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MIL-OSI USA: Welch Reintroduces, Adds Cosponsors to Withstanding Extreme Agricultural Threats by Harvesting Economic Resilience (WEATHER) Act

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
Legislation creates new insurance program for farmers to protect against extreme weather
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) recently led Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.),and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) in reintroducing theWithstanding Extreme Agricultural Threats by Harvesting Economic Resilience (WEATHER) Act, legislation that calls for the development of an index-based insurance policy that is more responsive to crop and income losses faced by farmers as a result of extreme weather. This would be especially beneficial to farmers in Vermont following floods in July 2023 and July 2024, which impacted nearly 31,000 acres of farmland across the state and resulted in at least $50 million in agricultural losses and damages
“As we saw during brutal back-to-back floods in Vermont, the consequences of extreme weather events are devastating, and they can vary from farm to farm. It’s crucial that crop insurance meets the needs of our farmers and gets support back to those who need it, quickly,” said Senator Welch. “This commonsense bill works to ensure that all farmers are protected against economic strains caused by extreme weather and get the help they need to recover when a disaster hits. It’s important for Vermont’s family-owned small farms, and it’s important for farmers all across America.”
“The current federal crop insurance options are not workable for many of the small and diversified farms we have in Vermont. In the face of flooding and more unpredictable weather due to climate change, the federal government must step up to support farmers, food producers, and small businesses. The WEATHER Act is an important step in ensuring the Federal Crop Insurance Program can respond to the needs of farmers in Vermont and across the northeast,” said Senator Sanders.
“For years, I’ve sounded the alarm that uninsured farmers need aid to rebuild from floods and other extreme weather events, especially since these crops are their livelihood,” said Sen. Warren. “The WEATHER Act begins to solve this problem by reimbursing farmers automatically if an extreme weather event occurs, rather than the current system that imposes a large administrative burden on farmers, systematically disadvantaging family-run diversified farms.”
“A new normal of thousand-year storms every year has caused chaos for farmers across the country—ruining crops and destroying land—and in recent years, Connecticut farms have been devastated by extreme weather events, including severe flooding and unprecedented droughts. With this essential legislation, we work to improve our farm safety nets for producers in order to make sure they receive the support they need to weather the storm and keep their farms thriving,” said Senator Blumenthal.
“Farmers in Connecticut are increasingly dealing with more extreme weather, and we need to make sure they don’t face extra burdens when the next disaster strikes,” said Senator Murphy. “The WEATHER Act would simplify the recovery process by using weather data to trigger automatic insurance payouts, helping farmers get back on their feet quickly with less red tape.”
“More frequent floods and drought driven by climate change are threatening the livelihoods of our state’s farmers – from Western Maryland to the Eastern Shore. By modernizing federal crop insurance to account for these growing risks, this legislation will help Maryland’s small family farms get back up and running more quickly following natural disasters and improve the stability of our food supply,” said Senator Van Hollen.
“The WEATHER Act of 2025, introduced by Senators Welch, Sanders, and Warren is a thoughtfully and carefully crafted proposal that would direct the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to collaboratively research and develop an index-based insurance policy designed to support farmers in withstanding agricultural income losses closely correlated with weather conditions—including severe weather or growing conditions applicable to small-scale farmers,” said David Howard, Policy Development Director for the National Young Farmers Coalition. “Young farmers across the country are dealing with the increasingly destructive impacts of the climate crisis on their farms every day. As farmers struggle to rebuild from and manage ongoing and future impacts, it is clear that we need more tools in our agricultural climate risk policy toolbox. Young Farmers endorses the WEATHER Act of 2025, recognizing how this proposal can complement existing resources and strengthen support for young farmers in persevering through these impacts.”
Unpredictable weather events exacerbate risks associated with farming, necessitating responsive crop insurance policies. However, producers often opt out of crop insurance due to administrative burdens, high premiums, and low payouts. The WEATHER Act works to better support farmers facing income losses after extreme weather events by reducing administrative hurdles and ensuring that insurance payouts are based on agricultural income losses. The legislation would direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to use its insurance research and development authority to research the possibility of developing an index-based insurance program that:
Creates a multi-peril index insurance product for farmers based on weather indices correlated to agricultural income losses using data from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), satellites, climate models, and other data sources.
Pays out within 30 days in the event of indices exceeding any of the pre-determined county-level thresholds for the following events: High winds, excessive moisture and flooding, extreme heat, abnormal freeze conditions, hail, wildfires, drought, and other perils the Secretary determines appropriate.
Learn more about the WEATHER Act.
Read the full text of the bill.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 1, 2025
MIL-OSI: PROACTIS SA – Press release 31.01.2025 (New address)
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Transfer of the registered office

Paris, France – (31 January 2025) — PROACTIS (ISIN code : FR0004052561) announces that its registered office has been transferred from 26-28, quai Gallieni – 92150 Suresnes to 54, rue de Londres – 75008 Paris. The company is now attached to the registry of the Tribunal des Affaires Economiques (formerly the Tribunal de Commerce) in Paris.

PROACTIS’ Articles of Association have been amended accordingly.

This transfer of the registered office is in line with the company’s policy of reducing its fixed costs.

* * * *

About Proactis SA (https://www.proactis.com/proactis-sa), a Proactis Company

Proactis SA connects companies by providing business spend management and collaborative business process automation solutions for both goods and services, through The Business Network. Our solutions integrate with any ERP or procurement system, providing our customers with an easy-to-use solution which drives adoption, compliance and savings.

Proactis SA has operations in France, Germany, USA and Manila.

Listed in Compartment C on the Euronext Paris Eurolist.

ISIN: FR0004052561, Euronext: PROAC, Reuters: HBWO.LN, Bloomberg: HBW.FP

Contacts
Tel: +33 (0)1 53 25 55 00
E-mail: investorContact@proactis.com

* * * *

Attachment
- PROACTIS SA – Press release 31.01.2025 (New address)
The MIL Network –
February 1, 2025
MIL-OSI: Wisdomtree Multi Asset Issuer Public Limited Company (the “issuer”) WISDOMTREE S&P 500 3X DAILY LEVERAGED (ISIN: IE00B7Y34M31) NOTIFICATION OF CHANGE IN THE DAILY SWAP FEE AND FUNDING SPREAD

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

31 January 2025

LEI: 2138003QW2ZAYZODBU23

WISDOMTREE MULTI ASSET ISSUER PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY (THE “ISSUER”)
(a public company incorporated with limited liability in Ireland)

WISDOMTREE S&P 500 3X DAILY LEVERAGED (ISIN: IE00B7Y34M31)
(THE “AFFECTED SECURITIES”)

NOTIFICATION OF CHANGE IN THE DAILY SWAP FEE AND FUNDING SPREAD OF THE AFFECTED SECURITIES

Terms not defined in this notice shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Issuer’s Base Prospectus dated 5 September 2024.

BNP Paribas acts as Swap Provider for the Affected Securities.

The Issuer and the Swap Provider have agreed with the Issuer to reduce the Daily Swap Rate of the Affected Securities, as permitted pursuant to the terms of the Swap Provider Agreement and in accordance with paragraph 2.2(iii) of Annex A of the Conditions of the Affected Securities. The Issuer announces that the Daily Swap Rate for the following Affected Securities will be amended from 0.00233% to 0.00136%.

As also permitted under paragraph 2.2(iii) of Annex A of the Conditions of the Affected Securities, the Swap Provider has notified the Issuer of its intention to amend the Funding Spread of the Affected Securities from 0.50% to 1.10% per annum.

The Trustee, the Manager and the Issuer have entered into an amendment to the supplemental trust deed for each class of Affected Securities to effect the aforementioned changes (the “Affected Securities Amendments”). The effective date of the Affected Securities Amendments shall be 1 February 2025.

For further information, please contact: europesupport@wisdomtree.com

The MIL Network –

February 1, 2025
MIL-OSI: Stellar V Capital Corp. Announces Closing of $150 Million Initial Public Offering

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, Jan. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Stellar V Capital Corp. (the “Company”), a newly organized special purpose acquisition company formed as a Cayman Islands exempted company, today announced the closing of its initial public offering of 15,000,000 units. The offering was priced at $10.00 per unit, resulting in gross proceeds of $150,000,000.

The Company’s units began trading on January 30, 2025 on the Nasdaq Global Market (“Nasdaq”) under the ticker symbol “SVCCU.” Each unit consists of one Class A ordinary share and one-half of one redeemable warrant. Each whole warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Class A ordinary share at $11.50 per share. No fractional warrants will be issued upon separation of the units and only whole warrants will trade. Once the securities comprising the units begin separate trading, the Class A ordinary shares and the warrants will be traded on Nasdaq under the symbols “SVCC” and “SVCCW,” respectively.

The Company’s management team is led by co-CEOs Prokopios (Akis) Tsirigakis and George Syllantavos who are also the Company’s directors. In addition, the Company’s board includes Nicolas Bornozis, Christopher Thomas and Harry Braunstein.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering, and the simultaneous private placements of units and warrants, to consummate the Company’s initial business combination.

BTIG, LLC acted as sole book-running manager for the offering.

The offering was made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the prospectus may be obtained from BTIG, LLC, 65 East 55th Street New York, New York 10022, or by email at ProspectusDelivery@btig.com or by accessing the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”)’s website, www.sec.gov.

A registration statement relating to the securities has been filed with, and declared effective by the SEC. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About Stellar V Capital Corp.

Stellar V Capital Corp. is a blank check company, also commonly referred to as a special purpose acquisition company, or SPAC, formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements,” including with respect to the anticipated use of the net proceeds thereof and the Company’s search for an initial business combination. No assurance can be given that the net proceeds of the offering will be used as indicated. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company’s registration statement and prospectus for the IPO filed with the SEC. Copies are available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

The MIL Network –

February 1, 2025

MIL-OSI: Interim Financial Report 2024/2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Regulated information, Leuven, 31 January 2025 (17.40 hrs CET)

Interim Financial Report 2024/2025

KBC Ancora recorded a profit of EUR 73.9 million in the first half of the financial year 2024/2025. This compared with a profit of EUR 72.9 million in the same period in the previous financial year. The result for the first six months of the financial year was determined chiefly by dividend income totalling EUR 77.5 million from the participating interest in KBC Group, operating costs of EUR 1.5 million and interest charges amounting to EUR 2.3 million.

Abridged financial summaries and notes¹

Results for the first half of financial year 2024/2025

	1H fin. year (x EUR 1,000)	2024/2025 per share (in EUR)	1H fin. year (x EUR 1,000)	2023/2024 *per share* (in EUR)
Income	77,738	*1.01*	77,953	*1.01*
Operating income	0	0.00	0	0.00
Recurring financial income	77,738	1.01	77,953	1.01
Expenses	-3,805	*-0.05*	-5,074	*-0.07*
Operating costs	-1,536	-0.02	-1,567	-0.02
Financial expenses	-2,269	-0.03	-3,508	-0.05
Result after taxes	73,933	*0.96*	72,879	*0.95*
Number of shares in issue*		77,011,844		77,011,844

* No instruments have been issued which could lead to dilution.

KBC Ancora recorded a profit of EUR 73.9 million in the first six months of the current financial year, equivalent to EUR 0.96 per share, compared with a profit of EUR 72.9 million in the same period in the previous financial year.

Income consisted principally of dividend received on the participating interest in KBC Group (EUR 77.5 million) and interest income on term investments (EUR 0.2 million). Expenses principally comprised interest charges on debt (EUR 2.3 million) and operating costs (EUR 1.5 million).

Balance sheet as at 31 December 2024

(x EUR 1,000)	31.12.2024	*30.06.2024
BALANCE SHEET TOTAL	3,660,323	3,599,986
Assets
Fixed assets	3,599,979	3,599,979
Current assets	60,344	8
Investments (other)	59,700	0
Cash at bank and in hand	611	1
Accrued income and deferred expense	33	7
Liabilities
Equity	3,557,524	3,483,591
Contribution	3,158,128	3,158,128
Legal reserve	175,258	175,258
Available reserves	149,427	149,427
Profit (loss) carried forward	777	777
Result for the period	73,933	n/a
Creditors	102,798	116,396
Amounts falling due after more than one year	100,000	100,000
Amounts falling due within one year	419	16,050
Accrued expense and deferred income	2,379	345

* The balance sheet at 30 June 2024 is shown after appropriation of the result.

The balance sheet total at 31 December 2024 stood at EUR 3.7 billion, an increase of EUR 60.3 million compared with the end of the financial year 2023/2024.

The number of shares held by KBC Ancora in KBC Group remained unchanged at 77,516,380. The book value of these shares was EUR 46.44 per share (i.e. the historical acquisition cost). The price of the KBC Group share stood at EUR 74.54 on 31 December 2024, while the IFRS equity value amounted to EUR 54.1 per KBC Group share on 30 September 2024.
Current assets increased by EUR 60.3 million to EUR 60.3 million, principally the result of interim dividend received in November 2024 on the participating interest in KBC Group (EUR +77.5 million) and the repayment of short-term financial debt (EUR -15.6 million).

Total equity rose by EUR 73.9 million. This increase was due to the result in the first half of the current financial year (EUR 73.9 million).
Debt showed a net reduction of EUR 13.6 million, due on the one hand to the repayment of short-term financial debt totalling EUR 15.6 million, and on the other an increase of EUR 2.0 million in the (pro rata) interest charges in respect of the first half of the financial year.

Interim report on the first six months of the current financial year 2024/2025

Notes on the first half of the current financial year 2024/2025

Extension of shareholder agreement concerning the anchoring of KBC Group

On 29 November 2024 Cera and KBC Ancora, together with MRBB and the Other Permanent Shareholders, confirmed that they would be extending unchanged their collaboration as a syndicate with respect to KBC Group for a further term of ten years. The extension of the syndicate agreement came into effect on 1 December 2024. Cera, KBC Ancora, MRBB and Other Permanent Shareholders will henceforth collectively hold 41.7% of the total number of KBC Group shares. In this way, the shareholders concerned will continue to ensure the shareholder stability and support the further development of the KBC group.

Result for the first six months of the financial year 2024/2025

KBC Ancora recorded a profit of EUR 73.9 million in the first six months of the current financial year, compared with a profit of EUR 72.9 million in the same period in the previous financial year.

This result was influenced principally by the following factors:

Dividend income totalling EUR 77.5 million. As in the same period in the previous financial year, this consisted of an interim dividend of EUR 1.00 per KBC Group share.
Interest income totalling EUR 0.2 million on term investments, compared with EUR 0.4 million in the same period in the previous financial year.
Interest charges amounting to EUR 2.3 million, a reduction of EUR 1.2 million compared with the same period in the previous financial year, due to the reduction in outstanding financial debt.
Operating expenses amounting to EUR 1.5 million, in line with the previous financial year. The operating expenses consisted primarily of costs incurred under the cost-sharing agreement with Cera (EUR 1.2 million). There were also the usual expenses, such as listing costs and costs associated with the statutory director.

Participating interest in KBC Group, net debt position and net asset value

The number of KBC Group shares in portfolio remained unchanged during the past six months at 77,516,380.

The net asset value of the KBC Ancora share is defined as 1.0066 times² the price of the KBC Group share, less the net debt³ per share. KBC Ancora’s net debt position at 31 December 2024 stood at EUR 0.55 per share.

Based on the price of the KBC Group share on 31 December 2024 (EUR 74.54), the net asset value of one KBC Ancora share amounted to EUR 74.48, and the KBC Ancora share (EUR 50.50) was trading at a discount of 32.2% to the net asset value.

The following charts illustrate the movements in the price of the KBC Group and KBC Ancora shares and the discount of the KBC Ancora share to its net asset value.

Trend in KBC Group and KBC Ancora share price (January – December 2024)	Trend in discount of KBC Ancora share to its net asset value (January – December 2024)

Principal risks and uncertainties in the remaining months of the financial year

Certain risk factors could have an impact on the value of the assets held by KBC Ancora and on its ability to distribute a dividend. Reference is made in this regard to the description of the risks in the most recent annual report (page 20).

KBC Ancora’s expenses in the second half of the current financial year (2024/2025) will consist principally of interest charges plus the usual limited operating expenses. KBC Ancora estimates the total expenses in respect of the full financial year 2024/2025 at approximately EUR 8 million.

KBC Group reported a net result of EUR 2.3 billion for the first nine months of 2024. KBC Group will announce its annual result for the financial year 2024 on 13 February 2025.

Partly dependent on the decisions taken by KBC Group regarding the distribution in the first half of 2025 of a final dividend in respect of financial year 2024, the Board of Directors of Almancora Société de gestion, statutory director of KBC Ancora, will take a decision at the end of May 2025 on whether to distribute an interim dividend in June 2025 in respect of financial year 2024/2025, in line with its dividend policy. KBC Ancora’s dividend policy sets out the intention to pay out 90% of the recurring result available for distribution in the form of an (interim) dividend (i.e. after adjustment for any exceptional results and after mandatory formation of the legal reserve).

Declaration by the responsible individuals

“We, the members of the Board of Directors of Almancora Société de gestion, statutory director of KBC Ancora SA, hereby jointly declare that, in so far as we are aware:

a) the abridged financial summaries, drawn up in accordance with the applicable standards for financial statements, present a true and fair picture of the capital position, financial position and results of KBC Ancora;

b) the interim financial report presents a true and fair view of the key events and principal transactions with affiliated parties during the first six months of the current financial year and of their impact on the abridged financial summaries, as well as a description of the principal risks and uncertainties during the remaining months of the financial year.”

Information on the external audit

The statutory auditor has reviewed the abridged interim financial information and accompanying notes. The auditor’s report is appended to this interim report.

———————————

KBC Ancora is a listed company which holds 18.6% of the shares in KBC Group and which together with Cera, MRBB and the Other Permanent Shareholders is responsible for the shareholder stability and further development of the KBC group. As core shareholders of KBC Group, these parties have signed a shareholder agreement to this effect.

Financial calendar:
29 August 2025 (17.40 hrs CEST)        Annual press release for the financial year 2024/2025
30 September 2025 (17.40 CEST)        Annual Report 2024/2025 available
31 October 2025        General Meeting of Shareholders

This press release is available in Dutch, French and English on the website www.kbcancora.be.

KBC Ancora Investor Relations & Press contact: Jan Bergmans
Tel.: +32 (0)16 279672
E-mail: jan.bergmans@kbcancora.be or mailbox@kbcancora.be

Appendix: Balance sheet and profit and loss account with comparative figures

(x EUR 1,000)	31.12.2024	*30.06.2024
BALANCE SHEET TOTAL	3,660,323	3,599,986
Assets
Fixed assets	3,599,979	3,599,979
Financial fixed assets	3,599,979	3,599,979
Companies with which there is a participatory relationship	3,599,979	3,599,979
Participating interests	3,599,979	3,599,979
Current assets	60,344	8
Investments	59,700	0
Other investments	59,700	0
Cash at bank and in hand	611	1
Accrued income and deferred expense	33	7
Liabilities
Equity	3,557,524	3,483,591
Contribution	3,158,128	3,158,128
Issued capital	3,158,128	3,158,128
Reserves	324,686	324,686
Unavailable reserves	175,258	175,258
Legal reserve	175,258	175,258
Available reserves	149,427	149,427
Profit/loss carried forward	777	777
Profit/loss for the period	73,933	n/a
Creditors	102,798	116,396
Amounts falling due after more than one year	100,000	100,000
Financial liabilities	100,000	100,000
Credit institutions	100,000	100,000
Amounts falling due within one year	419	16,050
Financial liabilities	0	15,635
Credit institutions	0	15,635
Trade creditors	159	173
Suppliers	159	173
Other creditors	260	241
Accrued expense and deferred income	2,379	345

* The balance sheet at 30 June 2024 is shown after appropriation of the result.

(x EUR 1,000)	01.07.2024-31.12.2024	01.07.2023-31.12.2023

Operating income	0	0
Other operating income	0	0
Operating costs	1,536	1,567
Services and sundry goods	1,535	1,417
Other operating costs	0	149
Operating results	-1,536	-1,567

Financial income	77,738	77,953
Recurring financial income	77,738	77,953
Income from financial fixed assets	77,516	77,516
Income from current assets	222	437
Financial expenses	2,269	3,508
Recurring financial charges	2,269	3,508
Cost of debt	2,269	3,508
Other financial expenses	0	0
Financial result	75,469	74,445

Profit (loss) before tax	73,933	72,879

Profit (loss) after tax	73,933	72,879

Statutory auditor’s report to the board of directors of KBC Ancora NV on the review of the condensed interim financial information as at 31 December 2024 and for the 6-month period then ended

FREE TRANSLATION OF THE ORIGINAL IN DUTCH

Introduction

We have reviewed the accompanying interim financial report 2024/2025, containing the condensed balance sheet of KBC Ancora NV as at 31 December 2024, the condensed profit and loss account for the 6-month period then ended, as well as the notes (“the condensed interim financial information”). The board of directors is responsible for the preparation and presentation of this condensed interim financial information in accordance with the financial reporting framework applicable in Belgium for the preparation of condensed interim financial information. Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on this condensed interim financial information based on our review.

Scope of Review

We conducted our review in accordance with the International Standard on Review Engagements 2410, “Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity.” A review of condensed interim financial information consists of making inquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing and, consequently, does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

Conclusion

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the accompanying condensed interim financial information as at 31 December 2024 and for the 6-month period then ended has not been prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the financial reporting framework applicable in Belgium for the preparation of condensed interim financial information.

Diegem, 31 January 2025

The statutory auditor,
PwC Reviseurs d’Entreprises SRL / Bedrijfsrevisoren BV
Represented by

Damien Walgrave*
Bedrijfsrevisor / Réviseur d’Entreprises

* Acting in behalf of Damien Walgrave BV/SRL

¹         KBC Ancora’s reporting is based on Belgian GAAP. The valuation principles are set out in the filed annual
        financial statements and in the annual report.
        See Appendix for the balance sheet and profit and loss account.
²         Number of KBC Group shares held / number of KBC Ancora shares in issue: 1.0066
        (= 77,516,380 / 77,011,844).
³         Net debt is defined here as total liabilities less total assets excluding financial fixed assets.

Attachment

KBCA PB 20250131 E

The MIL Network –

February 1, 2025

MIL-OSI: Santander Chile announces Andrés Trautmann Buc as new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Country Head

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SANTIAGO, Chile, Jan. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Banco Santander Chile (NYSE: BSAC) announces that Mr. Andrés Trautmann Buc will take over as CEO and Country Head, replacing Mr. Román Blanco Reinosa. This change will occur on July 1, 2025 and, until then, Mr. Blanco will remain as the bank’s CEO, while Mr. Trautmann will continue to lead the Executive Vice President of Santander Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB).

Mr. Trautmann, a commercial engineer from Universidad de Chile, has a distinguished career at Santander, since joining the Group in 2007. He began his career as Head of Institutional and Corporate Sales at Santander Chile. Between 2010 and 2012, he served as Head of Structured Products Sales in London for Santander UK. Between 2013 and 2018 he oversaw the Andean Zone sales for Goldman Sachs in New York. In 2018, he became the Head of Markets Santander Chile, and in 2021, he was appointed Executive Vice President of CIB at Santander Chile, a global division that supports corporate and institutional clients with high-value services, products and solutions.

Since his initial position in Markets, Mr. Trautmann has achieved significant milestones, including tripling the growth of the Sales and Trading business. At CIB, he led and promoted the expansion of products for large companies by leveraging the global capabilities of the Santander Group. Recently, he also took on the Corporate and Institutional Banking business and Santander Consumer Finance, giving him a comprehensive view of the bank’s operations. His leadership and deep knowledge of the business and markets will continue to strengthen the bank’s position in the country.

Santander thanks Román Blanco, who, in his role as CEO and Country Head, has led a successful process accelerating the transformation of the bank’s business models in Chile and its technology, strengthening the growth of Getnet and Santander Consumer Finance. Additionally, he promoted the launch of the Más Lucas and Más Lucas Joven account. Also noteworthy is the implementation of Gravity in Chile, positioning the entity as the first local bank with a banking core migrated to Cloud technologies. Among the achievements under his supervision are the implementation of specialized service models for companies, as well as the evolution of branch strategies, with Work/Café Expresso as an example.

During Mr. Blanco´s leadership, Santander has achieved an ROAE during the 4Q of 2024 of 26% and a total profit of $865 billion pesos corresponding to last year. This is reflected in the company’s high valuations, with a P/BV of 2.2x, standing out among the highest of Latin American banks and with an A2 international credit rating according to Moody’s.

It should be noted that Mr. Blanco has extensive international experience with more than 20 years within the Group. His main functions include having being Country Head in several operations such as the US, Puerto Rico and Colombia, in addition to leading the bank in the Andean region and Uruguay and having extensive experience in business management in Santander Brazil.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Cristian Vicuña
Investor Relations
Banco Santander Chile
Bandera 140, Floor 20
Santiago, Chile
Email: irelations@santander.cl
Website: www.santander.cl

Banco Santander Chile is one of the companies with the highest risk ratings in Latin America, with an A2 rating from Moody’s, A- from Standard and Poor’s, A+ from Japan Credit Rating Agency, AA- from HR Ratings and A from KBRA. All our ratings as of the date of this report have a stable outlook.

As of December 31, 2024, the Bank has total assets of $68,458,933 million (US$68,865 million), total gross loans (including loans to banks) at amortized cost of $41,323,844 million (US$41,569 million), total deposits of $31,359,234 million (US$31,545 million) and shareholders’ equity of $4,292,440 million (US$4,318 million). The BIS capital ratio was 17.1%, with a core capital ratio of 10.5%. As of December 31, 2024, Santander Chile employs 8,757 people and has 236 branches throughout Chile.

The MIL Network –

February 1, 2025

MIL-OSI: Bank of the James Announces Fourth Quarter, Full Year of 2024 Financial Results and Declaration of Dividend

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

LYNCHBURG, Va., Jan. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bank of the James Financial Group, Inc. (the “Company”) (NASDAQ:BOTJ), the parent company of Bank of the James (the “Bank”), a full-service commercial and retail bank, and Pettyjohn, Wood & White, Inc. (“PWW”), an SEC-registered investment advisor, today announced unaudited results of operations for the three month and 12 month periods ended December 31, 2024. The Bank serves Region 2000 (the greater Lynchburg MSA) and the Blacksburg, Buchanan, Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Nellysford, Roanoke, and Wytheville, Virginia markets.

Net income for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was $1.62 million or $0.36 per basic and diluted share compared with $2.11 million or $0.45 per basic and diluted share for the three months ended December 31, 2023. Net income for the 12 months ended December 31, 2024 was $7.94 million or $1.75 per share compared with $8.70 million or $1.91 per share for the year 12 months ended December 31, 2023.

Robert R. Chapman III, CEO of the Bank, commented: “Our Company delivered another year of high-quality earnings driven by a wide range of banking products, services, and investment management. These diversified sources of revenue were supported by a large regional market and broad base of commercial and retail clients, enabling the Company and the Bank to record strong financial performance and grow shareholder value in a year that presented its share of economic changes and challenges.

“With a more stable interest rate environment, we made new loans and repriced existing loans to accurately reflect prevailing rates, which generated a positive trend in yields on earning assets. We began to slow the rate of interest expense increases that have characterized the past three years. Although margins continue to experience pressure, there was net interest margin expansion beginning in the second half of 2024 – a positive trend that we anticipate will continue in coming quarters.

“Noninterest income was an important component of earnings that included fee income from commercial treasury management, wealth management through PWW, gains on the sale of originated residential mortgages, card services and more. Led by healthy growth in these activities, noninterest income in 2024 rose 18% from a year earlier.

“Total loans, net, increased 6% in 2024, with commercial real estate loan growth leading the way. Commercial & industrial and commercial construction loan portfolios grew moderately year-over-year. Residential mortgages increased 6% as we continued our practice of selling most originated mortgages to the secondary market. Our mortgage lending team did an outstanding job of maintaining our Bank’s leadership as a premier mortgage originator in the markets we serve.

“Key to generating consistent, predictable earnings is maintaining high levels of loan quality through credit management. Measures such as asset quality ratios, total nonperforming loans, and provisioning for credit losses continue reflect exceptional credit management. Our credit management team, headed by Chief Credit Officer Chip Umberger, continue to do outstanding work ensuring loan quality.

“Total deposits increased in 2024 compared with 2023. We remain focused on growing deposits from commercial and retail customers, particularly core deposits, and building this important source of funding for loans and providing liquidity. During the year, we opened strategic locations in Buchanan and Nellysford, Virginia, further expanding the Bank’s deposit-gathering capabilities and value to customers.

“We provided meaningful value to our shareholders in 2024. Solid earnings, strong asset quality and efficient operation contributed to a consistent, longstanding trend of enhancing the Company’s value to its shareholders. Stockholders’ equity rose 8% from a year earlier, retained earnings increased by more than $6 million, and book value per share rose to $14.28 at December 31, 2024 from $13.21 a year earlier. The Company also paid quarterly cash dividends to shareholders, as it has for many years.

“We believe the Company is well-positioned for the coming year, continuing on a path of providing superior value to our shareholders, customers and communities.”

Fourth Quarter and Full Year of 2024 Highlights

Net income and earnings per share (EPS) in the fourth quarter and full year of 2024 was impacted by higher noninterest expense, which included a $534,000 fee related to the negotiation of a contract with a credit/debit card processor. Over the term of the contract, the Company expects to recognize up to $438,000 in incentive payments from the card processor, and anticipates generating additional long-term benefits and savings of $2.1 million associated with the contract.
Total interest income rose 13% to $44.64 million for the full year of 2024 compared with $39.36 million in 2023. The growth primarily reflected commercial loan interest rates, commercial real estate (CRE) growth, and the addition of higher-rate residential mortgages. The average yield earned on loans, including fees, increased to 5.50% in 2024 compared with 5.05% in 2023.
Net interest income after provision for (recovery of) credit losses in the full year of 2024 was $29.89 million compared with $29.92 million for the full year of 2023. The full year of 2024 reflected loan loss recoveries driven by strong asset quality, and the impact of elevated interest expense.
Net interest margin in the fourth quarter of 2024 was 3.18%, trending up from 3.16% in the third quarter and 3.02% in the second quarter of 2024, reflecting continuing margin expansion. Net interest margin for the full year of 2024 was 3.11% compared with 3.29% in 2023. Interest spread for the full year of 2024 was 2.78% compared with 3.06% a year earlier.
Total noninterest income for the full year of 2024 was $15.14 million, up 17.64% from $12.87 million a year earlier. Growth primarily reflected gains on sale of loans held for sale, fee income generated by commercial treasury services and residential mortgage originations, and wealth management fee income from PWW, which contributed $0.34 per share to earnings in 2024.
Loans, net of the allowance for credit losses, increased 6% to $636.55 million at December 31, 2024 compared with $601.92 million at December 31, 2023.
Commercial real estate loans (owner occupied and non-owner occupied) grew 9% to $335.53 million at December 31, 2024 from $306.86 million a year earlier.
Measures of asset quality included a ratio of nonperforming loans to total loans of 0.25% at December 31, 2024, low levels of nonperforming loans, and zero other real estate owned (OREO).
Total assets were $979.24 million at December 31, 2024 compared with $969.37 million at December 31, 2023.
Total deposits were $882.40 million at December 31, 2024, up from $878.46 million at December 31, 2023.
Shareholder value measures included 8% growth in stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2024 from a year earlier, retained earnings of $42.80 million, up from $36.68 million a year earlier, and a book value per share of $14.28 compared with $13.21 at December 31, 2023.
On January 21, 2025 the Company’s board of directors approved a quarterly dividend of $0.10 per common share to stockholders of record as of March 7, 2025, to be paid on March 21, 2025.

Fourth Quarter, Full Year of 2024 Operational Review

Net interest income after provision for (recovery of) credit losses for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $7.76 million compared to net interest income after provision for credit losses of $7.29 million a year earlier. In the full year of 2024, net interest income after recovery of credit losses was $29.89 million compared with $29.92 a year earlier. The credit loss recovery in the full year of 2024 was $655,000 compared with $179,000 in the full year of 2023.

Total interest income increased to $11.64 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared with $10.54 million a year earlier. The full year of 2024 total interest income was $44.64 million, up from $39.36 million in the full year of 2023. The year-over-year increases primarily reflected upward rate adjustments to variable rate commercial loans and new loans reflecting the prevailing rate environment.

During 2024, investment portfolio management and appropriate rate increases on loans contributed to year-over-year growth in yields on total earning assets, which were 4.75% in 2024 compared with 4.36% in 2023.

Total interest expense in the fourth quarter of 2024 was $3.95 million and $15.41 million for the full year of 2024, increasing 25.44% and 60.12% from $3.15 and $9.62 in the comparable periods of 2023. The increase primarily reflects higher deposit rates commensurate with the prevailing interest rate environment, and also more interest-bearing deposits.

A stabilizing interest rate environment contributed to some margin pressure relief, particularly in the second half of 2024. For the full year of 2024, the net interest margin was 3.11% compared with 3.29% a year earlier, while interest spread was 2.78% for the full year of 2024, compared with 3.06% a year earlier.

Noninterest income in the fourth quarter of 2024 rose 20% to $3.82 million compared with $3.18 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. For the full year of 2024, noninterest income was up 18% to $15.14 million from $12.87 million in 2023.

Noninterest income in 2024 included income contributions from debit card activity, a write-up on an investment in an SBIC fund, commercial treasury services, and the mortgage division. Strong contributions from wealth management fees, primarily generated by PWW, were $4.84 million in 2024, up from $4.20 million a year earlier. Steady activity in residential mortgage originations throughout 2024 was reflected in gains on sale of loans held for sale of $4.49 million compared with $3.94 million a year earlier.

Noninterest expense in the fourth quarter of $9.50 million compared with $8.42 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. Noninterest expense for the full year of 2024 was $35.11 million compared with $32.51 million for the full year of 2023. As previously noted, noninterest expense was impacted by a one-time payment to a consultant that helped negotiate a contract with a debit card provider, recorded in the fourth quarter of 2024. We will recognize incentive payments and cost savings from the underlying contract in subsequent quarters. Diligent expense management, judicious personnel expenses related to new locations, and accrual of year-end employee compensation throughout the year contributed to stable year-over-year salaries and employee benefits costs in the fourth quarter and full year of 2024.

Balance Sheet: Strong Cash Position, High Asset Quality

Total assets were $979.24 million at December 31, 2024 compared with $969.37 million at December 31, 2023, with the increase primarily reflecting loan growth.

Loans, net of allowance for credit losses, were $636.55 million at December 31, 2024 compared with $601.92 million at December 31, 2023, primarily reflecting growth of commercial real estate loans and stability in other loan categories.

Commercial real estate loans (owner-occupied and non-owner occupied and excluding construction loans) were $335.53 million at December 31, 2024 compared with $306.86 million at December 31, 2023, reflecting new loans and a decreasing rate of loan payoffs. Of this amount, commercial real estate (non-owner occupied) was approximately $195.09 million and commercial real estate (owner occupied) was $140.44 million. The Bank closely monitors concentrations in these segments, and has no commercial real estate loans secured by large office buildings in large metropolitan city centers.

Commercial construction/land loans and residential construction/land loans were $50.04 million at December 31, 2024 compared with $50.28 million at December 31, 2023. The Company continued experiencing positive activity and health in commercial and residential construction projects. Commercial and industrial loans were $66.42 million at December 31, 2024 compared with $65.32 million at December 31, 2023, reflecting a continuing trend of stability in this loan segment.

Residential mortgage loans that we intend to keep on the balance sheet were $113.30 million at December 31, 2024 compared with $106.99 million at December 31, 2023. Growth of these retained mortgages has been minimal, as the Bank has continued to focus on selling the majority of originated mortgage loans to the secondary market. Consumer loans (open-end and closed-end) were $78.31 million at December 31, 2024 compared with $76.52 million at December 31, 2023.

Ongoing high asset quality continues to have a positive impact on the Company’s financial performance. The ratio of nonperforming loans to total loans at December 31, 2024 was 0.25% compared with 0.06% at December 31, 2023. The allowance for credit losses on loans to total loans was 1.09% at December 31, 2024 compared with 1.22% on December 31, 2023. Total nonperforming loans were $1.64 million at December 31, 2024. As a result of having no OREO, total nonperforming assets were the same as total nonperforming loans.

Total deposits were $882.40 million at December 31, 2024, compared with $878.46 million at December 31, 2023. Noninterest bearing demand deposits, NOW, money market and savings were down moderately compared with 2023 and time deposits increased. At both December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Bank had no brokered deposits.

Key measures of shareholder value were positive. Stockholders’ equity increased 8% to $64.87 million at December 31, 2024 from $60.04 million a year earlier. Retained earnings increased to $42.80 million at December 31, 2024 compared with $36.68 million a year earlier. Book value per share was $14.28 compared with $13.21 at December 31, 2023, but down from $15.15 at September 30, 2024, in part reflecting quarterly fluctuations in required fair market valuations of the Company’s available-for-sale investment portfolio.

Some balance sheet measures are impacted by interest rate fluctuations and fair market valuation measurements in the Company’s available-for-sale securities portfolio and are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive loss. These mark-to-market losses are excluded when calculating the Bank’s regulatory capital ratios. The available-for-sale securities portfolio is composed primarily of securities with explicit or implicit government guarantees, including U.S. Treasuries and U.S. agency obligations, and other highly-rated debt instruments. The Company does not expect to realize the unrealized losses as it has the intent and ability to hold the securities until their recovery, which may be at maturity. Management continues to diligently monitor the creditworthiness of the issuers of the debt instruments within its securities portfolio.

About the Company

Bank of the James, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank of the James Financial Group, Inc. opened for business in July 1999 and is headquartered in Lynchburg, Virginia. The Bank currently services customers in Virginia from offices located in Altavista, Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, Blacksburg, Buchanan, Charlottesville, Forest, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Lynchburg, Madison Heights, Nellysford, Roanoke, Rustburg, and Wytheville. The Bank offers full investment and insurance services through its BOTJ Investment Services division and BOTJ Insurance, Inc. subsidiary. The Bank provides mortgage loan origination through Bank of the James Mortgage, a division of Bank of the James. The Company provides investment advisory services through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Pettyjohn, Wood & White, Inc., an SEC-registered investment advisor. Bank of the James Financial Group, Inc. common stock is listed under the symbol “BOTJ” on the NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC. Additional information on the Company is available at www.bankofthejames.bank.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “plan” and similar expressions and variations thereof identify certain of such forward-looking statements which speak only as of the dates on which they were made. Bank of the James Financial Group, Inc. (the “Company”) undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Such factors include, but are not limited to, competition, general economic conditions, potential changes in interest rates, changes in the value of real estate securing loans made by the Bank as well as geopolitical conditions. Additional information concerning factors that could cause actual results to materially differ from those in the forward-looking statements is contained in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

CONTACT: J. Todd Scruggs, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (434) 846-2000.

FINANCIAL RESULTS FOLLOW

Bank of the James Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

	(unaudited)
Assets	12/31/2024			12/31/2023
Cash and due from banks	$	23,287		$	25,613
Federal funds sold		50,022			49,225
Total cash and cash equivalents		73,309			74,838

Securities held-to-maturity (fair value of $3,170 and $3,231 as of December 31, 2024 and 2023)		3,606			3,622
Securities available-for-sale, at fair value		187,916			216,510
Restricted stock, at cost		1,821			1,541
Loans, net of allowance for credit losses of $7,044 and $7,412 as of December 31, 2024 and 2023		636,552			601,921
Loans held for sale		3,616			1,258
Premises and equipment, net		19,313			18,141
Interest receivable		3,065			2,835
Cash value – bank owned life insurance		22,907			21,586
Customer relationship Intangible		6,725			7,285
Goodwill		2,054			2,054
Income taxes receivable		–			128
Deferred tax asset		8,936			8,206
Other assets		9,424			9,446
Total assets	$	979,244		$	969,371

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Deposits
Noninterest bearing demand	$	129,692		$	134,275
NOW, money market and savings		522,208			538,229
Time		230,504			205,955
Total deposits		882,404			878,459

Capital notes, net		10,048			10,042
Other borrowings		9,300			9,890
Income taxes payable		86			–
Interest payable		722			480
Other liabilities		11,819			10,461
Total liabilities	$	914,379		$	909,332

Stockholders’ equity
Common stock $2.14 par value; authorized 10,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 4,543,338 as of December 31, 2024 and 2023		9,723			9,723
Additional paid-in-capital		35,253			35,253
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)		(22,915	)		(21,615	)
Retained earnings		42,804			36,678
Total stockholders’ equity	$	64,865		$	60,039

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	979,244		$	969,371

Bank of the James Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income
(dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)

	For the Year Ended
	Ended December 31,
Interest Income		2024			2023
Loans	$	34,505		$	31,378
Securities
US Government and agency obligations		1,471			1,273
Mortgage-backed securities		2,381			1,899
Municipals		1,244			1,212
Dividends		95			82
Corporates		543			560
Interest bearing deposits		775			496
Federal Funds sold		3,629			2,462
Total interest income		44,643			39,362

Interest Expense
Deposits
NOW, money market savings		5,455			2,984
Time Deposits		9,173			5,796
FHLB borrowings		–			31
Finance leases		76			86
Other borrowings		376			398
Capital notes		327			327
Total interest expense		15,407			9,622

Net interest income		29,236			29,740

Recovery of credit losses		(655	)		(179	)

Net interest income after recovery of credit losses		29,891			29,919

Noninterest income
Gains on sale of loans held for sale		4,494			3,938
Service charges, fees and commissions		4,003			3,901
Wealth management fees		4,843			4,197
Life insurance income		721			548
Other		1,014			283
Gain on sales of available-for-sale securities		62			–

Total noninterest income		15,137			12,867

Noninterest expenses
Salaries and employee benefits		19,294			18,311
Occupancy		1,964			1,819
Equipment		2,499			2,416
Supplies		542			530
Professional, data processing, and other outside expense		6,528			5,296
Marketing		768			919
Credit expense		816			805
Other real estate expenses, net		–			40
FDIC insurance expense		441			419
Amortization of intangibles		560			560
Other		1,693			1,392
Total noninterest expenses		35,105			32,507

Income before income taxes		9,923			10,279

Income tax expense		1,979			1,575

Net Income	$	7,944		$	8,704

Weighted average shares outstanding – basic and diluted		4,543,338			4,562,374

Net income per common share – basic and diluted	$	1.75		$	1.91

Bank of the James Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data
unaudited

Selected Data:	Three months ending Dec 31, 2024			Three months ending Dec 31, 2023			Change			Year to date Dec 31, 2024			Year to date Dec 31, 2023			Change
Interest income	$	11,636		$	10,538			10.42	%	$	44,643		$	39,362			13.42	%
Interest expense		3,950			3,149			25.44	%		15,407			9,622			60.12	%
Net interest income		7,686			7,389			4.02	%		29,236			29,740			-1.69	%
Provision for (recovery of) credit losses		(71	)		99			-171.72	%		(655	)		(179	)		265.92	%
Noninterest income		3,816			3,178			20.08	%		15,137			12,867			17.64	%
Noninterest expense		9,503			8,416			12.92	%		35,105			32,507			7.99	%
Income taxes		452			(56	)		-907.14	%		1,979			1,575			25.65	%
Net income		1,618			2,108			-23.24	%		7,944			8,704			-8.73	%
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic and diluted		4,543,338			4,543,338			–			4,543,338			4,562,374			(19,036	)
Basic and diluted net income per share	$	0.36		$	0.45		$	(0.09	)	$	1.75		$	1.91		$	(0.16	)

Balance Sheet at period end:	Dec 31, 2024		Dec 31, 2023		Change			Dec 31, 2023		Dec 31, 2022		Change
Loans, net	$	636,552	$	601,921		5.75	%	$	601,921	$	605,366		-0.57	%
Loans held for sale		3,616		1,258		187.44	%		1,258		2,423		-48.08	%
Total securities		191,522		220,132		-13.00	%		220,132		189,426		16.21	%
Total deposits		882,404		878,459		0.45	%		878,459		848,138		3.58	%
Stockholders’ equity		64,865		60,039		8.04	%		60,039		50,226		19.54	%
Total assets		979,244		969,371		1.02	%		969,371		928,571		4.39	%
Shares outstanding		4,543,338		4,543,338		–			4,543,338		4,628,657		(85,319	)
Book value per share	$	14.28	$	13.21	$	1.07		$	13.21	$	10.85	$	2.36

Daily averages:	Three months ending Dec 31, 2024			Three months ending Dec 31, 2023			Change		Year to date Dec 31, 2024			Year to date Dec 31, 2023			Change
Loans	$	642,197		$	609,800		5.31	%	$	623,769		$	616,047		1.25	%
Loans held for sale		3,612			3,406		6.05	%		3,494			3,512		-0.51	%
Total securities (book value)		218,680			236,267		-7.44	%		232,992			226,637		2.80	%
Total deposits		920,655			882,277		4.35	%		901,449			867,269		3.94	%
Stockholders’ equity		68,563			50,097		36.86	%		62,575			50,977		22.75	%
Interest earning assets		963,217			921,665		4.51	%		939,900			903,491		4.03	%
Interest bearing liabilities		801,812			753,144		6.46	%		783,003			738,335		6.05	%
Total assets		1,021,547			963,511		6.02	%		995,738			950,276		4.78	%

Financial Ratios:	Three months ending Dec 31, 2024			Three months ending Dec 31, 2023			Change		Year to date Dec 31, 2024			Year to date Dec 31, 2023			Change
Return on average assets		0.63	%		0.87	%	(0.24	)		0.80	%		0.92	%	(0.12	)
Return on average equity		9.39	%		16.69	%	(7.30	)		12.70	%		17.07	%	(4.37	)
Net interest margin		3.18	%		3.18	%	–			3.11	%		3.29	%	(0.18	)
Efficiency ratio		82.62	%		79.64	%	2.98			79.11	%		76.29	%	2.82
Average equity to average assets		6.71	%		5.20	%	1.51			6.28	%		5.36	%	0.92

Allowance for credit losses:	Three months ending Dec 31, 2024			Three months ending Dec 31, 2023			Change		Year to date Dec 31, 2024			Year to date Dec 31, 2023			Change
Beginning balance	$	7,078		$	7,320		-3.31	%	$	7,412		$	6,259		18.42	%
Retained earnings adjustment related to impact of adoption of ASU 2016-13		–			–		N/A			–			1,245		-100.00	%
Provision for (recovery of) credit losses*		(39	)		123		-131.71	%		(533	)		(65	)	720.00	%
Charge-offs		–			(40	)	-100.00	%		(84	)		(236	)	-64.41	%
Recoveries		5			9		-44.44	%		249			209		19.14	%
Ending balance		7,044			7,412		-4.96	%		7,044			7,412		-4.96	%

* does not include provision for or recovery of unfunded loan commitment liability

Nonperforming assets:	Dec 31, 2024		Dec 31, 2023		Change		Dec 31, 2023		Dec 31, 2022		Change
Total nonperforming loans	$	1,640	$	391	319.44	%	$	391	$	633	-38.23	%
Other real estate owned		–		–	N/A			–		566	-100.00	%
Total nonperforming assets		1,640		391	319.44	%		391		1,199	-67.39	%

Asset quality ratios:	Dec 31, 2024		Dec 31, 2023		Change		Dec 31, 2023		Dec 31, 2022		Change
Nonperforming loans to total loans	0.25	%	0.06	%	0.19		0.06	%	0.10	%	(0.04	)
Allowance for credit losses for loans to total loans	1.09	%	1.22	%	(0.12	)	1.22	%	1.02	%	0.19
Allowance for credit losses for loans to nonperforming loans	429.51	%	1895.65	%	(1,466.14	)	1895.65	%	988.78	%	906.87

The MIL Network –

February 1, 2025

MIL-OSI: Superior Energy Services Announces Appointment of Kyle O’Neill as Chief Financial Officer

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

HOUSTON, Jan. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Superior Energy Services, Inc. (the “Company”) today announced that Kyle O’Neill was appointed chief financial officer effective February 3, 2025. Mr. O’Neill has over 20 years of experience in Industrials, Oilfield Services, and Asset Management industries. He has held various leadership positions in the industry, most recently as President and CFO at Industrial Service Solutions (ISS), a private equity-sponsored platform with over 50 locations across the United States. Before ISS, O’Neill was the President, CEO, and Director at U.S. Well Services, Inc., a publicly traded oilfield services company providing hydraulic pressure pumping services.

Chairman and CEO Dave Lesar stated, “Kyle is a respected strategic financial and operational executive with extensive experience in strategic leadership, mergers and acquisitions, and operational efficiency. Kyle has a proven track record of driving growth and innovation as a results-oriented leader, and I look forward to his contributions toward a bright future for Superior.”

About Superior Energy Services
Superior Energy Services serves the drilling, completion and production-related needs of oil and gas companies through a diversified portfolio of specialized oilfield services and equipment that are used throughout the economic life cycle of oil and gas wells. In addition to operations in North America, both on land and offshore, Superior Energy Services operates in approximately 47 countries internationally. For more information, visit: www.superiorenergy.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains, and future oral or written statements or press releases by the Company and its management may contain, certain forward-looking statements within the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Generally, the words “expects,” “anticipates,” “targets,” “goals,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks”, “will” and “estimates,” variations of such words and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. All statements other than statements of historical fact regarding the Company’s financial position and results, financial performance, liquidity, strategic alternatives (including dispositions, acquisitions, and the timing thereof), market outlook, future capital needs, capital allocation plans, business strategies and other plans and objectives of our management for future operations and activities are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by the Company’s management in light of its experience and prevailing circumstances on the date such statements are made. Such forward-looking statements, and the assumptions on which they are based, are inherently speculative and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to conditions in the oil and gas industry, U.S. and global market and economic conditions generally and macroeconomic conditions worldwide, (including inflation, interest rates, supply chain disruptions and capital and credit markets conditions) that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from such statements. These forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions concerning future events and are subject to a number of uncertainties and factors, many of which are outside the control of the Company, which could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements.

While the Company believes that the assumptions concerning future events are reasonable, it cautions that there are inherent difficulties in predicting certain important factors that could impact the future performance or results of its business.

These forward-looking statements are also affected by the risk factors, forward-looking statements and challenges and uncertainties described in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 and those set forth from time to time in the Company’s other periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available at www.superiorenergy.com. Except as required by law, the Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Joanna Clark, Corporate Secretary
1001 Louisiana St., Suite 2900
Houston, TX 77002
Investor Relations, ir@superiorenergy.com, (713) 654-2200

The MIL Network –

February 1, 2025
MIL-OSI: Shareholders’ Nomination Committee proposal on the composition and remuneration of the Board of Directors of Oma Saving Bank Plc
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

OMA SAVINGS BANK PLC, STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE 31 JANUARY 2025 AT 19.00 P.M. EET, OTHER INFORMATION DISCLOSED TO THE RULES OF THE EXCHANGE

Shareholders’ Nomination Committee proposal on the composition and remuneration of the Board of Directors of Oma Saving Bank Plc

The Shareholders’ Nomination Committee proposes the following to the Annual General Meeting of Oma Savings Bank Plc (OmaSp or the Company) on 8 April 2025:

The number of members of the Board of Directors is proposed to be confirmed at seven.

The Shareholders’ Nomination Committee proposes that the current Board members Juhana Brotherus, Irma Gillberg-Hjelt, Aki Jaskari, Jaakko Ossa, Carl Pettersson, Kati Riikonen and Juha Volotinen.

All candidates are proposed to be elected for the period starting at the Annual General Meeting 2025 and ending at the Annual General Meeting 2026. All nominees have given their consent to the election. At the time of election, all proposed nominees are independent in their relationship with the company and its significant shareholders.

Details of the Board members nominated for election:

JUHANA BROTHERUS
Juhana Brotherus (born 1986) has been a member of OmaSp’s Board of Directors since December 2024. Brotherus has been the Director and Chief Economist of the Federation of Finnish Enterprises since 2023. In addition, Brotherus worked as Chief Economist and Director of the Mortgage Society of Finland in 2014–2023 and as the Economist of Danske Bank in 2011–2014. Brotherus has served as the Vice Chairman of the Board of HOAS since 2018, as a member of the Investment Committee of the Finnish Business School Graduates since 2016, as a member of the Board of the Foundation for Economic Students in Helsinki in 2015–2020, and as a member of the Board of aTalent Recruitingin in 2012–2018, of which as the Chairman of the Board in 2014–2018. Brotherus holds a Master of Economic Sciences.

IRMA GILLBERG-HJELT
Irma Gillberg-Hjelt (born 1962) has been a member of OmaSp’s Board of Directors since December 2024. Gillberg-Hjelt has has been the Executive Vice President and Head of Corporate Banking of Aktia Bank Plc in 2017–2020, employed by Danske Bank and its predecessors from 1987 to 2017 holding managerial positions in the corporate customer business in 2010–2017, as Bank Director in 2007–2012, as financial director in 2003–2007, and in customer-responsible positions in 1987–2003. In addition, Gillberg-Hjelt has been a member of the Board of Directors of Saldo Bank UAB in 2023–2024. Gillberg-Hjelt holds a Master of Laws.

AKI JASKARI
Aki Jaskari (born 1961) has been a member of OmaSp’s Board of Directors since 2014. Jaskari has served as the CEO of Nerkoon Höyläämö Oy since 1995. In addition, Jaskari has been a member of the Advisory Board of Leppäkosken Sähkö Group Oy since 2001, a member of the Regional Advisory Committee of Pohjola Insurance Oy in 2001–2015 and as a member of the Board of the Parkano Savings Bank in 2010–2013. Jaskari holds a master’s degree in economics.

JAAKKO OSSA
Jaakko Ossa (born 1965) has been the Chairman of the Board of OmaSp since May 2024 and a member of the Board since 2023. Ossa has been a professor of financial law at the University of Turku since 1998. Ossa has an extensive written production, particularly in the field of corporate taxation and investment taxation. Along with his academic career, Ossa has held expert positions at Asianajotoimisto Astrea Oy for around 20 years and currently at Ossa Partners Oy, a family company. Ossa has been as a member of the Board of several companies, including Liedon Savings Bank, Sp-Fund Management Company and the Savings Bank Association. In addition, he is currently the Chairman of the delegation of Taxpayers Association of Finland (TAF) and the inspector of the Satakuntalais-Hämäläinen Student Nation (osakunta) of the University of Turku. Ossa holds a Doctor of Laws.

CARL PETTERSSON
Carl Pettersson (born 1979) has been the Vice Chairman and a member of OmaSp’s Board of Directors since January 2025. Pettersson has been the Managing Director of Elo Pension Company since 2021. In addition, Pettersson has been the Managing Director of Veritas Pension Insurance Company in 2017–2021, Deputy Managing Director of Aktia Bank Plc in 2016–2017 and prior to that in several management positions of Aktia Bank Plc in 2008–2016 and as Director of OP Raasepori’s branch office in 2006-2008. Pettersson holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and an eMBA.

KATI RIIKONEN
Kati Riikonen (born 1971) has been a member of OmaSp’s Board of Directors since December 2024. Riikonen has been the VP, Head of Online, Marketing and Analytics of Telia Finland Plc in 2020–2024, Head of Industry of Google Finland in 2017–2020, Managing Director of Isobar Finland Oy in 2015–2017, Chief Digital Officer of DNA Oy in 2013-2015 and Marketing Director of DNA Oy in 2011–2013, an entrepreneur of KRi Marketing and Training in 2006–2009, Marketing Director of Motorola Inc. USA in 2003–2006 and as various expert and team leader positions at Nokia Plc in 1996–2003. In addition, Riikonen has been a member of the Board of Directors of Kamux Plc since 2024, a member of the Board of Directors of Verkkokauppa.com Plc since 2023, a member of the Board of Directors of Nooa Savings Bank in 2021–2024, a member of the Board of Directors of Kotipizza Group in 2021–2022, a member of the Board of Directors of City Digital Oy in 2016–2018, and a member of the Board of Frantic Media Oy in 2012–2014. Riikonen holds a Master of Business Administration.

JUHA VOLOTINEN
Juha Volotinen (born 1975) has been a member of OmaSp’s Board of Directors since December 2024. Volotinen has been the CIO of the Municipality Finance Plc since 2021. In addition, Volotinen worked as CIO of Aktia Bank Plc in 2017–2021 and before that in several managerial positions in Aktia Bank Plc in 2010–2017, in SEB Ab in several managerial positions in 2003–2010, and as IT Manager of Danske Securities in 2002–2003. Volotinen has served as a member of the Board of Directors of Aktia Finance in 2017–2020. Volotinen holds a Master of Economic Sciences.

Shareholders’ Nomination Committee proposal on the remuneration of the Board of Directors of OmaSp:

The Shareholders’ Nomination Committee proposes that the members of the Board of Directors be paid annual remuneration as follows:
- Chairperson of the Board EUR 85,000
- Vice Chairperson of the Board EUR 60,000
- Other members of the Board EUR 40,000
In addition, the Chairperson of the Board Committees are paid a separate annual fee as follows:
- Chairperson of the Remuneration Committee EUR 6,000
- Chairperson of the Risk Committee EUR 9,000
- Chairperson of the Audit Committee EUR 9,000
The Shareholders’ Nomination Committee proposes that meeting fees be paid as follows:
- Board meeting EUR 1,000
- Committee meeting EUR 1,000
- Email meeting of the Board or Committee EUR 500
The Shareholders’ Nomination Board proposes that 25 percent of the annual remuneration of the Board of Directors be paid from the market in Oma Savings Bank Plc’s shares acquired on behalf of the members of the Board of Directors. The shares will be acquired directly on behalf of the members of the Board of Directors at a price formed on the market in public trading when the interim report for the period from 1 January to 31 March 2025 has been published. The Company is responsible for the costs of acquiring the shares and any transfer tax. The rest of the annual fee is paid in cash to cover the taxes arising from the fee.

In addition, Oma Savings Bank Plc pays or reimburses travel expenses and other expenses related to board work to the members of the Board of Directors.

The proposals of the Nomination Committee shall be included in the notice of the Annual General Meeting.

Raimo Härmä (nominated by the South-Karelian Savings Bank Foundation) is the Chairman of the Shareholders’ Nomination Committee of OmaSp, members are Ari Lamminmäki (nominated by the Parkano Savings Bank Foundation), Jouni Niuro (nominated by the Liedon Savings Bank Foundation), Aino Lamminmäki (nominated by the Töysän Savings Bank Foundation), Simo Haarajärvi (nominated by the Kuortane Savings Bank Foundation), and as a specialist acts Jaakko Ossa, the Chairman of the Board of OmaSp.

Additional information:
Raimo Härmä, Chairman of the Nomination Committee, tel. +358 44 363 7063
Minna Sillanpää, CCO, tel. +358 50 66592, minna.sillanpaa@omasp.fi

DISTRIBUTION
Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd
Major media
www.omasp.fi

OmaSp is a solvent and profitable Finnish bank. About 500 professionals provide nationwide services through OmaSp’s 48 branch offices and digital service channels to over 200,000 private and corporate customers. OmaSp focuses primarily on retail banking operations and provides its clients with a broad range of banking services both through its own balance sheet as well as by acting as an intermediary for its partners’ products. The intermediated products include credit, investment and loan insurance products. OmaSp is also engaged in mortgage banking operations.

OmaSp core idea is to provide personal service and to be local and close to its customers, both in digital and traditional channels. OmaSp strives to offer premium level customer experience through personal service and easy accessibility. In addition, the development of the operations and services is customer-oriented. The personnel is committed and OmaSp seeks to support their career development with versatile tasks and continuous development. A substantial part of the personnel also own shares in OmaSp.

The MIL Network –
February 1, 2025

MIL-OSI: Compagnie de Financement Foncier : Press Release – Results of Compagnie de Financement Foncier in 2024

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Press release for full and effective distribution

Paris, January 31, 2025

Compagnie de Financement Foncier’s financial results in 2024

On January 31, 2025, Compagnie de Financement Foncier’s Board of Directors, chaired by Éric FILLIAT, met to approve the annual financial statements for 2024.

***

COMPAGNIE DE FINANCEMENT FONCIER’S BUSINESS ACTIVITY

In 2024, despite an unstable geopolitical context and a volatile financial environment, Compagnie de Financement Foncier, in synergy with Groupe BPCE, achieved remarkable commercial and financial performances.

Issuance of covered bonds

A key player in Groupe BPCE’s refinancing strategy, Compagnie de Financement Foncier is a benchmark issuer thanks to its ability to seize the best market opportunities and offer investors solutions that meet their expectations. This agility allows it to provide Groupe BPCE institutions with highly competitive refinancing for their lending businesses.

In 2024, Compagnie de Financement Foncier issued €5.8bn in covered bonds, €1.3bn more than in 2023.

In April 2024, Compagnie de Financement Foncier tapped the primary market for a €2bn dual-tranche issuance. These tranches, of €1.25bn and €750m, were issued with maturities of three and eight years respectively. The high level of oversubscription on this transaction, despite market instability, testifies to its success.
In May 2024, an issuance of €1.5bn was carried out with a maturity of six years. The wide range of investors in this transaction confirms the diversity of Compagnie de Financement Foncier’s investor base.
In September 2024, Compagnie de Financement Foncier took advantage of a favorable issuance window with a benchmark of €1bn over eight and a half years.
In October 2024, as part of Groupe BPCE’s Sustainable Development Funding Program, Compagnie de Financement Foncier carried out its second social issuance (€500m over five years). This transaction strengthens Compagnie de Financement Foncier’s presence in this specialized market and aligns with Groupe BPCE’s objectives to integrate ESG criteria into its refinancing activities.

In 2024, Compagnie de Financement Foncier’s currency diversification strategy continued with two issuances, one in CHF and the other in USD, with respective counter values of €161m and €139m at the transaction date.

Refinancing of Groupe BPCE receivables

In line with its strategic guidelines, Compagnie de Financement Foncier refinanced a total of €6.3bn in receivables contributed by Groupe BPCE institutions, €1.5bn more than in 2023. Noteworthy among this year’s transactions were the refinancing of state-guaranteed loans (PGE) for Groupe BPCE institutions (€1.4bn) and, for the first time, the refinancing of outstanding export credits (€31.5m).

These performances, in ever-competitive markets, reflect the commitment and efficiency of all the teams involved. They also confirm the success of the system put in place and the relevance of the diversification strategy developed with Groupe BPCE, which enables Compagnie de Financement Foncier to finance the Group’s various business lines under very competitive conditions.

II. COMPAGNIE DE FINANCEMENT FONCIER’S INCOME STATEMENT

In millions of euros ⁽¹⁾	2024	2023
Net interest margin	165	219
Net commissions	9	13
Other banking expenses (net)	-2	-2
Net banking income	172	230
General operating expenses	-56	-68
Gross operating income	116	162
Cost of risk	2	3
Gains or losses on long‑term investments	0	0
Income before tax	118	165
Income tax	-32	-46
Net income	86	119

Net banking income amounted to €172m, down by €58m compared with 2023.

General operating expenses came to €56m, down on the previous year due to the disappearance of the contribution to the SRF; restated for this item, operating expenses are relatively stable compared with 2023.

Gross operating income reached €116m.

The cost of risk in 2024 shows a net reversal of €2m, reflecting the quality of the assets carried on Compagnie de Financement Foncier’s balance sheet.

Net income was €86m at December 31, 2024, compared with €119m at December 31, 2023.

III. BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION

Compagnie de Financement Foncier’s balance sheet total was €61.0bn at the end of 2024, compared with €60.3bn at the end of 2023.

The assets refinanced by Compagnie de Financement Foncier for the Group’s institutions in 2024 mainly come from the public sector, increasing their proportion on Compagnie de Financement Foncier’s balance sheet.

At the end of 2024, outstanding covered bonds stood at €51.5bn, including related debts, close to the situation at December 31, 2023 (€51.7bn).

IV. PRUDENTIAL INFORMATION

Although exempt from regulatory requirements in terms of solvency ratios, Compagnie de Financement Foncier calculates, for information purposes, a Common Equity Tier One (CET 1) ratio at its limits. At December 31, 2024, this ratio stood at 38,6 %, well above the minimum threshold set out in Regulation 575/2013 (CRR).

In accordance with the legislation applicable to Sociétés de Crédit Foncier, Compagnie de Financement Foncier maintains a coverage ratio for its privileged liabilities of more than 105%.

Appendices

***

Unless otherwise stated, the financial data in this press release are currently estimated and taken from the financial statements of Compagnie de Financement Foncier. These include the individual financial statements and related explanatory notes, prepared in accordance with French accounting standards and applicable Groupe BPCE standards.

As of the date of publication of this press release, the audit procedures carried out by the Statutory Auditors on the annual financial statements are in progress.

Compagnie de Financement Foncier is a credit institution approved as a specialized credit institution and a Société de Crédit Foncier. It is affiliated with BPCE and a 100% subsidiary of Crédit Foncier and Groupe BPCE.

Regulated information is available on the website https://foncier.fr/ in the “Financial communication/Regulated information” section.

Contact: Investor Relations

Email: ir@foncier.fr
Tel.: +33 (0) 1 58 73 55 10

⁽1⁾Some rounded amounts given in millions of euros in this press release may differ from those in euros.

Attachment

Press Release – Results of Compagnie de Financement Foncier in 2024

The MIL Network –

February 1, 2025

MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko met in Anapa with volunteers involved in the liquidation of the consequences of the emergency on the coast

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Dmitry Chernyshenko met in Anapa with volunteers involved in the liquidation of the consequences of the emergency on the coast

January 31, 2025

Dmitry Chernyshenko met in Anapa with volunteers involved in the liquidation of the consequences of the emergency on the coast

January 31, 2025

Dmitry Chernyshenko met in Anapa with volunteers involved in the liquidation of the consequences of the emergency on the coast

January 31, 2025

Dmitry Chernyshenko met in Anapa with volunteers involved in the liquidation of the consequences of the emergency on the coast

January 31, 2025

Dmitry Chernyshenko met in Anapa with volunteers involved in the liquidation of the consequences of the emergency on the coast

January 31, 2025

Dmitry Chernyshenko met in Anapa with volunteers involved in the liquidation of the consequences of the emergency on the coast

January 31, 2025

Dmitry Chernyshenko met in Anapa with volunteers involved in the liquidation of the consequences of the emergency on the coast

January 31, 2025

Dmitry Chernyshenko met in Anapa with volunteers involved in the liquidation of the consequences of the emergency on the coast

January 31, 2025

Dmitry Chernyshenko met in Anapa with volunteers involved in the liquidation of the consequences of the emergency on the coast

January 31, 2025

Previous news Next news

Dmitry Chernyshenko met in Anapa with volunteers involved in the liquidation of the consequences of the emergency on the coast

Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko spoke with representatives of the united volunteer headquarters on the shore of Anapa

The meeting was also attended by the head of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh) Grigory Gurov and the governor of Krasnodar Krai Veniamin Kondratyev.

Volunteer headquarters

Co-chairman of the Ecosystem movement Andrey Rudnev proposed that the Russian Government regulate the work of volunteers and issue a Government order specifying mandatory registration on the platform “Dobro.RF” and through regional headquarters

The Deputy Prime Minister supported the proposal to distribute recommendations on safety measures for volunteer work and expressed gratitude to all volunteers for their dedicated work, involvement and concern.

“Volunteering is difficult, sometimes dangerous work. Volunteers are provided with social guarantees, compensation payments and measures to ensure their safety. It is extremely important that all volunteers who want to help eliminate the consequences register on the platform “Dobro.RF”. This will help to organize the work and, above all, ensure your safety,” Dmitry Chernyshenko emphasized.

The Deputy Prime Minister noted the importance of unity across the country in combating environmental threats and added that the cohesion of government organizations, public institutions and citizens plays a key role in overcoming current challenges. Dmitry Chernyshenko expressed gratitude to the leadership of Krasnodar Krai and Rosmolodezh for their coordinated work.

Rosmolodezh head Grigory Gurov reported that most volunteers come centrally and join the headquarters “Dobro.RF”. “By starting independent work to clean up oil products, people risk their health and violate safety requirements. Therefore, we urge everyone who has decided to go to help eliminate oil pollution to follow the instructions and guidelines. Join the work of the headquarters

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

February 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Millions of Fentanyl Doses Seized in Saskatchewan Traffic Stop

Source: Government of Canada regional news

Released on January 31, 2025

Saskatchewan continues to see significant results from the strong partnerships that exist between the RCMP and the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety’s Provincial Protective Services (PPS). Together, the RCMP’s specialized policing teams and the PPS’s Conservation Officer Service and Saskatchewan Highway Patrol (SHP) officers are targeting illicit drugs, weapons and human trafficking cases near the border and across the province.

During a proactive patrol on January 28, 2025, the RCMP and Saskatchewan Highway Patrol officers conducted a traffic stop in the Swift Current area. During a vehicle search, officers located eight kilograms of fentanyl hidden under a spare tire. As a result of the investigation, two occupants in the vehicle were charged with trafficking and possession for the purpose of trafficking.

“Thank you to the Saskatchewan RCMP, Saskatchewan Highway Patrol, conservation officers and all of our policing partners for their service to the people of Saskatchewan,” Premier Scott Moe said. “This seizure of fentanyl is another significant outcome we are seeing from our investments in the Saskatchewan RCMP and the Provincial Protective Services as they tackle crime and prevent harmful drugs from reaching our communities.”

“By removing illicit drugs and illegal weapons from our streets, our policing partners at the Saskatchewan RCMP and the Provincial Protective Services are helping to keep Saskatchewan communities safe,” Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod said. “Our partnership with the RCMP plays an important role in addressing critical issues, whether it is supporting border security or combating organized crime, we work together to ensure community safety.”

On January 9, 2025, RCMP’s Roving Traffic Unit and Saskatchewan Highway Patrol officers were doing proactive patrols and conducted a traffic stop. As a result of an investigation, officers located and seized approximately 1,551 lbs of illicit cannabis and a sum of cash from inside a large cargo van. An adult male was arrested and charged with trafficking and possession for the purpose of trafficking.

“RCMP officers and employees across Saskatchewan remain dedicated to the safety and security of the people and communities we serve, despite an increase in complex crimes paired with resourcing challenges we face,” Saskatchewan RCMP Assistant Commissioner Commanding Officer Rhonda Blackmore said. “Look at this month alone, investigators removed significant quantities of drugs from our streets. We have collaborated with partner agencies on multiple serious investigations. I am exceptionally proud to lead such a fantastic team.”

Since January 6, 2025, PPS officers and the RCMP have also conducted high-visibility patrols near the SK-US border, including this week’s collaborative enforcement effort north of the Regway border crossing. These enforcement efforts ensured a strong presence near our border focused on commercial vehicle safety, traffic safety and compliance as part of the Saskatchewan Border Security Plan. In addition to the concerted work of RCMP, PPS officers have dedicated 750 hours to patrolling southern border routes, smaller communities and remote areas, with more than 270 vehicles being inspected, one firearm seized and over 80 provincial tickets issued.

-30-

For more information, contact:

MIL OSI Canada News –

February 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Presidential Lecture: Paraguay’s Santiago Peña

Source: World Trade Organization – WTO (video statements)

The President of Paraguay, Santiago Peña Palacios, stressed the critical role of the WTO in promoting peace and prosperity through free trade during his delivery on 31 January of the latest edition of the WTO Presidential Lecture. President Peña emphasized that, amid the current global challenges faced by the multilateral trading system, middle powers like Paraguay have a unique responsibility to act as bridge-builders and to foster dialogue and consensus. This will contribute to a more stable and cooperative international order, he said.

What the lecture: https://youtube.com/live/jzTIuAaewY4?feature=share

Download this video from the WTO website:
https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/webcas_e/webcas_e.htm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JJg1kuUE4A

MIL OSI Video –

February 1, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons decries President Trump’s freeze on almost all foreign assistance in speech on Senate floor

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Appropriations and Foreign Relations Committees, condemned President Donald Trump’s executive order (EO) to pause almost all U.S. foreign assistance in a speech on the Senate floor yesterday, calling it unconstitutional and harmful to U.S. security and values.

Last week, following the Trump EO, the State Department issued a “stop-work” order that halted all current foreign assistance and paused new projects, with narrow exceptions. This abrupt action created widespread confusion, further complicated by the White House budget office’s decision to send and then rescind a separate memo that had ordered a freeze on all federal grant spending. The actions have left essential aid programs and global partnerships in a state of uncertainty, weakening the United States’ standing around the world.

In his remarks, Senator Coons emphasized that foreign assistance is not charity, but an investment that strengthens our security and economy. The Trump EO by contrast, harms our allies and friends, and benefits adversaries like China. It has halted payments to contractors rebuilding Ukraine’s electrical infrastructure in the wake of Russian attacks and frozen support that is critical to ensuring Taiwan’s defense. This pause has halted vital pandemic surveillance work that keeps us safe from lethal diseases and rapidly emerging pandemics, at a time when we are seeing new outbreaks of highly transmissible diseases like Ebola in Uganda and Marburg in Tanzania. The pause has impacted critical global health funding, including PEPFAR, which provides HIV treatment for more than 20 million people living with HIV globally. U.S. institutions that monitor global elections like the National Democratic Institute and International Republic Institute are also frozen in the run-up to elections in nations like Moldova and Romania that are expected to be targets of Russian interference. This reckless step harms U.S. credibility and economic stability and creates long-term consequences that weaken our allies and empower our adversaries.

Senator Coons also underscored that while foreign assistance accounts for less than 1 percent of the federal budget, its strategic significance is crucial.

A video and partial transcript of Senator Coons’ comments are available below.

WATCH HERE.

Senator Coons: Mr. President, I’m speaking today in strong opposition to President Trump’s illegal executive order of last Friday night that pauses all of our foreign assistance and development assistance. Let’s be clear: our development assistance, our foreign aid, isn’t about charity. It’s about security, and it’s about values. We have alliances and partnerships around the world that are undergirded by our soft power – by our partnerships and investment in helping make our world safer, more stable, and more secure. What happened last Friday night, at the end of the workday and there was no one there to answer urgent questions – was a freeze on all foreign assistance, with a very narrow exception for food aid, and it has caused chaos in the global community that delivers aid and assistance around the world.

For days, there were questions unanswered. What did this mean in Ukraine, in Lebanon, where there are wars and ceasefires, where critical grant funding and work by contractors helps put the lights back on after Russian attacks on the electrical infrastructure in Ukraine, where ceasefire implementation in Lebanon was ongoing. In parts of the world where we were continuing to bring home to the United States those who served alongside us in Afghanistan, Afghan SIVs waiting for processing, abandoned in Qatar and here in the United States.

A halt on drug supplies that helped keep 20 million people living with HIV through the program PEPFAR, long supported by presidents and Congresses of both parties. A freeze on activity to counter fentanyl and narcotics trafficking, to push back on Chinese and Russian disinformation, and to promote democracy. With urgent upcoming elections, the International Republican Institute and the National Democratic Institute are frozen in their activities and forced to lay off or furlough their workforce. Let me thank Secretary Rubio for responding to urgent calls to broaden the aperture for humanitarian waivers for this freeze, but let me also say that with dozens and dozens of the most senior people at USAID put on furlough, implementing this got harder, and with thousands of contractors who work for USAID in countries around the world dismissed or laid off, the consequences will be severe.

I’ll just give you one example. I suspect everyone listening has heard of the disease Ebola. I suspect not everyone has heard of the disease Marburg. They are related. They’re highly transmissive and deadly viruses. There is a new outbreak of Ebola in the capital of Uganda. There’s an ongoing outbreak of Marburg in the neighboring country of Tanzania. This freeze pauses the pandemic surveillance work, the urgent public health work, the assistance we provide that makes sure that we are safe from a rapidly emerging and lethal global pandemic that we put in place after the last pandemic.

When we halt foreign assistance, it has consequences. It’s just one percent of our total budget. Most Americans think it’s a big percent of our spending, but it’s one percent, actually, less than one percent of the total federal budget. And there’s a winner here, and it’s not the American taxpayer. Freezing programs like this causes chaos and often costs more to restart them after a review. The winner is China. Our biggest global competitor and adversary is delighted that we’ve handed them an opportunity to say to communities and countries around the world that we are not a reliable partner – that despite contracts and promises, commitments, and programs, they now have months to crow about how we have abandoned our partnerships with county after country around the world. China is delighted when we layoff, or furlough, or cut the resources that help fuel the work of our diplomats and our development professionals. And China has seen its opportunity to expand its influence through programs like the Belt and Road Initiative. They’ve spent a trillion dollars on projects across the Global South in the last decade, and our ability to counter Chinese influence, to make strategic investments, has been put gravely at risk by putting on hold the workforce and the contracts that help deliver them.

The administration may be claiming that this pause is temporary, but its effects will not be. The lasting impacts on small businesses, on contractors, on NGOs and loss of expertise, loss of their workforce, loss of their credibility I think will be lasting, dangerous, and harmful.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 1, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Luján Named Ranking Member of Agriculture Subcommittee on Nutrition and Specialty Crops

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)

Subcommittee Oversees Key New Mexico Priorities Including Food Assistance Programs, Specialty Crop Produces, and Healthy Food Initiatives

Washington, D.C. – This week, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) was named Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry’s Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research for the 119^th Congress. Senator Luján will serve alongside Subcommittee Chairman U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).

“Across New Mexico and the nation, federal nutrition assistance programs help feed our families and children, while our specialty crop growers put high-quality, nutritious produce for our tables,” said Senator Luján. “I am honored to have been selected to lead the Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics and Research, where I will work to boost programs to help families afford healthy food, secure resources for our specialty crop and organic producers, and ensure strong investment and support for our agricultural research institutions. I look forward to working in a bipartisan manner to secure New Mexico priorities on this key subcommittee.”

“As Ranking Member, I will work to support and provide resources for our specialty crop growers in New Mexico who feed our nation and the world and support our trademark crops from pecans to chile. No one should face the threat of hunger, and I will work tirelessly to make certain that families are able to put high-quality, nutritious food on the table, no matter where you live. New Mexico also boasts a wealth of agriculture research institutions, ranging from New Mexico State University to our climate hub and agriculture research stations,” continued Senator Luján. “Supporting strong research investment will be a priority for me on this subcommittee as we look to ensure that our agriculture community has the tools they need to face challenges ranging from pests to climate change and be competitive at the global level.”

Background on Senator Luján’s work on supporting food assistance programs and specialty crop growers:

Senator Luján has long fought to protect and improve federal nutrition assistance programs, leading legislation to protect local grocers from transaction fees that would make it harder for them to accept SNAP benefits, introducing legislation that would support merit staff and protect the integrity and efficiency of SNAP, and fighting to protect access to SNAP benefits in the Farm Bill. Through Senator Luján’s work on the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, he has fought to secure provisions in the Farm Bill that would invest in agriculture research and boost resources for New Mexico’s specialty crop and organic producers.

Background on the Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research:

The Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research oversees programs regarding food and nutrition assistance, school meals, non-program crops, organic production, and research. The subcommittee oversees agencies within the Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services; Research, Education and Economics; and Marketing and Regulatory Programs mission areas at USDA. In addition to agencies, this subcommittee oversees the Foundation for Food and Agricultural Research.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 1, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Air Force Wargaming Institute hosts tabletop exercise for the Department Level Exercise series 2025

Source: United States Air Force

Headline: Air Force Wargaming Institute hosts tabletop exercise for the Department Level Exercise series 2025

The Department Level Exercise series, part of the DAF’s Reoptimization for GPC, is the integration of several disparate major command exercises, intended to synchronize and evolve operations to deter competitor aggression where able, and to defeat threats to national security when necessary.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 1, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont Announces New Programs That Are Expanding Access to Contraception in Connecticut

Source: US State of Connecticut

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli today announced that a training program for licensed pharmacists who want to be able to prescribe contraception directly to customers is now available in Connecticut. In addition, they announced today that the state’s first vending machines providing access to emergency contraception and other over-the-counter medications are also now available in Connecticut.

The training program, developed by the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, received final approval this week from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. The continuing education program is expected to take four hours to complete and is optional for all pharmacists. There are 671 licensed pharmacies and more than 6,500 licensed pharmacists in the state who are eligible to complete the course and begin offering this service.

“This is just one of the many ways we’re working to expand access to contraception and other important medications in Connecticut,” Governor Lamont said. “Pharmacists have continued to play a growing role in our healthcare system, from administering vaccines to dispensing Narcan and other lifesaving medications, and now prescribing birth control. They are a critical part of the healthcare network.”

“There can be many barriers to going to a primary care provider for contraception – potential costs, needing to take time off work, or traveling long distances. That is why both patients and pharmacists overwhelmingly offered their support for this change,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “Everyone should have safe and reliable access to contraceptives. Governor Lamont and I remain committed to ensuring that our state continues to be the best place for women and that every patient in Connecticut has access to the care they need.”

“Many people interact with their pharmacists more often than their doctors throughout the year, providing a critical resource for patients in every corner of our state,” Commissioner Cafferelli said. “Pharmacies are everywhere, from CVS and Walgreens to the independent pharmacies down the road, to the pharmacies in major retailers like Stop and Shop and Walmart, and they play a critical role in removing barriers to accessing safe and effective medication.”

“Allowing pharmacists to both prescribe and dispense hormonal birth control could help mitigate barriers and expand access to contraception for the citizens of our state,” UConn School of Pharmacy Dean Philip Hritcko said.

“The ability for pharmacists to directly prescribe hormonal and emergency contraception is a critical step forward in expanding access to essential healthcare,” Nathan Tinker, CEO of the Connecticut Pharmacists Association, said. “In Connecticut, this means that there could potentially be some 600 new points of access across the state for this important service. The Connecticut Pharmacists Association thanks Governor Lamont’s administration and the Department of Consumer Protection for recognizing that pharmacists are in a unique position to provide timely, convenient, and patient-centered care.”

“Access to contraceptives gives people the ability to control their own reproductive destinies and make personal decisions regarding if, when, or how to start their families,” Liz Gustafson, Connecticut state director of Reproductive Equity Now, said. “By eliminating the need for a visit to a healthcare provider to obtain a prescription for birth control and allowing people to receive the prescription directly from their local pharmacy, pharmacist prescribing will help increase access to contraception for those who face the greatest barriers to care. We’re also thrilled to see the first emergency contraception vending machine in Connecticut installed at UConn Storrs, and commend Dr. Smith, medical director of student health and wellness and his colleagues, for their work to bring this to fruition. As national attacks on birth control escalate, we must find every opportunity to protect and expand reproductive freedom, and this pharmacist training program and expanded access to emergency contraception are critically important steps.”

Pharmacists who want to prescribe contraception can register for the on-demand training program by visiting the UConn School of Pharmacy website. The cost to pharmacists is $40 for registration. Once a pharmacist completes the training, they will be able to prescribe contraception. The course counts toward the 15 hours of annual continuing education required for pharmacists.

Patients who are prescribed birth control by a pharmacist are advised to consult with a primary care or other physician for a follow-up consultation after receiving a prescription from a pharmacist, but a follow up appointment is not required.

Pharmacists who have questions can contact the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection via email at DCP.DrugControl@ct.gov.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 1, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Lexington man arrested on two Child Sexual Abuse Material* chargesRead More

Source: US State of South Carolina

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of Darien Shawn Saxon, 25, of Lexington, S.C., on two charges connected to the sexual exploitation of minors. Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department made the arrest. Investigators with the Attorney General’s Office, also a member of the state’s ICAC Task Force, assisted with the investigation.

Investigators received a CyberTipline report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) which led them to Saxon. Investigators state Saxon distributed files of child sexual abuse material.

Saxon was arrested on January 29, 2025. He is charged with two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, second degree (§16-15-405), a felony offense punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment on each count.

This case will be prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office.

Attorney General Wilson stressed all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty in a court of law.

* Child sexual abuse material, or CSAM, is a more accurate reflection of the material involved in these heinous and abusive crimes. “Pornography” can imply the child was a consenting participant. Globally, the term child pornography is being replaced by CSAM for this reason.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 1, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Summerville man arrested on 20 Child Sexual Abuse Material* chargesRead More

Source: US State of South Carolina

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of Brandon Scott Wood, 32, of Summerville, S.C., on 20 charges connected to the sexual exploitation of minors. Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators with the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office made the arrest. Investigators with the Attorney General’s Office, also a member of the state’s ICAC Task Force, assisted with the investigation.

Investigators received a CyberTipline report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) which led them to Wood. Investigators state Wood distributed files of child sexual abuse material.

Wood was arrested on January 29, 2025. He is charged with 20 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, second degree (§16-15-405), a felony offense punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment on each count.

This case will be prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office.

Attorney General Wilson stressed all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty in a court of law.

* Child sexual abuse material, or CSAM, is a more accurate reflection of the material involved in these heinous and abusive crimes. “Pornography” can imply the child was a consenting participant. Globally, the term child pornography is being replaced by CSAM for this reason.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Local man arrested for failing to pay employment taxes

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

HOUSTON – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment against a local company owner for failing to file employment tax returns and failing to pay over taxes his company withheld from employee paychecks, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei and Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Criminal Matters Karen Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.

Joseth Limon is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina A. Bryan at 2 p.m.

According to the indictment, Limon allegedly owned Platinum Employment Group Inc., a company that supplied laborers to businesses in the Houston area. The indictment alleges that between 2016 and 2018, Platinum paid its employees over $3.5 million and withheld over $450,000 from their paychecks. During that period, however, Limon allegedly failed to pay to the IRS the employment taxes that Platinum withheld from its employees’ paychecks and failed to file any employment tax returns on behalf of Platinum.

If convicted, Limon faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and up to a $250,000 possible fine.

IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Shirin Hakimzadeh and Trial Attorney Curtis Weidler of the Department of Justice’s Tax Division are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

MIL Security OSI –

February 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Guilty Verdict in Cook County Armed Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Trial

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

VALDOSTA, Ga. – The head of an armed drug trafficking organization (DTO) based out of Cook County, Georgia, and two co-conspirators were found guilty this week of numerous federal charges following a two-and-a-half-week trial in Valdosta.

Calvin James Smith, Sr., aka “Rollo,” 56, of Adel, Georgia, was found guilty of all 23 counts he was charged with in the 44-count indictment: one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; 14 counts of distribution of methamphetamine; one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; two counts of distribution of cocaine base; one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine; one count of attempt to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana; one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Smith is facing a maximum of life in prison.

Bobby Leon Kaiser, 54, of Adel, was found guilty of nine of 12 counts he was charged with: one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; two counts of distribution of methamphetamine; five counts of distribution of cocaine base; and one count of distribution of cocaine. Kaiser is facing a maximum of life in prison.

Vernardo Henley, 44, of Valdosta, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Henley is facing a maximum of life in prison.

The trial began on Monday, Jan. 13, and concluded on Wednesday evening, Jan. 29. Senior U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands presided over the cases. Sentencing dates will be determined by the Court. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Federal, state and local law enforcement marshaled significant resources to stop the distribution of a large amount of deadly illegal drugs from a small town in South Georgia. Our dedicated trial team worked tirelessly to hold the leader and his co-conspirators accountable for their crimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker. “Armed drug trafficking organizations have no place in our communities, and we will continue working together to make Middle Georgia safer for everyone.”

“The success of this large-scale investigation and the arrests of these drug dealers demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to fighting the drug trafficking organizations responsible for driving addiction and destroying communities,” said FBI Atlanta Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Rich Bilson.

“Today’s verdict sends a clear message that criminal organizations operating in Georgia, especially those trafficking in dangerous drugs and using firearms to further their operations, will be held accountable,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey. “This conviction is a testament to the tireless work of our law enforcement partners, who have dedicated countless hours to ensuring that those who threaten our communities with violence and illegal substances will face justice.”

“Investigations and prosecutions like this one are great examples of the ongoing effort between local agencies and our federal partners to disrupt the flow of illegal narcotics into our communities,” said Hahira Police Chief Stryde Jones. “We are thankful to see this effort come to a close successfully.”

According to court documents and statements referenced in court, the FBI undertook a significant investigation beginning as early as December 2020 of an armed drug trafficking organization (DTO) led by Smith and centered in Adel, a small town in South Georgia. During the course of the investigation, agents determined that Smith and Kaiser were distributing large quantities of methamphetamine and crack cocaine, as well as marijuana, working with several associates. Kaiser and others were operating an open drug market at Kaiser’s gazebo and storage shed in Adel, where Smith was a major seller. Henley was released from federal prison on Jan. 20, 2022, and was heard over wiretap trying to locate Smith and purchase up to four kilograms of methamphetamine and sell the drugs. Beginning in Oct. 2021 and continuing through Nov. 10, 2022, agents developed confidential sources (CS) who provided information regarding drug activity at the gazebo and storage shed and conducted more than 25 controlled evidence purchases of methamphetamine and crack cocaine. As part of a wiretap, agents discovered 13 locations used by the DTO. Search warrants were executed at these locations on Nov. 10, 2022, and methamphetamine, cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, marijuana and 15 handguns and rifles were seized. Agents recovered more than five kilograms of pure methamphetamine, more than ten pounds of marijuana and several hundred grams of crack cocaine and cocaine.

Smith was recorded hundreds of times discussing purchases and sales of methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana, and directing others to distribute the drugs. Smith has a lengthy criminal history including aggravated assault, illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and controlled substance distribution. Henley has many prior convictions including a 2015 conviction in the Middle District of Georgia for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Kaiser has prior felony convictions, including false imprisonment and drug possession.

This case was investigated by the FBI, the Georgia Bureau of Investigations (GBI), the Hahira Police Department, with assistance from the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, the Adel Police Department and the Moultrie Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Monica Daniels and Robert McCullers are prosecuting the case for the Government.

MIL Security OSI –

February 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Grove Man Sentenced After Stealing Identity of Deceased Friend

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

TULSA, Okla. – Today, U.S. District Judge John F. Heil, III, sentenced Terry Ross Killion, 43, for committing Aggravated Identity Theft. Judge Heil ordered Killion to serve 24 months imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release. Additionally, Judge Heil ordered Killion to pay $116,763 in restitution.

In 2019, Killion obtained the identifiers of his deceased friend, Kelly Davis, and began impersonating him. Killion set up several accounts in Davis’s name and contacted the Social Security Administration, claiming to be Kelly Davis. Killion then fraudulently diverted the payments to himself.

Killion will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.

The Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General – Dallas Kansas City Field Division investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney George Jiang prosecuted the case.

MIL Security OSI –

February 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group Departs Thailand

Source: United States Navy

The U.S. relationship with Thailand is one of the oldest in the Indo-Pacific region. The countries have shared friendly and diplomatic relations for over 190 years. Thailand is one of five treaty allies of the U.S. in the Indo-Pacific Region and continues to be a longstanding security partner and leader in Southeast Asia.

“We are incredibly grateful to Thailand for hosting the Carrier Strike Group ONE team,” said Rear Adm. Michael Wosje, commander, Carrier Strike Group ONE. “Port visits like this are a testament to the vital importance of the U.S.-Thailand Alliance and Partnership that contributes to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. We have shared history, shared interests, and common values that will continue to unite us for the good of both of our countries.”

The U.S. remains committed to the Kingdom of Thailand, promoting military-to-military relations, as well as advancing interoperability and coordination with the Royal Thai Armed Forces, to promote regional security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

“Thank you, Rear Admiral Michael Wosje and the captains and crew of the USS Carl Vinson and other ships of Carrier Strike Group ONE, for your visit to Thailand! Your time here reinforced the excellent relations between Thailand and the United States and our shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. We look forward to future visits,” said U.S. Ambassador to Thailand, Robert F. Godec.

During their stay in Thailand, the nearly 7,500 Sailors from Carrier Strike Group ONE participated in cultural exchanges, community relations events, and Morale, Welfare and Recreation sponsored tours to enhance cultural understanding and cooperation between the two countries.

“I know I can speak for all of the Carl Vinson crew when I say how grateful we are to the people of Laem Chabang and Pattaya City for welcoming our Sailors with such kindness and hospitality,” said Capt. Matthew Thomas, commanding officer, USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). “This port visit allowed our Sailors the opportunity to recharge and prepare to approach the next stretch of our time at sea maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. We are committed to the U.S.-Thai friendship and look forward to future opportunities that strengthen this bond.”

The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group consists of USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), embarked staffs of Carrier Strike Group ONE and Destroyer Squadron one, Carrier Air Wing Two, Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59) and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Sterett (DDG 104) and USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110). Carrier Air Wing Two is composed of nine squadrons flying the F-35C Lightning II, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growler, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, CMV-22 Osprey and MH-60R/S Seahawks.

The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

For more news from Carrier Strike Group ONE and Carl Vinson visit: https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/CSG1, https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/CVN70

MIL Security OSI –

February 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Naval District Washington Prepares for Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain 2025

Source: United States Navy

Naval Support Activity (NSA) Washington, NSA Bethesda, NSA Annapolis, NSA South Potomac, and Naval Air Station Patuxent River, will participate in the yearly, two-part anti-terrorism and force protection exercise designed to test the effectiveness of the installations readiness and training programs.

“Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain 2025 is an important exercise that ensures our security forces are at peak readiness to respond to evolving threats,” said Rob Shaffer, Security Director Naval District Washington. “We train the way we fight, and this exercise allows us to refine our procedures, strengthen our decision-making, and enhance coordination with partner agencies, ultimately protecting our most valuable asset – our people.”

During the first week of February 3 – 7, emergency responders on Navy installations will engage in Citadel Shield. Throughout the week, the field training will focus on the installation level with various scenarios such as an active shooter, unauthorized base access, suspicious packages, and unmanned aerial surveillance.

“The Navy is committed to being a good neighbor, and the safety of our personnel and the surrounding community is our top priority,” said Shaffer. “While Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain 2025 may lead to increased activity around our installations, we are working to minimize disruptions. This exercise reinforces the importance of a proactive force protection mindset for all Navy personnel, ensuring we are ready to respond to any potential threat while also allowing our Sailors to hone their skills and maintain the highest level of readiness.”

The second week of February (the 10th through the 14th) is the Solid Curtain portion of the exercise, which will focus on various national-level scenarios. During this week, base force protection conditions or FPCON levels will change daily with training evolutions. Some scenarios may cause irregular traffic patterns or gate hours on the installations.

Installation personnel can obtain essential notifications during CS/SC25 by registering for the Wide Area Alert Network (WAAN). Personnel should also familiarize themselves with their command or tenant command anti-terrorism plan to know what to expect during the exercise.

Register for the WAAN at https://ndw.cnic.navy.mil/waan/

To keep up with all things NDW, follow our socials at https://www.facebook.com/NavDistWash, https://www.instagram.com/navdistwash/

MIL Security OSI –

February 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: How should Keir Starmer handle Donald Trump – and how’s it going so far?

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Martin Farr, Senior Lecturer in Contemporary British History, Newcastle University

The pairing of British prime minister Keir Starmer and US president Donald Trump connotes many imponderables. The only certainty happens to be the most significant: they will be in office together for four years.

It is rare for a prime minister and a president to have the luxury of knowing – barring extreme unpredictabilities, such as death or incapacity – they have a full term in harness. And personal chemistry matters.

Trump emphasises (rather too much for the liking of America’s allies) the deal, the handshake, the gaze; the bond that only the lonely, only those who lead, can have. Starmer emphasises level-headedness (although his government has not been particulary conspicuous in evincing it).

Opposites may well attract, but the precedents for coterminous presidents and prime ministers are not encouraging. John Major and Bill Clinton, elected seven months apart, spent 1992 to 1997 together. But in the very definition of what not to do before an election, London had made its preference for the result of the election in America known – and the other guy won. The Conservative and the Democrat were no more than coolly cordial thereafter.

On his re-election in 2001, Tony Blair knew he had George W. Bush for at least four years – it turned out to be eight – but the consequences for him were disastrous once the two decided to partake in a war on “terror”.

In 1964, Harold Wilson and Lyndon Johnson were elected almost simultaneously, and spent 1964 to 1968 together. Though they were Labour and Democrat, and therefore from sister parties, it was not a harmonious pairing. Wilson’s meddling in, but lack of support for, Johnson’s war in Vietnam was a source of unbridled irritation in the White House.

Trump and May

The last time Trump became president, Theresa May was prime minister and she travelled with undisguised haste to the White House. There she achieved a highly untypical diplomatic coup in getting Trump to commit publicly to Nato (that bars should be so low was a general feature of the presidency).

Their subsequent relationship was, however, toxic. No prime minister has been less likely to gaze, to bond (despite pictures of them holding hands), and the president held her as having mangled Brexit, a bid for freedom with which he was keen to associate himself.

Before the US election, Starmer displayed a unfamiliar deftness of touch, and banked some credit. His immediate phone call to candidate Trump following an attempt on his life in July was both bold and smart. There followed the fabled Trump Tower two-hour chicken dinner.

It was more typical for Starmer that when it emerged, in a most unfortunate echo of 1992, Labour activists – and Starmer’s own pollster – were working on the Kamala Harris campaign, Trump’s people cried foreign interference and threatened legal action.

And the two in Starmer’s team who will have the most exposure to the new administration have both been publicly rude about Trump. David Lammy, now foreign secretary, called him “deluded, dishonest, xenophobic [and] narcissistic” in 2019.

Peter Mandelson, nominated but not yet confirmed as the UK ambassador to the US, has made comments about Trump being a “bully” and a “danger to the world”. To appease opposition in DC on his appointment, Mandelson has since turned on a sixpence (or perhaps a dime).

This is, at root, about Trump. No other president would have attracted such comments from frontline politicians. But from TV studio to TV studio, Lammy and Mandelson will have those quotes hung about their necks as if they were modern-day ancient mariners. Starmer’s innate caution in public utterance, in this area at least, has inured him.

Indeed, the repercussions of his unusual boldness in picking Mandelson over a career diplomat may discourage Starmer from ever thinking imaginatively again.

Most members of the Trump administration would be naturally hostile to a Labour government even without its leading figures insulting their boss or campaigning for his opponent. Certainly, the grounds for disagreement are great: the threat of tariffs, demanded increases in defence spending, the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, co-operation with China and support for Ukraine.

Thus Morgan McSweeney – architect of Labour’s 2024 victory, planner of its re-election and Starmer’s chief of staff – flew out to meet Susie Wiles, his equivalent in the White House. (It did not, a person privy to such information told me, go well. Voices were raised.)

Elon Musk, this moment’s most prominent presidential acolyte inveighed on X, “Starmer must go”, adding for good measure, “He is a national embarrassment.” It is indeed embarrassing – for Starmer – but he will be consoled with the well-founded suspicion that the life-expectancy of Musk and Trump’s tech bromance will be much less than four years.

Cause for self-reflection

The return of Trump, emboldened and more powerful than before, has effectively forced the posing of the age-old question: over which expanse of sea should Britain gaze – the Channel or the Atlantic? Churchill thought it should – and that only Britain could – do both.

Hence, perhaps, Trump’s own public statement about the possible destination of his first international trip: “It could be UK. Traditionally, it’s been UK.”

It hasn’t. Only Jimmy Carter, in 1977, and Joe Biden, in 2021, visited the UK first – and then because of summits. More than a few presidents (most recently Ford and Johnson) didn’t visit at all.

But even what might have been a supportive comment was laced with arsenic: “Last time, I went to Saudi Arabia because they agreed to buy 450 billion dollars’ worth of United States merchandise … And if that offer were right, I’d do that again.” Which at least may free the British government to be as unsentimentally transactional.

Trump and Starmer achieved big victories, albeit when painted in the most flattering terms. Starmer’s came on a historically low combination of vote share and voter turnout, Trump’s with fewer votes than Biden. But Trump will like that Starmer won a large majority. When May managed to lose hers in 2017, what little respect Trump had for her went with it.

Starmer would much rather have had four years with Biden, and even more with Harris, another public prosecutor of the left. But he has to deal with the transatlantic relationship as it is, rather than as he would wish it to be, and this one is most unlikely to be special.

Starmer is, moreover, a realist. Which is why he’ll also know that the second Trump presidency will be much more consequential than the first. Caution may have limited effect.

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

– ref. How should Keir Starmer handle Donald Trump – and how’s it going so far? – https://theconversation.com/how-should-keir-starmer-handle-donald-trump-and-hows-it-going-so-far-248697

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 1, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PSPRB response to the 2025-26 England and Wales remit letter and timetable.

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Correspondence from PSPRB Chair to the Minister of State for Justice relating to 2025-26 remit letter and timetable.

Applies to England and Wales

Documents

PSPRB response to 2025-26 England and Wales remit letter

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Details

The correspondence sets out the response of the Prison Service Pay Review Body to the 2025-26 remit letter and sets out the timetable for the round.

Updates to this page

Published 31 January 2025

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MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 1, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Westminster City Council to Open New Community Hub in Pimlico in 2026 | Westminster City Council

Source: City of Westminster

Westminster City Council has announced the planned opening of a brand-new community hub in the heart of Pimlico, set to launch in 2026. This transformative project is part of the Council’s ambitious Community Hubs Programme, striving to connect residents to the support they need across the city. The council opened two mini-hubs, at Victoria and Charing Cross libraries, in 2024.

The new hub will be located at the historic site of the old Pimlico Library, at the junction of Tachbrook Street and Lupus Street, directly opposite Pimlico Station and the Bessborough Family Hub. Originally built as part of Westminster City Council’s vision for the Lillington Garden Estate, the mid-20th-century civic building is steeped in history and boasts a highly visible street frontage. This refurbishment will restore a valued community asset to full public use.

The new Pimlico Community Hub is part of the council’s response to the priorities found during the Pimlico Community Conversations – the council’s engagement with over 400 local residents, organisations and businesses across the area. Through these discissions, it was discovered that the highest priority for the Pimlico community was more community activities, events, and spaces – and the new hub will respond to this need. The new hub will also help to improve the area around Pimlico Station, another priority highlighted by the Community Conversations.

By breathing new life into the site, the hub will provide an inclusive space where residents can come together, access essential services, and participate in exciting community activities. The hub will also contribute to the council’s ambition to reinvigorate local high streets, and its central position will be easily accessible and highly visible, ensuring it becomes a vibrant focal point for residents and visitors alike.

By creating spaces that bring people together, the council is delivering on its vision for a fairer, more equitable Westminster.

Councillor Cara Sanquest, Cabinet Member for Communities, said:

Through the Community Hubs Programme, we are reimagining our public spaces to better serve our communities.

“I am delighted and proud that we will be reopening the old Pimlico Library site as a Community Hub which will provide residents with access to face to face to support services from the council and other community organisations.”

Cllr Jason Williams, Pimlico Project lead member, said:

I am delighted to welcome the opening of the Pimlico Community Hub which will bring much needed community activities and services at such a great location. We discussed the importance of Community spaces in the Pimlico conversation and it’s great to see this being delivered for our community for the benefit of all.”

For more information contact mediateam@westminster.gov.uk

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: The Bank of Russia has postponed the publication of information on some participants in the payment services market for another year (31.01.2025)

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Central Bank of Russia –

The Board of Directors of the Bank of Russia has decided to extend until 31 December 2025 inclusive the suspension of publication on its website of information on foreign payment service providers included in the list of foreign payment service providers1.

At the same time, the procedure for maintaining the list, provided for by Bank of Russia Instruction No. 5429-U dated 06.04.2020, remains in effect.

1 Information about the previously adopted decision was published on the Bank of Russia website on 18.04.2024.

When using the material, a link to the Press Service of the Bank of Russia is required.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

HTTPS: //vv. KBR.ru/Press/PR/? fillet = 638739191836600628NPS.HTM

MIL OSI Russia News –

February 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 01/31/2025, 14-00 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A107D17 (Rosset1P12) were changed.

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

31.01.2025

14:00

In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC), on 31.01.2025, 14-00 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 98.28) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1057.02 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 18.75%) of the security RU000A107D17 (Rosset1P12) were changed.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

HTTPS: //VVV. MEEX.K.M.M.

MIL OSI Russia News –

February 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 01/31/2025, 14-44 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A0ZYJ91 (FSK RS B4) were changed.

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

31.01.2025

14:44

In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 31.01.2025, 14-44 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 106.45) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1132.19 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 7.5%) of the security RU000A0ZYJ91 (FSK RS B4) were changed.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.Mom/NN77300

MIL OSI Russia News –

February 1, 2025

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Dmitry Chernyshenko met in Anapa with volunteers involved in the liquidation of the consequences of the emergency on the coast

Dmitry Chernyshenko met in Anapa with volunteers involved in the liquidation of the consequences of the emergency on the coast

Dmitry Chernyshenko met in Anapa with volunteers involved in the liquidation of the consequences of the emergency on the coast

Dmitry Chernyshenko met in Anapa with volunteers involved in the liquidation of the consequences of the emergency on the coast

Dmitry Chernyshenko met in Anapa with volunteers involved in the liquidation of the consequences of the emergency on the coast

Dmitry Chernyshenko met in Anapa with volunteers involved in the liquidation of the consequences of the emergency on the coast

Dmitry Chernyshenko met in Anapa with volunteers involved in the liquidation of the consequences of the emergency on the coast

Dmitry Chernyshenko met in Anapa with volunteers involved in the liquidation of the consequences of the emergency on the coast

Dmitry Chernyshenko met in Anapa with volunteers involved in the liquidation of the consequences of the emergency on the coast

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