NewzIntel.com

Category: Vehicles

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Crash survivors’ emotional reunion with rescuers

    Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

    Hastings Fire Station was the setting for an emotional reunion last week as Mark Stockwell came face-to-face with the emergency crews who freed him after a tree crushed his car.

    Mark was driving home during a storm on Coolart Road in Tuerong last August when the freak incident occurred, trapping him in his vehicle with serious injuries.

    Emergency services arrived swiftly, but it took a challenging 90 minutes of coordinated effort from Hastings, Langwarrin and Dromana CFA members, VICSES, Ambulance Victoria, and Victoria Police to safely extricate him.

    Accompanied by his wife and son, Mark used the reunion as an opportunity to personally thank the first responders for their dedication and teamwork.

    “Words can’t express how grateful I am. Every time I’m at home, I think about all these guys, and I tear up,” Mark said.

    “I get to be a dad, and I get to be a husband because of them.

    “I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for what they’ve done and what they continue to do.

    “They have families and could be at home, but instead, they’re out there rescuing people like me. It’s incredible.”

    Recalling the events of that day, Mark said: “I don’t really remember much about it. I just recall thinking, ‘I think I’ve been in an accident,’ and I was coming in and out of consciousness.

    “The guys were trying to keep me awake, but I kept drifting. I remember one moment of pain, like waking from a dream, and thinking, ‘I can’t feel my leg, my back is sore, my neck hurts.’

    “I saw the airbag and thought, ‘Why’s my airbag out? I must have been in an accident. That’s pretty much all I remember.”

    Several key personnel on scene that day also shared their perspectives on the incident and what it meant to see Mark’s recovery firsthand.

    Quotes attributable to CFA Incident Controller Georgia Densley:

    “Rescues like this one really highlight the strength of teamwork between CFA and our emergency service partners.

    “Everyone on scene played their part, including Mark, who stayed calm under immense pressure, which made our job that much easier.

    “It’s incredibly rewarding to see him here today and to witness his recovery firsthand.”

    Quotes attributable to Dutchy Holland, VICSES Hastings Unit Controller:

    “As first responders, having the chance to meet and talk with community members who we support in their time of need is an extremely rewarding experience.

    “I’m very proud of our volunteers who were able to provide timely and much-needed aid alongside other emergency service providers to effect a positive outcome in this instance.”

    Quotes attributable to MICA Paramedic Angus Bowden:

    “Being able to reconnect with a patient and see him thrive after such a serious incident is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. Mark was not only trapped, but appeared to have sustained multiple traumatic injuries.

    “In this case, the combination of advanced clinical care and collaboration played a crucial role in the patient’s survival and recovery. From start to finish, it was a remarkable team effort, with paramedics, firefighters and SES working together to achieve the best possible outcome.”

    Submitted by CFA media

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Africa Analysis – Perennial War in DRC is a Scorn at Africa’s sovereignty

    Analysis by Mike Omuodo

    A phone vibration drew my attention to an incoming message – a friend had sent a message with an attachment and a note reading, “This is so sad and needs to stop! The message was followed by some crying emojis.

    Curious, I opened the attachment. It was a photo of some of the carnage in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – to be precise, the photo of corpses of those killed in the DRC’s never ending war, piled like some wastes from a city garbage truck. My heart bled for the children and women of DRC, the main victims of this horrendous war!

    The war in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has killed over 6 million people over decades, stands as a stark reminder of the continent’s internal and external challenges. Despite Africa’s rich history, cultural diversity, and growing potential, the persistent violence in the DRC represents a failure of both African leadership and the international community to address a crisis that undermines the very notion of African unity, independence, and self-determination.

    The DRC, endowed with an abundance of natural resources—diamonds, gold, copper, coltan—should be one of Africa’s most prosperous countries. Instead, it has become a battlefield where local militias, foreign corporations, and regional powers exploit its riches, leaving its people in poverty and suffering. This is a direct affront to the vision of African sovereignty, which seeks to ensure that African resources benefit Africans and not external actors or corrupt elites.

    The inability of African nations to decisively intervene and resolve the conflict in the DRC highlights a painful reality: while African leaders have championed unity and cooperation through platforms like the African Union (AU), they have largely failed to protect one of their own from decades of exploitation and war. The silence and inaction of many African governments on the DRC crisis is a scorn to the idea of Pan-Africanism, which promises solidarity and collective action in the face of injustice.

    The war in the DRC is also a reflection of how foreign interests continue to meddle in African affairs, undermining Africa’s sovereignty. Since colonial times, external powers have exploited the DRC for its natural resources, leaving the country in a state of perpetual conflict. Today, multinational corporations and foreign governments continue to benefit from the illegal extraction of the DRC’s minerals, funding armed groups and prolonging instability.

    African leaders have a moral and political obligation to assert Africa’s control over its own resources and territory. Allowing foreign actors to dictate the fate of one of the continent’s richest nations not only diminishes the sovereignty of the DRC but also weakens the entire continent’s ability to defend its economic and political interests.

    Failed Governance

    At the heart of the DRC crisis is the failure of governance. While external actors have played a significant role in the conflict, internal divisions, corruption, and weak leadership within the DRC have exacerbated the situation. Successive governments have struggled to maintain control over vast portions of the country, allowing warlords and militias to fill the power vacuum.

    However, the broader failure lies in the inability of African leaders to come together and address these internal issues through diplomatic pressure, peace-building, and robust intervention. Instead, some regional powers have been accused of further destabilizing the country by supporting rebel groups and exploiting the chaos for their own gains. This lack of leadership not only prolongs the suffering of millions of Congolese but also erodes trust in Africa’s ability to solve its own problems.

    Strategic Imperative

    This war shouldn’t be seen merely as Congo’s problem but as a moral and strategic imperative for the entire African continent. The ongoing conflict undermines Africa’s collective goals of peace, security, and economic development. It destabilizes a region that is critical to the future of Africa, limits economic growth, and diverts attention from pressing continental issues such as poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, and healthcare.

    Allowing the DRC to remain in a state of war or even degenerate further into the abyss reflects poorly on the African Union and regional organizations like the East African Community and Southern African Development Community (SADC), which have the capacity to mediate and intervene. If African leaders do not act now to stop the violence and build sustainable peace, it will signal a failure to live up to the founding principles of these organizations and African independence itself.

    Reclaiming sovereignty

    This war is not just a humanitarian catastrophe; it is a direct challenge to Africa’s ability to assert control over its own destiny. The conflict has exposed the fragility of African sovereignty and the vulnerability of the continent’s vast resources to external exploitation. To truly live up to the promise of a united, independent, and prosperous Africa, African leaders must rise to the occasion, reclaim the DRC’s sovereignty, and bring an end to this senseless war.

    Inaction or passive diplomacy will only deepen the wounds and prolong the suffering. It’s time for Africa to lead by example, assert its political will, and save the DRC from becoming a permanent scar on the continent’s legacy. The war in the DRC cannot be allowed to continue as a scorn upon Africa’s sovereignty.

    * The writer is a pan-African Public Relations and Communications expert based in Nairobi, Kenya.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SECURING MISSOURI’S FUTURE: Governor Kehoe Delivers First State of the State Address

    Source: US State of Missouri

    JANUARY 28, 2025

    Jefferson City — JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Today, Governor Mike Kehoe delivered his first State of the State Address to the Missouri General Assembly, outlining his legislative and budget priorities for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26).

    Governor Kehoe opened his first address to the 103rd General Assembly by reflecting on lessons learned to stay humble from his mentor, Dave Sinclair, with a commitment to working with the members of the legislature during his time as governor.

    “I said earlier that I will never forget my roots. Well, I’ve sat where you sit. I understand the pressures you face. And I want to work with you—not against you—because I believe we can only secure Missouri’s future if we work together,” said Governor Kehoe.

    Governor Kehoe’s speech focused on the policy priorities that have remained a central focus at the start of his administration, beginning with public safety.

    “Any efforts we may make to improve the lives of Missourians–whether it be education opportunities, cutting taxes, or expanding childcare–none of it matters if Missourians aren’t safe,” Governor Kehoe said. “Securing Missouri’s future begins with public safety.”

    Public Safety

    During his speech, Governor Kehoe discussed the actions his administration took on Inauguration Day, signing six executive orders developed based on input from law enforcement to launch the Safer Missouri initiative.

    To support law enforcement recruitment and retention efforts, Governor Kehoe’s budget recommends funding to bolster the existing Missouri Blue Scholarship Program for law enforcement basic training and $10 million in new funding to assist local communities who prioritize public safety with equipment and training needs through the Blue Shield Program.

    The budget also includes $2.5 million to support the sheriff’s retirement system for another year, and funding for a new crime lab in Cape Girardeau, serving the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop E region.

    As part of the Safer Missouri initiative, Governor Kehoe urged the General Assembly to pass a comprehensive crime bill that includes increasing penalties for crimes like violent rioting and fleeing from law enforcement in a vehicle, cracking down on criminals who participate in reckless stunt driving and street racing, and efforts to increase oversight and accountability of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.

    To combat the fentanyl crisis and identify areas of high fentanyl use in schools across the state, Governor Kehoe’s budget includes a $4 million investment for fentanyl testing in wastewater systems at schools. Governor Kehoe also encouraged the legislature to take action on increasing penalties for fentanyl trafficking.

    Economic Development

    Governor Kehoe emphasized his efforts to make Missouri a welcoming state for business investment. From manufacturers, to retail, to Missouri’s sports teams: businesses who provide jobs and opportunities to Missourians are an important part the state’s economic success.

    In order to compete with other states, the Kehoe Administration will focus on reducing taxes and cutting regulations, so families keep more of their own money, and so job creators look at our state to expand and hire more hard-working Missourians.

    Governor Kehoe announced that he has directed the Missouri Department of Revenue to work with his staff on a sustainable and comprehensive plan to eliminate the individual income tax once and for all.

    And, knowing that infrastructure and economic development go hand in hand, Governor Kehoe’s budget includes a reappropriation of last year’s 100 million dollars for rural road improvements to ensure all of those funds are invested in rural infrastructure.

    Governor Kehoe’s speech focused largely on solving the biggest challenge to the child care crisis: addressing the current regulatory environment.

    In an effort to make the child care regulations easier to understand and navigate, Governor Kehoe issued Executive Order 25-15, charging the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education-Office of Childhood with a complete re-write of the child care regulations.

    The budget also includes $10 million to offer grant funding opportunities to support partnerships between employers, community partners, and the child care industry to make more child care slots available for Missouri families.

    In an effort to provide timely payments for the child care providers who partner with the state to provide care, providers will receive payments from the state at the beginning of the month on enrollment, starting in fiscal year 2026.

    To build on Missouri’s career and technical education opportunities, Governor Kehoe’s budget includes $15 million in new funding to address equipment, space, and operational needs of career and technical centers across the state, as well as an increase of $5 million on an annual basis to support increased operational costs.

    The budget includes increased funding to expand career counseling to more high schools across the state, so that students can talk to school counselors about their future career path, whether that includes college or not.

    Governor Kehoe also signed Executive Order 25-16 establishing the Governor’s Workforce of the Future Challenge, instructing DESE to put a plan in place for better coordination among key stakeholders, including K-12 schools, local business and industry, and higher education to improve the state’s career and technical education programs and infrastructure.

    Agriculture

    Securing the future of agriculture also means investing in the next generation. Governor Kehoe’s budget includes $800,000 in permanent funding for Missouri FFA.

    Additionally, the budget includes $55 million in new bonding to support the construction of a 40,000 square foot covered multi-use livestock barn and 80,000 square foot stalling barn to house equine and other livestock at the Missouri State Fair’s new arena, which was previously supported by the legislature and is now under construction.

    Education

    Governor Kehoe is a proud supporter of education in all of its forms–public schools, private schools, charter schools–as long Missouri’s children are getting a quality education that best meets their needs.

    To expand school choice, Governor Kehoe urged the General Assembly to pass voluntary open enrollment in public schools.

    Governor Kehoe’s budget also includes $50 million in general revenue funding to bolster the ESA program.

    This year, Governor Kehoe’s budget recommends a $200 million increase for the Foundation Formula, the largest increase since the current Formula was created. And, over $370 million to fully fund the state’s commitment for school transportation needs. For teachers, the budget includes $33 million to fund teacher salaries. Additionally, the budget includes $30 million for Small School Grants to support the continued success of our small rural school districts, the heartbeat of their communities.

    Governor Kehoe also signed Executive Order 25-14 establishing the School Funding Modernization Task Force to recommend changes to the Foundation Formula to better serve students and families.

    Government Improvements 
    To continue to recruit and retain quality state team members, Governor Kehoe announced a statewide time of service pay plan increase for state employees.

    Governor Kehoe also previewed action on DEI programs in state government and support for creating Missouri’s own version of a DOGE initiative. He committed to working with the General Assembly on these efforts in the coming weeks.

    During his speech, Governor Kehoe recognized special guests for their achievements and commitment to the people of Missouri:

    Special Guests of the Governor

    • Lizzy Schott
    • Safer Missouri Initiative Group
    • Alena Malone
    • Adeline Thessen
    • USS Missouri Crew Members  

    Governor Kehoe emphasized there are safer choices than abortion in Missouri and committed to helping pregnant women know these exist, including the Pregnancy Resource Centers across the state. The budget includes support for alternatives to abortion with $4 million  in additional funding to benefit expecting and new mothers, a more than 50% increase to existing services.

    Governor Kehoe closed the speech thanking veterans and service members, adding that his proposed budget includes an additional $10 million of general revenue funding to our Missouri Veterans Homes.

    “Our work in this building is only possible because of those who came before us: the sacrifices of our brave service men and women,” said Governor Kehoe. “Under the Kehoe Administration, NO veterans home will close due to a lack of state funding.”

    To view a full transcript of Governor Kehoe’s speech and special guest bios, please see attachments. To view the FY2026 Budget in Brief, please see attachment.

    The FY26 Executive Budget will be available here at 3:00 p.m. To view the executive orders signed by Governor Kehoe, visit this link.

    Pictures from today’s events, including special guests, will be available on Flickr. An archived video of the 2025 State of the State is available at mo.gov/live.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lower Burrell Man Sentenced for Fraudulent Use of Neighbor’s Credit Cards

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to three years of probation on his conviction of use of unauthorized access devices, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    Senior United States District Judge David Stewart Cercone imposed the sentence on Jonathan Fry, 44, on January 23, 2025.

    According to information presented to the Court, in April 2019, Fry obtained and used an elderly neighbor’s credit cards and personal identification information, including the neighbor’s date of birth and social security number, in order to make fraudulent and unauthorized transactions. This included obtaining a vehicle loan and insurance, opening accounts, and applying for other credit cards in the victim’s name, ultimately causing losses of more than $40,000.

    Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

    Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the United States Postal Inspection Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Fry.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Tech – DeepSeek overtakes ChatGPT with 50x Google Trends surge in a week – Finbold

    Source: Finbold

    The release of the latest version of the Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) model DeepSeek swiftly created a media and stock market storm as it, given the official costs of development, threw into disarray the massive investments made in Western AI companies.

    Finbold research uncovered that in a single week ending on Monday, January 27, Google Trends global score for DeepSeek soared fiftyfold, hitting 100 – the highest figure possible for a selected region and time frame.

    Though the score was the highest in China by far, the new model also soared above ChatGPT in the U.S.

    Hong Kong, likewise, saw exceptional interest and took second place, while the countries where DeepSeek was also highly searched for, in descending order, include Singapore, Tunisia, Morocco, Nepal, Algeria, Ethiopia, Jordan, and Kenya.

    Specifically, the AI model’s Google Trends score stood at 100 in China, 22 in Hong Kong, 16 in Singapore, and 6 in the U.S.

    DeepSeek’s popularity also emerges outside Google Trends

    The surge in interest was also evident on the Play Store, where the DeepSeek app took the top spot, leading to sufficient volume – and possibly a cyberattack – to ensure access is restricted to users with a Chinese phone number.

    Additionally, the emergence of a new major player in the AI industry triggered a stock market bloodbath, with the semiconductor giant Nvidia (NVDA) being hit particularly hard and losing approximately $600 billion in market capitalization – the single biggest one-company valuation drop in a single day.

    Still, as Andreja Stojanovic, a co-author of the research, pointed out, there were some immediate benefits:

    “The introduction of new and powerful competition has had an immediate positive effect on consumers, as OpenAI’s Sam Altman promised additional features to ChatGPT’s paying users.”

    Elsewhere, the tumult triggered some calls for a ban or restrictions on Chinese technology, akin to the tariffs and other protectionist measures imposed on Chinese electric vehicle (EV) makers.

    For more: https://finbold.com/deepseek-overtakes-chatgpt-with-50x-google-trends-surge-in-a-week/  

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lame Deer woman admits assault charges in rollover crash that injured two passengers on Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BILLINGS — A Lame Deer woman today admitted to assault charges after two passengers were seriously injured when the vehicle she was driving rolled on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

    The defendant, Kendra Carol Cook, 34, pleaded guilty to two counts of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Cook faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on each count.

    U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date will be set before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Cook was detained pending further proceedings.

    In court documents, the government alleged that on May 18, 2023, the FBI received a report that a car driven by Cook had rolled north of Lame Deer, injuring Cook and her two passengers. Cook was under the influence of alcohol at the time. A witness reported finding two women who were injured. The women told her that Cook had left the scene. One of the passengers, Jane Doe 2, was in the back seat, while another passenger, Jane Doe 1, was in the front seat. Cook told Doe 2 that she was drinking whiskey before picking her up. They bought alcohol and were drinking it while driving to Lame Deer. Cook was swerving all over the road, and, in Doe 2’s opinion, intentionally trying to wreck. Cook accelerated and turned the wheel, causing the car to go into a ditch and start flipping. Doe 1 estimated Cook was driving approximately 80 miles and hour and slowed to approximately 60 mph when they started swerving. Doe 1 denied there was any fighting or interfering with Cook. Cook acknowledged being under the influence of alcohol at the time of the wreck and claimed she and the passengers were fighting over the alcohol. Both victims suffered fractures and other serious injuries. The rollover occurred in a 35-mph speed zone.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Fugitive Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Armed Drug Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

     MOBILE, AL – A Mobile man was sentenced to 180 months in prison for trafficking drugs and possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes while being a federal fugitive.

    According to court documents, Tesean R. James, 30, was convicted of a bulk marijuana trafficking conspiracy in federal court in 2019. After his release from federal prison in September 2021, James absconded from court-ordered supervision and remained a fugitive for more than two years.

    In July 2023, federal and local law enforcement agents attempted to arrest James on his fugitive warrant. James led agents on a high-speed vehicle chase through a residential neighborhood in Mobile, bailing out of his vehicle and eluding capture on foot. In James’s abandoned vehicle, agents recovered two pistols and seven pounds of bulk marijuana. Later, in December 2023, agents captured James in Mobile after a brief foot chase. Agents executed a search warrant at the house where James had been staying, recovering more than 34 pounds of bulk marijuana, 1.5 kilograms of psilocybin mushrooms, more than $34,000 in drug proceeds, and two guns, one of which had previously been reported stolen.

    James confessed to police that he knew he had active warrants and was a federal fugitive. James admitted that he regularly received shipments of 50 pounds of marijuana at a time, which he coordinated via encrypted apps on his cell phones. Agents searched James’s cell phones, finding evidence that he had been selling marijuana and other narcotics, including mushrooms, prescription pills, and codeine syrup, since being released from federal prison in September 2021. James’s phones also contained evidence that he knew he was a fugitive, including a photo of James that had been posted on the news as “Fugitive of the Week.”

    In addition to the 180-month prison term, Chief United States District Judge Jeffrey U. Beaverstock ordered James to serve a five-year term of supervised release upon his release from prison, during which time he will receive mental health treatment. The court did not impose a fine, but Judge Beaverstock ordered James to pay $300 in special assessments. The court also forfeited James’s guns and electronic devices to the United States.

    U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Mobile Police Department investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Roller prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sanford Man Sentenced to 10 Years After Officer Sees Drugs Protruding from His Shirt Pocket

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PORTLAND, Maine: A Sanford man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute.

    U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen sentenced Nicholas Delahunt, 39, to 120 months in prison to be followed by eight years of supervised release.

    According to court records, in October 2023, an officer from the Sanford Police Department noted a vehicle pulled over on the side of the road. The officer queried the vehicle and learned that the registered owner, Delahunt, had a suspended license. Police confirmed Delahunt was operating the vehicle. While speaking with him on the side of the road, the officer noted a large plastic baggie protruding from his sweatshirt front pocket that appeared to contain narcotics. Delahunt removed the bag, which was found to contain approximately 166 grams of fentanyl. A further search of Delahunt’s person revealed three additional grams of fentanyl. Just 2 grams of fentanyl is considered a potentially lethal dose. Delahunt was previously convicted in Maine in 2021 for unlawful trafficking of scheduled drugs.

    The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the Sanford Police Department.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Chemung Financial Corporation Reports Annual Net Income of $23.7 million, or $4.96 per share, and Fourth Quarter 2024 Net Income of $5.9 million, or $1.24 per share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ELMIRA, N.Y., Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Chemung Financial Corporation (the “Corporation”) (Nasdaq: CHMG), the parent company of Chemung Canal Trust Company (the “Bank”), today reported net income of $23.7 million, or $4.96 per share, for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $25.0 million, or $5.28 per share, for the year ended December 31, 2023. Net income was $5.9 million, or $1.24 per share, for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $5.7 million, or $1.19 per share, for the third quarter of 2024, and $3.8 million, or $0.80 per share, for the fourth quarter of 2023.

    “A prudent and relationship-based effort to manage funding costs provided a tailwind for fourth quarter earnings, and capped a solid year of results in an uncertain environment,” said Anders M. Tomson, President and CEO of Chemung Financial Corporation. “Strong net interest margin expansion speaks to the execution of Bank-wide strategic initiatives and a thoughtful approach to loan growth, particularly in our newly established Canal Bank division,” added Tomson.

    “As we reflect on 2024 and look ahead to 2025, the Corporation is situated to perform well, due in large part to the combined efforts of our team over the past year. Our results demonstrate the continued value of a community-focused approach to banking, which we look forward to carrying on in the coming year,” concluded Tomson.

    Fourth Quarter Highlights:

    • Net interest margin expanded 20 basis points compared to the prior quarter, from 2.72% in the third quarter 2024 to 2.92% in the fourth quarter 2024. 1
    • Annual loan growth totaled 5.0% for the year ended December 31, 2024, including commercial and industrial growth of 13.3% and commercial real estate growth of 8.4%.
    • Non-performing loans to total loans declined nine basis points compared to September 30, 2024 and ten basis points compared to December 31, 2023, while non-performing assets to total assets declined five basis points compared to both September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
    • Dividends declared during the fourth quarter 2024 were $0.31 per share.

    1 See the GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliations.

    2024 vs 2023

    Net Interest Income:

    Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2024 totaled $74.1 million, compared to $74.5 million for the prior year, a decrease of $0.4 million, or 0.5%, driven by increases of $14.1 million in interest expense on deposits and $0.8 million in interest expense on borrowed funds, and a decrease of $1.3 million in interest and dividend income on taxable securities, offset by increases of $14.9 million in interest income on loans, including fees, and $0.9 million in interest income on interest-earning deposits.

    Interest expense on deposits increased primarily due to a 68 basis points increase in the average interest rate paid on interest-bearing deposits, which included brokered deposits, and deposit campaigns primarily relating to time deposits. The increase in interest expense on borrowed funds was largely due to a $16.2 million increase in average balances of borrowed funds, compared to the prior year, partially offset by a 14 basis points decrease in the average interest rate paid on total borrowings, compared to the prior year. Average balances of borrowed funds in the current year consisted of FHLBNY overnight and term advances and a Federal Reserve Bank Term Funding Program Advance (BTFP), while borrowed funds in the prior year consisted primarily of FHLBNY overnight advances. The decrease in interest and dividend income on taxable securities was largely due to a decrease of $58.0 million in average balances of taxable securities, primarily due to paydowns on mortgage-backed and SBA pooled loan securities. The average yield on taxable securities was comparable between 2023 and 2024.

    Interest income on loans, including fees increased primarily due to an increase of $117.5 million in average total loan balances and an increase of 44 basis points in the average yield on total loans. The increase in average balances was concentrated in the commercial portfolio, which increased $136.8 million compared to the prior year. Average balances of consumer loans and residential mortgage loans decreased $11.0 million and $8.3 million respectively, compared to the prior year. The average yield on commercial loans increased 37 basis points, while the average yields on consumer loans and residential mortgage loans increased 69 and 30 basis points respectively, compared to the prior year. The increase in interest income on interest-earning deposits was mainly due to an increase of $18.8 million in average balances of interest-earning deposits, due to an increase in deposits at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

    Fully taxable equivalent net interest margin was 2.76% for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to 2.85% for the prior year. Average interest-earning assets increased $76.9 million while average interest-bearing liabilities increased $108.1 million during 2024, compared to the prior year. The average yield on interest-earning assets increased 41 basis points to 4.74%, while the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities increased 67 basis points to 2.87% during 2024, compared to the prior year, both primarily due to the lagging effects of interest rate increases during 2022 and 2023.

    Provision for Credit Losses:

    Provision for credit losses for the year ended December 31, 2024 was a credit of $46 thousand, compared to a provision of $3.3 million for the prior year, a decrease of $3.3 million. The decrease was largely due to the annual review and update to the loss drivers which the Bank’s CECL model is based upon, resulting in a decline in baseline loss rates. The updates were applied beginning in the first quarter of 2024, and resulted in a credit to provision of $2.0 million for the first quarter of 2024. Additionally, provisioning in 2023 included a $0.9 million specific allocation on a nonaccrual commercial real estate relationship.

    Non-Interest Income:

    Non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $23.2 million, compared to $24.5 million for the prior year, a decrease of $1.3 million, or 5.3%, driven by decreases of $2.5 million in other non-interest income and $0.2 million in interchange revenue from debit card transactions, offset by an increase of $1.1 million in wealth management group fee income.

    Other non-interest income decreased primarily due to the recognition of a $2.4 million employee retention tax credit (ERTC) in the third quarter of 2023. The decrease in interchange revenue from debit card transactions was primarily due to a decrease in transactional volume compared to the prior year. The increase in wealth management group fee income was largely due to improvements in equity markets during 2024.

    Non-Interest Expense:

    Non-interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $67.3 million, compared to $64.2 million for the prior year, an increase of $3.1 million, or 4.8%, driven by increases of $1.6 million in salaries and wages, $0.7 million in pension and other employee benefits, $0.3 million in data processing, and $0.3 million in marketing and advertising.

    Salaries and wages increased primarily due to additional staffing in the Bank’s new Western New York market, merit-based wage increases, and promotions, which was partially offset by savings from the outsourcing of certain back office functions during 2024. The increase in pension and other employee benefits was largely due to an increase in employee healthcare-related expenses, compared to the prior year. The increase in data processing was primarily due to the addition of new contracts, an increase in debit card procurement expenses, and an increase in cybersecurity software expense. The increase in marketing and advertising was mainly due to expenditures relating to the Bank’s 190th anniversary checking account promotion and ongoing CD campaigns, the launch of the Bank’s new Western New York “Canal Bank” brand, and a general increase in advertising efforts during the current year.

    Income Tax Expense:

    Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $6.4 million, compared to $6.5 million for the prior year, a decrease of $0.1 million. The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased to 21.3%, compared to 20.6% for the prior year. The decrease in income tax expense was primarily due to a decrease in pretax income.

    4th Quarter 2024 vs 3rd Quarter 2024

    Net Interest Income:

    Net interest income for the fourth quarter of 2024 totaled $19.8 million, compared to $18.4 million for the prior quarter, an increase of $1.4 million, or 7.6%, driven by decreases of $0.8 million in interest expense on deposits and $0.4 million in interest expense on borrowed funds, and an increase of $0.2 million in interest income on loans.

    Interest expense on deposits decreased primarily due to a decrease of 21 basis points in the average interest rate paid on total interest-bearing deposits, despite an increase of $17.6 million in average balances of total interest-bearing deposits, compared to the prior quarter. The average interest rate paid on brokered deposits decreased 61 basis points, as the Bank replaced brokered deposits carrying higher interest rates with lower cost brokered deposits during the quarter. Average balances of brokered deposits increased $8.9 million compared to the prior quarter. The average interest rate paid on customer time deposits decreased 21 basis points and average balances of customer time deposits decreased $13.8 million in the current quarter, compared to the prior quarter. Both the decrease in average interest rate paid and average balances were largely due to a shift in the Bank’s CD campaign strategy, which included reducing the interest rates of its primary campaign offerings by 50 basis points in September. Customer time deposits comprised 22.1% of average total deposits for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to 23.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The average interest rate paid on savings and money market deposits decreased 17 basis points, as the Bank adjusted rates offered on money market products to better align with current market conditions, while average balances of savings and money market deposits increased $6.7 million, compared to the prior quarter.

    The decrease in interest expense on borrowed funds was primarily due to a decrease in the average cost of total borrowings of 34 basis points, and a decrease in average balances of borrowed funds of $27.5 million, compared to the prior quarter. The decrease in the average cost was partially due to decreases in benchmark interest rates during the quarter, and the decrease in average balances was partially due to an increase in average balances of brokered deposits and seasonal inflows of municipal deposits at the end of the prior quarter. Average balances of borrowed funds in the current quarter consisted primarily of FHLBNY overnight advances, while average balances in the prior quarter primarily consisted of a $30.0 million FHLBNY term advance and a $50.0 million BTFP advance. The FHLBNY term advance matured in September 2024, while the BTFP advance was prepaid in its entirety in October 2024, without prepayment penalty.

    Interest income on loans, including fees, increased primarily due to a $32.6 million increase in average balances of commercial loans, despite a decrease of seven basis points in the average yield on commercial loans, compared to the prior quarter. Increases in average balances were distributed between commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans, while the decrease in the average yield was largely due to rate decreases on existing variable rate loans. Total interest income on commercial loans included $0.3 million in interest income recognized on the payoff of a nonaccrual construction loan during the fourth quarter. Average balances of residential mortgage loans increased $1.3 million and the average yield on residential mortgage loans increased two basis points, compared to the prior quarter. Origination yields of residential mortgage loans remained elevated despite the declining interest rate environment. Average balances of consumer loans decreased $7.9 million while the average yield increased eight basis points, compared to the prior quarter, as runoff from the indirect auto portfolio exceeded originations.

    Fully taxable equivalent net interest margin was 2.92% for the current quarter, compared to 2.72% for the prior quarter. Net interest margin was positively impacted by the recognition of $0.3 million in interest income on the payoff of a nonaccrual construction loan. Average interest-earning assets increased $12.0 million, while average interest-bearing liabilities decreased $9.8 million during the fourth quarter, compared to the prior quarter. The average yield on interest-earning assets increased one basis point to 4.79%, while the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased 24 basis points to 2.73%, compared to the prior quarter.

    Provision for Credit Losses:

    Provision for credit losses was $0.6 million in the current quarter, in line with the prior quarter. Provisioning in the current quarter was primarily due to commercial loan growth and net charge-off activity on commercial and industrial and auto loans. Improvements in economic forecasts for unemployment and GDP in the current quarter benefited the provision for credit losses, compared to modest deterioration in the prior quarter.

    Non-Interest Income:

    Non-interest income for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $6.1 million, compared to $5.9 million for the prior quarter, an increase of $0.2 million, or 3.4%, driven by increases of $0.2 million in other non-interest income and $0.1 million in service charges on deposit accounts, offset by a decrease of $0.2 million in the change in fair value of equity investments.

    Other non-interest income increased primarily due to an increase in interest rate swap fee income compared to the prior quarter. The increase in service charges on deposit accounts was mainly due to fee rate increases which were phased in during the fourth quarter of 2024. The decrease in the change in fair value of equity investments was largely due to a decrease in the market value of assets held for the Corporation’s deferred compensation plan, compared to the increase in market value in the prior quarter.

    Non-Interest Expense:

    Non-interest expense for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $17.8 million, compared to $16.5 million for the prior quarter, an increase of $1.3 million, or 7.9%, driven by increases of $0.7 million in pension and other employee benefits, $0.3 million in salaries and wages, $0.2 million in professional services, and $0.1 million in data processing expenses.

    Pension and other employee benefits increased compared to the prior quarter primarily due to an increase in employee healthcare-related expenses. The increase in salaries and wages was largely due to an increase in quarterly incentive compensation expense and additional staffing for the Corporation’s newly established Western New York regional banking center. The increase in professional services was primarily due to an increase in consulting fees compared to the prior quarter. The increase in data processing was primarily due to an increase in debit card procurement expenses and cybersecurity initiatives.

    Income Tax Expense:

    Income tax expense for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $1.6 million, compared to $1.5 million for the prior quarter, an increase of $0.1 million. The effective tax rate for the current quarter increased to 21.2% from 20.9% in the prior quarter. The increase in income tax expense was primarily due to an increase in pretax income.

    4th Quarter 2024 vs 4th Quarter 2023

    Net Interest Income:

    Net interest income for the fourth quarter of 2024 totaled $19.8 million, compared to $17.9 million for the same period in the prior year, an increase of $1.9 million, or 10.6%, driven by increases of $2.7 million in interest income on loans, including fees and $0.3 million in interest income on interest-earning deposits, and a decrease of $0.2 million in interest expense on borrowed funds, partially offset by an increase of $0.8 million in interest expense on deposits and a decrease of $0.4 million in interest income on taxable securities.

    Interest income on loans, including fees, increased primarily due to a $116.8 million increase in average balances of commercial loans and an increase of 22 basis points in the average yield on commercial loans, compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase in average balances of commercial loans was concentrated in commercial real estate, while the increase in the average yield on commercial loans was mainly due to higher total origination yields throughout 2024. Average balances of residential mortgage loans decreased $4.7 million compared to the same period in the prior year, due to an increase in sales of new originations to the secondary market, while the average yield on residential mortgage loans increased 40 basis points compared to the same period in the prior year, partially due to higher origination yields on loans held for investment in 2024. Average consumer loan balances decreased $21.9 million compared to the same period in the prior year, largely due to net runoff of the indirect auto portfolio, while the average yield on consumer loans increased 49 basis points, primarily due to runoff of older vintage indirect auto loans, replaced by higher yielding new originations. Interest income on interest-earning deposits increased mainly due to a $22.7 million increase in average balances of interest-earning deposits, compared to the same period in the prior year.

    The decrease in interest expense on borrowed funds was primarily due to a decrease of $12.0 million in average balances of FHLBNY overnight advances, and a decrease of 86 basis points in the average interest rate paid on FHLBNY overnight advances, compared to the same period in the prior year. Average balances of FHLBNY overnight advances decreased due to the liquidity provided by an increase in customer deposits, compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease in the average interest rate paid on FHLBNY overnight advances was primarily due to the declining interest rate environment in the current year period, compared to the static interest rate environment in the prior year period.

    Interest expense on deposits increased primarily due to an increase of $105.9 million in average balances of customer interest-bearing deposits, and an increase of 17 basis points in the average interest rate paid on customer interest-bearing deposits, compared to the same period in the prior year. Both the increase in average balances of and the average interest rate paid on customer interest-bearing deposits was largely due to CD campaigns throughout 2024. The average balances of customer time deposits increased $93.5 million, and the average interest rate paid on customer time deposits increased 25 basis points, compared to the same period in the prior year. Customer time deposits comprised 22.1% of average total deposits for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to 18.7% for the same period in the prior year. The average balances of and average interest rate paid on brokered deposits decreased $29.2 million and 60 basis points, respectively, compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease in the average balances of brokered deposits was mainly due to the liquidity provided by an increase in total customer deposits, compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease in interest income on taxable securities was largely due to paydowns and maturities of available for sale securities between the prior year period and current year period of $54.5 million, primarily on SBA pooled loan securities and mortgage-backed securities.

    Fully taxable equivalent net interest margin was 2.92% for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to 2.69% for the same period in the prior year. Average interest-earning assets increased $57.4 million, while average interest-bearing liabilities increased $68.6 million, compared to the same period in the prior year. The average yield on interest-earning assets increased 29 basis points to 4.79%, while the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities increased five basis points to 2.73%, compared to the same period in the prior year.

    Provision for Credit Losses:

    Provision for credit losses decreased $1.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease was largely due to a $0.9 million specific allocation on a commercial real estate relationship in the fourth quarter of the prior year as well as a substantial decline in prepayment speeds used in the Bank’s CECL model in the fourth quarter of the prior year.

    Non-Interest Income:

    Non-interest income for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $6.1 million, compared to $5.9 million for the same period in the prior year, an increase of $0.2 million, or 3.4%, driven by increases of $0.3 million in wealth management group fee income, $0.1 million in service charges on deposit accounts, and $0.1 million in other non-interest income, partially offset by a decrease of $0.3 million in the change in fair value of equity investments.

    The increase in wealth management group fee income was primarily due to fee rate increases effective July 1, 2024. The increase in service charges on deposit accounts was largely due to fee rate increases phased in during the fourth quarter of the current year. The increase in other non-interest income was mainly due to an increase in interest rate swap fee income, compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease in the change in fair value of equity investments was mainly due to a decrease in the market value of assets held for the Corporation’s deferred compensation plan during the current year period, compared to an increase in market value in the prior year period.

    Non-Interest Expense:

    Non-interest expense for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $17.8 million, compared to $16.8 million for the same period in the prior year, an increase of $1.0 million, or 5.9%, driven by increases of $0.6 million in salaries and wages, $0.4 million in pension and other employee benefits, and $0.2 million in data processing, partially offset by a decrease of $0.4 million in other non-interest expense.

    Salaries and wages increased primarily due to an increase in base salaries, including merit-based increases and additional staffing for the Corporation’s newly opened Western New York regional banking center, as well as an increase in incentive compensation expense. The increase in pension and other employee benefits expense was largely due to additional payroll tax expense, employee profit-sharing expense, and employee healthcare-related expense compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase in data processing was primarily due to increases in software and debit card related expenses, the addition of new contracts, and cybersecurity initiatives. The decrease in other non-interest expense was largely due to a decrease in non-loan charge-offs compared to the same period in the prior year.

    Income Tax Expense:

    Income tax expense for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $1.6 million, compared to $0.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, an increase of $0.8 million. The effective tax rate for the current quarter was 21.2%, compared to 18.1% for the same period in the prior year. The increase in income tax expense was primarily due to an increase in pretax income.

    Asset Quality

    Non-performing loans totaled $9.0 million as of December 31, 2024, or 0.43% of total loans, compared to $10.4 million, or 0.53% of total loans as of December 31, 2023. The decrease in non-performing loans was mainly due to the payoff of two large nonaccrual loans, a $2.2 million construction loan and a $1.9 million commercial real estate loan, during the current year. There was $1.2 million in paydowns on other non-performing commercial loans during 2024. $3.9 million in commercial loan balances were added to non-performing loans during 2024, comprised of $3.5 million in commercial real estate loans and $0.4 million in commercial and industrial loans. Net charge-offs on commercial loans totaled $0.2 million in 2024. The net changes in non-performing residential mortgage and consumer loans were an increase of $0.1 million and a decrease of $0.1 million, respectively. Non-performing assets, which are comprised of non-performing loans, other real estate owned, and repossessed vehicles, were $9.6 million, or 0.35% of total assets as of December 31, 2024, compared to $10.7 million, or 0.40% of total assets as of December 31, 2023. Other real estate owned was $0.4 million and repossessed vehicles was $0.2 million as of December 31, 2024.

    Total loan delinquencies as of December 31, 2024 decreased compared to December 31, 2023. Annualized net charge-offs to total average loans for the fourth quarter of 2024 were 0.12%, compared to 0.02% for the third quarter of 2024, and were 0.06% for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to 0.05% for the year ended December 31, 2023. Annualized commercial net charge-offs were 0.07% of average commercial loan balances for the fourth quarter of 2024, primarily due to $0.3 million in net charge-offs on two commercial and industrial loans. Commercial net charge-offs for the year ended December 31, 2024 were 0.01% of average commercial loan balances. Annualized consumer net charge-offs were 0.45% of average consumer loan balances for the fourth quarter of 2024, and 0.35% of average consumer loan balances for the year ended December 31, 2024, both largely concentrated in indirect auto loans. Residential mortgage loans had net recovery rates for both the fourth quarter of 2024 and the year ended December 31, 2024.

    The allowance for credit losses was $21.4 million as of December 31, 2024 and $22.5 million as of December 31, 2023. The allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments, a component of other liabilities, was $0.8 million as of December 31, 2024 and $0.9 million as of December 31, 2023. The decrease in the allowance for credit losses was mainly due to the annual review and update to the loss drivers which the Bank’s CECL model is based upon. Recalibration of loss drivers resulted in a decline in the baseline loss rates which the model utilizes, and were applied beginning in the first quarter of 2024. Additionally, the FOMC projection for U.S. GDP improved as of December 31, 2024 compared to December 31, 2023. Partially offsetting these declines were loan growth, a decline in modeled prepayment speeds, and a slightly weaker FOMC projection for national unemployment as of December 31, 2024 compared to December 31, 2023. The allowance for credit losses was 238.87% of non-performing loans as of December 31, 2024 and 216.28% as of December 31, 2023. The allowance for credit losses to total loans was 1.03% as of December 31, 2024 and 1.14% as of December 31, 2023. Provision for credit losses as a percentage of period-end loan balances was 0.03% for the fourth quarter of 2024.

    Balance Sheet Activity

    Total assets were $2.776 billion as of December 31, 2024, compared to $2.711 billion as of December 31, 2023, an increase of $65.6 million, or 2.4%. This increase was driven by increases of $98.8 million in loans, net of deferred origination fees and costs, $10.2 million in cash and cash equivalents, and $2.7 million in accrued interest receivable and other assets, partially offset by a decrease of $48.9 million in total investment securities.

    Loans, net of deferred origination fees and costs increased primarily due to growth concentrated in the commercial loan portfolio, which increased $129.2 million, or 9.3%, compared to prior year-end. Growth in commercial loans during the current year consisted of $35.1 million in commercial and industrial balances and $94.1 million in commercial real estate balances. Consumer loans decreased $27.4 million, or 8.9%, compared to prior-year end, largely due to lower indirect auto loan origination activity during the current year, and a relatively fast turnover rate in the portfolio. Residential mortgages decreased $3.0 million, or 1.1% compared to prior year-end, as the Corporation continued to elect to sell a portion of originations into the secondary market and demand remained weakened in the current interest rate environment.

    The increase in cash and cash equivalents was mainly due to an increase of $77.2 million in FHLBNY overnight advances and $49.6 million in net paydowns and maturities of available for sale securities, partially offset by an increase of $98.8 million in loans, net of deferred origination fees and costs, and a decrease of $32.5 million in total deposits. The increase in accrued interest receivable and other assets was largely due to increases in prepaid expenses and interest receivable on interest rate swaps.

    Total investment securities decreased primarily due to a decrease of $52.6 million in securities available for sale, compared to prior year-end. Net paydowns and maturities of securities available for sale for the current year totaled $49.6 million, mainly due to paydowns on mortgage-backed securities and SBA pooled loan securities. The market value of securities available for sale decreased $0.7 million, due to unfavorable changes in market interest rates during the current year. Partially offsetting the decrease in total investment securities was an increase of $3.6 million in FHLB and FRB stock, at cost, mainly due to an increase in FHLBNY overnight advances as of December 31, 2024, compared to prior year-end.

    Total liabilities were $2.561 billion as of December 31, 2024, compared to $2.515 billion as of December 31, 2023, an increase of $45.6 million, or 1.8%. This increase was driven by increases of $77.9 million in advances and other debt and $0.4 million in accrued interest payable and other liabilities, partially offset by a decrease of $32.5 million in deposits.

    Advances and other debt increased mainly due to an increase of $77.2 million in FHLBNY overnight advances and an increase of $0.7 million in finance lease obligations. The increase in accrued interest payable and other liabilities was primarily due to an increase in interest payable on deposits of $0.6 million.

    Total deposits decreased by $32.5 million or 1.3%, compared to prior year-end, largely due to decreases of $50.6 million in brokered deposits, $28.6 million in money market deposits, and $27.4 million in non interest-bearing demand deposits. These decreases were partially offset by increases of $62.3 million in customer time deposits and $15.4 million in interest-bearing demand deposits. Additionally, savings deposits decreased $3.6 million. Non interest-bearing deposits comprised 26.1% and 26.9% of total deposits as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

    Total shareholders’ equity was $215.3 million as of December 31, 2024, compared to $195.2 million as of December 31, 2023, an increase of $20.1 million, or 10.3%, driven by an increase of $17.8 million in retained earnings and a decrease of $0.9 million in accumulated other comprehensive loss. The increase in retained earnings was mainly due to net income of $23.7 million, offset by dividends declared of $5.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2024. The decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss was largely due to revised actuarial assumptions relating to the Corporation’s pension plans, offset by the unfavorable impact of interest rates on available for sale securities during the current year.

    The total equity to total assets ratio was 7.76% as of December 31, 2024, compared to 7.20% as of December 31, 2023, and the tangible equity to tangible assets ratio was 7.02% as of December 31, 2024, compared to 6.45% as of December 31, 2023.1 Book value per share and tangible book value per share increased to $45.13 and $40.55, respectively as of December 31, 2024 from $41.07 and $36.48, respectively as of December 31, 2023.1 As of December 31, 2024, the Bank’s capital ratios were in excess of those required to be considered well-capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.

    1 See the GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliations

    Liquidity

    The Corporation uses a variety of resources to manage its liquidity, and management believes it has the necessary liquidity to allow for flexibility in meeting its various operational and strategic needs. These include short-term investments, cash flow from lending and investing activities, core-deposit growth and non-core funding sources, such as time deposits of $250,000 or greater, brokered deposits, FHLBNY overnight and term advances, and FRB advances. Borrowings may be used on a short-term basis for liquidity purposes or on a long-term basis to fund asset growth. As of December 31, 2024, the Corporation’s cash and cash equivalents balance was $47.0 million. The Corporation also maintains an investment portfolio of securities available for sale, comprised primarily of US Government treasury securities, SBA loan pools, mortgage-backed securities, and municipal bonds. Although this portfolio generates interest income for the Corporation, it also serves as an available source of liquidity and capital if the need should arise. As of December 31, 2024, the Corporation’s investment in securities available for sale was $531.4 million, $349.9 million of which was not pledged as collateral. Additionally, as of December 31, 2024 the Bank’s total advance line capacity at the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York was $221.1 million, $109.1 million of which was utilized and $112.0 million of which was available as additional borrowing capacity. In January 2024, the Corporation utilized the BTFP with an advance of $50.0 million, which the Corporation paid off in October 2024, without prepayment penalty.

    As of December 31, 2024, uninsured deposits totaled $652.3 million, or 27.2% of total deposits, including $145.6 million of municipal deposits collateralized by pledged assets, when required. As of December 31, 2023, uninsured deposits totaled $655.7 million, or 27.0% of total deposits, including $153.2 million of municipal deposits collateralized by pledged assets. Due to their fluidity, the Corporation closely monitors uninsured deposit levels when considering liquidity management strategies.

    The Corporation considers brokered deposits to be an element of its deposit strategy, and anticipates it may continue utilizing brokered deposits as a secondary source of funding in support of growth. As of December 31, 2024, the Corporation had entered into brokered deposit arrangements with multiple brokers. As of December 31, 2024, brokered deposits carried terms between 3 and 48 months, totaling $92.2 million. Excluding brokered deposits, total deposits increased $18.1 million compared to December 31, 2023.

    Other Items

    The market value of total assets under management or administration in our Wealth Management Group was $2.212 billion as of December 31, 2024, including $301.9 million of assets under management or administration for the Corporation, compared to $2.242 billion as of December 31, 2023, including $381.3 million of assets under management or administration for the Corporation, a decrease of $30.4 million, or 1.4%. Excluding assets under management or administration for the Corporation, total market value of Wealth Management Group assets increased $49.0 million, or 2.6%, largely due to market improvements during 2024.

    As previously announced on January 8, 2021, the Corporation’s Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program. Under the repurchase program, the Corporation may repurchase up to 250,000 shares of its common stock, or approximately 5% of its then outstanding shares. The repurchase program permits shares to be repurchased in open market or privately negotiated transactions, through block trades, and pursuant to any trading plan that may be adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As of December 31, 2024, a total of 49,184 shares of common stock at a total cost of $2.0 million were repurchased by the Corporation under its share repurchase program. No shares were repurchased in the fourth quarter of 2024. The weighted average cost was $40.42 per share repurchased. Remaining buyback authority under the share repurchase program was 200,816 shares as of December 31, 2024.

    During the fourth quarter, the Bank opened a full-service branch and regional banking center at 5529 Main Street in Williamsville, New York under the Canal Bank, a division of Chemung Canal Trust Company, name. After receiving regulatory approval, the Bank consolidated its previous branch operations in Clarence, New York into its Williamsville branch operations in December, and has converted the Clarence location into administrative offices in support of the Bank’s Western New York operations. Additionally, in November the Bank’s Ithaca, New York “Station” branch operations were consolidated into its nearby Ithaca location on Elmira Road.

    About Chemung Financial Corporation

    Chemung Financial Corporation is a $2.8 billion financial services holding company headquartered in Elmira, New York and operates 30 retail offices through its principal subsidiary, Chemung Canal Trust Company, a full service community bank with trust powers. Established in 1833, Chemung Canal Trust Company is the oldest locally-owned and managed community bank in New York State. Chemung Financial Corporation is also the parent of CFS Group, Inc., a financial services subsidiary offering non-traditional services including mutual funds, annuities, brokerage services, tax preparation services, and insurance.

    This press release may be found at: www.chemungcanal.com under Investor Relations.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Corporation intends its forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in this press release. All statements regarding the Corporation’s expected financial position and operating results, the Corporation’s business strategy, the Corporation’s financial plans, forecasted demographic and economic trends relating to the Corporation’s industry and similar matters are forward-looking statements. These statements can sometimes be identified by the Corporation’s use of forward-looking words such as “may,” “will,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” or “intend.” The Corporation cannot promise that its expectations in such forward-looking statements will turn out to be correct. The Corporation’s actual results could be materially different from expectations because of various factors, including changes in economic conditions or interest rates, credit risk, inflation, cyber security risks, difficulties in managing the Corporation’s growth, competition, changes in law or the regulatory environment, and changes in general business and economic trends.

    Information concerning these and other factors, including Risk Factors, can be found in the Corporation’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including the 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K. These filings are available publicly on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov, on the Corporation’s website at http://www.chemungcanal.com or upon request from the Corporate Secretary at (607) 737-3746. Except as otherwise required by law, the Corporation undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

    Chemung Financial Corporation                    
    Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)                    
        Dec. 31,   Sept. 30,   June 30,   March 31,   Dec. 31,
    (in thousands)     2024       2024       2024       2024       2023  
    ASSETS                    
    Cash and due from financial institutions   $ 26,224     $ 36,247     $ 23,184     $ 22,984     $ 22,247  
    Interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions     20,811       44,193       47,033       71,878       14,600  
    Total cash and cash equivalents     47,035       80,440       70,217       94,862       36,847  
                         
    Equity investments     3,235       3,244       3,090       3,093       3,046  
                         
    Securities available for sale     531,442       554,575       550,927       566,028       583,993  
    Securities held to maturity     808       657       657       785       785  
    FHLB and FRB stock, at cost     9,117       4,189       5,506       4,071       5,498  
    Total investment securities     541,367       559,421       557,090       570,884       590,276  
                         
    Commercial     1,516,525       1,464,205       1,445,258       1,425,437       1,387,321  
    Mortgage     274,979       274,099       271,620       277,246       277,992  
    Consumer     279,915       290,650       294,594       300,927       307,351  
    Loans, net of deferred loan fees     2,071,419       2,028,954       2,011,472       2,003,610       1,972,664  
    Allowance for credit losses     (21,388 )     (21,441 )     (21,031 )     (20,471 )     (22,517 )
    Loans, net     2,050,031       2,007,513       1,990,441       1,983,139       1,950,147  
                         
    Loans held for sale     —       —       381       96       —  
    Premises and equipment, net     16,375       14,915       14,731       14,183       14,571  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets     5,446       5,637       5,827       6,018       5,648  
    Goodwill     21,824       21,824       21,824       21,824       21,824  
    Accrued interest receivable and other assets     90,834       81,221       92,212       90,791       88,170  
    Total assets   $ 2,776,147     $ 2,774,215     $ 2,755,813     $ 2,784,890     $ 2,710,529  
                         
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                    
    Deposits:                    
    Non-interest-bearing demand deposits   $ 625,762     $ 616,126     $ 619,192     $ 656,330     $ 653,166  
    Interest-bearing demand deposits     306,536       349,383       328,370       315,154       291,138  
    Money market deposits     595,123       630,870       613,131       631,350       623,714  
    Savings deposits     245,550       242,911       248,528       248,578       249,144  
    Time deposits     623,912       611,831       606,700       629,360       612,265  
    Total deposits     2,396,883       2,451,121       2,415,921       2,480,772       2,429,427  
                         
    Advances and other debt     112,889       53,757       83,835       52,979       34,970  
    Operating lease liabilities     5,629       5,820       6,009       6,197       5,827  
    Accrued interest payable and other liabilities     45,437       42,863       48,826       47,814       45,064  
    Total liabilities     2,560,838       2,553,561       2,554,591       2,587,762       2,515,288  
                         
    Shareholders’ equity                    
    Common stock     53       53       53       53       53  
    Additional paid-in capital     48,783       48,457       48,102       47,794       47,773  
    Retained earnings     247,705       243,266       239,021       235,506       229,930  
    Treasury stock, at cost     (16,167 )     (15,987 )     (16,043 )     (16,147 )     (16,502 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (65,065 )     (55,135 )     (69,911 )     (70,078 )     (66,013 )
    Total shareholders’ equity     215,309       220,654       201,222       197,128       195,241  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 2,776,147     $ 2,774,215     $ 2,755,813     $ 2,784,890     $ 2,710,529  
                         
    Period-end shares outstanding     4,771       4,774       4,772       4,768       4,754  
    Chemung Financial Corporation                        
    Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)                        
        Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		   Percent
    Change    		   Twelve Months Ended
    December 31,    		   Percent
    Change
    (in thousands, except per share data)     2024       2023         2024       2023    
    Interest and dividend income:                        
    Loans, including fees   $ 28,805     $ 26,115       10.3     $ 112,128     $ 97,228       15.3  
    Taxable securities     3,161       3,533       (10.5 )     13,029       14,283       (8.8 )
    Tax exempt securities     247       257       (3.9 )     1,009       1,035       (2.5 )
    Interest-earning deposits     384       128       200.0       1,398       528       164.8  
    Total interest and dividend income     32,597       30,033       8.5       127,564       113,074       12.8  
                             
    Interest expense:                        
    Deposits     12,191       11,349       7.4       50,052       35,926       39.3  
    Borrowed funds     585       786       (25.6 )     3,453       2,691       28.3  
    Total interest expense     12,776       12,135       5.3       53,505       38,617       38.6  
                             
    Net interest income     19,821       17,898       10.7       74,059       74,457       (0.5 )
    Provision (credit) for credit losses     551       2,300       (76.0 )     (46 )     3,262       (101.4 )
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses     19,270       15,598       23.5       74,105       71,195       4.1  
                             
    Non-interest income:                        
    Wealth management group fee income     3,019       2,744       10.0       11,573       10,460       10.6  
    Service charges on deposit accounts     1,113       1,001       11.2       4,042       3,919       3.1  
    Interchange revenue from debit card transactions     1,099       1,138       (3.4 )     4,426       4,606       (3.9 )
    Net gains on securities transactions     —       (39 )     N/M       —       (39 )     N/M  
    Change in fair value of equity investments     (54 )     202       (126.7 )     179       103       73.8  
    Net gains on sales of loans held for sale     52       54       (3.7 )     214       144       48.6  
    Net gains (losses) on sales of other real estate owned     4       23       N/M       (18 )     37       N/M  
    Income from bank owned life insurance     9       11       (18.2 )     38       43       (11.6 )
    Other     814       737       10.4       2,776       5,276       (47.4 )
    Total non-interest income     6,056       5,871       3.2       23,230       24,549       (5.4 )
                             
    Non-interest expense:                        
    Salaries and wages     7,450       6,803       9.5       28,457       26,832       6.1  
    Pension and other employee benefits     2,296       1,901       20.8       8,083       7,368       9.7  
    Other components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefits     (218 )     (154 )     (41.6 )     (909 )     (676 )     (34.5 )
    Net occupancy     1,472       1,395       5.5       5,832       5,637       3.5  
    Furniture and equipment     462       496       (6.9 )     1,659       1,728       (4.0 )
    Data processing     2,656       2,506       6.0       10,093       9,840       2.6  
    Professional services     714       697       2.4       2,353       2,293       2.6  
    Marketing and advertising     239       203       17.7       1,182       923       28.1  
    Other real estate owned expense     41       (69 )     N/M       157       (20 )     N/M  
    FDIC insurance     503       520       (3.3 )     2,120       2,128       (0.4 )
    Loan expense     374       258       45.0       1,182       1,047       12.9  
    Other     1,834       2,270       (19.2 )     7,041       7,143       (1.4 )
    Total non-interest expense     17,823       16,826       5.9       67,250       64,243       4.7  
    Income before income tax expense     7,503       4,643       61.6       30,085       31,501       (4.5 )
    Income tax expense     1,589       841       88.9       6,414       6,501       (1.3 )
    Net income   $ 5,914     $ 3,802       55.5     $ 23,671     $ 25,000       (5.3 )
                             
    Basic and diluted earnings per share   $ 1.24     $ 0.80         $ 4.96     $ 5.28      
    Cash dividends declared per share   $ 0.31     $ 0.31         $ 1.24     $ 1.24      
    Average basic and diluted shares outstanding     4,774       4,743           4,770       4,732      
                             
    N/M – Not Meaningful                        
    Chemung Financial Corporation   As of or for the Three Months Ended   As of or for the
    Twelve Months Ended
    Consolidated Financial Highlights (Unaudited)   Dec. 31,   Sept. 30,   June 30,   March 31,   Dec. 31,   Dec. 31,   Dec. 31,
    (in thousands, except per share data)     2024       2024       2024       2024       2023       2024       2023  
    RESULTS OF OPERATIONS                            
    Interest income   $ 32,597     $ 32,362     $ 31,386     $ 31,219     $ 30,033     $ 127,564     $ 113,074  
    Interest expense     12,776       13,974       13,625       13,130       12,135       53,505       38,617  
    Net interest income     19,821       18,388       17,761       18,089       17,898       74,059       74,457  
    Provision (credit) for credit losses     551       564       879       (2,040 )     2,300       (46 )     3,262  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses     19,270       17,824       16,882       20,129       15,598       74,105       71,195  
    Non-interest income     6,056       5,919       5,598       5,657       5,871       23,230       24,549  
    Non-interest expense     17,823       16,510       16,219       16,698       16,826       67,250       64,243  
    Income before income tax expense     7,503       7,233       6,261       9,088       4,643       30,085       31,501  
    Income tax expense     1,589       1,513       1,274       2,038       841       6,414       6,501  
    Net income   $ 5,914     $ 5,720     $ 4,987     $ 7,050     $ 3,802     $ 23,671     $ 25,000  
                                 
    Basic and diluted earnings per share   $ 1.24     $ 1.19     $ 1.05     $ 1.48     $ 0.80     $ 4.96     $ 5.28  
    Average basic and diluted shares outstanding     4,774       4,773       4,770       4,764       4,743       4,770       4,732  
    PERFORMANCE RATIOS                            
    Return on average assets     0.85 %     0.83 %     0.73 %     1.04 %     0.56 %     0.86 %     0.94 %
    Return on average equity     10.73 %     10.81 %     10.27 %     14.48 %     8.63 %     11.53 %     14.11 %
    Return on average tangible equity (a)     11.92 %     12.07 %     11.56 %     16.29 %     9.86 %     12.90 %     16.09 %
    Efficiency ratio (unadjusted) (e)     68.88 %     67.92 %     69.43 %     70.32 %     70.79 %     69.12 %     64.89 %
    Efficiency ratio (adjusted) (a)     68.64 %     67.69 %     69.19 %     70.07 %     70.42 %     68.89 %     66.20 %
    Non-interest expense to average assets     2.57 %     2.39 %     2.38 %     2.47 %     2.48 %     2.45 %     2.41 %
    Loans to deposits     86.42 %     82.78 %     83.26 %     80.77 %     81.20 %     86.42 %     81.20 %
    YIELDS / RATES – Fully Taxable Equivalent                            
    Yield on loans     5.61 %     5.65 %     5.52 %     5.51 %     5.31 %     5.57 %     5.13 %
    Yield on investments     2.29 %     2.21 %     2.27 %     2.35 %     2.24 %     2.28 %     2.21 %
    Yield on interest-earning assets     4.79 %     4.78 %     4.69 %     4.70 %     4.50 %     4.74 %     4.33 %
    Cost of interest-bearing deposits     2.67 %     2.88 %     2.86 %     2.75 %     2.59 %     2.79 %     2.11 %
    Cost of borrowings     4.74 %     5.08 %     5.04 %     5.15 %     5.52 %     5.03 %     5.17 %
    Cost of interest-bearing liabilities     2.73 %     2.97 %     2.94 %     2.85 %     2.68 %     2.87 %     2.20 %
    Interest rate spread     2.06 %     1.81 %     1.75 %     1.85 %     1.82 %     1.87 %     2.13 %
    Net interest margin, fully taxable equivalent     2.92 %     2.72 %     2.66 %     2.73 %     2.69 %     2.76 %     2.85 %
    CAPITAL                            
    Total equity to total assets at end of period     7.76 %     7.95 %     7.30 %     7.08 %     7.20 %     7.76 %     7.20 %
    Tangible equity to tangible assets at end of period (a)     7.02 %     7.22 %     6.56 %     6.34 %     6.45 %     7.02 %     6.45 %
    Book value per share   $ 45.13     $ 46.22     $ 42.17     $ 41.34     $ 41.07     $ 45.13     $ 41.07  
    Tangible book value per share (a)     40.55       41.65       37.59       36.77       36.48       40.55       36.48  
    Period-end market value per share     48.81       48.02       48.00       42.48       49.80       48.81       49.80  
    Dividends declared per share     0.31       0.31       0.31       0.31       0.31       1.24       1.24  
    AVERAGE BALANCES                            
    Loans and loans held for sale (b)   $ 2,046,270     $ 2,020,280     $ 2,009,823     $ 1,989,185     $ 1,956,022     $ 2,016,481     $ 1,898,986  
    Interest-earning assets     2,711,995       2,699,968       2,699,402       2,681,059       2,654,638       2,698,148       2,621,251  
    Total assets     2,761,875       2,751,392       2,740,967       2,724,391       2,688,536       2,744,721       2,660,329  
    Deposits     2,446,662       2,410,735       2,419,169       2,402,215       2,397,663       2,419,744       2,377,736  
    Total equity     219,254       210,421       195,375       195,860       174,868       205,280       177,187  
    Tangible equity (a)     197,430       188,597       173,551       174,036       153,044       183,456       155,363  
    ASSET QUALITY                            
    Net charge-offs   $ 594     $ 78     $ 306     $ 182     $ 171     $ 1,160     $ 941  
    Non-performing loans (c)     8,954       10,545       8,195       7,835       10,411       8,954       10,411  
    Non-performing assets (d)     9,606       11,134       8,872       8,394       10,737       9,606       10,737  
    Allowance for credit losses     21,388       21,441       21,031       20,471       22,517       21,388       22,517  
    Annualized net charge-offs to average loans   0.12 %     0.02 %     0.06 %     0.04 %     0.03 %     0.06 %     0.05 %
    Non-performing loans to total loans     0.43 %     0.52 %     0.41 %     0.39 %     0.53 %     0.43 %     0.53 %
    Non-performing assets to total assets     0.35 %     0.40 %     0.32 %     0.30 %     0.40 %     0.35 %     0.40 %
    Allowance for credit losses to total loans     1.03 %     1.06 %     1.05 %     1.02 %     1.14 %     1.03 %     1.14 %
    Allowance for credit losses to non-performing loans   238.87 %     203.33 %     256.63 %     261.28 %     216.28 %     238.87 %     216.28 %
                                 
    (a) See the GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliations.                            
    (b) Loans and loans held for sale do not reflect the allowance for credit losses.        
    (c) Non-performing loans include non-accrual loans only.            
    (d) Non-performing assets include non-performing loans plus other real estate owned and repossessed vehicles.        
    (e) Efficiency ratio (unadjusted) is non-interest expense divided by the total of net interest income plus non-interest income.        
    Chemung Financial Corporation                                
    Average Consolidated Balance Sheets & Net Interest Income Analysis and Rate/Volume Analysis of Net Interest Income (Unaudited)
                                         
        Three Months Ended
    December 31, 2024    		   Three Months Ended
    December 31, 2023    		   Three Months Ended
    December 31, 2024 vs. 2023
    (in thousands)   Average Balance   Interest   Yield /
    Rate    		   Average Balance   Interest   Yield /
    Rate    		   Total Change   Due to
    Volume    		   Due to
    Rate
                                         
    Interest-earning assets:                                    
    Commercial loans   $ 1,486,012     $ 22,069     5.91 %   $ 1,369,198     $ 19,649     5.69 %   $ 2,420     $ 1,665     $ 755  
    Mortgage loans     274,705       2,739     3.99 %     279,361       2,531     3.59 %     208       (46 )     254  
    Consumer loans     285,553       4,051     5.64 %     307,463       3,991     5.15 %     60       (299 )     359  
    Taxable securities     594,667       3,169     2.12 %     647,650       3,537     2.17 %     (368 )     (287 )     (81 )
    Tax-exempt securities     37,776       273     2.88 %     40,339       284     2.79 %     (11 )     (19 )     8  
    Interest-earning deposits     33,282       384     4.59 %     10,627       128     4.78 %     256       261       (5 )
    Total interest-earning assets     2,711,995       32,685     4.79 %     2,654,638       30,120     4.50 %     2,565       1,275       1,290  
                                         
    Non interest-earning assets:                                    
    Cash and due from banks     25,056               25,142                      
    Other assets     46,352               29,153                      
    Allowance for credit losses     (21,528 )             (20,397 )                    
    Total assets   $ 2,761,875             $ 2,688,536                      
                                         
    Interest-bearing liabilities:                                    
    Interest-bearing checking   $ 327,223     $ 1,391     1.69 %   $ 285,733     $ 1,176     1.63 %   $ 215     $ 172     $ 43  
    Savings and money market     871,196       4,278     1.95 %     900,367       4,383     1.93 %     (105 )     (148 )     43  
    Time deposits     540,817       5,618     4.13 %     447,273       4,374     3.88 %     1,244       951       293  
    Brokered deposits     74,861       904     4.80 %     104,043       1,416     5.40 %     (512 )     (367 )     (145 )
    FHLBNY overnight advances     41,408       505     4.77 %     53,390       758     5.63 %     (253 )     (150 )     (103 )
    FRB advances and other debt     6,987       80     4.56 %     3,074       28     3.61 %     52       44       8  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     1,862,492       12,776     2.73 %     1,793,880       12,135     2.68 %     641       502       139  
                                         
    Non interest-bearing liabilities:                                    
    Demand deposits     632,565               660,247                      
    Other liabilities     47,564               59,541                      
    Total liabilities     2,542,621               2,513,668                      
    Shareholders’ equity     219,254               174,868                      
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 2,761,875             $ 2,688,536                      
                                         
    Fully taxable equivalent net interest income         19,909               17,985         $ 1,924     $ 773     $ 1,151  
    Net interest rate spread (1)           2.06 %           1.82 %            
    Net interest margin, fully taxable equivalent (2)           2.92 %           2.69 %            
    Taxable equivalent adjustment         (88 )             (87 )                
    Net interest income       $ 19,821             $ 17,898                  
                                         
    (1) Net interest rate spread is the difference in the average yield on interest-earning assets less the average rate on interest-bearing liabilities.
    (2) Net interest margin is the ratio of fully taxable equivalent net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
    Chemung Financial Corporation                        
    Average Consolidated Balance Sheets & Net Interest Income Analysis and Rate/Volume Analysis of Net Interest Income (Unaudited)
                                         
        Twelve Months Ended
    December 31, 2024    		   Twelve Months Ended
    December 31, 2023    		   Twelve Months Ended
    December 31, 2024 vs. 2023
    (in thousands)   Average Balance   Interest   Yield /
    Rate    		   Average Balance   Interest   Yield /
    Rate    		   Total
    Change    		   Due to
    Volume    		   Due to
    Rate
                                         
    Interest-earning assets:                                    
    Commercial loans   $ 1,446,493     $ 85,570     5.92 %   $ 1,309,692     $ 72,698     5.55 %   $ 12,872     $ 7,857     $ 5,015  
    Mortgage loans     274,801       10,618     3.86 %     283,093       10,084     3.56 %     534       (302 )     836  
    Consumer loans     295,187       16,165     5.48 %     306,201       14,664     4.79 %     1,501       (547 )     2,048  
    Taxable securities     613,375       13,046     2.13 %     671,345       14,295     2.13 %     (1,249 )     (1,249 )     —  
    Tax-exempt securities     39,032       1,103     2.83 %     40,506       1,171     2.89 %     (68 )     (44 )     (24 )
    Interest-earning deposits     29,260       1,398     4.78 %     10,414       528     5.07 %     870       902       (32 )
    Total interest-earning assets     2,698,148       127,900     4.74 %     2,621,251       113,440     4.33 %     14,460       6,617       7,843  
                                         
    Non interest-earning assets:                                    
    Cash and due from banks     25,112               25,419                      
    Other assets     42,950               33,871                      
    Allowance for credit losses     (21,489 )             (20,212 )                    
    Total assets   $ 2,744,721             $ 2,660,329                      
                                         
    Interest-bearing liabilities:                                    
    Interest-bearing checking   $ 313,070     $ 5,561     1.78 %   $ 286,097     $ 3,136     1.10 %   $ 2,425     $ 321     $ 2,104  
    Savings and money market     863,849       17,468     2.02 %     899,996       13,027     1.45 %     4,441       (542 )     4,983  
    Time deposits     526,727       22,221     4.22 %     375,545       12,414     3.31 %     9,807       5,827       3,980  
    Brokered deposits     90,729       4,802     5.29 %     140,845       7,349     5.22 %     (2,547 )     (2,645 )     98  
    FHLBNY overnight advances     21,907       1,151     5.17 %     48,851       2,577     5.28 %     (1,426 )     (1,374 )     (52 )
    FRB advances and other debt     46,363       2,302     4.97 %     3,177       114     3.59 %     2,188       2,128       60  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     1,862,645       53,505     2.87 %     1,754,511       38,617     2.20 %     14,888       3,715       11,173  
                                         
    Non interest-bearing liabilities:                                    
    Demand deposits     625,369               675,253                      
    Other liabilities     51,427               53,378                      
    Total liabilities     2,539,441               2,483,142                      
    Shareholders’ equity     205,280               177,187                      
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 2,744,721             $ 2,660,329                      
                                         
    Fully taxable equivalent net interest income         74,395               74,823         $ (428 )   $ 2,902     $ (3,330 )
    Net interest rate spread (1)           1.87 %           2.13 %            
    Net interest margin, fully taxable equivalent (2)           2.76 %           2.85 %            
    Taxable equivalent adjustment         (336 )             (366 )                
    Net interest income       $ 74,059             $ 74,457                  
                                         
    (1) Net interest rate spread is the difference in the average yield on interest-earning assets less the average rate on interest-bearing liabilities.
    (2) Net interest margin is the ratio of fully taxable equivalent net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
     

    Chemung Financial Corporation

    GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations (Unaudited)

    The Corporation prepares its Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with GAAP. See the Corporation’s unaudited consolidated balance sheets and statements of income contained within this press release. That presentation provides the reader with an understanding of the Corporation’s results that can be tracked consistently from period-to-period and enables a comparison of the Corporation’s performance with other companies’ GAAP financial statements.

    In addition to analyzing the Corporation’s results on a reported basis, management uses certain non-GAAP financial measures, because it believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide information to investors about the underlying operational performance and trends of the Corporation and, therefore, facilitate a comparison of the Corporation with the performance of other companies. Non-GAAP financial measures used by the Corporation may not be comparable to similarly named non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies.

    The SEC has adopted Regulation G, which applies to all public disclosures, including earnings releases, made by registered companies that contain “non-GAAP financial measures.” Under Regulation G, companies making public disclosures containing non-GAAP financial measures must also disclose, along with each non-GAAP financial measure, certain additional information, including a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure to the closest comparable GAAP financial measure and a statement of the Corporation’s reasons for utilizing the non-GAAP financial measure as part of its financial disclosures. The SEC has exempted from the definition of “non-GAAP financial measures” certain commonly used financial measures that are not based on GAAP. When these exempted measures are included in public disclosures, supplemental information is not required. The following measures used in this Report, which are commonly utilized by financial institutions, have not been specifically exempted by the SEC and may constitute “non-GAAP financial measures” within the meaning of the SEC’s rules, although we are unable to state with certainty that the SEC would so regard them.

    Fully Taxable Equivalent Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

    Net interest income is commonly presented on a tax-equivalent basis. That is, to the extent that some component of the institution’s net interest income, which is presented on a before-tax basis, is exempt from taxation (e.g., is received by the institution as a result of its holdings of state or municipal obligations), an amount equal to the tax benefit derived from that component is added to the actual before-tax net interest income total. This adjustment is considered helpful in comparing one financial institution’s net interest income to that of other institutions or in analyzing any institution’s net interest income trend line over time, to correct any analytical distortion that might otherwise arise from the fact that financial institutions vary widely in the proportions of their portfolios that are invested in tax-exempt securities, and that even a single institution may significantly alter over time the proportion of its own portfolio that is invested in tax-exempt obligations. Moreover, net interest income is itself a component of a second financial measure commonly used by financial institutions, net interest margin, which is the ratio of net interest income to average interest-earning assets. For purposes of this measure as well, fully taxable equivalent net interest income is generally used by financial institutions, as opposed to actual net interest income, again to provide a better basis of comparison from institution to institution and to better demonstrate a single institution’s performance over time. The Corporation follows these practices.

                            As of or for the
        As of or for the Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
        Dec. 31,   Sept. 30,   June 30,   March 31,   Dec. 31,   Dec. 31,   Dec. 31,
    (in thousands, except ratio data)     2024       2024       2024       2024       2023       2024       2023  
    NET INTEREST MARGIN – FULLY TAXABLE EQUIVALENT                            
    Net interest income (GAAP)   $ 19,821     $ 18,388     $ 17,761     $ 18,089     $ 17,898     $ 74,059     $ 74,457  
    Fully taxable equivalent adjustment     88       83       81       84       87       336       366  
    Fully taxable equivalent net interest income (non-GAAP)   $ 19,909     $ 18,471     $ 17,842     $ 18,173     $ 17,985     $ 74,395     $ 74,823  
                                 
    Average interest-earning assets (GAAP)   $ 2,711,995     $ 2,699,968     $ 2,699,402     $ 2,681,059     $ 2,654,638     $ 2,698,148     $ 2,621,251  
                                 
    Net interest margin – fully taxable equivalent (non-GAAP)     2.92 %     2.72 %     2.66 %     2.73 %     2.69 %     2.76 %     2.85 %
                                                             

    Efficiency Ratio

    The unadjusted efficiency ratio is calculated as non-interest expense divided by total revenue (net interest income and non-interest income). The adjusted efficiency ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure which represents the Corporation’s ability to turn resources into revenue and is calculated as non-interest expense divided by total revenue (fully taxable equivalent net interest income and non-interest income), adjusted for one-time occurrences and amortization. This measure is meaningful to the Corporation, as well as investors and analysts, in assessing the Corporation’s productivity measured by the amount of revenue generated for each dollar spent.

                            As of or for the
        As of or for the Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
        Dec. 31,   Sept. 30,   June 30,   March 31,   Dec. 31,   Dec. 31,   Dec. 31,
    (in thousands, except ratio data)     2024       2024       2024       2024       2023       2024       2023  
    EFFICIENCY RATIO                            
    Net interest income (GAAP)   $ 19,821     $ 18,388     $ 17,761     $ 18,089     $ 17,898     $ 74,059     $ 74,457  
    Fully taxable equivalent adjustment     88       83       81       84       87       336       366  
    Fully taxable equivalent net interest income (non-GAAP)   $ 19,909     $ 18,471     $ 17,842     $ 18,173     $ 17,985     $ 74,395     $ 74,823  
                                 
    Non-interest income (GAAP)   $ 6,056     $ 5,919     $ 5,598     $ 5,657     $ 5,871     $ 23,230     $ 24,549  
    Less: net (gains) losses on security transactions     —       —       —       —       39       —       39  
    Less: recognition of employee retention tax credit     —       —       —       —       —       —       (2,370 )
    Adjusted non-interest income (non-GAAP)   $ 6,056     $ 5,919     $ 5,598     $ 5,657     $ 5,910     $ 23,230     $ 22,218  
                                 
    Non-interest expense (GAAP)   $ 17,823     $ 16,510     $ 16,219     $ 16,698     $ 16,826     $ 67,250     $ 64,243  
                                 
    Efficiency ratio (unadjusted)     68.88 %     67.92 %     69.43 %     70.32 %     70.79 %     69.12 %     64.89 %
    Efficiency ratio (adjusted)     68.64 %     67.69 %     69.19 %     70.07 %     70.42 %     68.89 %     66.20 %
                                                             

    Tangible Equity and Tangible Assets (Period-End)

    Tangible equity, tangible assets, and tangible book value per share are each non-GAAP financial measures. Tangible equity represents the Corporation’s stockholders’ equity, less goodwill and intangible assets. Tangible assets represents the Corporation’s total assets, less goodwill and other intangible assets. Tangible book value per share represents the Corporation’s tangible equity divided by common shares at period-end. These measures are meaningful to the Corporation, as well as investors and analysts, in assessing the Corporation’s use of equity.

                            As of or for the
        As of or for the Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
        Dec. 31,   Sept. 30,   June 30,   March 31,   Dec. 31,   Dec. 31,   Dec. 31,
    (in thousands, except per share and ratio data)     2024       2024       2024       2024       2023       2024       2023  
    TANGIBLE EQUITY AND TANGIBLE ASSETS                            
    (PERIOD END)                            
    Total shareholders’ equity (GAAP)   $ 215,309     $ 220,654     $ 201,222     $ 197,128     $ 195,241     $ 215,309     $ 195,241  
    Less: intangible assets     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )
    Tangible equity (non-GAAP)   $ 193,485     $ 198,830     $ 179,398     $ 175,304     $ 173,417     $ 193,485     $ 173,417  
                                 
    Total assets (GAAP)   $ 2,776,147     $ 2,774,215     $ 2,755,813     $ 2,784,890     $ 2,710,529     $ 2,776,147     $ 2,710,529  
    Less: intangible assets     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )
    Tangible assets (non-GAAP)   $ 2,754,323     $ 2,752,391     $ 2,733,989     $ 2,763,066     $ 2,688,705     $ 2,754,323     $ 2,688,705  
                                 
    Total equity to total assets at end of period (GAAP)     7.76 %     7.95 %     7.30 %     7.08 %     7.20 %     7.76 %     7.20 %
    Book value per share (GAAP)   $ 45.13     $ 46.22     $ 42.17     $ 41.34     $ 41.07     $ 45.13     $ 41.07  
                                 
    Tangible equity to tangible assets at end of period (non-GAAP)     7.02 %     7.22 %     6.56 %     6.34 %     6.45 %     7.02 %     6.45 %
    Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP)   $ 40.55     $ 41.65     $ 37.59     $ 36.77     $ 36.48     $ 40.55     $ 36.48  
                                                             

    Tangible Equity (Average)

    Average tangible equity and return on average tangible equity are each non-GAAP financial measures. Average tangible equity represents the Corporation’s average stockholders’ equity, less average goodwill and intangible assets for the period. Return on average tangible equity measures the Corporation’s earnings as a percentage of average tangible equity. These measures are meaningful to the Corporation, as well as investors and analysts, in assessing the Corporation’s use of equity.

                            As of or for the
        As of or for the Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
        Dec. 31,   Sept. 30,   June 30,   March 31,   Dec. 31,   Dec. 31,   Dec. 31,
    (in thousands, except ratio data)     2024       2024       2024       2024       2023       2024       2023  
    TANGIBLE EQUITY (AVERAGE)                            
    Total average shareholders’ equity (GAAP)   $ 219,254     $ 210,421     $ 195,375     $ 195,860     $ 174,868     $ 205,280     $ 177,187  
    Less: average intangible assets     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )
    Average tangible equity (non-GAAP)   $ 197,430     $ 188,597     $ 173,551     $ 174,036     $ 153,044     $ 183,456     $ 155,363  
                                 
    Return on average equity (GAAP)     10.73 %     10.81 %     10.27 %     14.48 %     8.63 %     11.53 %     14.11 %
    Return on average tangible equity (non-GAAP)     11.92 %     12.07 %     11.56 %     16.29 %     9.86 %     12.90 %     16.09 %
                                                             

    Adjustments for Certain Items of Income or Expense

    In addition to disclosures of certain GAAP financial measures, including net income, EPS, ROA, and ROE, we may also provide comparative disclosures that adjust these GAAP financial measures for a particular period by removing from the calculation thereof the impact of certain transactions or other material items of income or expense occurring during the period, including certain nonrecurring items. The Corporation believes that the resulting non-GAAP financial measures may improve an understanding of its results of operations by separating out any such transactions or items that may have had a disproportionate positive or negative impact on the Corporation’s financial results during the particular period in question. In the Corporation’s presentation of any such non-GAAP (adjusted) financial measures not specifically discussed in the preceding paragraphs, the Corporation supplies the supplemental financial information and explanations required under Regulation G.

                            As of or for the
        As of or for the Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
        Dec. 31,   Sept. 30,   June 30,   March 31,   Dec. 31,   Dec. 31,   Dec. 31,
    (in thousands, except per share and ratio data)     2024       2024       2024       2024       2023       2024       2023  
    NON-GAAP NET INCOME                            
    Reported net income (GAAP)   $ 5,914     $ 5,720     $ 4,987     $ 7,050     $ 3,802     $ 23,671     $ 25,000  
    Net (gains) losses on security transactions (net of tax)     —       —       —       —       29       —       29  
    Recognition of employee retention tax credit (net of tax)     —       —       —       —       —       —       (1,873 )
    Net income (non-GAAP)   $ 5,914     $ 5,720     $ 4,987     $ 7,050     $ 3,831     $ 23,671     $ 23,156  
                                 
    Average basic and diluted shares outstanding     4,774       4,773       4,770       4,764       4,743       4,770       4,732  
                                 
    Reported basic and diluted earnings per share (GAAP)   $ 1.24     $ 1.19     $ 1.05     $ 1.48     $ 0.80     $ 4.96     $ 5.28  
    Reported return on average assets (GAAP)     0.85 %     0.83 %     0.73 %     1.04 %     0.56 %     0.86 %     0.94 %
    Reported return on average equity (GAAP)     10.73 %     10.81 %     10.27 %     14.48 %     8.63 %     11.53 %     14.11 %
                                 
    Basic and diluted earnings per share (non-GAAP)   $ 1.24     $ 1.19     $ 1.05     $ 1.48     $ 0.81     $ 4.96     $ 4.89  
    Return on average assets (non-GAAP)     0.85 %     0.83 %     0.73 %     1.04 %     0.57 %     0.86 %     0.87 %
    Return on average equity (non-GAAP)     10.73 %     10.81 %     10.27 %     14.48 %     8.69 %     11.53 %     13.07 %
                                                             

    Category: Financial

    Source: Chemung Financial Corp

    For further information contact:
    Dale M. McKim, III, EVP and CFO
    dmckim@chemungcanal.com
    Phone: 607-737-3714

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fort Anderson Will Mark 160th Anniversary with Living History Demonstrations and Programming

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Fort Anderson Will Mark 160th Anniversary with Living History Demonstrations and Programming

    Fort Anderson Will Mark 160th Anniversary with Living History Demonstrations and Programming
    jejohnson6

    On Saturday, Feb. 15, Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site will commemorate the 160th anniversary of Fort Anderson’s capture by U.S. forces in 1865. The site will host two public events, starting with a free day of living history. This will be followed by a ticketed nighttime reenactment of the bombardment and evacuation of the fort.

    Living history demonstrations will run from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Nineteenth-century weapons demonstrations will occur at 11 and 11:30 a.m., 1, 2, and 2:30 p.m. Visitors are invited to interact with ongoing living history demonstrations of Civil War camp life and view interpretive displays throughout the event. Speaker Wade Sokolosky will present “Disaster on the Lower Cape Fear: The Role of Confederate Hospitals through the Fall of Wilmington” at noon.

    Site Manager Jim McKee will lead a tour of Fort Anderson at 4 p.m. A full event schedule will be available on Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site’s website and social media channels.

    Admission to the living history event is free. Parking is available at the Visitor Center, located at 8884 St. Philip’s Rd SE, in Winnabow. Food trucks will be onsite at the Visitor Center from 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

    The nighttime program, “Plunging Shot and Screaming Shell,” starts at 6 p.m. The night sky will come alive with a realistic reenactment of the bombardment and evacuation of the fort. This event will be a rare opportunity to witness a heavy artillery duel after dark. The event will go on in the event of rain, provided there is no thunder and lightning.

    Admission for the nighttime event is $10 for ages 16 and up. Children 15 and under are admitted for free. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at the Friends of Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson’s website, https://friends-of-brunswick-townfort-anderson.square.site/upcoming-events.

    About Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site
    Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site is a major pre-Revolutionary port on North Carolina’s Cape Fear River. Brunswick was abandoned and burned during the American Revolution and never fully recovered. During the Civil War, Fort Anderson was constructed atop the old village site and served as part of the Cape Fear River defenses below Wilmington before the fall of the Confederacy. Colonial foundations dot the present-day tour trail, which crosses the earthworks of the Confederate fort. The site is located at 8884 St. Philip’s Rd SE, Winnabow, N.C. 28479. For more information, visit https://historicsites.nc.gov/all-sites/brunswick-town-and-fort-anderson/plan-your-visit or call (910) 371-6613.

    About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
    The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.
    The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
    Jan 27, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo: Duffy Will Prioritize Safety on the Ground and in the Air

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) issued the following statement after the Senate confirmed, by a vote of 77-22, Sean Duffy to be Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT):
    “The U.S. Department of Transportation is responsible for connecting and moving people and goods across the United States.  This free flow is necessary for the promotion of thriving economy, particularly in rural, land-locked states like Idaho.  The DOT is also facing a host of emerging issues from unpopular electric vehicle mandates, to the rise of new technologies and federal aviation challenges.  As Secretary of DOT, Sean Duffy will meet these challenges head-on.  He will prioritize safety on the ground and in the air, preserve American vehicle choice and reduce bureaucratic red tape necessary for advancing needed, but responsible infrastructure projects.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Flaming start to the new year for waste trucks

    Source: Auckland Council

    2025 is off to a fiery start for Auckland’s waste trucks with five rubbish and recycling truck fires in the first two weeks of January.  

    An ever-increasing number of battery-powered devices and batteries in household bins are the most-likely cause of these fires. Lithium-ion batteries can ignite if damaged or crushed as part of the waste collection process.     

    In December alone, nearly 600 laptops and over 300 12-volt batteries found their way to Auckland’s regional recycling facility, in what appears to have been a pre-Christmas offload by Aucklanders. These account for almost a third of the total number of laptops and 12V batteries found at the site since June 2024.

    The Auckland recycling facility, which sorts all the region’s kerbside recycling, has one or two small fires a week with the cause most often attributed to lithium-ion batteries.

    Justine Haves, General Manager Waste Solutions, is keen to ensure everyone understands that putting ewaste in kerbside bins creates a fire hazard.

    “Electronic devices and batteries can be recycled in most cases, but they contain hazardous substances so require specialist handling. We would encourage people to use takeback and drop-off schemes run by retailers and local community recycling centres,” Ms Haves says.

    “Making use of battery and ewaste drop-off options helps keep you and our staff safe, keeps harmful materials out of the environment, and helps us recover and reuse valuable resources.”

    Batteries and devices containing lithium-ion batteries present a high-risk source of fires for both rubbish and recycling collection trucks and waste facilities. The combination of flammable electrolyte, with substantial amounts of stored energy, can result in the rapid and uncontrolled release of heat energy (thermal runaway).  During thermal runaway, toxic gases are emitted and can re-ignite even after being extinguished.

    To try and mitigate the dangers of rubbish truck fires, the council’s Waste Solutions team are planning a new programme of testing to give an early warning to a truck driver experiencing a fire and options for extinguishing the fire inside the truck.  This would also reduce the potential for environmental contamination when the load is tipped-out for Fire and Emergency responders to extinguish.

    Currently, drivers who notice smoke or a fire coming from their truck must notify their supervisor, who contacts Fire and Emergency, and then find a safe clear place to empty their load.

    Batteries are not the only fire hazards placed in bins. In January this year, a half-full 40kg LPG bottle and a partially full ‘jerry can’ of petrol were discovered by recycling truck drivers. Over 300 LPG bottles and gas canisters have been recorded in the past six months at the recycling facility alone.  

    Fire hazards – car batteries and LPG bottles discovered in kerbside recycling bins.

    How to dispose of hazardous materials – battery-powered devices, batteries, gas bottles and other hazardous materials

    • Mitre 10 and Bunnings have battery drop-off schemes. Check their websites for more information.

    • Retailers often have take-back schemes for used battery-powered devices they have sold. Some large retailers like Noel Leeming allow you to bring in items they did not sell. Check retailer websites for what they accept and participating stores.

    • Many local community recycling centres have ewaste recycling and even volunteer opportunities to learn how to safely disassemble laptops.

    • Gas bottles and canisters can be taken to a community recycling centre or to a MataGas outlet provided it is empty of gas. Some New Zealand camping stores sell a tool that enables canisters to be fully emptied prior to drop off at a recycling centre.

    • Visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/whereitgoes to search for places to recycle or get rid of specific items.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Doorstop – Jerrabomberra

    Source: Australian Ministers for Education

    KRISTY McBAIN, MINISTER FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT, LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND TERRITORIES: It’s a pleasure today to welcome Minister Jason Clare to Goodstart Jerrabomberra where 90 places a day are filled, and we have a wait list. Jerrabomberra is the heart of the Queanbeyan region, it’s fast growing, and this childcare centre is one of many that have benefitted from the Albanese Labor Government’s Cheaper Childcare plan.

    We know families right across our region have benefitted from this, and it’s so great to be able to introduce Minister Clare to the wonderful staff here, the wonderful centre manager and State manager and the wonderful kids that come here each and every day to enjoy this beautiful centre.

    JASON CLARE, MINISTER FOR EDUCATION: Thanks very much, Kristy. It’s absolutely fantastic to be with you here at Jerrabomberra at the Goodstart Centre here. You are an absolutely fantastic Member of Parliament, and we are so lucky to have as part of the Albanese Labor Government and this community is lucky to have you as their Labor Member.

    When we were elected two and a half years ago, childcare costs had sky rocketed, childcare costs under the Liberals went up by 49 per cent over just under a decade, and that was double the OECD average.

    We’ve cut the cost of childcare now for more than a million Australian families. In the first 15 months of our Cheaper Childcare laws this has meant that for an average family on about 120 grand a year combined income with one child in early education or care saved them about 2,700 bucks, and that’s real money that’s making a real difference for families right across the country.

    And when we were elected two and a half years ago childcare workers were leaving the sector in droves, that’s the truth of it, and we’re now starting to see that turn around. Data that’s been released today shows that vacancy rates in the childcare sector are down 22 per cent, and at Goodstart, where we are today, all of their centres across the country, we’re seeing job applications now jump by 35 per cent, and expressions of interest jump by 50 to 60 per cent. Vacancy rates at Goodstart Centres are down by a massive 28 per cent.

    So that’s fantastic news. It shows that when you pay people more, more people want to do the job, and there aren’t many jobs that are more important than the work that our early educators do, getting young people ready for school.

    If we win the next election, the next big thing that we need to do is build more centres where they don’t exist at the moment and help to make sure that more young people get the chance that the children we’ve met here today get, help young people who can’t get into early education and care now, either because there’s no centre in their town, or because they can’t get access to the subsidy through no fault of their own.

    And that’s why if we win the next election, we’ll set up a $1 billion fund to build more centres in the outer suburbs and in the regions where they don’t exist at the moment, and implement a three day guarantee, to guarantee that every child who needs it will get access to three days a week of government supported early education and care.

    Why? To make sure that more children are ready to start school, because the evidence is, that if children spend more time in early education and care in centres like this, they’re more likely to start school ready to learn.

    And just while talking about school, last week the Prime Minister announced that South Australia and Victoria have become the fifth and sixth States to sign up to our public school funding and reform agreement, the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement, that’s along with WA, Tassie, ACT, the Northern Territory and of course now South Australia and Victoria.

    On the weekend, teachers backed this agreement, on the weekend principals backed this agreement, and now today the Business Council of Australia backed this agreement. This is real funding, to fix the funding of our public schools, and it’s not a blank cheque, it’s tied to real reform; things like phonics checks in Year 1 and numeracy checks in Year 1 to identify children who might already be falling behind, and then using that funding to make sure that children who do fall behind catch up early, because we know that children who catch up early are more likely to go on and finish high school.

    So, it’s backed by teachers, backed by principals, backed by the business community. The only people that are against it are Peter Dutton and the Liberal Party, they’re against cutting the cost of childcare for Australian parents, they’re against pay rises for childcare workers, they’re against building more childcare centres where they don’t exist, and they’re against fixing the funding of our public schools and tying that funding to evidence based teaching and real reform to help more young children to catch up, keep up and finish high school.

    Happy to take some questions.

    JOURNALIST: When do you expect that Queensland and New South Wales will sign on to that school agreement?

    CLARE: I won’t give you a date, but negotiations are going well.

    JOURNALIST: Fresh polling is showing that it’s really tight. Are your cost-of-living measures cutting through with the voters?

    CLARE: We know that Australians are doing it tough, a lot of Australians are doing it tough, that’s why creating a million jobs is really important, that’s why cutting inflation by more than half is really important, that’s why boosting real wages is really important as well.

    We’re making progress, there’s more work to do, but the evidence that came out on the weekend shows that if Peter Dutton had been the Prime Minister of Australia for the last 12 months, Australian families would be over $7,000 worse off.

    Why? Well, because he was against the tax cuts that delivered a lot of support for Australian families, he’s against cheaper childcare, he’s against cutting the cost of medicine, he’s against lifting real wages, he’s against cutting the cost of people’s energy bills through that $300 rebate, and when you add all that up, it means that Aussie families would be thousands and thousands of dollars, $7,200, worse off under Peter Dutton.

    JOURNALIST: On the School Agreement, so New South Wales and Queensland you would assume are trying to get more than 25 per cent. Are you open to that?

    CLARE: Don’t assume that. But I’m not going to negotiate through the media. What’s important here is that we fix the funding of our public schools, and we tie that to the sort of reforms that are going to help make sure that more kids that fall behind can catch up and keep up and finish high school.

    Private schools, non government schools are funded at the level that David Gonski said they should be at, public schools aren’t, and this agreement is about fixing that, but also tying that to real targets and real reforms.

    The current agreement doesn’t do that. There aren’t any real targets, there aren’t any real reforms. I want to make sure that we fix the funding of our schools and tie it to the sort of reforms that we know work. I want this money to get results.

    At the moment in public schools, over the course of say, you know, the last eight years or so, we’ve seen the percentage of kids finishing high school drop from 83 per cent to 73 per cent. Just think about that for a second. That’s happening at a time where it’s more important to finish school than it was when we were little.

    We’ve got to turn that around if we’re going to make sure that more people get a chance to go to TAFE and university and get the jobs that are being created today. That’s why this funding is important, but that’s why the reforms that it’s linked to are just as important.

    JOURNALIST: The States that signed on to it earlier, are they now pushing for 25 per cent as well, and will you grant that?

    CLARE: I’ve already spoken to those States, and we will offer to them the same deal, which is we’ll lift our offer from 20 to 25 if they get rid of that 4 per cent which is usually aligned to things like capital depreciation costs. So, we’re having great conversations with states like WA and Tassie.

    JOURNALIST: Is there a willingness though to go above 25 per cent for the two states that have paid off, and then does that open up the chance for increased funding for other states?

    CLARE: No. That’s why when I answered your previous question, I said don’t assume that the States are asking for more than 25 per cent. What the states have been asking for, for the last 12 months is that we increase our offer from 20 to 25 per cent, and we said, “Yeah, we’ll do that, but we need you to chip in as well”.

    It’s always been my view that the Commonwealth’s got to chip in and the states have to chip in as well. That’s why we’re saying to the states, if we can lift our funding from 20 to 25 per cent, let’s get rid of that other 4 per cent, which is used for things like capital depreciation that don’t actually go to real funding for schools at the moment.

    JOURNALIST: Is the absolute cap 25?

    CLARE: Well, again, I’m not going to go into the details of the conversation, but we’re not talking beyond 25.

    JOURNALIST: How exactly are you going to address high rates of absenteeism due to bullying or mental health issues, do you actually have a stepped plan in place for the next school year?

    CLARE: Yep. This is a complicated thing. There is absolutely no place for bullying in our schools. That’s why the work that we’re doing in putting together a National Bullying Action Plan with the states is so critical, so important; that’s why getting rid of mobile phones in schools is so important; that’s why the ban on access to social media for young people under the age of 16 is so important as well.

    We know fundamentally that children are less likely to be at school if they’re suffering from bullying or they’re suffering from mental health challenges. And young people with mental health challenges, by the time they’re in Year 9 are about a year and a half to two years behind the rest of the class, and less likely to finish school.

    And so the sort of things that we want to tie this funding to are early intervention when children are young at primary school to make sure that they keep up and catch up, but also more investment in things like mental health workers and paediatric nursing support in our schools.

    That investment in health is not just about health, it has real education outcomes as well.

    JOURNALIST: Donald Trump overnight said that   sorry, a couple of days ago said that he proposed “cleaning”   unquote   “cleaning out Gaza and resettling Palestinians”. What is the Government’s response to that?

    CLARE: The Government’s position for a very, very long time, I think since December of 2023, has been to call for a ceasefire in Gaza, and we’re glad that that has finally happened. We want to see an end to the killing in the Middle East, we want to see trucks come in with food and with medicine and with aid. We want to see the hostages returned.

    JOURNALIST: And what about resettling Palestinians though? What is your response directly to that suggestion that they should be moved to Jordan or Egypt?

    CLARE: The position of the Australian Government, which I think is still the position of the Opposition as well is that we believe in a two-state solution, two countries living side by side, two peoples living side by side in two nations where people can live in safety and security without having to go through checkpoints or fear that their lives will be taken from them the next day.

    JOURNALIST: Just on that language though, you know, “cleaning out”, do you think that’s triggering language or insensitive language?

    CLARE: Repeating my previous answer, we want two peoples able to be live side by side in safety and security.

    JOURNALIST: Do you have a set price tag on the number of those professional healthcare workers you want in schools?

    CLARE: No, there’s no set number, but this investment in South Australia’s an extra billion dollars over the next 10 years, in Victoria it’s an extra two and a half billion dollars over the next 10 years.

    The agreements that we’re striking with the states are all going to be slightly different depending on the needs in those states, but it’s designed to invest in real practical reforms that we know are going to get the results that we need.

    Just to add to what we’re talking about here, we’re talking about fixing the funding of our public schools. Now one in 10 children at the moment, when they sit for their NAPLAN tests in third grade, are identified as being below the national average, so one in 10   sorry, below the national minimum standard, so one in 10. But amongst children from poor families, from really disadvantaged backgrounds, it’s one in three, and most of those children go to public schools.

    So our public schools are the places that do the real heavy lifting where the challenge is three times as big, and they’re the ones that were underfunded at the moment. We want to fix that funding and tie that funding to help those children to catch up and keep up and finish high school.

    JOURNALIST: On that pay rise for early educators, do you know how many centres have used that as an excuse to immediately increase their fees by 4.4 per cent?  

    CLARE: Here’s the thing, they can’t, because a condition of getting the funding for the pay rise is they can’t increase their fees by more than 4 per cent.

    JOURNALIST: Yeah. That’s why I’m asking how many have increased their fees to that 4.4?

    CLARE: I suspect that most centres will increase their fees somewhere between zero and up to that 4 per cent over the next 12 months. The key thing is they can’t go beyond that, and that’s a big part of this deal. Number one, we want to make sure that the money goes to the worker, not the centre, and number two, in order to get that funding, they cannot increase their fees by more than 4 per cent.

    JOURNALIST: Do you know how many though have hit that cap?

    CLARE: It’s too early to give you that number.

    JOURNALIST: This billion-dollar strategy for outer suburbs and regional areas, do you have any hotspots, any, you know, regional areas that you’re concerned about that don’t have enough facilities?

    CLARE: You can look at data that shows where there are what’s called sometimes “childcare deserts” right across the country. This fund is designed to help to make sure that we build centres where they’re needed most, and in particular, if you look at the Productivity Commission report released last year it talks to this, it’s the outer suburbs, and it’s in Regional Australia.

    Just talking to the team at Goodstart here is the only childcare centre in Jerra that provides full service from six week old children right through to four year olds.

    JOURNALIST: I did just want to ask you about – there was evidence at a Parliamentary Committee last week about an online meeting of ANU to delete the Nazi salute. The investigation to my understanding is that they found that that wasn’t the case. What else do you think was happening there?

    CLARE: I make the general point, whether it’s at ANU or whether it’s at QUT that there is absolutely no place for the poison of antisemitism in our universities or anywhere in this country or anywhere in the world.

    There is a commemoration that’s just happened of the 80th Anniversary of the Holocaust and Auschwitz. You know, in the lifetime of our grandparents we’ve all seen the true terror of what antisemitism can wreak and there is no place for it, and that’s why I’ve made it very clear to every university leader in the country that they must enforce their Codes of Conduct, and that includes saying that directly to the Vice Chancellor of QUT.

    JOURNALIST: Do you believe though that it was appropriate that an ANU student who went on radio said that terrorist designated organisation, Hamas [indistinct] unconditional support was able to overturn her expulsion on appeal. You’ve just spoken about the poison of antisemitism; we have a growing issue in Australia. Is that an appropriate thing to do?

    CLARE: No.

    JOURNALIST: Are we any closer to a governance review   what’s the latest with the university governance review?

    CLARE: Yeah, last week we announced the members of the panel that will be responsible for implementing that review.

    JOURNALIST: Are you confident with the members of that panel?

    CLARE: I am.

    JOURNALIST: And then I might just Ms McBain something if that’s okay.

    CLARE: Sure.

    JOURNALIST: [Indistinct] would like to see councils auctioning off properties. What do you think of this decision?

    McBAIN: Look, every Council has the opportunity to take action when someone doesn’t pay rates for a period of time. My understanding, and it was a unanimous decision of Queanbeyan-Palerang Council to take this route, is that these rates have been unpaid for more than five years. A lot of those properties that attempted to make contact by door knocking them, letter boxing them, serving them, there’s been no contact made with any of those individuals for a variety of reasons. It is an avenue open to them, but as I said, it’s a unanimous decision of Queanbeyan-Palerang Council to take this action, which I’m sure that hasn’t been done lightly either.

    JOURNALIST: Are you concerned about the financial stability of councils if they are having to resort to methods like this just to try and stay out of debt?

    McBAIN: Look, I think when you look at it, it’s about a million dollars in unpaid rates that they are going to attempt to recruit through auction. I don’t think this goes anywhere near dealing with some of the ongoing issues that councils have, but what we’ve done since we’ve been in government, you know, there’s been more collaboration with local councils than in any time before that.

    I’ve personally met with over 250 councils either in their communities or in Canberra or at a Local Government Association conference. We have doubled Roads to Recovery funding and that means regional councils across the country have now more money than ever before to deal with road issues.

    Across Eden Monaro that’s $26.3 million extra for our local councils resulting in over $65 million for roads alone. We’ve increased road black spot funding, we’ve created the new safer local road and infrastructure program, $200 million a year, you know, we’ve been really putting our shoulder to the wheel making a difference for local councils, and just last week I was able to announce $27.2 million for Marulan Sewer Treatment Plant, you know, which is something that Council had called from but hadn’t been supported in getting.

    So, the Albanese Government takes seriously the priorities of local councils and local communities and we’ve been delivering for all of them.

    JOURNALIST: Thank you.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Business and Renewables – Fonterra announces electrification plans to future-proof operations

    Source: Fonterra

    Fonterra is taking another significant step toward its climate goals and operational resilience with $150 million in investments in electrification projects across the North Island over the next 18 months.

    Investments into electric boilers at the Co-operative’s Whareroa, Edgecumbe and Waitoa sites, along with further fleet decarbonisation, marks further steps in renewable energy supporting the Co-operative’s sustainability targets* while future-proofing operations.

    Fonterra aims to build enduring, cost-efficient assets while enhancing energy security across its manufacturing operations and ensuring a sustainable energy supply.  

    Fonterra’s Chief Operating Officer, Anna Palairet, says the investments are a significant step for the Co-operative’s future operations.

    “Last year we turned off the last coal boiler in the North Island, meaning manufacturing operations in the North Island are now coal-free. These investments are the next step in creating enduring assets that are fit for the future, as we look to reduce our reliance on gas.

    “Choosing the right energy solutions is about striking a balance between affordability, security of energy supply and reducing our environmental footprint, and the new electric boilers are crucial to navigating this challenge.”

    “These electrification projects are at the heart of ensuring efficient operations with a reliable energy supply for our manufacturing sites and to support the long-term sustainability of our business. It also represents a commitment to our farmer owners that we are building a resilient, future-ready Co-operative.”

    Investments announced are:

    Whareroa: The site will undergo a staged energy transformation with the first stage including the installation of two electrode boilers. The $64 million investment is expected to reduce the site’s annual emissions by an estimated 51,000 tonnes – the equivalent of removing around 21,000 cars from New Zealand roads – and contribute a 3% reduction** towards Fonterra’s overall 2030 Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions reduction target.

    Edgecumbe: The site will transition from the use of steam and electricity generated through a co-generation plant, to a reliable source of renewable energy with the installation of a new electrode boiler. The $57 million investment is expected to reduce the site’s annual emissions by an estimated 28,000 tonnes – equivalent to removing around 11,000 cars from New Zealand roads – and contribute a 1.5% reduction** towards Fonterra’s overall 2030 Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions reduction target and reduce the Co-op’s overall natural gas reliance by approximately 8%***.

    Waitoa and Waitoa UHT: Following the closure of its last coal boiler in November 2024, the Co-op is investing a further $18 million in installing two Resistive Element Boilers to boost heat production, while providing a secure and reliable energy source allowing for future growth in UHT processing.

    Fleet decarbonisation: The next step in looking for more economical solutions for the future includes a pilot of six EV tankers and associated infrastructure later in the year, expected to provide an approximately 60% annual reduction in fuel costs per tanker, along with environmental benefits.

    *The Co-operative’s target is 50.4% absolute reduction of Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions by 2030 from a 2018 baseline.

    ** From a 2018 baseline.

    *** An approximate 8% reduction from the Co-op’s average annual natural gas usage from FY23 and FY24.

    About Fonterra

    Fonterra is a co-operative owned and supplied by thousands of farming families across Aotearoa New Zealand. Through the spirit of co-operation and a can-do attitude, Fonterra’s farmers and employees share the goodness of our milk through innovative consumer, foodservice and ingredients brands. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re committed to leaving things in a better way than we found them. We are passionate about supporting our communities by Doing Good Together.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Universities – Forests of protected red coral filmed for first time off Fiordland’s coast – VIC

    Source: Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

    Researchers exploring the deep waters off the Fiordland coast have caught on camera marine communities that have never been filmed before. These communities include a protected species of red coral that has not previously been seen in such large numbers.

    “We were filming at depths of 80 to 130 metres and found amazing marine communities. The most incredible find—unlike anything we have seen elsewhere—was about 4 kilometres north of the entrance to Doubtful Sound/Patea. On the ocean floor, we saw forests of bright red coral,” said Professor James Bell, a marine biologist at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

    The coral species, Errina novaezelandiae, is commonly known as red coral, although it is not a true coral but a related animal called a hydrocoral.

    The discovery of the red coral forests was made while the researchers were working on a project to explore and map marine life in Fiordland’s deep waters. They were working on board the Department of Conservation (DOC) vesselSouthern Winds.

    “We’ve been exploring these deep reefs in Fiordland for many years, but we’re rarely able to work on the open coast outside the fiords because of the weather. On our most recent trip in January, the weather was finally on our side,” said Professor Bell.

    Using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), the research team collected video footage of reefs at depths of greater than 100 metres in areas that have not previously been filmed.

    “We’ve deployed the ROV more than 100 times in deep waters around New Zealand, but we have not seen communities like those we found off the open coast outside Doubtful Sound/Patea. In other parts of the country, we usually find reefs at these depths are dominated by sponges. In this area off the Fiordland coast, red corals dominated. The water was also incredibly clear down at 100 m and we could see the reef from a distance of about 30 to 40 m,” he said.

    Red corals are known to live in some places inside the fiords and are considered to be associated with the sheltered fiord conditions. The population discovered around the open coast was distinguished by its massive size, with tens of thousands of corals seen.

    Video footage of the reefs shows numerous red corals, along with a range of other animals including larger black corals. Both red and black corals are protected species under the Wildlife Act.

    These coral forests play a key role in maintaining habitat diversity, supporting many fish and crayfish species, said Professor Bell.

    “Filming the animals that live on these deep-water reefs provides us with more information about the extraordinary biodiversity in our seas. This information is crucial to decisions about the use and protection of our marine environment. While much of Fiordland’s inland waters are protected, this is not the case for the open coast. In fact, most deep-water reefs around Aotearoa are not protected in marine reserves,” he said.

    The research was supported by the George Mason Charitable Trust and DOC’s conservation services programme. DOC also provided logistical support.

    Richard Kinsey, a DOC senior ranger who was on the trip, said: “It is exciting when you get to put the ROV into places you can rarely access as it gives insights into a completely different part of the fiord ecosystem. You just never know what you are going to find. For DOC, increasing our understanding of where these protected species are helps us to understand the potential threats to them.”

    DOC senior science advisor Lyndsey Holland added: “Our understanding of protected coral distribution in Fiordland is dominated by black corals. Other protected corals in the area haven’t been studied as extensively, so this finding is a breakthrough. We do know that New Zealand boasts a diverse array of cold-water corals offshore, so this discovery validates the need to survey and monitor Fiordland corals so we can best protect them.”

    Video footage of the deep-water reefs off Fiordland is here:


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mxS4RaYXiI

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Today is the Last Day to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Today is the Last Day to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance

    Today is the Last Day to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance

    SANTA FE, New Mexico– The deadline for Chaves County homeowners and renters who suffered uninsured or underinsured damage to their property, from the Oct. 19-20 storm and flooding, is 11:59 p.m. today.Storm-impacted New Mexicans may apply in person at the state of New Mexico/FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in the Roswell Mall, where specialists from FEMA’s Individual Assistance (IA) program help applicants face to face. Highly trained specialists assist citizens through the recovery process, explaining the types of assistance available from FEMA, such as housing and other needs assistance.This DRC is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. today, Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025.Impacted citizens are encouraged to file insurance claims for damage to their homes, personal property and vehicles before they apply for FEMA assistance. FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.FEMA’s IA program is designed to help New Mexicans with basic, critical needs such as a safe, sanitary, and functional place to live while Chaves’ residents look for a long-term or permanent housing solution. It is not designed to make residents whole and is not a substitute for insurance coverage. FEMA assistance cannot duplicate other sources of assistance. FEMA provides funds paid directly to eligible individuals and households. Financial Housing Assistance may include rental assistance, lodging expenses reimbursement, home repair assistance, and replacement assistance.Applying for Help is FreeIf you are unable to apply in person, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or use the FEMA mobile app. Help is available in most languages. This is what you will need when you apply:A current phone number where you can be contacted.Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.Your Social Security Number. A general list of damage and losses.Banking information if you choose direct deposit. If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.If you are unable to locate important documentation, FEMA will help you identify other ways to verify this information.To view an American Sign Language (ASL) video about how to apply visit How to Apply for Disaster Assistance – YouTube. For the latest information on the Chaves County recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4843. Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x.com/FEMARegion6 and facebook.com/femaregion6.
    alexa.brown
    Tue, 01/28/2025 – 20:16

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Career Felon Caught with Fentanyl, Firearm Sentenced to 17 Years

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    Ryan Partridge had a pending arrest warrant when pulled over by Augusta police officers

    BANGOR, Maine: An Augusta man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for distributing and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and possessing a gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

    U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. sentenced Ryan Partridge, 35, to 204 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release.

    According to court records, in July 2023, Partridge was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by officers from the Augusta Police Department. During a search of the vehicle, investigators recovered a backpack with approximately 125 grams of fentanyl and a 9mm pistol inside, and Partridge admitted to investigators that the backpack and its contents belonged to him. At the time of the stop, Partridge, a career criminal with 12 prior convictions including two drug felonies, was on probation for a 2019 conviction for aggravated trafficking of fentanyl. He also had a pending arrest warrant for failing to report a change of address.

    The FBI and U.S. Border Patrol investigated the case with assistance from the Augusta Police Department.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pierceland  — Pierceland RCMP seize firearms while arresting wanted man

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On January 21, 2025, Pierceland RCMP were working to locate 23-year-old David Waskahat.

    He was wanted for failing to appear in court on charges laid after a firearms discharge that took place in Pierceland, SK on October 27, 2024.

    RCMP officers located Waskahat in a vehicle in Mudie Lake, SK. As a result of investigation, Pierceland RCMP located and seized a sawed-off riffle, a sawed-off shotgun, and a machete. A photo of the seized items is attached.

    David Waskahat has been charged with:

    • 1 count, possession of restricted weapon without license, Section 95(1), Criminal Code;
    • 1 count, possession of firearm with tampered serial number, Section 108(1)(b), Criminal Code;
    • 1 count, possession of firearm while unauthorized, Section 92(1), Criminal Code;
    • 2 counts, possession of firearm in a motor vehicle, Section 94(1), Criminal Code;
    • 2 counts, careless use of a firearm, Section 86(1), Criminal Code;
    • 3 counts, possession of weapon contrary to court order, Section 117.01(1), Criminal Code;
    • 3 counts, fail to comply with probation order, Section 733.1(1), Criminal Code; and
    • 1 count, fail to comply with release order, Section 1454(5)(a), Criminal Code.

    Waskahat appeared in Meadow Lake Provincial Court on January 23, 2025 where he was remanded into custody until his next scheduled appearance on February 5, 2025.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: How to Fly NASA’s Orion Spacecraft

    Source: NASA

    [embedded content]
    During the Artemis II mission to the Moon, NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman and Victor Glover will take control and manually fly Orion for the first time, evaluating the handling qualities of the spacecraft during a key test called the proximity operations demonstration. This is how to fly Orion.

    On NASA’s Artemis II test flight, the first crewed mission under the agency’s Artemis campaign, astronauts will take the controls of the Orion spacecraft and periodically fly it manually during the flight around the Moon and back. The mission provides the first opportunity to ensure the spacecraft operates as designed with humans aboard, ahead of future Artemis missions to the Moon’s surface.
    The first key piloting test, called the proximity operations demonstration, will take place after the four crew members — NASA’s Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen — are safely in space, about three hours into the mission. To evaluate the spacecraft’s manual handling qualities, the crew will pilot Orion to approach and back away from the detached upper stage of the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket.
    Crew members participating in the demonstration will use two different controllers, called rotational and translational hand controllers, to steer the spacecraft. Three display screens provide the astronauts with data, and another device, called the cursor control device, allows the crew to interact with the displays.

    “On Artemis II, most of the time the spacecraft will fly autonomously, but having humans aboard is a chance to help with future mission success,” said Reid Wiseman. “If something goes wrong, a crewmember can jump on the controls and help fix the problem. One of our big goals is to check out this spacecraft and have it completely ready for our friends on Artemis III.”
    The commander and pilot seats are each equipped with a rotational hand controller (RHC), gripped in the right hand, to rotate the spacecraft. It controls Orion’s attitude, or the direction the spacecraft is pointing. If the crew wants to point Orion’s nose left, the RHC is twisted left — for nose right, they will twist the RHC right. Similarly, the RHC can control the nose to pitch up or down or roll right or left.
    The translational hand controller (THC), located to the right or left of the display screens, will move Orion from one point to another. To move the spacecraft forward, the crew pushes the controller straight in — to back up, they will pull the controller out. And similarly, the controller can be pushed up or down and left or right to move in those directions.
    When the crew uses one of the controllers, their command is detected by Orion’s flight software, run by the spacecraft’s guidance, navigation, and control system. The flight software was designed, developed, and tested by Orion’s main contractor, Lockheed Martin.

    “We’re going to perform flight test objectives on Artemis II to get data on the handling qualities of the spacecraft and how well it maneuvers,” said Jeffrey Semrau, Lockheed Martin’s manual controls flight software lead for Artemis missions. “We’ll use that information to upgrade and improve our control systems and facilitate success for future missions.”
    Depending on what maneuver the pilot has commanded, Orion’s software determines which of its 24 reaction control system thrusters to fire, and when. These thrusters are located on Orion’s European-built service module. They provide small amounts of thrust in any direction to steer the spacecraft and can provide torque to allow rotation control.
    The cursor control device allows the crew to interact with the three display screens that show spacecraft data and information. This device allows the crew to interact with Orion even under the stresses of launch or entry when gravitational forces can prevent them from physically reaching the screens.

    Next to Orion’s displays, the spacecraft also has a series of switches, toggles, and dials on the switch interface panel. Along with switches the crew will use during normal mission operations, there is also a backup set of switches they can use to fly Orion if a display or hand controller fails.
    “This flight test will simulate the flying that we would do if we were docking to another spacecraft like our lander or to Gateway, our lunar space station,” said Victor Glover. “We’re going to make sure that the vehicle flies the way that our simulators approximate. And we’re going to make sure that it’s ready for the more complicated missions ahead.”
    The approximately 10-day Artemis II flight will test NASA’s foundational human deep space exploration capabilities, the SLS rocket, Orion spacecraft, and supporting ground systems, for the first time with astronauts and will pave the way for lunar surface missions.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Crime spree sends young carjacker to prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 19-year-old Houston resident has been sentenced for stealing a car that was later used in an alien smuggling scheme, announced acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

    Jesus Jonathan Rodriguez pleaded guilty to carjacking Sept. 23, 2024.

    U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos has now ordered Rodriguez to serve 42 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard that Rodriguez stole the car in order to use it in an alien smuggling attempt. In handing down the sentence, Judge Ramos noted the seriousness of the offense.

    On May 19, 2024, Rodriguez and Christian Hardy arranged to steal a Ford Fiesta in order to carry out an alien smuggling scheme. Outside a convenience store in Edinburg, they approached the driver of the car, and while Rodriguez spoke to the driver, Hardy climbed into the car. Rodriguez brandished a gun and threatened the owner of the car and both men drove away in the Ford.  

    The following day, Rodriguez and Hardy approached the Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoint driving the Ford. Authorities had discovered the vehicle had been reported stolen and referred them to secondary inspection. There, they found two illegal aliens in the trunk. Law enforcement also found  a firearm on Rodriguez upon his arrest.

    Hardy, 18, Richmond, also pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.

    Rodriguez will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

    Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol and the Edinburg Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Martin prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: West Mifflin Felon Sentenced to More Than 16 Years in Prison for Firearms and Drug Trafficking Violations

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 200 months of imprisonment on his conviction of violating federal firearms and narcotics trafficking laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Giante Hilliard, 32, on January 27, 2025.

    According to information presented to the Court, Hilliard—who previously had been convicted of a number of felony offenses in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, including aggravated assault, possession of unlicensed firearms, and terroristic threats—was involved in an exchange of gunfire outside of a McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, bar on March 28, 2023. Video of the incident shows that, moments after Hilliard and another individual left the bar and started to drive off, a third person shot at the car they occupied. Hilliard returned fire from the vehicle’s passenger seat, with several muzzle flashes visible in the video. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

    In a second incident, Hilliard was the passenger in a vehicle that law enforcement attempted to stop on May 8, 2023. Rather than complying, the driver rammed three law enforcement vehicles—allowing one of the officers to observe Hilliard with a black firearm—and sped off. Shortly after, law enforcement located the disabled vehicle abandoned near a convenience store. Nearby surveillance video showed the driver and Hilliard leaving the disabled vehicle together, and then splitting up, with Hilliard holding a black bag that he attempted to conceal under a dumpster. The black bag was recovered by law enforcement and found to contain a loaded Smith & Wesson handgun and approximately 300 doses of what laboratory results later confirmed was a heroin and fentanyl mixture. Ballistic testing of the handgun against nearly a dozen 40 caliber casings from the March 28 shooting determined the firearm to be a match with the one used by Hilliard in that earlier incident. Hilliard’s fingerprints were found both on the firearm ’s magazine and on some of the paper in which the narcotics were wrapped. The gun previously had been reported stolen. Based on evidence recovered in connection with this May 8 incident, including analysis of cell phones seized from within the disabled vehicle, the government obtained an arrest warrant for Hilliard.

    In a third incident, on May 31, 2023, Hilliard posted on social media a video of himself with another firearm. Based on information from that video and other evidence gathered during the investigation, the government obtained a search warrant for a residence where Hilliard was hiding out and the vehicle that he had been seen driving. Law enforcement surrounded the house, but Hilliard refused to come out until several hours after officers fired multiple rounds of tear gas into the home. A subsequent search of the residence resulted in the seizure of a substantial quantity of controlled substances that laboratory testing later confirmed to be a heroin and fentanyl mixture. In the vehicle, investigators also discovered another loaded firearm—a “ghost gun” without a serial number.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan T. Conway and Douglas C. Maloney prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

    Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Allegheny County Police, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and numerous other police department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hilliard.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Verizon Connect debuts new technology solutions for fleet safety and compliance

    Source: Verizon

    Headline: Verizon Connect debuts new technology solutions for fleet safety and compliance

    What you need to know:

    • Verizon Connect’s Extended View Cameras offer an advanced, integrated video solution to enhance fleet safety, visibility, and driver accountability, now available in the U.S.
    • The Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) simplifies inspections and compliance, safety, and reduced maintenance costs in the U.S. and Canada.
    • These solutions provide fleet managers with enhanced insights, streamlined operations, and regulatory support, while helping to improve safety and reduce liability.

    NEW YORK – Verizon Connect announced the launch of two advanced solutions designed to enhance fleet safety, driver performance, and operational efficiency. The new Extended View Cameras deliver near-360-degree visibility with rear, side, and cargo cameras; while the customizable Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) simplifies compliance and maintenance through Verizon Connect’s Reveal platform. Together, these innovations offer comprehensive tools for fleet managers to safeguard their assets, drivers, and the communities they serve.

    Extended View Cameras: Enhancing Visibility and Driver Performance

    Verizon Connect’s Extended View Cameras expand its Integrated Video solutions, featuring four additional cameras and an in-cab monitor. This setup provides fleet managers with near-complete visibility around vehicles, enabling enhanced visibility and driver performance while helping to reduce liability and costs.

    Key features include:

    • Improved safety: With near-360-degree coverage, drivers are more aware of their surroundings, helping to reduce the risk of collisions and enabling safer navigation in tight or busy spaces.
    • Enhanced visibility: Multi-channel camera views, including rear, side, and cargo angles, provide fleet managers with full situational awareness, improving safety during high-risk events.
    • Reduced liability: Side and rear cameras offer reliable video evidence, helping to protect drivers and businesses from false claims and exonerate drivers, and reduce legal expenses.
    • Reduced costs: The cargo camera can capture instances of damaged cargo due to risky driving behaviors, allowing fleet managers to mitigate future risks and lower operational expenses.
    • Driver performance: Drivers become more conscious of their behaviors, leading to safer driving practices allowing them to better adhere to safety protocols.

    “Our customers already reap huge benefits from our award-winning dashcam and driver-facing camera, but why stop there? Now we are extending the benefits by giving them near 360-degree visibility around the vehicle,” said Peter Mitchell, Senior Vice President and General Manager at Verizon Connect. “By reducing blind spots and promoting safer driving practices, our Extended View Cameras empower drivers and fleet managers to operate with even greater confidence and security.”

    Driver Vehicle Inspection Report: Streamlining Compliance and Maintenance

    Verizon Connect is also introducing its customizable DVIR, which is fully integrated into the Verizon Connect Reveal fleet management software. This solution consolidates compliance and inspection tracking into a single platform, helping fleets operate safely and efficiently.

    Key features include:

    • Customizable inspection reports: DVIR forms can be tailored to meet specific company requirements, ensuring thorough coverage of all vehicle safety standards.
    • Visual evidence: Drivers can upload photos to document vehicle damage or issues, improving the accuracy of reports.
    • Real-time alerts: Fleet managers receive instant notifications for incomplete inspections or detected vehicle defects, enabling proactive action to help prevent costly repairs or fines.
    • Seamless API integration: Integration with third-party maintenance providers allows quick resolution of identified defects, reducing vehicle downtime.

    “DVIRs are essential for maintaining vehicle safety, prolonging vehicle life and, of course, meeting regulatory compliance,” added Mitchell. “Our DVIR solution makes it easier for fleet managers to track inspections, address issues early, and keep their fleets safe and on the road.”

    Supporting Fleet Safety and Compliance

    The solutions are now available to new and existing Verizon Connect Reveal customers. The Extended View Cameras are available in the U.S., while the DVIR is available in the U.S. and Canada. These innovations reinforce Verizon Connect’s commitment to helping fleets operate more safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulations, while also reducing costs and liability.

    For more information about Verizon Connect, visit: https://www.verizonconnect.com/.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Verizon Frontline delivering 5G connectivity to New York State Police cruisers

    Source: Verizon

    Headline: Verizon Frontline delivering 5G connectivity to New York State Police cruisers

    ALBANY, N.Y. – Verizon Frontline today announced it will provide 5G connectivity across the New York State Police’s fleet of vehicles through the activation of more than 1,800 lines of service.

    The applications and capabilities enabled by the high-speed, low latency and massive capacity provided by mobile broadband will help the troopers of the New York State Police more safely and efficiently perform their duties while deployed across the state.

    Mobile broadband in New York State Police cruisers will provide 5G connectivity and speed to:

    • Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) and associated law enforcement applications
    • Global Positioning System (GPS) applications
    • Radios
    • Wireless Printers/Scanners
    • License Plate Readers
    • Mobile and Fixed Camera Systems
    • Sensors

    These are just some examples of how the New York State Police will leverage mobile broadband in their “connected cruisers” to help improve operational efficiency as they work to achieve their mission of “ensuring the safety of the state’s roadways, preventing and investigating crime, preparing for and responding to emergencies and disasters and providing support to other law enforcement agencies.”

    Connecting their cruiser fleet with 5G speed and reliability is just one of the many ways in which the New York State Police are demonstrating their continued commitment to innovation and modernization in effectively solving and preventing crime.

    Verizon Frontline is the advanced network and technology built for first responders – developed over more than three decades of partnership with public safety agencies on the front lines – to meet their unique and evolving needs.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Kansas man sentenced for assault on federal officer

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 72 months in prison for deliberately ramming his vehicle into a federal law enforcement officer who was attempting to take the passenger of the vehicle into custody.

    According to court documents, Diego Almaguer, 19, of Kansas City, Kansas, pleaded guilty to one count of forcible assault of a federal officer.

    On February 23, 2024, members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force went to a home in Kansas City, Kansas, to execute an arrest warrant. They watched the person they were seeking and Almaguer get into a vehicle that had been backed into the driveway with Almaguer in the driver’s seat. Agents pulled up in their law enforcement vehicles with emergency lights flashing. An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation officer, wearing a ballistic vest with police markings, positioned himself in front of the vehicle. Almaguer struck the officer causing him to bounce over the windshield before hitting the ground.

    Almaguer led law enforcement on a high-speed chase across the state line into Missouri, at times reaching speeds over 100 miles per hour. He and the second person were ultimately arrested in Kansas City, Missouri, hiding in an outbuilding behind a residence.

    The Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Faiza Alhambra prosecuted the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Sentenced And A Third Individual Pleads Guilty For Armed Robbery Of A U.S. Postal Service Mail Carrier

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene Honeywell has sentenced Jordan Murray (20, Tampa) to nine years and six months in federal prison for armed robbery of a postal mail carrier and brandishing a firearm in relation to that crime. Jordan Brown (21, Tampa) was sentenced to two years and six months in federal prison for aiding and abetting the theft of a postal key and that a firearm was used during that crime. The court also ordered $1,531.99 in restitution be paid to the mail carrier. A third co-defendant, Darine Underwood, a/k/a “Droc” (Tampa, 20), has pleaded guilty to armed robbery of a postal mail carrier and brandishing a firearm in relation to that crime, and is awaiting sentencing. 

    According to court documents, on September 5, 2023, a United States Postal Service (USPS) mail carrier was delivering mail at an apartment complex in the Tampa area when he was approached by Murray and Underwood who were wearing masks and gloves. Murray and Underwood forcefully took the mail carrier’s postal keys while brandishing a firearm. Murray and Underwood then fled to a vehicle, driven by Brown, to leave the crime scene. The investigation revealed that Brown was going to be paid to drive them to and from the robbery and Murray and Underwood were going to sell the postal keys. 

    This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Hillsborough County Sheriff Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Paris Agreement & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (28 January)

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:
    Briefings
    Democratic Republic of the Congo
    Paris Agreement
    Deputy Secretary-General/Travels
    UNRWA
    Occupied Palestinian Territory
    Syria
    Sudan
    Honour Roll

    Democratic Republic of the Congo
    Turning to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This morning the Secretary-General spoke to the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Félix Tshisekedi, as well as with the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame. During his conversation with the President of Rwanda, they discussed the situation in the DRC, with an emphasis on the protection of civilians.
    This afternoon, at 3pm, the Security Council will meet to discuss the situation in the country. Vivian van de Perre, the Deputy Special Representative for Protection and Operations for the UN peacekeeping operations – MONUSCO – is expected to brief from Goma.
    On the ground, in Goma, the security situation remains extremely volatile. M23 forces are inside the city and UN peacekeeping personnel and troops have largely been forced to take shelter in bunkers.
    Medical facilities in Goma are reportedly overwhelmed, and essential services are disrupted.
    Currently, M23 forces control the airport and there are real risks of breakdown of law and order in the city. The Mission has also seen credible reports of prisoners who have escaped from the Goma prison, as well as looting by civilians. Non-essential UN personnel have been temporarily relocated from Goma and the surrounding area.
    The movement of essential supplies and personnel is an urgent concern. Armed clashes continue in multiple regions, including Masisi, Rutshuru, and Nyiragongo, further displacing civilians and complicating humanitarian efforts.
    Peacekeepers also report that protests in Kinshasa over the ongoing situation in eastern DRC have turned violent, with demonstrators setting fires outside UN premises [MONUSCO and UN agencies] and targeting several embassies. Looting has also been reported in Kinshasa.
    For its part, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs tells us that the humanitarian situation in and around Goma remains worrying. Hospitals in Goma continue to be overwhelmed, struggling to manage the influx of wounded people.
    Two ambulances from a local NGO were targeted in the city of Goma today while attempting to evacuate wounded people.
    According to humanitarian partners, there are also reports of gender-based violence; the looting of property, including several humanitarian warehouses; and humanitarian and health facilities being struck in the fighting.
    Electricity and water supplies are still disrupted. The phone network is operational, but the Internet is not.
    OCHA reiterates that all parties must do all they can to spare civilians in military operations. Schools, hospitals and other civilian infrastructure must be protected.
    If the situation remains calm tomorrow, aid workers are planning to resume their efforts to respond to the enormous humanitarian needs.
    WFP tells us that access to food in Goma has been impacted. They remain focused on supporting the 7.1 million most vulnerable women, men, and children and also aim to resume delivering assistance as soon as circumstances allow.

    Paris Agreement
    The United States of America notified the Secretary-General, in his capacity as depositary, of its withdrawal, on 27 January 2025, from the Paris Agreement of 12 December 2015.
    The United States had signed the Paris Agreement on 22 April 2016 and expressed its consent to be bound by the Agreement by acceptance on 3 September 2016.
    It then withdrew from the Agreement effective on 4 November 2020, before accepting it again as of 19 February 2021.
    According to Article 28, paragraph 2, of the Paris Agreement, the withdrawal of the United States will take effect on 27 January 2026.
    The UN reaffirms its commitment to the Paris Agreement and to support all efforts to limit the rise in global temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

    Deputy Secretary-General/Travels
    The Deputy Secretary-General, Amina J. Mohammed, attended the second and final day of the Africa Energy Summit in Tanzania today. In her opening remarks, she called on the African leaders present to advance energy access by 2030. To realize this vision, the Deputy Secretary-General stressed the need for strong institutions, effective multilateral cooperation and investments from the public and private sectors to scale up implementation of energy projects.
    The Deputy Secretary-General engaged with Heads of State and Government, ministers, and other high-level representatives to discuss cooperation with the United Nations towards achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement.
    She will return to New York on Wednesday.

    Full highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=28%20January%202025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxsVYtU2DEg

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025

    A Historic Milestone with over 5 Crore participants, including 3.56 Crore registrations and 1.55 Crore engaged in Nationwide ‘Jan Andolan’ Activities

    Quiz competition conducted on Bharat Hai Hum series

    Posted On: 28 JAN 2025 4:02PM by PIB Delhi

    Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC), an initiative by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to transform exam-related stress into a festival of learning, witnessed unprecedented growth in its 8th edition.  Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC), an initiative by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to transform exam-related stress into a festival of learning, witnessed unprecedented growth in its 8th edition. Since its beginning in 2018, PPC has evolved into a nationwide movement, garnering a staggering 3.56 crore registrations for its 8th edition in 2025. This also marks a significant increase from the 7th edition, which saw 2.26 crore registrations, reflecting a remarkable surge of 1.3 crore registrations.

    Pariksha Pe Charcha has not only become a popular program but has also transformed into a “Jan Andolan” (people’s movement), resonating deeply with students, teachers, and parents across the country. The initiative’s focus on addressing exam stress and encouraging students to view examinations as a festival – “Utsav” – has struck a chord with people from all walks of life. The overwhelming participation in PPC reflects a growing awareness and acceptance of the importance of mental well-being and holistic education. The program’s interactive format, which involves open dialogue between students, teachers, and the Prime Minister, has further contributed to its success.

    To further strengthen PPC as a “Jan Andolan,” a series of engaging activities were conducted from 12th January 2025 (National Youth Day) to 23rd January 2025 (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti) at the school level. These activities, conducted across States/UTs, aimed to engage students, parents, and teachers in celebrating PPC as a festival. A total of 1.42 crore students, 12.81 lakh teachers, and 2.94 lakh schools participated. These activities were designed to reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance performance during exams and beyond. Students were encouraged to participate in a diverse range of activities, including indigenous games like Kho-Kho and Kabaddi, short-distance marathons, creative meme competitions, engaging Nukkad Natak performances, and eye-catching poster-making. They were also encouraged to share their experiences through student testimonials, participate in student-led discussions, and engage in yoga and meditation sessions to cultivate relaxation and mindfulness. Schools organized plays developed by students, conducted workshops, and invited special guests to share their insights.

     

    Culminating these activities, screening of glorious inspirational stories of valour and sacrifice, the “Bharat Hai Hum” series was conducted on 23rd January 2025. Thereafter, a quiz competition based on the series “Bharat Hai Hum” was conducted across 567 Kendriya Vidyalayas nationwide. A total of 55,961 students participated, including 17,408 from Kendriya Vidyalayas, 4,567 from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, 5,542 from PM SHRI Schools, 18,394 from CBSE-affiliated schools, and 10,050 from State Board schools. Prizes were awarded to the winners, and all participants received a copy of the book “Exam Warriors,” authored by the Prime Minister of India. This initiative not only tested the students’ knowledge but also reinforced the valuable lessons imparted through the “Bharat Hain Hum” series.

    Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025 has once again proven to be a resounding success, solidifying its position as a pivotal initiative in fostering a positive and supportive learning environment for students across India.

    *****

    MV/AK

    MOE/DoSEL/28 January 2025/7

    (Release ID: 2096983) Visitor Counter : 43

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – DANA in Spain and the risk of medicine and vaccine shortages – E-002481/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Medicines Agency (EMA), together with the Member States, continuously monitors and investigates signals of potential supply disruptions escalated to EU level by national competent authorities to prevent their occurrence and mitigate their effects as far as possible.

    The potential impact of the situation in Spain on the supply of medicinal products is closely monitored. Thus far, no critical shortage requiring EU coordination actions has been identified in this context.

    In the context of the flood emergency and upon request from the Spanish authorities, the EU Copernicus satellite mapping system[1] was activated on 29 October 2024, and the EU Civil Protection Mechanism[2], on 8 November 2024.

    As a result, 83 maps were produced, and several Member States offered in-kind assistance, in the form of heavy vehicles and pumps. The Commission deployed two liaison officers to help coordinate the assistance. The EU’s strategic reserve, rescEU,[3] was not mobilised as the requests were fulfilled by the offers of Member States.

    A virtual warehouse for data on vaccine needs and stocks has not been set up yet, apart from the existing IT tool CECIS 2.0, in the area of civil protection.

    As part of the implementation of EMA’s extended mandate[4], the European Shortages Monitoring Platform, launched in November 2024, will be used to report shortages and monitor supply, demand, and stock levels of medicinal products for preparedness activities, and during a public health emergency or major event.

    As part of the pharmaceutical reform[5], the Commission has proposed to further expand the platform to cover structural shortages and security of supply of critical medicines.

    • [1] https://emergency.copernicus.eu/mapping/#zoom=2&lat=13.56036&lon=33.82273&layers=0BT00
    • [2] https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/eu-civil-protection-mechanism_en
    • [3] https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/resceu_en
    • [4] http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/123/oj
    • [5] https://health.ec.europa.eu/medicinal-products/pharmaceutical-strategy-europe/reform-eu-pharmaceutical-legislation_en

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Gunman Sentenced to Prison for Drug Trafficking Crime that Killed Two People

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Rafael Antonio Torres, 21, of West Jordan, Utah, was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, and five years’ supervised release for a January 2023 shooting in which two people were shot and killed.  

    The sentence, imposed by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Kimball, represents the mandatory minimum sentence allowed by law. Torres was originally charged by indictment in March 2024.

    According to court documents and statements made at his change of plea and sentencing hearing, Torres admitted to discharging a firearm during and in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Information presented at sentencing revealed that on January 31, 2023, Torres and a relative had met in the parking lot of a Taylorsville apartment complex with a potential customer seeking to purchase THC vape cartridges.  Shortly before midnight, Taylorsville police responded to multiple calls of “shots fired” and located two deceased men in a vehicle that had crashed into a snowbank. Witnesses described a third person, later identified as Torres, fleeing from the vehicle’s rear seat.

    In a statement to police shortly after the incident, Torres admitted to having been the rear seat passenger, and confirmed that he had been armed with a handgun.  Torres further admitted that he fired at least one round at the front seat passenger.  

    According to court documents, Taylorsville Police recovered THC cartridges and two firearms from the crashed vehicle, one firearm with each of the deceased men. Forensic tests later determined that the two men had shot and killed each other.  Further forensic testing confirmed that a third gun had been fired inside the vehicle. The third firearm, belonging to Torres, was not recovered until months later when a citizen located it under heavy brush and reported it to Taylorsville Police.  

    “This case is a tragic reminder of the deadly consequences of mixing drug trafficking with firearms. Two young men lost their lives and a third must now be imprisoned,” said U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah. “The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to prosecute gun crimes, particularly when they result in a loss of life. I commend the outstanding work of the Taylorsville Police Department and prosecutors for their work in bringing this case to a resolution.”

    “We appreciate the work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in prosecuting this case, thereby giving some sense of justice to the victims’ families and the community,” said Detective Kevin Barrett of the Taylorsville City Police Department. “As law enforcement partners, the Taylorsville City Police Department and U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to stand together fighting neighborhood drug crimes, especially when they involve violence.”

    The case was investigated by the Taylorsville Police Department.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious crash, State Highway 1, Tuamarina

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Motorists travelling between Picton and Blenheim should expect delays following a three-vehicle crash that has left a person critically injured.

    Emergency services were called to the crash at Tuamarina, between Bush and Para roads, about 6.30am.

    A vehicle hit a wire barrier and one of the occupants was ejected; the person suffered critical injuries and will be airlifted to hospital.

    Two other people are being treated for minor and moderate injuries.

    The road is expected to be closed for some time and the Serious Crash Unit has been notified.

    Diversions are in place and motorists are asked to expect delays and take care.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –