Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Minutes – Thursday, 23 January 2025 – Strasbourg – Final edition

    Source: European Parliament

    PV-10-2025-01-23

    EN

    EN

    iPlPv_Sit

    Minutes
    Thursday, 23 January 2025 – Strasbourg

     Abbreviations and symbols

    + adopted
    rejected
    lapsed
    W withdrawn
    RCV roll-call votes
    EV electronic vote
    SEC secret ballot
    split split vote
    sep separate vote
    am amendment
    CA compromise amendment
    CP corresponding part
    D deleting amendment
    = identical amendments
    § paragraph

    IN THE CHAIR: Younous OMARJEE
    Vice-President

    1. Opening of the sitting

    The sitting opened at 09:01.


    2. Combating Desertification: 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention (debate)

    Commission statement: Combating Desertification: 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention (2025/3018(RSP))

    Jessika Roswall (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

    The following spoke: Carmen Crespo Díaz, on behalf of the PPE Group, Marta Temido, on behalf of the S&D Group, Julien Leonardelli, on behalf of the PfE Group, Francesco Ventola, on behalf of the ECR Group, Martin Hojsík, on behalf of the Renew Group, Pär Holmgren, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Catarina Martins, on behalf of The Left Group, Zsuzsanna Borvendég, on behalf of the ESN Group, Christine Schneider, Sakis Arnaoutoglou, Mireia Borrás Pabón, Laurence Trochu, Billy Kelleher, Kai Tegethoff, João Oliveira, Daniel Buda, Maria Grapini, Mathilde Androuët, Marie Toussaint, Valentina Palmisano, Salvatore De Meo, Thomas Bajada, France Jamet, Vicent Marzà Ibáñez, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Sebastian Everding, who also answered a blue-card question from Sander Smit, Gabriella Gerzsenyi, César Luena, who also answered a blue-card question from Carmen Crespo Díaz, Jutta Paulus, who also answered a blue-card question from Maria Grapini, Nikolas Farantouris, Borja Giménez Larraz, Camilla Laureti, Marco Falcone, who also answered a blue-card question from Kai Tegethoff, Leire Pajín, Manuela Ripa, Jean-Marc Germain, Dan-Ştefan Motreanu, Stefano Bonaccini and Ştefan Muşoiu.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Grzegorz Braun, Hélder Sousa Silva and Seán Kelly.

    The following spoke: Jessika Roswall.

    The debate closed.

    (The sitting was suspended for a few moments.)


    IN THE CHAIR: Christel SCHALDEMOSE
    Vice-President

    3. Resumption of the sitting

    The sitting resumed at 10:29.


    4. Cryptocurrencies need for global standards (debate)

    Commission statement: Cryptocurrencies – need for global standards (2025/2514(RSP))

    Magnus Brunner (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

    The following spoke: Markus Ferber, on behalf of the PPE Group, Jonás Fernández, on behalf of the S&D Group, Pierre Pimpie, on behalf of the PfE Group, Marlena Maląg, on behalf of the ECR Group, Stéphanie Yon-Courtin, on behalf of the Renew Group, Rasmus Andresen, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group (the President reminded the speaker of the rules on conduct), Pasquale Tridico, on behalf of The Left Group, René Aust, on behalf of the ESN Group, Regina Doherty, Eero Heinäluoma, Aleksandar Nikolic, Guillaume Peltier, Gilles Boyer, Damian Boeselager, Catarina Martins, Stanislav Stoyanov, Kateřina Konečná, Kinga Kollár, Aurore Lalucq, Mathilde Androuët, Adrian-George Axinia, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, Giuseppe Antoci, Marcin Sypniewski, Luis-Vicențiu Lazarus, Lídia Pereira (the President provided some clarifications on the blue-card procedure), Nikos Papandreou, who also answered a blue-card question from Diana Iovanovici Şoşoacă, Angéline Furet, Ondřej Krutílek, Michalis Hadjipantela, Adnan Dibrani, Diego Solier, Andrey Kovatchev, Waldemar Buda, Caterina Chinnici and Seán Kelly.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Niels Geuking, Maria Grapini, Alexander Jungbluth, Grzegorz Braun, Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis and Diana Iovanovici Şoşoacă.

    The following spoke: Magnus Brunner.

    The debate closed.

    (The sitting was suspended at 11:48.)


    IN THE CHAIR: Sabine VERHEYEN
    Vice-President

    5. Resumption of the sitting

    The sitting resumed at 11:59.


    6. Composition of new committees

    Following the creation of the standing committees on security and defence and on public health, and the creation of the special committees on the European Democracy Shield and on the housing crisis in the European Union, the President had received nominations for membership of these new standing and special committees from the political groups and the non-attached Members, in accordance with Rules 212 and 213.

    The decisions took effect as of that day.

    The lists of Members nominated to form these committees are annexed to these minutes (minutes of 23.1.2025 Annex 1).


    7. Composition of committees and delegations

    The Renew Group and non-attached Members had notified the President of the following decisions changing the composition of committees:

    – ITRE Committee: Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez to replace Barry Andrews, Elena Yoncheva

    – REGI Committee: Elsi Katainen

    – LIBE Committee: Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle

    – PETI Committee: Cynthia Ní Mhurchú and Eugen Tomac were no longer members, Taner Kabilov

    The decisions took effect as of that day.

    The following spoke: Jordan Bardella, Carlo Fidanza and Patryk Jaki on points of order (the President cut off the speakers as their remarks did not constitute points of order).


    8. Voting time

    For detailed results of the votes, see also ‘Results of votes’ and ‘Results of roll-call votes’.




    8.2. Systematic repression of human rights in Iran, notably the cases of Pakhshan Azizi and Wrisha Moradi, and the taking of EU citizens as hostages (vote)

    Motions for resolutions RC-B10-0066/2025 (minutes of 23.1.2025, item I), B10-0063/2025, B10-0066/2025, B10-0067/2025, B10-0073/2025, B10-0082/2025, B10-0085/2025 and B10-0086/2025 (minutes of 22.1.2025, item 1) (2025/2511(RSP))

    The debate had taken place on 22 January 2025 (minutes of 22.1.2025, item 16.2).

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0004)

    (Motions for resolutions B10-0063/2025 and B10-0067/2025 fell.)

    Detailed voting results








    9. Resumption of the sitting

    The sitting resumed at 15:00.


    10. Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

    The minutes of the previous sitting were approved.


    11. Major interpellations (debate)

    Major interpellation for written answer with debate (G-001002/2024) submitted by Charlie Weimers, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Kristoffer Storm, Jaak Madison, Carlo Fidanza, Adam Bielan, Alexandr Vondra, Patryk Jaki, Johan Van Overtveldt, Roberts Zīle, Emmanouil Fragkos, Georgiana Teodorescu, Geadis Geadi, Marion Maréchal, Ivaylo Valchev, Kosma Złotowski, Mariusz Kamiński, Maciej Wąsik, Dick Erixon, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Beatrice Timgren, Nicolas Bay, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Ondřej Krutílek, Guillaume Peltier, Michał Dworczyk, Laurence Trochu, Şerban-Dimitrie Sturdza, Tobiasz Bocheński, Gheorghe Piperea, on behalf of the ECR Group, to the Commission: EU funding of physical border protection structures such as walls, fences or other barriers at the external border (B10-0001/2025)

    Jaak Madison moved the major interpellation.

    Magnus Brunner (Member of the Commission) answered the major interpellation.

    The following spoke: Lena Düpont, on behalf of the PPE Group, Ana Catarina Mendes, on behalf of the S&D Group, András László, on behalf of the PfE Group, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, on behalf of the ECR Group, Fabienne Keller, on behalf of the Renew Group, Mélissa Camara, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Christine Anderson, on behalf of the ESN Group, Fredis Beleris, Murielle Laurent, France Jamet and Riho Terras.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Kinga Kollár, Bogdan Rzońca and Siegbert Frank Droese.

    The following spoke: Magnus Brunner.

    The debate closed.


    12. Explanations of vote

    Written explanations of vote

    Explanations of vote submitted in writing under Rule 201 appear on the Members’ pages on Parliament’s website.


    13. Approval of the minutes of the sitting and forwarding of texts adopted

    In accordance with Rule 208(3), the minutes of the sitting would be put to the House for approval at the beginning of the afternoon of the sitting on Monday, 10 February 2025.

    With Parliament’s agreement, the texts adopted during the part-session would be forwarded to their respective addressees without delay.


    14. Dates of forthcoming sittings

    The next sitting would be held on 29 January 2025.


    15. Closure of the sitting

    The sitting closed at 15:41.


    16. Adjournment of the session

    The session of the European Parliament was adjourned.

    Alessandro Chiocchetti

    Roberta Metsola

    Secretary-General

    President


    LIST OF DOCUMENTS SERVING AS A BASIS FOR THE DEBATES AND DECISIONS OF PARLIAMENT


    I. Motions for resolutions tabled

    Case of Jean-Jacques Wondo in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

    Joint motion for a resolution tabled under Rule 150(5) and Rule 136(4):

    on the case of Jean-Jacques Wondo in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2025/2510(RSP)) (RC-B10-0069/2025)
    (replacing motions for resolutions B10-0069/2025, B10-0072/2025, B10-0078/2025, B10-0081/2025 and B10-0084/2025)
    Sebastião Bugalho, Wouter Beke, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Michael Gahler, Luděk Niedermayer, Christophe Gomart, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Danuše Nerudová, Davor Ivo Stier, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Jessica Polfjärd, Tomáš Zdechovský, Andrey Kovatchev, Inese Vaidere
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Elio Di Rupo
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Waldemar Tomaszewski, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Sebastian Tynkkynen
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Bernard Guetta, Petras Auštrevičius, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Svenja Hahn, Karin Karlsbro, Ľubica Karvašová, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Urmas Paet, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Catarina Vieira
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    Systematic repression of human rights in Iran, notably the cases of Pakhshan Azizi and Wrisha Moradi, and the taking of EU citizens as hostages

    Joint motion for a resolution tabled under Rule 150(5) and Rule 136(4):

    on the systematic repression of human rights in Iran, notably the cases of Pakhshan Azizi and Wrisha Moradi, and the taking of EU citizens as hostages (2025/2511(RSP)) (RC-B10-0066/2025)
    (replacing motions for resolutions B10-0066/2025, B10-0073/2025, B10-0082/2025, B10-0085/2025 and B10-0086/2025)
    Sebastião Bugalho, Tomáš Zdechovský, Loucas Fourlas, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, David McAllister, Michael Gahler, Željana Zovko, Christophe Gomart, Isabel Benjumea Benjumea, Javier Zarzalejos, Luděk Niedermayer, Wouter Beke, Davor Ivo Stier, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Jessica Polfjärd, Danuše Nerudová, Andrey Kovatchev, Inese Vaidere
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Evin Incir, Chloé Ridel, Daniel Attard, Alessandra Moretti
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Rihards Kols, Mariusz Kamiński, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Carlo Fidanza, Reinis Pozņaks, Aurelijus Veryga, Ondřej Krutílek, Veronika Vrecionová, Alberico Gambino, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Dick Erixon, Beatrice Timgren, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Alexandr Vondra, Marion Maréchal, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Carlo Ciccioli, Charlie Weimers
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Petras Auštrevičius, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Bart Groothuis, Bernard Guetta, Svenja Hahn, Karin Karlsbro, Ľubica Karvašová, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Nathalie Loiseau, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Urmas Paet, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Sophie Wilmès, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Hannah Neumann
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group
    Per Clausen, Hanna Gedin, Jonas Sjöstedt

    Case of Boualem Sansal in Algeria

    Joint motion for a resolution tabled under Rule 150(5) and Rule 136(4):

    on the case of Boualem Sansal in Algeria (2025/2512(RSP)) (RC-B10-0087/2025)
    (replacing motions for resolutions B10-0087/2025, B10-0089/2025, B10-0091/2025, B10-0092/2025 and B10-0093/2025)
    Sebastião Bugalho, Christophe Gomart, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Michael Gahler, Luděk Niedermayer, Wouter Beke, Davor Ivo Stier, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Jessica Polfjärd, Tomáš Zdechovský, Andrey Kovatchev, Inese Vaidere
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Marta Temido
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Adam Bielan, Ondřej Krutílek, Veronika Vrecionová, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Alexandr Vondra, Marion Maréchal, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Małgorzata Gosiewska
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Helmut Brandstätter, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Bernard Guetta, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Nathalie Loiseau, Urmas Paet, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Leoluca Orlando
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    Russia’s disinformation and historical falsification to justify its war of aggression against Ukraine

    Motions for resolutions tabled under Rule 136(2) to wind up the debate:

    on Russia’s disinformation and historical falsification to justify its war of aggression against Ukraine (2024/2988(RSP)) (B10-0074/2025)
    Yannis Maniatis, Nacho Sánchez Amor, Thijs Reuten, Raphaël Glucksmann
    on behalf of the S&D Group

    on Russia’s disinformation and historical falsification to justify its war of aggression against Ukraine (2024/2988(RSP)) (B10-0075/2025)
    Rasa Juknevičienė, Michael Gahler, Andrzej Halicki, Sebastião Bugalho, David McAllister, Siegfried Mureşan, Željana Zovko, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Nicolás Pascual de la Parte, Mika Aaltola, Krzysztof Brejza, Daniel Caspary, Sandra Kalniete, Seán Kelly, Ondřej Kolář, Łukasz Kohut, Andrey Kovatchev, Miriam Lexmann, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Danuše Nerudová, Mirosława Nykiel, Ana Miguel Pedro, Paulius Saudargas, Davor Ivo Stier, Michał Szczerba, Alice Teodorescu Måwe, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Matej Tonin, Pekka Toveri, Inese Vaidere, Milan Zver
    on behalf of the PPE Group

    on Russia’s disinformation and historical falsification to justify its war of aggression against Ukraine (2024/2988(RSP)) (B10-0076/2025)
    Sergey Lagodinsky, Hannah Neumann, Markéta Gregorová, Mārtiņš Staķis, Maria Ohisalo, Virginijus Sinkevičius, Villy Søvndal, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Reinier Van Lanschot
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    on Russia’s disinformation and historical falsification to justify its war of aggression against Ukraine (2024/2988(RSP)) (B10-0077/2025)
    Bernard Guetta, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Olivier Chastel, Karin Karlsbro, Ľubica Karvašová, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Michał Kobosko, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Urmas Paet, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Eugen Tomac, Hilde Vautmans, Sophie Wilmès, Lucia Yar, Dainius Žalimas
    on behalf of the Renew Group

    on Russia’s disinformation and historical falsification to justify its war of aggression against Ukraine (2024/2988(RSP)) (B10-0079/2025)
    Adam Bielan, Mariusz Kamiński, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Rihards Kols, Ondřej Krutílek, Jaak Madison, Ivaylo Valchev, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Veronika Vrecionová, Roberts Zīle, Aurelijus Veryga, Maciej Wąsik, Michał Dworczyk, Cristian Terheş, Reinis Pozņaks, Alexandr Vondra
    on behalf of the ECR Group

    Joint motion for a resolution tabled under Rule 136(2) and (4):

    on Russia’s disinformation and historical falsification to justify its war of aggression against Ukraine (2024/2988(RSP)) (RC-B10-0074/2025)
    (replacing motions for resolutions B10-0074/2025, B10-0075/2025, B10-0076/2025, B10-0077/2025 and B10-0079/2025)
    Rasa Juknevičienė, Michael Gahler, Andrzej Halicki, Sebastião Bugalho, David McAllister, Siegfried Mureşan, Željana Zovko, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Nicolás Pascual de la Parte, Mika Aaltola, Krzysztof Brejza, Daniel Caspary, Sandra Kalniete, Seán Kelly, Ondřej Kolář, Łukasz Kohut, Andrey Kovatchev, Miriam Lexmann, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Danuše Nerudová, Mirosława Nykiel, Ana Miguel Pedro, Paulius Saudargas, Davor Ivo Stier, Michał Szczerba, Alice Teodorescu Måwe, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Matej Tonin, Pekka Toveri, Inese Vaidere, Milan Zver
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Nacho Sánchez Amor, Thijs Reuten, Raphaël Glucksmann
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Adam Bielan, Rihards Kols, Reinis Pozņaks, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Roberts Zīle, Ondřej Krutílek, Veronika Vrecionová, Jaak Madison, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Cristian Terheş, Maciej Wąsik, Ivaylo Valchev, Aurelijus Veryga, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Bernard Guetta, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Karin Karlsbro, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Ľubica Karvašová, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Michał Kobosko, Nathalie Loiseau, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Urmas Paet, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Eugen Tomac, Hilde Vautmans, Sophie Wilmès, Lucia Yar, Dainius Žalimas
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Sergey Lagodinsky
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    Situation in Venezuela following the usurpation of the presidency on 10 January 2025

    Motions for resolutions tabled under Rule 136(2) to wind up the debate:

    on the situation in Venezuela following the usurpation of the presidency on 10 January 2025 (2025/2519(RSP)) (B10-0064/2025)
    Gabriel Mato, Sebastião Bugalho, Davor Ivo Stier
    on behalf of the PPE Group

    on the situation in Venezuela following the usurpation of the presidency on 10 January 2025 (2025/2519(RSP)) (B10-0068/2025)
    Jorge Buxadé Villalba, Hermann Tertsch, Jorge Martín Frías, Silvia Sardone, Nikola Bartůšek, Susanna Ceccardi, Roberto Vannacci, António Tânger Corrêa, Enikő Győri
    on behalf of the PfE Group

    on the situation in Venezuela following the usurpation of the presidency on 10 January 2025 (2025/2519(RSP)) (B10-0071/2025)
    Leire Pajín
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Catarina Vieira, Ville Niinistö, Nicolae Ştefănuță
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    on the situation in Venezuela following the usurpation of the presidency on 10 January 2025 (2025/2519(RSP)) (B10-0080/2025)
    Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Helmut Brandstätter, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, João Cotrim De Figueiredo, Valérie Devaux, Karin Karlsbro, Ľubica Karvašová, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Urmas Paet, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Ana Vasconcelos, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group

    on the situation in Venezuela following the usurpation of the presidency on 10 January 2025 (2025/2519(RSP)) (B10-0083/2025)
    Carlo Fidanza, Adam Bielan, Mariusz Kamiński, Alberico Gambino, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Diego Solier, Rihards Kols, Ondřej Krutílek, Jaak Madison, Nora Junco García, Şerban-Dimitrie Sturdza, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Veronika Vrecionová, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Alexandr Vondra
    on behalf of the ECR Group

    Joint motion for a resolution tabled under Rule 150(5) and Rule 136(4):

    on the situation in Venezuela following the usurpation of the presidency on 10 January 2025 (2025/2519(RSP)) (RC-B10-0064/2025)
    (replacing motions for resolutions B10-0064/2025, B10-0080/2025 and B10-0083/2025)
    Gabriel Mato, Sebastião Bugalho, Davor Ivo Stier, Francisco José Millán Mon
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Carlo Fidanza, Adam Bielan, Mariusz Kamiński, Ivaylo Valchev, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Ondřej Krutílek, Veronika Vrecionová, Rihards Kols, Alexandr Vondra, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Alberico Gambino, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Dan Barna, Helmut Brandstätter, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, João Cotrim De Figueiredo, Karin Karlsbro, Ľubica Karvašová, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Urmas Paet, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Ana Vasconcelos, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group


    II. Decisions to draw up own-initiative reports

    Decisions to draw up own-initiative reports (Rule 55)

    (Following the Conference of Presidents’ decision of 15 January 2025)

    AFCO Committee

    – Reform of the European Electoral Act – hurdles to ratification and implementation in the Member States (2025/2028(INI))

    – Institutional aspects of the Report on the future of European Competitiveness (Draghi Report) (2025/2013(INI))

    – Stock-taking of the European elections 2024 (2025/2012(INI))

    AFET Committee

    – 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Ukraine (2025/2026(INI))

    – 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Moldova (2025/2025(INI))

    – 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Georgia (2025/2024(INI))

    – 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Türkiye (2025/2023(INI))

    – 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Serbia (2025/2022(INI))

    – 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on North Macedonia (2025/2021(INI))

    – 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Montenegro (2025/2020(INI))

    – 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Kosovo (2025/2019(INI))

    – 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Bosnia and Herzegovina (2025/2018(INI))

    – 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Albania (2025/2017(INI))

    DEVE Committee

    – Financing for development – ahead of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville (2025/2004(INI))

    – Implementation and delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals in view of the 2025 High-Level Political Forum (2025/2014(INI))
    (opinion: FEMM)

    IMCO Committee

    – Implementation and streamlining of EU internal market rules to strengthen the single market (2025/2009(INI))

    ITRE Committee

    – Future of the EU biotechnology and biomanufacturing sector: leveraging research, boosting innovation and enhancing competitiveness (2025/2008(INI))

    – European technological sovereignty and digital infrastructure (2025/2007(INI))

    – Electricity grids: the backbone of the EU energy system (2025/2006(INI))

    JURI Committee

    – Monitoring the application of European Union law in 2023 and 2024 (2025/2016(INI))
    (opinion: PETI)

    – European Union regulatory fitness and subsidiarity and proportionality – report on Better Law-Making covering 2023 and 2024 (2025/2015(INI))

    PECH Committee

    – Fisheries management approaches for safeguarding sensitive species, tackling invasive species and benefiting local economies (2025/2011(INI))

    – The role of social, economic and environmental standards in safeguarding fair competition for all aquatic food products and improving food security (2025/2010(INI))

    PETI Committee

    – Deliberations of the Committee on Petitions in 2023 (2025/2027(INI))

    (Following the Conference of Presidents’ decision of 19 December 2024)

    – The multiannual plan for the Baltic Sea and ways forward (2024/2127(INI))

    – The impact of the implementation of the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive 2014/89/EU on fisheries in selected fishing areas and sea basins (2024/2126(INI))

    – Decarbonisation and modernisation of EU fisheries, and the development and deployment of fishing gear (2024/2123(INI))

    AGRI Committee

    – The position of farmers in the agri-food value chain (2024/2122(INI))

    ECON Committee

    – The role of simple tax rules and tax fragmentation in European competitiveness (2024/2118(INI))

    – A coherent tax framework for the EU’s financial sector (2024/2117(INI))

    – Facilitating the financing of investments and reforms to boost European competitiveness and creating a Capital Markets Union (Draghi Report) (2024/2116(INI))
    (opinion: BUDG)

    FEMM Committee

    – Gender Equality Strategy 2025 (2024/2125(INI))
    (opinion: LIBE)

    – Women’s entrepreneurship in rural and island areas and outermost regions (2024/2124(INI))
    (opinion: AGRI)

    IMCO Committee

    – A new legislative framework for products that is fit for the digital and sustainable transition (2024/2119(INI))

    REGI Committee

    – The role of cohesion policy in supporting the just transition (2024/2121(INI))
    (opinion: EMPL)

    – The role of cohesion policy investment in resolving the current housing crisis (2024/2120(INI))
    (opinion: EMPL)


    III. Consent procedure

    Reports with a motion for a non-legislative resolution (consent procedure) (Rule 107(5))

    (Following notification by the Conference of Committee Chairs on 15 January 2025)

    AFET Committee

    – Interim report in view of the consent procedure on the Agreement establishing an association between the EU and the Principality of Andorra and the Republic of San Marino (2024/0101R(NLE)2024/0101(NLE))
    (opinion: ECON, IMCO)


    IV. Petitions

    Petitions Nos 1427-24 to 1518-24 had been entered in the register on 17 January 2025 and had been forwarded to the committee responsible, in accordance with Rule 232(9) and (10).

    The President had, on 17 January 2025, forwarded to the committee responsible, in accordance with Rule 232(15), petitions addressed to the European Parliament by natural or legal persons who were not citizens of the European Union and who did not reside, or have their registered office, in a Member State.


    V. Documents received

    The following documents had been received from Members:

    – Mathilde Androuët, Gerolf Annemans, Jordan Bardella, Nikola Bartůšek, Rachel Blom, Barbara Bonte, Paolo Borchia, Mireia Borrás Pabón, Irmhild Boßdorf, Jaroslav Bžoch, Klara Dostalova, Marieke Ehlers, Dick Erixon, Tomasz Froelich, Petras Gražulis, Branko Grims, Catherine Griset, Enikő Győri, Roman Haider, Fernand Kartheiser, Ondřej Knotek, Vilis Krištopans, Julien Leonardelli, Jorge Martín Frías, Milan Mazurek, Tiago Moreira de Sá, Jana Nagyová, Hans Neuhoff, Julie Rechagneux, Dominik Tarczyński, Hermann Tertsch, Isabella Tovaglieri, António Tânger Corrêa, Milan Uhrík, Tom Vandendriessche, Harald Vilimsky, Ewa Zajączkowska-Hernik and Auke Zijlstra. Motion for a resolution on Dismantling Overregulation and Government Encroachment: reclaiming competitiveness and innovation in the European Union (B10-0214/2024)
    referred to committee responsible: JURI
    opinion: ITRE

    – Pekka Toveri and Sebastian Tynkkynen. Motion for a resolution on restricting the ability of passenger and cargo traffic to enter European Union airspace from Russia (B10-0220/2024)
    referred to committee responsible: TRAN
    opinion: AFET

    – Matthieu Valet. Motion for a resolution on EU policy on Syrian refugees following the overthrow of the Bashar al-Assad regime (B10-0237/2024)
    referred to committee responsible: LIBE

    – Christine Anderson, Anja Arndt, René Aust, Arno Bausemer, Zsuzsanna Borvendég, Markus Buchheit, Petr Bystron, Elisabeth Dieringer, Siegbert Frank Droese, Marc Jongen, Mary Khan, Sarah Knafo, Maximilian Krah and Jaroslava Pokorná Jermanová. Motion for a resolution on financial and organisational support for Member States to repatriate Syrian nationals (B10-0238/2024)
    referred to committee responsible: LIBE


    ATTENDANCE REGISTER

    Present:

    Aaltola Mika, Abadía Jover Maravillas, Adamowicz Magdalena, Aftias Georgios, Agirregoitia Martínez Oihane, Agius Peter, Agius Saliba Alex, Allione Grégory, Al-Sahlani Abir, Anadiotis Nikolaos, Anderson Christine, Andersson Li, Andresen Rasmus, Andrews Barry, Andriukaitis Vytenis Povilas, Androuët Mathilde, Angel Marc, Annemans Gerolf, Antoci Giuseppe, Arias Echeverría Pablo, Arimont Pascal, Arłukowicz Bartosz, Arnaoutoglou Sakis, Arndt Anja, Arvanitis Konstantinos, Asens Llodrà Jaume, Assis Francisco, Attard Daniel, Aubry Manon, Auštrevičius Petras, Axinia Adrian-George, Azmani Malik, Bajada Thomas, Baljeu Jeannette, Ballarín Cereza Laura, Bardella Jordan, Barley Katarina, Barna Dan, Barrena Arza Pernando, Bartulica Stephen Nikola, Bartůšek Nikola, Bausemer Arno, Bay Nicolas, Bay Christophe, Beke Wouter, Beleris Fredis, Bellamy François-Xavier, Benea Adrian-Dragoş, Benifei Brando, Benjumea Benjumea Isabel, Beňová Monika, Berendsen Tom, Berger Stefan, Berg Sibylle, Berlato Sergio, Bernhuber Alexander, Biedroń Robert, Bielan Adam, Bischoff Gabriele, Blaha Ľuboš, Blinkevičiūtė Vilija, Blom Rachel, Bloss Michael, Bocheński Tobiasz, Boeselager Damian, Bogdan Ioan-Rareş, Bonaccini Stefano, Bonte Barbara, Borchia Paolo, Borrás Pabón Mireia, Borvendég Zsuzsanna, Borzan Biljana, Bosanac Gordan, Bosse Stine, Botenga Marc, Boyer Gilles, Boylan Lynn, Brandstätter Helmut, Brasier-Clain Marie-Luce, Braun Grzegorz, Brejza Krzysztof, Bricmont Saskia, Brnjac Nikolina, Brudziński Joachim Stanisław, Bryłka Anna, Buczek Tomasz, Buda Daniel, Buda Waldemar, Budka Borys, Bugalho Sebastião, Buła Andrzej, Burkhardt Delara, Buxadé Villalba Jorge, Bžoch Jaroslav, Camara Mélissa, Canfin Pascal, Carberry Nina, Casa David, Caspary Daniel, Cassart Benoit, Castillo Laurent, del Castillo Vera Pilar, Cavazzini Anna, Cavedagna Stefano, Ceccardi Susanna, Cepeda José, Ceulemans Estelle, Chahim Mohammed, Chaibi Leila, Chastel Olivier, Chinnici Caterina, Christensen Asger, Ciccioli Carlo, Cifrová Ostrihoňová Veronika, Ciriani Alessandro, Cisint Anna Maria, Clausen Per, Clergeau Christophe, Cormand David, Corrado Annalisa, Costanzo Vivien, Cotrim De Figueiredo João, Cowen Barry, Cremer Tobias, Crespo Díaz Carmen, Cristea Andi, Cunha Paulo, Danielsson Johan, Dauchy Marie, Dávid Dóra, David Ivan, Decaro Antonio, de la Hoz Quintano Raúl, Della Valle Danilo, Deloge Valérie, De Masi Fabio, De Meo Salvatore, Demirel Özlem, Deutsch Tamás, Devaux Valérie, Dibrani Adnan, Diepeveen Ton, Dieringer Elisabeth, Dîncu Vasile, Di Rupo Elio, Doherty Regina, Doleschal Christian, Dömötör Csaba, Do Nascimento Cabral Paulo, Donazzan Elena, Dorfmann Herbert, Dostál Ondřej, Droese Siegbert Frank, Düpont Lena, Ecke Matthias, Ehler Christian, Ehlers Marieke, Eriksson Sofie, Erixon Dick, Eroglu Engin, Everding Sebastian, Ezcurra Almansa Alma, Falcone Marco, Farantouris Nikolas, Farreng Laurence, Farský Jan, Ferber Markus, Fernández Jonás, Fidanza Carlo, Fiocchi Pietro, Firmenich Ruth, Fita Claire, Fourlas Loucas, Fourreau Emma, Fragkos Emmanouil, Freund Daniel, Frigout Anne-Sophie, Fritzon Heléne, Froelich Tomasz, Fuglsang Niels, Furet Angéline, Furore Mario, Gahler Michael, Galán Estrella, Gálvez Lina, Gambino Alberico, García Hermida-Van Der Walle Raquel, Garraud Jean-Paul, Gasiuk-Pihowicz Kamila, Geadi Geadis, Gedin Hanna, Geese Alexandra, Geier Jens, Geisel Thomas, Gemma Chiara, Georgiou Giorgos, Gerbrandy Gerben-Jan, Germain Jean-Marc, Gerzsenyi Gabriella, Geuking Niels, Gieseke Jens, Giménez Larraz Borja, Girauta Vidal Juan Carlos, Glavak Sunčana, Glück Andreas, Glucksmann Raphaël, Goerens Charles, Gomart Christophe, Gomes Isilda, Gómez López Sandra, Gonçalves Bruno, Gonçalves Sérgio, González Pons Esteban, Gori Giorgio, Gosiewska Małgorzata, Gotink Dirk, Gozi Sandro, Grapini Maria, Gražulis Petras, Grims Branko, Griset Catherine, Gronkiewicz-Waltz Hanna, Groothuis Bart, Grossmann Elisabeth, Grudler Christophe, Gualmini Elisabetta, Guarda Cristina, Guetta Bernard, Guzenina Maria, Hadjipantela Michalis, Hahn Svenja, Haider Roman, Halicki Andrzej, Hassan Rima, Häusling Martin, Hava Mircea-Gheorghe, Hazekamp Anja, Heide Hannes, Heinäluoma Eero, Henriksson Anna-Maja, Herbst Niclas, Herranz García Esther, Hetman Krzysztof, Hohlmeier Monika, Hojsík Martin, Holmgren Pär, Hölvényi György, Homs Ginel Alicia, Humberto Sérgio, Ijabs Ivars, Imart Céline, Incir Evin, Inselvini Paolo, Iovanovici Şoşoacă Diana, Jalloul Muro Hana, Jamet France, Jerković Romana, Jongen Marc, Joński Dariusz, Joron Virginie, Jouvet Pierre, Joveva Irena, Juknevičienė Rasa, Junco García Nora, Jungbluth Alexander, Kabilov Taner, Kalfon François, Kaljurand Marina, Kalniete Sandra, Kamiński Mariusz, Kanev Radan, Karlsbro Karin, Kartheiser Fernand, Karvašová Ľubica, Katainen Elsi, Kefalogiannis Emmanouil, Kelleher Billy, Keller Fabienne, Kelly Seán, Kemp Martine, Kennes Rudi, Khan Mary, Kobosko Michał, Köhler Stefan, Kohut Łukasz, Kokalari Arba, Kolář Ondřej, Kollár Kinga, Kols Rihards, Konečná Kateřina, Kopacz Ewa, Körner Moritz, Kountoura Elena, Kovatchev Andrey, Krah Maximilian, Krištopans Vilis, Kruis Sebastian, Krutílek Ondřej, Kubín Tomáš, Kuhnke Alice, Kulja András Tivadar, Kulmuni Katri, Kyllönen Merja, Kyuchyuk Ilhan, Lagodinsky Sergey, Lakos Eszter, Lalucq Aurore, Lange Bernd, Langensiepen Katrin, Laššáková Judita, László András, Laurent Murielle, Laureti Camilla, Laykova Rada, Lazarov Ilia, Lazarus Luis-Vicențiu, Le Callennec Isabelle, Leggeri Fabrice, Lenaers Jeroen, Leonardelli Julien, Lewandowski Janusz, Lexmann Miriam, Liese Peter, Lins Norbert, Loiseau Nathalie, Løkkegaard Morten, Lopatka Reinhold, López Javi, López Aguilar Juan Fernando, López-Istúriz White Antonio, Lövin Isabella, Luena César, Łukacijewska Elżbieta Katarzyna, Lupo Giuseppe, McAllister David, Madison Jaak, Magoni Lara, Maij Marit, Maląg Marlena, Manda Claudiu, Mandl Lukas, Maniatis Yannis, Mantovani Mario, Maran Pierfrancesco, Marczułajtis-Walczak Jagna, Mariani Thierry, Marino Ignazio Roberto, Martín Frías Jorge, Martins Catarina, Martusciello Fulvio, Marzà Ibáñez Vicent, Matthieu Sara, Mavrides Costas, Mayer Georg, Mazurek Milan, Mažylis Liudas, McNamara Michael, Mebarek Nora, Mehnert Alexandra, Meleti Eleonora, Mendes Ana Catarina, Mendia Idoia, Mertens Verena, Mesure Marina, Metsola Roberta, Metz Tilly, Mikser Sven, Millán Mon Francisco José, Miranda Paz Ana, Molnár Csaba, Montero Irene, Montserrat Dolors, Morace Carolina, Moreira de Sá Tiago, Moreno Sánchez Javier, Moretti Alessandra, Motreanu Dan-Ştefan, Mularczyk Arkadiusz, Müller Piotr, Mullooly Ciaran, Mureşan Siegfried, Muşoiu Ştefan, Nagyová Jana, Navarrete Rojas Fernando, Negrescu Victor, Nemec Matjaž, Nerudová Danuše, Nesci Denis, Neuhoff Hans, Neumann Hannah, Nevado del Campo Elena, Niebler Angelika, Niedermayer Luděk, Niinistö Ville, Nikolic Aleksandar, Ní Mhurchú Cynthia, Noichl Maria, Nordqvist Rasmus, Novakov Andrey, Nykiel Mirosława, Obajtek Daniel, Ódor Ľudovít, Oetjen Jan-Christoph, Ohisalo Maria, Oliveira João, Olivier Philippe, Omarjee Younous, Ondruš Branislav, Ó Ríordáin Aodhán, Ozdoba Jacek, Paet Urmas, Pajín Leire, Palmisano Valentina, Papadakis Kostas, Papandreou Nikos, Pappas Nikos, Pascual de la Parte Nicolás, Pedro Ana Miguel, Pedulla’ Gaetano, Pellerin-Carlin Thomas, Peltier Guillaume, Penkova Tsvetelina, Pennelle Gilles, Pereira Lídia, Peter-Hansen Kira Marie, Petrov Hristo, Picaro Michele, Picula Tonino, Piera Pascale, Pimpie Pierre, Piperea Gheorghe, de la Pisa Carrión Margarita, Pokorná Jermanová Jaroslava, Polato Daniele, Polfjärd Jessica, Popescu Virgil-Daniel, Pozņaks Reinis, Princi Giusi, Protas Jacek, Pürner Friedrich, Rackete Carola, Radev Emil, Radtke Dennis, Rafowicz Emma, Ratas Jüri, Rechagneux Julie, Regner Evelyn, Repasi René, Repp Sabrina, Ressler Karlo, Reuten Thijs, Riba i Giner Diana, Ricci Matteo, Riehl Nela, Ripa Manuela, Rodrigues André, Ros Sempere Marcos, Roth Neveďalová Katarína, Rougé André, Ruissen Bert-Jan, Ruotolo Sandro, Rzońca Bogdan, Saeidi Arash, Salini Massimiliano, Salis Ilaria, Salla Aura, Sánchez Amor Nacho, Sanchez Julien, Sancho Murillo Elena, Saramo Jussi, Sardone Silvia, Šarec Marjan, Sargiacomo Eric, Satouri Mounir, Saudargas Paulius, Sbai Majdouline, Sberna Antonella, Schaldemose Christel, Schaller-Baross Ernő, Schenk Oliver, Scheuring-Wielgus Joanna, Schieder Andreas, Schilling Lena, Schneider Christine, Schwab Andreas, Scuderi Benedetta, Seekatz Ralf, Sell Alexander, Serrano Sierra Rosa, Serra Sánchez Isabel, Sienkiewicz Bartłomiej, Simon Sven, Singer Christine, Sinkevičius Virginijus, Sippel Birgit, Sjöstedt Jonas, Śmiszek Krzysztof, Smith Anthony, Smit Sander, Sokol Tomislav, Solier Diego, Sommen Liesbet, Sonneborn Martin, Sorel Malika, Sousa Silva Hélder, Søvndal Villy, Squarta Marco, Staķis Mārtiņš, Stancanelli Raffaele, Stier Davor Ivo, Stöteler Sebastiaan, Stoyanov Stanislav, Strack-Zimmermann Marie-Agnes, Strada Cecilia, Streit Joachim, Strik Tineke, Strolenberg Anna, Stürgkh Anna, Sypniewski Marcin, Szczerba Michał, Szekeres Pál, Szydło Beata, Tamburrano Dario, Tânger Corrêa António, Tarquinio Marco, Târziu Claudiu-Richard, Tavares Carla, Tegethoff Kai, Temido Marta, Teodorescu Georgiana, Teodorescu Måwe Alice, Ter Laak Ingeborg, Terras Riho, Thionnet Pierre-Romain, Timgren Beatrice, Tinagli Irene, Tobback Bruno, Tobé Tomas, Tolassy Rody, Tomašič Zala, Tomc Romana, Tonin Matej, Toom Jana, Topo Raffaele, Torselli Francesco, Tosi Flavio, Toussaint Marie, Toveri Pekka, Tridico Pasquale, Trochu Laurence, Tsiodras Dimitris, Tudose Mihai, Tynkkynen Sebastian, Uhrík Milan, Ušakovs Nils, Vaidere Inese, Valchev Ivaylo, Vălean Adina, Valet Matthieu, Van Brempt Kathleen, Van Brug Anouk, van den Berg Brigitte, Vandendriessche Tom, Van Dijck Kris, Van Lanschot Reinier, Van Leeuwen Jessika, Vannacci Roberto, Van Overtveldt Johan, Van Sparrentak Kim, Varaut Alexandre, Vasconcelos Ana, Vasile-Voiculescu Vlad, Vautmans Hilde, Vedrenne Marie-Pierre, Ventola Francesco, Verheyen Sabine, Verougstraete Yvan, Veryga Aurelijus, Vieira Catarina, Vigenin Kristian, Vilimsky Harald, Vincze Loránt, Vind Marianne, Vistisen Anders, Vivaldini Mariateresa, Volgin Petar, von der Schulenburg Michael, Vondra Alexandr, Voss Axel, Vozemberg-Vrionidi Elissavet, Vrecionová Veronika, Vázquez Lázara Adrián, Waitz Thomas, Walsmann Marion, Warborn Jörgen, Warnke Jan-Peter, Wąsik Maciej, Wawrykiewicz Michał, Wcisło Marta, Wechsler Andrea, Werbrouck Séverine, Wiesner Emma, Wiezik Michal, Wilmès Sophie, Winkler Iuliu, Winzig Angelika, Wiseler-Lima Isabel, Wiśniewska Jadwiga, Wölken Tiemo, Wolters Lara, Yar Lucia, Yon-Courtin Stéphanie, Zacharia Maria, Zajączkowska-Hernik Ewa, Zalewska Anna, Žalimas Dainius, Zan Alessandro, Zarzalejos Javier, Zdechovský Tomáš, Zdrojewski Bogdan Andrzej, Zijlstra Auke, Zīle Roberts, Zingaretti Nicola, Złotowski Kosma, Zoido Álvarez Juan Ignacio, Zovko Željana, Zver Milan

    Excused:

    Sidl Günther


    ANNEX 1 – Composition of new committees

    C01A SEDE

    [ 20/01/2025 – ]

    Комисия по сигурност и отбрана

    Comisión de Seguridad y Defensa

    Výbor pro bezpečnost a obranu

    Udvalget om Sikkerhed og Forsvar

    Ausschuss für Sicherheit und Verteidigung

    Julgeoleku- ja kaitsekomisjon

    Επιτροπή Ασφάλειας και Άμυνας

    Committee on Security and Defence

    Commission de la sécurité et de la défense

    An Coiste um Shlándáil agus Cosaint

    Odbor za sigurnost i obranu

    Commissione per la sicurezza e la difesa

    Drošības un aizsardzības komiteja

    Saugumo ir gynybos komitetas

    ssBiztonság- és Védelempolitikai Bizottság

    Kumitat għas-Sigurtà u d-Difiża

    Commissie veiligheid en defensie

    Komisja Bezpieczeństwa i Obrony

    Comissão da Segurança e da Defesa

    Comisia pentru securitate și apărare

    Výbor pre bezpečnosť a obranu

    Odbor za varnost in obrambo

    Turvallisuus- ja puolustuspolitiikan valiokunta

    Utskottet för säkerhet och försvar

    (43 members)

    PPE (11)

    BEKE Wouter

    DE MEO Salvatore

    GOMART Christophe

    HERBST Niclas

    MEIMARAKIS Vangelis

    NOVAKOV Andrey

    PASCUAL DE LA PARTE Nicolás

    SZCZERBA Michał

    TEODORESCU MÅWE Alice

    TERRAS Riho

    TOVERI Pekka

    S&D (8)

    CREMER Tobias

    DI RUPO Elio

    GLUCKSMANN Raphaël

    LÓPEZ Javi

    MAVRIDES Costas

    MENDES Ana Catarina

    MIKSER Sven

    TUDOSE Mihai

    PfE (5)

    HÖLVÉNYI György

    POKORNÁ JERMANOVÁ Jaroslava

    STÖTELER Sebastiaan

    THIONNET Pierre-Romain

    VANNACCI Roberto

    ECR (5)

    DONAZZAN Elena

    DWORCZYK Michał

    GAMBINO Alberico

    POZŅAKS Reinis

    VONDRA Alexandr

    Renew (5)

    AUŠTREVIČIUS Petras

    LOISEAU Nathalie

    ŠAREC Marjan

    STRACK-ZIMMERMANN Marie-Agnes

    YAR Lucia

    Verts/ALE (3)

    NEUMANN Hannah

    STAĶIS Mārtiņš

    VAN LANSCHOT Reinier

    The Left (3)

    BOTENGA Marc

    DEMIREL Özlem

    KYLLÖNEN Merja

    ESN (1)

    NEUHOFF Hans

    NI (2)

    PAPADAKIS Kostas

    VON DER SCHULENBURG Michael

    C08A SANT

    [ 20/01/2025 – ]

    Комисия по обществено здраве

    Comisión de Salud Pública

    Výbor pro veřejné zdraví

    Udvalget om Folkesundhed

    Ausschuss für öffentliche Gesundheit

    Rahvatervishoiu komisjon

    Επιτροπή Δημόσιας Υγείας

    Committee on Public Health

    Commission de la santé publique

    An Coiste um Shláinte Phoiblí

    Odbor za javno zdravlje

    Commissione per la sanità pubblica

    Sabiedrības veselības komiteja

    Visuomenės sveikatos komitetas

    Közegészségügyi Bizottság

    Kumitat għas-Saħħa Pubblika

    Commissie volksgezondheid

    Komisja Zdrowia Publicznego

    Comissão da Saúde Pública

    Comisia pentru sănătate publică

    Výbor pre verejné zdravie

    Odbor za javno zdravje

    Kansanterveyden valiokunta

    Utskottet för folkhälsa

    (43 members)

    PPE (11)

    ARŁUKOWICZ Bartosz

    CASTILLO Laurent

    HADJIPANTELA Michalis

    JARUBAS Adam

    KULJA András Tivadar

    LIESE Peter

    MORATTI Letizia

    NEVADO DEL CAMPO Elena

    POLFJÄRD Jessica

    SCHENK Oliver

    SOKOL Tomislav

    S&D (8)

    ANDRIUKAITIS Vytenis Povilas

    CLERGEAU Christophe

    GONZÁLEZ CASARES Nicolás

    JERKOVIĆ Romana

    MORETTI Alessandra

    NEGRESCU Victor

    PAPANDREOU Nikos

    WÖLKEN Tiemo

    PfE (5)

    BRASIER-CLAIN Marie-Luce

    DE LA PISA CARRIÓN Margarita

    FERENC Viktória

    HAUSER Gerald

    KNOTEK Ondřej

    ECR (5)

    BUDA Waldemar

    FRAGKOS Emmanouil

    PICARO Michele

    RAZZA Ruggero

    TROCHU Laurence

    Renew (5)

    BOSSE Stine

    CANFIN Pascal

    CHASTEL Olivier

    CIFROVÁ OSTRIHOŇOVÁ Veronika

    VASILE-VOICULESCU Vlad

    Verts/ALE (3)

    HÄUSLING Martin

    MARINO Ignazio Roberto

    METZ Tilly

    The Left (3)

    MARTINS Catarina

    PALMISANO Valentina

    TAMBURRANO Dario

    ESN (1)

    ANDERSON Christine

    NI (2)

    BEŇOVÁ Monika

    DOSTÁL Ondřej

    CS01 EUDS

    [ 20/01/2025 – ]

    Специална комисия относно европейския щит за демокрацията

    Comisión Especial sobre el Escudo Europeo de la Democracia

    Zvláštní výbor pro Evropský štít pro demokracii

    Det Særlige Udvalg om Det Europæiske Demokratiskjold

    Sonderausschuss für den Europäischen Schutzschild für die Demokratie

    Euroopa demokraatia kaitse erikomisjon

    Ειδική Επιτροπή για την Ευρωπαϊκή Ασπίδα Δημοκρατίας

    Special committee on the European Democracy Shield

    Commission spéciale sur le bouclier européen de la démocratie

    An Coiste Speisialta um an Sciath Eorpach don Daonlathas

    Posebni odbor za europski štit za zaštitu demokracije

    Commissione speciale sullo scudo europeo per la democrazia

    Īpašā komiteja attiecībā uz Eiropas demokrātijas vairogu

    Specialusis komitetas Europos demokratijos skydo klausimais

    Az európai demokráciapajzzsal foglalkozó különbizottság

    Kumitat Speċjali dwar it-Tarka Ewropea għad-Demokrazija

    Bijzondere Commissie inzake een schild voor de Europese democratie

    Komisja Specjalna ds. Europejskiej Tarczy Demokracji

    Comissão Especial sobre o Escudo Europeu da Democracia

    Comisia specială pentru Scutul democrației europene

    Osobitný výbor pre európsky štít na obranu demokracie

    Posebni odbor za evropski ščit za demokracijo

    Eurooppalaista demokratian kilpeä käsittelevä erityisvaliokunta

    Särskilda utskottet för det europeiska demokratiförsvaret

    (33 members)

    PPE (9)

    AALTOLA Mika

    BOGDAN Ioan-Rareş

    DÜPONT Lena

    KALNIETE Sandra

    MARTUSCIELLO Fulvio

    SIENKIEWICZ Bartłomiej

    TOBÉ Tomas

    ZDECHOVSKÝ Tomáš

    ZOIDO ÁLVAREZ Juan Ignacio

    S&D (6)

    DÎNCU Vasile

    MENDES Ana Catarina

    MOLNÁR Csaba

    PICIERNO Pina

    SCHALDEMOSE Christel

    VAN BREMPT Kathleen

    PfE (4)

    BŽOCH Jaroslav

    LEGGERI Fabrice

    SCHALLER-BAROSS Ernő

    TÂNGER CORRÊA António

    ECR (4)

    CAVEDAGNA Stefano

    KANKO Assita

    SZYDŁO Beata

    TERHEŞ Cristian

    Renew (4)

    BRANDSTÄTTER Helmut

    GROOTHUIS Bart

    LOISEAU Nathalie

    WILMÈS Sophie

    Verts/ALE (2)

    GEESE Alexandra

    VAN SPARRENTAK Kim

    The Left (2)

    ARVANITIS Konstantinos

    DELLA VALLE Danilo

    ESN (1)

    ANDERSON Christine

    NI (1)

    PANAYIOTOU Fidias

    CS02 HOUS

    [ 20/01/2025 – ]

    Специална комисия относно жилищната криза в Европейския съюз

    Comisión Especial sobre la Crisis de la Vivienda en la Unión Europea

    Zvláštní výbor pro krizi v oblasti bydlení v Evropské unii

    Det Særlige Udvalg om Boligkrisen i Den Europæiske Union

    Sonderausschuss zur Wohnraumkrise in der Europäischen Union

    Euroopa Liidu eluasemekriisi erikomisjon

    Ειδική Επιτροπή για τη στεγαστική κρίση στην Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση

    Special committee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union

    Commission spéciale sur la crise du logement dans l’Union européenne

    An Coiste Speisialta um an nGéarchéim Tithíochta san Aontas Eorpach

    Posebni odbor za stambenu krizu u Europskoj uniji

    Commissione speciale sulla crisi degli alloggi nell’Unione europea

    Īpašā komiteja mājokļu krīzes risināšanai Eiropas Savienībā

    Specialusis komitetas būsto krizės Europos Sąjungoje klausimais

    Az Európai Unióban tapasztalható lakhatási válsággal foglalkozó különbizottság

    Kumitat Speċjali dwar il-Kriżi tal-Akkomodazzjoni fl-Unjoni Ewropea

    Bijzondere Commissie inzake de huisvestingscrisis in de Europese Unie

    Komisja Specjalna ds. Kryzysu Mieszkaniowego w Unii Europejskiej

    Comissão Especial sobre a Crise de Habitação na União Europeia

    Comisia specială pentru criza locuințelor în Uniunea Europeană

    Osobitný výbor pre krízu bývania v Európskej únii

    Posebni odbor za stanovanjsko krizo v Evropski uniji

    Asuntokriisiä Euroopan unionissa käsittelevä erityisvaliokunta

    Särskilda utskottet för bostadskrisen i Europeiska unionen

    (33 members)

    PPE (9)

    BUGALHO Sebastião

    CASA David

    DOHERTY Regina

    EZCURRA ALMANSA Alma

    FALCONE Marco

    FERBER Markus

    GOTINK Dirk

    LE CALLENNEC Isabelle

    MARCZUŁAJTIS-WALCZAK Jagna

    S&D (6)

    BISCHOFF Gabriele

    GOMES Isilda

    HOMS GINEL Alicia

    MEBAREK Nora

    SCHIEDER Andreas

    TINAGLI Irene

    PfE (4)

    BLOM Rachel

    DOSTALOVA Klara

    HÖLVÉNYI György

    RECHAGNEUX Julie

    ECR (4)

    JUNCO GARCÍA Nora

    MAGONI Lara

    SBERNA Antonella

    TEODORESCU Georgiana

    Renew (4)

    HOJSÍK Martin

    MULLOOLY Ciaran

    TOOM Jana

    VAN DEN BERG Brigitte

    Verts/ALE (2)

    MARZÀ IBÁÑEZ Vicent

    OHISALO Maria

    The Left (2)

    CHAIBI Leila

    MONTERO Irene

    ESN (1)

    BOSSDORF Irmhild

    NI (1)

    ZACHARIA Maria

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Video: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Syria, Haiti & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (23 January 2025)

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:
    Occupied Palestinian Territory
    Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations
    Syria
    Security Council
    Haiti
    Sudan
    Holocaust
    Guest Tomorrow
    Honour Roll

    OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
    The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that large volumes of humanitarian aid continue to enter Gaza through the Erez and Zikim crossings in the north and Kerem Shalom crossing in the south.
    Inside Gaza, OCHA says that aid cargo and humanitarian personnel are moving into areas that were previously hard to reach. Our humanitarian partners on the ground say the operating environment has improved significantly. The surge in supplies entering Gaza each day and the return of law and order has allowed aid organizations to scale up the delivery of life-saving assistance and services.
    In central and southern Gaza, partners have resumed monthly food distributions with full rations. Yesterday, humanitarian organizations on the ground in Gaza transported 118 trucks of food parcels and flour from UNRWA warehouses to more than 60 distribution points in the south.
    Across southern Gaza, UNICEF continues dispatching high-energy biscuits and ready-to-use food – enough for thousands of infants.
    While food items currently account for the bulk of supplies that have entered the Gaza Strip since the ceasefire took effect, more medicines, shelter materials, and water, sanitation and hygiene supplies are expected over the coming days.
    Yesterday, partners in southern Gaza distributed medical disposables and trauma management kits to 14 hospitals, as well as sexual and reproductive health kits to 28 health facilities – enough for 58,000 people.
    Meanwhile, fuel deliveries in central and southern Gaza are keeping functional water wells, desalination plants and sewage pumps running.
    And yesterday, our humanitarian partners delivered seven trucks of fuel to northern Gaza. This is the first such shipment since the ceasefire began.
    The supplies will help power the back-up generators that are sustaining critical humanitarian services provided by UNRWA, the World Food Programme, the World Health Organization and other partners.
    Also, in Gaza City yesterday, two of UNRWA’s primary health service points reopened – the Beach health centre and Daraj medical point.
    Across the Strip, OCHA reports that most Palestinians remain at displacement sites – either because their homes are in ruins or contaminated by explosive ordnance, or because movement back to northern Gaza has not yet been allowed.
    And turning to the situation in the West Bank, OCHA reports that the Jenin Government Hospital remains disconnected from water and electricity, and access is extremely difficult due to road damage. The facility is relying on dwindling water reserves from emergency tanks installed just weeks ago through an allocation by the Occupied Palestinian Territory Humanitarian Fund, which is managed by OCHA.

    UNDER-SECRETARY-GENERAL FOR PEACE OPERATIONS
    Starting this Saturday, the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, will travel to the Middle East.
    He will visit two UN peacekeeping missions and travel to Damascus to meet with caretaker authorities and Israeli authorities in Jerusalem.
    Mr. Lacroix will first travel to Syria, where he will spend time at the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) before visiting the headquarters of the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) in Jerusalem.
    Mr. Lacroix’s priorities are to express his solidarity with and support for UN peacekeepers and to highlight the importance of mine action and removal of explosive remnants of war.

    Full highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=23%20January%202025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wt2pGiYdMwg

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Jubilee 2025: Undersecretary of State Mantovano chairs coordination meeting with the Umbria Region

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    A coordination meeting with the Umbria Region regarding the 2025 Jubilee of the Catholic Church was held at Palazzo Chigi today, chaired by Undersecretary of State to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers Alfredo Mantovano.

    Undersecretary of State Mantovano highlighted that the purpose of the discussion was “to concretely link the Jubilee with celebrations and events involving the Umbria Region, in particular the 800th anniversary of the Canticle of the Creatures in 2025 and of the death of St. Francis of Assisi in 2026, as well as the canonisation of Carlo Acutis, whose remains rest in Assisi, which will take place on 27 April”.

    The President of the Umbria Region, Stefania Proietti, stressed the importance of this opportunity for cooperation, considering also the growing interest in the area of Umbria in terms of visitor numbers.

    Among the speakers and participants at the meeting were: the Special Government Commissioner for the Jubilee, Roberto Gualtieri; the Pro-Prefect of the Holy See’s Dicastery for Evangelization, Monsignor Rino Fisichella; the Mayor of Perugia, Vittoria Ferdinandi; the Mayor of Terni, Stefano Bandecchi; the Deputy Mayor of Assisi, Valter Stoppini; the Chair of the Committee for the eighth centenary of St. Francis, Davide Rondoni; the Head of the Civil Protection Department, Fabio Ciciliano; the head of hospitality service coordination for the Jubilee 2025, Agostino Miozzo; and, representatives from the Ministries and institutions involved. Today’s meeting will be immediately followed by an operational working group.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Security: IAEA Work Central at World Economic Forum in Davos

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    “The work of the IAEA is at the centre of the debates. In particular, the nexus between nuclear energy and artificial intelligence has attracted a lot of attention,” the Director General said in Davos.  

    The IAEA held a session on nuclear’s role in meeting energy demands for artificial intelligence (AI), with experts from Bloomberg and technology venture capitalists DCVC. “Big tech needs nuclear to power energy-intensive AI data centres,” explained Mr Grossi.  

    A major event was also held on tripling nuclear energy, and the need for standardization, regulation, financing and collaboration in scaling up nuclear.  

    The Director General met with multiple world leaders to discuss development, energy and world peace, including Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino, Israel’s President Isaac Herzog, Austria’s Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg and Flanders’ Minister-President Matthias Diependaele.  

    Mr Grossi and Mr Mulino engaged on the IAEA’s Atoms4Food programme, as well as improving cancer care with the IAEA’s Rays Of Hope programme. “The IAEA is proud to stand with Panama in building a healthier, more resilient future for its people,” the Director General said. 

    The IAEA’s work on health, food and nutrition was a focus of multiple high-level dialogues. For example, Mr Grossi met with Viet Nam’s Minister of Science and Technology Huynh Thanh Dat to discuss the drought-tolerant, high-yield rice varieties that were developed with IAEA support, and with the CEO of Anglo American, Duncan Wanblad, on progress on a joint research project to fight soil salinity and advance sustainable farming practices. 

    Another key topic for the week was international security, particularly the IAEA’s role in ensuring nonproliferation worldwide. 

    The Director General was a speaker at the World Economic Forum’s Rubik’s Cube of Global Security, where he addressed pressures on nonproliferation amid rising geostrategic tensions, alongside Finland’s President Alexander Stubb, Libya’s Prime Minister Abdulhamid AlDabaiba, the International Crisis Group, Comfort Ero, Harvard Kennedy School’s Meghan O’Sullivan, and Foreign Affairs Magazine’s Dan Kurtz-Phelan. 

    Watch the recording of the session here.  

    The Director General was also active in closed sessions on artificial intelligence and sustainable energy in Latin America with leaders of the region, as well as an event on growing the African economy with leaders from the continent. 

    “The mission and the importance of the IAEA continue to grow. This is why we are here in Davos,” concluded the Director General. 

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Written resolution passed – approved amendments to the senior secured callable bond terms

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Oslo, 24 January 2025

    Reference is made to the announcement published by Interoil Exploration and Production ASA (the “Company“) on 17 January 2025 regarding summons for a written resolution with respect to the Company’s senior secured callable bonds with ISIN NO 001 0729908 (the “Bonds“).

    The written resolution in respect of the Bonds has been resolved and approved by the Company’s bondholders. Please see the attached notice on the written resolution for further information.

    The notice of the written resolution will be made available on http://www.stamdata.no (http://www.stamdata.no).

    Please direct any further questions to: ir@Interoil.no (mailto:ir@Interoil.no)

    ***

    Interoil Exploration and Production ASA is a Norwegian based exploration and production company – listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange with focus on Latin America. The Company is operator and license holder of several production and exploration assets in Colombia and Argentina with headquarter in Oslo.

    This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Office of the Governor — News Release — Media Advisory — Governor Green Celebrates Opening Of Eighteenth Kauhale

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    Office of the Governor — News Release — Media Advisory — Governor Green Celebrates Opening Of Eighteenth Kauhale

    Posted on Jan 23, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom, Office of the Governor Press Releases

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI 
    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI 

     
    JOSH GREEN, M.D. 
    GOVERNOR
    KE KIAʻĀINA 

     

    GOVERNOR GREEN CELEBRATES OPENING OF KŪLIA
    I KA NUʻU KAUHALE

    Blessing set for the Newest Kauhale by the Green Administration in Partnership with U.S.VETS 
     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    January 23, 2025

    HONOLULU — Governor Josh Green, M.D., today announced the opening of the Kūlia I Ka Nuʻu kauhale. As with the 17 other kauhale Governor Green has opened, this community embraces people who are experiencing homelessness. In partnership with operator U.S.VETS, this kauhale implements an emergency bed program that addresses immediate shelter needs, food insecurities and access to care for residents.

    “Housing is health care, and the Kūlia I Ka Nu‘u project is a powerful step toward addressing the urgent houselessness crisis in Leeward O‘ahu. Inspired by Queen Kapiʻolani’s motto to ‘strive for the highest,’ this initiative reflects our commitment to lifting up our most vulnerable—providing not just shelter, but dignity, stability, and a path to independence and personal excellence,” said Governor Green. “Together, with the strength of this community, we are creating a future where every person has the opportunity to thrive.”

    The mission of U.S.VETS is to prevent and end veteran homelessness and to empower veterans and families through housing, comprehensive services and advocacy. Its vision is to have all veterans and their families have their needs met to regain and maintain independence. The residents will be people in the community who are experiencing housing instability.

    “Every bed at this site represents a chance for someone to start over,” said Darryl Vincent, president and chief executive officer of U.S.VETS. “By integrating immediate care with long-term housing solutions, Kūlia I Ka Nu`u is set to change lives and empower residents to thrive. It’s a testament to what we can achieve when we work together with urgency and purpose.”

    This initiative aims to support up to 19 individuals in their transition from houselessness to healthy independence. There will be 14 emergency beds for males and five for females, specifically designed for short-term stays. A crucial part of this transition is the use of 12 permanent housing units at Kūlia I Ka Nuʻu designed to facilitate a smooth move to stable living conditions. In addition to providing shelter, trained staff and volunteers will play vital roles in managing the facilities, ensuring safety, providing necessities, and linking individuals to relevant support services.

    “The program will adopt a Housing First approach, ensuring low barriers to entry and immediate access to shelter and housing without unnecessary prerequisites,” said John Mizuno, the Governor’s Coordinator on Homelessness and Housing Solutions. “The program also intends to focus on housing access and retention, assisting individuals and families in rapidly securing permanent housing and preventing the residents’ return to houselessness.”

    The kauhale will provide a comprehensive list of services, such as emergency shelter case management, housing-focused case management, and assertive engagement strategies. These services are designed to be trauma-informed, culturally competent, and recovery-based, emphasizing participant choice and community integration. Services will be available until permanent housing can be secured, with no arbitrary time limits on program participation.

    Kūlia I Ka Nu‘u has provided the state cost savings in that Mark Development and Sofos Realty renovated the existing structure that offers rooms, restroom and shower amenities, a dining room and office space, without having to build a new facility.

    Photos from today’s kauhale blessing at 85-296 Ala Hema St., courtesy Office of the Governor, can be found here.

    About U.S.VETS
    U.S.VETS is on a mission to end veteran homelessness in the United States. The organization was founded by veterans to serve fellow veterans and is the leading nonprofit dedicated to the work of helping veterans and their families transition from homelessness through tailored support to help them gain independence. 

    # # # 

    Media Contacts:   
    Erika Engle
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawai‘i
    Phone: 808-586-0120
    Email: [email protected]

    Makana McClellan
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawaiʻi
    Cell: 808-265-0083
    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom signs $2.5 billion bipartisan relief package to help Los Angeles recover and rebuild faster from firestorm

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jan 23, 2025

    What you need to know: Alongside community, city, county, and legislative leaders, Governor Newsom signed special session legislation to provide over $2.5 billion for Los Angeles to bolster ongoing response efforts and jumpstart recovery and rebuilding.

    LOS ANGELES – With recovery efforts already underway to support those impacted by the Los Angeles hurricane-force firestorm, Governor Gavin Newsom today joined community, city, county, and legislative leaders in near the fire-damaged community of Altadena and signed legislation providing over $2.5 billion in disaster relief. The funding will immediately help bolster ongoing emergency response efforts as well as jumpstart recovery efforts.

    The special session legislation – ABx1-4 by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) and SBx1-3 by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) – provides funding to expedite firestorm response and recovery efforts, streamline rebuilding efforts, and help rebuild fire-damaged school facilities.

    “Thanks to our partners in the legislature, we’re providing over $2.5 billion in immediate relief – expediting initial firestorm response and recovery efforts. We’re also directing millions of dollars to help local governments speed up building approvals – so folks can rebuild their homes faster.

    Unlike MAGA Republicans in Washington who talk about delaying relief for political purposes, California is supporting our people with no strings attached. Together, we’ll rebuild Los Angeles.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    “California leaders from both political parties are united and working together to provide L.A. with the immediate assistance and support they need,” said Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas. “Today, we approved billions of dollars to help clean-up devastated neighborhoods, rebuild schools and put communities on a path to recovery. I thank the Governor, Pro Tem and my colleagues for moving with urgency. This is a first step, but we are committed to a full recovery and will stand with Angelenos until this work is done.”

    “This $2.5 billion is a clear commitment that we’ve got your back LA,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire (D-North Coast). “We’ve got your back now and we’ve got your back in the months and years to come. Your rebuild and your comeback is our priority. We’re grateful to Governor Newsom, Speaker Rivas and our legislative colleagues who moved with urgency to get this funding across the finish line. This downpayment is just the beginning.”

    How it works

    • $2.5 billion to expedite initial firestorm response and recovery efforts. This includes support for:

      • Emergency protective measures, evacuations, sheltering for survivors, debris removal and cleanup, post-fire hazard assessments (such as flash flooding and debris flows), traffic control, and other necessary emergency response activities.

    • $4 million to help expedite rebuilding. The Department of Housing and Community Development will allocate this funding to impacted local governments to provide additional planning review and building inspection resources for the purpose of expediting building approvals during the recovery period. 

    • $1 million to rebuild fire-damaged school facilities. The funding will provide technical assistance to impacted local educational agencies (Los Angeles Unified School District, Pasadena Unified School District, impacted charter schools).

    Supporting recovery, protecting survivors 

    Governor Newsom has issued a number of executive orders in response to the Los Angeles fire storms to help aid in rebuilding and recovery, create more temporary housing, and protect survivors from exploitation and price gouging:

    • Providing tax relief to those impacted by the fires. California postponed the individual tax filing deadline to October 15 for Los Angeles County taxpayers. Additionally, the state extended the January 31, 2025, sales and use tax filing deadline for Los Angeles County taxpayers until April 30 — providing critical tax relief for businesses. 

    • Rebuilding Los Angeles faster and stronger. Governor Newsom issued an executive order to streamline the rebuilding of homes and businesses destroyed — suspending permitting and review requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Act.

    • Fast-tracking temporary housing and protecting tenants and homeowners. To help provide necessary shelter for those immediately impacted by the firestorms, the Governor issued an executive order to make it easier to streamline construction of accessory dwelling units, allow for more temporary trailers and other housing, and suspend fees for mobile home parks. Governor Newsom also issued an executive order that prohibits landlords in Los Angeles County from evicting tenants for sharing their rental with survivors displaced by the Los Angeles-area firestorms. For homeowners, California has worked with five major lenders to provide mortgage relief to their customers.

    • Mobilizing debris removal and cleanup. With an eye toward recovery, the Governor directed fast action on debris removal work and mitigating the potential for mudslides and flooding in areas burned. He also signed an executive order to allow expert federal hazmat crews to start cleaning up properties as a key step in getting people back to their properties safely. The Governor also issued an executive order to help mitigate risk of mudslides and flooding and protect communities by hastening efforts to remove debris, bolster flood defenses, and stabilize hillsides in affected areas. 

    • Safeguarding survivors from price gouging. Governor Newsom expanded restrictions to protect survivors from illegal price hikes on rent, hotel and motel costs, and building materials or construction. Report violations to the Office of the Attorney General here.

    • Getting kids back in the classroom. Governor Newsom signed an executive order to quickly assist displaced students in the Los Angeles area and bolster schools affected by the firestorms.

    • Protecting victims from real estate speculators. The Governor issued an executive order to protect firestorm victims from predatory land speculators making aggressive and unsolicited cash offers to purchase victims’ property. 

    Get help today

    Californians can go to CA.gov/LAfires – a hub for information and resources from state, local and federal government.  

    Individuals and business owners who sustained losses from wildfires in Los Angeles County can apply for disaster assistance:

    • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov

    • By calling 800-621-3362

    • By using the FEMA smart phone application

    • Assistance is available in over 40 languages

    • If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

    Recent news

    News Los Angeles, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring January 23, 2025, as Ed Roberts Day. The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: PROCLAMATIONKnown as the “Father of Independent Living,” Ed Roberts was a…

    News What you need to know: The state is helping expand in-person Disaster Recovery Centers with online resources designed to help survivors get the help they need faster. Los Angeles, California – California continues to secure critical resources for survivors of the…

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom announced additional commitments to provide mortgage relief for property owners whose structures were damaged or destroyed by the LA firestorms, adding state-chartered banks, credit unions, and mortgage lenders and…

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: South Plains Financial, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Year-End 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LUBBOCK, Texas, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — South Plains Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPFI) (“South Plains” or the “Company”), the parent company of City Bank (“City Bank” or the “Bank”), today reported its financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2024.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Highlights

    • Net income for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $16.5 million, compared to $11.2 million for the third quarter of 2024 and $10.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • Diluted earnings per share for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $0.96, compared to $0.66 for the third quarter of 2024 and $0.61 for the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • Average cost of deposits for the fourth quarter of 2024 was 229 basis points, compared to 247 basis points for the third quarter of 2024 and 224 basis points for the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • Net interest margin, calculated on a tax-equivalent basis, was 3.75% for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to 3.65% for the third quarter of 2024 and 3.52% for the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • Return on average assets for the fourth quarter of 2024 was 1.53% annualized, compared to 1.05% annualized for the third quarter of 2024 and 0.99% annualized for the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • Tangible book value (non-GAAP) per share was $25.40 as of December 31, 2024, compared to $25.75 as of September 30, 2024 and $23.47 as of December 31, 2023.
    • The consolidated total risk-based capital ratio, common equity tier 1 risk-based capital ratio, and tier 1 leverage ratio at December 31, 2023 were 16.74%, 12.41%, and 11.33%, respectively. These ratios significantly exceeded the minimum regulatory levels necessary to be deemed “well-capitalized”.

    Full Year 2024 Highlights

    • Full year net income of $49.7 million in 2024, compared to $62.7 million in 2023.
    • Diluted earnings per share of $2.92 in 2024, compared to $3.62 in 2023.
    • The Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Windmark Insurance Agency, Inc. (“Windmark”), was sold in the second quarter of 2023 for $36.1 million, resulting in a gain, net of related charges and taxes, of $22.9 million or $1.32 of diluted earnings per share.
    • Loans held for investment grew $40.9 million, or 1.4%, during 2024.
    • Total assets were $4.23 billion at December 31, 2024, compared to $4.20 billion at December 31, 2023.
    • Return on average assets of 1.17% for the full year 2024, compared to 1.54% for 2023.

    Curtis Griffith, South Plains’ Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “I am very proud of our performance this past year as we successfully navigated a challenging environment with a focus on delivering strong financial results. We tightly managed our liquidity to optimize our profitability and return metrics while maintaining our conservative approach to underwriting and risk management. We have also managed the anticipated decline in our indirect auto portfolio as well as a heightened level of loan payoffs and paydowns that has obscured the strong, underlying loan production that has built through the year. Importantly, we are seeing a growing level of optimism across our customer base that is translating into the strongest new business production pipeline that we have seen in more than two years. This bodes positively for the year ahead where we expect to deliver low to mid-single digit loan growth for the full year 2025. Additionally, we are seeing deposit pricing fall across our markets which contributed to our strong margin expansion in the fourth quarter.”

    Results of Operations, Quarter Ended December 31, 2024

    Net Interest Income

    Net interest income was $38.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $37.3 million for the third quarter of 2024 and $35.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. Net interest margin, calculated on a tax-equivalent basis, was 3.75% for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to 3.65% for the third quarter of 2024 and 3.52% for the fourth quarter of 2023. The average yield on loans was 6.69% for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to 6.68% for the third quarter of 2024 and 6.29% for the fourth quarter of 2023. The average cost of deposits was 229 basis points for the fourth quarter of 2024, which is 18 basis points lower than the third quarter of 2024 and 5 basis points higher than the fourth quarter of 2023.

    Interest income was $61.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $61.6 million for the third quarter of 2024 and $57.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. Interest income decreased $316 thousand in the fourth quarter of 2024 from the third quarter of 2024, which was primarily comprised of a decrease of $243 thousand in loan interest income. The decline in loan interest income was due primarily to a decrease in average loans of $20.2 million. Interest income increased $4.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. This increase was primarily due to an increase of average loans of $30.5 million and higher loan interest rates during the period, resulting in growth of $3.4 million in loan interest income.

    Interest expense was $22.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $24.3 million for the third quarter of 2024 and $22.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. Interest expense decreased $1.6 million compared to the third quarter of 2024 and increased $702 thousand compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. The $1.6 million decrease was primarily as a result of a 24 basis point decline in the cost of interest-bearing deposits. The $702 thousand increase was primarily a result of growth in average interest-bearing deposits of $136.0 million.

    Noninterest Income and Noninterest Expense

    Noninterest income was $13.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $10.6 million for the third quarter of 2024 and $9.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. The increase from the third quarter of 2024 was primarily due to an increase of $3.1 million in mortgage banking revenues, mainly from an increase of $3.5 million in the fair value adjustment of the mortgage servicing rights assets as interest rates that affect the value increased in the fourth quarter of 2024. This growth was partially offset by approximately $700 thousand in insurance proceeds received for property damage in the third quarter of 2024. The increase in noninterest income for the fourth quarter of 2024 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2023 was primarily due to an increase of $3.3 million in mortgage banking activities revenue mainly from a rise of $3.0 million in the fair value adjustment of the mortgage servicing rights assets as interest rates that affect the value increased in the fourth quarter of 2024.

    Noninterest expense was $29.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $33.1 million for the third quarter of 2024 and $30.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. The $3.2 million decrease from the third quarter of 2024 was largely the result of a decline of $1.4 million in personnel expenses, primarily from decreased health insurance costs of $668 thousand, as annual rebates were received in the fourth quarter, and a reduction of $400 thousand in mortgage commissions as mortgage activity slowed in the fourth quarter. There were also decreases in net occupancy expense, professional service expenses, and the ineffectiveness related to fair value hedges on municipal securities. The decrease in noninterest expense for the fourth quarter of 2024 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2023 was largely the result of a decrease of $593 thousand in personnel expenses, related to the decline in health insurance costs previously noted.

    Loan Portfolio and Composition

    Loans held for investment were $3.06 billion as of December 31, 2024, compared to $3.04 billion as of September 30, 2024 and $3.01 billion as of December 31, 2023. The $17.7 million, or 2.3% annualized, increase during the fourth quarter of 2024 as compared to the third quarter of 2024 occurred primarily as a result of organic loan growth experienced in commercial owner-occupied real estate loans. As of December 31, 2024, loans held for investment increased $40.9 million, or 1.4%, from December 31, 2023, primarily attributable to organic loan growth, occurring mainly in multi-family property loans, direct-energy loans, commercial owner-occupied real estate loans, and single-family property loans, partially offset by decreases in consumer auto loans and construction, land, and development loans.

    Deposits and Borrowings

    Deposits totaled $3.62 billion as of December 31, 2024, compared to $3.72 billion as of September 30, 2024 and $3.63 billion as of December 31, 2023. Deposits decreased by $94.8 million, or 2.6%, in the fourth quarter of 2024 from September 30, 2024. As of December 31, 2024, deposits were essentially unchanged, from December 31, 2023. Noninterest-bearing deposits were $935.5 million as of December 31, 2024, compared to $998.5 million as of September 30, 2024 and $974.2 million as of December 31, 2023. Noninterest-bearing deposits represented 25.8% of total deposits as of December 31, 2024. The quarterly change in total deposits was mainly due to the seasonal decline in escrow accounts of approximately $35 million and a planned reduction of approximately $50 million in customer sweep deposits as part of balance sheet management. Deposits were essentially unchanged, year-over-year, with an increase in interest-bearing deposits offset by a decline in noninterest-bearing deposits.

    Asset Quality

    The Company recorded a provision for credit losses in the fourth quarter of 2024 of $1.2 million, compared to $495 thousand in the third quarter of 2024 and $600 thousand in the fourth quarter of 2023. The provision during the fourth quarter of 2024 was largely attributable to net charge-off activity and increased loan balances.

    The ratio of allowance for credit losses to loans held for investment was 1.42% as of December 31, 2024, compared to 1.41% as of September 30, 2024 and 1.41% as of December 31, 2023.

    The ratio of nonperforming assets to total assets was 0.58% as of December 31, 2024, compared to 0.59% as of September 30, 2024 and 0.14% as of December 31, 2023. Annualized net charge-offs were 0.11% for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to 0.11% for the third quarter of 2024 and 0.08% for the fourth quarter of 2023.

    Capital

    Book value per share decreased to $26.67 at December 31, 2024, compared to $27.04 at September 30, 2024. The change was primarily driven by a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) of $18.2 million, partially offset by $14.0 million of net income after dividends paid. The decrease in AOCI was attributed to the after-tax decrease in fair value of our available for sale securities, net of fair value hedges, as a result of increases in long-term market interest rates during the period. The tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio (non-GAAP) increased 15 basis points to 9.92% in the fourth quarter of 2024.

    Conference Call

    South Plains will host a conference call to discuss its fourth quarter and year-end 2024 financial results today, January 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time. Investors and analysts interested in participating in the call are invited to dial 1-877-407-9716 (international callers please dial 1-201-493-6779) approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. A live audio webcast of the conference call and conference materials will be available on the Company’s website at https://www.spfi.bank/news-events/events.

    A replay of the conference call will be available within two hours of the conclusion of the call and can be accessed on the investor section of the Company’s website as well as by dialing 1-844-512-2921 (international callers please dial 1-412-317-6671). The pin to access the telephone replay is 13750452. The replay will be available until February 7, 2025.

    About South Plains Financial, Inc.

    South Plains is the bank holding company for City Bank, a Texas state-chartered bank headquartered in Lubbock, Texas. City Bank is one of the largest independent banks in West Texas and has additional banking operations in the Dallas, El Paso, Greater Houston, the Permian Basin, and College Station, Texas markets, and the Ruidoso, New Mexico market. South Plains provides a wide range of commercial and consumer financial services to small and medium-sized businesses and individuals in its market areas. Its principal business activities include commercial and retail banking, along with investment, trust and mortgage services. Please visit https://www.spfi.bank for more information.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Some of the financial measures included in this press release are not measures of financial performance recognized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). These non-GAAP financial measures include Tangible Book Value Per Share, Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets, and Pre-Tax, Pre-Provision Income. The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide both management and investors a more complete understanding of the Company’s financial position and performance. These non-GAAP financial measures are supplemental and are not a substitute for any analysis based on GAAP financial measures.

    We classify a financial measure as being a non-GAAP financial measure if that financial measure excludes or includes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have the effect of excluding or including amounts, that are included or excluded, as the case may be, in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP as in effect from time to time in the United States in our statements of income, balance sheets or statements of cash flows. Not all companies use the same calculation of these measures; therefore, this presentation may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures as presented by other companies.

    A reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP financial measures is provided at the end of this press release.

    Available Information

    The Company routinely posts important information for investors on its web site (under http://www.spfi.bank and, more specifically, under the News & Events tab at http://www.spfi.bank/news-events/press-releases). The Company intends to use its web site as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD (Fair Disclosure) promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Accordingly, investors should monitor the Company’s web site, in addition to following the Company’s press releases, SEC filings, public conference calls, presentations and webcasts.

    The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, the Company’s web site is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this document.

    Forward Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements reflect South Plains’ current views with respect to future events and South Plains’ financial performance. Any statements about South Plains’ expectations, beliefs, plans, predictions, forecasts, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not historical facts and may be forward-looking. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “anticipate,” “believes,” “can,” “could,” “may,” “predicts,” “potential,” “should,” “will,” “estimate,” “plans,” “projects,” “continuing,” “ongoing,” “expects,” “intends” and similar words or phrases. South Plains cautions that the forward-looking statements in this press release are based largely on South Plains’ expectations and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on factors which are, in many instances, beyond South Plains’ control. Factors that could cause such changes include, but are not limited to, the impact on us and our customers of a decline in general economic conditions and any regulatory responses thereto; potential recession in the United States and our market areas; the impacts related to or resulting from uncertainty in the banking industry as a whole; increased competition for deposits in our market areas and related changes in deposit customer behavior; the impact of changes in market interest rates, whether due to a continuation of the elevated interest rate environment or further reductions in interest rates and a resulting decline in net interest income; the lingering inflationary pressures, and the risk of the resurgence of elevated levels of inflation, in the United States and our market areas; the uncertain impacts of ongoing quantitative tightening and current and future monetary policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; increases in unemployment rates in the United States and our market areas; declines in commercial real estate values and prices; uncertainty regarding United States fiscal debt, deficit and budget matters; cyber incidents or other failures, disruptions or breaches of our operational or security systems or infrastructure, or those of our third-party vendors or other service providers, including as a result of cyber attacks; severe weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism, geopolitical instability or other external events; the impact of changes in U.S. presidential administrations or Congress, including potential changes in U.S. and international trade policies and the resulting impact on the Company and its customers; competition and market expansion opportunities; changes in non-interest expenditures or in the anticipated benefits of such expenditures; the risks related to the development, implementation, use and management of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learnings; potential costs related to the impacts of climate change; current or future litigation, regulatory examinations or other legal and/or regulatory actions; and changes in applicable laws and regulations. Additional information regarding these risks and uncertainties to which South Plains’ business and future financial performance are subject is contained in South Plains’ most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q on file with the SEC, including the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of such documents, and other documents South Plains files or furnishes with the SEC from time to time, which are available on the SEC’s website, http://www.sec.gov. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed, or implied by the forward-looking statements due to additional risks and uncertainties of which South Plains is not currently aware or which it does not currently view as, but in the future may become, material to its business or operating results. Due to these and other possible uncertainties and risks, the Company can give no assurance that the results contemplated in the forward-looking statements will be realized and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Any forward-looking statements presented herein are made only as of the date of this press release, and South Plains does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect changes in assumptions, new information, the occurrence of unanticipated events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. All forward-looking statements, express or implied, included in the press release are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

    Contact: Mikella Newsom, Chief Risk Officer and Secretary
      (866) 771-3347
      investors@city.bank
       

    Source: South Plains Financial, Inc.

     
    South Plains Financial, Inc.
    Consolidated Financial Highlights – (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands, except share data)
     
      As of and for the quarter ended
      December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    Selected Income Statement Data:                            
    Interest income $ 61,324     $ 61,640     $ 59,208     $ 58,727     $ 57,236  
    Interest expense   22,776       24,346       23,320       23,359       22,074  
    Net interest income   38,548       37,294       35,888       35,368       35,162  
    Provision for credit losses   1,200       495       1,775       830       600  
    Noninterest income   13,319       10,635       12,709       11,409       9,146  
    Noninterest expense   29,948       33,128       32,572       31,930       30,597  
    Income tax expense   4,222       3,094       3,116       3,143       2,787  
    Net income   16,497       11,212       11,134       10,874       10,324  
    Per Share Data (Common Stock):                            
    Net earnings, basic $ 1.01     $ 0.68     $ 0.68     $ 0.66     $ 0.63  
    Net earnings, diluted   0.96       0.66       0.66       0.64       0.61  
    Cash dividends declared and paid   0.15       0.14       0.14       0.13       0.13  
    Book value   26.67       27.04       25.45       24.87       24.80  
    Tangible book value (non-GAAP)   25.40       25.75       24.15       23.56       23.47  
    Weighted average shares outstanding, basic   16,400,361       16,386,079       16,425,360       16,429,919       16,443,908  
    Weighted average shares outstanding, dilutive   17,161,646       17,056,959       16,932,077       16,938,857       17,008,892  
    Shares outstanding at end of period   16,455,826       16,386,627       16,424,021       16,431,755       16,417,099  
    Selected Period End Balance Sheet Data:                            
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 359,082     $ 471,167     $ 298,006     $ 371,939     $ 330,158  
    Investment securities   577,240       606,889       591,031       599,869       622,762  
    Total loans held for investment   3,055,054       3,037,375       3,094,273       3,011,799       3,014,153  
    Allowance for credit losses   43,237       42,886       43,173       42,174       42,356  
    Total assets   4,232,239       4,337,659       4,220,936       4,218,993       4,204,793  
    Interest-bearing deposits   2,685,366       2,720,880       2,672,948       2,664,397       2,651,952  
    Noninterest-bearing deposits   935,510       998,480       951,565       974,174       974,201  
    Total deposits   3,620,876       3,719,360       3,624,513       3,638,571       3,626,153  
    Borrowings   110,354       110,307       110,261       110,214       110,168  
    Total stockholders’ equity   438,949       443,122       417,985       408,712       407,114  
    Summary Performance Ratios:                            
    Return on average assets (annualized)   1.53 %     1.05 %     1.07 %     1.04 %     0.99 %
    Return on average equity (annualized)   14.88 %     10.36 %     10.83 %     10.72 %     10.52 %
    Net interest margin (1)   3.75 %     3.65 %     3.63 %     3.56 %     3.52 %
    Yield on loans   6.69 %     6.68 %     6.60 %     6.53 %     6.29 %
    Cost of interest-bearing deposits   3.12 %     3.36 %     3.33 %     3.27 %     3.14 %
    Efficiency ratio   57.50 %     68.80 %     66.72 %     67.94 %     68.71 %
    Summary Credit Quality Data:                            
    Nonperforming loans $ 24,023     $ 24,693     $ 23,452     $ 3,380     $ 5,178  
    Nonperforming loans to total loans held for investment   0.79 %     0.81 %     0.76 %     0.11 %     0.17 %
    Other real estate owned   530       973       755       862       912  
    Nonperforming assets to total assets   0.58 %     0.59 %     0.57 %     0.10 %     0.14 %
    Allowance for credit losses to total loans held for investment   1.42 %     1.41 %     1.40 %     1.40 %     1.41 %
    Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding (annualized)   0.11 %     0.11 %     0.10 %     0.13 %     0.08 %
                                           
      As of and for the quarter ended
      December 31
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    Capital Ratios:                            
    Total stockholders’ equity to total assets   10.37 %     10.22 %     9.90 %     9.69 %     9.68 %
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets (non-GAAP)   9.92 %     9.77 %     9.44 %     9.22 %     9.21 %
    Common equity tier 1 to risk-weighted assets   13.53 %     13.25 %     12.61 %     12.67 %     12.41 %
    Tier 1 capital to average assets   12.04 %     11.76 %     11.81 %     11.51 %     11.33 %
    Total capital to risk-weighted assets   17.86 %     17.61 %     16.86 %     17.00 %     16.74 %
    (1) Net interest margin is calculated as the annual net interest income, on a fully tax-equivalent basis, divided by average interest-earning assets.
     
    South Plains Financial, Inc.
    Average Balances and Yields – (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)
     
      For the Three Months Ended
      December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023
           
      Average
    Balance
      Interest   Yield/Rate   Average
    Balance
      Interest   Yield/Rate
    Assets                                          
    Loans $ 3,049,718     $ 51,270       6.69 %   $ 3,019,228     $ 47,903       6.29 %
    Debt securities – taxable   518,646       4,994       3.83 %     560,143       5,563       3.94 %
    Debt securities – nontaxable   154,203       1,014       2.62 %     157,341       1,032       2.60 %
    Other interest-bearing assets   390,090       4,267       4.35 %     255,454       2,963       4.60 %
                                               
    Total interest-earning assets   4,112,657       61,545       5.95 %     3,992,166       57,461       5.71 %
    Noninterest-earning assets   189,422                     156,541                
                                               
    Total assets $ 4,302,079                   $ 4,148,707                
                                               
    Liabilities & stockholders’ equity                                          
    NOW, Savings, MMDA’s $ 2,249,062       16,570       2.93 %   $ 2,201,190       16,894       3.04 %
    Time deposits   445,173       4,566       4.08 %     357,067       3,325       3.69 %
    Short-term borrowings   3             0.00 %     3             0.00 %
    Notes payable & other long-term borrowings               0.00 %                 0.00 %
    Subordinated debt   63,938       834       5.19 %     73,740       981       5.28 %
    Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures   46,393       806       6.91 %     46,393       874       7.47 %
                                               
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   2,804,569       22,776       3.23 %     2,678,393       22,074       3.27 %
    Demand deposits   978,742                     1,021,091                
    Other liabilities   77,732                     59,808                
    Stockholders’ equity   441,036                     389,415                
                                               
    Total liabilities & stockholders’ equity $ 4,302,079                   $ 4,148,707                
                                               
    Net interest income         $ 38,769                   $ 35,387        
    Net interest margin (2)                   3.75 %                     3.52 %
    (1) Average loan balances include nonaccrual loans and loans held for sale.
    (2) Net interest margin is calculated as the annualized net interest income, on a fully tax-equivalent basis, divided by average interest-earning assets.
       
    South Plains Financial, Inc.
    Average Balances and Yields – (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)
     
      For the Twelve Months Ended
      December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023
                           
      Average
    Balance
      Interest   Yield/Rate   Average
    Balance
      Interest   Yield/Rate
    Assets                                          
    Loans $ 3,054,189     $ 202,301       6.62 %   $ 2,924,473     $ 176,627       6.04 %
    Debt securities – taxable   532,730       21,090       3.96 %     570,655       21,590       3.78 %
    Debt securities – nontaxable   155,168       4,076       2.63 %     185,205       4,901       2.65 %
    Other interest-bearing assets   312,917       14,319       4.58 %     223,152       9,973       4.47 %
                                               
    Total interest-earning assets   4,055,004       241,786       5.96 %     3,903,485       213,091       5.46 %
    Noninterest-earning assets   179,527                     176,495                
                                               
    Total assets $ 4,234,531                   $ 4,079,980                
                                               
    Liabilities & stockholders’ equity                                          
    NOW, Savings, MMDA’s $ 2,250,942       70,362       3.13 %   $ 2,117,985       55,423       2.62 %
    Time deposits   411,028       16,719       4.07 %     321,205       9,564       2.98 %
    Short-term borrowings   3             0.00 %     84       5       5.95 %
    Notes payable & other long-term borrowings               0.00 %                 0.00 %
    Subordinated debt   63,868       3,339       5.23 %     75,458       4,018       5.32 %
    Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures   46,393       3,381       7.29 %     46,393       3,276       7.06 %
                                               
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   2,772,234       93,801       3.38 %     2,561,125       72,286       2.82 %
    Demand deposits   968,307                     1,069,280                
    Other liabilities   70,777                     71,102                
    Stockholders’ equity   423,213                     378,473                
                                               
    Total liabilities & stockholders’ equity $ 4,234,531                   $ 4,079,980                
                                               
    Net interest income         $ 147,985                   $ 140,805        
    Net interest margin (2)                   3.65 %                     3.61 %
    (1) Average loan balances include nonaccrual loans and loans held for sale.
    (2) Net interest margin is calculated as the annualized net interest income, on a fully tax-equivalent basis, divided by average interest-earning assets.
       
    South Plains Financial, Inc.
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)
     
      As of
      December 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
               
    Assets          
    Cash and due from banks $ 54,114     $ 62,821  
    Interest-bearing deposits in banks   304,968       267,337  
    Securities available for sale   577,240       622,762  
    Loans held for sale   20,542       14,499  
    Loans held for investment   3,055,054       3,014,153  
    Less:  Allowance for credit losses   (43,237 )     (42,356 )
    Net loans held for investment   3,011,817       2,971,797  
    Premises and equipment, net   52,951       55,070  
    Goodwill   19,315       19,315  
    Intangible assets   1,720       2,429  
    Mortgage servicing rights   26,292       26,569  
    Other assets   163,280       162,194  
    Total assets $ 4,232,239     $ 4,204,793  
               
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity          
    Noninterest-bearing deposits $ 935,510     $ 974,201  
    Interest-bearing deposits   2,685,366       2,651,952  
    Total deposits   3,620,876       3,626,153  
    Subordinated debt   63,961       63,775  
    Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures   46,393       46,393  
    Other liabilities   62,060       61,358  
    Total liabilities   3,793,290       3,797,679  
    Stockholders’ Equity          
    Common stock   16,456       16,417  
    Additional paid-in capital   97,287       97,107  
    Retained earnings   385,827       345,264  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)   (60,621 )     (51,674 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   438,949       407,114  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 4,232,239     $ 4,204,793  
                   
    South Plains Financial, Inc.
    Consolidated Statements of Income
    (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)
     
      Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
      December 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      December 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
                                   
    Interest income:                              
    Loans, including fees $ 51,262     $ 47,895     $ 202,270     $ 176,598  
    Other   10,062       9,341       38,629       35,435  
    Total interest income   61,324       57,236       240,899       212,033  
    Interest expense:                              
    Deposits   21,136       20,219       87,081       64,987  
    Subordinated debt   834       981       3,339       4,018  
    Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures   806       874       3,381       3,276  
    Other                     5  
    Total interest expense   22,776       22,074       93,801       72,286  
    Net interest income   38,548       35,162       147,098       139,747  
    Provision for credit losses   1,200       600       4,300       4,610  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   37,348       34,562       142,798       135,137  
    Noninterest income:                              
    Service charges on deposits   2,241       1,844       8,026       7,130  
    Income from insurance activities   31       37       123       1,515  
    Mortgage banking activities   4,955       1,671       14,187       13,817  
    Bank card services and interchange fees   3,225       3,167       13,640       13,323  
    Gain on sale of subsidiary                     33,778  
    Other   2,867       2,427       12,096       9,663  
    Total noninterest income   13,319       9,146       48,072       79,226  
    Noninterest expense:                              
    Salaries and employee benefits   17,384       17,977       74,338       79,377  
    Net occupancy expense   3,901       3,856       16,105       16,102  
    Professional services   1,555       1,509       6,583       6,433  
    Marketing and development   1,153       880       3,782       3,453  
    Other   5,955       6,375       26,770       29,581  
    Total noninterest expense   29,948       30,597       127,578       134,946  
    Income before income taxes   20,719       13,111       63,292       79,417  
    Income tax expense   4,222       2,787       13,575       16,672  
    Net income $ 16,497     $ 10,324     $ 49,717     $ 62,745  
                                   
    South Plains Financial, Inc.
    Loan Composition
    (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)
     
      As of
      December 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
                   
    Loans:              
    Commercial Real Estate $ 1,119,063     $ 1,081,056  
    Commercial – Specialized   388,955       372,376  
    Commercial – General   557,371       517,361  
    Consumer:              
    1-4 Family Residential   566,400       534,731  
    Auto Loans   254,474       305,271  
    Other Consumer   64,936       74,168  
    Construction   103,855       129,190  
    Total loans held for investment $ 3,055,054     $ 3,014,153  
                   
    South Plains Financial, Inc.
    Deposit Composition
    (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)
     
      As of
      December 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
                   
    Deposits:              
    Noninterest-bearing deposits $ 935,510     $ 974,201  
    NOW & other transaction accounts   498,718       562,066  
    MMDA & other savings   1,741,988       1,722,170  
    Time deposits   444,660       367,716  
    Total deposits $ 3,620,876     $ 3,626,153  
                   
    South Plains Financial, Inc.
    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)
       
      For the quarter ended
      December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    Pre-tax, pre-provision income                                      
    Net income $ 16,497     $ 11,212     $ 11,134     $ 10,874     $ 10,324  
    Income tax expense   4,222       3,094       3,116       3,143       2,787  
    Provision for credit losses   1,200       495       1,775       830       600  
    Pre-tax, pre-provision income $ 21,919     $ 14,801     $ 16,025     $ 14,847     $ 13,711  
                                           
      As of
      December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    Tangible common equity                            
    Total common stockholders’ equity $ 438,949     $ 443,122     $ 417,985     $ 408,712     $ 407,114  
    Less:  goodwill and other intangibles   (21,035 )     (21,197 )     (21,379 )     (21,562 )     (21,744 )
                                 
    Tangible common equity $ 417,914     $ 421,925     $ 396,606     $ 387,150     $ 385,370  
                                 
    Tangible assets                            
    Total assets $ 4,232,239     $ 4,337,659     $ 4,220,936     $ 4,218,993     $ 4,204,793  
    Less:  goodwill and other intangibles   (21,035 )     (21,197 )     (21,379 )     (21,562 )     (21,744 )
                                 
    Tangible assets $ 4,211,204     $ 4,316,462     $ 4,199,557     $ 4,197,431     $ 4,183,049  
                                 
    Shares outstanding   16,455,826       16,386,627       16,424,021       16,431,755       16,417,099  
                                 
    Total stockholders’ equity to total assets   10.37 %     10.22 %     9.90 %     9.69 %     9.68 %
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets   9.92 %     9.77 %     9.44 %     9.22 %     9.21 %
    Book value per share $ 26.67     $ 27.04     $ 25.45     $ 24.87     $ 24.80  
    Tangible book value per share $ 25.40     $ 25.75     $ 24.15     $ 23.56     $ 23.47  
                                           

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI China: Global sci-fi writers celebrate Chinese New Year with original stories

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Sci-fi writers from various countries will debut original stories themed around the number “10” at the 2025 Science Fiction New Year Gala, which will celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year.

    A poster for the 2025 Science Fiction New Year Gala. [Image courtesy of the Future Affairs Administration]

    This year marks the 10th anniversary of the gala, and the theme of “10” was selected to reflect this milestone, according to the Future Affairs Administration, the event’s organizer and a company dedicated to producing and promoting sci-fi works while supporting new writers in China.

    This year is significant as it is the first since UNESCO added the Spring Festival – a traditional celebration of the Chinese New Year – to its Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage last December.

    The number 10 is significant for numerous reasons. The organizers point out that both Eastern and Western cultures embrace the ouroboros – a symbol of a serpent eating its own tail that aligns with China’s Year of the Snake in the Chinese Zodiac – suggesting that the number 10 signifies the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Additionally, in decimal notation, 10 is seen as a node, while in binary, the numbers 1 and 0 represent foundational elements of code. The organizers also note that visually, the number 10 resembles a person standing before a stargate, poised to embark on a new journey.

    Twelve authors from four countries have submitted works inspired by the theme of “10.” These stories will be published daily from Jan. 24 to Feb. 4 on new media platforms operated by the Future Affairs Administration, including Xiaohongshu, WeChat, Weibo and Bilibili.

    The participating writers include China’s Han Song, Yang Ping, Jiang Bo, and Cheng Jingbo, as well as Canada’s Derek Künsken and Jiang Ai, Australia’s Samantha Murray and Japan’s Taiyo Fujii. They are a mix of award-winning authors and emerging stars in the global sci-fi literary scene.

    A tribute video is also being produced to commemorate the anniversary of the Science Fiction New Year Gala. Nearly 50 writers, artists, scholars, translators, readers, fans, critics and gala participants will share their memories and congratulations in the video.

    Over the past 10 years, the Science Fiction New Year Gala has invited 63 sci-fi authors from 10 countries across five continents to contribute to 145 novels, amassing an impressive 500 million views within the Chinese sci-fi community. The stories created for the event have garnered multiple awards both domestically and internationally, appearing in multilingual sci-fi collections and top magazines such as Clarkesworld, Asimov’s Science Fiction, and Lightspeed. Additionally, more than 10 artists have produced over 70 pieces of visual art, while 25 podcasts have collectively featured over 70 hours of programming. More than 150 partners have also given readers Chinese New Year gifts and benefits valued at over 170,000 yuan ($23,300).

    The writings showcased at the gala include sci-fi stories that explore themes such as homeward journeys reflecting the Chinese tradition of family reunions, reimaginings of China’s extensive transportation system, and various social issues. Some stories draw inspiration from the Chinese dragon, a mythical and auspicious creature in Chinese legend and the Zodiac.

    The gala also promotes cultural exchanges, allowing foreign writers to share their perspectives on China while gaining deeper insights into the emotions and experiences of the Chinese people.

    “Why are we celebrating Chinese New Year with sci-fi literature? This idea may seem crazy, but we believe that through sci-fi – a genre that expands human emotions – the atmosphere of the year will become richer between the lines and words,” said Ji Shaoting, founder and CEO of the Future Affairs Administration.

    Ji emphasized the challenge of maintaining focus on one project for 10 years. “The pain involved in pursuing what you love might be the most bearable. Ten years ago, we hoped this could become a fresh New Year tradition for our sci-fi enthusiasts. Perhaps we have achieved that now. However, the road ahead is still long, and we hope that one day everyone will recognize how deeply sci-fi is woven into life and into our very essence,” she said.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI Video: 01/23/25: President Trump Signs Executive Orders

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    The White House

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rmWeGbfN8o

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI: AGF Investments Announces January 2025 Cash Distributions for AGF Enhanced U.S. Equity Income Fund, AGF Total Return Bond Fund and AGF Systematic Global Infrastructure ETF

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    AGF Investments Inc. (AGF Investments) today announced the January 2025 cash distributions for AGF Enhanced U.S. Equity Income Fund*, AGF Total Return Bond Fund* and AGF Systematic Global Infrastructure ETF, which pay monthly distributions. Unitholders of record on January 31, 2025 will receive cash distributions payable on February 6, 2025.

    Details regarding the final “per unit” distribution amounts are as follows:

    ETF Ticker Exchange  Cash Distribution Per Unit ($)
    AGF Enhanced U.S. Equity Income Fund* AENU Cboe Canada Inc.  $0.139916
    AGF Total Return Bond Fund* ATRB Cboe Canada Inc.  $0.131000
    AGF Systematic Global Infrastructure ETF QIF Cboe Canada Inc.  $0.141593


    *AGF Enhanced U.S. Equity Income Fund and AGF Total Return Bond Fund are mutual funds with an ETF series option.

    Further information about the AGF ETFs can be found at AGF.com.

    This information is not intended to provide legal, accounting, tax, investment, financial, or other advice, and should not be relied upon for providing such advice. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investment fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated.

    AGF ETFs are ETFs offered by AGF Investments Inc. ETFs are listed and traded on organized Canadian exchanges and may only be bought and sold through licensed dealers.

    About AGF Management Limited

    Founded in 1957, AGF Management Limited (AGF) is an independent and globally diverse asset management firm. Our companies deliver excellence in investing in the public and private markets through three business lines: AGF Investments, AGF Capital Partners and AGF Private Wealth.

    AGF brings a disciplined approach, focused on incorporating sound, responsible and sustainable corporate practices. The firm’s collective investment expertise, driven by its fundamental, quantitative and private investing capabilities, extends globally to a wide range of clients, from financial advisors and their clients to high-net worth and institutional investors including pension plans, corporate plans, sovereign wealth funds, endowments and foundations.

    Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, AGF has investment operations and client servicing teams on the ground in North America and Europe. With nearly $53 billion in total assets under management and fee-earning assets, AGF serves more than 815,000 investors. AGF trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol AGF.B.

    About AGF Investments

    AGF Investments is a group of wholly owned subsidiaries of AGF Management Limited, a Canadian reporting issuer. The subsidiaries included in AGF Investments are AGF Investments Inc. (AGFI), AGF Investments America Inc. (AGFA), AGF Investments LLC (AGFUS) and AGF International Advisors Company Limited (AGFIA). The term AGF Investments may refer to one or more of these subsidiaries or to all of them jointly. This term is used for convenience and does not precisely describe any of the separate companies, each of which manages its own affairs.

    AGF Investments entities only provide investment advisory services or offers investment funds in the jurisdiction where such firm and/or product is registered or authorized to provide such services.

    AGF Investments Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AGF Management Limited and conducts the management and advisory of mutual funds in Canada.

    Media Contact

    Amanda Marchment
    Director, Corporate Communications
    416-865-4160
    amanda.marchment@agf.com  

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Abaxx Announces Closing of Final Tranche of C$2,756,000 Private Placement

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    /NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES/

    TORONTO, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Abaxx Technologies Inc. (CBOE CA:ABXX) (“Abaxx” or the “Company”), a financial software and market infrastructure company, majority shareholder of Abaxx Singapore Pte. Ltd., the owner of Abaxx Commodity Exchange and Clearinghouse (individually, “Abaxx Exchange” and “Abaxx Clearing”), and producer of the SmarterMarkets™ Podcast, is pleased to announce it has today closed its final tranche (the “Final Tranche”) of a non-brokered private placement financing (the “Financing”). The Final Tranche consisted of the issuance of 50,000 common shares (the “Shares”) of the Company at a price of C$13.00 per Share for aggregate gross proceeds of C$650,000. The Financing, which consisted of the Final Tranche and a tranche which closed on November 22, 2024, consisted of the issuance of 212,000 Shares at a price of C$13.00 per Share for aggregate gross proceeds of C$2,756,000.

    The proceeds of the Financing are expected to be used for general corporate and working capital requirements, including to fund ongoing operations and/or working capital and minimum regulatory requirements for Abaxx Exchange and Abaxx Clearing. No finder’s fees or commissions were paid in connection with the Final Tranche.

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities issuable under the Financing have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold to or for the account or benefit of persons in the “United States” or “U.S. persons” (as such terms are defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

    About Abaxx Technologies
    Abaxx is building Smarter Markets — markets empowered by better financial technology and market infrastructure to address our biggest challenges, including the energy transition. In addition to developing and deploying financial technologies that make communication, trade, and transactions easier and more secure, Abaxx is a majority-owner of Abaxx Exchange and Abaxx Clearing, subsidiaries recognized by the Monetary Authority of Singapore as “recognized market operator” and “approved clearinghouse”, respectively.

    Abaxx Exchange and Abaxx Clearing are a Singapore-based commodity futures exchange and clearinghouse, introducing centrally cleared, physically deliverable commodities futures and derivatives to provide better price discovery and risk management tools for the commodities critical to our transition to a lower-carbon economy.

    For more information please visit abaxx.tech, abaxx.exchange and smartermarkets.media.

    For more information about this press release, please contact:

    Steve Fray, CFO
    Tel: 647-490-1590

    Media and investor inquiries:

    Abaxx Technologies Inc.
    Investor Relations Team
    Tel: +1 647 490 1590
    E-mail: ir@abaxx.tech

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This press release includes certain “forward-looking statements” which do not consist of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe Abaxx’s future plans, objectives, or goals, including words to the effect that Abaxx expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as “seeking”, “should”, “intend”, “predict”, “potential”, “believes”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “estimates”, “may”, “could”, “would”, “will”, “continue”, “plan” or the negative of these terms and similar expressions. Since forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to Abaxx, Abaxx does not provide any assurance that actual results will meet respective management expectations. Risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.

    Forward-looking information related to Abaxx in this press release includes but is not limited to, Abaxx’s objectives, goals or future plans and intended use of proceeds from the Financing. Such factors impacting forward-looking information include, among others: risks relating to the global economic climate; dilution; Abaxx’s limited operating history; future capital needs and uncertainty of additional financing; the competitive nature of the industry; currency exchange risks; the need for Abaxx to manage its planned growth and expansion; the effects of product development and need for continued technology change; protection of proprietary rights; the effect of government regulation and compliance on Abaxx and the industry; the ability to list Abaxx’s securities on stock exchanges in a timely fashion or at all; network security risks; the ability of Abaxx to maintain properly working systems; reliance on key personnel; global economic and financial market deterioration impeding access to capital or increasing the cost of capital; and volatile securities markets impacting security pricing unrelated to operating performance. In addition, particular factors which could impact future results of the business of Abaxx include but are not limited to: operations in foreign jurisdictions, protection of intellectual property rights, contractual risk, third-party risk; clearinghouse risk, malicious actor risks, third-party software license risk, system failure risk, risk of technological change; dependence of technical infrastructure; and changes in the price of commodities, capital market conditions, restriction on labor and international travel and supply chains. Abaxx has also assumed that no significant events occur outside of Abaxx’s normal course of business.

    Abaxx cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. In addition, although Abaxx has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. When relying on forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors, the risk factors in the Company’s most recent management’s discussion and analysis and other uncertainties and potential events. Abaxx has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraphs will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release represents the expectations of Abaxx as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Abaxx undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements and information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and information. CBOE Canada does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AMERICA/VENEZUELA – People in Barquisimeto do not lose hope: the poor help the poor

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Friday, 24 January 2025

    Barquisimeto (Agenzia Fides) – After the elections held in July last year (see Fides, 30/7/2024), there is an impression that an air of sadness, frustration and disappointment is hanging over Venezuela. Father Miguel Angel Bombin, during a visit to the country, reports the difficulties faced by the political problems facing the Venezuelan population.”In Barquisimeto, where the Don Orione Work carries out most of its work in the country, the mood is not the best, even if the environment is calm and there are no particular tensions,” reports the missionary. “Most people feel that their voice has been taken away from them, that their will has not been respected,” notes Father Bombin, who is the head of the Vice-Province of “Nuestra Señora del Pilar” of the Don Orione Work, which includes Spain and Venezuela.”The only hope is that something will change. Many are thinking of leaving the country again, we now have 8 million Venezuelans who have emigrated, and there is a fear that the exodus will start again, especially among the young people who have stayed here until now because they were hoping for something different.””This difficult situation,” he continues, “also affects the work of the Don Orione Foundation in the country. At the moment we have a day center for the disabled in Barquisimeto, and the parish, which carries out many activities, including a project with Caritas on nutrition and food. In the seminary we have two aspirants and three young people in training. We are also present in Caraballeda, where we have a preschool with 100 children up to 6 years old, and where we have been building a new parish for five years, even if the work is progressing very slowly. Unfortunately, it is not easy, we live day by day and are always struggling with resources. Since 2012 we have lost all financial support from the government and we continue to use the provincial funds and some outside help, but economically the situation is serious. We can no longer accommodate so many guests in the day center because it is difficult to find doctors or to guarantee them a decent salary. However, we are not discouraged and we see that Providence is manifested above all in the many people who come here as volunteers.””Despite the difficulties, we continue,” concludes Father Bombin, “and the Congregation continues to look forward, following that Hope that is the central theme of the 2025 Jubilee. Seeing how many people living with their difficulties are volunteering in psychiatric centers, in prisons or even in garbage dumps where so many people have to live is a sign that in these difficult situations the best in people comes out. They are poor people who help other poor people, creating closeness and solidarity. This is the hope that we want to live in this Holy Year.”Following the charism of their Founder, the spirit of charity that animates the Congregation of the Little Work of Divine Providence is not limited to a single human need but reaches orphans, women and men in difficulty, elderly and disabled people, young people in search of a better future, poor and exploited populations, and every human suffering. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 24/1/2025)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI USA: New solar plants expected to support most U.S. electric generation growth

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    In-brief analysis

    January 24, 2025

    Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO), January 2025
    Note: Capacity values represent the amount of generating capacity at utility-scale power plants (greater than 1 megawatt). Other renewables include geothermal, waste biomass, wood biomass, and pumped storage hydropower.

    In our latest Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO), we expect that U.S. renewable capacity additions—especially solar—will continue to drive the growth of U.S. power generation over the next two years. We expect U.S. utilities and independent power producers will add 26 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity to the U.S. electric power sector in 2025 and 22 GW in 2026. Last year, the electric power sector added a record 37 GW of solar power capacity to the electric power sector, almost double 2023 solar capacity additions. We forecast wind capacity additions will increase by around 8 GW in 2025 and 9 GW in 2026, slight increases from the 7 GW added in 2024.

    In contrast to solar and wind, generating capacity for most other energy sources will remain mostly unchanged in 2025 and 2026. Natural gas-fired capacity growth slowed in 2024, with only 1 GW of capacity added to the power mix, but natural gas remains the largest source of U.S. power generation.

    We forecast U.S. coal retirements will accelerate, removing 6% (11 GW) of coal generating capacity from the U.S. electricity sector in 2025 and removing another 2% (4 GW) in 2026. Last year, coal retirements represented about 3 GW of electric power capacity removed from the power system, which is the lowest annual amount of coal capacity retired since 2011.

    Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Short-Term Energy Outlook
    Note: Other renewables include geothermal, waste biomass, wood biomass, and pumped storage hydropower.

    We expect that planned renewable capacity additions will support most of the growth in U.S. electric power generation, which we expect will increase by 2% in 2025 and by 1% in 2026. The U.S. electric power sector produced a total of 4,155 billion kilowatthours (kWh) of electricity in 2024, up 3% from 2023.

    Natural gas
    In 2024, U.S. natural gas-fired power plants generated a total of 1,767 billion kWh, 4% more than in 2023. Natural gas-fired power accounted for around 42% of the U.S. electricity mix, mostly unchanged compared with 2023. We expect natural gas generation will decline in 2025 by 3% to 1,712 billion kWh and decrease a further 1% to 1,692 billion kWh in 2026.

    Renewables
    We expect renewable power generation will increase 12% in the United States to 1,058 billion kWh in 2025 and increase a further 8% to 1,138 billion kWh in 2026. Renewable sources were the second-largest contributor to U.S. power generation in 2024 and accounted for 945 billion kWh, up 9% from 2023.

    Nuclear
    We expect U.S. nuclear power generation to grow 2% to 796 billion kWh in 2025 and increase a further 1% to 800 billion kWh in 2026. Nuclear power generation in 2024 was up slightly from 2023, totaling 781 billion kWh. Increased nuclear generation in the forecast is partly due to the addition of the two Vogtle power plant units that began commercial operations in July 2023 and April 2024, as well as the expected restart of the Palisades power plant in October 2025.

    Coal
    We expect U.S. coal power generation to remain unchanged at around 640 billion kWh in 2025 and 2026. Coal electricity generation was 647 billion kWh in 2024.

    Principal contributor: Katherine Antonio

    MIL OSI USA News

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

    Source: US State of Connecticut

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Undergraduate Researcher Studying Homemaker Influencers

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Sometimes an Instagram photo of freshly made strawberry jam, jars lined up symmetrically on a patterned tea towel, isn’t just a picture of preserves, says Kathryn Andronowitz ’26 (CLAS).

    Sometimes a photo like that, in a crisp kitchen with only a dirtied wooden spoon and sticky sweet mixing bowl in the background, represents something far more concerning that threatens the advancements women have made in the workplace and elsewhere outside the home, she says.

    “There’s nothing wrong with being a housewife or homemaker,” Andronowitz says. “I’m not trying to demean these women who are posting about that. My problem is in how some housewife influencers present it and how it’s part of a bigger narrative that, I believe, is ultimately harmful to women because of how it naturalizes women in the home while brushing off feminism as no longer necessary.”

    In her study, “The Business of Domesticity: A Study on Homemaker Influencers on Instagram,” Andronowitz is looking at the four themes she sees as connecting those 20-something-year-old women who’ve built a brand making videos of themselves effortlessly straining off the liquid whey in a batch of homemade ricotta cheese.

    The first is consumer capitalist logic, or how they operate as branded identities and use their platform to promote products. Next is the fantasy idealization aspect of their accounts, or how they present their idealized lifestyle without showing the inevitable drawbacks, fails, and bad days that happen as part of life.

    Kathryn Andronowitz ’26 (CLAS) (Contributed photo)

    Third is their promotion of alternative wellness and health, that is making food, sometimes even ingredients, from scratch. And last is their assertion their values are under attack, or that society believes they shouldn’t be mothers, religious, or stay at home.

    “They present their content in a way that makes sense to the average viewer. If you’re not thinking about it too deeply, it’s presented in a way that depicts the homemaker role as the most natural, fulfilling, even morally correct, path for women,” she says. “It’s only when you take a step back that you see how easy it is for people to get caught up and uncritically romanticize being a homemaker.”

    Andronowitz, a double major in English and sociology, says she started to see posts from tradwives, a term for “traditional housewives” that was popularized around 2020, show up in her social media feed and questioned their promotion of traditional gender roles and denunciation of feminism.

    Such influencers typically adhere to beliefs that were popular in the 1950s, namely that women stay home to raise children and keep house while men serve as breadwinners, Andronowitz explains. Oftentimes, tradwives go as far as saying they should be subservient to their husbands and are depicted in classic dress, with busts pushed up and waists cinched, while performing everyday tasks around the home.

    “It’s certainly valid for women to feel undervalued or caught up in the hustle of a capitalist society,” Andronowitz concedes, “but inspiring women to say to themselves, ‘I’m going to choose to step back into a slow life and leave it to the man to make the money,’ flips the script to an individual solution and turns on collective feminist aims.”

    Her project, being completed as part of a 2024-25 undergraduate research fellowship through the UConn Humanities Institute, looks at Instagram accounts with between 50,000 and 500,000 followers that predominantly feature white women generally without the male head of household anywhere near the camera.

    On these accounts, viewers find beautifully shot videos of zinnia-filled flower gardens, bubbling sourdough bread starter, and homemade beeswax candles that entice them to continue scrolling, she notes.

    “Their identities are complicated by the fact that they are content creators and entrepreneurs, so they display a lot of creativity and agency, which is an interesting contrast to how homemakers are typically perceived,” she says, adding she worries nonetheless about its aestheticized appeal.

    “Young women can be influenced from an even earlier age, long before they make decisions like whether they want to go to college or whether they want to get married,” Andronowitz says. “These very traditional roles can put women in situations that are very repressive.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: The Science of Music’s Healing Power

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Music can be so omnipresent in daily life – blasting out of tinny Bluetooth speakers at the beach, wafting through the aisles at the grocery store, filling the background of an ad on TV – that many of us give it little thought. But for neuroscientist Ed Large, director of the Music Dynamics Laboratory at UConn, music and thought are inseparable.

    In November, Large was recognized at the Music Has Power Symposium in New York City, organized by The Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF), for his work in understanding the power of music to boost brain function. The symposium, which brought together scientists and musicians alike, was the perfect forum for Large, who went from playing bluegrass to being recognized for his groundbreaking work regarding the ability of musical rhythms to synchronize and train brain rhythms.

    Large’s primary contribution to the field of music cognition is neural synchronization. The neuroscientist – who is also a professor in the departments of Psychological Science and Physics – derived equations that describe how the brain works when it synchronizes to rhythms, and soon enough, experiments began to support his hypotheses.

    In one of those experiments, Large and Psyche Loui, a professor at Northeastern University, based their hypotheses in part on research from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) that directly stimulated the hippocampus of mice with genetically engineered Alzheimer’s disease. Loui asked whether adding light to Large’s models of synchronization to musical rhythms could create an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s. After four years and $4.5 million in grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), their work has improved memory in patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease.  

    The type of music that best activates the brain is music that people pick themselves, Large says. Even compared to music that patients are very familiar with, Large observes, “If they chose the music themselves, it actives certain areas of the brain, more than any other kind of music.”

    Large discovered his passion for the scientific field of music cognition while in graduate school. Large started his undergraduate studies as a math major, but, choosing to follow his dream of being a professional musician, switched to studying classical guitar performance. After earning his degree from Southern Methodist University and performing for a few years, he went to graduate school at Ohio State University to study artificial intelligence and cognitive science. While there, he learned about the field of music cognition and immediately knew it was what he was supposed to be doing.

    “I wasn’t meant to be a performer; I was born to do this,” Large says.  

    The IMNF, which recognized Large’s work in New York this year, was founded by Concetta (Connie) Tomaino, a music therapist, and Oliver Sacks, a neurologist and best-selling author. Large became involved with the IMNF while he was teaching in Florida, and Tomaino asked if he would join their Scientific Advisory Board. Although hesitant at first, he went to New York to learn about the work she had been doing.

    Tomaino had been treating patients with debilitating brain damage, causing aphasia, a disorder that makes it difficult to speak, read, and understand language. Large observed two main types of patients: older adults who had strokes, and younger adults who had survived gunshot wounds to the head. And it was a drum circle among these patients that was a turning point in Large’s thinking about music therapy. An atmosphere of depression and negativity, he recalls, was replaced by a sense of happiness and satisfaction following vigorous participation in the 30-minute drum circle.

    “If that is all music therapy does for patients, that is enough,” Large says. “But it turns out, it can do a lot more.”

    Next for his research is Phase 2 Clinical Trials. In these next trials, Large will expand his research by testing a greater number of Alzheimer’s patients. And Large continues to do basic research in the lab, looking at the synchronization of brain rhythms to musical rhythms. He aims to be able to target specific areas of the brain with specific frequencies of stimulation using music and possibly synchronized light. 

    “If we can do this much with what we know now, there is so much more we can do,” he says. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Video: Take a MINUTE | U.S. Army

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    About the U.S. Army:
    The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.

    Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
    Visit: spr.ly/6001igl5L

    Connect with the U.S. Army online:
    Web: https://www.army.mil
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
    X: https://www.twitter.com/USArmy
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
    #USArmy #Soldiers #Military #Spirituality #Mindfullness

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YE3mBXsX1Sk

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Learn about Kindergarten registration in the Yukon

    Learn about Kindergarten registration in the Yukon
    jlutz

    The Department of Education is hosting a Zoom webinar to provide information about Kindergarten registration and Early French Immersion Kindergarten programs for the 2025–2026 school year.

    The session will be held on Wednesday, January 22, at 7 pm.

    All Yukon parents and guardians are invited to attend this information session to learn about the registration process, program details and to have their questions answered by department staff.

    Yukon children who will be five years old by December 31, 2025, are eligible to start Kindergarten this coming school year.

    Kindergarten registration details:

    • Whitehorse Schools: Online registration opens Tuesday, February 4, 2025. This includes French Immersion Kindergarten programs (at École Selkirk Elementary and École Whitehorse Elementary), First Nation School Board schools (Takhini Elementary and Grey Mountain Primary) and Catholic schools (Christ the King Elementary and Holy Family Elementary)
    • Registration for all Whitehorse schools is online at yukon.ca/register-child-school.
    • French Immersion Kindergarten programs: The deadline to register is Sunday, February 16, 2025.
    • Rural Schools: Registration is in person at the school and can be done at any time before the school year starts.
       

    MIL OSI Canada News

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

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

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

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

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

    Specific funding included in this special warrant is as follows:

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

    MIL OSI Canada News

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

    Statement from Premier Pillai on the meeting of First Ministers
    zaburke

    Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI Canada News

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

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Global: Amid LA fires, neighbors helped each other survive – 60 years of research shows local heroes are crucial to disaster response

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Tricia Wachtendorf, Professor of Sociology and Director, Disaster Research Center, University of Delaware

    Neighbors fill and pass a bucket of pool water to help extinguish a spot fire in Pacific Palisades, Calif., on Jan. 9, 2025. Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times via Getty Image

    As wildfires swept through neighborhoods on the outskirts of Los Angeles in January 2025, stories about residents there helping their neighbors and total strangers began trickling out on social media.

    Accounts of Hollywood stars clearing streets for emergency vehicles to get through and raising money for fire victims were widely circulated. But there were many other examples of less-famous people helping older neighbors to safety, and even showing up with trailers to evacuate horses.

    Businesses, including fitness centers, opened their facilities so evacuees could shower or charge their phones. Organizations that routinely work with homeless populations quickly mobilized their members to help ensure people living on the streets and in camps could get to secure, safe locations away from the fires and hazardous air quality.

    Disasters, by definition, overwhelm local resources, making civilian responders like these essential. Sixty years of research at the University of Delaware’s Disaster Research Center and by others examining the social aspects of disaster has repeatedly shown effective disaster management requires mobilizing community resources far beyond official channels.

    Often the response happens through local groups that form in response to a clear need in the community and with shared skills and interests. And this is exactly what we are witnessing in Los Angeles.

    Civilians helping often number in the thousands

    The number of those who step up to help during disasters varies by event, but it can be tremendous.

    Following the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, over 6,800 volunteers worked with the Red Cross on the response. That same year, volunteers responding to the Kobe earthquake in Japan logged more than 1 million person-days of activity, a measure of the number of people times the hours they contributed.

    People use garden hoses to try to prevent homes from catching fire in Altadena, Calif., on Jan. 8, 2025. Neighbors rushed to help neighbors as the wind blew burning embers into neighborhoods.
    Mario Tama/Getty Images

    In an in-depth study of the Sept. 11, 2001, World Trade Center attacks, we interviewed local residents who used their retired fireboat to pump water for the firefighters at ground zero. Operators of tug, ferry and tour boats in and around New York City immediately responded to quickly evacuate 500,000 people in the area from danger. In fact, the majority of the boats involved belonged to private companies. Other volunteers queued evacuees and organized supplies and rides to get people home.

    Over 900 people, most acting in unofficial capacities, were awarded medals or ribbons for their efforts in just the marine response after the World Trade Center attack.

    A survey of residents after the 1985 Mexico City earthquake found that nearly 10% of local residents volunteered in the first three weeks of the response. Following the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, in California, a survey of residents in Santa Cruz and San Francisco counties found that two-thirds of the public were involved in response activities.

    Local businesses are often quick to help in disasters. Greg Dulan, center, who runs a soul food restaurant and food truck, hands out hot meals to wildfire evacuees at a church in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 15, 2025.
    Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

    However, much of the work local residents contribute during and after disasters goes unaccounted for in official reports.

    There is no mechanism to quantify the full extent to which a neighbor or a complete stranger helps someone flee from peril. Yet when people are trapped and minutes count, research shows it is family, friends and neighbors who are already on the scene and are most likely to save lives. It’s often everyday citizens who also take on immediate tasks such as debris removal. Providing a phone, a car, a place to do laundry, or a little bit of elbow grease can fill a gap and let firefighters and other formal responders focus on critical operations.

    Getting the right help to where it’s needed

    Every study of a large-scale disaster conducted by the Disaster Research Center has revealed some level of emergent, informal helping behavior.

    The lack of public understanding about the large number of local residents already involved, often including disaster victims themselves, can lead to an influx of outsiders eager to help. Their arrival can actually pose challenges for the disaster response.

    When too many people show up, or when people try to operate outside their areas of expertise, they can put themselves and others at further risk. Communities often need supplies, but unsolicited goods of the wrong kind or at the wrong time can create more problems than they solve.

    Local groups such as the Pasadena Community Job Center organize volunteers to send them where help is requested. This group is removing debris from streets in Pasadena, Calif., in the wake of the Eaton Fire on Jan. 14, 2025.
    Zoë Meyers/AFP via Getty Images

    So, what can you do to best support these local efforts?

    Making a financial contribution to a trusted disaster response or local organization can go a long way to providing the support communities actually need. Organizations such as the American Red Cross or Feeding America, or local community-based groups that routinely work in the area, are often best suited to help where it’s needed the most.

    Skilled help will be needed for the long term

    Also, remember that disasters don’t end when the emergency is over. Survivors of the Los Angeles-area fires face years of confusing and frustrating recovery tasks ahead.

    Offering help after the immediate threat has passed – particularly skilled help, such as experience in construction or expertise in managing insurance and FEMA paperwork – is just as important.

    For example, after fires in 1970 destroyed hundreds of homes in the San Diego area, local architects, engineers and contractors donated their time and skills to help people rebuild. Their work was coordinated by a local architect and member of the Chamber of Commerce to ensure projects were assigned to reputable volunteers.

    As we recognize the important ways that neighbors and strangers helped those around them, the broader community can support wildfire victims by responding to offering the right help as recovery needs emerge. Just about every skill that is useful in calm times will be needed in these difficult months and years ahead.

    Tricia Wachtendorf receives funding from the National Science Foundation and Arnold Ventures Foundation.

    James Kendra receives funding from the National Science Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    ref. Amid LA fires, neighbors helped each other survive – 60 years of research shows local heroes are crucial to disaster response – https://theconversation.com/amid-la-fires-neighbors-helped-each-other-survive-60-years-of-research-shows-local-heroes-are-crucial-to-disaster-response-247660

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI USA: Harrisburg University, Auditor General DeFoor, Members 1st Federal Credit Union to Launch 12th Annual Student Financial Literacy Scholarship Competition

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    January 24, 2025Harrisburg, PA

    ADVISORY – Harrisburg University, Auditor General DeFoor, Members 1st Federal Credit Union to Launch 12th Annual Student Financial Literacy Scholarship Competition


    What: Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) Interim President, David Schankweiler; Pennsylvania Auditor General, Timothy L. DeFoor; and Members 1st Federal Credit Union Assistant Vice President of Community Relations, Sara Firestone, will announce the launch of a student scholarship competition aimed at increasing financial literacy in Pennsylvania. The student competition will give six Pennsylvania students a chance to win cash prizes from Harrisburg University, as well as a scholarship if and when they enroll at HU.

    When:
    Friday, January 24, 2025, 10:00 AM

    Where:
    Harrisburg University of Science and Technology Auditorium, 14th Floor
    326 Market Street
    Harrisburg, PA 17101

    MEDIA CONTACT
    April Hutcheson – Pennsylvania Department of the Auditor General: 717.787.1381 or News@PAAuditor.gov
    Jessica Warren – Harrisburg University: 717.901.5159 or JWarren2@HarrisburgU.edu
    Sara Weiser – Members 1st Federal Credit Union: 717.678.8683 or WeiserS@Members1st.org

    MIL OSI USA News

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

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

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

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

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

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

    About Key Tronic

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

    Forward-Looking Statements

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

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

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Key Tronic Corporation Announces Second Quarter Reporting Date

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash., Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Key Tronic Corporation (Nasdaq: KTCC), announced today that it plans to report its results for the second quarter of fiscal 2025 after market close on February 4, 2025.

    Key Tronic will host a conference call to discuss its financial results at 2:00 PM Pacific (5:00 PM Eastern) on February 4, 2025. A broadcast of the conference call will be available at http://www.keytronic.com under “Investor Relations” or by calling 888-394-8218 or +1-313-209-4906 (Access Code: 2254355). A replay will be available at http://www.keytronic.com under “Investor Relations”.

    About Key Tronic

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

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

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: MKS Instruments Completes Repricing on its Secured Term Loan B USD and EUR Tranches and Makes a $100 Million Voluntary Prepayment on its Secured Term Loan B USD

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ANDOVER, Mass., Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MKS Instruments, Inc. (NASDAQ: MKSI), a global provider of enabling technologies that transform our world, announced today that it successfully completed the repricing of its $2.5 billion and €0.6 billion secured tranche B term loans maturing in 2029. The repricing results in a reduction of the interest rate for the USD tranche B term loans from SOFR plus a margin of 225 basis points to SOFR plus 200 basis points and EUR tranche B term loans from EURIBOR plus a margin of 275 basis points to EURIBOR plus 250 basis points.

    In addition, concurrently with the repricing, MKS made a voluntary prepayment of $100 million on its USD tranche B term loans, reducing the principal amount of USD tranche B term loans from $2.6 billion to $2.5 billion.

    Based on the current interest rates, the annualized cash interest savings from the combined actions is approximately $15 million.

    “We continue to demonstrate our commitment to deleveraging our balance sheet,” said Ram Mayampurath, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. “Our latest term loan B repricing is one of many actions taken over the last 18 months to proactively seek opportunities to reduce costs and maximize free cash flow to repay debt.”

    JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Barclays Bank PLC, BofA Securities, Inc., Citibank, N.A., HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., Mizuho Bank, Ltd., Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., and PNC Bank, National Association acted as the joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners for the tranche B term loan repricing.

    About MKS Instruments
    MKS Instruments enables technologies that transform our world. We deliver foundational technology solutions to leading edge semiconductor manufacturing, electronics and packaging, and specialty industrial applications. We apply our broad science and engineering capabilities to create instruments, subsystems, systems, process control solutions and specialty chemicals technology that improve process performance, optimize productivity and enable unique innovations for many of the world’s leading technology and industrial companies. Our solutions are critical to addressing the challenges of miniaturization and complexity in advanced device manufacturing by enabling increased power, speed, feature enhancement, and optimized connectivity. Our solutions are also critical to addressing ever-increasing performance requirements across a wide array of specialty industrial applications. Additional information can be found at http://www.mks.com.

    SAFE HARBOR FOR FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
    This press release contains a forward-looking statement within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27 of the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act regarding MKS’ cash interest savings. This statement is only a prediction based on current assumptions and expectations. Actual events or results, including changes in interest rates, may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statement set forth herein. Readers are referred to MKS’ filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for a discussion of these and other important risk factors concerning MKS and its operations. MKS is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Company Contact:
    Paretosh Misra
    Vice President, Investor Relations
    Telephone: (978) 284-4705
    Email: paretosh.misra@mksinst.com

    The MIL Network

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

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

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

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

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

    About Key Tronic

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

    Forward-Looking Statements

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

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

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: New way to earn cryptocurrencies: Earn Bitcoin BTC, DOGE, ETH with BitconeMine Best Free Cloud Mining

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Many people find that despite hard work, they don’t get the income they want. Since November 2024, the cryptocurrency market has skyrocketed and created multiple millionaires in a short period of time. People are beginning to realize that cryptocurrency is a financial asset that can create their own wealth in the short term, more than any other investment opportunity.

    The era of cryptocurrency has arrived, especially the rise of the mining industry. Understand the birth and rise of blockchain technology, the importance of digital currency to our economy, and the current market conditions. “BitconeMine” takes you in depth to understand how to earn fixed income through remote monitoring mining. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced veteran, you will learn how to make a profit in cloud mining in this guide. Take advantage of this opportunity and benefit from this comprehensive guide.

    About BitconeMine:

    BitconeMine is a leader in the global cloud mining industry. The company was established in London, UK in December 2017. It is officially authorized and regulated by the UK Financial Services Authority and strictly abides by laws and regulations. After years of vigorous development, BitconeMine has dozens of large mining farms in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Norway, South Africa and other countries, with members in 197 countries and regions, and is trusted by 3 million users worldwide.

    Advantages of BitconeMine:

    ⦁ Low threshold and easy operation platform
    Get a $10 instant bonus after registration.
    ⦁ High profit level and enjoy daily income.
    ⦁ No other service fees or management fees.
    ⦁ The platform uses more than a variety of cryptocurrencies for settlement, including USDT-TRC20, BTC, ETH, LTC, USDC, BNB, USDT-ERC20, BCH, DOGE, SOL (Solana) and XRP
    ⦁ The company’s affiliate program allows you to refer your friends and earn up to 3%-4.5% of the

    How to start participating:

    (1) Create a BitconeMine account.
    (2) Choose a mining package that suits you
    (3) Sign a contract – the system automatically starts mining.
    (4) Just wait every day. Interest is automatically settled every 24 hours

    BitconeMine offers free mining contract options and a variety of mining investment options, such as:

    Contract Price Contract duration Daily income Total revenue
    $100 2 $4.5 $100+$9
    $500 5 $6.25 $500+$31.25
    $1000 15 $13.3 $1000+$199.5
    $3000 21 $42.6 $3000+$894.6
    $5000 30 $77.5 $5000+$2325

    Each contract has a unique ROI and a specific contract period.

    Security and sustainability:

    BitconeMine takes user security very seriously and uses ⦁McAfee®, Cloudflare® and SSL encryption protection. And the company has long-term cooperation with Legal & General Insurance Company. BitconeMine is committed to transparency and legality. You don’t need to invest in equipment in advance, huge electricity bills, so you can focus more on getting returns. BitconeMine uses AI intelligent management to integrate mining equipment and uses new energy and renewable energy to protect the environment from pollution, greatly reducing operating costs, and is a benchmark for sustainable development.

    Conclusion:

    BitconeMine provides a simple package purchase contract method that even beginners can quickly understand. If you are looking for ways to increase passive income, BitconeMine is an excellent choice. If used properly, these opportunities can help you “automatically” increase your crypto wealth with minimal time investment and earn more than $1,000-100,000 per day.

    To learn more about BitconeMine, visit its official website: https://bitconemine.com

    Contact:
    Lily Tanoria
    info@bitconemine.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by BitconeMine. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency mining, including through platforms like BitconeMine, involves risks such as market volatility, regulatory changes, and potential financial losses. Prospective users are encouraged to conduct thorough research and consult with a professional advisor before making any decisions. BitconeMine’s performance, profitability, and rewards are not guaranteed and may vary based on individual circumstances, market conditions, and computational power. The author and publisher of this article are not responsible for any losses or damages arising from the use of the information provided. Always invest and participate responsibly.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f2d7343f-0790-4f97-8c96-d896799dac86
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f34ecdcb-d6cb-446d-812d-c4913d46c902

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy thanks March for Life: “I know it’s not easy, but it’s the right thing to do”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    Watch Kennedy’s full message here.
    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today released the following message addressing this year’s March for Life in Washington, D.C., which many Louisianians and Americans attend: 
    “I want to thank everybody—each and every one of you—who came here to Washington today to celebrate God’s greatest gift: life.” 
    . . .
    “Here in the Senate, I’ve been able to question a number of witnesses and officials who—believe it or not—support abortion up until the moment of birth.”
    . . .
    “In my judgment, that’s just a barbaric position, and I don’t think the American people support it.” 
    . . . 
    “When radicals push hard for these indefensible positions, we just have to have good people like you to stand up in front of God and country and speak up for innocent life.
    “I know it’s not easy, but it’s the right thing to do, and I thank you for doing it.”
    . . .
    “[T]his is what I believe: Every life is precious . . . and everybody deserves a shot at life—no matter where they come from. 
    “I am praying that this year’s march is as successful as ever, and that it spreads this message far and wide.”
    . . .
    “God bless all of you and God bless the mothers and the unborn babies you are working so hard to protect.”
    View Kennedy’s full remarks here.

    MIL OSI USA News