Category: Entertainment

Sergei Sobyanin spoke about the development of the territory of the former Tushino airfield

MIL-OSI Russia: Sobyanin: Construction of a school on the territory of the Tushino airfield has been completed

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

A school has been completed on the territory of the former Tushino airfield. The building on Volokolamsk Highway has created a comfortable and safe space for 825 children to study. This was reported in his telegram channel written by Sergei Sobyanin.

“Universal and specialized classrooms were created for teachers and students, as well as a creative space similar to a university campus with laboratory and research complexes. The central element of the school is the atrium, which can be used as an assembly hall or an event venue. The building’s design is the winner of the 2023 Moscow Architecture and Urban Development Award in the educational facilities category,” said Sergei Sobyanin.

Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @mos_sobyanin

The construction of a new school building at 75v Volokolamskoe Shosse began in May 2022 and was completed in January 2025. It was built at the expense of the investor, Asterus, the developer of the Ália residential complex, which is implementing a project to create a modern residential area with an educational hub on the territory of the former Tushino airfield.

In addition to the school building, it will include children’s educational routes and a Coastal Park, organized according to the concept of a forest school, where adults and young city residents will be able to gain a variety of experiences interacting with living nature.

The investor will donate the new educational building to the capital’s education system free of charge; it will become part of the complex of School No. 58.

School with atrium

The building was constructed according to the design of an architectural bureau that won the 2023 Moscow City Prize in architecture and urban planning in the nomination “Best Architectural and Urban Planning Solution for a School”.

The building has four floors and one underground floor. Its area is more than 12 thousand square meters. It has created a comfortable and safe space for studying for 825 schoolchildren of grades 1-11, including a barrier-free environment for children with disabilities.

The school building fits harmoniously into the surrounding landscape. Visually, it consists of two blocks – for primary and secondary schools. The facades with panoramic windows were made in yellow, white and gray colors to emphasize the features of the complex volumetric composition and highlight large elements in the structure of the building, assembled like a construction set.

The design of the classrooms differs depending on the age of the students: a more formal design was created for older students and a brighter one for younger students. The walls of the school are decorated with images of function graphs, chains of molecules and diagrams of sound waves. Cryptograms were used in the design of the corridors, which facilitate navigation around the building.

The central element of the building is the atrium — a multifunctional and multi-light space with increased ceiling height. It can be used as a lecture hall, an assembly hall or a venue for events. In addition, the atrium can serve as a comfortable space for relaxation. In fact, it will become a kind of heart of the school. At the same time, special acoustic panels will absorb possible noise, so neither loud music nor children’s laughter in the atrium will interfere with classes in the classrooms.

In addition to 33 universal and specialized classrooms, students and teachers will have access to a creative space similar to a university campus, including laboratory and research complexes. The building also houses a media library, creative workshops, gyms, and much more.

A sports core was set up on the school grounds: circular and straight running tracks, playgrounds for playing sports (basketball, football, volleyball), as well as recreation areas with a playground for students in grades 5-11, where a shade canopy and small play equipment were installed. In addition, an educational and experimental unit with greenhouses was located next to the school.

The new school is scheduled to accept its first students on September 1, 2025.

“Mathematical vertical” and pre-professional classes

The new educational space will feature a combination of classical programs of in-depth training in the academic model of specialized education with practice-oriented engineering and technical classes, which the school implements jointly with partners (STEM approach) in the context of integrated support from a strong psychological service. Close attention will be paid to the involvement of children in sports, the use of available sports infrastructure, and the development of a school sports club.

The school’s partners in developing the engineering and technical direction will be the state corporation Rostec and leading technical universities: Bauman Moscow State Technical University, MIREA – Russian Technological University and Moscow Aviation Institute (National Research University).

The school plans to open classes with a mathematical and natural science focus as part of the city project “Mathematical Vertical” for students in grades seven through nine, as well as pre-professional classes (10th and 11th) as part of the city projects “Engineering Class in a Moscow School” and “IT Class in a Moscow School”.

The focus on practical tasks and project work will be a special feature of the profile training of schoolchildren. The educational process provides for an individual approach to the children.

Thus, the plans include introducing students to advanced professions in the field of engineering and motivating them to master professions that are in demand in the metropolis labor market. It is also planned to implement practice-oriented training based on additional pre-professional training courses, partnerships with universities and employers as part of the Rostec state corporation. In addition, it is planned to involve children in project and research activities in the field of modern engineering. Excursions, guest classes, master classes and the like will be held for schoolchildren, for example, off-site classes at the enterprises of the Rostec state corporation, as well as scientific events.

Graduates of the school who have completed pre-profile engineering classes are planned to be considered as a priority for further training within the framework of targeted programs of the Rostec state corporation, such as Wings of Rostec, Code of Rostec, Rostec. Biotechmed.

Medalists and winners of the Olympics

School No. 58, created in 2019, currently includes two educational buildings on Tvardovskogo and Letnaya streets — a school building and a preschool building. It has 741 students, including 598 schoolchildren and 143 preschoolers. The workforce consists of 82 employees, including 60 teaching staff.

The system of additional education includes programs of various focus areas: natural science, technical, physical education and sports, and social and humanitarian. The coverage of students by additional education is 95 percent.

In the 2023/2024 academic year, 71 eleventh-graders graduated. Of these, 23 people (32 percent) were awarded the federal medal “For Special Achievements in Studies” (gold and silver), 11 people (15 percent) – the Moscow medal “For Special Achievements in Studies”. Based on the results of the Unified State Exam, 31 graduates (44 percent) received 250 points or higher in three subjects. Two graduates scored 100 points in English and mathematics.

Last academic year, 60 children were also awarded diplomas of winners and prize winners of the municipal stage of the All-Russian School Olympiad. 34 students took part in the regional stage, of which 10 people became prize winners. Eight children received the title of prize winners of the Moscow School Olympiad. Teams of 10th and 11th grades became winners and prize winners of programming Olympiads (for example, PROD) and various hackathons.

New schools and kindergartens

Since 2011, 648 educational facilities have been built in Moscow, including 450 kindergartens and 198 schools. Of these, 327 were financed from the city budget and 321 from extra-budgetary funds. Plans call for the construction of about 200 new educational facilities by 2027.

Program “My District”. Pokrovskoe-Streshnevo

Program “My area”, developed on the initiative of Sergei Sobyanin, is the largest project for the comprehensive improvement and development of urban areas. Its goal is to create comfortable living conditions for Muscovites, regardless of their place of residence.

More than 67 thousand people live in Pokrovskoe-Streshnevo, located in the North-West Administrative District. In recent years, much has been done here to improve the quality of life of the townspeople.

The ground metro has arrived here — the second Moscow Central Diameter with the stations Trikotazhnaya, Tushinskaya and the city stations Shchukinskaya and Streshnevo. Convenient approaches and approaches from residential buildings have been arranged to them. At Shchukinskaya and Tushinskaya, you can transfer to the Tagansko-Krasnopresnenskaya metro line, and from Streshnevo — transfer to the station of the same name on the Moscow Central Circle.

The reconstruction of Volokolamskoe Shosse with a radical upgrade of the interchange on the Moscow Ring Road has been completed. As a result, traffic has accelerated on one of the busiest outbound highways, and it has also improved on the northwestern section of the Moscow Ring Road. And thanks to the new U-turn overpass on Volokolamskoe Shosse towards Shchukino, it has been possible to significantly reduce the excess mileage of vehicles. In addition, Volokolamskoe Shosse has been improved – it has turned into a highway with comfortable transfers with convenient stops and pedestrian crossings.

Seven new ground transportation routes were organized in the district. More than 50 modern bus stops were installed.

Three charging stations of the Energy of Moscow project have been equipped for electric vehicles. Fans of cycling can use 44 bicycle parking areas and three city bike rental stations.

The Skhodnya River Bank Park was improved, where water obstacles for rowers to train were installed on the territory of the rowing base. The Khimki River Valley Park, the embankment along the Skhodnensky Canal (left bank) from the Western Bridge to the Moscow Canal, as well as the squares near the Gzhel Moscow State Academic Dance Theater and in front of the S.G. Stroganov Russian State University of Art and Industry were put in order. In addition, 43 courtyards were improved.

Water obstacles for slalom have been installed at the rowing base in the Skhodnya River Bank Park Major improvement works on Volokolamsk highway completed

A large and significant project was the development of the natural and historical park “Pokrovskoye-Streshnevo”. During the work, the idea of its conditional division into several functional zones was implemented. Thus, a natural, ecological and educational, leisure and recreational, sports and historical and cultural parks appeared. The main and central part of “Pokrovskoye-Streshnevo” remained a natural reserve zone, and the places of active recreation were moved closer to residential areas and transport highways. In the park, the outdated infrastructure was updated and new infrastructure was created for a comfortable and safe stay of city residents, including the arrangement of 16 playgrounds, 23 sports areas, 16 gazebos for picnics.

In the historical and cultural part of the park, the restoration of the estate ensemble is currently underway. The regular garden has been recreated, the facade work on the main house, the greenhouse and the fence with turrets has been completed, and the interiors are being restored. All elements of the architectural ensemble will be carefully restored using archival photos and drawings and adapted for modern use.

Parquet flooring to be recreated in Pokrovskoe-Streshnevo estate

An important event for the development of healthcare was the opening of a new treatment and diagnostic complex of the Infectious Diseases Clinical Hospital No. 1. These are three buildings with Meltzer boxes, which have no analogues in the country in terms of equipment and level of comfort.

Sergei Sobyanin announced the imminent opening of a new complex of infectious diseases hospital No. 1 The new complex of the Infectious Diseases Hospital No. 1 will become the best specialized hospital in Russia – Sergei Sobyanin

As part of the modernization of the outpatient sector, a comprehensive reconstruction of the main building of Children’s Clinic No. 94 (Vishnevaya Street, Building 20, Building 2) has been completed and work is underway in Branch No. 3 of Clinic No. 115 (Dolgov Street, Building 1, Building 4).

The multifunctional sports complex “Chkalov Arena” is popular with the city residents. It houses an ice arena, a universal sports hall, choreography halls and other areas where professionals and amateurs train. The new physical culture and health complex on Tushinskaya Street (house 16a) is also in demand among the residents of the district.

Completed a comprehensive renovation of the sports and fitness complex on Gabrichevsky Street with modern sports equipment. They plan to build a multifunctional Sports Palace with an ice arena, a swimming pool, a multi-purpose hall and a gym at the address: Volokolamskoe Shosse, Building 71/10.

For communication, leisure and creativity of the older generation, the Moscow Longevity Center of the Pokrovskoe-Streshnevo district was opened at the address: Svobody Street, Building 8/4, Building 1. Routine repairs were carried out at Children’s Libraries No. 232 (1st Tushinsky Proezd, Building 4), No. 236 (Bolshaya Naberezhnaya Street, Building 15) and Library No. 234 (Gabrichevsky Street, Building 8).

Renovation in Pokrovskoe-Streshnevo

In Pokrovskoe-Streshnevo, 48 buildings are included in the renovation program; about 8.3 thousand Muscovites will move into new modern apartments. The stages of resettlement have been determined:

— first stage (2020–2024) — three houses have been resettled and demolished (the task has been fully completed);

— the second stage (2025–2028) — resettlement of another 25 houses (eight of them are in the process of resettlement);

— the third stage (2029–2032) — resettlement of 20 houses.

Eight territories have been selected for resettlement of residents. Residential complexes have already been built on two of them. Design and urban planning documentation is being prepared for another six sites.

Sergei Sobyanin included nine new sites in the renovation program A house will appear in Pokrovskoe-Streshnevo under the renovation program

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https: //vv.mos.ru/mayor/tkhemes/12326050/

MIL-OSI: Bitget Lists Foresight Ventures-backed Analog (ANLOG) on Launchpool

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

VICTORIA, Seychelles, Jan. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has announced the listing of ANLOG token. Eligible users will have the opportunity to lock Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) to participate in a reward pool of 23,333,431 ANLOG tokens. The locking period will run from February 6, 2025, at 11:00 UTC to February 11, 2025, at 11:00 UTC.

Analog operates as a suite of omni-chain interoperability protocols designed to simplify access to Web3 data and facilitate seamless cross-chain communication. With a total token supply of 9,057,971,000 ANLOG, the project aims to address critical challenges in blockchain interoperability, enabling more efficient data sharing and communication across decentralized networks.

The Launchpool campaign is structured into two locking pools: one for BTC and another for ETH. Each pool offers 11,666,715 and 11,666,716 ANLOG tokens, respectively. Rewards will be distributed hourly based on the proportion of assets locked by each participant relative to the total locked in the pool. Bitget will take hourly snapshots of locked volumes, with airdrops calculated and distributed accordingly. Participants can unlock their tokens at any time, and all locked assets will be automatically returned to their spot accounts once the locking period concludes.

This initiative marks a pivotal step for Analog as it prepares to expand its ecosystem and enhance cross-chain functionality. The integration with Bitget Launchpool provides users with an early opportunity to engage with the project while contributing to its growing community.

Analog has secured $5 million in a recent funding round, bringing its total funding to $21 million and valuing the company at $300 million. This investment precedes the launch of its native token, ANLOG, scheduled for February 6, 2025. The round attracted backing from top VCs such as Foresight Ventures, Gate Ventures, BackerDAO, and Black Label Ventures. Previously, Bitget listed ANLOG for pre-market trading allowing users to engage in ANLOG transactions ahead of its official spot market debut.

For more information about ANALOG tokens on Launchpool, please visit here.

About Bitget

Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 100 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.
Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM market, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5058f6ab-1940-4b1b-b389-12436d7d813d

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: December 2024 Retail Prices Index published29 January 2025 Statistics Jersey have today published the December 2024 Retail Prices Index report. The All Items Retail Prices Index (RPI) is the main measure of inflation in Jersey. It measures the change from quarter… Read more

Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

29 January 2025

Statistics Jersey have today published the December 2024 Retail Prices Index report.

The All Items Retail Prices Index (RPI) is the main measure of inflation in Jersey. It measures the change from quarter to quarter in the price of the goods and services purchased by an average household in Jersey.

The December report shows:

the All Items Retail Prices Index (RPI) for Jersey increased by 2.5% to stand at 233.8 (June 2000 = 100)
the increase in the RPI was less than that to September 2024 (3.0%); hence the annual rate of inflation decreased by 0.5 percentage points (pp) since last quarter
half of the groups contributed to the decrease in the annual rate of inflation, including the housing, fuel and light and fares and other travel groups
prices in most groups increased and these increases were similar to or less than those over the 12 months to September 2024, which resulted in an overall downward contribution to the annual rate of inflation
leisure services which includes entertainment, sport and leisure fees and off-Island holidays, was the price group that made the largest contribution to the annual rate of inflation, contributing +0.6 pp to the rate

the price change in the leisure services price group was lower compared with the 12 months to September 2024, hence its contribution to the change in rate of the RPI was 0.1 pp

the increase in the RPI was 5.0 pp smaller than a year ago (7.5% in December 2023)
RPI(Y), which measures underlying inflation, increased by 3.0%, which was 0.3 pp smaller than the September 2024 rate (down from 3.3%)
RPI(X) increased by 3.2%
RPI Pensioners increased by 3.0%
RPI Low Income increased by 3.4%
annual changes in RPI(X), RPI(Y) and RPI Pensioners were 0.3 to 0.6 pp smaller than those in September 2024 and RPI Low Income was essentially unchanged from September 2024
the rate of inflation in Jersey as measured by the RPI, was 1.0 pp lower than the UK CPIH, which is the broadly comparable headline rate of inflation for the UK; this marks the first time since June 2022 that the Jersey RPI rate has been lower than the UK CPIH

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

MIL-OSI: Southside Bancshares, Inc. Announces Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter and Year Ended December 31, 2024

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Fourth quarter net income of $21.8 million;
Fourth quarter earnings per diluted common share of $0.71;
Annualized return on fourth quarter average assets of 1.03%;
Annualized return on fourth quarter average tangible common equity of 14.12%⁽¹⁾; and
Nonperforming assets decreased to 0.04% of total assets.

TYLER, Texas, Jan. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Southside Bancshares, Inc. (“Southside” or the “Company”) (NYSE: SBSI) today reported its financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2024. Southside reported net income of $21.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, an increase of $4.5 million, or 25.8%, compared to $17.3 million for the same period in 2023. Earnings per diluted common share increased $0.14, or 24.6%, to $0.71 for the three months ended December 31, 2024, from $0.57 for the same period in 2023. The annualized return on average shareholders’ equity for the three months ended December 31, 2024, was 10.54%, compared to 9.31% for the same period in 2023. The annualized return on average assets was 1.03% for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to 0.85% for the same period in 2023.

“For the year ended December 31, 2024, net income increased $1.8 million to $88.5 million when compared to 2023, earnings per share increased $0.09 to $2.91, and the return on average tangible common equity was 14.92%. For 2024, loan growth was 3.0% and linked quarter loans increased $83.5 million, or 7.3% annualized, most of which occurred in December,” stated Lee R. Gibson, Chief Executive Officer of Southside. “We recorded losses of $540,000 associated with two branch closures during 2024. Linked quarter our net interest margin decreased 12 basis points. Asset quality metrics remain solid with the nonperforming assets to total assets ratio decreasing to 0.04%. Late fourth quarter loan growth combined with anticipated mid-single digit 2025 loan growth should lead to an increasing net interest margin during 2025.”

Operating Results for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2024

Net income was $21.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to $17.3 million for the same period in 2023, an increase of $4.5 million, or 25.8%. Earnings per diluted common share were $0.71 and $0.57 for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase in net income was a result of the increase in noninterest income and the decrease in the provision for credit losses, partially offset by increases in noninterest expense and income tax expense and a decrease in net interest income. Annualized returns on average assets and average shareholders’ equity for the three months ended December 31, 2024 were 1.03% and 10.54%, respectively, compared to 0.85% and 9.31%, respectively, for the three months ended December 31, 2023. Our efficiency ratio and tax-equivalent efficiency ratio⁽¹⁾ were 56.08% and 54.00%, respectively, for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to 53.30% and 50.86%, respectively, for the three months ended December 31, 2023, and 53.94% and 51.90%, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2024.

Net interest income for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was $53.7 million, a decrease of $0.8 million, or 1.4%, from the same period in 2023. The decrease in net interest income was due to the decrease in the average yield of interest earning assets and increases in the average rate paid on and average balance of our interest bearing liabilities, partially offset by the increase in the average balance of interest earning assets. Linked quarter, net interest income decreased $1.8 million, or 3.2%, compared to $55.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, due to the decrease in the average yield of interest earning assets, partially offset by the decrease in the average rate paid on our interest bearing liabilities, the increase in the average balance of interest earning assets and the change in the mix of our interest bearing liabilities.

Our net interest margin and tax-equivalent net interest margin⁽¹⁾ decreased to 2.70% and 2.83%, respectively, for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to 2.83% and 2.99%, respectively, for the same period in 2023. Linked quarter, net interest margin and tax-equivalent net interest margin⁽¹⁾ decreased from 2.82% and 2.95%, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2024.

Noninterest income was $12.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, an increase of $9.8 million, or 391.0%, compared to $2.5 million for the same period in 2023. The increase was due to a decrease in net loss on sale of securities available for sale (“AFS”) and an increase in other noninterest income, partially offset by a decrease in bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”) income. The decrease in net loss on sale of securities AFS was due to a net loss of $10.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023, related to the strategic repositioning of the securities portfolio. On a linked quarter basis, noninterest income increased $4.1 million, or 50.3%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2024. The increase was primarily due to an increase in other noninterest income and a decrease in net loss on sale of securities AFS. The increase in other noninterest income was primarily due to an increase in swap fee income for the three months ended December 31, 2024, and an impairment charge of $868,000 on the sale of approximately $10 million of AFS municipal securities and the unwind of the related fair value swaps realized during the three months ended September 30, 2024.

Noninterest expense increased $3.0 million, or 8.5%, to $38.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to $35.2 million for the same period in 2023, due to increases in salaries and employee benefits, other noninterest expense, professional fees and software and data processing expense, partially offset by decreases in advertising, travel and entertainment expense. On a linked quarter basis, noninterest expense increased by $1.8 million, or 5.0%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2024, due to increases in salaries and employee benefits expense, other noninterest expense and professional fees.

Income tax expense increased $2.5 million, or 111.2%, for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. On a linked quarter basis, income tax expense increased $0.3 million, or 6.1%. Our effective tax rate (“ETR”) increased to 17.6% for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to 11.3% for the three months ended December 31, 2023. On a linked quarter basis, the ETR was 17.6% for both the three months ended September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2024. The higher ETR for the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, was primarily due to a decrease in net tax-exempt income as a percentage of pre-tax income.

Operating Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2024

Net income was $88.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $86.7 million for the same period in 2023, an increase of $1.8 million, or 2.1%. Earnings per diluted common share were $2.91 for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $2.82 for the same period in 2023, an increase of 3.2%. The increase in net income was primarily a result of the increase in noninterest income, decrease in provision for credit losses and the increase in net interest income, partially offset by the increases in noninterest expense and income tax expense. Returns on average assets and average shareholders’ equity for the year ended December 31, 2024 were 1.06% and 11.03%, respectively, compared to 1.11% and 11.50%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2023. Our efficiency ratio and tax-equivalent efficiency ratio⁽¹⁾ were 55.69% and 53.52%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to 53.81% and 51.30%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Net interest income was $216.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $215.0 million for the same period in 2023, an increase of $1.1 million, or 0.5%, due to increases in the average balance and the average yield of interest earning assets, partially offset by increases in the average rate paid on and average balance of our interest bearing liabilities.

Our net interest margin and tax-equivalent net interest margin⁽¹⁾ were 2.74% and 2.88%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to 2.92% and 3.09%, respectively, for the same period in 2023.

Noninterest income was $41.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, an increase of $5.9 million, or 16.5%, compared to $35.8 million for the same period in 2023. The increase was primarily due to a decrease in net loss on sale of securities AFS and an increase in brokerage services income, partially offset by decreases in the net gain on sale of equity securities, BOLI income and deposit services income.

Noninterest expense was $147.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $140.6 million for the same period in 2023, an increase of $6.6 million, or 4.7%. The increase was primarily due to increases in salaries and employee benefits, software and data processing expense and other noninterest expense, partially offset by decreases in advertising, travel and entertainment expense and amortization of intangibles.

Income tax expense increased $4.4 million, or 30.8%, for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. Our ETR was approximately 17.6% and 14.3% for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The higher ETR for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the same period in 2023, was primarily due to a decrease in net tax-exempt income as a percentage of pre-tax income.

Balance Sheet Data

At December 31, 2024, Southside had $8.52 billion in total assets, compared to $8.28 billion at December 31, 2023 and $8.36 billion at September 30, 2024.

Loans at December 31, 2024 were $4.66 billion, an increase of $137.1 million, or 3.0%, compared to $4.52 billion at December 31, 2023. Linked quarter, loans increased $83.5 million, or 1.8%, due to increases of $157.1 million in commercial real estate loans and $4.3 million in commercial loans. These increases were partially offset by decreases of $48.0 million in construction loans, $15.0 million in 1-4 family residential loans, $11.1 million in municipal loans and $3.8 million in loans to individuals.

Securities at December 31, 2024 were $2.81 billion, an increase of $209.8 million, or 8.1%, compared to $2.60 billion at December 31, 2023. Linked quarter, securities increased $116.3 million, or 4.3%, from $2.70 billion at September 30, 2024.

Deposits at December 31, 2024 were $6.65 billion, an increase of $104.6 million, or 1.6%, compared to $6.55 billion at December 31, 2023. Linked quarter, deposits increased $218.5 million, or 3.4%, from $6.44 billion at September 30, 2024. During the three months ended December 31, 2024, public fund deposits increased $156.8 million, or 14.6%, compared to September 30, 2024.

At December 31, 2024, we had 178,662 total deposit accounts with an average balance of $33,000. Our estimated uninsured deposits were 38.1% of total deposits as of December 31, 2024. When excluding affiliate deposits (Southside-owned deposits) and public fund deposits (all collateralized), our total estimated deposits without insurance or collateral was 19.5% as of December 31, 2024. Our noninterest bearing deposits represent approximately 20.4% of total deposits. Linked quarter, our cost of interest bearing deposits decreased nine basis points from 3.01% in the prior quarter to 2.92%. Linked quarter, our cost of total deposits decreased seven basis points from 2.38% in the prior quarter to 2.31%.

Our cost of interest bearing deposits increased 64 basis points, from 2.34% for the year ended December 31, 2023, to 2.98% for the year ended December 31, 2024. Our cost of total deposits increased 59 basis points, from 1.77% for the year ended December 31, 2023, to 2.36% for the year ended December 31, 2024.

Capital Resources and Liquidity

Our capital ratios and contingent liquidity sources remain solid. During the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024, we did not purchase any common stock pursuant to our Stock Repurchase Plan. Under this plan, repurchases of our outstanding common stock may be carried out in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or pursuant to any trading plan that might be adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company has no obligation to repurchase any shares under the Stock Repurchase Plan and may modify, suspend or discontinue the plan at any time. We have not purchased any common stock pursuant to the Stock Repurchase Plan subsequent to December 31, 2024.

As of December 31, 2024, our total available contingent liquidity, net of current outstanding borrowings, was $2.23 billion, consisting of FHLB advances, Federal Reserve Discount Window and correspondent bank lines of credit.

Asset Quality

Nonperforming assets at December 31, 2024 were $3.6 million, or 0.04% of total assets, a decrease of $0.4 million, or 10.3%, compared to $4.0 million, or 0.05% of total assets, at December 31, 2023. Linked quarter, nonperforming assets decreased $4.1 million, or 53.1%, from $7.7 million at September 30, 2024 due to a $4.1 million decrease in nonaccrual loans primarily from the payoff of one commercial real estate loan. Classified loans totaled $48.0 million on December 31, 2024, compared to $42.0 million at September 30, 2024 and $19.2 million at December 31, 2023.

The allowance for loan losses totaled $44.9 million, or 0.96% of total loans, at December 31, 2024, compared to $44.3 million, or 0.97% of total loans, at September 30, 2024. The allowance for loan losses was $42.7 million, or 0.94% of total loans, at December 31, 2023.

For the three months ended December 31, 2024, we recorded a provision for credit losses for loans of $1.6 million, compared to a provision of $2.2 million and $2.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2024, respectively. Net charge-offs were $1.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to net charge-offs of $1.3 million and $0.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2024, respectively. Net charge-offs were $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to net charge-offs of $2.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.

We recorded a reversal of provision for credit losses on off-balance-sheet credit exposures of $0.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to a provision for credit losses on off-balance-sheet credit exposures $0.1 million for both of the three-month periods ended December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2024. We recorded a reversal of provision for credit losses for off-balance-sheet credit exposures of $0.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to a provision for credit losses on off-balance-sheet credit exposures of $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The balance of the allowance for off-balance-sheet credit exposures was $3.1 million and $3.9 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and is included in other liabilities.

Dividend

Southside Bancshares, Inc. declared a fourth quarter cash dividend of $0.36 per share on November 7, 2024, which was paid on December 6, 2024, to all shareholders of record as of November 21, 2024.

_______________

(1) Refer to “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below and to “Non-GAAP Reconciliation” at the end of the financial statement tables in this Earnings Release for more information and for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to the nearest GAAP financial measure.

Conference Call

Southside’s management team will host a conference call to discuss its fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2024 financial results on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. CST. The conference call can be accessed by webcast, for listen-only mode, on the company website, https://investors.southside.com, under Events.

Those interested in participating in the question and answer session, or others who prefer to call-in, can register at https://register.vevent.com/register/BI54b435198f6143e589b32994aed51233 to receive the dial-in number and unique code to access the conference call seamlessly. While not required, it is recommended that those wishing to participate, register 10 minutes prior to the conference call to ensure a more efficient registration process.

For those unable to attend the live event, a webcast recording will be available on the company website, https://investors.southside.com, for at least 30 days, beginning approximately two hours following the conference call.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Our accounting and reporting policies conform to generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States and prevailing practices in the banking industry. However, certain non-GAAP measures are used by management to supplement the evaluation of our performance. These include the following fully taxable-equivalent measures (“FTE”): (i) Net interest income (FTE), (ii) net interest margin (FTE), (iii) net interest spread (FTE), and (iv) efficiency ratio (FTE), which include the effects of taxable-equivalent adjustments using a federal income tax rate of 21% to increase tax-exempt interest income to a tax-equivalent basis. Interest income earned on certain assets is completely or partially exempt from federal income tax. As such, these tax-exempt instruments typically yield lower returns than taxable investments.

Net interest income (FTE), net interest margin (FTE) and net interest spread (FTE). Net interest income (FTE) is a non-GAAP measure that adjusts for the tax-favored status of net interest income from certain loans and investments and is not permitted under GAAP in the consolidated statements of income. We believe that this measure is the preferred industry measurement of net interest income and that it enhances comparability of net interest income arising from taxable and tax-exempt sources. The most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP is our net interest income. Net interest margin (FTE) is the ratio of net interest income (FTE) to average earning assets. The most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP is our net interest margin. Net interest spread (FTE) is the difference in the average yield on average earning assets on a tax-equivalent basis and the average rate paid on average interest bearing liabilities. The most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP is our net interest spread.

Efficiency ratio (FTE). The efficiency ratio (FTE) is a non-GAAP measure that provides a measure of productivity in the banking industry. This ratio is calculated to measure the cost of generating one dollar of revenue. The ratio is designed to reflect the percentage of one dollar which must be expended to generate that dollar of revenue. We calculate this ratio by dividing noninterest expense, excluding amortization expense on intangibles and certain nonrecurring expense by the sum of net interest income (FTE) and noninterest income, excluding net gain (loss) on sale of securities available for sale and certain nonrecurring impairments. The most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP is our efficiency ratio.

These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered alternatives to GAAP-basis financial statements and other bank holding companies may define or calculate these non-GAAP measures or similar measures differently. Whenever we present a non-GAAP financial measure in an SEC filing, we are also required to present the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP and reconcile the differences between the non-GAAP financial measure and such comparable GAAP measure.

Management believes adjusting net interest income, net interest margin and net interest spread to a fully taxable-equivalent basis is a standard practice in the banking industry as these measures provide useful information to make peer comparisons. Tax-equivalent adjustments are reflected in the respective earning asset categories as listed in the “Average Balances with Average Yields and Rates” tables.

A reconciliation of our non-GAAP financial measures to the comparable GAAP financial measures is included at the end of the financial statement tables.

About Southside Bancshares, Inc.

Southside Bancshares, Inc. is a bank holding company with approximately $8.52 billion in assets as of December 31, 2024, that owns 100% of Southside Bank. Southside Bank currently has 53 branches in Texas and operates a network of 72 ATMs/ITMs.

To learn more about Southside Bancshares, Inc., please visit our investor relations website at https://investors.southside.com. Our investor relations site provides a detailed overview of our activities, financial information and historical stock price data. To receive email notification of company news, events and stock activity, please register on the website under Resources and Investor Email Alerts. Questions or comments may be directed to Lindsey Bailes at (903) 630-7965, or lindsey.bailes@southside.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements of other than historical fact that are contained in this press release and in other written materials, documents and oral statements issued by or on behalf of the Company may be considered to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of and subject to the safe harbor protections of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, nor should they be relied upon as representing management’s views as of any subsequent date. These statements may include words such as “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “anticipate,” “appear,” “believe,” “could,” “should,” “may,” “might,” “will,” “would,” “seek,” “intend,” “probability,” “risk,” “goal,” “target,” “objective,” “plans,” “potential,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are statements with respect to the Company’s beliefs, plans, expectations, objectives, goals, anticipations, assumptions, estimates, intentions and future performance and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. For example, benefits of the Share Repurchase Plan, trends in asset quality, capital, liquidity, the Company’s ability to sell nonperforming assets, expense reductions, planned operational efficiencies and earnings from growth and certain market risk disclosures, including the impact of interest rates and our expectations regarding rate increases, tax reform, inflation, the impacts related to or resulting from other economic factors are based upon information presently available to management and are dependent on choices about key model characteristics and assumptions and are subject to various limitations. By their nature, certain of the market risk disclosures are only estimates and could be materially different from what actually occurs in the future. Accordingly, our results could materially differ from those that have been estimated. The most significant factor that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated by our forward-looking statements include the ongoing impact of higher inflation levels, interest rate fluctuations and general economic concerns, all of which could impact economic growth and could cause a reduction in financial transactions and business activities, including decreased deposits and reduced loan originations, our ability to manage liquidity in a rapidly changing and unpredictable market, labor shortages and changes in interest rates by the Federal Reserve.

Additional information concerning the Company and its business, including additional factors that could materially affect the Company’s financial results, is included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, under “Part I – Item 1. Forward Looking Information” and “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” and in the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any factors or to announce publicly the result of revisions to any of the forward-looking statements included herein to reflect future events or developments.

Southside Bancshares, Inc. Consolidated Financial Summary (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands)

	As of
		2024												2023
	Dec 31,			Sep 30,			Jun 30,			Mar 31,			Dec 31,
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	$	91,409		$	130,147		$	114,283		$	96,744		$	122,021
Interest earning deposits		281,945			333,825			272,469			307,257			391,719
Federal funds sold		52,807			22,325			65,244			65,372			46,770
Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value		1,533,894			1,408,437			1,405,944			1,405,221			1,296,294
Securities held to maturity, at net carrying value		1,279,234			1,288,403			1,305,975			1,306,898			1,307,053
Total securities		2,813,128			2,696,840			2,711,919			2,712,119			2,603,347
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost		33,818			40,291			32,991			27,958			11,936
Loans held for sale		1,946			768			1,352			756			10,894
Loans		4,661,597			4,578,048			4,589,365			4,577,368			4,524,510
Less: Allowance for loan losses		(44,884	)		(44,276	)		(42,407	)		(43,557	)		(42,674	)
Net loans		4,616,713			4,533,772			4,546,958			4,533,811			4,481,836
Premises & equipment, net		141,648			138,811			138,489			139,491			138,950
Goodwill		201,116			201,116			201,116			201,116			201,116
Other intangible assets, net		1,754			2,003			2,281			2,588			2,925
Bank owned life insurance		138,313			137,489			136,903			136,604			136,330
Other assets		142,851			124,876			133,697			130,047			137,070
Total assets	$	8,517,448		$	8,362,263		$	8,357,702		$	8,353,863		$	8,284,914

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Noninterest bearing deposits	$	1,357,152		$	1,377,022		$	1,366,924		$	1,358,827		$	1,390,407
Interest bearing deposits		5,297,096			5,058,680			5,129,008			5,186,933			5,159,274
Total deposits		6,654,248			6,435,702			6,495,932			6,545,760			6,549,681
Other borrowings and Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings		808,352			865,856			763,700			770,151			722,468
Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs		92,042			92,006			91,970			93,913			93,877
Trust preferred subordinated debentures, net of unamortized debt issuance costs		60,274			60,273			60,272			60,271			60,270
Other liabilities		90,590			103,172			144,858			95,846			85,330
Total liabilities		7,705,506			7,557,009			7,556,732			7,565,941			7,511,626
Shareholders’ equity		811,942			805,254			800,970			787,922			773,288
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	8,517,448		$	8,362,263		$	8,357,702		$	8,353,863		$	8,284,914

Southside Bancshares, Inc. Consolidated Financial Highlights (Unaudited) (Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data)

	Three Months Ended
		2024												2023
	Dec 31,			Sep 30,			Jun 30,			Mar 31,			Dec 31,
Income Statement:
Total interest and dividend income	$	101,689		$	105,703		$	104,186		$	102,758		$	98,939
Total interest expense		47,982			50,239			50,578			49,410			44,454
Net interest income		53,707			55,464			53,608			53,348			54,485
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses		1,384			2,389			(485	)		58			2,281
Net interest income after provision for (reversal of) credit losses		52,323			53,075			54,093			53,290			52,204
Noninterest income
Deposit services		6,084			6,199			6,157			5,985			6,305
Net gain (loss) on sale of securities available for sale		—			(1,929	)		(563	)		(18	)		(10,386	)
Gain (loss) on sale of loans		138			115			220			(436	)		178
Trust fees		1,773			1,628			1,456			1,336			1,431
Bank owned life insurance		848			857			1,767			784			2,602
Brokerage services		1,054			1,068			1,081			1,014			944
Other		2,384			233			1,439			1,059			1,427
Total noninterest income		12,281			8,171			11,557			9,724			2,501
Noninterest expense
Salaries and employee benefits		22,960			22,233			21,984			23,113			21,152
Net occupancy		3,629			3,613			3,750			3,362			3,474
Advertising, travel & entertainment		884			734			795			950			1,127
ATM expense		378			412			368			325			318
Professional fees		1,645			1,206			1,075			1,154			1,315
Software and data processing		2,931			2,951			2,860			2,856			2,644
Communications		320			423			410			449			435
FDIC insurance		931			939			977			943			892
Amortization of intangibles		249			278			307			337			370
Other		4,232			3,543			3,239			3,392			3,456
Total noninterest expense		38,159			36,332			35,765			36,881			35,183
Income before income tax expense		26,445			24,914			29,885			26,133			19,522
Income tax expense		4,659			4,390			5,212			4,622			2,206
Net income	$	21,786		$	20,524		$	24,673		$	21,511		$	17,316

Common Share Data:
Weighted-average basic shares outstanding		30,343			30,286			30,280			30,262			30,235
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding		30,459			30,370			30,312			30,305			30,276
Common shares outstanding end of period		30,379			30,308			30,261			30,284			30,249
Earnings per common share
Basic	$	0.72		$	0.68		$	0.81		$	0.71		$	0.57
Diluted		0.71			0.68			0.81			0.71			0.57
Book value per common share		26.73			26.57			26.47			26.02			25.56
Tangible book value per common share		20.05			19.87			19.75			19.29			18.82
Cash dividends paid per common share		0.36			0.36			0.36			0.36			0.37

Selected Performance Ratios:
Return on average assets		1.03	%		0.98	%		1.19	%		1.03	%		0.85	%
Return on average shareholders’ equity		10.54			10.13			12.46			11.02			9.31
Return on average tangible common equity ⁽¹⁾		14.12			13.69			16.90			15.07			13.10
Average yield on earning assets (FTE) ⁽¹⁾		5.24			5.51			5.45			5.38			5.30
Average rate on interest bearing liabilities		3.12			3.28			3.32			3.22			3.04
Net interest margin (FTE) ⁽¹⁾		2.83			2.95			2.87			2.86			2.99
Net interest spread (FTE) ⁽¹⁾		2.12			2.23			2.13			2.16			2.26
Average earning assets to average interest bearing liabilities		129.55			128.51			128.62			127.71			131.65
Noninterest expense to average total assets		1.80			1.73			1.72			1.77			1.73
Efficiency ratio (FTE) ⁽¹⁾		54.00			51.90			52.71			55.54			50.86

(1)	Refer to “Non-GAAP Reconciliation” at the end of the financial statement tables in this Earnings Release for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to the nearest GAAP financial measure.

Southside Bancshares, Inc. Consolidated Financial Highlights (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands)

	Three Months Ended
		2024												2023
	Dec 31,			Sep 30,			Jun 30,			Mar 31,			Dec 31,
Nonperforming Assets:	$	3,589		$	7,656		$	6,918		$	7,979		$	4,001
Nonaccrual loans		3,185			7,254			6,110			7,709			3,889
Accruing loans past due more than 90 days		—			—			—			—			—
Restructured loans		2			—			145			151			13
Other real estate owned		388			388			648			119			99
Repossessed assets		14			14			15			—			—

Asset Quality Ratios:
Ratio of nonaccruing loans to:
Total loans		0.07	%		0.16	%		0.13	%		0.17	%		0.09	%
Ratio of nonperforming assets to:
Total assets		0.04			0.09			0.08			0.10			0.05
Total loans		0.08			0.17			0.15			0.17			0.09
Total loans and OREO		0.08			0.17			0.15			0.17			0.09
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to:
Nonaccruing loans		1,409.23			610.37			694.06			565.01			1,097.30
Nonperforming assets		1,250.60			578.32			613.00			545.90			1,066.58
Total loans		0.96			0.97			0.92			0.95			0.94
Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans outstanding		0.08			0.04			0.02			0.03			0.11

Capital Ratios:
Shareholders’ equity to total assets		9.53			9.63			9.58			9.43			9.33
Common equity tier 1 capital		13.04			13.07			12.72			12.43			12.28
Tier 1 risk-based capital		14.07			14.12			13.76			13.47			13.32
Total risk-based capital		16.49			16.59			16.16			15.92			15.73
Tier 1 leverage capital		9.67			9.61			9.40			9.22			9.39
Period end tangible equity to period end tangible assets ⁽¹⁾		7.33			7.38			7.33			7.17			7.04
Average shareholders’ equity to average total assets		9.76			9.67			9.52			9.35			9.13

(1)	Refer to the “Non-GAAP Reconciliation” at the end of the financial statement tables in this Earnings Release for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to the nearest GAAP financial measure.

Southside Bancshares, Inc. Consolidated Financial Highlights (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands)

	Three Months Ended
		2024												2023
Loan Portfolio Composition	Dec 31,			Sep 30,			Jun 30,			Mar 31,			Dec 31,
Real Estate Loans:
Construction	$	537,827		$	585,817		$	546,040		$	599,464		$	789,744
1-4 Family Residential		740,396			755,406			738,037			720,508			696,738
Commercial		2,579,735			2,422,612			2,472,771			2,413,345			2,168,451
Commercial Loans		363,167			358,854			359,807			358,053			366,893
Municipal Loans		390,968			402,041			416,986			427,225			441,168
Loans to Individuals		49,504			53,318			55,724			58,773			61,516
Total Loans	$	4,661,597		$	4,578,048		$	4,589,365		$	4,577,368		$	4,524,510

Summary of Changes in Allowances:
Allowance for Loan Losses
Balance at beginning of period	$	44,276		$	42,407		$	43,557		$	42,674		$	41,760
Loans charged-off		(1,232	)		(773	)		(721	)		(634	)		(1,572	)
Recoveries of loans charged-off		277			365			444			347			284
Net loans (charged-off) recovered		(955	)		(408	)		(277	)		(287	)		(1,288	)
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses		1,563			2,277			(873	)		1,170			2,202
Balance at end of period	$	44,884		$	44,276		$	42,407		$	43,557		$	42,674

Allowance for Off-Balance-Sheet Credit Exposures
Balance at beginning of period	$	3,320		$	3,208		$	2,820		$	3,932		$	3,853
Provision for (reversal of) off-balance-sheet credit exposures		(179	)		112			388			(1,112	)		79
Balance at end of period	$	3,141		$	3,320		$	3,208		$	2,820		$	3,932
Total Allowance for Credit Losses	$	48,025		$	47,596		$	45,615		$	46,377		$	46,606

Southside Bancshares, Inc. Consolidated Financial Highlights (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands)

	Year ended
	December 31,
		2024			2023
Income Statement:
Total interest and dividend income	$	414,336		$	359,741
Total interest expense		198,209			144,714
Net interest income		216,127			215,027
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses		3,346			9,154
Net interest income after provision for (reversal of) credit losses		212,781			205,873
Noninterest income
Deposit services		24,425			25,497
Net gain (loss) on sale of securities available for sale		(2,510	)		(15,976	)
Net gain on sale of equity securities		—			5,058
Gain (loss) on sale of loans		37			563
Trust fees		6,193			5,910
Bank owned life insurance		4,256			5,823
Brokerage services		4,217			3,305
Other		5,115			5,654
Total noninterest income		41,733			35,834
Noninterest expense
Salaries and employee benefits		90,290			85,625
Net occupancy		14,354			14,694
Advertising, travel & entertainment		3,363			4,093
ATM expense		1,483			1,351
Professional fees		5,080			5,351
Software and data processing		11,598			9,395
Communications		1,602			1,469
FDIC insurance		3,790			3,558
Amortization of intangibles		1,171			1,697
Other		14,406			13,345
Total noninterest expense		147,137			140,578
Income before income tax expense		107,377			101,129
Income tax expense		18,883			14,437
Net income	$	88,494		$	86,692
Common Share Data:
Weighted-average basic shares outstanding		30,293			30,704
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding		30,369			30,759
Common shares outstanding end of period		30,379			30,249
Earnings per common share
Basic	$	2.92		$	2.82
Diluted		2.91			2.82
Book value per common share		26.73			25.56
Tangible book value per common share		20.05			18.82
Cash dividends paid per common share		1.44			1.42

Selected Performance Ratios:
Return on average assets		1.06	%		1.11	%
Return on average shareholders’ equity		11.03			11.50
Return on average tangible common equity ⁽¹⁾		14.92			16.03
Average yield on earning assets (FTE) ⁽¹⁾		5.40			5.06
Average rate on interest bearing liabilities		3.24			2.64
Net interest margin (FTE) ⁽¹⁾		2.88			3.09
Net interest spread (FTE) ⁽¹⁾		2.16			2.42
Average earning assets to average interest bearing liabilities		128.60			134.07
Noninterest expense to average total assets		1.76			1.80
Efficiency ratio (FTE) ⁽¹⁾		53.52			51.30

(1)	Refer to the “Non-GAAP Reconciliation” at the end of the financial statement tables in this Earnings Release for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to the nearest GAAP financial measure.

Southside Bancshares, Inc. Consolidated Financial Highlights (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands)

	Year ended
	December 31,
		2024			2023
Nonperforming Assets:	$	3,589		$	4,001
Nonaccrual loans		3,185			3,889
Accruing loans past due more than 90 days		—			—
Restructured loans		2			13
Other real estate owned		388			99
Repossessed assets		14			—

Asset Quality Ratios:
Ratio of nonaccruing loans to:
Total loans		0.07	%		0.09	%
Ratio of nonperforming assets to:
Total assets		0.04			0.05
Total loans		0.08			0.09
Total loans and OREO		0.08			0.09
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to:
Nonaccruing loans		1,409.23			1,097.30
Nonperforming assets		1,250.60			1,066.58
Total loans		0.96			0.94
Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans outstanding		0.04			0.06

Capital Ratios:
Shareholders’ equity to total assets		9.53			9.33
Common equity tier 1 capital		13.04			12.28
Tier 1 risk-based capital		14.07			13.32
Total risk-based capital		16.49			15.73
Tier 1 leverage capital		9.67			9.39
Period end tangible equity to period end tangible assets ⁽¹⁾		7.33			7.04
Average shareholders’ equity to average total assets		9.58			9.63

(1)	Refer to the “Non-GAAP Reconciliation” at the end of the financial statement tables in this Earnings Release for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to the nearest GAAP financial measure.

	Year ended
	December 31,
Loan Portfolio Composition		2024			2023
Real Estate Loans:
Construction	$	537,827		$	789,744
1-4 Family Residential		740,396			696,738
Commercial		2,579,735			2,168,451
Commercial Loans		363,167			366,893
Municipal Loans		390,968			441,168
Loans to Individuals		49,504			61,516
Total Loans	$	4,661,597		$	4,524,510

Summary of Changes in Allowances:
Allowance for Loan Losses
Balance at beginning of period	$	42,674		$	36,515
Loans charged-off		(3,360	)		(4,204	)
Recoveries of loans charged-off		1,433			1,454
Net loans (charged-off) recovered		(1,927	)		(2,750	)
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses		4,137			8,909
Balance at end of period	$	44,884		$	42,674

Allowance for Off-Balance-Sheet Credit Exposures
Balance at beginning of period	$	3,932		$	3,687
Provision for (reversal of) off-balance-sheet credit exposures		(791	)		245
Balance at end of period	$	3,141		$	3,932
Total Allowance for Credit Losses	$	48,025		$	46,606

The tables that follow show average earning assets and interest bearing liabilities together with the average yield on the earning assets and the average rate of the interest bearing liabilities for the periods presented. The interest and related yields presented are on a fully taxable-equivalent basis and are therefore non-GAAP measures. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and “Non-GAAP Reconciliation” for more information.

Southside Bancshares, Inc. Average Balances and Average Yields and Rates (Annualized) (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands)

	Three Months Ended
	December 31, 2024							September 30, 2024
	Average Balance			Interest		Average Yield/Rate		Average Balance			Interest		Average Yield/Rate
ASSETS
Loans ⁽¹⁾	$	4,604,175		$	70,155	6.06	%	$	4,613,028		$	72,493	6.25	%
Loans held for sale		1,562			23	5.86	%		871			11	5.02	%
Securities:
Taxable investment securities ⁽²⁾		784,321			6,949	3.52	%		791,914			7,150	3.59	%
Tax-exempt investment securities ⁽²⁾		1,138,271			10,793	3.77	%		1,174,445			11,825	4.01	%
Mortgage-backed and related securities ⁽²⁾		1,031,187			12,043	4.65	%		886,325			11,976	5.38	%
Total securities		2,953,779			29,785	4.01	%		2,852,684			30,951	4.32	%
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost, and equity investments		37,078			591	6.34	%		41,159			582	5.63	%
Interest earning deposits		273,656			3,160	4.59	%		281,313			3,798	5.37	%
Federal funds sold		43,121			508	4.69	%		33,971			488	5.71	%
Total earning assets		7,913,371			104,222	5.24	%		7,823,026			108,323	5.51	%
Cash and due from banks		102,914							100,578
Accrued interest and other assets		454,387							455,091
Less: Allowance for loan losses		(44,418	)						(42,581	)
Total assets	$	8,426,254						$	8,336,114
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Savings accounts	$	594,196			1,456	0.97	%	$	598,116			1,490	0.99	%
Certificates of deposit		1,187,800			13,537	4.53	%		1,087,613			12,647	4.63	%
Interest bearing demand accounts		3,459,122			23,468	2.70	%		3,409,911			24,395	2.85	%
Total interest bearing deposits		5,241,118			38,461	2.92	%		5,095,640			38,532	3.01	%
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings		572,993			5,557	3.86	%		618,708			6,488	4.17	%
Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs		92,024			945	4.09	%		91,988			937	4.05	%
Trust preferred subordinated debentures, net of unamortized debt issuance costs		60,274			1,095	7.23	%		60,273			1,180	7.79	%
Repurchase agreements		80,891			782	3.85	%		83,297			899	4.29	%
Other borrowings		61,196			1,142	7.42	%		137,482			2,203	6.37	%
Total interest bearing liabilities		6,108,496			47,982	3.12	%		6,087,388			50,239	3.28	%
Noninterest bearing deposits		1,383,204							1,344,165
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		112,320							98,331
Total liabilities		7,604,020							7,529,884
Shareholders’ equity		822,234							806,230
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	8,426,254						$	8,336,114
Net interest income (FTE)				$	56,240						$	58,084
Net interest margin (FTE)						2.83	%						2.95	%
Net interest spread (FTE)						2.12	%						2.23	%

Interest on loans includes net fees on loans that are not material in amount.
For the purpose of calculating the average yield, the average balance of securities is presented at historical cost.

Note: As of December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024, loans totaling $3.2 million and $7.3 million, respectively, were on nonaccrual status. Our policy is to reverse previously accrued but unpaid interest on nonaccrual loans; thereafter, interest income is recorded to the extent received when appropriate.

Southside Bancshares, Inc. Average Balances and Average Yields and Rates (Annualized) (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands)

	Three Months Ended
	June 30, 2024							March 31, 2024
	Average Balance			Interest		Average Yield/ Rate		Average Balance			Interest		Average Yield/ Rate
ASSETS
Loans ⁽¹⁾	$	4,595,980		$	70,293	6.15	%	$	4,559,602		$	68,849	6.07	%
Loans held for sale		1,489			24	6.48	%		8,834			18	0.82	%
Securities:
Taxable investment securities ⁽²⁾		783,856			7,009	3.60	%		780,423			6,967	3.59	%
Tax-exempt investment securities ⁽²⁾		1,254,097			12,761	4.09	%		1,285,922			13,168	4.12	%
Mortgage-backed and related securities ⁽²⁾		830,504			11,084	5.37	%		764,713			10,119	5.32	%
Total securities		2,868,457			30,854	4.33	%		2,831,058			30,254	4.30	%
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost, and equity investments		40,467			573	5.69	%		40,063			333	3.34	%
Interest earning deposits		300,047			4,105	5.50	%		380,181			5,202	5.50	%
Federal funds sold		75,479			1,021	5.44	%		62,599			838	5.38	%
Total earning assets		7,881,919			106,870	5.45	%		7,882,337			105,494	5.38	%
Cash and due from banks		110,102							114,379
Accrued interest and other assets		424,323							441,783
Less: Allowance for loan losses		(43,738	)						(42,973	)
Total assets	$	8,372,606						$	8,395,526
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Savings accounts	$	604,753			1,454	0.97	%	$	604,529			1,424	0.95	%
Certificates of deposit		1,020,099			11,630	4.59	%		941,947			10,341	4.42	%
Interest bearing demand accounts		3,513,068			25,382	2.91	%		3,634,936			26,433	2.92	%
Total interest bearing deposits		5,137,920			38,466	3.01	%		5,181,412			38,198	2.97	%
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings		606,851			6,455	4.28	%		607,033			5,950	3.94	%
Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs		92,017			936	4.09	%		93,895			956	4.10	%
Trust preferred subordinated debentures, net of unamortized debt issuance costs		60,271			1,171	7.81	%		60,270			1,175	7.84	%
Repurchase agreements		88,007			955	4.36	%		92,177			967	4.22	%
Other borrowings		143,169			2,595	7.29	%		137,287			2,164	6.34	%
Total interest bearing liabilities		6,128,235			50,578	3.32	%		6,172,074			49,410	3.22	%
Noninterest bearing deposits		1,346,274							1,338,384
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		101,399							100,014
Total liabilities		7,575,908							7,610,472
Shareholders’ equity		796,698							785,054
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	8,372,606						$	8,395,526
Net interest income (FTE)				$	56,292						$	56,084
Net interest margin (FTE)						2.87	%						2.86	%
Net interest spread (FTE)						2.13	%						2.16	%

Interest on loans includes net fees on loans that are not material in amount.
For the purpose of calculating the average yield, the average balance of securities is presented at historical cost.

Note: As of June 30, 2024 and March 31, 2024, loans totaling $6.1 million and $7.7 million, respectively, were on nonaccrual status. Our policy is to reverse previously accrued but unpaid interest on nonaccrual loans; thereafter, interest income is recorded to the extent received when appropriate.

Southside Bancshares, Inc. Average Balances and Average Yields and Rates (Annualized) (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands)

	Three Months Ended
	December 31, 2023
	Average Balance			Interest		Average Yield/ Rate
ASSETS
Loans ⁽¹⁾	$	4,473,618		$	67,886	6.02	%
Loans held for sale		1,858			27	5.77	%
Securities:
Taxable investment securities ⁽²⁾		852,023			7,970	3.71	%
Tax-exempt investment securities ⁽²⁾		1,456,187			15,688	4.27	%
Mortgage-backed and related securities ⁽²⁾		581,548			6,865	4.68	%
Total securities		2,889,758			30,523	4.19	%
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost, and equity investments		24,674			296	4.76	%
Interest earning deposits		150,763			2,054	5.41	%
Federal funds sold		93,149			1,286	5.48	%
Total earning assets		7,633,820			102,072	5.30	%
Cash and due from banks		110,380
Accrued interest and other assets		374,120
Less: Allowance for loan losses		(41,822	)
Total assets	$	8,076,498
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Savings accounts	$	610,453			1,432	0.93	%
Certificates of deposit		910,759			9,691	4.22	%
Interest bearing demand accounts		3,469,120			24,498	2.80	%
Total interest bearing deposits		4,990,332			35,621	2.83	%
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings		262,709			1,430	2.16	%
Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs		93,859			965	4.08	%
Trust preferred subordinated debentures, net of unamortized debt issuance costs		60,269			1,195	7.87	%
Repurchase agreements		96,622			1,008	4.14	%
Other borrowings		294,683			4,235	5.70	%
Total interest bearing liabilities		5,798,474			44,454	3.04	%
Noninterest bearing deposits		1,424,961
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		115,388
Total liabilities		7,338,823
Shareholders’ equity		737,675
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	8,076,498
Net interest income (FTE)				$	57,618
Net interest margin (FTE)						2.99	%
Net interest spread (FTE)						2.26	%

Interest on loans includes net fees on loans that are not material in amount.
For the purpose of calculating the average yield, the average balance of securities is presented at historical cost.

Note: As of December 31, 2023, loans totaling $3.9 million were on nonaccrual status. Our policy is to reverse previously accrued but unpaid interest on nonaccrual loans; thereafter, interest income is recorded to the extent received when appropriate.

Southside Bancshares, Inc. Average Balances and Average Yields and Rates (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands)

	Year ended
	December 31, 2024							December 31, 2023
	Average Balance			Interest		Average Yield/ Rate		Average Balance			Interest		Average Yield/ Rate
ASSETS
Loans ⁽¹⁾	$	4,593,280		$	281,790	6.13	%	$	4,300,138		$	247,431	5.75	%
Loans held for sale		3,179			76	2.39	%		1,681			96	5.71	%
Securities:
Taxable investment securities ⁽²⁾		785,145			28,075	3.58	%		845,907			31,186	3.69	%
Tax-exempt investment securities ⁽²⁾		1,212,844			48,547	4.00	%		1,554,519			64,568	4.15	%
Mortgage-backed and related securities ⁽²⁾		878,623			45,222	5.15	%		470,692			19,450	4.13	%
Total securities		2,876,612			121,844	4.24	%		2,871,118			115,204	4.01	%
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost, and equity investments		39,688			2,079	5.24	%		24,971			1,185	4.75	%
Interest earning deposits		308,628			16,265	5.27	%		83,343			4,364	5.24	%
Federal funds sold		53,709			2,855	5.32	%		79,948			4,124	5.16	%
Total earning assets		7,875,096			424,909	5.40	%		7,361,199			372,404	5.06	%
Cash and due from banks		106,965							107,018
Accrued interest and other assets		443,733							397,860
Less: Allowance for loan losses		(43,428	)						(37,890	)
Total assets	$	8,382,366						$	7,828,187
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Savings accounts	$	600,375			5,824	0.97	%	$	636,603			5,633	0.88	%
Certificates of deposit		1,059,793			48,155	4.54	%		862,211			30,906	3.58	%
Interest bearing demand accounts		3,503,878			99,678	2.84	%		3,122,319			71,618	2.29	%
Total interest bearing deposits		5,164,046			153,657	2.98	%		4,621,133			108,157	2.34	%
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings		601,366			24,450	4.07	%		276,584			6,777	2.45	%
Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs		92,478			3,774	4.08	%		96,024			3,920	4.08	%
Trust preferred subordinated debentures, net of unamortized debt issuance costs		60,272			4,621	7.67	%		60,267			4,504	7.47	%
Repurchase agreements		86,071			3,603	4.19	%		91,132			3,431	3.76	%
Other borrowings		119,672			8,104	6.77	%		345,544			17,925	5.19	%
Total interest bearing liabilities		6,123,905			198,209	3.24	%		5,490,684			144,714	2.64	%
Noninterest bearing deposits		1,353,065							1,485,896
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		102,778							97,509
Total liabilities		7,579,748							7,074,089
Shareholders’ equity		802,618							754,098
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	8,382,366						$	7,828,187
Net interest income (FTE)				$	226,700						$	227,690
Net interest margin (FTE)						2.88	%						3.09	%
Net interest spread (FTE)						2.16	%						2.42	%

Interest on loans includes net fees on loans that are not material in amount.
For the purpose of calculating the average yield, the average balance of securities is presented at historical cost.

Note: As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, loans totaling $3.2 million and $3.9 million, respectively, were on nonaccrual status. Our policy is to reverse previously accrued but unpaid interest on nonaccrual loans; thereafter, interest income is recorded to the extent received when appropriate.

The following tables set forth the reconciliation of return on average common equity to return on average tangible common equity, book value per share to tangible book value per share, net interest income to net interest income adjusted to a fully taxable-equivalent basis assuming a 21% marginal tax rate for interest earned on tax-exempt assets such as municipal loans and investment securities, along with the calculation of total revenue, adjusted noninterest expense, efficiency ratio (FTE), net interest margin (FTE) and net interest spread (FTE) for the applicable periods presented.

Southside Bancshares, Inc. Non-GAAP Reconciliation (Unaudited) (Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data)

	Three Months Ended															Year ended
		2024												2023			2024			2023
	Dec 31,			Sep 30,			Jun 30,			Mar 31,			Dec 31,			Dec 31,			Dec 31,
Reconciliation of return on average common equity to return on average tangible common equity:
Net income	$	21,786		$	20,524		$	24,673		$	21,511		$	17,316		$	88,494		$	86,692
After-tax amortization expense		196			220			243			266			292			925			1,341
Adjusted net income available to common shareholders	$	21,982		$	20,744		$	24,916		$	21,777		$	17,608		$	89,419		$	88,033

Average shareholders’ equity	$	822,234		$	806,230		$	796,698		$	785,054		$	737,675		$	802,618		$	754,098
Less: Average intangibles for the period		(203,020	)		(203,288	)		(203,581	)		(203,910	)		(204,267	)		(203,448	)		(204,887	)
Average tangible shareholders’ equity	$	619,214		$	602,942		$	593,117		$	581,144		$	533,408		$	599,170		$	549,211

Return on average tangible common equity		14.12	%		13.69	%		16.90	%		15.07	%		13.10	%		14.92	%		16.03	%

Reconciliation of book value per share to tangible book value per share:
Common equity at end of period	$	811,942		$	805,254		$	800,970		$	787,922		$	773,288		$	811,942		$	773,288
Less: Intangible assets at end of period		(202,870	)		(203,119	)		(203,397	)		(203,704	)		(204,041	)		(202,870	)		(204,041	)
Tangible common shareholders’ equity at end of period	$	609,072		$	602,135		$	597,573		$	584,218		$	569,247		$	609,072		$	569,247

Total assets at end of period	$	8,517,448		$	8,362,263		$	8,357,702		$	8,353,863		$	8,284,914		$	8,517,448		$	8,284,914
Less: Intangible assets at end of period		(202,870	)		(203,119	)		(203,397	)		(203,704	)		(204,041	)		(202,870	)		(204,041	)
Tangible assets at end of period	$	8,314,578		$	8,159,144		$	8,154,305		$	8,150,159		$	8,080,873		$	8,314,578		$	8,080,873

Period end tangible equity to period end tangible assets		7.33	%		7.38	%		7.33	%		7.17	%		7.04	%		7.33	%		7.04	%

Common shares outstanding end of period		30,379			30,308			30,261			30,284			30,249			30,379			30,249
Tangible book value per common share	$	20.05		$	19.87		$	19.75		$	19.29		$	18.82		$	20.05		$	18.82

Reconciliation of efficiency ratio to efficiency ratio (FTE), net interest margin to net interest margin (FTE) and net interest spread to net interest spread (FTE):
Net interest income (GAAP)	$	53,707		$	55,464		$	53,608		$	53,348		$	54,485		$	216,127		$	215,027
Tax-equivalent adjustments:
Loans		598			608			633			656			680			2,495			2,724
Tax-exempt investment securities		1,935			2,012			2,051			2,080			2,453			8,078			9,939
Net interest income (FTE) ⁽¹⁾		56,240			58,084			56,292			56,084			57,618			226,700			227,690
Noninterest income		12,281			8,171			11,557			9,724			2,501			41,733			35,834
Nonrecurring income ⁽²⁾		(25	)		2,797			(576	)		18			8,376			2,214			7,370
Total revenue	$	68,496		$	69,052		$	67,273		$	65,826		$	68,495		$	270,647		$	270,894

Noninterest expense	$	38,159		$	36,332		$	35,765		$	36,881		$	35,183		$	147,137		$	140,578
Pre-tax amortization expense		(249	)		(278	)		(307	)		(337	)		(370	)		(1,171	)		(1,697	)
Nonrecurring expense ⁽³⁾		(919	)		(219	)		2			17			22			(1,119	)		78
Adjusted noninterest expense	$	36,991		$	35,835		$	35,460		$	36,561		$	34,835		$	144,847		$	138,959

Efficiency ratio		56.08	%		53.94	%		54.90	%		57.95	%		53.30	%		55.69	%		53.81	%
Efficiency ratio (FTE) ⁽¹⁾		54.00	%		51.90	%		52.71	%		55.54	%		50.86	%		53.52	%		51.30	%

Average earning assets	$	7,913,371		$	7,823,026		$	7,881,919		$	7,882,337		$	7,633,820		$	7,875,096		$	7,361,199

Net interest margin		2.70	%		2.82	%		2.74	%		2.72	%		2.83	%		2.74	%		2.92	%
Net interest margin (FTE) ⁽¹⁾		2.83	%		2.95	%		2.87	%		2.86	%		2.99	%		2.88	%		3.09	%

Net interest spread		1.99	%		2.10	%		2.00	%		2.02	%		2.10	%		2.02	%		2.25	%
Net interest spread (FTE) ⁽¹⁾		2.12	%		2.23	%		2.13	%		2.16	%		2.26	%		2.16	%		2.42	%

These amounts are presented on a fully taxable-equivalent basis and are non-GAAP measures.
These adjustments may include net gain or loss on sale of securities available for sale, net gain on sale of equity securities, BOLI income related to death benefits realized and other investment income or loss in the periods where applicable.
These adjustments may include foreclosure expenses and branch closure expenses, in the periods where applicable.

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/13bde475-43a9-4782-8eca-ffcb1bf62e42

MIL-OSI: The New Force in Platform Tokens: How WXT Succeeds Like BNB?

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

VICTORIA, Seychelles, Jan. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In recent years, the cryptocurrency market has experienced dramatic changes, with platform tokens stepping into the spotlight to become core pillars of exchange ecosystems. Evolving from simple transaction fee discount tools to drivers of ecosystem innovation, platform tokens are unlocking new potential. WXT, the native token of the WEEX exchange, is steadily following the successful trajectory of BNB, garnering widespread attention with its innovative mechanisms and ecosystem integration.

From the Shadows to the Spotlight: The Breakthrough of Platform Token Value

The evolution of platform tokens has been remarkable. Initially serving as tools for fee discounts, they have expanded into diverse use cases such as DeFi mining, staking rewards, project governance, NFT trading, and cross-chain payments. This evolution has transformed platform tokens into vital connectors of users, technology, and capital.

BNB: A Benchmark for Platform Tokens

Launched in 2017 as Binance’s native token, BNB rapidly built a loyal user base through fee discounts, airdrop rewards, and a strategic buyback-and-burn mechanism. The 2019 launch of Binance Smart Chain (BSC) further amplified BNB’s utility, extending its applications to DeFi, NFT ecosystems, and smart contract development.

By 2024, BNB’s market capitalization soared from $32.7 billion in 2023 to $110 billion, with its price rising from $200 to $793. This trajectory illustrates how platform tokens can achieve exponential growth through ecosystem expansion and innovative strategies.

BGB: A Rising Star Among Secondary Tokens

BGB capitalized on Bitget’s aggressive market expansion, surging from $1.5 at the beginning of 2024 to $8 by year’s end—a remarkable 400% growth. BGB’s success demonstrates that secondary platform tokens with innovative features and precise positioning can achieve explosive results, even in markets dominated by major exchanges.

WXT: The Emerging Star Following BNB

WXT, the native token of WEEX, has drawn inspiration from the successes of BNB and BGB. With a strong foundation in innovation and ecosystem growth, WXT has risen from $0.01 at its August 2023 launch to $0.0339—a cumulative 384% increase—making it a standout in the market.

What’s Driving WXT’s Rapid Growth?

1）Comprehensive Ecosystem Empowerment

As a top 10 global derivatives exchange, WEEX boasts over 5 million registered users and achieved stable profitability as early as the 2022 “crypto winter.” Its monthly trading volumes have consistently doubled, supported by over 1,500 trading pairs and industry-leading liquidity.

WXT plays a critical role in this ecosystem, offering transaction fee discounts (30% for spot trading, up to 20% for derivatives), staking rewards, cross-chain payments, and NFT trading opportunities.

2）Innovative Burn Mechanism Fuels Market Optimism

Starting in 2025, WEEX plans to implement quarterly buybacks and burns for WXT, with an initial burn of 4 billion tokens—40% of the total supply, valued at approximately $120 million. This strategy reduces circulating supply, increases scarcity, and strengthens price support, boosting long-term value expectations.

3）Global Reach and Rapid Growth

Operating in over 206 countries and regions with a daily trading volume exceeding $2 billion, WEEX provides strong liquidity and a seamless trading experience, further enhancing WXT’s growth potential.

A Window of Opportunity Amid Market Shifts

Data from 0xScope reveals that Binance’s market share fell from 51.2% in 2023 to 41.68% in 2024. Meanwhile, secondary exchanges like Bitget, Gate.io, Bybit, and WEEX have risen rapidly, with their platform tokens delivering exceptional returns:

BGB: Climbed from $1.5 to $8.
OKB: Market capitalization increased from $2.5 billion to $4.3 billion.

Compared to mature tokens like BNB, emerging tokens like WXT offer a more attractive investment opportunity due to their low valuations and high growth potential.

The Road Ahead: Multi-Driver Growth for WXT

Ecosystem Expansion and Global Compliance

WEEX has secured multiple compliance licenses and is actively pursuing approvals in regions like Australia and Malta. As regulatory frameworks develop globally, demand and value for WXT are expected to grow steadily.

Brand Development and Community Trust

In November 2024, WEEX announced football legend Michael Owen as its global brand ambassador. Additionally, collaborations with over 1,000 KOLs and global communities are elevating WEEX’s international brand profile and user trust.

Engaging Platform Activities

WEEX regularly hosts trading competitions, airdrops, and daily lotteries, offering generous rewards like token airdrops and luxury prizes. These initiatives ensure fair and inclusive participation, boosting user engagement and loyalty.

Low Valuation, High Growth Potential

As WEEX’s influence grows, WXT remains at an early stage with significant room for appreciation. The robust burn mechanism, targeting a reduction in total supply to 1 billion tokens, further enhances scarcity and long-term value, unlocking more growth potential for investors.

WXT: An Investment Opportunity with Long-Term Potential

Just as BNB leveraged ecosystem expansion to solidify its value and BGB achieved explosive growth through precise positioning, WXT is poised to unlock immense growth through its burn mechanism and comprehensive ecosystem strategy. Currently undervalued, WXT offers an ideal entry point for investors looking to capitalize on its high growth potential.

For investors, this is the perfect time to explore and invest in WXT. Still in its early stages, WXT is poised for exponential growth, with its potential and market position significantly underestimated. By acting early, investors could position themselves as the “biggest winners” of the 2025 crypto market, reaping substantial returns.

About WEEX
Official Website: https://www.weex.com

Contact:
Joyce
joyce@weexglobal.com

Disclaimer: This content is provided by WEEX. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6a269fe9-63af-40c9-9b2d-5aab866284f7

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MIL-OSI China: Trade-in program boosts China’s Spring Festival shopping season

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, Jan. 29 — China’s consumer goods trade-in program remained highly popular at the start of the year, especially during the Spring Festival shopping season.

The Ministry of Commerce (MOC) reported receiving subsidy applications for 10.79 million electronic devices over a four-day period starting Jan. 20, following the inclusion of mobile phones, tablets and smartwatches in the trade-in subsidy program, marking a significant expansion of the initiative launched in March last year.

Moreover, automobile and home appliance trade-ins had reached 34,000 and 1.04 million units, respectively, as of Jan. 23, according to the ministry.

The Spring Festival, or the Chinese Lunar New Year, is the most important holiday in China and an occasion for family reunions, and it falls on Jan. 29 this year.

The strong participation in the trade-in program boosted consumer sentiment in the holiday market. According to Sheng Qiuping, vice commerce minister, the program, along with a series of shopping promotion events, will help meet the growing demand for Spring Festival shopping.

Since last year, “trade-in” has become a buzzword in China’s consumer market, driving steady retail sales growth and boosting consumer sentiment.

In 2024, more than 6.8 million vehicles, including gasoline-powered and electric cars, were traded in, while over 56 million home appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines and computers, were sold under the program. Additionally, the sales of electric bicycles surpassed 1.38 million units.

The total sales value of eligible products under the program topped 1.3 trillion yuan (about 180 billion U.S. dollars) last year, highlighting strong market vitality and immense potential. Notably, purchases of smart and eco-friendly products surged, particularly new energy vehicles (NEVs) and energy-efficient appliances.

The trade-in program has revitalized consumption momentum, promoted a more sustainable economy, and enhanced the quality of life for consumers, according to MOC official Li Gang.

In recent years, consumer spending has become an increasingly important economic driver. In 2024, final consumption expenditure accounted for 44.5 percent of economic growth, boosting GDP by 2.2 percentage points. Consumption now plays a more pivotal role than investment or exports in shaping the economic landscape.

New consumer trends in China have gained significant momentum, including a resurgence in tourism and rapid growth in digital entertainment, online education, and live-streaming e-commerce. Green products, such as energy-efficient appliances and NEVs, have also emerged as new growth areas.

In 2025, supporting consumption will remain a top priority for the government.

At the Central Economic Work Conference in December 2024, China’s policymakers, while mapping out economic work for 2025, highlighted the need to vigorously boost consumption and expand domestic demand on all fronts.

As part of its ongoing efforts to boost consumption, China has expanded the trade-in program. In addition to including smartphones, tablets and smartwatches, the government has increased the number of eligible home appliance categories from eight to 12 and added a wider range of passenger vehicles to the program. Approximately 81 billion yuan has been allocated for the first round of funding for the program this year.

Sheng noted that the government will ensure subsidies are delivered to consumers quickly and conveniently.

Local authorities are actively rolling out measures for the trade-in program. For instance, Shandong has launched 10 special initiatives for vehicle and appliance trade-ins, while Jiangsu is offering subsidies for smartphones, tablets and Bluetooth headsets. In Guizhou, an online platform has been set up to streamline the process of applying for subsidies.

Experts predict that with such supportive measures in place, consumer spending will continue to grow steadily this year, while the Chinese economy demonstrates strong resilience, underpinned by solid fundamentals and enormous potential.

MIL OSI China News –

MIL-OSI Russia: How to Stop Consuming Kitsch and Develop an Aesthetic Sense

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

Average culture and the habit of shallow perception

In modern society, culture has become an object of mass consumption, and many works of art are created with one purpose in mind – for profit. Of course, kitsch plays a primary role here – it generates a strong emotional response caused by a pile of familiar images (here it is, the “rich chandelier”), and not a deep intellectual and aesthetic perception. TV series, blockbusters, pop music use standard, easily digestible formulas to attract as many consumers as possible.

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

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Coventry honours Holocaust Memorial Day and marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau

Source: City of Coventry

The people of Coventry came together this week (27 January) to honour the annual Holocaust Memorial Day, which this year fell on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.

The event was held at the Belgrade Theatre, and a large audience heard from city leaders and guest speakers, as well as schoolchildren and students from the city.

Cllr Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Leader of Coventry City Council, hosted the service, with speeches from Lord Mayor, Cllr Mal Mutton and Council Chief Executive, Julie Nugent.

The main speaker was Lesley Urbach, from Generation 2 Generation, a Holocaust education charity, who told the story of her mother Eva Urbach and aunt Ulli Adler, who escaped to Britain and Argentina in 1938 and 1939.

The talk focused on what happened to their parents left behind in Germany, who were murdered at Auschwitz.

There was also a performance by actors from Time Will Tell Theatre, who enacted first-hand accounts of the liberation of Bergen-Belsen, which will also mark its 80th anniversary this year.

The audience also heard music from Coventry Music Brass Quintet and Bluecoat School Choir, readings from students from the University of Warwick, and pupils from Cardinal Newman Catholic School talked about their personal experiences of conflict and the importance of learning about the Holocaust.

A candle was lit as the city remembered the victims of the Holocaust and other genocides including Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, Darfur, Afghanistan and Syria.

This year’s theme was ‘For a Better Future’, and Cllr Khan told the audience: “It is something our city works for continually, both here at home, and around the world, and it is a call for action that we can all be a part of.

“There are many things we can do to create a better future. We can speak out and stand up for others and we can challenge prejudice. We can learn from our past and from the Holocaust, genocides, and wars, and we can tell our stories and remember those we have lost to hatred and prejudice – as we do today.

“If we can all leave here with the determination to take one action or change one thing, then together, we can make a difference and help to build that better future.”

To learn more about HMD, visit the website.

Published: Wednesday, 29th January 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – MEPs commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day

Source: European Parliament 3

Today at noon, Parliament will mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day with a special address by Corrie Hermann at a plenary session in Brussels.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola will open the solemn sitting to mark the International Holocaust Remembrance Day (27 January) at 12.00. It will be followed by a musical performance of Pál Hermann’s concerto.

Corrie Hermann will then address MEPs and speak about the story of her father, Hungarian-born cellist and composer Pál Hermann whom the Nazis murdered in 1944. The music performance will feature his original Gagliano cello.

After MEPs have observed a minute’s silence, the ceremony will end with a musical performance of “Kaddish” by Maurice Ravel.

27 January marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.

You can watch the sitting live here.

Corrie and Pál Hermann

Born on 27 March 1902 in Budapest, Pál Hermann was a student of Béla Bartók and considered one of the best cellists of his era. He moved to Berlin in the 1920s and gave concerts all over Europe on his Gagliano cello. In 1933, Hermann fled to Belgium and France. Upon his arrest by the Nazis in Toulouse in 1944, he managed to throw a note from the train, asking for the Gagliano to be saved from the Nazis. The note was found and a friend of Hermann’s cycled 100 kilometres to rescue the instrument. He broke into Hermann’s house, replaced the Gagliano with a lesser instrument and escaped with the Gagliano strapped onto his back.

Hermann was murdered by the Nazis in a camp in the Baltics in 1944. His cello was rediscovered 80 years later being played by a competitor in the Queen Elisabeth Competition. Pál Hermann’s daughter, Corrie (Cornelia) Hermann, now aged 92, will tell her father’s story, his tragic fate and his work during the commemorative plenary session.

MIL OSI Europe News –

MIL-OSI Economics: Panasonic Newly Unveiled KAIROS New Version: Control Up to Two Kairos Core by One Panel and Supports various resolutions such as 16:10

Source: Panasonic

Headline: Panasonic Newly Unveiled KAIROS New Version: Control Up to Two Kairos Core by One Panel and Supports various resolutions such as 16:10

Osaka, Japan – January 29, 2025 – Panasonic Entertainment & Communication today announced the release of the new software “Version 1.8” will be available in February 2025.
With version 1.8, which includes new Multiple Core Control features, integration with graphics platforms Singular.live and Viz Flowics, and support for more diverse resolutions such as 16:10 and 5:4, KAIROS is a great addition to the game for large live events and broadcasters. We offer video production systems with a high degree of freedom and ease of use for customers who require high quality, rich video production across multiple locations.
The new version allows up to two Kairos Core mainframes to be connected to a single Kairos Control Panel. This allows more video sources to be handled and improves the efficiency of the KAIROS operation at large events. Previously, it was possible to register up to eight Control Panels from the Kairos Core side, but since the Control Panel can only be registered to one specific Kairos Core, a corresponding number of Control Panels were required to operate multiple Kairos Cores. Using this feature, for one panel can be divided into an upper and lower sections, for example, and each Core can be assigned to each section. In addition, two Kairos Core units can also be configured from Kairos Creator.

MIL-OSI USA: On the Senate Floor, Cortez Masto Calls Out Trump’s Anti-Law Enforcement Pardons

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

“Earlier today, my Democratic colleagues and I co-sponsored a resolution to condemn these pardons. One would think that my Republican colleagues who claim to be pro-law enforcement would sign onto this resolution and stand against any action that harms our police.”
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) blasted President Trump on the Senate floor for pardoning a drug trafficking kingpin and the violent criminals who assaulted police officers on January 6, 2021. A former prosecutor and Nevada attorney general, Cortez Masto urged her supposedly pro-law enforcement Republican colleagues to join her resolution condemning these pardons.
Below are her remarks as prepared for delivery:
Mr. President, I’m so appreciative of my colleagues coming down here to talk about not only the January 6 pardons that President Trump has done but to stand with the men and women in law enforcement.
When I’m home, quite often I will hear at times that “well, Democrats don’t support law enforcement, they don’t support the men and women who keep our communities safe.” And that’s just not true, as you can see today.
But here’s what I know, and this is why this was devastating to so many men and women who not only are Capitol Police officers right here, who defended our Capitol on January 6, who stand to protect us, but for all of the men and women in law enforcement across this country who are paying attention and watching what this president does.
Will he have their back when the time comes? Will he be there to truly support them in their time of need when they’re doing their job like he says he will?
Now, we’ve spent the last decade hearing Donald Trump talk about “law and order” and cracking down on crime. Last fall, on a national podcast, he called for giving our law enforcement their “dignity back”. Just last week at a White House press conference, he claimed to be a friend of the police.
Well, Donald Trump has been in office for just one week, and already his actions are making it clear that he doesn’t mean what he says. In fact, from his actions we’ve seen so far, he’s actively working against our men and women in law enforcement – not only here who work at this Capitol, but across this country.
Let me put this in starker terms that I think my Republican colleagues will understand. Mr. President, Nevada families across my state have been torn apart by dangerous drugs like methamphetamines and opioids. And that’s true for so many families across the country.
It doesn’t matter if they’re Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, or independents – illicit drug trafficking is impacting everyone in this country.
But last week, Donald Trump pardoned the founder of Silk Road, an underground internet site that oversaw the trafficking of $200 million in illegal drugs and other illicit trade.
The founder was convicted by a jury of his peers and sentenced to life in prison for participating in a criminal organization and distributing narcotics on the internet.
Americans died after purchasing illicit drugs on his website. A website that was specifically designed to skirt the law and support criminal activity.
But now, this founder is walking free because of Donald Trump.
Donald Trump giving a full, unconditional pardon to this drug dealer and criminal profiteer is a slap in the face to the victims of this crisis, and to law enforcement who work to protect our communities and to take drug traffickers like him off our streets.
What Donald Trump has done is not law and order, it’s chaos.
And it’s not just with this one pardon.
Donald Trump has also pardoned more than 130 individuals who were convicted of assaulting police officers right here at the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
I was here that day. I remember running into a Capitol Police officer who was pepper-sprayed by a rioter in Donald Trump’s mob. And at the same time that he was washing out his eyes, he was saying to us senators, “Don’t worry. I’ve got your back, and I am standing guard.” And he ran back out to the front of the Capitol. He was doing his job.
That day, those rioters and insurrectionists brought weapons and zip ties to the Capitol, they used WD-40 and bear spray on our officers, and they assaulted Capitol Police with American flags.
This isn’t some political conspiracy – these insurrectionists posted videos online of themselves shoving, punching, and attacking our law enforcement.
And now, instead of serving their time and facing the consequences for the dangerous actions they committed against our police officers, Donald Trump is telling them that not only were they wrongfully punished, but in fact, their behavior on that day is encouraged – as long as they’re doing his bidding.
Criminals convicted of attacking law enforcement are giving TV interviews saying that President Trump’s pardons have vindicated their actions.
This is an endorsement of political violence, and it’s an insult to the men and women who risk their lives every day to keep our families safe.
I know many law enforcement officers personally. As a former prosecutor and attorney general of the state of Nevada, I’ve spent most of my life working with some great men and women in law enforcement.
And by the way, I’m married to one. My husband worked in federal law enforcement his entire career. His priority was doing his job and keeping people safe, because that’s what our law enforcement is trained to do. To put their lives on the line every single time to keep our communities safe.
And it’s not just about the officers – it’s about their families. When you are the spouse or the loved one of an officer who gets that call, sometimes in the middle of the night, and they leave to address some crime or issue and keep your community safe, you don’t know if they’re coming back.
There are two calls that are the worst kind you can get as the spouse of a law enforcement officer. The first one is from your spouse saying “I’m in the hospital, but don’t worry, everything’s okay.” The second one is not from your spouse, but it’s from another law enforcement officer telling you that your husband or wife went out on a call and didn’t come back.
The sacrifices of not only our officers but their loved ones need to be considered. And if we truly believe in law and order and we truly believe that we should support them because they put their lives on the line every single day, then we should have their backs. No matter your politics, we should always be there to support them.
I will always stand up for law enforcement.
I’ve passed legislation to support public safety under administrations of both parties. And I will always speak out when our leaders act against law enforcement, whether they’re a Democrat or a Republican.
I disagreed with President Biden granting pardons to his family, I disagreed when he granted clemency for Leonard Peltier, who was convicted of murdering two FBI agents. And I disagree with President Biden in commuting the sentence of Adrian Peeler, who was convicted of drug trafficking and murder.
I also spoke out when President Biden nominated Adeel Mangi to be a federal judge. I did not support him because of his affiliation with a group that wanted to let cop killers out of prison.
That was me standing up for law enforcement.
So believe me when I say, this is not partisan; this is about standing up for the men and women who put their lives on the line for us every day.
This shouldn’t be hard. You commit a violent crime in our community, you should face the consequences.
Don’t take my word for it – the Fraternal Order of Police, which is the largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers in the world, has condemned Trump’s pardoning of those who assaulted Capitol Police officers on January 6.
But there are too many members of this body, who had the benefit of those Capitol Police officers on January 6 protecting their lives, who have been oddly silent.
Earlier today, my Democratic colleagues and I co-sponsored a resolution to condemn these pardons. One would think that my Republican colleagues who claim to be pro-law enforcement would sign onto this resolution and stand against any action that harms our police.
If we truly believe in law and order and we want to work together to keep our communities safe, we have to not only talk about it, we have to act.
Because the American people deserve better. The American people deserve a president who isn’t going to release violent criminals back into our communities. The American people deserve safety – and our law enforcement, who maintain that safety, deserve to know we have their backs.

MIL-OSI Economics: Panasonic Leaps “Well into the future” with AI and Data-Driven Innovations at CES 2025 Exhibition Space

Source: Panasonic

Headline: Panasonic Leaps “Well into the future” with AI and Data-Driven Innovations at CES 2025 Exhibition Space

Marking a 58th consecutive year as an exhibitor at one of the world’s most influential consumer electronics events, Panasonic Group was on hand at CES 2025 (January 7–10 in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A.) to engage with audiences about its strategic shift toward AI and data-driven businesses. This year’s CES was host to more than 141,000 visitors and 4,500 exhibitors from more than 150 countries and regions, but not everyone had the opportunity to attend. If you missed out, here are some key highlights from the Panasonic Group exhibition space.

Theme Signals Strategic Shift toward AI, Data-Driven Solutions

The theme for Panasonic Group’s exhibition space was “Well into the future.” Announced by Panasonic Holdings Corporation Co., Ltd. (Panasonic HD) Group CEO Yuki Kusumi during his opening keynote, this year’s theme signified the organization’s strategic shift toward AI and data-driven businesses in pursuit of an ideal society with affluence both in matter and mind.
“Well into the future” embodies the idea that, through innovations and a commitment to addressing social issues, Panasonic will lead the development of cutting-edge solutions to help achieve its core mission to inspire a healthy society and enrich the lives of people around the world.
“This year’s theme is a reference to Panasonic founder Konosuke Matsushita’s vision of contributing to the well-being of people and the progress of society,” said Mike King, Director, Brand Marketing & Creative Services, Marketing & Communications, Panasonic Operational Excellence of North America. “And you can see that theme throughout the exhibit—with technologies that support the well-being of individuals, of families and all of society, with our focus on green energy transformation and decarbonization, but also the use of AI-powered solutions to help families to experience greater connection, connectivity, comfort, and well-being.”

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Located in Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC)’s Central Hall, the exhibition space was an enclosed environment divided into four areas: Panasonic Go, Home, Carbon Neutral, and Circular Economy. The design was a departure from the open layouts of previous years, allowing visitors to experience the complete Panasonic story—from its history and vision for the future to technologies they can use today and solutions that will contribute to a sustainable tomorrow.

Growth Initiative Links Past and Future under “Panasonic Go”

Panasonic Go is a global corporate growth initiative that will drive transformation through AI-powered, software-led investments across Panasonic Group and create new experiences for customers and partners.
This area of the exhibition space welcomed visitors with a look back over the storied history of the Panasonic Group, illustrating historical milestones and introducing home appliances that have enriched lives since the company’s founding in 1918. Moving further into the exhibition space, a video explained Matsushita’s ambitious 10-stage, 250-year plan to contribute to solving social issues and improving people’s lives through technology and the role that Panasonic Go will play in driving the transformation to an AI-powered business model towards the plan’s fifth stage (2032–2056).
* The name Panasonic Go was also inspired by the Japanese word for “five”
Panasonic Group products have already changed the lives of more than one billion people. Looking ahead, the Group will leverage AI and data platforms—from Blue Yonder’s supply chain management solutions to Panasonic Well’s family wellness platform—to make new contributions for current and future generations.
Speaking of wellness, the final section of the Panasonic Go area gave visitors a chance to get a sneak peek of Umi, a new consumer offering from the Panasonic Well portfolio that will be available in the United States market in 2025. Umi is an innovative digital wellness platform and personalized family wellness coach that uses AI and a community of experts to help people build healthy habits and routines. Umi will be the first Panasonic Well consumer brand to use Claude, Anthropic’s AI assistant known for its reasoning capabilities, deep understanding of complex topics, and ability to engage in natural conversations. Claude excels at analyzing data, writing and editing content, and helping solve complex problems—all while maintaining the highest standards of safety and security.

Carbon Neutral & Circular Economy Exhibits Highlight Sustainability Efforts

Panasonic HD took the stage at CES 2022 to announce its long-term environmental vision, Panasonic GREEN IMPACT (PGI), and since then the Group has been engaged in a variety of activities to expand its impact toward achieving carbon neutrality and a circular economy. These areas in the exhibition space, Carbon Neutral and Circular Economy, introduced solutions and technologies that will be contributing to achieving the goals established under PGI.

Visitors also had the opportunity to learn more about how the Panasonic Group is tackling Carbon Neutral challenges and promoting Circular Economy initiatives in its products and solutions as it advances toward the broader goal of contributing to realizing sustainable lifestyles and society.
The Carbon Neutral display was organized into three main technologies/approaches: “Updating,” “Electrifying,” and “Harnessing.”
“Updating” means replacing existing methods with low environmental impact alternatives to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Hussmann display cases for refrigerated and frozen goods use natural refrigerant R290 to greatly reduce environmental impact compared to traditional CFC refrigerant alternatives currently in use.
“Electrifying” represents the transition from fossil fuels to electric power and making the most of renewable energy. Panasonic Group is a leader in automotive battery cells, having delivered more than 15 billion units to date—enough to power three million EVs worldwide. Visitors were able to check out the Panasonic 2170 cell, which features the world’s highest energy density, as well as the new Panasonic 4680 cell, which has a capacity around five times greater than the 2170 cell. The company’s efforts with Redwood Materials, Inc. and Nouveau Monde Graphite, Inc. to reduce its carbon footprint and achieve a sustainable society were also available for visitors to explore. Finally, they could learn more about Panasonic HX, an advanced energy management system that coordinates pure hydrogen fuel cells, solar cells, and storage batteries to efficiently supply renewable energy in response to changes in electricity demand and weather conditions.
“Harnessing” is an approach that uses natural resources to produce cleaner resources, leading to CO2 reduction and absorption. One technology aiding the approach is the anion exchange membrane water electrolysis, a device enabling highly efficient and low-cost green hydrogen production. A fully developed anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrode made of iron and nickel was on display in the area. Visitors could also see a life-size mockup of window-mounted perovskite solar cells which demonstrated the transparency and design flexibility of this unique power-generating technology. Also on display was the growth stimulant Novitek®, a technology that uses ambient CO2 in combination with cyanobacteria, a type of photosynthetic microorganism, to increase food productivity.

The Panasonic Group is committed to the Circular Economy under the three principles of “Maximizing,” “Minimizing,” and “Partnering.” In this area, the Group introduced its efforts to efficiently use resources and reduce consumption of the Earth’s limited natural resources.
Extending the effective use period while maintaining and improving the value of resources across a product’s lifecycle is known as “Maximizing.” Panasonic displayed a concept model based on the principle of Design for Circular Economy (DfCE); DfCE products are easy to assemble/disassemble (ease of repair), have fewer connectors/fasteners (ease of assembly), and can be grouped for reuse and recycling (ease of recycling).
“Minimizing” means using fewer new materials and more recycled and renewable materials. For example, approximately 45 percent of the plastic used in the Technics EAH-AZ80 earphones and charging case is made of plant-derived DURABIO , while the Lamdash Palm In ES-PV6A shaver uses NAGORI®, an innovative composite material derived from minerals extracted from seawater, reducing plastic use by approximately 40%1. A second exhibit showcased lighting that incorporates kinari , a sustainable material composed primarily of plant fibers that offers the moldability of conventional petroleum-based resins.
Designing products and systems for a circular economy is a challenge that Panasonic Group cannot tackle alone, so it emphasizes “Partnering” with customers and partners promote a new style of recycling-oriented management, information sharing, and product use. One outcome of these collaborative efforts is Tracephere , a traceability solution for product recycling and recycled resource processes based on blockchain technology.

OASYS and Home Appliances Supporting People’s Health, Comfort, and Safety

The center of the space introduced the Group’s next generation of residential solutions for comfortable, healthy, economical, sustainable, and secure living. Grabbing center stage was the new OASYS solution—a residential central air conditioning system being introduced in the U.S. market that uses a combination of existing products to heat, cool, and ventilate the home while reducing energy consumption by over 50% compared to conventional systems in the U.S.2 In addition to maximizing air volume while minimizing temperature differences and noise, OASYS paves the way for homes powered by 100 percent renewable energy based on high-efficiency water heaters and a lifestyle-adaptive home energy management system.
Complementing OASYS were displays for home appliances that enrich people’s lives. These included the Technics EAH-AZ100 true wireless earbuds, the Panasonic TV lineup, SoundSlayer Wireless Wearable Gaming Speaker System SC-GNW10, CV88QS multi-oven, LUMIX Full Frame and Micro Four Thirds cameras and lenses, ARC5 PALM-sized 5-Blade Electric Luxury Razor, Panasonic MultiShape, and nanoe hair dryers.

New Technologies Strengthen Commitment to a Better Tomorrow

“Our hope is that people will understand that Panasonic’s commitment has not changed in over 100 years—it has always been about making people’s lives better and making the world a better place. The only difference is that today we are doing it with new technologies like AI and software,” said King. “From the individual to all of society, our hope is that people understand our commitment to helping people live healthier, happier lives.”
King continued: “We hope that people were surprised and excited about some of the new technologies that Panasonic is introducing. A lot of people are concerned about the environment, and we remain committed to sustainability, to green energy transformation, and to new initiatives that will be important for the health of the planet overall.”

[embedded content]

1: Compared to Lamdash PRO 5-blade ES-LV9W released in 2023
2: Conventional home air conditioning system using a heat pump cooling system (14.2 SEER2) and gas furnace (80% AFUE) compliant with IECC 2015; OASYS system using Panasonic Mini Split AC and transfer fans for both cooling and heating functions in houses compliant with OASYS-required specifications. (Estimate based on the conversion of gas energy consumption to electricity)

MIL-OSI Economics: Panasonic AV-HSW10 Compact Live Switcher’s Firmware Release to Add NDI(R) High Bandwidth Mode

Source: Panasonic

Headline: Panasonic AV-HSW10 Compact Live Switcher’s Firmware Release to Add NDI(R) High Bandwidth Mode

Osaka, Japan – January 29, 2025 – Panasonic Entertainment & Communication today announced an upcoming new firmware, V3.0 for its AV-HSW10 compact live switcher, which will add new features such as NDI® High Bandwidth capability for more flexible operation to meet the needs of a wider range of production sites and systems, scheduled for release in January 2025. Also, a new firmware, V1.7 for the Panasonic AV-UHS500 live switcher will be released simultaneously. Both updates will enable Panasonic’s live switchers to offer increased flexibility in response to the growing demand for video production and distribution in live entertainment, seminars, events, and more.
Note: For the latest information on firmware availability, please refer to the website shown below.

●AV-HSW10 Firmware Upgrade

1. New NDI® High Bandwidth mode (NDI HB mode) for enhanced I/O flexibility

In addition to Normal mode, which combines various IP inputs and outputs, the new firmware will add NDI® High Bandwidth mode.*1 This mode will provide four respective inputs, doubling existing capacity, and one output. When combined with Panasonic’s NDI®certified PTZ cameras and other compatible devices, NDI® High Bandwidth mode will simplify the operation of NDI®centric systems. Existing baseband inputs and outputs will remain available for seamless use in hybrid baseband- and IP-based video production and distribution environments, as before.

Pre-update (current) I/O

Video input

3G-SDI

4 / 3

HDMI

1 / 2

NDI® High Bandwidth

2 (α ch. Support)

SRT

2

NDI® HX1/NDI® HX2

Video output

3G-SDI

2

HDMI

1

NDI® High Bandwidth

2

SRT

RTMP

UVC

1

Post-update I/O

Modes

Normal

NDI® High Bandwidth

Video input

3G-SDI

4 / 3

4/ 3

HDMI

1 / 2

NDI® High Bandwidth

2 (α ch. Support)

4 (α ch. Support)

SRT

2

–

NDI® HX1/NDI® HX2

Video output

3G-SDI

2

HDMI

1

NDI® High Bandwidth

2

1

SRT

–

RTMP/RTMPS

UVC

1

*1: Firmware for each mode must be selected and rewritten using a USB memory device. Switching from Normal to NDI HB mode will require a firmware rewrite and device reboot each time.

2. Improved Operational Convenience with Function Updates

Audio Input Selection Mode: Any audio can be assigned to video input. In addition, audio multiplex input can be toggled on/off when KEY is activated.
Enhanced Video Compatibility: Supports 1080i with NDI® High Bandwidth, USB output for 1080i system format (conversion to 1080p for UVC output), and RTMPS.
Improved Compatibility with Panasonic PTZ Cameras: Enables tally linking with Panasonic AW-UE30W/K PTZ camera and AW-UE150AW/K PTZ camera, and yellow tally with certain other Panasonic PTZ cameras.

●AV-UHS500 Firmware Upgrade

The upcoming firmware upgrade for the AV-UHS500 will enhance the functionality and convenience, both within systems and when integrating the camera with other Panasonic products.

1. Compatibility with Panasonic Media Production Suite Software

In the Media Production Suite, Device View will display devices in a list and allow IP address to be configured.

2. Other Updates

The AV-UHS500 will newly offer additional Audio Input selections and enhanced compatibility with Panasonic PTZ cameras.

To complement the company’s comprehensive video production ecosystem, including cameras and software, Panasonic continuously upgrades its AV-HSW10 compact live switcher and AV-UHS500 live switcher in response to user feedback, including for increased hardware stability and software expandability, striving to offer diverse content creators and other users enhanced video production capability.
For more details on these products:AV-HSW10: https://pro-av.panasonic.net/en/products/av-hsw10/AV-UHS500: https://pro-av.panasonic.net/en/products/av-uhs500/
Firmware download site:https://eww.pass.panasonic.co.jp/p2ui/guest/TopLogin.do?lang=en&category=pav
Note: Firmware specifications, etc. subject to change without notice
Broadcast and Professional Video Systems Global Webpagehttps://pro-av.panasonic.net/en/

Media Contact:

For more information about this topic, please contactpro-av.ad@gg.jp.panasonic.com

About Panasonic Entertainment & Communication Co., Ltd.
Panasonic Entertainment & Communication Co., Ltd. established in April 2022 as part of the Panasonic Group’s switch to an operating company system, is strengthening the bonds among people and enriching our customers’ lives by providing consumer electronics, including AVC products such as OLED TVs, Lumix digital cameras, headphones, phones, intercoms, and more, as well as business products and solutions including for broadcast, professional AV, and sound systems globally. Our mission is to offer people new emotion and relaxation through our entertainment and communication solutions. To fulfill this mission, we strive to act with professionalism to continuously recreate the future by connecting people. For more details, please visit https://www.panasonic.com/global/peac.

MIL-OSI Russia: What services of the flagship My Documents in the South-East Administrative District are most in demand

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

Over the four years of operation, city residents have contacted the flagship office of “My Documents” of the South-Eastern Administrative District more than a million times. It opened in January 2021 on the first floor of the shopping and entertainment center “Gorod” at the address: Ryazansky Prospekt, Building 2, Building 3 and became the fifth flagship in Moscow.

During this time, the most popular service was the registration of vehicles (TS) and trailers to them – more than 110 thousand requests were recorded. The second most popular service is cadastral registration and (or) registration of rights to real estate objects, more than 70 thousand applications were received for it. The third place in the rating was taken by the service of registration of citizens of the Russian Federation – over 60 thousand requests.

The flagship offices of My Documents offer unique services that are not available in district centers, such as out-of-court bankruptcy. Young Muscovites can receive their first passport in a ceremonial setting, and Moscow entrepreneurs can use the services of the state budgetary institution Small Business of Moscow, as well as register a legal entity, a peasant (farming) enterprise, and the status of an individual entrepreneur. City residents also have access to vehicle registration services, making changes to registration data, or deregistering a vehicle. This can be done conveniently by prior appointment on the portal Mos.ru or Internet portal of public services.

At the flagship of the South-Eastern Administrative District, Muscovites can apply for a foreign passport for children under 14 years of age, submit a birth certificate or marriage registration certificate, extracts from the register of legal entities and other documents for legalization, and also enter information about foreign certificates of registration of civil status acts into the Unified State Register of Civil Registry Offices within 24 hours.

In addition, residents of the capital are provided with two of the most popular services of the guardianship service, related to the issuance of permission for transactions with property and the management of money in the accounts of minors, incapacitated or partially incapacitated citizens.

On the territory of the flagship office of the South-East Administrative District, newlyweds can register their marriage in a separate hall equipped with a bright photo zone.

Muscovites are also offered additional services, such as booking a tour in the “My Travels” zone, visiting the “My Photo” photo studio, or visiting the “Moscow – Caring for History” exhibition. The current exhibition is dedicated to the dynasties of Moscow confectioners. In addition, the flagship has a “My Notary” legal bureau, which has become the most popular additional service. Over four years, residents have contacted this bureau more than 40 thousand times.

The flagship centers are equipped with everything necessary for the convenience and comfort of visitors and are decorated in a modern design. There are spacious waiting areas with soft sofas, USB ports for charging phones and portable lamps, a large children’s area with interactive games and modern cartoons, a mother and child room. You can also charge your mobile device using a portable power bank. All My Documents flagship offices host exhibitions about outstanding cultural figures. The current exhibition is dedicated to Arkady Gaidar.

The flagship office of “My Documents” in the South-East Administrative District is open daily from 10:00 to 22:00.

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

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

https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/149366073/

MIL-OSI USA: Schatz, Cruz, Murphy, Britt Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Keep Kids Safe, Healthy, off Social Media

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a senior member of the Senate Commerce Committee, Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Katie Britt (R-Ala.) introduced bipartisan legislation to keep kids off social media and help protect them from its harmful impacts. The Kids Off Social Media Act would set a minimum age of 13 to use social media platforms and prevent social media companies from feeding algorithmically-targeted content to users under the age of 17. In addition to Schatz, Cruz, Murphy, and Britt, the Kids Off Social Media Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Angus King (I-Maine), Mark Warner (D-Va.), and John Curtis (R-Utah).
“There is no good reason for a nine-year-old to be on Instagram or Snapchat. The growing evidence is clear: social media is making kids more depressed, more anxious, and more suicidal. Yet tech companies refuse to anything about it because it would hurt their bottom line. This is an urgent health crisis, and Congress must act with the boldness and urgency it demands,” said Senator Schatz. “Protecting kids online is not a partisan issue, and our bipartisan coalition – which includes several parents of kids and teenagers – represents the millions of parents across the country who’ve long been asking for help.”
“Every parent I know is concerned about the online threats to kids—from predators to videos promoting self-harm, risky behavior, or low self-esteem. Many families have suffered due to Big Tech’s failure to take responsibility for its products. The Kids Off Social Media Act addresses these issues by supporting families in crisis and empowering teachers to better manage their classrooms. I am proud to work with Senator Schatz on this bipartisan legislation to combat the harms social media poses to children, especially in schools. As Chairman of the Commerce Committee, I am confident we can swiftly move this legislation and similar measures through committee and urge Congress to heed the calls of parents everywhere by delivering this bill to President Trump’s desk to help protect America’s youth,” said Senator Cruz.
“Everyone knows how harmful social media can be to kids. As a parent, I’ve seen firsthand how these platforms use intentionally addictive algorithms to spoon-feed young people horrifying content glorifying everything from suicide to eating disorders. Yet these companies have proven they will choose profits over the wellbeing of our kids unless we force them to do otherwise. This bipartisan legislation will finally hold social media companies accountable,” said Senator Murphy.
“There’s no doubt our country is in the throes of a mental health crisis, and the rise of social media usage among children and teenagers is inextricably tied to this issue,” said Senator Britt. “As a mom, this is something my own kids and their friends have to contend with every day. And as a Senator, I know our nation has to contend with it to safeguard the next generation. Putting in place commonsense guardrails that protect our kids from the dangers of social media is critical for their future and America’s future. I’m committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to put parents in the driver’s seat and enact commonsense, age-appropriate solutions to tackle this generational challenge.”
No age demographic is more affected by the ongoing mental health crisis in the United States than kids, especially young girls. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that 57 percent of high school girls and 29 percent of high school boys felt persistently sad or hopeless in 2021, with 22 percent of all high school students—and nearly a third of high school girls—reporting they had seriously considered attempting suicide in the preceding year.
Studies have shown a strong relationship between social media use and poor mental health, especially among children. From 2019 to 2021, overall screen use among teens and tweens (ages 8 to 12) increased by 17 percent, with tweens using screens for five hours and 33 minutes per day and teens using screens for eight hours and 39 minutes. Based on the clear and growing evidence, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory in 2023, calling for new policies to set and enforce age minimums and highlighting the importance of limiting the use of features, like algorithms, that attempt to maximize time, attention, and engagement.
“Social media can take a serious toll on kids’ mental health and wellbeing, and it’s critical those problems don’t go unaddressed,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to partner with a bipartisan group of my colleagues to protect children’s safety, mental health, and wellbeing online.”
“Parents across North Carolina are rightly concerned about the mental health crisis impacting the next generation. I’m proud to join this bipartisan bill to set commonsense limits and help protect children from harmful habits that rob them of their attention and undermine their development. I thank Senators Cruz and Schatz for leading this effort,” said Senator Budd.
“Children in Maine and across the country deserve protection from the potential harm posed by social media – especially during their most vulnerable years,” said Senator King. “The bipartisan Kids Off Social Media Act would limit the harmful impacts of social media by establishing reasonable guardrails such as age minimums for new accounts and restrictions on targeting content to children under the age of 17. Our children deserve to grow up in a safe and supportive environment – and that doesn’t define the harsh tone proliferating on online platforms – so this bipartisan legislation will ensure this protection for generations to come.”
“Parents across the country have seen the negative impact of unrestricted social media use on their children’s mental and physical health,” said Senator Warner. “I’m proud join this bipartisan effort to help better protect kids and teens online with simple, commonsense guardrails.”
“As a father and grandfather, I’ve witnessed firsthand how deeply the pressures and challenges of the digital age impact our children’s mental health and well-being,” said Senator Curtis. The Kids Off Social Media Act isn’t about taking something away; it’s about giving our kids back their childhoods and protecting their development during these critical years. By limiting harmful algorithms and enforcing a reasonable age threshold, this legislation is a vital step in fostering an environment where young people can thrive with fewer distractions and healthier minds. Utah has always valued family and community above all, and I’m proud to support bipartisan efforts like this that put kids first,” said Senator Curtis.
Specifically, the Kids Off Social Media Act would:
Prohibit social media platforms from allowing children under the age of 13 to create or maintain social media accounts;
Prohibit social media companies from pushing targeted content using algorithms to users under the age of 17;
Provide the FTC and state attorneys general authority to enforce the provisions of the bill; and
Follow existing CIPA framework, with changes, to require schools to work in good faith to limit social media on their federally-funded networks, which many schools already do.
Parents overwhelmingly support the mission of the Kids Off Social Media Act. A survey conducted by Count on Mothers shows that over 90 percent of mothers agree that there should be a minimum age of 13 for social media. Additionally, 87 percent of mothers agree that social media companies should not be allowed to use personalized recommendation systems to deliver content to children. Pew finds similar levels of concern from parents, reporting that 70 percent or more of parents worry that their teens are being exposed to explicit content or wasting too much time on social media, with two-thirds of parents saying that parenting is harder today compared to 20 years ago—and many of them cited social media as a contributing factor.
The Kids Off Social Media Act is supported by Public Citizen, National Organization for Women, National Association of Social Workers, National League for Nursing, National Association of School Nurses, KidsToo, Count on Mothers, American Federation of Teachers, American Counseling Association, National Federation of Families, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, National Council for Mental Wellbeing, Parents Television and Media Council, Tyler Clementi Foundation, Parents Who Fight, Conservative Ladies of America, David’s Legacy Foundation, Digital Progress, HAS Coalition, Parents Defending Education Action, Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee, and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
The full text of the bill is available here. For more information on the Kids Off Social Media Act, click here.

MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Urges Colleagues To Pass Resolution Condemning President Trump’s Pardons Of The January 6 Insurrectionists Who Assaulted Police Officers At The U.S. Capitol

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
January 28, 2025
WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke in favor of U.S. Senator Patty Murray’s (D-WA) resolution condemning President Trump’s pardons of the January 6 insurrectionists who assaulted the brave police officers defending the U.S. Capitol that day. The resolution was rejected by Senate Republicans.
“For many of us, it’s personal. We were here on the Senate Floor on January 6, 2021. Vice President Pence was presiding. I was sitting at this very desk. A few minutes after two o’clock, the Secret Service came in and literally removed him from his chair. We knew there were demonstrations outside, but we didn’t know how serious or how violent they’d become,” Durbin said.
“The insurrectionist mob was taking over the Capitol. Thousands of people were storming into this building not for peaceful demonstration by any means, but sadly for violence and destruction. That day was the worst day I can recall in the history of the Senate in terms of our respect for this building that has become a symbol not only for the United States, but for the world—for peace and democracy. And I thought of those poor Capitol police who were asked to defend us with their lives. They were asked to risk their lives for us, and they did. Some of the things that were done to them were outrageous. You’ve seen the videotape. We saw [the footage] as they tore down building structures, as they beat up on these cops, as many of them faced death, and we knew at the time it was that serious. The grimmest reality of those riots was the subsequent death of five of the law enforcement officers and the injuries to approximately 140 others, many of whom still pay a price to this day.”
Last week, President Trump, who incited the violence, commuted the sentences of 14 individuals and granted full, complete, and unconditional pardons to approximately 1,500 others convicted of offenses related to the January 6th attack. Many of the perpetrators have shown a stunning lack of remorse following their violent assaults on the brave members of the U.S. Capitol Police and D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department who protected the Capitol that day.
“For example, last August, David Dempsey, just a few hours after receiving a 240-month prison sentence for attacking police on January 6 with a flagpole, crutches, pepper spray, and pieces of furniture, called into a gathering of supporters outside the D.C. jail. In reference to Trump’s opponents, Mr. Dempsey said, ‘Don’t celebrate too hard, man, because that sentence is only going to last like six months…’ Devlyn Thompson attempted to throw a speaker at police officers—which ended up hitting and injuring a fellow rioter—and hit a police officer with a metal baton, according to court documents. Daniel ‘D.J.’ Rodriguez, a California man who drove a stun gun into an officer’s neck during one of the most violent clashes of the Capitol riot, was sentenced to more than 12 years in prison before President Trump granted him clemency. Andrew Taake pepper-sprayed police officers and hit one with a metal whip. He was supposed to serve 74 months at a federal prison in Beaumont, Texas, but he was pardoned by President Trump,” said Durbin.
“As Winston Churchill said once, ‘Those who fail to learn from history are condemned to repeat it,’” Durbin continued. “That is why we must continue sounding the alarm on the violence and chaos of that day to ensure that it never happens again. We must also be clear that violence for political purposes is never, never acceptable and has no place in a democracy.”
Durbin concluded, “The men and women who bravely defended the members of this body deserve better—and we should honor them for their heroic efforts on that day, not excuse the thugs who attacked this body and the ideals it represents… I thank Senator Murray for introducing this important resolution condemning President Trump’s pardons of the January 6 insurrectionists who assaulted our brave law enforcement officers, and I am disgusted that our Republican colleagues won’t join us in honoring the men and women who risk their lives every single day for us.”
Video of Durbin’s remarks on the floor is available here.
Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the floor is available here.
Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the floor is available here for TV Stations.
-30-

MIL-OSI Economics: New Leadership at Sony Interactive Entertainment

Source: Sony

San Mateo, Calif., January 28 (PST) /Tokyo, January 29 (JST), 2025 – Sony Group Corporation and Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), the company behind PlayStation, today announced the appointment of Hideaki Nishino to the role of President and CEO effective April 1, 2025.

MIL-Evening Report: What is a ‘crime scene’, really? An expert explains how it’s more than just blue police tape

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vincent Hurley, Lecturer in Criminology. Police and policing. Dept of Security Studies & Criminology, Macquarie University

When you watch the news, one phrase usually comes up as soon as crime is mentioned: “police have established a crime scene”.

If you’re a fan of the forensics crime drama CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, it will conjure up images of police waving a blue, fluorescent UV light in a darkened room looking for blood, saliva, fingerprints, footprints or tooth impressions.

CSI has influenced an entire generation – this year, the franchise will celebrate its 25th anniversary. But the reality of crime scene investigation is far more complex.

As a criminology lecturer and ex-police officer, I know a thing or two about crime scenes, having managed hundreds of them. I have even been a crime scene myself. Here’s what they really entail.

There’s usually more than one crime scene

In the early 20th century, French forensic science pioneer Edmond Locard noted it’s impossible for criminals to act “without leaving traces of this presence”. No matter where a criminal steps or what they touch, they leave behind, even unconsciously, evidence that serves as a silent witness against them.

The idea that criminals will leave something behind at the crime scene while taking something with them is known today as Locard’s principle.

Crime scenes are incredibly diverse. They don’t just involve the physical location. A person’s body and any objects found in relation to the crime are also part of a crime scene.

The primary crime scene is where the event took place – for example, where a murder, arson attack or drive-by shooting occurred.

There will be several additional crime scenes, too. In the course of the investigation, a second crime scene might be established where the criminal planned the crime. If they dumped a getaway vehicle, that’s a third crime scene. If they stashed a weapon, clothes or other objects in a safe house after the crime, that’s a fourth crime scene.

A fifth crime scene will be established when the criminal is arrested – they themselves are also a crime scene. Their hair, clothing and fingernails will be tested for various residues, such as the skin or blood of a victim, or even illicit substances if the crime involves drug trafficking.

Lastly, the victim is a crime scene, too. They may have body fluids, skin, hair and other material from the criminal on them.

In my detective career, I myself have been a crime scene when I found a badly injured abduction victim who collapsed in my arms. At that point, traces of the offender’s blood and hair transferred onto my clothing. I had to take the clothes off and they were kept as evidence.

Hair found on a victim’s clothing can serve as evidence.
Sendo Serra/Shutterstock

Crime scenes are confusing

Shows like CSI often portray crime scenes as neat and clear cut, with evidence easily obtained.

In reality, crime scenes are chaotic. They are full of clutter and the police don’t know what’s relevant and what’s not.

During a crime scene search, police have to speculate about what happened, as often there are no eyewitnesses. A bullet casing or a bloody knife would be obvious. But what of the more common household items in the house or room? Who owns the shirt or jumper? Why is the bedroom in disarray, is that normal? What did the criminal touch or not touch? Was there just one criminal or two? What belongs to the victim?

Unlike on TV, police don’t always know what they are looking for because often they don’t know how the crime occurred. The cause of a death can be obvious, but how it unfolded is not.

Crime scenes are fragile

With a murder on a TV show, the CSI team usually arrives at a home or an outdoor crime scene, surrounded by crime scene tape. The first thing they do is lift the tape and walk straight to the body.

This is the worst possible crime scene practice.

The detectives would be walking directly on and over the same entry or exit path the offenders used. This would destroy fragile microscopic residues of blood, dirt or plant vegetation.

In reality, walking in and out of a crime scene this way does not happen. Prior to entering any crime scene, police look around and try to figure out which way the offender may have come and gone.

Once weighing up the advantages and disadvantages of each option, they’ll pick a specific entry and exit point, and stick to that until the scene has been completely examined.

Lifting the police tape and walking straight to the body is bad practice – the tape is there for a reason.
Gordenkoff/Shutterstock

A systematic search – and not just for DNA

Crime scenes are also searched in different ways.

One way to ensure no evidence is missed is with a “grid and height” search. This means searching one square metre at a time. As the police get closer to the walls of the room, they start looking from the floor up to the height of their knees.

Once this is done, they go from their knee to their waist, then from their waist to their shoulder, then their shoulder to the top of their head, and then from the top of their head to a metre above it – until they reach the ceiling. Then they examine the ceiling.

Police don’t look solely for the holy grail of DNA. Rather, they are trying to piece together a jigsaw puzzle of what happened, why it happened, and what the criminal unintentionally left behind.

Decades of forensic TV dramas have resulted in the “CSI effect” – the idea that finding, collecting and analysing evidence at a crime scene is straightforward, and that the evidence is infallible. This is not so. But shows like CSI have also spawned a generation of people interested in becoming real crime scene investigators and forensic scientists.

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

– ref. What is a ‘crime scene’, really? An expert explains how it’s more than just blue police tape – https://theconversation.com/what-is-a-crime-scene-really-an-expert-explains-how-its-more-than-just-blue-police-tape-245369

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

MIL-OSI Australia: Updated Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-2031, building a more inclusive Australia

Source: Ministers for Social Services

29 January 2025

Good morning. It’s so great to be with you all today.

I begin this morning by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we meet, the Wadawurrung peoples, and pay my respects to elders past and present.
I extend this acknowledgement to all First Nations people joining us here today.

It is great to be here at this Having a Say Conference so that we can launch the updated Australia’s Disability Strategy.
The Strategy is Australia’s plan to make life better for people with disability.

It talks about what we can do together to make Australia inclusive – so everyone can live good lives, take part in the community as equals, and be treated with respect.
I am so happy to be here with Victoria’s Minister for Disability, Minister Lizzie Blandthorn, along with Jane Spring, the Chair of the Strategy’s Advisory Council.
We are here together to show our shared commitment to improve outcomes for people with disability.

I would like to thank VALiD’s Chair, Arthur Rogers, and the CEO, Fionn Skiotis, for inviting us to be here this morning.

In fact, I would like to thank the whole VALiD team for the fantastic work they do every day, and have been doing since 1989.

Having a say, learning from each other, and supporting each other is really important, and I want you to know that your voices are being heard and are feeding into the decisions that governments make.

The message of ‘nothing about us without us’ has been heard loud and clear.

It is your voices, your thoughts, feelings and experiences, that guide our policies and the changes we want to make with you.

Because we all know that you are only able to participate fully in your communities when you get to have a say about what you need, what you want, and are treated with respect.
And what an amazing group of leaders, thinkers and communicators we have here with us today.

****************

Australia’s Disability Strategy sets out our vision for an inclusive Australia.

It is a commitment by all levels of government to take actions to improve the lives of people with disability in Australia.

An Australia where the 5.5 million people with disability have the support they need to live the life they want and participate as equal members in the community.

****************

Following the Disability Royal Commission’s report, all governments agreed to review Australia’s Disability Strategy.

Hearing from the disability community was so important when we started looking at what was working and what we could make better about the Strategy.

The updated Strategy is something I am very proud to share with you today.

We listened to the disability community, held public consultation and partnered with states and territories, the Strategy’s Advisory Council and Disability Representative Organisations, to understand what was most important.

The updates to the Strategy reflect what we have heard since the original launch of the Strategy 3 years ago, including through the Royal Commission.

We heard from you that having accessible housing and reducing homelessness was a really important issue for people with disability – and that’s why the updated Strategy now has a priority focus area on this.

And there are three new Targeted Action Plans that are focused on improving the lives of people with disability across 3 very important areas.

****************

These new Targeted Action Plans include actions that are based on what the disability community has told us is the most important work we need to focus on.
Over the next three years, we will focus on the key areas of:

Changing Community Attitudes
Inclusive Homes and Communities; and
Safety, Rights and Justice.

The Commonwealth, States and Territories and local governments have agreed to these action plans and to work together to deliver.

We know that people with disability can face barriers because other people don’t understand what it means to live with disability.

And that’s why increasing understanding of disability and changing community attitudes is so important.

Sometimes people may not even realise that their actions are making it harder for people with disability to be included. This could be something as simple as writing something down for someone instead of only speaking. Or adjusting lighting in a public space.

If people have a better understanding about the barriers people with disability face, they can take the steps to remove these barriers.

So, the Community Attitudes Targeted Action Plan will focus on improving community understanding so people can take action to improve the inclusion and participation of people with disability in Australian society.

We’ve already taken important steps towards this goal under the current Strategy.

One example is our investment of $19.6 million (over the next 4 years) for an inclusion and accessibility fund. This will help professionals, like doctors, to improve the way they communicate and better include people with disability in the things that are important to them.

We are all safer when the information we need to make decisions is easy to find and we are included, feel welcome, and can easily seek support and connections.

Through the inclusive Homes and Communities Targeted Action Plan we will also keep working to make housing stock and our broader community more accessible for everyone.

For example, governments have been working together to build over 41 Changing Places, including here in Victoria – like the Aqua Centre in Sale and at the Yarraville Gardens.

These new accessible facilities make it easier for people with complex needs to move around their community and to travel further from their home.

We have also committed to improving the accessibility of public transport – because people with disability should be able to easily get around in their communities.

Every Australian deserves access to safe, affordable and accessible housing, no matter their circumstances. This new Targeted Action Plan will also focus on housing accessibility for people with disability.

States and territories will increase the supply of accessible housing for people with disability.

And the Commonwealth will be looking at ways to make it easier for people renting to find properties that will meet their access needs.

These actions will build on the 2024 National Agreement on Social Housing and Homelessness – that helps people who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness, and supports social housing and homelessness services.

Finally, the new Safety, Rights and Justice Targeted Action Plan sets out key actions to reduce and prevent people with disability from experiencing harm.

It outlines improved supports for those at risk of harm, and lays out pathways for action if things do go wrong. This includes introducing things like standard processes for identifying and supporting people with disability in prisons and making sure people know about supports that are available if they have experienced violence.

With advice from people with disability, and your representative organisations, all levels of government will work together to implement these action plans.

****************

In the updated Strategy we also have a renewed focus on data and evidence.

Because we want to make sure that the actions that we are taking are making a tangible difference to the lives of people with disability.

Our Data Improvement Plan will help show the progress we are making, but also to identify where we need to do more.

The updated Strategy also reflects what you have told us and what we have heard, as well as describing the work that we have done together over the past three years across the country.

We have provided information to make the Strategy clearer and developed videos to help explain what the Strategy is all about.

****************

Over the past three years, our Albanese Labor Government has been working hard to help people with disability across Australia to thrive.

And as Minister I have been working very hard to bring Australia’s Disability Strategy from words on a page, to life.

I have completely redesigned employment services for people with disability to drive a strong focus on quality and put the goals and aspirations of people with disability at the centre.

We are investing in more peer support across Australia – so that people can connect with others like them to give advice and so they don’t feel alone.

For the first time, airports and airlines will have to properly help people with disability – making it easier for people with disability to travel by planes.

Clear information is now available about how to support people with disability when there are emergencies – like fires or floods.

And we have made people with disability a key focus in the creative arts through a dedicated plan to support inclusion of people with disability, which includes things like music, films and live shows.

These are just some of the things our Government has been doing to bring the Strategy to life.

****************

I am very optimistic about the updated Australia’s Disability Strategy and the changes that we will make together to achieve the Strategy’s goals to benefit all Australians with disability, and their families.

I encourage every person here today to share your thoughts, experiences and ideas with one another. Have your say, because it matters.

Our Government has heard what you want from the Strategy, and we will continue to work with you to ensure our work reflects your lived experiences.

Thank you again for the time with you today. And my thanks to the speakers who have shared their time so we could come to talk about how we will use the updated Australia’s Disability Strategy to help everyone to live better lives.

MIL OSI News –

MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Chairman Wicker Joins Fox’s Brian Kilmeade to Talk Defense Reform, Trump Administration Priorities

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger F. Wicker, R-Miss., chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, appeared on Fox’s “One Nation with Brian Kilmeade” on Saturday to discuss his urgent priorities on defense reform and bringing back peace through strength under President-elect Trump.
In his interview, Chairman Wicker stressed the importance of acting on major reforms at the Pentagon, including through his “Freedom’s Forge” plan, to strengthen the defense industrial base under President-elect Trump. Chairman Wicker also discussed the window of opportunity that the President has early in his term to rebuild deterrence and the United States military to send a signal to China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran.
Following last week’s hearing, Chairman Wicker additionally noted that nominee for Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is well on his way to Senate confirmation, and that Hegseth will prove a vital partner for returning peace through strength to the Pentagon. In Hegseth’s hearing, he endorsed Chairman Wicker’s Freedom’s Forge plan, saying that “those are precisely the kinds of ideas that need to be pursued.”
Read more about “Freedom’s Forge” here, “Peace Through Strength” here, and the FORGED Act here. Key excerpts of the interview are below.
On Pete Hegseth:

[Pete is] definitely on his way [to confirmation], and I’ll tell you what, we’re going to have a hearing at 5:00 on Inauguration Day, and I think he’ll be reported to the full Senate the very first day…I’d say by the first week, Pete Hegseth will be in place at the Pentagon. And we need somebody right away at the Pentagon. This the most dangerous situation the United States has faced since World War II we’re facing not only Russia and China, but North Korea, and the Ayatollahs, and Iran – they’re and they’re all in it together like they never have been before. So, we need leadership, we need a change, and we need somebody in charge, and I’m really looking forward to working with Pete Hegseth, and also, the team that he’s putting in place.

On defense reform:

Well, we need to act more like a business when it comes to buying things [at the Pentagon]. Well for one thing we need to encourage startup companies. We have been in the Pentagon too comfortable with the old way of doing things. New folks with startup ideas like Elon Musk had a couple of decades ago – we need to encourage them to come forward and make suggestions. And so the point is, we can get to 5% of our gross domestic product on defense, but we can save a lot of money by bringing efficiencies at the same time…as a matter of fact, my report came out before I ever heard of DOGE, so the fact that you’ve got two people really trying to find the same efficiencies that we’ve outlined is music to my ears. This is going to work very well with Elon Musk.

MIL-Evening Report: Trump 2.0 chaos and destruction — what it means Down Under

What will happen to Australia — and New Zealand — once the superpower that has been followed into endless battles, the United States, finally unravels?

COMMENTARY: By Michelle Pini, managing editor of Independent Australia

With President Donald Trump now into his second week in the White House, horrific fires have continued to rage across Los Angeles and the details of Elon Musk’s allegedly dodgy Twitter takeover began to emerge, the world sits anxiously by.

The consequences of a second Trump term will reverberate globally, not only among Western nations. But given the deeply entrenched Americanisation of much of the Western world, this is about how it will navigate the after-shocks once the United States finally unravels — for unravel it surely will.

Leading with chaos
Now that the world’s biggest superpower and war machine has a deranged criminal at the helm — for a second time — none of us know the lengths to which Trump (and his puppet masters) will go as his fingers brush dangerously close to the nuclear codes. Will he be more emboldened?

The signs are certainly there.

President Donald Trump 2.0 . . . will his cruelty towards migrants and refugees escalate, matched only by his fuelling of racial division? Image: ABC News screenshot IA

So far, Trump — who had already led the insurrection of a democratically elected government — has threatened to exit the nuclear arms pact with Russia, talked up a trade war with China and declared “all hell will break out” in the Middle East if Hamas hadn’t returned the Israeli hostages.

Will his cruelty towards migrants and refugees escalate, matched only by his fuelling of racial division?

This, too, appears to be already happening.

Trump’s rants leading up to his inauguration last week had been a steady stream of crazed declarations, each one more unhinged than the last.

He wants to buy Greenland. He wishes to overturn birthright citizenship in order to deport even more migrant children, such as “pet-eating Haitians” and “insane Hannibal Lecters” because America has been “invaded”.

It will be interesting to see whether his planned evictions of Mexicans will include the firefighters Mexico sent to Los Angeles’ aid.

At the same time, Trump wants to turn Canada into the 51st state, because, he said,

“It would make a great state. And the people of Canada like it.”

Will sexual predator Trump’s level of misogyny sink to even lower depths post Roe v Wade?

Probably.

Denial of catastrophic climate consequences
And will Trump be in even further denial over the catastrophic consequences of climate change than during his last term? Even as Los Angeles grapples with a still climbing death toll of 25 lives lost, 12,000 homes, businesses and other structures destroyed and 16,425 hectares (about the size of Washington DC) wiped out so far in the latest climactic disaster?

The fires are, of course, symptomatic of the many years of criminal negligence on global warming. But since Trump instead accused California officials of “prioritising environmental policies over public safety” while his buddy and head of government “efficiency”, Musk blamed black firefighters for the fires, it would appear so.

Will the madman, for surely he is one, also gift even greater protections to oligarchs like Musk?

Trump has already appointed billionaire buddies Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to:

“…pave the way for my Administration to dismantle government bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures and restructure Federal agencies”.

So, this too is already happening.

All of these actions will combine to create a scenario of destruction that will see the implosion of the US as we know it, though the details are yet to emerge.

The flawed AUKUS pact sinking quickly . . . Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with outgoing President Joe Biden, will Australia have the mettle to be bigger than Trump. Image: Independent Australia

What happens Down Under?
US allies — like Australia — have already been thoroughly indoctrinated by American pop culture in order to complement the many army bases they house and the defence agreements they have signed.

Though Trump hasn’t shown any interest in making it a 52nd state, Australia has been tucked up in bed with the United States since the Cold War. Our foreign policy has hinged on this alliance, which also significantly affects Australia’s trade and economy, not to mention our entire cultural identity, mired as it is in US-style fast food dependence and reality TV. Would you like Vegemite McShaker Fries with that?

So what will happen to Australia once the superpower we have followed into endless battles finally breaks down?

As Dr Martin Hirst wrote in November:

‘Trump has promised chaos and chaos is what he’ll deliver.’

His rise to power will embolden the rabid Far-Right in the US but will this be mirrored here? And will Australia follow the US example and this year elect our very own (admittedly scaled down) version of Trump, personified by none other than the Trump-loving Peter Dutton?

If any of his wild announcements are to be believed, between building walls and evicting even US nationals he doesn’t like, while simultaneously making Canadians US citizens, Trump will be extremely busy.

There will be little time even to consider Australia, let alone come to our rescue should we ever need the might of the US war machine — no matter whether it is an Albanese or sycophantic Dutton leadership.

It is a given, however, that we would be required to honour all defence agreements should our ally demand it.

It would be great if, as psychologists urge us to do when children act up, our leaders could simply ignore and refuse to engage with him, but it remains to be seen whether Australia will have the mettle to be bigger than Trump.

Republished from the Independent Australia with permission.

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

MIL-OSI: Magnite Partners With Sky New Zealand to Power Programmatic Advertising on Sky Sport Now

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Magnite (NASDAQ: MGNI), the largest independent sell-side advertising company, is working with Sky New Zealand to power programmatic advertising on Sky’s premium live and on-demand sports streaming platform, Sky Sport Now. Following the recent launch of digital advertising on Sky Sport Now, buyers will have programmatic access to the platform’s high-value live sports inventory for the first time through Magnite.

With 51.3 million annual streams* and content across an average of 35 sporting codes, Sky Sport Now offers advertisers a golden opportunity to engage audiences with data-driven targeting and optimised campaigns, maintained within a premium environment. Magnite’s cutting-edge streaming technology will help Sky recognise the value of their content in a way that respects the viewer experience, while making it easier for buyers to access scalable, premium inventory and reach engaged audiences.

Lauren Quaintance, Sky New Zealand’s Chief Media and Data Officer, says: “The launch of digital advertising on Sky Sport Now unlocks Sky’s highly engaged live sport audiences on this platform for the first time. With all the live sport that Kiwis love in one place and scalable audiences now available to local digital advertisers, we’re experiencing strong interest from clients eager to get involved, and we’re incredibly grateful for the support from agencies and advertisers.

“Aligning with the right partners to ensure we can package this inventory efficiently, while delivering a premium viewing experience has been critical, and Magnite has proven to be a highly effective partner. We’re excited to continue working with them to facilitate programmatic access to Sky’s highly engaged live sport audiences for the first time.”

Yael Milbank, Managing Director, ANZ at Magnite, says: “Sky New Zealand has expanded their offering to meet the consumer appetite for more accessible live sports content, and we’re pleased to be working with them to unlock new opportunities for advertisers to reach highly engaged sports fans. We look forward to helping drive continued success as they leverage our leading streaming technology to enable programmatic activation of premium live sports inventory on Sky Sport Now.”

About Sky New Zealand
Sky is New Zealand’s leading entertainment company and home to the best and broadest choice in live sport, movies, shows, documentaries and news. Sky offers a suite of viewing choices to suit every New Zealander, whether it’s through the Sky Box and companion app Sky Go for premium direct-to-home customers, its streaming services Sky Sport Now for sport and Neon for movies and entertainment, or free-to-air on Sky Open.

About Magnite
We’re Magnite (NASDAQ: MGNI), the world’s largest independent sell-side advertising company. Publishers use our technology to monetize their content across all screens and formats including CTV, online video, display, and audio. The world’s leading agencies and brands trust our platform to access brand-safe, high-quality ad inventory and execute billions of advertising transactions each month. Anchored in bustling New York City, sunny Los Angeles, mile high Denver, historic London, colorful Singapore, and down under in Sydney, Magnite has offices across North America, EMEA, LATAM, and APAC.

Media Contact:
Einsteinz Communications
carlotta@einsteinz.com.au

_____________________

*SOURCE 1: NIELSEN CMI, Q1 2023 – Q4 2023, AP15+, ONLINE VIDEO/TV SERVICES USED L7D.

MIL-OSI Economics: Verizon Unveils “House of Verizon” at Super Bowl LIX

Source: Verizon

Headline: Verizon Unveils “House of Verizon” at Super Bowl LIX

NEW YORK – Ahead of Super Bowl LIX, Verizon is announcing a lineup of must-experience activations and programming at “House of Verizon,” located in the heart of downtown New Orleans at Fulton Alley. With events across sports, fashion, music, food and culture, “House of Verizon” brings exclusive access and experiences to Verizon customers and their guests beginning Thursday, February 6 through Sunday, February 9, with special giveaways and other surprises available only to Verizon customers.

“Putting our local customers and Super Bowl fans at the center, ‘House of Verizon’ will bring to life unique experiences tied to the things they love,” said Leslie Berland, EVP, Chief Marketing Officer at Verizon. “Throughout the year, our customers get VIP Verizon access to the best in sports, entertainment, music and more. The Super Bowl is an opportunity to take these experiences to an entirely new level.”

During the day, “House of Verizon” will have beats by DJ Angie Vee and DJ Fannie Mae, and feature appearances by NFL athletes, musical artists and fashion icons, appointments in the ‘Glam Suite’ with a personalized stylist, a station to create personalized tote bags with custom football charms by Coastal Caviar, and a shop full of NFL apparel from local New-Orleans based vintage store, Swamp Rags. Plus, guests will have the chance to compete in bowling challenges to win prizes such as authentic custom apparel, or a grand prize of two tickets to Super Bowl LIX. For more information on “House of Verizon” programming and FAQs, visit houseofverizon.com.

At night, “House of Verizon” will be the spot for parties and events Thursday – Sunday, making it the hottest destination of the weekend. Tickets to marquee events at “House of Verizon” are limited, and will be accessible to claim for select Verizon customers through the Verizon rewards program, VerizonAccess.

Marquee events throughout the weekend include:

Thursday, February 6

Special event in partnership with Alliance Sports.

Friday, February 7

Showcase featuring Rhuigi Villaseñor, the founder and fashion designer of the luxury streetwear brand RHUDE, unveiling a new collection with exclusive pieces created in collaboration with Verizon.
The official “House of Verizon” late night party with food, drinks and featuring sounds by Chase B.

Saturday, February 8

Designer and entrepreneur Kristin Juszczyk will participate in a special styling session featuring pieces from the recently announced ‘Off Season’ NFL Collection, which will be on display on Saturday at the “House of Verizon” retail shop.
Chef & creator, Tineke “Tini” Younger, will host a brunch where she’ll be creating and cooking special Super Bowl LIX recipes, meeting with customers & fans, and showcasing how to create her unique, custom tailgate dishes for the ultimate party.
Special invite-only event in partnership with TAO, with performances by GRAMMY® Award-winning artist, entrepreneur and global cultural icon T-Pain, GRAMMY®-nominated artist Doechii, renowned artist Jermaine Dupri, and musical sets by Chase B.

Sunday, February 9

“House of Verizon” will transform into a special New Orleans FanFest event for fans to watch the big game, have food and drinks from local small businesses, meet NFL legends and cheer on their favorite team.

On Super Bowl Sunday, Verizon is hosting the first-ever Super Bowl FanFest to host tens of thousands of customers and fans – bringing the Super Bowl LIX experience to stadiums and iconic venues in 30 cities across the country. Each FanFest is going to be a unique, elevated experience—catering to a limited group of customers that secured coveted tickets for themselves and their guests. To score any limited tickets that may be left to the highly-coveted FanFests, visit VerizonFanFest.com and for more information on all of Verizon’s Super Bowl LIX news, visit verizon.com/about/news/superbowl.

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates the 38th National Games in Dehradun

Source: Government of India (2)

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates the 38th National Games in Dehradun

It is a celebration of India’s incredible sporting talent and showcases the spirit of athletes from across the country: PM

We consider sports as a key driver for India’s holistic development: PM

We are creating more and more opportunities for our athletes so they can enhance their potential to the fullest: PM

India is making a strong push to host the 2036 Olympics: PM

The National Games is more than just a sporting event, It is a great platform to showcase the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,’ It is a celebration of India’s rich diversity and unity: PM

Posted On: 28 JAN 2025 9:02PM by PIB Delhi

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the 38th National Games in Dehradun, Uttarakhand today. Addressing the gathering, he remarked that Uttarakhand is resplendent today with the energy of the youth. He added that the 38th National Games were commencing today with the blessings of Baba Kedarnath, Badrinath and Maa Ganga. Highlighting that it was the 25th year of the formation of Uttarakhand, Shri Modi remarked that the youth from across the nation would be displaying their potential in this young state. He added that the event displayed a beautiful picture of ‘Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat’. He further remarked that many local games were included in this edition of the National Games and the theme was ‘Green Games’, as there was usage of environment-friendly items. Elaborating further on the theme, the Prime Minister highlighted that even the trophies and medals were made of e-Waste and a tree would be planted in the name of every medal winner, which was a great initiative. He extended his best wishes to all the athletes for a great performance. He also congratulated the Government and people of Uttarakhand for organizing such a grand event.

The Prime Minister remarked that just as gold becomes pure through fire, athletes are given more opportunities to refine their abilities. He added that now many tournaments were organized over the year and several new tournaments were included in the Khelo India Series. Shri Modi emphasised that the Khelo India Youth games has provided opportunities for many young players to advance while the University Games offer many opportunities to the University students. He remarked that the Khelo India Para Games helped the Para athletes in improving their performance and creating new achievements. The Prime Minister recalled that recently the 5th edition of the Khelo India Winter Games was underway in Ladakh and mentioned that last year, the Beach Games were organized.

Shri Modi remarked that the efforts to promote sports are not solely driven by the Government, but many Members of Parliament were organizing sports competitions in their constituencies to bring forward new talent. The Prime Minister, who is also the MP of Kashi, mentioned that in his parliamentary constituency alone, around 2.5 lakh youth get the opportunity to participate in sports competitions every year. He emphasized that a beautiful bouquet of sports has been created in the country, with flowers blooming in every season and tournaments being held continuously.

“Sports is considered a key medium for India’s holistic development”, said the Prime Minister and emphasized that when a country excels in sports, its reputation and profile also rise. Therefore, he added that sports was being linked to India’s development and the confidence of its youth. The Prime Minister highlighted that India was progressing towards becoming the world’s third-largest economic power, and the sports economy is a significant part of this effort. He noted that behind every athlete, there is an entire ecosystem, including coaches, trainers, nutrition and fitness experts, doctors, and equipment. Shri Modi mentioned that India was becoming a quality manufacturer of sports equipment used by athletes worldwide. He pointed out that Meerut had over 35,000 small and large factories producing sports equipment, employing more than 3 lakh people. He emphasized that such ecosystems were being developed across the country.

Remarking that he recently had the opportunity to meet the Olympics team of India at his residence in Delhi, the Prime Minister said that during the conversation, one of the athletes redefined “PM” as “Param Mitra” (best friend) instead of “Prime Minister.” He expressed that this trust gives him energy. He emphasized his complete confidence in the talent and potential of the athletes. The Prime Minister highlighted the continuous focus on supporting their talent over the past 10 years and the sports budget had more than tripled in the last decade. He added that under the TOPS scheme, hundreds of crores of rupees were being invested in dozens of athletes. He underscored that the Khelo India program was building modern sports infrastructure across the country. Shri Modi highlighted that sports was mainstreamed in schools, and the country’s first sports university was being established in Manipur.

Pointing out that the results of the Government’s efforts were visible on the ground and in the medal tally, the Prime Minister highlighted that Indian athletes are making their mark in every international event, showcasing their talent. He praised the excellent performance of Indian athletes in the Olympics and Paralympics, noting that many athletes from Uttarakhand had also won medals. He expressed his happiness that many medal winners were present at the venue to encourage the participants.

Shri Modi remarked that the glorious days of hockey were returning. He highlighted that India’s kho-kho team recently won the World Cup, and Gukesh D. stunned the world by winning the World Chess Championship. Additionally, Koneru Humpy became the Women’s World Rapid Chess Champion. The Prime Minister emphasized that these successes demonstrate how sports in India are no longer just extracurricular activities but the youth were now considering sports as a major career choice.

“Just as athletes always aim for big goals, India is also moving forward with great resolutions”, exclaimed the Prime Minister. He highlighted that India was making significant efforts to host the 2036 Olympics, which will elevate Indian sports to new heights. Emphasizing that the Olympics was not just a sports event; but drives multiple sectors in the host country, Shri Modi said the sports infrastructure built for the Olympics creates jobs and provides better facilities for future athletes. He added that the city hosting the Olympics sees new connectivity infrastructure, boosting the construction and transport sectors and the biggest benefit was to the country’s tourism, with new hotels being built and people from around the world coming to participate and watch the games. The Prime Minister noted that the National Games being held in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand will also benefit the local economy. He added that spectators from other parts of the country will visit different parts of Uttarakhand, showing that sports events benefit not only athletes but also various other sectors of the economy.

Emphasizing that the 21st century was being hailed as India’s century, Shri Modi, after visiting Baba Kedarnath, spontaneously felt that this was the decade of Uttarakhand. He expressed his happiness over Uttarakhand’s rapid progress. The Prime Minister highlighted that Uttarakhand had become the first state in the country to implement the Uniform Civil Code, which will form the foundation for a dignified life for daughters, mothers, and sisters. It will strengthen the spirit of democracy and the essence of the Constitution. Shri Modi connected this to the sports event, noting that sportsmanship removes all feelings of discrimination. He added that every victory and medal is achieved through collective effort, and sports inspire teamwork. He stated that the same spirit applies to the Uniform Civil Code, where there is no discrimination, and everyone is equal. He congratulated the State Government of Uttarakhand for taking this historic step.

Noting that for the first time, Uttarakhand was hosting a national event on such a large scale, the Prime Minister lauded that this was a significant achievement in itself, creating more employment opportunities and providing local youth with jobs. He urged that Uttarakhand must explore new avenues for development, as its economy cannot solely rely on the Char Dham Yatra. He added that the Government was continuously enhancing facilities to increase the attraction of these pilgrimages, with the number of pilgrims setting new records each season. However, he noted that this is not enough. Shri Modi emphasized the need to promote winter spiritual journeys in Uttarakhand. He expressed his happiness that new steps were taken in this direction and shared his desire to be part of these winter journeys. He encouraged the youth from across the country to visit Uttarakhand during winters, as the number of pilgrims is lower, and there are many opportunities for adventure activities. He urged all athletes to explore these opportunities after the National Games and enjoy the hospitality of Devbhoomi for a longer duration.

The Prime Minister remarked that the athletes represent their respective states and will compete fiercely in the coming days, breaking national records and setting new ones. He urged them to give their best effort. Emphasising that the National Games was not just a sports competition but also a platform for “Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat,” celebrating India’s diversity, Shri Modi encouraged the athletes to ensure that their medals reflect the unity and excellence of India. He urged them to learn about the languages, cuisines, and music of different states. Stressing on the importance of cleanliness, the PM highlighted that Uttarakhand was progressing towards becoming plastic-free, and this goal cannot be achieved without the athletes’ cooperation. He urged everyone to contribute to the success of this campaign.

Emphasising the importance of fitness and the growing problem of obesity in the country, the Prime Minister noted that obesity was affecting all age groups, including the youth, and increasing the risk of diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Shri Modi expressed satisfaction that the country was becoming more aware of fitness and a healthy lifestyle through the Fit India Movement. He mentioned that the National Games teach the importance of physical activity, discipline, and a balanced life. The Prime Minister urged the citizens to focus on two things: exercise and diet. He encouraged everyone to take some time each day for exercise, whether it’s walking or working out. He also stressed the importance of a balanced and nutritious diet, suggesting a reduction in unhealthy fats and oils. He advised reducing the use of cooking oil by at least 10% each month, as small steps can lead to significant health improvements. He highlighted that a healthy body leads to a healthy mind and a healthy nation. Shri Modi called on state governments, schools, offices, and community leaders to spread awareness about fitness and nutrition. He urged everyone to share their practical experiences and knowledge about proper nutrition. He concluded by calling for a collective effort to build a “Fit India” and announced the commencement of the 38th National Games, extending his best wishes to all participants.

The Governor of Uttarakhand, Lt.Gen. (Retd.) Gurmit Singh, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, Union Ministers of State Shri Ajay Tamta, Smt Raksha Khadse were present among other dignitaries at the event.

Background

The 38th National Games is being hosted in Dehradun, Uttarakhand during its Silver Jubilee year and will be held in 11 cities across 8 districts of Uttarakhand from 28th January to 14th February.

36 states and one union territory will participate in the National Games. Over 17 days, competitions for 35 sports disciplines will be held. Among these, medals will be awarded for 33 sports, while two will be exhibition sports. Yoga and Mallakhamb have been included in the National Games for the first time. More than 10,000 athletes from across the country will participate in the event.

With a focus on sustainability, the theme for the National Games this year is “Green Games.” A special park, called the Sports Forest, will be developed near the venue, where more than 10,000 saplings will be planted by athletes and guests. The medals and certificates for the athletes will be made from environmentally friendly and biodegradable materials.

Inaugurating the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand. It is a celebration of India’s incredible sporting talent and showcases the spirit of athletes from across the country. https://t.co/RT5QkE6Yu6

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 28, 2025

The National Games is more than just a sporting event. It is a great platform to showcase the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.’ It is a celebration of India’s rich diversity and unity. pic.twitter.com/nRlLXcXzYC

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 28, 2025

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MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya to chair National Conference with Labour Ministers and Secretaries of States & UTs in New Delhi

Source: Government of India (2)

Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya to chair National Conference with Labour Ministers and Secretaries of States & UTs in New Delhi

Focus on Labour Reforms, Social Security Measures for Workforce, Improving Employability through National Career Service (NCS) Portal and Model Career Centres (MCCs)

Exchange of Ideas on Facilitating Reforms for Quality Employment Generation through Enhanced Ease of Doing Business and Reduction in Compliance Burden

Posted On: 28 JAN 2025 7:54PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya will chair a two-day “National Conference with Labour Ministers and Secretaries of States/UTs” in New Delhi on 29-30, January 2025. Minister of State for Labour & Employment and Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, Ms. Shobha Karandlaje will also attend the meeting and Ms. Sumita Dawra, Secretary (Labour & Employment) will set the context for the deliberations.

The Ministry of Labour and Employment is organizing this national meeting for strengthening collaboration with all 36 States and Union Territories on Labour Reforms, Social Security for Organized and Unorganized Workers, including Gig and Platform workers, expanding ESIC medical infrastructure and healthcare facilities, and improving employability through National Career Service (NCS) Portal and Model Career Centres (MCC).

Exchange of insights, experiences and best practices will take place on key labour and employment issues including harmonization of the draft rules of Centre, States and UTs under Labour Codes, and labour reforms being undertaken by States/UTs under the existing framework in line with the spirit of Labour Codes. States & UTs will showcase reforms already undertaken by them.

The meeting also aims at capacity building of stakeholders for transformation of role of Inspector to Inspector-cum-Facilitator. These reforms are aimed at both facilitating growth of industry including MSMEs and Start-Ups to promote generation of quality employment through ease of doing business, as well as for promoting labour welfare and female work-force participation, etc.

Key objective of the meeting is to accelerate convergence in efforts of the Central Government, States, and Union Territories for building a streamlined and consistent legal and administrative framework for reforms aimed at benefitting both workers and employers.

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Himanshu Pathak

(Release ID: 2097136) Visitor Counter : 56

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Indian Railways is operating an all-time high of 360 trains from Prayagraj Station, including 190 special trains, 110 regular trains, and 50-60 MEMU trains, to cater to the demand for Mauni Amavasya: Shri Satish Kumar

Source: Government of India

Indian Railways is operating an all-time high of 360 trains from Prayagraj Station, including 190 special trains, 110 regular trains, and 50-60 MEMU trains, to cater to the demand for Mauni Amavasya: Shri Satish Kumar

Indian Railway arranging Elderly care, Crowd management, and a comfortable holding area for pilgrims during the Mahakumbh 2025

Posted On: 28 JAN 2025 6:27PM by PIB Delhi

Indian Railways has undertaken massive efforts to ensure smooth and convenient travel for the millions of devotees attending the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. Addressing the media, the Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board, Shri Satish Kumar, said that Railways has taken extensive measures to accommodate the unprecedented influx of pilgrims. As part of these efforts, Indian Railways operated 132 to 135 special trains on January 14 and has decided to significantly increase train services for the upcoming Mauni Amavasya, the most auspicious day of Maha Kumbh 2025. Shri Satish Kumar said railways is operating an unprecedented operation of 360 trains, for this occasion, including 190 special trains, the special trains comprising from three zones NR, NER & NCR to manage the massive influx of devotees. This historic move will ensure a train runs every four minutes, will provide seamless connectivity and uninterrupted travel for millions of pilgrims.

He mentioned that Indian Railways has developed infrastructure worth ₹5,000 crore in and around Prayagraj to support the Maha Kumbh Mela, ensuring timely upgrades and enhanced capacity. The key infrastructure developments such as new Road Under Bridges (RUBs) and Road Over Bridges (ROBs), track doubling and station upgrades, which have made this record-breaking train service possible by decongesting the Rail lines.

He further stated, “Indian Railways has significantly improved passenger amenities to ensure a seamless journey for devotees. Every station in Prayagraj possesses newly constructed toilets along with ample drinking water and food courts. In case of emergencies, First Aid booths and medical observation rooms will provide the needed assistance. At Prayagraj Junction and Prayagraj Chheoki, the Yatri Suvidha Kendra will assist devotees with wheelchairs, luggage trolleys, hotel and taxi bookings, medicines, baby milk and other essentials.”

For better crowd management, RPF personnel are deployed at railway stations to ensure seamless boarding and deboarding. A special RPF team has been assigned to ensure the safety of devotees during the ongoing Maha Kumbh. To facilitate smooth movement, colour-coded tickets and designated Ashriya Asthals have been introduced. RPF personnel escort devotees from the Ashriya Asthals and assist them in reaching the trains. Holding areas have been set up both at Prayagraj station and outside the station, where food, water, and other essential facilities are provided for up to one lakh people. Medical teams are also stationed at the locations, ready to attend to any devotee who requires immediate care.

Shri Kumar stated that devotees are arriving around the clock by train for the Maha Kumbh, and to manage the large crowds, numerous CCTV cameras have been installed to monitor and divert pilgrims to less crowded areas. He also praised the State government’s exceptional arrangements for the convenience of the devotees, including provisions for both accommodation and food. In a coordinated effort with the Uttar Pradesh government, Indian Railways has established multiple holding areas where passengers can wait comfortably in tents. These areas are equipped with food arrangements and display information in several languages. One of the largest such areas is Khusro Bagh, located just outside Prayagraj station, which can accommodate up to 1 lakh passengers at a time.

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Dharmendra Tewari/ Shatrunjay Kumar

(Release ID: 2097100) Visitor Counter : 46

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Forthcoming World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit a grand occasion to showcase India’s creative power and obtain a new identity for us before the world: Prime Minister of India

Source: Government of India

Forthcoming World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit a grand occasion to showcase India’s creative power and obtain a new identity for us before the world: Prime Minister of India

Events like WAVES not only generate revenue, help develop the perception but promotes states globally by tapping the creative talent pool: PM at Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave

Golden opportunity for amateur music creators, fashion buffs, creative freelancers, advertising professionals & designers to take part in WAVES & become a celebrity maestro in your art

Hurry up and apply under Doordarshan and Dilli Darbar joint venture – Wah Ustad music talent hunt reality show for classical, semi classical, and Sufi artists for age 18 & above

Drop the Beat with epic EDM Challenge: WAVES offers maiden opportunity to digital music producers to showcase their talent in EDM

‘Make the world wear Khadi’ challenge seeks global participation from ad makers & talented amateurs to craft innovative campaigns helping India position Khadi as a global brand

WAVES running 19 Create in India Challenges for freelancers as well as professionals from around the world, rest 12 for Indians, to make their career in media & entertainment industry and earn fame

Posted On: 28 JAN 2025 5:35PM by PIB Delhi

The Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi said that the forthcoming WAVES (World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit) will provide a new global identity to India’s creative prowess. Addressing the audience at Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave in Bhubaneswar, he highlighted how major events like WAVES not only generate significant revenue but also build perceptions and push the economy. He underscored the immense potential of such initiatives to harness India’s vast pool of creative talent and position the nation as a global leader in the media and entertainment sector.

WAVE Summit भारत की creative power को दुनिया में नई पहचान दिलाएगा। – पीएम @narendramodi जी

📍At ‘Utkarsh Odisha’ – Make in Odisha Conclave, Bhubaneswar pic.twitter.com/jv1SUL46B3

— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) January 28, 2025

WAVES 2025: Bridging India’s timeless traditions with contemporary creativity

WAVES 2025 presents a unique confluence of India’s rich cultural legacy and modern creativity, offering platforms for everyone—from creators of classical and semi-classical music to creators of modern music of EDM and innovative advertising professionals, designers and creators for Khadi.

This dynamic blend of past and present is exemplified in challenges like Wah Ustad, celebrating India’s traditional musical heritage, Resonate: The EDM Challenge, embracing modern global music trends, and Make The World Wear Khadi, which seeks to reimagine India’s iconic fabric as a global symbol of sustainable fashion. These three challenges were launched by Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw along with WAVES Bazaar and WAVES Awards, on 27 January, 2025 where he urged the creators to help India become the global capital of content creation.

Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw while addressing the audience at the launch of WAVES Bazaar-Global-e-marketplace WAVES CIC Challenge including ‘Wah Ustad’ and WAVES Awards on 27 January, 2025

Together, these initiatives provide content creators with unparalleled opportunities to showcase their talent, bridge tradition and innovation, and gain recognition while contributing to India’s cultural and creative renaissance. These challenges join a diverse lineup of total 31 Create in India Challenges,offering a stage for content creators across various genres to showcase their talent.

About the New Challenges

Wah Ustad: A Reality Show to Discover India’s Hidden Musical Gem

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Doordarshan, has launched Wah Ustad, an extraordinary classical and semi-classical music talent hunt, under the Create in India Challenges, a flagship initiative of WAVES 2025.It aims to nurture exceptional talent in Hindustani, Carnatic, and soulful Sufi music while preserving and promoting India’s rich musical legacy.

Experience the magic of Indian music 🎶

Doordarshan, in collaboration with Dilli Gharana, is bringing a classical & semi-classical music talent hunt reality show Wah Ustad, as a part of #CreateInIndiaChallenge Season-1 under #WAVES2025.

Register now & showcase your talent to… pic.twitter.com/TCqDf9nlJp

— Doordarshan National दूरदर्शन नेशनल (@DDNational) January 28, 2025

Envisioned with the expertise of the esteemed “Dilli Gharana,” Wah Ustad will serve as a platform for young, classically trained vocalists aged 18 and above. Open to global participation, the program invites entries from talented individuals with a passion for Hindustani or Carnatic music, Sufi singing, and semi-classical genres.

The journey for participants has already begun with online registrations through the Dilli Durbar portal. This will progress to regional auditions, thematic episodes, and ultimately culminating in a grand finale at WAVES 2025 in Mumbai. The top five finalists will compete for the coveted title, with the winner receiving a cash prize, mentorship opportunities, recording contracts, and nationwide recognition.

With 26 episodes airing on Doordarshan, Wah Ustad will celebrate India’s cultural heritage while inspiring the next generation of musicians. By blending traditional expertise with modern technology, the program promises to highlight the soulful charm of classical music and its relevance in today’s world.

Resonate: The EDM Challenge

In a first-of-its-kind global celebration of electronic music, Resonate: The EDM Challenge will take center stage at the inaugural World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES). Organized by the Indian Music Industry (IMI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B), the challenge aims to reinforce India’s position as a global hub for music fusion, electronic music, and the vibrant art of DJing.

If you excel at crafting digital or electronic music and have a flair for DJing, Resonate: The EDM Challenge at WAVES 2025 is your ultimate stage to shine. This unique competition invites talented individuals from across the globe to showcase their skills in music production and live performance, offering an unparalleled opportunity to become a DJ maestro. With exciting prizes and a platform to perform in front of industry experts and a global audience, this challenge is your chance to turn your passion for electronic music into international recognition.

Open to individual artists and creative teams, Resonate provides a platform for both emerging and seasoned musicians to compete across two thrilling stages:

Preliminary Round: Participants will submit their original EDM tracks online, which will be evaluated by a panel of industry experts to shortlist the top 10 entries.
Grand Finale: The finalists will perform live at WAVES 2025, competing for top honors in front of a distinguished jury and a global audience.

Winners will receive substantial cash prizes (₹2,00,000 for the Grand Prize winner and ₹50,000 for runners-up), along with a chance to feature in promotional materials, gain international exposure, and perform on a global stage.

Make The World Wear Khadi: A Global call to elevate India’s iconic fabric

India’s timeless fabric, Khadi, is set to make a global statement with the launch of the “Make The World Wear Khadi” challenge under the Create in India initiative at WAVES 2025. This unique competition invites advertising professionals, creative freelancers, and designers from around the world to craft innovative campaigns that position Khadi as a global brand.

Open to international participation, the challenge encourages participants to explore bold and imaginative design concepts across digital, print, video, and experiential formats. The goal is to elevate Khadi’s brand image, inspire consumer engagement, and establish it as a symbol of sustainable fashion and cultural heritage worldwide. Winners will secure recognition and opportunities to further their professional journey while playing a pivotal role in driving Khadi’s transformation into an internationally celebrated brand.

WAVES Awards

The WAVES Awards will honour the outstanding contributions in the global creative industry, with nominations opening on February 15, 2025. Recognizing excellence across diverse fields, the awards feature two major categories: ‘Best of the Year’ Global Awards and Special Selection Awards.

The ‘Best of the Year’ Global Awards celebrate top achievements in gaming, film, animation, web series, advertising, startups, and digital influence. Key categories include Game of the Year, Film of the Year, Influencer of the Year, Podcaster of the Year, and Song of the Year, among others.

The Special Selection Awards acknowledge individuals and initiatives that have made a significant impact. This includes the prestigious G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) Lifetime Achievement Award, Businessperson of the Year, Social Impact Award, and Tech Icon Awards. The Stories of Change category further highlights transformative contributions in Broadcast, Print, and Digital Media.

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Dharmendra Tewari/Kshitij Singha

(Release ID: 2097072) Visitor Counter : 52

https://themicrocapconference.com/tickets/

MIL-OSI: DIAGNOS to Present at The Microcap Conference 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

BROSSARD, Quebec, Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Diagnos Inc. (“DIAGNOS” or the “Corporation”) (TSX Venture: ADK, OTCQB: DGNOF, FWB: 4D4A), a pioneer in early detection of critical health issues through the use of its FLAIRE platform based on Artificial Intelligence (AI), is pleased to announce its participation in The Microcap Conference 2025, the premier event for growth-focused companies and investors. The conference will take place January 28-30, 2025, at the Borgata Hotel Spa & Casino in Atlantic City, NJ.

Details of the presentation:

Event:	The Microcap Conference
Date and Time:	January 29, 2025, at 4:30 p.m., ET
Location:	Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Studio C, Atlantic City, NJ
Presenter:	André Larente, Chief Executive Officer

DIAGNOS will engage in one-on-one meetings with institutional and individual investors to discuss the Company’s recent developments, growth strategy, and investment opportunities. This event provides a unique platform to highlight DIAGNOS’ AI technology and its vision for disrupting medical detection landscape.

“Our Investor Relations strategy is to connect with U.S. investors who recognize the importance of innovation in healthcare. This event provides an excellent opportunity to increase awareness with family offices, wealth management advisors, and high-net-worth individuals. With expected deployments with customers, as well as a partnership with the largest eyecare company in the world that validated our technology and will commercialize to its customer base, 2025 could be a milestone year for DIAGNOS,” said André Larente, CEO of DIAGNOS.

To register for the conference or one-on-one meeting, visit

About The Microcap Conference 2025

The Microcap Conference is the largest independent microcap event in the U.S., bringing together top-tier investors and executives from microcap companies. The event offers a platform for companies to showcase their value propositions through presentations, one-on-one meetings, and networking opportunity.

The 2025 event will feature:

Keynote Speakers: Renowned industry figures, including Jon Ledecky, Co-Owner of the New York Islanders, who will engage in a fireside chat with CNBC’s Bob Pisani, and Tom Gardner, CEO of Motley Fool, who will share insights on investing, market trends, and entrepreneurial success.

Expert Panels and Presentations: Financial commentators Ron Insana (CNBC) and Charlie Gasparino (FOX Business) will cover critical topics for the US equity markets, from capital formation to regulatory updates and market trends.

Entertainment Headliner: A special performance by Tom Papa, celebrated comedian and host of Netflix specials, ensuring a memorable evening for attendees.

Hosted by DealFlow Events, The Microcap Conference is renowned for its blend of high-quality content, engaging networking, and exceptional entertainment.

About DIAGNOS
DIAGNOS is a publicly traded Canadian corporation dedicated to early detection of critical health problems based on its FLAIRE Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform. FLAIRE allows for quick modifying and developing of applications such as CARA (Computer Assisted Retina Analysis). CARA’s image enhancement algorithms provide sharper, clearer and easier-to-analyze retinal images. CARA is a cost-effective tool for real-time screening of large volumes of patients.

Additional information is available at www.diagnos.ca and www.sedarplus.com.

This news release contains forward-looking information. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in these statements. DIAGNOS disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

MIL-OSI USA: Durbin: The Anti-Immigrant Executive Action Taken By President Trump Do Nothing To Make America Safer

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

January 28, 2025

WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke out against executive actions taken by President Donald Trump during his first week in office, including cracking down on immigrant communities, that, among other things, suspend refugee resettlement and attempt to deprive U.S.-born children of citizenship.

“We can all agree that the border of the United States should be secure. And, of course, we must deport any dangerous individuals who are here unlawfully. But the executive orders that President Trump signed this past week don’t target criminals. In fact, President Trump terminated a Biden administration policy that required immigration officials to prioritize for arrest and deportation individuals who threaten public safety or national security,” Durbin said. “Instead, President Trump has authorized Immigration and Customs Enforcement Officers, known as ICE officers, to make arrests in schools, churches, and courthouses across the country. The President has reportedly even directed ICE to set quotas for arrests, ramping up from a few hundred a day to more than 1,500 per day. These kinds of arbitrary quotas will ensure that essential workers, family members of U.S. citizens, and so many others who are no threat to this country and are not criminals, are caught up in the mass deportations.”

Durbin went on to explain how President Trump’s actions—like many of the President’s decisions on immigration—have nothing to do with protecting public safety or national security.

Instead, he decided to suspend a life-saving legal immigration program—the refugee admissions program, which provides safe haven for those fleeing oppressive regimes around the world, including Afghan women, Uyghurs fleeing Chinese persecution, and the Rohingya fleeing Myanmar’s military dictatorship.

“President Trump has also suspended the refugee admissions program. Why is that important? Well because when American soldiers go overseas to represent this country and to risk their lives for the country that they have sworn allegiance to, the United States, many times they rely on local citizens in those countries to help them. That’s what happened in Afghanistan,” Durbin said. “Men and women risked their lives to step forward and to help our troops… they included families of Afghans who are now facing persecution for that political decision to help the United States. We’ve offered to them, after going through extensive background checks, an opportunity to come to the United States.”

Durbin continued, “But the President canceled flights for approximately 10,000 refugees who have been approved to travel to the United States after waiting for long periods of time and going through extensive background checks. This includes nearly 1,600 Afghans who had been cleared for resettlement, many of them risked their lives for the United States’ cause and we were giving them safety and security… Stopping these flights makes America less safe. It is needlessly cruel to American families waiting to be reunited with loved ones. It also sends a message to allies supporting our troops around the world that we will not protect them if they face retribution for helping the United States.”

Durbin then criticized President Trump’s attempt to deny birthright citizenship to children born in the United States if their parents are not citizens or lawful permanent residents. Durbin noted that this move is a clear violation of the Constitution and our values as a nation, and it does nothing to make our country safer.

“Additionally, President Trump is attempting to deny birthright citizenship to children born in the United States if their parents are not citizens or lawful permanent residents. This is a clear violation of the Constitution,” said Durbin. “The order by President Trump has been blocked by a judge who was appointed by President Ronald Reagan. Listen to what he said about the lawsuit challenging birthright citizenship and the 14^th Amendment’s explicit language, ‘I’ve been on the bench for over four decades. I can’t remember another case where the question presented was as clear as this one is… This is a blatantly unconstitutional order.’”

Finally, Durbin called out the Trump administration’s mass deportation raids in Chicago over the weekend.

“I was disappointed to see the White House border czar, Tom Homan, come to Chicago recently with ICE agents arresting immigrants… I am concerned these sweeping executive actions will leave those arrested by ICE, including those with lawful status and U.S. citizenship, with little opportunity to even state their case and show that they belong in this country. Let’s be clear, 90 percent of undocumented immigrants have no criminal convictions—90 percent,” Durbin said. “Immigrants are a key part of America’s success story. I do not want a single dangerous person to remain in this country or to be allowed to seek permanent residence here, period. But there are many who have been here for periods of time, have paid their taxes, followed the law, and should be part of America’s future. Our nation needs immigrants in many important places.”

Durbin concluded, “There is no room in this country for dangerous people, but there is plenty of room for those who aspire to make this a better nation. We should be fair in making a distinction and realizing the difference is significant.”

Video of Durbin’s remarks on the floor is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the floor is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the floor is available here for TV Stations.

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