One of the great benefits of streaming TV is that I’m able to watch old network shows that I enjoyed while growing up in the 1970s. One of my favorite shows was “The Waltons.” When I was 11 years old, that prime-time show was a central part of my weekly ritual. Every Thursday, after dinner, my father and I boarded our Plymouth Fury station wagon and headed to the Del Farm grocery store located in a small suburban plaza one mile from our home. I pushed the cart as I helped my father work through the long shopping list my mother provided. Though cookies and potato chips were never on my mother’s list, on a good night my father would be feeling generous. He’d buy a box of Del Farm’s freshly baked oatmeal and chocolate chip cookies and a bag of Snyder of Berlin potato chips, onion dip (my mother’s favorite) and a wooden case of Regent soda pop. When we finally pulled the loaded-down station wagon into the garage, everyone in the house was alerted and the massive unloading process began. We usually got everything packed away by 8 p.m., just in time to turn on “The Waltons.” I’d bring a bowl of ice to the family room, open some bottles of Regent soda pop, pour the Snyder of Berlin chips into a couple of bowls and soon my sisters, parents and I would be enjoying the newest episode of one of our family’s must-see shows. I think I loved “The Waltons” so much because it mirrored the stable family experience my sisters and I were living. There were lots of imperfections in my family, to be sure — there will always be conflict and drama when six children and their mother and father are living together in a modest-sized home. But, like the parents on “The Waltons,” our mom and dad were committed to each other and to us. They put our needs ahead of their own. They gave us an incredible sense of security and wellbeing. They taught us right and wrong — we all went to Catholic school and attended Mass every Sunday — and they drove us to become good, productive citizens. Thanks to them, all of my sisters and I are flourishing as adults. Interestingly, nobody expected “The Waltons” to succeed when it first aired in 1972. The ‘70s was a turbulent and cynical era, after all. The Vietnam war was still raging, Watergate dominated the news. According to Patheos, a non-partisan online media company that provides religious and political information and commentary, the social changes of the ‘60s had paved the way to the disco hedonism of the ‘70s. So why was a wholesome drama about a rural American family from Virginia such a hit? In 2012, Earl Hamner, who created the show based on his book, “Spencer Mountain,” explained why. He said in the 1970s there was a yearning to see “people trying to make decent lives for themselves and their children.” When you get down to it, that’s really all anybody wants. All I know is, I’m greatly enjoying “The Waltons” half a century after it originally aired. That’s because it fills me again with the incredible sense of security and love I knew as a boy, when my mother and father put us first.
You've probably heard about VPNs. You may have already used one before to stream shows from a different geolocation or hide your ISP when you're using public internet in a coffee shop or airport lounge. But what do the initials "VPN" actually stand for, and what does it mean? VPN stands for "Virtual Private Network." A network is a group of connected devices, including computers, which can communicate, share resources, or transfer data. The internet is a network but so too is a home Wi-Fi setup linking your phone, computer, and doorbell. While many networks — including the internet itself — are public, private networks confine access to particular users or devices. The first private networks were used in business settings and used hardware like dedicated cables. VPNs are "virtual" because they create a simulated, software-based connection instead of a physical connection. A VPN, therefore, enables you to create a private connection over a public network hiding your IP address and making it appear that your online activity originates from the VPN server rather than your actual location. VPNs are not perfect. Whether a VPN will keep you safe will depend on two main factors: the level of security you need from it and the VPN service provider you use. VPNs shield your browsing activity from internet service providers (ISPs), but those same ISPs may simply block VPNs instead. Advertisers, web browsers, and operating systems are still finding ways to collect your data. If you're using a VPN in order to hide your activity from government surveillance and censorship, then the level of security you need is a lot greater than someone who just wants to avoid having their data sold to marketing companies. Several countries, including China, Russia, and Iran have banned the use of unauthorized VPNs and only allow Government-approved alternatives, which are subject to censorship or surveillance. In most cases, your ISP can see that you're using a VPN by monitoring how much data is being used. If you're in a country where using a VPN — regardless of what you're using it for — is illegal, then it may not be providing the safety you need. The level of safety you can expect also depends on the VPN provider that you use. By using a VPN, you are entrusting your security to a third party and relying on assurances that they won't log and resell your information. Some VPN providers — especially those offering a free connection — may be harvesting your data and selling it on. A VPN can provide a certain level of safety, but it won't protect you from malware, phishing attacks, or other forms of cybercrime. You need to be circumspect about what websites you engage with and avoid downloading files that might be malicious. A VPN does not make you completely anonymous . While it can hide your IP address and encrypt your searches, other factors like cookies and social media activity can still expose your identity. There are also tracking techniques — known as browser fingerprinting — that collect information about your device, browser settings, and configuration to create a unique user profile that can identify you even without cookies. VPNs are most effective when used in combination with other security practices, such as strong passwords, antivirus software, and safe browsing habits. You should ensure that your VPN includes a kill switch so that if the connection drops, the internet is automatically disabled. This stops your IP address and sensitive information from being exposed if there is an issue with the VPN. Tor is a free, decentralized network that routes internet traffic through multiple encrypted relays operated by volunteers. This provides anonymity by hiding your IP address and traffic patterns. It's often used for accessing the dark web or bypassing censorship. However, it is slower than VPN due to multiple relays and unsuitable for bandwidth-heavy activities like streaming. Mixnets are designed to obscure communication patterns by breaking down data into smaller packets, mixing them with other users' data, and routing them through multiple nodes. It works by shuffling and delaying messages, making it nearly impossible to link senders with receivers. You can also use a decentralized VPN (dVPN), which is similar to a traditional VPN but operates on a "peer-to-peer" network. Users share bandwidth and act as nodes in the system. Whatever method you use, remember that both the technology to secure data and the technology to intercept that data are evolving all the time. If your internet safety is paramount to you, you need to keep abreast of all the most recent developments.
Munster, Ind., Dec. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Finward Bancorp (Nasdaq: FNWD) (the “Bancorp” or “Finward”), the holding company for Peoples Bank (the “Bank”), today announced that on December 20, 2024 the Board of Directors of Finward declared a dividend of $0.12 per share on Finward’s common stock payable on February 3, 2025 to shareholders of record at the close of business on January 21, 2025. About Finward Bancorp Finward Bancorp is a locally managed and independent financial holding company headquartered in Munster, Indiana, whose activities are primarily limited to holding the stock of Peoples Bank. Peoples Bank provides a wide range of personal, business, electronic and wealth management financial services from its 26 locations in Lake and Porter Counties in Northwest Indiana and the Chicagoland area. Finward Bancorp’s common stock is quoted on The NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC under the symbol FNWD. The website ibankpeoples.com provides information on Peoples Bank’s products and services, and Finward Bancorp’s investor relations. Forward Looking Statements This Current Report on Form 8-K may contain forward-looking statements regarding the financial performance, business prospects, growth, and operating strategies of Finward. For these statements, Finward claims the protections of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements in this communication should be considered in conjunction with the other information available about Finward, including the information in the filings Finward makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Forward-looking statements provide current expectations or forecasts of future events and are not guarantees of future performance. The forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by using words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “will” and similar expressions in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially include: the Bank’s ability to demonstrate compliance with the terms of the previously disclosed consent order and memorandum of understanding entered into between the Bank and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and Indiana Department of Financial Institutions (“DFI”), or to demonstrate compliance to the satisfaction of the FDIC and/or DFI within prescribed time frames; the Bank’s agreement under the memorandum of understanding to refrain from paying cash dividends without prior regulatory approval; changes in asset quality and credit risk; the inability to sustain revenue and earnings growth; changes in interest rates and capital markets; inflation; customer acceptance of Finward’s products and services; customer borrowing, repayment, investment, and deposit practices; customer disintermediation; the introduction, withdrawal, success, and timing of business initiatives; competitive conditions; the inability to realize cost savings or revenues or to implement integration plans and other consequences associated with mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures; economic conditions; and the impact, extent, and timing of technological changes, capital management activities, and other actions of the Federal Reserve Board and legislative and regulatory actions and reforms. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements are discussed in Finward’s reports (such as the Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K) filed with the SEC and available at the SEC’s Internet website ( www.sec.gov ). All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning Finward or any person acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above. Except as required by law, Finward does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statement is made. In addition to the above factors, we also caution that the actual amounts and timing of any future common stock dividends or share repurchases will be subject to various factors, including our capital position, financial performance, capital impacts of strategic initiatives, market conditions, and regulatory and accounting considerations, as well as any other factors that our Board of Directors deems relevant in making such a determination. Therefore, there can be no assurance that we will repurchase shares or pay any dividends to the holders of our common stock, or as to the amount of any such repurchases or dividends. ### FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT INVESTOR RELATIONS (219) 853-7575
JOSH BERMAN JOINS ASSEMBLY AS EVP, ASSEMBLY LEAD IN NORTH AMERICA
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WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) released its Ways in Which Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) Can Meet Gaps in the U.S. Supply Chain report. This report presents several avenues for MBEs to meet gaps in the U.S. supply chain and discusses opportunities to conduct, commission, and collaborate on new studies with other federal, state, and private institutions on this topic. This report offers a data-driven snapshot of the MBE supplier landscape, analyzing representation of MBE firms in both manufacturing industries and the service industries that support manufacturing. The data shows there is room to grow representation of MBEs, particularly in manufacturing. MBE firms comprise about 22 percent of the service sector firms support manufacturing but represent only about 10 percent of manufacturing firms. As a comparison, MBEs comprise about 20 percent of all employer firms. The report identifies barriers present in supply chains for MBE participation; and the ways in which policy makers, technical assistance providers, and large corporations can utilize MBEs to advance the U.S. supply chain. “MBDA has embarked on a new chapter of our long and proud history to serve and support MBEs,” said Deputy Under Secretary of Minority Business Development Eric Morrissette . “The Minority Business Development Act of 2021 empowered our agency to work toward equity among U.S. firms and strengthen our national economy, and we are forever committed to that mission. Together with public and private sector partners, we will continue to address capital access disparities and highlight sources of alternative financing while closing gaps in the U.S. supply chain.” The report highlights many public and private initiatives directed toward promoting the success of MBEs in supply chain industries and breaking down barriers. Increasing MBE participation in advanced technologies and manufacturing relies on a range of initiatives to ensure MBEs can develop the capacities and skills needed to compete in rapidly changing markets. The report recommends four potential opportunities through which MBEs can help close supply chain gaps through policy and business plan changes: Leverage the Large Number of MBEs in High-Tech Manufacturing Support Services: Assist MBEs to Access Opportunities as Part of the Growth Spurred by Federal Investments, Including the CHIPS Act. Fostering Inclusive Entrepreneurship In Manufacturing: Promote Talent Pools of Entrepreneurship; and Support Training Programs and Expand Innovation Incentives. Expand Corporate Supply Chain Diversity: Expand and Strengthen Procurement Programs,; Build Corporate-MBE Supplier Relationships; and Ensure Stable Cashflow for MBEs. Provide Support to MBEs in Manufacturing: Leverage Business Centers and Networks; Develop Initiatives Helping MBEs Grow in Scale and Size; Foster Networks and Partnerships; and Encourage Community Engagement. Other suggestions made in the report include addressing unique challenges by MBE demographic groups and expanding qualitative data gathering to learn about the needs of MBEs in manufacturing. This report was mandated under the Minority Business Development Act of 2021. The Act codified MBDA and many of its existing programs. The report, and details of its findings, can be reviewed at www.mbda.gov . About the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA): The U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency is the only Federal agency dedicated to the growth and global competitiveness of U.S. minority business enterprises (MBEs). For more than 50 years, MBDA’s programs and services have better equipped MBEs to create jobs, build scale and capacity, increase revenues, and expand regionally, nationally, and internationally. ### Attachment 2024 MBDA Supply Chain Report Press ReleaseThree students of National University of Science and Technology – Al Yaqeen Amur Asuti, Reem Ahmed al Qassabi and Ahamed al Awad – have designed an innovative device that transforms palm waste into circular green aluminum. Their project, titled ‘Green Initiative for Utilising Omani Palm Waste to Produce Circular Green Aluminum’, is a pioneering step towards creating a zero-waste, sustainable economy in Oman. According to Dr Shabib al Rashdi, the project’s supervisor, the project was born out of the need to tackle Oman’s agricultural waste problem, particularly the large volume of waste generated by palm trees. Launched two years ago, the project aligns with Oman’s sustainability goals and Vision 2040, offering an environmentally friendly solution to agricultural waste management. The project involves extracting lignin from palm waste, which is then applied to commercial aluminium, transforming it into a more sustainable, recyclable, and environmentally friendly material. It is one of the first zero-waste technology ventures in Oman. Once completed, the project is expected to produce 800 tonnes of circular green aluminum annually. The next phase will involve manufacturing the device in China and conducting trials at the Waste Research Laboratory in Oman, positioning the project as a trailblazer in waste-to-resource innovation. The project addresses critical environmental challenges while promoting sustainability. Additionally, the recycling process incorporates renewable energy, contributing to carbon emission reduction and supporting green industry practices. While the project has made significant progress, it has not been without challenges. The team encountered technical difficulties in adapting recycling technologies, logistical issues in collecting palm waste from remote areas, and lack of initial expertise. However, through international collaborations and innovative approaches, they overcame these obstacles. Their efforts were recognised when the project placed first in the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation’s Upgrade Competition 2024 and third in MoHERI’s We Are Oman Competition 2024. Looking ahead, the team plans to expand operations to recycle larger volumes of palm waste, creating job opportunities in rural areas and enhancing environmental awareness. They aim to encourage industries to adopt sustainable practices, contributing to Oman Vision 2040 by advancing the circular economy and promoting a low-carbon future.Photos: Pueblo Central at Mead in 3A Football
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Brooklyn residents will now have access to state-of-the-art prenatal imaging and testing, gynecologic imaging and breast imaging at the NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital in Park Slope. The hospital system on Monday opened its Obstetrics and Gynecology Practice and Imaging Center at the Center for Community Health at Methodist Hospital, according to a press release. The practice offers state-of-the-art imaging technology, 21 exam rooms and expanded same-day access for patients. Dr. Denise Howard, chief of obstetrics and gynecology at the hospital, said the expansion will address gaps in health care provision through its various programs. “The opening of this unit represents an opportunity for us to provide the full scope of OB/GYN services to the people of Brooklyn, to improve access to care and to address health disparities through our specific programs and our innovative approach to care delivery," she said. look forward to making a difference in the lives of people in the Brooklyn community".