and equipment, net   82,176       81,772  
    Bank-owned life insurance   278,756       274,908  
    Goodwill and intangible assets   120,003       121,008  
    Other real estate owned   —       1,334  
    Other assets   322,651       324,049  
    Total assets $ 10,739,028     $ 10,475,493  
           
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity      
    Liabilities:      
    Deposits $ 8,135,483     $ 8,096,149  
    Borrowings   1,272,578       1,080,600  
    Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance   49,525       45,453  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities   160,734       172,915  
    Total liabilities   9,618,320       9,395,117  
           
    Stockholders’ equity:      
    Total stockholders’ equity   1,120,708       1,080,376  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 10,739,028     $ 10,475,493  
           
    COLUMBIA FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Consolidated Statements of Income
    (In thousands, except per share data)
           
      Three Months Ended
    June 30,    		   Six Months Ended
    June 30,
      2025   2024   2025   2024
    Interest income: (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)
    Loans receivable $ 99,646     $ 95,252     $ 194,756     $ 188,201  
    Debt securities available for sale and equity securities   10,301       9,241       20,043       17,026  
    Debt securities held to maturity   2,922       2,502       5,733       4,871  
    Federal funds and interest-earning deposits   2,443       4,459       5,301       8,022  
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock dividends   1,179       1,832       2,821       3,793  
    Total interest income   116,491       113,286       228,654       221,913  
    Interest expense:              
    Deposits   49,344       49,826       99,489       98,244  
    Borrowings   13,444       19,380       25,137       37,389  
    Total interest expense   62,788       69,206       124,626       135,633  
                   
    Net interest income   53,703       44,080       104,028       86,280  
                   
    Provision for credit losses   2,468       2,194       5,401       7,472  
                   
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   51,235       41,886       98,627       78,808  
                   
    Non-interest income:              
    Demand deposit account fees   2,015       1,590       3,903       3,003  
    Bank-owned life insurance   1,990       1,804       3,849       3,584  
    Title insurance fees   861       744       1,507       1,247  
    Loan fees and service charges   1,744       1,378       2,800       2,339  
    Gain (loss) on securities transactions   336       —       336       (1,256 )
    Change in fair value of equity securities   272       101       580       452  
    (Loss) gain on sale of loans   (15 )     181       500       366  
    Gain on sale of other real estate owned   281       —       281       —  
    Other non-interest income   2,689       3,382       4,888       6,897  
    Total non-interest income   10,173       9,180       18,644       16,632  
                   
    Non-interest expense:              
    Compensation and employee benefits   28,933       27,659       57,516       55,172  
    Occupancy   5,968       6,054       12,153       12,027  
    Federal deposit insurance premiums   1,739       1,879       3,619       4,234  
    Advertising   563       661       1,094       1,287  
    Professional fees   3,519       4,509       6,034       9,143  
    Data processing and software expenses   4,103       3,914       8,164       7,881  
    Merger-related expenses   —       692       —       714  
    Other non-interest expense, net   81       879       171       1,447  
    Total non-interest expense   44,906       46,247       88,751       91,905  
                   
    Income before income tax expense   16,502       4,819       28,520       3,535  
                   
    Income tax expense   4,197       279       7,315       150  
                   
    Net income $ 12,305     $ 4,540     $ 21,205     $ 3,385  
                   
    Earnings per share-basic $ 0.12     $ 0.04     $ 0.21     $ 0.03  
    Earnings per share-diluted $ 0.12     $ 0.04     $ 0.21     $ 0.03  
    Weighted average shares outstanding-basic   101,985,784       101,651,511       101,898,636       101,699,126  
    Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted   101,985,784       101,651,511       101,898,636       101,804,386  
                                   
    COLUMBIA FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Average Balances/Yields
       
      For the Three Months Ended June 30,
      2025   2024
      Average
    Balance    		   Interest
    and
    Dividends    		   Yield / Cost   Average
    Balance    		   Interest
    and
    Dividends    		   Yield / Cost
      (Dollars in thousands)
    Interest-earnings assets:                      
    Loans $ 8,059,332     $ 99,646       4.96 %   $ 7,774,052     $ 95,252       4.93 %
    Securities   1,493,913       13,223       3.55 %     1,633,801       11,743       2.89 %
    Other interest-earning assets   281,611       3,622       5.16 %     401,633       6,291       6.30 %
    Total interest-earning assets   9,834,856       116,491       4.75 %     9,809,486       113,286       4.64 %
    Non-interest-earning assets   860,948               871,525          
    Total assets $ 10,695,804             $ 10,681,011          
                           
    Interest-bearing liabilities:                      
    Interest-bearing demand $ 1,938,459     $ 10,898       2.25 %   $ 1,948,389     $ 13,708       2.83 %
    Money market accounts   1,332,835       9,424       2.84 %     1,220,774       8,323       2.74 %
    Savings and club deposits   645,167       1,114       0.69 %     674,793       1,370       0.82 %
    Certificates of deposit   2,788,547       27,908       4.01 %     2,545,967       26,425       4.17 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits   6,705,008       49,344       2.95 %     6,389,923       49,826       3.14 %
    FHLB advances   1,218,442       13,303       4.38 %     1,576,514       19,219       4.90 %
    Junior subordinated debentures   7,045       141       8.03 %     7,023       161       9.22 %
    Total borrowings   1,225,487       13,444       4.40 %     1,583,537       19,380       4.92 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   7,930,495     $ 62,788       3.18 %     7,973,460     $ 69,206       3.49 %
                           
    Non-interest-bearing liabilities:                      
    Non-interest-bearing deposits   1,443,627               1,416,047          
    Other non-interest-bearing liabilities   215,390               260,107          
    Total liabilities   9,589,512               9,649,614          
    Total stockholders’ equity   1,106,292               1,031,397          
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 10,695,804             $ 10,681,011          
                           
    Net interest income     $ 53,703             $ 44,080      
    Interest rate spread           1.57 %             1.15 %
    Net interest-earning assets $ 1,904,361             $ 1,836,026          
    Net interest margin           2.19 %             1.81 %
    Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities   124.01 %             123.03 %        
                                   
    COLUMBIA FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Average Balances/Yields
       
      For the Six Months Ended June 30,
      2025   2024
      Average
    Balance    		   Interest
    and
    Dividends    		   Yield / Cost   Average
    Balance    		   Interest
    and
    Dividends    		   Yield / Cost
      (Dollars in thousands)
    Interest-earnings assets:                      
    Loans $ 7,977,402     $ 194,756       4.92 %   $ 7,788,459     $ 188,201       4.86 %
    Securities   1,485,771       25,776       3.50 %     1,588,767       21,897       2.77 %
    Other interest-earning assets   299,424       8,122       5.47 %     383,989       11,815       6.19 %
    Total interest-earning assets   9,762,597       228,654       4.72 %     9,761,215       221,913       4.57 %
    Non-interest-earning assets   866,499               861,632          
    Total assets $ 10,629,096             $ 10,622,847          
                           
    Interest-bearing liabilities:                      
    Interest-bearing demand $ 1,999,157     $ 22,438       2.26 %   $ 1,973,569     $ 27,092       2.76 %
    Money market accounts   1,307,676       18,662       2.88 %     1,227,857       17,093       2.80 %
    Savings and club deposits   647,201       2,221       0.69 %     681,664       2,607       0.77 %
    Certificates of deposit   2,772,808       56,168       4.08 %     2,531,145       51,452       4.09 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits   6,726,842       99,489       2.98 %     6,414,235       98,244       3.08 %
    FHLB advances   1,140,113       24,857       4.40 %     1,511,830       37,067       4.93 %
    Junior subordinated debentures   7,041       280       8.02 %     7,020       322       9.22 %
    Total borrowings   1,147,154       25,137       4.42 %     1,518,850       37,389       4.95 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   7,873,996     $ 124,626       3.19 %     7,933,085     $ 135,633       3.44 %
                           
    Non-interest-bearing liabilities:                      
    Non-interest-bearing deposits   1,438,262               1,404,161          
    Other non-interest-bearing liabilities   218,314               248,514          
    Total liabilities   9,530,572               9,585,760          
    Total stockholders’ equity   1,098,524               1,037,087          
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 10,629,096             $ 10,622,847          
                           
    Net interest income     $ 104,028             $ 86,280      
    Interest rate spread           1.53 %             1.13 %
    Net interest-earning assets $ 1,888,601             $ 1,828,130          
    Net interest margin           2.15 %             1.78 %
    Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities   123.99 %             123.04 %        
                                   
    COLUMBIA FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Components of Net Interest Rate Spread and Margin
       
      Average Yields/Costs by Quarter
      June 30,
    2025    		   March 31,
    2025    		   December 31,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024
    Yield on interest-earning assets:                  
    Loans   4.96 %     4.89 %     4.88 %     5.00 %     4.93 %
    Securities   3.55       3.45       2.99       2.90       2.89  
    Other interest-earning assets   5.16       5.75       6.00       6.72       6.30  
    Total interest-earning assets   4.75 %     4.69 %     4.61 %     4.70 %     4.64 %
                       
    Cost of interest-bearing liabilities:                  
    Total interest-bearing deposits   2.95 %     3.01 %     3.13 %     3.21 %     3.14 %
    Total borrowings   4.40       4.44       4.65       4.87       4.92  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   3.18 %     3.21 %     3.38 %     3.52 %     3.49 %
                       
    Interest rate spread   1.57 %     1.48 %     1.23 %     1.18 %     1.15 %
    Net interest margin   2.19 %     2.11 %     1.88 %     1.84 %     1.81 %
                       
    Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities   124.01 %     123.96 %     124.02 %     123.06 %     123.03 %
                                           
    COLUMBIA FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Selected Financial Highlights
       
      June 30,
    2025    		   March 31,
    2025    		   December 31,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024
    SELECTED FINANCIAL RATIOS (1):                  
    Return on average assets   0.46 %     0.34 %   (0.79 )%     0.23 %     0.17 %
    Core return on average assets   0.47 %     0.35 %     0.42 %     0.23 %     0.20 %
    Return on average equity   4.46 %     3.31 %   (7.86 )%     2.32 %     1.77 %
    Core return on average equity   4.58 %     3.37 %     4.09 %     2.29 %     2.06 %
    Core return on average tangible equity   5.14 %     3.78 %     4.74 %     2.58 %     2.34 %
    Interest rate spread   1.57 %     1.48 %     1.23 %     1.18 %     1.15 %
    Net interest margin   2.19 %     2.11 %     1.88 %     1.84 %     1.81 %
    Non-interest income to average assets   0.38 %     0.33 %   (0.88 )%     0.33 %     0.35 %
    Non-interest expense to average assets   1.68 %     1.68 %     1.73 %     1.60 %     1.74 %
    Efficiency ratio   70.30 %     74.57 %     205.17 %     78.95 %     86.83 %
    Core efficiency ratio   69.41 %     74.20 %     73.68 %     79.14 %     85.34 %
    Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities   124.01 %     123.96 %     124.02 %     123.06 %     123.03 %
    Net charge-offs to average outstanding loans (2)   0.04 %     0.04 %     0.07 %     0.14 %     0.03 %
                       
    (1) Ratios are annualized when appropriate.
    (2) The June 30, 2025 ratio includes $3.2 million of non-annualized PCD charge-offs related to the purchased commercial equipment finance loans.
     
    ASSET QUALITY DATA:  
      June 30,
    2025    		   March 31,
    2025    		   December 31,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024
      (Dollars in thousands)
                       
    Non-accrual loans $ 39,545     $ 24,856     $ 21,701     $ 28,014     $ 25,281  
    90+ and still accruing   —       —       —       —       —  
    Non-performing loans   39,545       24,856       21,701       28,014       25,281  
    Real estate owned   —       1,334       1,334       1,974       1,974  
    Total non-performing assets $ 39,545     $ 26,190     $ 23,035     $ 29,988     $ 27,255  
                       
    Non-performing loans to total gross loans   0.49 %     0.31 %     0.28 %     0.36 %     0.33 %
    Non-performing assets to total assets   0.37 %     0.25 %     0.22 %     0.28 %     0.25 %
    Allowance for credit losses on loans (“ACL”) $ 64,467     $ 62,034     $ 59,958     $ 58,495     $ 57,062  
    ACL to total non-performing loans   163.02 %     249.57 %     276.29 %     208.81 %     225.71 %
    ACL to gross loans   0.79 %     0.78 %     0.76 %     0.75 %     0.73 %
                                           
    LOAN DATA:  
      June 30,
    2025    		   March 31,
    2025    		   December 31,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024
      (In thousands)
    Real estate loans:          
    One-to-four family $ 2,629,372     $ 2,676,566     $ 2,710,937     $ 2,737,190     $ 2,764,177  
    Multifamily   1,578,733       1,567,862       1,460,641       1,399,000       1,409,316  
    Commercial real estate   2,517,693       2,429,429       2,339,883       2,312,759       2,316,252  
    Construction   415,403       437,081       473,573       510,439       462,880  
    Commercial business loans   726,526       614,049       622,000       586,447       554,768  
    Consumer loans:                  
    Home equity loans and advances   256,384       253,439       259,009       261,041       260,427  
    Other consumer loans   2,602       2,547       3,404       2,877       2,689  
    Total gross loans   8,126,713       7,980,973       7,869,447       7,809,753       7,770,509  
    Purchased credit deteriorated loans   11,998       10,395       11,686       11,795       12,150  
    Net deferred loan costs, fees and purchased premiums and discounts   36,788       35,940       35,795       35,642       36,352  
    Allowance for credit losses   (64,467 )     (62,034 )     (59,958 )     (58,495 )     (57,062 )
    Loans receivable, net $ 8,111,032     $ 7,965,274     $ 7,856,970     $ 7,798,695     $ 7,761,949  
                                           
      At June 30, 2025
      (Dollars in thousands)
      Balance   % of Gross Loans   Weighted Average
    Loan to Value Ratio    		   Weighted
    Average
    Debt Service
    Coverage
    Multifamily Real Estate $ 1,578,733       19.8 %     59.0 %     1.86 x
                       
    Owner Occupied Commercial Real Estate $ 686,005       8.6 %     53.1 %     2.23 x
                       
    Investor Owned Commercial Real Estate:                  
    Retail / Shopping centers $ 544,476       6.8 %     54.2 %     1.45 x
    Mixed Use   209,619       2.6       58.5       2.52  
    Industrial / Warehouse   435,261       5.5       54.4       1.60  
    Non-Medical Office   167,986       2.1       51.6       1.69  
    Medical Office   98,801       1.2       61.0       1.49  
    Single Purpose   43,332       0.5       60.7       1.44  
    Other   332,213       4.2       50.4       1.85  
    Total $ 1,831,688       23.0 %     54.3 %     1.70 x
                       
    Total Multifamily and Commercial Real Estate Loans $ 4,096,426       51.3 %     55.9 %     1.85  
                                   
    DEPOSIT DATA:  
      June 30, 2025   March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024
      Balance   Weighted
    Average Rate    		   Balance   Weighted
    Average Rate    		   Balance   Weighted
    Average Rate
      (Dollars in thousands)
           
    Non-interest-bearing demand $ 1,439,951       — %   $ 1,490,243       — %   $ 1,438,030       — %
    Interest-bearing demand   1,872,265       2.03       1,935,384       2.08       2,021,312       2.19  
    Money market accounts   1,355,682       2.79       1,333,668       2.84       1,241,691       2.82  
    Savings and club deposits   644,761       0.70       651,713       0.70       652,501       0.75  
    Certificates of deposit   2,822,824       3.96       2,783,927       4.08       2,742,615       4.24  
    Total deposits $ 8,135,483       2.36 %   $ 8,194,935       2.40 %   $ 8,096,149       2.47 %
                                                   
    CAPITAL RATIOS:      
      June 30,   December 31,
      2025 (1)   2024
    Company:      
    Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)   14.18 %     14.20 %
    Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)   13.35 %     13.40 %
    Common equity tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)   13.27 %     13.31 %
    Tier 1 capital (to adjusted total assets)   10.37 %     10.02 %
           
    Columbia Bank:      
    Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)   14.40 %     14.41 %
    Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)   13.53 %     13.56 %
    Common equity tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)   13.53 %     13.56 %
    Tier 1 capital (to adjusted total assets)   9.95 %     9.64 %
           
    (1) Estimated ratios at June 30, 2025      
           
    Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
           
    Book and Tangible Book Value per Share
      June 30,   December 31,
      2025   2024
      (Dollars in thousands)
       
    Total stockholders’ equity $ 1,120,708     $ 1,080,376  
    Less: goodwill   (110,715 )     (110,715 )
    Less: core deposit intangible   (7,933 )     (8,964 )
    Total tangible stockholders’ equity $ 1,002,060     $ 960,697  
           
    Shares outstanding   104,927,137       104,759,185  
           
    Book value per share $ 10.68     $ 10.31  
    Tangible book value per share $ 9.55     $ 9.17  
                   
    Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures (continued)
                   
    Reconciliation of Core Net Income              
      Three Months Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30,
      2025   2024   2025   2024
      (In thousands)
                   
    Net income $ 12,305     $ 4,540     $ 21,205     $ 3,385  
    Less/add: (gain) loss on securities transactions, net of tax   (251 )     —       (251 )     1,130  
    Add: FDIC special assessment, net of tax   —       97       —       490  
    Add: severance expense, net of tax   354       —       517       67  
    Add: merger-related expenses, net of tax   —       652       —       672  
    Add: litigation expenses, net of tax   242       —       242       —  
    Core net income $ 12,650     $ 5,289     $ 21,713     $ 5,744  
                                   
    Return on Average Assets              
      Three Months Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30,
      2025   2024   2025   2024
      (Dollars in thousands)
                   
    Net income $ 12,305     $ 4,540     $ 21,205     $ 3,385  
                   
    Average assets $ 10,695,804     $ 10,681,011     $ 10,629,096     $ 10,622,847  
                   
    Return on average assets   0.46 %     0.17 %     0.40 %     0.06 %
                   
    Core net income $ 12,650     $ 5,289     $ 21,713     $ 5,744  
                   
    Core return on average assets   0.47 %     0.20 %     0.41 %     0.11 %
                                   
    Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures (continued)
                   
    Return on Average Equity              
      Three Months Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30,
      2025   2024   2025   2024
      (Dollars in thousands)
                   
    Total average stockholders’ equity $ 1,106,292     $ 1,031,397     $ 1,098,524     $ 1,037,087  
    Less/add: (gain)loss on securities transactions, net of tax   (251 )     —       (251 )     1,130  
    Add: FDIC special assessment, net of tax   —       97       —       490  
    Add: severance expense, net of tax   354       —       517       67  
    Add: merger-related expenses, net of tax   —       652       —       672  
    Add: litigation expenses, net of tax   242       —       242       —  
    Core average stockholders’ equity $ 1,106,637     $ 1,032,146     $ 1,099,032     $ 1,039,446  
                   
    Return on average equity   4.46 %     1.77 %     3.89 %     0.66 %
                   
    Core return on core average equity   4.58 %     2.06 %     3.98 %     1.11 %
                                   
    Return on Average Tangible Equity        
      Three Months Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30,
      2025   2024   2025   2024
      (Dollars in thousands)
                   
    Total average stockholders’ equity $ 1,106,292     $ 1,031,397     $ 1,098,524     $ 1,037,087  
    Less: average goodwill   (110,715 )     (110,715 )     (110,715 )     (110,715 )
    Less: average core deposit intangible   (8,241 )     (10,381 )     (8,511 )     (10,668 )
    Total average tangible stockholders’ equity $ 987,336     $ 910,301     $ 979,298     $ 915,704  
                   
    Core return on average tangible equity   5.14 %     2.34 %     4.47 %     1.26 %
                                   
    Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures (continued)
                   
    Efficiency Ratios              
      Three Months Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30,
      2025   2024   2025   2024
      (Dollars in thousands)
                   
    Net interest income $ 53,703     $ 44,080     $ 104,028     $ 86,280  
    Non-interest income   10,173       9,180       18,644       16,632  
    Total income $ 63,876     $ 53,260     $ 122,672     $ 102,912  
                   
    Non-interest expense $ 44,906     $ 46,247     $ 88,751     $ 91,905  
                   
    Efficiency ratio   70.30 %     86.83 %     72.35 %     89.30 %
                   
    Non-interest income $ 10,173     $ 9,180     $ 18,644     $ 16,632  
    Less /add: (gain) loss on securities transactions   (336 )     —       (336 )     1,256  
    Core non-interest income $ 9,837     $ 9,180     $ 18,308     $ 17,888  
                   
    Non-interest expense $ 44,906     $ 46,247     $ 88,751     $ 91,905  
    Less: FDIC special assessment, net   —       (103 )     —       (565 )
    Less: severance expense   (475 )     —       (695 )     (74 )
    Less: merger-related expenses   —       (692 )     —       (714 )
    Less: litigation expenses   (325 )     —       (325 )     —  
    Core non-interest expense $ 44,106     $ 45,452     $ 87,731     $ 90,552  
                   
    Core efficiency ratio   69.41 %     85.34 %     71.71 %     86.93 %
                                   

    Columbia Financial, Inc.
    Investor Relations Department
    (833) 550-0717

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons, Cornyn’s bill to equip law enforcement with trauma kits passes Senate

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) released the following statements after their Improving Police Critical Aid for Responding to Emergencies (CARE) Act, which would equip law enforcement officers with quality trauma kits so they can respond immediately if a civilian or fellow officer experiences a traumatic injury during a call, passed the Senate:

    “Our nation’s law enforcement officers keep our communities safe, and all Americans are better off when they have the resources they need to do their jobs when emergencies strike,” said Senator Coons. “As co-chair of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, I’m proud that my colleagues passed this bipartisan, commonsense legislation so that police officers have the trauma kits they need to save lives.”

    “When responding to medical emergencies, time and access to the right tools can mean the difference between life and death,” said Senator Cornyn. “This legislation would equip law enforcement officers with high-quality trauma kits to prevent deaths due to blood loss and give patients the best chance of survival.”

    “Police officers serve on the frontlines in their communities every day, and they are often first on the scene in medical emergencies,” said Senator Whitehouse. “Our bipartisan legislation would provide officers in the field with emergency trauma kits, and fund standardized training to allow them to better protect the public and save lives.”

    “As a strong supporter of our brave men and women in law enforcement, I am proud to co-introduce the Improving Police CARE Act which would equip them with the tools they need to keep our communities safe,” said Senator Tillis. “Ensuring law enforcement officers have effective trauma kits will save countless law enforcement and civilian lives.”

    “As the first people to arrive at the scene of an emergency, law enforcement officers must be prepared for anything and properly equipped to respond,” said Senator Rounds. “Our legislation would support equipping officers with trauma kits to control life-threatening hemorrhages in an emergency situation. This bill has the potential to save lives, and I’m pleased that it has passed the Senate.”

    “It is imperative that law enforcement officers have the resources and training they need to save lives,” said Senator Durbin. “Blood loss injuries are too often deadly, especially in rural areas where it can take longer for patients to receive emergency medical care. The bipartisan Improving Police CARE Act will establish standards for trauma kits used by law enforcement, ensuring that our officers have the right tools to respond to injuries immediately and continue to serve our communities.”

    U.S. Senators Ashley Moody (R-Fla.) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) are cosponsors of the legislation.

    Background:

    Trauma kits play a vital role in preventing deaths due to blood loss. Between 30-40% of trauma-related deaths are caused by hemorrhaging, or uncontrolled bleeding, with 33-56% of them occurring before the patient arrives at the hospital. During the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, tourniquets and tourniquet training were widely adopted by the military for their lifesaving potential in combat. This practice has since been embraced in civilian populations given its clear survival benefit. In fact, one study found that patient survival was six times more likely when a tourniquet was used, underscoring the critical need for timely bleeding control. This is especially true in rural areas where the average EMS response time is typically double that of urban areas. Having access to a trauma kit and early bleeding control can help bridge this gap and mean the difference between life and death.

    The effectiveness of a law enforcement trauma kit program depends in part on the contents and the quality of the kits. Medical professionals recommend that a kit include bleeding control supplies like tourniquets, bandages, non-latex gloves, scissors, and instructions. However, there is enormous variation in the products available on the market.

    The Improving Police Critical Aid for Responding to Emergencies (CARE) Act would:

    • Establish baseline standards in consultation with law enforcement and medical professionals for trauma kits purchased using grant funding under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)
    • And require the development of optional best practices that law enforcement agencies can adapt for training law enforcement officers to use trauma kits, and for deployment and maintenance of the kits in vehicles and government facilities

    The legislation is endorsed by the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association (SBA), National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the Society of Trauma Nurses, the American College of Surgeons (ACS), and the American Trauma Society.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals and Jackson Police Arrest Barricaded Wanted Man and Woman as Accessory

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Jackson, TN – The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) and Jackson Police Department arrested a Jackson couple, Jamar Hardiman, 45, and his wife, Crysta Hardiman, 37, after a barricade situation during an arrest.

    On July 30, 2025, the USMS Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force (TRVFTF) in Jackson attempted to serve an arrest warrant on Jamar Hardiman for Failure to Appear for trial in Madison County Circuit Court, Division II on charges of Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon, Schedule VI Drugs with Intent, and Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Go Armed. The charges stem from an investigation by the 26th Judicial Drug Task Force.

    When the USMS Task Force attempted to serve the warrant at Hardiman’s residence on Tanglewood Cove, he barricaded himself in the attic. Marshals held their position and utilized techniques to make the arrest. The Jackson Police and Fire Departments provided critical resources to assist the USMS during the operation.

    Crysta Hardiman, who was also inside the residence at the time, had prior knowledge that Jamar Hardiman was wanted. During the investigation, she aided and harbored the fugitive, Jamar Hardiman, and therefore was arrested for Accessory After the Fact by JPD.

    Jamar and Crysta Hardiman were both transported to the Madison County Jail.

    The U.S. Marshals Service Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force is a multi-agency task force within Western Tennessee. The TRVFTF has offices in Memphis and Jackson, and its membership is primarily composed of Deputy U.S. Marshals, Shelby, Fayette, Tipton, and Gibson County Sheriff’s Deputies, Memphis and Jackson Police Officers, Tennessee Department of Correction Special Agents and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Since 2021, the TRVFTF has captured over 3,000 violent offenders and sexual predators.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Prepare for Heavy Rain and Potential Flooding

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today directed State agencies to prepare for heavy rain and the potential for localized flooding as parts of the state are forecast to be impacted by periods of heavy rain Thursday into Friday. New Yorkers across the Mid-Hudson, Long Island and New York City Regions could see locally higher totals over 3 inches of rain beginning Thursday and are cautioned to be vigilant in impacted areas. The storm also has the potential to impact the Capital Region if the storm track shifts. This is expected to be a slow-moving weather event with the most severe impacts occurring where the storm ultimately sets up. Isolated strong thunderstorms bringing locally heavy downpours, isolated damaging winds and large hail may occur Wednesday evening in parts of the Capital Region, Mohawk Valley, Southern Tier, Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island. Following the rain, cooler temperatures and low levels of humidity will blanket the State over the weekend.

    “As the forecast shifts from extreme heat to heavy rains, I am urging all New Yorkers to stay vigilant and use caution through the end of this week,” Governor Hochul said. “State agencies are on standby for heavy downpours and localized flooding and will be monitoring the situation in real-time to ensure the safety of all New Yorkers in the path of the storm.”

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

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

    Agency Preparations

    Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
    The Division’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is in contact with their local counterparts and is prepared to facilitate requests for assistance. OEM has enhanced their monitoring, the Office of Fire Prevention and Control is preparing to stage water rescue teams in Orange County and Ulster Counties in advance of the anticipated weather and will activate the State Fire Operations Center if conditions warrant.

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

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

    Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

    • 1,431 large dump trucks
    • 337 large loaders
    • 92 chippers
    • 86 tracked and wheeled excavators
    • 33 water pumps
    • 32 traffic and tree crew bucket trucks
    • 28 traffic tower platforms
    • 16 vacuum trucks with sewer jets

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

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

    Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

    DEC will have swift water teams staged in the Hudson Valley starting tomorrow morning through Friday, August 1.

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

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

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

    Metropolitan Transportation Authority

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

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

    Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

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

    Flood Safety

    • Know your area’s type of flood risk — visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center.
    • Have a flood emergency plan in place that includes considerations for your children, pets and neighbors.
    • If you live in a flood-prone area, document your belongings and valuables. Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create digital, password-protected copies of important documents, pictures, and other items.
    • Obtain flood insurance coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Homeowner’s policies do not cover flooding.
    • Monitor your local weather forecast and follow any warnings that may be broadcast.
    • If you are advised by emergency officials to take immediate action such as evacuation, do not wait – follow all orders promptly.
    • Traveling during a flood can be extremely dangerous. One foot of moving water can sweep a vehicle away. Never walk, swim or drive through flood waters. If you have doubts, remember: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!”
    • Consider those with access and functional needs to determine if they are prepared for a flood emergency where they live and work.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner Joins Legislative Effort to Publicly Release Epstein Files

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) today joined his colleagues in introducing the Epstein Files Transparency Act, legislation directing the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to publicly release all files relating to the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein and his associates. 

    “President Trump promised transparency and accountability, but what we got instead was more secrecy and flimsy excuses,” said Sen. Warner. “The American people deserve to know the full truth about Jeffrey Epstein and the individuals who enabled his horrifying crimes.”

    The Epstein Files Transparency Act will require the Attorney General to release all relevant Department of Justice documents and records relating to Jeffrey Epstein. This bill directs the Department of Justice, including the FBI and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, to release materials related to:

    • Investigations and prosecutions of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell;
    • Flight logs, travel records, and other transportation data;
    • Individuals and entities connected to Epstein’s activities and immunity deals;
    • Internal DOJ communications and decisions not to prosecute;
    • Records surrounding Epstein’s detention and death.

    Importantly, the legislation includes strong protections for victims’ privacy and national security, while explicitly prohibiting redactions based on reputational harm or political sensitivity. A copy of the legislation is available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner and Kaine Ask Navy for Answers Regarding Death of Seaman Angelina Resendiz

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine, Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower, (both D-VA) sent a letter to Secretary of the Navy John Phelan asking the U.S. Navy for answers regarding the death of Seaman Angelina P. Resendiz, who was found dead on June 9 in Norfolk after being reported missing since May 29. Resendiz was assigned to the destroyer James E. Williams at Naval Station Norfolk. In the letter, the senators request a briefing from the Navy and more information about the period of Resendiz’s disappearance and death and the Navy’s adherence to policies and procedures. They also express concerns regarding public accounts of the condition of Seaman Resendiz’s remains upon arrival in Texas.

    “We write to inquire about the Navy’s handling of the tragic death of Seaman Angelina P. Resendiz,” wrote the senators. “While we acknowledge the Navy’s engagement with congressional offices to date, ongoing questions and concerns related to the period of her disappearance, the circumstances leading to her death, and the Navy’s policies and procedures throughout, demand answers.” 

    The senators continued, “As the Navy continues its investigation, it is critical that you provide Congress with significantly greater detail about the circumstances of Seaman Resendiz’s disappearance and death, including a more fulsome accounting of the Navy’s engagement with Seaman Resendiz’s loved ones and fellow sailors who had raised concerns about her well-being.”

    “We urge you to provide clarity around the actions taken by the Navy upon first learning of Seaman Resendiz’s absence, and Navy leaders’ adherence to a range of protocols and procedures … we ask for detail on what investigative steps were taken, and when, by the Navy and its Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), as well as the interactions with local and Virginia State Police,” the senators wrote. “We have serious questions as to what policies and procedures govern dignified transfer of remains after an investigation, and whether those were followed in this instance.”

    Full text of the letter is available here and below:

    Dear Secretary Phelan,

    We write to inquire about the Navy’s handling of the tragic death of Seaman Angelina P. Resendiz. While we acknowledge the Navy’s engagement with congressional offices to date, ongoing questions and concerns related to the period of her disappearance, the circumstances leading to her death, and the Navy’s policies and procedures throughout, demand answers. We urge the swift and thorough completion of the criminal investigation, and an associated administrative investigation as the service examines the circumstances of Seaman Resendiz’s death.

    In response to our engagement, along with that of broader congressional colleagues, the Navy has provided some initial information related to this tragic case. As the Navy continues its investigation, it is critical that you provide Congress with significantly greater detail about the circumstances of Seaman Resendiz’s disappearance and death, including a more fulsome accounting of the Navy’s engagement with Seaman Resendiz’s loved ones and fellow sailors who had raised concerns about her well-being. This information is vital in helping to fully understand the response from the Navy, as well as state and local law enforcement.

    Additionally, we urge you to provide clarity around the actions taken by the Navy upon first learning of Seaman Resendiz’s absence, and Navy leaders’ adherence to a range of protocols and procedures, including those outlined in MILPERSMAN 1600-040, which governs absent enlisted and officer personnel. Furthermore, we ask for detail on what investigative steps were taken, and when, by the Navy and its Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), as well as the interactions with local and Virginia State Police. Finally, we reiterate our concern over the public accounts from the family about the grief and anger caused by the condition of Seaman Resendiz’s remains upon arrival in Texas. We have serious questions as to what policies and procedures govern dignified transfer of remains after an investigation, and whether those were followed in this instance.

    As you must surely understand, your timely response on these matters is especially important to community advocates, Seaman Resendiz’s loved ones, the broader Navy family, and Members of Congress. As such, we request a briefing from relevant Navy and installation leadership by August 14, 2025, in order to further address a range of questions and concerns about the case – from the initial reports of Seaman Resendiz’s missing status, up to and including the return of her remains to Texas.

    Sincerely,

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: On the 60th Anniversary of the Creation of Medicaid and Medicare, Luján, Leader Schumer, and Senate Democrats Introduce Legislation to Reverse Devastating Health Care Cuts in Republicans’ Budget Betrayal 

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján

    WATCH HERE: Senator Luján Delivers Floor Speech on Effort to Reverse Devastating Health Care Cuts in Republicans’ Budget Betrayal

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), along with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Ranking Member of the Finance Committee, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Ranking Member of the Budget Committee, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), led their Senate Democratic colleagues in introducing the Protecting Health Care And Lowering Costs Act.

    This legislation would reverse all of the health care cuts in the “Big, Ugly Betrayal,” including those to Medicaid, and would permanently extend the ACA premium tax credits. After Republicans passed legislation earlier this month that would kick nearly 15 million people off their health insurance and totals more than one trillion dollars in health care cuts, Senate Democrats are fighting back and pushing to reverse these devastating cuts and extend tax credits to make health care affordable.

    Today marks 60 years since Medicaid and Medicare was created on a bipartisan basis as a promise to the American people that we would stick by the poorest and most disadvantaged among us and take care of the elderly who paid into a system their whole lives. Democrats will be crisscrossing the country to make sure that the American people know it is Congressional Republicans who are reneging on that promise, ripping away health care from millions so they can give tax cuts to billionaires.

    “Sixty years after Medicare and Medicaid opened the door to health care for millions, Congressional Republicans slammed it shut with their Budget Betrayal – ripping coverage from 15 million Americans, including over 100,000 New Mexicans,” said Senator Luján. “Their cuts target children, families, and seniors who depend on Medicaid to survive, and could force rural clinics and hospitals to close their doors. While Republicans gut health care, Senate Democrats are fighting to restore it and protect the people we represent.”

    “For many, the “Big, Ugly Betrayal” is quite literally a matter of life and death. Too many will now have to make the heartbreaking decision between financial ruin and going without care. Already the effects of this bill are being felt. Already hospitals and health care systems are in jeopardy because of this legislation that passed just mere weeks ago,” said Leader Schumer. “Let’s be crystal clear: to pay for tax cuts for billionaires, millions of people are going to lose their health care. That’s the Republicans agenda right there. Well not on our watch. Democrats are fighting this tooth and nail. And today we are proud to introduction legislation which would reverse these devastating cuts and permanently extend the ACA premium tax credits. It is not too late for the Republicans to reverse course and save healthcare for millions.”

    “Trump and Republicans in Congress have been actively misleading the American public. Americans were never told that this flawed bill will punch a hole in a lot more than Medicaid,” said Senator Wyden, Ranking Member of the Finance Committee. “There is simply no way to cut more than $1 trillion from the health care system without taking a deep toll on Americans of all stripes from coast to coast. The more Americans hear about this bill, the less they like it. It’s time to scrap Trumpcare and put America back on a path to affordable health care.”

    “If Affordable Care Act enhanced premium tax credits expire at the end of the year, 20 million Americans will see their health care costs skyrocket at a time when they’re already struggling with increased prices. That pain will be felt almost immediately,” said Senator Shaheen. “That’s on top of the unprecedented health care cuts to Medicaid that were passed in the ‘Big Beautiful Betrayal’. We need to take action now to permanently extend those tax credits so that people know they can count on them.”

    “Congressional Republicans betrayed hardworking families earlier this month when they chose to stand with billionaires by gutting Medicaid and kicking more than 15 million people off their health insurance,” said Senator Merkley, Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee. “Republicans have the opportunity to right this wrong by supporting our bill that will reverse these devastating cuts and prevent health care costs from skyrocketing across the country. On this 60th Anniversary of the enactment of Medicaid and Medicare, Democrats are fighting for an economy where families thrive and billionaires finally pay their fair share.”

    The entire Democratic caucus has signed on to co-sponsor the legislation.

    The legislation has been endorsed by American Civil Liberties Union, AFL-CIO. American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), AFT: Education, Healthcare, Public Services, All* Above All , Alliance for Retired Americans, American Association on Health and Disability, American Heart Association, American Nurses Association, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, ACLU, Can’t Wait Coalition, Care in Action, Caring Across Generations, Center for American Progress, Center for Medicare Advocacy, CEO Commission for Disability Employment, Children’s Hospital Association, Communication Workers of America, Community Catalyst, Disability Policy Consortium, Disability Rights and Defense Fund, Diverse Elders Coalition (DEC), FamiliesUSA, First Focus for Children, Guttmacher Institute, Health Care for America Now, Ibis Reproductive Health, Justice in Aging, Kids Can’t Wait, Lakeshore Foundation, Little Lobbysists, MoveOn.org, National Abortion Federation, National Alliance for Caregiving, National Alliance for Direct Service Professionals, National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, National Council of Jewish Women, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (NCPSSM), National Disability Rights Network, National Domestic Workers Alliance, National Hispanic Council on Aging, National Health Law Program (NHeLP), National Immigration Law Center, National Partnership for Women & Families, National Women’s Law Center, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Protect Our Care, Public Citizens, SEIU, Social Security Works, The Arc of the United States, UNIDOS US, United Mine Workers of America, Vizient, Inc., Well Spouse Association, Healthcare Association of New York and Texas Kids Can’t Wait.

    The full text of the legislation can be seen here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: U.S. Marines Mobilize Without Delay: Shift from Exercise to Crisis Response

    Source: United States Marines

    U.S. Marines postured around the globe serve as America’s rapid crisis response force, ready to meet the Nation’s needs at a moment’s notice. On July 26 Marine Corps readiness was on display, when U.S. Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363, operating under Marine Rotational Force–Darwin, deployed four MV-22B Ospreys more than 1,950 nautical miles from Darwin, Australia, to Clark Air Base, Philippines.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marines Mobilize Without Delay: Shift from Exercise to Crisis Response

    Source: United States Marines

    U.S. Marines postured around the globe serve as America’s rapid crisis response force, ready to meet the Nation’s needs at a moment’s notice. On July 26 Marine Corps readiness was on display, when U.S. Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363, operating under Marine Rotational Force–Darwin, deployed four MV-22B Ospreys more than 1,950 nautical miles from Darwin, Australia, to Clark Air Base, Philippines.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Update 306 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    The IAEA team based at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) carried out independent measurements today to confirm that there had been no increase in radiation levels at the site, contrary to some social media posts overnight, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said.

    Using IAEA monitoring equipment, the team members measured only normal levels during a site walkdown. Their measurements confirmed other data collected separately at the site, as well as information provided by the plant itself.

    “The team took immediate action after becoming aware of these social media reports, enabling us to provide assurances that radiation levels remained unchanged. Once again, this shows the importance of the IAEA’s presence at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant and Ukraine’s other nuclear power sites. Thanks to this presence, we can provide timely, factual and impartial technical information to the public about nuclear safety and security in Ukraine,” Director General Grossi said.

    The general nuclear safety situation at the ZNPP remains precarious, however, with the plant continuing to rely on one single power line for the electricity it needs to cool its reactors and for other essential nuclear safety and security functions. Before the conflict, it had access to 10 external power lines.

    In addition, the IAEA team reported hearing military activities almost every day over the past week, at different distances from the site, which is located on the frontline.

    Earlier this week, the team members performed a walkdown of a turbine hall of one reactor unit where they were once again denied access to the western part of the hall.

    The IAEA teams present at Ukraine’s operating nuclear power plants (NPPs) — Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine NPPs – and the Chornobyl NPP site reported hearing air raid alarms nearly every day over the past week. At Khmelnytskyy, the team had to shelter twice on 28 July.

    Three of Ukraine’s nine operating reactor units continued to be in shutdown for refuelling and maintenance, including work on some of the off-site power lines.

    As part of the IAEA’s comprehensive assistance programme to support nuclear safety and security in Ukraine, the Slavutych City Hospital this week received mobile radiography equipment and the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center and Hydrometeorological organizations of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine received laboratory equipment. These deliveries were funded by Australia, the European Union and Norway.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Collins Introduces Circuit Court Nominee Joshua Dunlap of Scarborough at Judiciary Committee Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Click HERE for a full-resolution image

    Click HERE to watch and HERE to download video of Senator Collins introducing Mr. Dunlap

    Washington, D.C. – Today, at a hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee, U.S. Senator Susan Collins introduced Joshua Dunlap of Scarborough, Maine, who has been nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.

    Mr. Dunlap grew up in Vassalboro, Maine, and is currently a partner in the litigation group of Pierce Atwood LLP, in Portland, where he co-chairs the firm’s Appellate & Amici division. He has practiced at Pierce Atwood for over fifteen years, handling substantial civil litigation matters in both appellate and trial courts. He also chairs the Maine Appellate Rules Committee, to which he was appointed by the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. Prior to his work at Pierce Atwood, Mr. Dunlap clerked for the Honorable Paul J. Kelly, Jr., of the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. Mr. Dunlap graduated first in his class from Notre Dame Law School. He came to Washington for his hearing with several members of his family, including his parents, wife, and children.

    Senator Collins:

    “Chairman Grassley, Ranking Member Durbin, members of this committee, I’m pleased to appear before this distinguished committee today to wholeheartedly support Joshua Dunlap’s nomination to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. 

    “Josh grew up in Vassalboro, Maine and now lives in Scarborough with his wife, Sydney, and their three children. If you look in back of me, you will see his three children, his wife, his parents, and numerous other members of his family. In fact, 20 of them, who are so proud of his nomination that they’ve made the trip to Washington. Josh graduated first in his class from Notre Dame Law School, where he received the law school’s highest honor, awarded to the student with the most distinguished academic record. He then clerked for Judge Paul Kelly of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. 

    “In 2009, Josh joined the very well-respected law firm Pierce Atwood in Portland, Maine. During his 16 years at the firm, he has specialized in complex civil litigation matters and currently serves as co-chair of the firm’s Appellate & Amicus division. Josh is admitted to practice in multiple U.S. Courts of Appeal and before the U.S. Supreme Court. He has also assisted special masters in three original jurisdiction proceedings before the U.S. Supreme Court. Finally, Josh also chairs the Maine Appellate Rules Committee to which he was appointed by the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. This impressive experience, coupled with his extraordinary intelligence and integrity, makes Josh exceptionally well-qualified for a seat on the First Circuit. His substantial appellate litigation experience will bring a practitioner’s perspective to the court. 

    “The committee has already received many compelling letters of support for this nominee, and I would like to highlight a couple of them. A diverse group of faculty and alumni of Notre Dame Law School who taught Josh or studied alongside him have praised his, “respect for differing views” and “deep appreciation for the rule of law.” A letter signed by 19 leading Maine attorneys, who described themselves as having a broad spectrum of political views and legal philosophies, wrote that Josh has all the qualities the finest judge’s exhibit; he is hardworking, courteous and judicial in temperament, very smart, and of sterling character with a commitment to fairness and the rule of law. 

    “Mr. Chairman, before I conclude, I would like to thank Judge William Kayatta, whom Josh has been nominated to replace, for his outstanding service to the First Circuit. I joined in recommending him to President Obama, and had the honor of introducing Judge Kayatta to this committee. Now, it is my honor to recommend Josh, who actually worked with Judge Kayatta early in his tenure at Pierce Atwood, to this committee. I am confident that, if confirmed, Josh will serve Maine and the nation extraordinarily well in this critical role. 

    “For these reasons, I urge the committee to support his nomination, and I appreciate this opportunity to introduce him to the committee.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin, Capito, Hassan Lead Bipartisan Bill to Deliver First Responders with Training and Tools to Prevent Overdose Deaths

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) introduced the Safe Response Act, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize a grant program that allows states, local government entities, and Tribes to train and provide resources to first responders to respond to drug overdoses.

    “The opioid crisis has left thousands of families across Wisconsin with an empty seat at the dinner table. As we start to turn the tide on this epidemic, we need to double down on what is working and ensure communities have the tools they need to reverse overdoses and poisonings,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m proud to back this bipartisan bill to ensure first responders have the training they need to use lifesaving tools like Narcan and protect Wisconsin families from the heartbreak of losing a loved one too soon.”

    “West Virginians know all too well the devastation and heartbreak drug overdoses cause in our communities. That’s why it is essential Congress provides the resources and training our first responders need to administer life-saving overdose reversal drugs and keep themselves safe in the process. I’m proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this legislation that will equip our first responders with the necessary tools to save more lives,” said Senator Capito.

    “Fire fighters, paramedics, police officers, and other first responders are on the frontlines fighting the opioid epidemic and we must keep working to ensure that they have the resources and support that they need,” said Senator Hassan. “This bipartisan legislation will help to ensure that more first responders in New Hampshire and across the country have access to training on how to use overdose reversal drugs like naloxone to save more lives.”

    According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there were 80,391 drug overdose deaths in the United States in 2024. Of those, over 50,000 overdose deaths were due to opioids, including fentanyl. This marked a sharp decline from the previous year — a decrease of 26.9% from the 110,037 deaths estimated in 2023 – in part due to the availability of opioid reversal drugs like naloxone.

    The 2018 SUPPORT Act included a grant program to provide funding for states, local government entities, Indian Tribes, and tribal organizations to train and provide resources to first responders to respond to an overdose. The Safe Response Act would reauthorize this grant program, included as part of the bipartisan SUPPORT Act, providing $57 million per year for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 for grants to first responders and those in key community sectors to respond to overdoses. Grants may be used to:

    • Ensure that first responders and other members of key community sectors have the knowledge and training to utilize overdose reversal devices or administer overdose reversal medications, such as naloxone;
    • Provide technical assistance and training about how first responders and other members of key community sectors, such as first SUD treatment providers and emergency medical service agencies, can better protect themselves in the event of exposure to such drugs;
    • Establish processes, protocols, and mechanisms for referral to appropriate treatment, which may include an outreach coordinator or team to connect individuals receiving opioid overdose reversal drugs to follow-up services; and
    • Educate first responders and members of key community sectors about the need to follow standard safe operating procedures in instances of exposure to fentanyl, carfentanil, and other dangerous and illicit drugs.

    Senator Baldwin’s Safe Response Act has garnered strong support from local, state, and national public safety leaders and organizations, including the Wisconsin Professional Police Association, Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs Association, Racine Police Chief Alexander Ramirez, Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski, Kenosha Fire Chief Daniel Tilton, Green Bay Metro Fire Chief Matthew Knott, Rock County Sheriff Curt Fell, Kenosha City Administrator and former Kenosha Chief of Police John Morrissey, Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly, Waukesha Fire Chief Robert Goplin, Waukesha Police Chief Dan Thompson, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, Mothers Against Prescription Drug Abuse (MAPDA), Big Cities Health Coalition, National Association of Police Organizations, National Council of Urban Indian Health, and Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO).

    “As Chief of the Milwaukee Fire Department, I know firsthand the importance of supporting our first responders with critical training and resources to prevent overdose deaths. We recognize the importance of the Safe Response Act as substance misuse and overdose continue to significantly impact our local communities,” said Aaron Lipski, Chief of the Milwaukee Fire Department and Chair of RISE – Drug-Free MKE. “Thank you, Senator Baldwin, for your dedication to the ongoing efforts of helping those in the community with substance use issues to receive the best possible immediate and follow-up care through training and valuable resources to present a positive outcome for all involved.”

    “The reauthorization of the Safe Response Act is a smart and necessary allocation of funds. As someone who spent decades in law enforcement and now serves in city leadership, I’ve seen firsthand how critical it is for our first responders to have the right tools, training, and resources,” said John W. Morrissey, Kenosha City Administrator and former Kenosha Police Chief. “The increased funding—from $36 to $57 million annually—will make a real difference for communities like Kenosha. I fully support this legislation and urge Congress to move it forward.”

    “The opioid epidemic is not an abstract concept for local communities in Wisconsin. We are on the frontlines and need the resources to respond to this public health crisis. Senator Baldwin’s leadership on the Safe Response Act is deeply appreciated. This is an important tool to support first responders and our residents,” said Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway.

    “As Fire Chief of the Green Bay Metro Fire Department, I’m proud to support Senator Baldwin’s Safe Response Act. Every day, our firefighters and paramedics witness the impact that the opioid and fentanyl crisis has on our community. This legislation will give first responders the training and resources they need to save lives and stay safe while doing it,” said Matthew Knott, Chief of the Green Bay Metro Fire Department.

    A one-pager on this legislation is available here. Full text of this legislation is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Call for information – Assault – Palmerston

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force are calling for information in relation to an alleged aggravated assault that occurred in Woodroffe early this morning.

    Around 1:20am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of a man, aged in his 30’s, with puncture wounds to his back and chest in the vicinity of Woodroffe Park.

    Emergency Services attended and the man was conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital in a serious condition.

    Initial investigations indicate the man may have been assaulted by an unknown man with a bottle.

    A crime scene has been declared and police will be working near the intersection of Woodroffe Avenue and Sirius Road.

    Traffic diversions are in place and Sirius Road will be closed from Woodroffe Avenue to Altair Court throughout the morning.

    Police urge anyone with information about the incident, particularly if you have home CCTV near Woodroffe Park, to make contact on 131 444, quoting reference number P25203523. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Former NBA star, suspected Israeli crime figure arrested on federal indictment alleging high-stakes illegal poker games at Encino mansion

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    July 30, 2025Los Angeles, CA, United StatesOrganized Crime

    LOS ANGELES — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and law enforcement partners conducted an operation July 30, where former NBA star Gilbert Arenas and five other defendants — including a suspected high-level member of an Israeli transnational organized crime group — were arrested on a federal indictment alleging they operated an illegal gambling business in which high-stakes poker games were played at an Encino mansion Arenas owned.

    Arenas, 43, aka “Agent Zero,” of Woodland Hills, is charged with one count of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, one count of operating an illegal gambling business, and one count of making false statements to federal investigators.

    He is scheduled to make his initial appearance and be arraigned this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.

    USAO News Release

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: Army’s Project Flytrap Advances Defense Secretary’s Drone Dominance Agenda

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    U.S. and British soldiers conducted the fourth iteration of the Project Flytrap exercise at the Hohenfels Training Area in Germany and the Bemowo Piskie Training Area, near Elk, Poland, to better prepare to counter the threats posed by unmanned aerial systems on the battlefield.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: HRC struggles to rustle up ‘Conversion Therapy’ complaints

    Source: Family First

    MEDIA RELEASE – 30 July 2025

    The $2.25m taxpayer-funded complaints centre set up by the Human Rights Commission for receiving complaints about ‘conversion therapy’ has struggled to obtain any formal complaints about the use of ‘conversion therapy’ in the three years since the new law was passed, and haven’t referred a single complaint to the Police since the law took effect.

    According to an Official Information Act response, in the past 12 months, just two formal complaints were made and those related to “possible conversion practices happening to other people”, despite significant advertising about its services

    “The taxpayer via the Human Rights Commission has wasted $2.2m looking for a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist. But what the politicians and activist groups have done is make it difficult for parents, counsellors and therapists to support troubled adolescents who identify as ‘trans’ and ‘gender diverse’, and difficult for individuals who are dealing with unwanted sexuality and gender issues to get support,” says Bob McCoskrie, CEO of Family First NZ.

    As an Australian family law and child protection expert warned during the debate three years ago, some mental health professionals will refuse to see young patients with sexual orientation or gender identity issues who have other serious mental health concerns. This could lead to an increase in the mental health burden on already very troubled young people and may lead to increased suicide attempts.

    Parents who want to protect their children who are struggling with gender identity issues risk prosecution and jail sentences under the law. This is leading to huge distress for parents who are already experiencing very difficult circumstances. The recent NHS report by Dr Hillary Cass suggests that concerned parents have been right all along.

    “This flawed law was all about shutting down any opposition to radical gender and sexuality ideology, and more specifically, Biblical teachings around sexuality and biology (male and female). But you can never ban Christian conversion or truth, no matter how hard the activists might like to.”

    And despite claiming that they wanted to ensure that they “regularly hear from diverse lived experience voices”, the Human Rights Commission admitted, “The Commission has not knowingly had any engagement with individuals who made submissions against the new law and who had positive experiences of receiving counselling to deal with unwanted sexuality and gender confusion issues.”

    Their rights aren’t important according to the ‘Human Rights’ Commission.

    All New Zealanders should be protected from coercive, abusive or involuntary psychological or spiritual practices. However, participation in psychological assessments, counselling sessions, prayer meetings and other therapeutic practices is almost always an expression of voluntary behaviour and personal freedom. Under this new law, people are prevented from getting help to live the lifestyle they choose. And parents could be criminalised for encouraging their children to embrace their biological sex.

    Ironically, while gender and sexuality is supposedly ‘fluid’, activists want the law to stipulate that it can only go in the direction they approve. ‘Conversion therapy’ is still legal. It’s practiced in schools by groups such as InsideOut and Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa (formerly Family Planning).

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: HRC struggles to rustle up ‘Conversion Therapy’ complaints

    Source: Family First

    MEDIA RELEASE – 30 July 2025

    The $2.25m taxpayer-funded complaints centre set up by the Human Rights Commission for receiving complaints about ‘conversion therapy’ has struggled to obtain any formal complaints about the use of ‘conversion therapy’ in the three years since the new law was passed, and haven’t referred a single complaint to the Police since the law took effect.

    According to an Official Information Act response, in the past 12 months, just two formal complaints were made and those related to “possible conversion practices happening to other people”, despite significant advertising about its services

    “The taxpayer via the Human Rights Commission has wasted $2.2m looking for a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist. But what the politicians and activist groups have done is make it difficult for parents, counsellors and therapists to support troubled adolescents who identify as ‘trans’ and ‘gender diverse’, and difficult for individuals who are dealing with unwanted sexuality and gender issues to get support,” says Bob McCoskrie, CEO of Family First NZ.

    As an Australian family law and child protection expert warned during the debate three years ago, some mental health professionals will refuse to see young patients with sexual orientation or gender identity issues who have other serious mental health concerns. This could lead to an increase in the mental health burden on already very troubled young people and may lead to increased suicide attempts.

    Parents who want to protect their children who are struggling with gender identity issues risk prosecution and jail sentences under the law. This is leading to huge distress for parents who are already experiencing very difficult circumstances. The recent NHS report by Dr Hillary Cass suggests that concerned parents have been right all along.

    “This flawed law was all about shutting down any opposition to radical gender and sexuality ideology, and more specifically, Biblical teachings around sexuality and biology (male and female). But you can never ban Christian conversion or truth, no matter how hard the activists might like to.”

    And despite claiming that they wanted to ensure that they “regularly hear from diverse lived experience voices”, the Human Rights Commission admitted, “The Commission has not knowingly had any engagement with individuals who made submissions against the new law and who had positive experiences of receiving counselling to deal with unwanted sexuality and gender confusion issues.”

    Their rights aren’t important according to the ‘Human Rights’ Commission.

    All New Zealanders should be protected from coercive, abusive or involuntary psychological or spiritual practices. However, participation in psychological assessments, counselling sessions, prayer meetings and other therapeutic practices is almost always an expression of voluntary behaviour and personal freedom. Under this new law, people are prevented from getting help to live the lifestyle they choose. And parents could be criminalised for encouraging their children to embrace their biological sex.

    Ironically, while gender and sexuality is supposedly ‘fluid’, activists want the law to stipulate that it can only go in the direction they approve. ‘Conversion therapy’ is still legal. It’s practiced in schools by groups such as InsideOut and Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa (formerly Family Planning).

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –