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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Côte d’Ivoire: The African Development Bank’s Capital Markets Development Trust Fund (CMDTF) supports establishment of digital platform for public offerings

    Source: APO

    The Central Depository/Settlement Bank (DC/BR) has officially launched its new digital platform for public offerings (DIGIAPE), with support from the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org).

    DIGIAPE will automate primary market subscriptions in the West African Monetary Union’s (UMOA) regional financial market, enhancing both the transparency and reliability of securities allocations while boosting competitiveness through real-time allocation of securities at the close of trading.

    The African Development Bank is providing $400,000 through the Capital Markets Development Trust Fund for technical support to support the design, installation and operationalization of the DIGIAPE platform, to build staff capacity in managing the platform, and enhance the ability of regional financial market stakeholders to use the platform.

    Ibrahim Kalil Konaté, Ivorian Minister for Digital Transition and Digitization, was present at the launch event, which was also attended by representatives of the African Development Bank, the Central Depository/Settlement Bank, the UMOA Financial Markets Authority and financial market players.

    “The African Development Bank is a key strategic partner in the development of the regional financial market – as evidenced by our having committed more than two billion euros to the financial sector in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) zone, through our various instruments, since 2014,” said Ahmed Attout, Director for Financial Sector Development at the African Development Bank.

    “Our intervention is a continuation of the Bank’s support for players in the West African Monetary Union regional financial market, which began in 2018,” said Akane Zoukpo Sanankoua, Manager of the Capital Markets Development Division at the African Development Bank. “Support for the establishment of the DIGIAPE platform once again demonstrates the ability of the Capital Markets Development Trust Fund to respond concretely and strategically to the needs of Africa’s changing markets,” she added.

    DIGIAPE is expected to reduce settlement times and enable real-time allocation of securities at close, creating a more attractive environment for international investors and greater flexibility for sovereign issuers.

    “Technological innovation is now a powerful lever for transforming capital markets. In a constantly changing environment, the central depository/settlement bank, like other central securities depositories, must embrace this dynamic in order to meet the growing demand for security, efficiency, transparency and inclusion,” said Birahim Diouf, Director General of the UMOA Central Depository/Settlement Bank.

    “DIGIAPE is a digital platform designed to automate and secure the entire subscription process for public offerings on the primary market. It is a concrete response to current challenges, particularly in terms of financial inclusion, the digitization of financial services and the transparency of the regional financial market,” emphasized Diouf.

    The Capital Markets Development Trust Fund was created in 2019 to contribute to the integration and competitiveness of African capital markets by supporting strategic reforms, strengthening market infrastructure, broadening investor bases and developing innovative instruments. It is supported by the Luxembourg Ministry of Finance, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.

    The Central Depositary/Settlement Bank is a specialized UMOA financial institution based in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. It centralizes the custody of securities for its members, manages settlement/delivery operations following stock market transactions, and makes payment for securities events.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

    Media contact:
    Romaric Ollo Hien
    Communication and External Relations Department
    African Development Bank
    media@afdb.org

    About the African Development Bank Group:
    The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 34 African countries with an external office in Japan, the AfDB contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org  

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Southern African Development Community (SADC) Parliamentarians join forces to advance the Right to Food and agrifood systems transformation

    Source: APO

    Amid growing food insecurity and malnutrition across Southern Africa, parliamentarians are stepping up to drive legislative solutions. From 22 to 24 July 2025, parliamentarians from across the region – are gathering  in Johannesburg, South Africa, for a high-level meeting and training organized by the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The aim is to enhance legislative capacity, foster collaboration, and operationalize the newly formed SADC Parliamentary Alliance on Agrifood Systems, Food Security and Nutrition.

    This initiative comes at a pivotal time, as the region contends with overlapping shocks, from climate extremes to economic pressures, that continue to disrupt agrifood systems and widen inequality. It also builds momentum in the lead-up to the Third Global Parliamentary Summit against Hunger and Malnutrition, to be hosted in 2026 at the Pan-African Parliament headquarters in South Africa.

    The event also commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Right to Food Guidelines, reaffirming the importance of national legal frameworks in securing the fundamental right to adequate food for all. In a region where undernutrition and hunger remain persistent, the meeting offers an opportunity to align parliamentary action with regional and global frameworks such as the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), and SDG 2 – Zero Hunger.

    The Alliance is envisioned as a platform to foster cross-border cooperation, enabling parliamentarians to share good practices, advocate for sustainable food systems, and shape policy dialogue at national, regional, and global levels.

    FAO’s technical role in strengthening legal foundations

    As the lead technical agency, FAO is supporting this process by providing legal expertise, delivering targeted training, and promoting the domestication of the Pan-African Parliament Model Law on Food Security and Nutrition.

    As part of a global initiative funded by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity of Germany, FAO is equipping parliamentarians to legislate, monitor, and advance the right to food across diverse national contexts. Beyond the training, FAO’s support includes technical assistance to align national laws with the Model Law’s provisions—ensuring countries have the legal tools needed to address food insecurity through inclusive and rights-based approaches. This is part of FAO’s broader commitment to strengthening governance mechanisms and embedding food systems transformation within sustainable development priorities.

    Building on the establishment of the Alliance in December 2024, supported by FAO and the Spanish cooperation agency (AECID), the adoption of the Alliance’s first work plan and the establishment of its governance structures mark the beginning of a long-term process.

    Realizing the right to food requires sustained political will, robust legal frameworks, and active parliamentary engagement to protect biodiversity, support traditional food systems, and ensure that no one is left behind.

    As the countdown to the 2026 Global Parliamentary Summit begins, FAO remains committed to supporting SADC parliamentarians in translating commitments into concrete, lasting impact. The road to Zero Hunger will require solid laws, inclusive institutions, and continued partnerships rooted in the shared vision of a food-secure future for all.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Online finance portal launched to make it easier for people to assess paid-for care costs

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Tuesday, 22nd July 2025

    A 24/7 online financial assessment service has been launched for residents looking to access paid-for adult social care in Stoke-on-Trent.

    The Online Financial Assessment tool – which can be found at www.stoke.gov.uk/ascfinance – will help people estimate the contributions they need to make towards a variety of care needs – such as residential, nursing and home care.

    It will also help them work out their eligibility to have their paid-for support part or fully funded.

    The portal can be used by existing clients – or a family member, friend or other person representing them – to assess ongoing costs, as well as those looking to make an initial financial assessment.

    The seven-day-a-week service also allows people to submit relevant documents, such as bank statements, to help calculate their assessment and work out support eligibility. 

    It is the fourth portal launched by the council’s Adult Social Care team in the last few months – the Carers Portal, Bettercare Support Portal and Professional Portal are also available 24/7 to make accessing services, support and signposting better than ever before.

    The aim of all four is to help people lead the most independent lives they possibly can by tapping into the right amount of support, whatever their circumstances.

    Councillor Duncan Walker, cabinet member for adult social care and all-age commissioning at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “This is an extremely useful online tool that will provide much-needed financial assessment support to those looking to access paid-for care.

    “We know that going into a residential care home or arranging care at home can be a stressful time in a person’s life, as well affecting their family and close friends, so we want to make this process as quick and easy as possible.

    “This also offers a convenient option for people who’s prefer to do it online and at a time of their choosing.”  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Two more Plymouth schools to make Safer School Streets permanent

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Two more Plymouth schools will be making their ‘Safer School Streets’ schemes permanent after the summer holiday, following successful 18-month trials.

    The schemes see roads closed to school-run and through traffic during morning and afternoon drop-off and pick-up times, improving safety for everyone, making it easier for families to walk, cycle or scoot to school and creating a healthier street environment with cleaner air.

    Stuart Road Primary Academy was the first to run an extended trial of the restrictions before making them permanent last year. It will now be joined by Compton CofE Primary and St Paul’s RC Primary, where the measures have made a significant change to the way families travel to school.

    At Compton, surveys and counts carried out by Sustrans and the Council’s road safety team showed the number of children being driven to school fell by 34 per cent after the scheme was put in place and there was a 60 per cent increase in children using the Pearn Road crossing. St Paul’s reported a “huge drop in parked vehicles in Barne Lane”.

    Councillor John Stephens, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport, said: “It’s great to see another two schools making their Safer School Streets schemes permanent. This shows how effective the measures can be in tackling inconsiderate and dangerous parking and making school journeys safer. They also help to reduce congestion and improve air quality around the school gates, as well as encourage active travel.

    “We work hard to encourage families to leave the car at home where possible and promote active travel (including schemes such as walk and stride and walking buses). Making sure local roads and footways are safe and accessible is a huge part of this.

    Every weekday during term time, roads outside each school are closed with temporary barriers during their morning and afternoon school run times.

    • St Paul’s (Barne Lane): 8.15am to 9am and 2.30pm to 3.30pm
    • Compton (Pearn Road and Pearn Gardens): 8.15am to 9.15am and 2.45pm to 3.45pm

    There will be no changes to these timings.

    Families are encouraged to walk, cycle or scoot to school or, if they need to drive to work, to ‘park and stride’ – where they park a five or 10 minute walk from the school and go the rest of the way by foot.

    Access is maintained for local residents and businesses, parents and children with disabilities, the emergency services, deliveries and other service vehicles.

    The measures have been trialled for 18 months under an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order. The permanent Traffic Regulation Order has been advertised in the local press and on street and the school community and local residents are being made aware.

    The decision to make the scheme permanent was signed on 25 June and can be viewed on our decisions page.

    For more information visit our Safer School Streets page or the School Streets website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Summertime fun is child’s play with Breeze In The Park

    Source: City of Leeds

    Organised by Leeds City Council, the roadshow-style programme will see a total of 26 low-cost play days taking place in local communities over the next month.

    Each event will be held in a different park or green space and will feature interactive activities such as arts, crafts, sports and games together with Breeze’s much-loved giant inflatables.

    The programme gets under way tomorrow (Wednesday, July 23) at Belle Isle’s Coopers Field and will finish at Wortley Recreation Ground on August 21.

    In between times, events will take place in Armley, Beeston, Bramhope, Bramley, Burmantofts, Cross Gates, Drighlington, East Ardsley, East End Park, Farsley, Garforth, Harehills, Horsforth, Kirkstall, Middleton, Morley, Otley, Potternewton, Pudsey, Rothwell, Seacroft, Tinshill, Woodhouse and Yeadon.

    The visits to Armley, Beeston, Bramhope, Cross Gates, East Ardsley, East End Park, Harehills, Kirkstall, Middleton, Morley, Potternewton and Wortley will include quieter and more relaxed sessions for those with additional needs. Extra staff will be on hand to offer assistance at these sessions, with queuing kept to a minimum and designated parking provided where possible.

    A summertime staple in local parks since 2004, Breeze-themed events have become renowned over the years for their focus on fun, inclusivity and value for money.

    The wider city’s commitment to those same principles means there are no shortage of other free, low-cost or pay-as-you-can entertainment options for children and young people in Leeds during the school holidays.

    And to help families plan their to-do lists, the council’s Child Friendly Leeds team has now produced – with support from partners and stakeholders – a handy guide giving full details of what’s on and when.

    The guide covers everything from magic shows at Leeds City Museum and workshops at Leeds Discovery Centre to film screenings at Hyde Park Picture House and children’s activities at Leeds Kirkgate Market – as well, of course, as Breeze In The Park.

    Also featured is Wonderland Awaits, an immersive city centre trail of Lewis Carroll-themed installations that runs from July 26 to August 31 and will take in landmark locations such as the Corn Exchange, the Royal Armouries and the Victoria Quarter.

    The release of the guide aligns with one of the key goals of the Child Friendly Leeds ’12 Wishes’ action plan, which was developed using views gathered from 80,000 children and young people.

    Wish number seven of the 12 wishes in the plan is focused on the need to ensure that information about events, activities, groups, cultural experiences and days out is communicated and promoted as effectively as possible.

    Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said:

    “Breeze In The Park is a much-loved part of summer for children and young people across the city and I’m sure they, like me, will be delighted that it’s back once again.

    “By making the events low-cost, taking them out into so many different communities and running sessions for those with additional needs, we aim to ensure they are as accessible and inclusive as possible.

    “My thanks go to all the organising team for their hard work in making Breeze In The Park a success year in, year out.”

    Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for children and families, said:

    “Our summer events guide is an excellent illustration of how Child Friendly Leeds is endeavouring to make this the best city in the country to grow up in.

    “The range of activities detailed in the guide is truly impressive and it’s our hope that it contains something for everyone.

    “This has been a really positive and collaborative project, with the support the Child Friendly Leeds team has received from partners and stakeholders being great to see.”

    All of the Breeze In The Park events will have one main session, running from midday to 4pm.

    Additional needs sessions will run from 11am to midday, with those attending them being welcome to stay on for the afternoon activities at no extra charge.

    Tickets for all sessions cost £1 each and must be bought in advance. Purchases can be made here or, for additional needs sessions, here. A full list of event dates and locations can be found on the same web pages.

    Breeze In The Park is funded with the generous support of the council’s network of local community committees.

    Breeze Pass holders get fast-track access to some of the most popular inflatable attractions. Please note, pass holders must still purchase tickets in advance.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Relaunch of Introductory Veterinary Wholesale Qualified Person Training Course 

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Relaunch of Introductory Veterinary Wholesale Qualified Person Training Course 

    Online training course 11 – 12 November 2025 introducing the role and responsibilities of the Wholesale Qualified Person (WQP) and the legislative requirements for wholesale distribution. 

    Course content

    Delivered by the VMD’s highly experienced inspectors, the event will feature a blend of lectures, discussion, and practical activities.

    Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and gain practical support and guidance, engage with practical exercises featuring real-life challenges and scenarios, and network with other delegates and share best practice.

    Who is this course for?

    The event is suited to persons who are seeking to become a WQP, existing WQPs wishing to refresh their understanding, and for businesses looking to become wholesale dealers of veterinary medicines.

    The November event is an incredibly popular training course, and part of a series of training courses specially designed with industry needs in mind. Ali Pitfield, Head of the VMD Training Centre Team, said;

    “Our training events offer a unique opportunity for industry professionals and those in the veterinary sector to engage directly with our experts, and receive immediate answers to their questions. It’s fantastic to hear the training is valued by attendees.”

    Feedback from attendees

    Attendees from our previous WQP course said:

    “Every single session was incredibly useful, as each topic covered was directly relevant to the WQP role. There were no fillers, just clear, in-depth, and practical guidance that will help any WQP navigate their responsibilities with confidence”.

    “The inspectors seemed genuinely committed to supporting the industry in achieving compliance. Many thanks for that!”

    “The VMD is committed to providing accessible and supportive training to industry.”

    Dates of the course

    This a two-part online introductory course:

    Part 1: Tuesday 11 November 2025 from 9:00-13:00

    Part 2: Wednesday 12 November 2025 from 9:00-13:00

    Registration

    If you are interested in attending the event, please visit Eventbrite for further information and to book your place.

    Course cost

    £495 per person with certificate of attendance.

    Enquiries

    If you have any questions, training enquiries or would like to contact the VMD Training Team, please email training@vmd.gov.uk.

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Complex ticket for the exhibitions “Valeria Ermoolenko. Life of Things” and “Lev Aronov. Inner Movement”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    In the gallery “Na Shabolovke” of the association “Exhibition halls of Moscow” they offer a combined ticket for the exhibitions “Valeria Ermoolenko. The life of things” and “Lev Aronov. Inner movement”.

    The still lifes of Valeria Ermoolenko, daughter of Lev Aronov, show the poeticization of everyday life, a special view of everyday things that gives them symbolic meaning. All works are provided from the family collection and are exhibited for the first time.

    Lev Aronov’s creative legacy includes paintings and graphic works. The personal exhibition is divided into several thematic sections such as nature, family, village, Kalmyk sketches, people, art and museum. Some of the paintings will also be shown for the first time.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft has certified a software package for modeling technological processes

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The RN-SIMTEP software package received a certificate of conformity stating that the software for modeling the processes of preparation, transportation and primary processing of hydrocarbon raw materials was developed taking into account the requirements of industry standards and GOSTs.

    The functionality of RN-SIMTEP is based on modern mathematical algorithms and methods and allows for precise modeling of the behavior of multicomponent hydrocarbon flows. The advantages of the software package include risk analysis during operation of surface facilities: corrosion, salt deposits, hydrate formation, as well as optimization of equipment operating modes.

    Voluntary certification confirms the high quality of the developed mathematical models and algorithms, as well as the software’s compliance with Russian regulatory documents. The presence of a certificate is a prerequisite for coordinating projects for new field development facilities in Russian government agencies.

    “RN-SIMTEP” was developed by specialists of the Rosneft scientific institute in Ufa. It is used in the work of employees of 27 subsidiaries of the Company.

    Rosneft is the first company in Russia to successfully create science-intensive software covering all key processes of oil and gas production. The Company’s digital solutions are used for production tasks in the field of geology, design, development and operation of fields. They surpass imported analogues in speed, list of tasks solved, use of modern algorithms and clear interface. The unique line of its own software consists of 24 software products.

    Department of Information and AdvertisingPJSC NK RosneftJuly 22, 2025

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/SOUTH KOREA – Like a hidden treasure. Korean Catholics treasure the memory of their martyrs

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    [embedded content]
    by Pascale RizkSeoul (Fides Agency) – “If we follow the example of the martyrs and believe in the word of the Lord, then we will understand the sublime freedom and joy with which they went to their death.” These were the words of Pope Francis to the Korean people during the Mass for the beatification of Paul Yun Ji-Chung and his 123 fellow martyrs, celebrated on Saturday, August 16, 2014, at Gwanghwamun Gate in Seoul, during his apostolic journey to South Korea.In a Korea that hardly resembles that of three centuries ago, the joy and freedom of the martyrs of the past continue to attract many Koreans and lead them to encounter Christ.It is the places, the descendants, and even the soil that today hold “like a treasure” the memory of those who, with simple courage and the gift of self, left everything behind so as not to be “separated from the love of Christ” (Rom 8:35).This July, the Catholic Church in Korea pauses to commemorate the centenary of the beatification of its first 79 martyrs, canonized in 1984.Pilgrimages in the footsteps of martyrsIn recent years, the emotion felt by many Koreans who visit the sites of their martyrdom seems to be growing and becoming increasingly intense.In 2011, bishops and priests responsible for places of martyrdom in various dioceses created an ideal itinerary entitled “Shrines of Catholicism in Korea,” an initiative that has become a valuable guide for pilgrims. It collects and lists 167 references to shrines dear to the memories of the Church, 69 of which are places of martyrdom. The guidebook includes a prayer to begin the pilgrimage and another to conclude it. In its revised edition published in 2019, the guide distinguishes between shrines, places of martyrdom, and places of pilgrimage.The most well-known and popular places are the itineraries proposed by the Archdiocese of Seoul as pilgrimage routes, which were also approved by the Holy See on September 14, 2018. Three itineraries, presented as the ‘ Good News Road’, ‘the Eternal Life Road’ and ‘the Unity Road’, offer visitors the chance to walk through the streets of the capital, visiting the most important monuments in the history of the Catholic Church on the peninsula, such as Gwanghuimun Gate, where the bodies of martyred Catholics were carried, hence its nickname ‘Gate of the Dead’. Other significant sites include the Jeoldusan Shrine, a rocky promontory where thousands of baptized Christians were martyred, and the Gahoe-dong Church, where the first Mass was celebrated in 1795. At other points identified along the route, such as the site of the house of John the Baptist Yi Byeok, who welcomed the first Korean Christians, only commemorative plaques remain, after centuries of destruction and reconstruction have radically altered the urban landscape.The descendants honor their ancestorsIn September, the Catholic Church in Korea commemorates its 103 saints and 124 blessed. The former were canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1984, while the latter were proclaimed blessed by Pope Francis in 2014. The relics presented to public worship a few days ago, on July 2, in Seoul, belong to four Korean saints. The relics belong to three French missionaries of the Societé des Missions Etrangères de Paris (Bishop Laurent Imbert, Priests Pierre Maubant and Jacques Chastan), together with the first Korean priest, Andrea Kim Tae-gon. The Korean Bishops’ Conference received these relics on February 19, previously kept by the Sisters of St. Benedict of Olivetano in Korea. In particular, they are a fragment of Andrew Kim’s foot bone and hair from the others. Kim was martyred at the age of 25 on September 16, 1846, while the French missionaries were beheaded on September 21, 1839, in Saenamteo, on the north bank of the Han River, in the Yongsan-gu district of Seoul. The ceremony was part of a series of commemorative events for the centenary of the holy month of the beatification of the 79 martyrs.New faces of martyrdomCurrently, the Catholic Church in Korea is pursuing the beatification process for two other groups of baptized Christians who were killed during the persecutions. The first is that of the Servant of God John Baptist Yi Byeok and his 132 lay companions killed during the Joseon dynasty between 1785 and 1879. Yi Byeok played a key role in the first Korean Christian community and his companions included Francis Xavier Kwon Il-shin and Ambrose Kwon Cheol-shin.The second group is that of Bishop Francis Borgia Hong Yeong-ho and his 80 companions who lived in modern times, some of whom died in the 1901 massacre in Jeju and others killed after the division of Korea, including 20 priests and 3 foreign missionary nuns. Among them are Sister Marie Mechtilde of the Blessed Sacrament and Sister Teresa of the Child Jesus of the Carmelite monastery in Seoul who, together with three other foreign sisters, founded the small convent in Hyehwa-dong, desired by Bishop Won Larriveau in 1940. All of them had the opportunity to flee abroad, but decided to remain with the Korean nuns: two of them were kidnapped and tortured. Eventually, during the infamous “death march” from Pyongyang to Chunggangjin on the Amnok River, they were martyred and buried in North Korea. The other three were repatriated to their country of origin, France, thanks to a prisoner exchange.The Maryknoll missionary Patrick Byrne, the first bishop of Pyongyang, who was originally from the United States, also chose to remain in Korea during the war. Refusing to denounce the United States, the United Nations, and the Vatican, he was sentenced to death by the North Koreans but managed to survive, albeit after suffering brutal treatment. He later joined other prisoners on a forced march led by a ruthless commander known as “the Tiger.” Despite his suffering and exhaustion, Byrne assisted dying soldiers, praying and giving blessings along the way. On the third day of the march, while giving general absolution to the soldiers kneeling with him in the snow-covered mountains, he fell seriously ill and died in a freezing North Korean hospital with no medicine, known to the prisoners as “the morgue.”The investigation for the beatification process was completed in June 2022 in Korea, and the relevant material was sent to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.The hidden shrine of HantiDuring the Joseon dynasty, Catholics fled to the south of the country and sought refuge in the mountains. They tried to stay close to or at least in secret contact with their families who had been imprisoned and arrested in various places. Thus, the first Christian families arrived at the mountain called Hanti, located 600 meters above sea level, northwest of Palgongsan and north of the city of Daegu, in the province of Gyeongsang. After the persecutions of Eulhae (1815), Jeonghae (1827), and Gihae (1839), and during a period of easing tensions in the middle of the century, the presence of Catholics in the country had become significant. This is also attested to by the letter sent in 1862 to François-Antoine Albrand, Superior General of the Paris Foreign Missions Society, by Siméon-François Berneux, Vicar Apostolic of Korea (1854-1866), which reads: “I went to a very isolated village on the side of a large mountain, and about 40 Christians received Holy Communion.”With the Byeongin persecution (1866), which followed the Gyeongsin persecution (1860), the tribulations of Korean Catholics reached their peak of violence, becoming extermination: nearly 8,000 out of 10,000 were killed. Then came the Mujin persecution (1868), which struck the inhabitants of Hanti, martyred on the spot for apostasy.The first pilgrimages to the site began a hundred years later, and in 1988 six martyrs’ graves were exhumed and transferred. Present at the site, Joo-gang Thomas Aquinas, professor of anatomy at the National University of Kyeongpook’s medical school, recounts in an article in a Catholic newspaper: “The body in front of me was decapitated. The neck was bent at the waist and the lower part of the body was lying on the ground. I carefully examined the cervical vertebrae. There were no fractures and the number matched; it seemed that only the flesh had been cut with a sharp knife. Tears streamed from my eyes.“ Today, 37 tombs of the “countless unknown martyrs” rest on Hanti Hill in the metropolitan archdiocese of Daegu.The soil soaked with the blood of martyrsThere were just as many nameless martyrs in the diocese of Daejeon, 157 kilometers from Daegu. “In 2014, Father Peter Kim Dongyum oversaw the transfer of the graves of the nameless Korean martyrs, who belonged to the lowest social class and were killed in the 19th century in Deoksan, Haemi, and Hongju, cities located in the diocese. This intervention was necessary because rising water levels threatened the integrity of the graves,“ says Father Agostino Han, head of the office at the Dicastery for Evangelization. ”The graves were transferred to a plot of land adjacent to the Silli Shrine. In Silli, Saint Marie-Nicolas-Antoine Daveluy, M.E.P., fifth bishop of the Korean peninsula, secretly carried out his pastoral ministry for 21 years. During the transfer, Peter Kim felt compelled to preserve some of the soil around the graves, believing that it might contain relics of the Martyrs, who had been buried without proper funeral rites due to the harsh persecutions of the time. For this reason, he reserved a portion of that soil for the creation of ceramic crucifixes and rosary beads, incorporating the soil taken from the tombs of the Martyrs. It can therefore be assumed that these rosary beads contain soil imbued with the blood and bone fragments of those Martyrs who offered their lives in witness to their faith. It is a way of honoring them, their faith, and their memory.”(Fides Agency 22/7/25)Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Soitec Held Its Annual General Meeting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SOITEC HELD ITS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

    Bernin (Grenoble), France – July 22, 2025 – Soitec (Euronext Paris) held its Annual General Meeting today, chaired by Frédéric Lissalde.

    Shareholders approved in particular the following key items:

    • the Company’s statutory and consolidated financial statements for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, as well as the appropriation of earnings;
    • the re-election of Bpifrance Participations, CEA Investissement, and Fonds Stratégique de Participations as Directors for a term of three years;
    • the compensation components paid or granted to corporate officers for the 2024-2025 fiscal year;
    • the compensation policies for corporate officers for the 2025-2026 fiscal year;
    • various financial authorizations and delegations to the Board of Directors; and
    • several by-law amendments.

    The 27th resolution, concerning the amendment to the article of the bylaws defining the thresholds above which shareholders are required to disclose their shareholding to the Company -a matter for the extraordinary general meeting- received 60.15% of the votes and was therefore not adopted.

    Following the non-renewal of Kai Seikku’s term as a Director, Soitec’s Board of Directors is now composed of 13 members, of whom 45% are women and 64% are independent (excluding the employee Directors).

    Kai Seikku is replaced on the Sustainability Committee by Françoise Chombar.

    The presentation given at the General Meeting and the detailed voting results are available on the Company’s website (www.soitec.com) in the section Investors – Shareholders & Analysts – Shareholders’ General Meetings. The summary of the meeting will be made available shortly in the same section of the Company’s website.

    *****
    About Soitec

    Soitec (Euronext – Tech Leaders), a world leader in innovative semiconductor materials, has been developing cutting-edge products delivering both technological performance and energy efficiency for over 30 years. From its global headquarters in France, Soitec is expanding internationally with its unique solutions, and generated sales of 0.9 billion Euros in fiscal year 2024-2025. Soitec occupies a key position in the semiconductor value chain, serving three main strategic markets: Mobile Communications, Automotive and Industrial, and Edge and Cloud AI. The company relies on the talent and diversity of more than 2,200 employees, representing 50 different nationalities, working at its sites in Europe, the United States and Asia. Nearly 4,300 patents have been registered by Soitec.

    Soitec, SmartSiC™ and Smart Cut™ are registered trademarks of Soitec.

    For more information: https://www.soitec.com/en/ and follow us on LinkedIn and X: @Soitec_Official

    *****

    Media Relations: media@soitec.com

    Investor Relations: investors@soitec.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Thomas Financial Group Secures $19.975 Million USDA Loan for Major Mendocino Hotel Restoration

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ATLANTA, July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Thomas Financial Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Community Bankshares Inc., is proud to announce the successful closing of a $19.975 million USDA Business & Industry (B&I) loan for the refinance and full renovation of two historic hospitality assets in downtown Mendocino: The Mendocino Hotel & Garden Suites and Hill House Inn.

    This milestone project, originated and underwritten by Thomas Financial Group, was financed through the USDA’s B&I program. The project will preserve and revitalize all guest rooms across the two properties, relaunch a centerpiece food and beverage destination, reactivate the largest indoor event space on California’s North Coast, and create over 50 new high-paying jobs, tripling the current staff and restoring these historic landmarks to full operation.

    Once thriving anchors of the Mendocino community, both the Mendocino Hotel & Garden Suites and Hill House Inn had fallen into disrepair. With this USDA loan, the new owners, Castle Peak Holdings, will launch a comprehensive restoration that enhances the guest experience while preserving the charm and history that define this iconic coastal village.

    The planned improvements include:

    • Expansive renovations across both properties.
    • Restoration of a three-meal restaurant and historic lobby bar at Mendocino Hotel.
    • Reopening of North Coast’s largest indoor wedding venue.
    • Upgrades to room layouts, ADA compliance, and coastal-facing suites.
    • Activation of public gathering spaces for locals and tourists alike.

    The Mendocino Hotel & Garden Suites, the only full-service hotel in the downtown district, will be a dynamic center of gravity for the North Coast on Mendocino’s historic Main Street, while Hill House Inn – famed as the setting for the drama TV series “Murder She Wrote” – will be restored as a hilltop retreat featuring the largest and most flexible meeting and event spaces on the North Coast, with ocean views and walking access to downtown Mendocino. Both properties will feature authentic local design elements and highlight regional artisans and makers through curated programming.

    “This is what rural revitalization looks like,” said Zach Chandler, SVP, Government Guaranteed Lending for Thomas Financial Group. “We delivered a complex, long-term loan structure to support two of Northern California’s most irreplaceable hospitality assets, and did it with the stability of USDA financing.”

    With an 80% USDA guarantee, a 30-year term, and no balloon payments, the loan provides unmatched peace of mind for the borrower, particularly in a volatile rate environment.

    Situated in a town with a regulatory moratorium on new hotel development, these properties represent a significant portion of Mendocino’s total hotel room inventory. With over 2 million annual visitors and no new supply on the horizon, the business case for reinvesting in these assets is as compelling as the historic preservation effort itself.

    “This project is about more than restoring two historic hotels,” said David Better, Partner at Castle Peak Holdings. “It’s about breathing life back into community gems, reactivating jobs, and celebrating the unique cultural legacy and spirit of Mendocino. These hotels are deeply woven into the historic fabric of what makes Mendocino special. Everyone in the area has a story about these hotels; whether they worked there as a kid, had their high school prom there, or shared a memorable meal there with family and friends. We look forward to delivering a successful project and creating the next generation of memories, for locals and guests alike. The USDA loan gave us the ability to do that in a thoughtful, sustainable way—and the team at Thomas Financial made the process seamless from start to finish.”

    This project is part of a growing trend where USDA financing is used to support economic development in iconic rural destinations, and Thomas Financial Group is leading the charge.

    “We’re not just closing loans—we’re reactivating communities,” added Chandler. “If you have a hospitality, manufacturing, or rural development project in the pipeline, we can help you close faster, structure smarter, and build for the long term.”

    If you’re looking to fund a rural acquisition, repositioning, or expansion project and need a lender who can bridge the gap and deliver USDA takeout, contact Thomas Financial Group today.

    About Thomas Financial Group

    Thomas Financial Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Community Bankshares Inc., is a nationally recognized leader in USDA and SBA lending. In partnership with Phoenix Lender Services and Community Bank & Trust, TFG specializes in complex capital solutions that support rural economic development, small business growth, and infrastructure expansion.

    About Community Bankshares Inc.

    Community Bankshares Inc. is a privately held financial holding company headquartered in LaGrange, Georgia, with subsidiaries including Community Bank & Trust, Thomas Financial Group, and Phoenix Lender Services. Through its network of specialized financial institutions, Community Bankshares Inc. delivers innovative, relationship-driven banking and lending services across the United States, with a strong emphasis on rural development and community reinvestment.

    Media Contact
    Abigail Davison
    Uproar by Moburst for Community Bankshares, Inc.
    abigail.davison@moburst.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s police chief meets Belarusian interior minister

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

    BEIJING, July 22 — China’s State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong met with Ivan Kubrakov, Interior Minister of Belarus, in Beijing on Tuesday.

    Wang said that under the strategic guidance of the presidents of the two countries, China-Belarus relations have been growing soundly and steadily.

    Wang called on both sides, guided by the important consensus between the two heads of state, to deepen practical law enforcement and security cooperation in areas such as safeguarding political security and combating transnational organized crime.

    The two sides should also enhance security for projects of Belt and Road cooperation, and contribute more to the development of the China-Belarus all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership, Wang said.

    For his part, Kubrakov expressed Belarusian side’s willingness to strengthen cooperation and jointly safeguard the security of both countries.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: €3.68 Billion Funding Under National Development Plan to Power Irish Enterprise, Innovation, and Tourism

    Source: Government of Ireland – Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation

    22nd July 2025

    The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (DETE) has announced €3.68 billion in funding under the National Development Plan (NDP) to support transformative enterprise, innovation and tourism programmes through to 2030. The enhanced capital allocation, which includes €400 million in additional funding, has been designed to support Irish enterprises to start up, grow and scale internationally, to drive the competitiveness and productivity of businesses across every region of the country, to provide for the delivery of supports to attract inward investment, to support access to finance and to position Ireland as a destination of choice for tourism through product development and overseas marketing. 

    The funding will enable the Department and its Agencies to invest directly in Irish companies and to strengthen our indigenous base, in the face of potential geopolitical shocks.  This will include new investment funds to support Irish companies where there is currently a funding gap and where business financing can be challenged.  Funding will also enable the development of a national start-up accelerator programme, development of regional incubators and enterprise centres and the positioning of Ireland internationally as a hub for entrepreneurs and start-ups.

    Highlighting the ambition set out in this funding, Minister for Enterprise, Employment and Tourism Peter Burke said, 

    “This €3.68 billion investment is the linchpin in Ireland’s vision to be a global leader in enterprise, innovation and entrepreneurship. It will enable my department to continue its delivery of capital schemes to businesses, focusing on jobs and enterprise development, innovation and tourism programmes, including utilisation of the full extent of income earned by the Department’s Agencies. We find ourselves in uncertain times when it comes to the global marketplace, and we must ensure our investment is well targeted and our family businesses and exporters are supported to focus on productivity, competitiveness and diversification. 

    Importantly, this funding will also ensure that all Irish businesses, large, small and medium, have the support they need to grow, scale and compete internationally, while also attracting the next generation of foreign direct investment to our shores

    Funding will fuel innovation-specific actions to align with opportunities arising at EU level in pursuit of EU innovation and competitiveness, as well as key European funding. “

    Key priorities include continued inward investment with funding to purchase two land banks for the development of Next Generation Sites. These sites will attract companies seeking sites of significant scale and will position Ireland to compete for investment and strengthen competitive advantage globally.

    In respect of the tourism sector, additional funding will increase product development and SME support, targeting new high-growth tourism segments and increased marketing of Ireland as a tourism destination overseas. Funding will also be directed into delivering new Regional Enterprise Plans, helping realise regional enterprise development. 

    Minister of State for Small Business, Retail and Employment Alan Dillon noted how funding would result in a direct investment in jobs, resilience and regional economic development, 

    “This funding represents a powerful investment in Ireland’s future, not just in capital, but in people, ideas, and communities. By expanding support for regional incubators, enterprise centres, and a national start-up accelerator, we’re equipping small businesses, retailers, and entrepreneurs across the country with the tools they need to thrive.

    It’s about unlocking potential by helping Irish companies scale, compete globally, and create high-quality jobs. It’s also about resilience, strengthening local economies and ensuring every region can share in the opportunities of innovation and growth. This is a real boost for enterprise, employment, and regional development.”

    Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation Niamh Smyth went on to say, 

    “Beyond traditional enterprise, we’re exponentially scaling Ireland’s deep‑tech ecosystem and stepping up to be a serious player in the global innovation economy. This funding will power national participation in strategic sectors such as Important Projects of Common European Interest and accelerate R&D in cutting-edge sectors, including microelectronics and advanced tech. We’re building an ecosystem where AI, digital innovation and technological entrepreneurship can flourish.”

    The NDP funding will enhance the Department’s 2025 base of €3.28 billion and will be fully supplemented by income generated by its agencies. It will empower the Department and its agencies to invest strategically in scaling Irish companies, attracting major international investment, advancing national start-up infrastructure, and delivering cutting-edge research and development aligned with EU priorities. Further programme details will be outlined in the Department’s Competitiveness and Productivity Action Plan, to be published in September.

    ENDS

    EDITORS NOTES 

    Capital schemes include:

    • Next‑Generation Sites: Land acquisition for large-scale NextGen sites to attract significant foreign investment.
    • Irish Enterprise & Tourism: Scaling of Irish businesses via a new scaling fund, technology centre expansion, a national start-up accelerator, regional incubators, and tourism competitiveness support.
    • Innovation & IP: Boosting Ireland’s participation in EU Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEIs), especially microelectronics and advanced tech, backed by strong IP policy frameworks.

    For further information please contact Press Office, Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, press.office@enterprise.gov.ie or (01) 631-2200

    Back to Department News

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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: HomeTrust Bancshares, Inc. Announces Financial Results for the Second Quarter of the Year Ending December 31, 2025 and Declaration of a Quarterly Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ASHEVILLE, N.C., July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HomeTrust Bancshares, Inc. (NYSE: HTB) (“Company”), the holding company of HomeTrust Bank (“Bank”), today announced preliminary net income for the second quarter of the year ending December 31, 2025 and approval of its quarterly cash dividend.

    For the quarter ended June 30, 2025 compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2025:

    • net income was $17.2 million compared to $14.5 million;
    • diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) were $1.00 compared to $0.84;
    • annualized return on assets (“ROA”) was 1.58% compared to 1.33%;
    • annualized return on equity (“ROE”) was 11.97% compared to 10.52%;
    • net interest margin was 4.32% compared to 4.18%;
    • provision for credit losses was $1.3 million compared to $1.5 million;
    • gain on the sale of our two Knoxville, Tennessee branches was $1.4 million compared to $0;
    • quarterly cash dividends continued at $0.12 per share totaling $2.1 million for both periods; and
    • 78,412 shares of Company common stock were repurchased during the current quarter at an average price of $35.74 compared to 14,800 shares repurchased at an average price of $33.64 in the prior quarter.

    For the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2024:

    • net income was $31.7 million compared to $27.5 million;
    • diluted EPS were $1.84 compared to $1.61;
    • annualized ROA was 1.46% compared to 1.25%;
    • annualized ROE was 11.26% compared to 10.73%;
    • net interest margin was 4.25% compared to 4.08%;
    • provision for credit losses was $2.8 million compared to $5.4 million;
    • tax-free death benefit proceeds from life insurance were $0 compared to $1.1 million;
    • cash dividends of $0.24 per share totaling $4.1 million compared to $0.22 per share totaling $3.7 million; and
    • 93,212 shares of Company common stock were repurchased during the six months at an average price of $35.41 compared to 23,483 shares repurchased at an average price of $27.48 in the same period last year.

    The Company also announced today that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.12 per common share payable on August 28, 2025 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on August 14, 2025.

    “Given the current economic uncertainty, we are pleased to report another quarter of strong financial results,” said C. Hunter Westbrook, President and Chief Executive Officer. “These results reflect HTB’s commitment to remain nimble and be prudent balance sheet managers. Our earnings story over recent quarters has primarily been driven by our top quartile net interest margin, which expanded to 4.32% this quarter, and our ability to limit growth in our expense base.

    “HTB previously set a goal to be a consistently high-performing regional community bank that is a regionally and nationally recognized ‘Best Place to Work.’ As a result of this strong financial performance, for the second year in a row, the Company was named one of Forbes’ America’s Best Banks for 2025 and recognized as a Top 50 Community Bank in the 2024 S&P Global Market Intelligence annual rankings, awards based on the overall financial performance and strength of financial institutions. The Company was also recently included in the coveted 2025 KBW Bank Honor Roll, a distinction granted to only 5% of eligible banks based on their best-in-class earnings growth over the past ten years. Over the last year, HTB has been recognized as a best place to work in all five states we serve as well as nationally by Newsweek and American Banker.

    “Lastly, during the quarter we completed the previously announced sale of our two Knoxville, Tennessee branches. This transaction reflects our efforts to tighten our geographic footprint, improve our branch efficiencies, and allow us to better allocate capital to support long-term growth in other core markets.”

    WEBSITE: WWW.HTB.COM

    Comparison of Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2025 and March 31, 2025
    Net Income.  Net income totaled $17.2 million, or $1.00 per diluted share, for the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to $14.5 million, or $0.84 per diluted share, for the three months ended March 31, 2025, an increase of $2.7 million, or 18.4%. Results for the three months ended June 30, 2025 benefited from a $1.3 million increase in net interest income and a $2.1 million increase in noninterest income due to a $1.4 million gain on the sale of two branch locations. Details of the changes in the various components of net income are further discussed below.

    Net Interest Income.  The following table presents the distribution of average assets, liabilities and equity, as well as interest income earned on average interest-earning assets and interest expense paid on average interest-bearing liabilities. All average balances are daily average balances. Nonaccruing loans have been included in the table as loans carrying a zero yield.

      Three Months Ended
      June 30, 2025   March 31, 2025
    (Dollars in thousands) Average
    Balance
    Outstanding    		   Interest
    Earned /
    Paid    		   Yield /
    Rate    		   Average
    Balance
    Outstanding    		   Interest
    Earned /
    Paid    		   Yield /
    Rate
    Assets                      
    Interest-earning assets                      
    Loans receivable(1) $ 3,804,502     $ 60,440   6.37 %   $ 3,802,003     $ 58,613   6.25 %
    Debt securities available for sale   149,611       1,658   4.45       152,659       1,787   4.75  
    Other interest-earning assets(2)   149,175       1,543   4.15       206,242       3,235   6.36  
    Total interest-earning assets   4,103,288       63,641   6.22       4,160,904       63,635   6.20  
    Other assets   263,603               266,141          
    Total assets $ 4,366,891             $ 4,427,045          
    Liabilities and equity                      
    Interest-bearing liabilities                      
    Interest-bearing checking accounts $ 563,817     $ 1,251   0.89 %   $ 573,316     $ 1,324   0.94 %
    Money market accounts   1,329,973       9,004   2.72       1,345,575       9,177   2.77  
    Savings accounts   182,340       37   0.08       183,354       38   0.08  
    Certificate accounts   868,321       8,564   3.96       951,715       9,824   4.19  
    Total interest-bearing deposits   2,944,451       18,856   2.57       3,053,960       20,363   2.70  
    Junior subordinated debt   10,154       206   8.14       10,129       205   8.21  
    Borrowings   31,154       350   4.51       12,301       160   5.28  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   2,985,759       19,412   2.61       3,076,390       20,728   2.73  
    Noninterest-bearing deposits   744,585               719,522          
    Other liabilities   59,973               70,821          
    Total liabilities   3,790,317               3,866,733          
    Stockholders’ equity   576,574               560,312          
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 4,366,891             $ 4,427,045          
    Net earning assets $ 1,117,529             $ 1,084,514          
    Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities   137.43 %             135.25 %        
    Non-tax-equivalent                      
    Net interest income     $ 44,229           $ 42,907    
    Interest rate spread         3.61 %           3.47 %
    Net interest margin(3)         4.32 %           4.18 %
    Tax-equivalent(4)                      
    Net interest income     $ 44,660           $ 43,325    
    Interest rate spread         3.65 %           3.51 %
    Net interest margin(3)         4.37 %           4.22 %

    (1)  Average loans receivable balances include loans held for sale and nonaccruing loans.
    (2)  Average other interest-earning assets consist of FRB stock, FHLB stock, SBIC investments and deposits in other banks.
    (3)  Net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
    (4)  Tax-equivalent results include adjustments to interest income of $431 and $418 for the three months ended June 30, 2025 and March 31, 2025, respectively, calculated based on a combined federal and state tax rate of 24%.

    Total interest and dividend income for the three months ended June 30, 2025 did not vary significantly when compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025. Regarding the components of this income, loan interest income increased $1.8 million, or 3.1%, primarily due to an increase in yield on loans and an additional day in the current quarter, which was offset by a $1.7 million, or 52.3%, decrease in other investments and interest-bearing deposits income, mainly due to a $1.0 million, or 78.9%, decrease in SBIC investment income where significant investment appreciation was recognized in the prior quarter. Accretion income on acquired loans of $1.0 million and $322,000 was recognized during the same periods, respectively, and was included in interest income on loans.

    Total interest expense for the three months ended June 30, 2025 decreased $1.3 million, or 6.3%, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025. The decrease was primarily the result of a decline in the average balance of certificate accounts, specifically brokered deposits, and a decline in the average cost of funds across funding categories.

    The following table shows the effects that changes in average balances (volume), including the difference in the number of days in the periods compared, and average interest rates (rate) had on the interest earned on interest-earning assets and interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities:

      Increase / (Decrease)
    Due to    		   Total
    Increase /
    (Decrease)
    (Dollars in thousands) Volume   Rate  
    Interest-earning assets          
    Loans receivable $ 703     $ 1,124     $ 1,827  
    Debt securities available for sale   (17 )     (112 )     (129 )
    Other interest-earning assets   (878 )     (814 )     (1,692 )
    Total interest-earning assets   (192 )     198       6  
    Interest-bearing liabilities          
    Interest-bearing checking accounts   (8 )     (65 )     (73 )
    Money market accounts   (7 )     (166 )     (173 )
    Savings accounts   —       (1 )     (1 )
    Certificate accounts   (767 )     (493 )     (1,260 )
    Junior subordinated debt   3       (2 )     1  
    Borrowings   249       (59 )     190  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   (530 )     (786 )     (1,316 )
    Increase in net interest income         $ 1,322  


    Provision for Credit Losses.      The provision for credit losses is the amount of expense that, based on our judgment, is required to maintain the allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) at an appropriate level under the current expected credit losses model.

    The following table presents a breakdown of the components of the provision for credit losses:

      Three Months Ended    
    (Dollars in thousands) June 30, 2025   March 31, 2025   $ Change   % Change
    Provision for credit losses              
    Loans $ 1,385     $ 800     $ 585     73 %
    Off-balance-sheet credit exposure   (82 )     740       (822 )   (111 )
    Total provision for credit losses $ 1,303     $ 1,540     $ (237 )   (15 )%

    For the quarter ended June 30, 2025, the “loans” portion of the provision for credit losses was the result of the following, offset by net charge-offs of $2.0 million during the quarter:

    • $0.3 million benefit driven by changes in the loan mix.
    • $1.6 million benefit due to changes in qualitative adjustments, partially offset by a slight worsening of the projected economic forecast, specifically the national unemployment rate. Of note, we released the $2.2 million qualitative allocation previously established for the potential impact of Hurricane Helene upon our loan portfolio which had been established in the quarter ended September 30, 2024. Any residual impact of the Hurricane is believed to have now been reflected elsewhere within the ACL calculation.
    • $1.3 million increase in specific reserves on individually evaluated loans.

    For the quarter ended March 31, 2025, the “loans” portion of the provision for credit losses was the result of the following, offset by net charge-offs of $1.3 million during the quarter:

    • $0.6 million benefit driven by changes in the loan mix.
    • A slight improvement in the projected economic forecast, specifically the national unemployment rate, was offset by changes in qualitative adjustments.
    • $0.1 million increase in specific reserves on individually evaluated loans.

    For the quarter ended June 30, 2025, the amount recorded for off-balance-sheet credit exposure was the result of an increase in the balance of loan commitments offset by changes in the projected economic forecast and qualitative allocation as outlined above. For the quarter ended March 31, 2025, the amount recorded for off-balance-sheet credit exposure was the result of an increase in the balance of loan commitments and changes in the loan mix and projected economic forecast as outlined above.

    Noninterest Income.  Noninterest income for the three months ended June 30, 2025 increased $2.1 million, or 26.5%, when compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2025. Changes in the components of noninterest income are discussed below:

      Three Months Ended    
    (Dollars in thousands) June 30, 2025   March 31, 2025   $ Change   % Change
    Noninterest income              
    Service charges and fees on deposit accounts $ 2,502     $ 2,244     $ 258     11 %
    Loan income and fees   548       721       (173 )   (24 )
    Gain on sale of loans held for sale   2,109       1,908       201     11  
    Bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”) income   852       842       10     1  
    Operating lease income   1,876       1,379       497     36  
    Gain on sale of branches   1,448       —       1,448     100  
    Gain on sale of premises and equipment   28       —       28     100  
    Other   794       933       (139 )   (15 )
    Total noninterest income $ 10,157     $ 8,027     $ 2,130     27 %
    • Gain on sale of loans held for sale: The increase was primarily driven by sales of the guaranteed portion of SBA commercial loans during the period. There were $7.3 million in sales of the guaranteed portion of SBA commercial loans with gains of $570,000 for the current quarter compared to $4.6 million sold and gains of $366,000 for the prior quarter. There were $108.8 million of HELOCs originated for sale which were sold during the current quarter with gains of $954,000 compared to $89.4 million sold with gains of $1.1 million in the prior quarter. There were $30.3 million of residential mortgage loans sold for gains of $558,000 during the current quarter compared to $18.8 million sold with gains of $473,000 in the prior quarter. Our hedging of mandatory commitments on the residential mortgage loan pipeline resulted in a net gain of $27,000 for the current quarter compared to a net gain of $13,000 for the prior quarter.
    • Operating lease income: The increase was primarily the result of a reduction in losses recognized on the sale of previously leased equipment. We recognized net losses of $358,000 and $745,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2025 and March 31, 2025, respectively.
    • Gain on sale of branches: On May 23, 2025, we completed the previously announced sale of our two Knoxville, Tennessee branches, recognizing a gain of $1.4 million. The gain was primarily the result of a premium received on the deposits assumed by the purchasing institution, partially offset by expenses associated with the transaction.

    Noninterest Expense.  Noninterest expense for the three months ended June 30, 2025 increased $294,000, or 0.9%, when compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025. Changes in the components of noninterest expense are discussed below:

      Three Months Ended    
    (Dollars in thousands) June 30, 2025   March 31, 2025   $ Change   % Change
    Noninterest expense              
    Salaries and employee benefits $ 18,208     $ 17,699     $ 509     3 %
    Occupancy expense, net   2,375       2,511       (136 )   (5 )
    Computer services   2,488       2,805       (317 )   (11 )
    Operating lease depreciation expense   1,789       1,868       (79 )   (4 )
    Telephone, postage and supplies   561       546       15     3  
    Marketing and advertising   442       452       (10 )   (2 )
    Deposit insurance premiums   473       511       (38 )   (7 )
    Core deposit intangible amortization   411       515       (104 )   (20 )
    Other   4,508       4,054       454     11  
    Total noninterest expense $ 31,255     $ 30,961     $ 294     1 %
    • Computer services: At the end of the prior calendar year, we finalized the multiyear renewal of our largest core processing contract. The decrease in expense quarter-over-quarter is a reflection of the improved vendor pricing negotiated through this effort.
    • Other: The change was driven by an increase in loan workout expenses in addition to smaller increases across several other expense categories.

    Income Taxes.  The amount of income tax expense is influenced by the amount of pre-tax income, tax-exempt income, changes in the statutory rate and the effect of changes in valuation allowances maintained against deferred tax benefits. The effective tax rates for the three months ended June 30, 2025 and March 31, 2025 were 21.2% and 21.1%, respectively.

    Comparison of Results of Operations for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2024
    Net Income.  Net income totaled $31.7 million, or $1.84 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to $27.5 million, or $1.61 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2024, an increase of $4.3 million, or 15.5%. The results for the six months ended June 30, 2025 were positively impacted by a $3.2 million increase in net interest income, a decrease of $2.6 million in the provision for credit losses, a $1.3 million increase in noninterest income, partially offset by a $1.6 million increase in noninterest expense. Details of the changes in the various components of net income are further discussed below.

    Net Interest Income.  The following table presents the distribution of average assets, liabilities and equity, as well as interest income earned on average interest-earning assets and interest expense paid on average interest-bearing liabilities. All average balances are daily average balances. Nonaccruing loans have been included in the table as loans carrying a zero yield.

      Six Months Ended
      June 30, 2025   June 30, 2024
    (Dollars in thousands) Average
    Balance
    Outstanding    		   Interest
    Earned /
    Paid    		   Yield /
    Rate    		   Average
    Balance
    Outstanding    		   Interest
    Earned /
    Paid    		   Yield /
    Rate
    Assets                      
    Interest-earning assets                      
    Loans receivable(1) $ 3,803,259     $ 119,053   6.31 %   $ 3,874,740     $ 122,113   6.34 %
    Debt securities available for sale   151,127       3,445   4.60       130,510       2,808   4.33  
    Other interest-earning assets(2)   177,551       4,778   5.43       135,936       3,848   5.69  
    Total interest-earning assets   4,131,937       127,276   6.21       4,141,186       128,769   6.25  
    Other assets   264,865               282,550          
    Total assets $ 4,396,802             $ 4,423,736          
    Liabilities and equity                      
    Interest-bearing liabilities                      
    Interest-bearing checking accounts $ 568,540     $ 2,575   0.91 %   $ 588,567     $ 2,870   0.98 %
    Money market accounts   1,337,731       18,180   2.74       1,289,758       19,340   3.02  
    Savings accounts   182,844       75   0.08       189,887       84   0.09  
    Certificate accounts   909,787       18,389   4.08       895,242       19,162   4.30  
    Total interest-bearing deposits   2,998,902       39,219   2.64       2,963,454       41,456   2.81  
    Junior subordinated debt   10,142       411   8.17       10,042       470   9.41  
    Borrowings   21,780       510   4.72       95,235       2,902   6.13  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   3,030,824       40,140   2.67       3,068,731       44,828   2.94  
    Noninterest-bearing deposits   732,123               789,565          
    Other liabilities   65,367               50,224          
    Total liabilities   3,828,314               3,908,520          
    Stockholders’ equity   568,488               515,216          
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 4,396,802             $ 4,423,736          
    Net earning assets $ 1,101,113             $ 1,072,455          
    Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities   136.33 %             134.95 %        
    Non-tax-equivalent                      
    Net interest income     $ 87,136           $ 83,941    
    Interest rate spread         3.54 %           3.31 %
    Net interest margin(3)         4.25 %           4.08 %
    Tax-equivalent(4)                      
    Net interest income     $ 87,985           $ 84,645    
    Interest rate spread         3.58 %           3.35 %
    Net interest margin(3)         4.29 %           4.11 %

    (1)  Average loans receivable balances include loans held for sale and nonaccruing loans.
    (2)  Average other interest-earning assets consist of FRB stock, FHLB stock, SBIC investments and deposits in other banks.
    (3)  Net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
    (4)  Tax-equivalent results include adjustments to interest income of $849 and $704 for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2024, respectively, calculated based on a combined federal and state tax rate of 24%.

    Total interest and dividend income for the six months ended June 30, 2025 decreased $1.5 million, or 1.2%, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2024, which was driven by a $3.1 million, or 2.5%, decrease in interest income on loans, partially offset by a combined $1.6 million, or 23.5%, increase in interest income on debt securities available for sale and other interest-bearing assets. Accretion income on acquired loans of $1.3 million and $1.4 million was recognized during the same periods, respectively, and was included in interest income on loans. The overall decrease in average yield on interest-earning assets was mainly the result of a decline in average balances, specifically for the loan portfolio where we continue to be focused on prudent loan growth.

    Total interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2025 decreased $4.7 million, or 10.5%, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2024. The change was primarily the result of a decrease in the average balance of borrowings in addition to the cost of funds across all funding sources.

    The following table shows the effects that changes in average balances (volume), including the difference in the number of days in the periods compared, and average interest rates (rate) had on the interest earned on interest-earning assets and interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities:

      Increase / (Decrease)
    Due to    		   Total
    Increase /
    (Decrease)
    (Dollars in thousands) Volume   Rate  
    Interest-earning assets          
    Loans receivable $ (2,583 )   $ (477 )   $ (3,060 )
    Debt securities available for sale   434       203       637  
    Other interest-earning assets   1,165       (235 )     930  
    Total interest-earning assets   (984 )     (509 )     (1,493 )
    Interest-bearing liabilities          
    Interest-bearing checking accounts   (105 )     (190 )     (295 )
    Money market accounts   669       (1,829 )     (1,160 )
    Savings accounts   (3 )     (6 )     (9 )
    Certificate accounts   260       (1,033 )     (773 )
    Junior subordinated debt   4       (63 )     (59 )
    Borrowings   (2,240 )     (152 )     (2,392 )
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   (1,415 )     (3,273 )     (4,688 )
    Increase in net interest income         $ 3,195  


    Provision for Credit Losses.      The following table presents a breakdown of the components of the provision for credit losses:

      Six Months Ended      
    (Dollars in thousands) June 30, 2025   June 30, 2024   $ Change   % Change  
    Provision for credit losses                
    Loans $ 2,185     $ 5,445     $ (3,260 )   (60 )%
    Off-balance-sheet credit exposure   658       (20 )     678     3,390  
    Total provision for credit losses $ 2,843     $ 5,425     $ (2,582 )   (48 )%

    For the six months ended June 30, 2025, the “loans” portion of the provision for credit losses was the result of the following, offset by net charge-offs of $3.3 million during the period.

    • $0.9 million benefit driven by changes in the loan mix.
    • $1.6 million benefit due to changes in qualitative adjustments, partially offset by a slight worsening of the projected economic forecast, specifically the national unemployment rate. Of note, we released the $2.2 million qualitative allocation previously established for the potential impact of Hurricane Helene upon our loan portfolio which had been established in the quarter ended September 30, 2024. Any residual impact of the Hurricane is believed to have now been reflected elsewhere within the ACL calculation.
    • $1.4 million increase in specific reserves on individually evaluated loans.

    For the six months ended June 30, 2024, the “loans” portion of the provision for credit losses was the result of the following, in addition to net charge-offs of $4.9 million during the period:

    • $1.3 million benefit due to changes in the projected economic forecast, specifically the national unemployment rate, and changes in qualitative adjustments.
    • $1.8 million increase in specific reserves on individually evaluated loans which was proportional to the increase in the associated loan balances which increased from $8.1 million to $16.3 million during the six month period, concentrated in the equipment finance and SBA portfolios.

    For the six months ended June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2024, the amounts recorded for off-balance-sheet credit exposure were the result of changes in the balance of loan commitments, loan mix and projected economic forecast as outlined above.

    Noninterest Income.  Noninterest income for the six months ended June 30, 2025 increased $1.3 million, or 7.4%, when compared to the same period last year. Changes in the components of noninterest income are discussed below:

      Six Months Ended    
    (Dollars in thousands) June 30, 2025   June 30, 2024   $ Change   % Change
    Noninterest income              
    Service charges and fees on deposit accounts $ 4,746     $ 4,503     $ 243     5 %
    Loan income and fees   1,269       1,325       (56 )   (4 )
    Gain on sale of loans held for sale   4,017       3,285       732     22  
    BOLI income   1,694       2,642       (948 )   (36 )
    Operating lease income   3,255       3,450       (195 )   (6 )
    Gain on sale of branches   1,448       —       1,448     100  
    Gain (loss) on sale of premises and equipment   28       (9 )     37     411  
    Other   1,727       1,728       (1 )   —  
    Total noninterest income $ 18,184     $ 16,924     $ 1,260     7 %
                                 
    • Gain on sale of loans held for sale: The increase in the gain on sale of loans held for sale was primarily driven by HELOCs and residential mortgage loans sold during the period. During the six months ended June 30, 2025, there were $198.2 million of HELOCs sold during the current period for gains of $2.0 million compared to $40.7 million sold and gains of $473,000 for the corresponding period in the prior year. There were $49.1 million of residential mortgage loans originated for sale which were sold with gains of $1.0 million compared to $36.6 million sold with gains of $667,000 for the corresponding period in the prior year. There were $11.9 million of sales of the guaranteed portion of SBA commercial loans with gains of $936,000 compared to $25.6 million sold and gains of $2.1 million for the corresponding period in the prior year. Our hedging of mandatory commitments on the residential mortgage loan pipeline resulted in a net gain of $40,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2025 versus a net loss of $3,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2024.
    • BOLI income: The decrease was due to $1.1 million in tax-free gains on death benefit proceeds in excess of the cash surrender value of the policies recognized in the prior period, partially offset by higher yielding policies as a result of restructuring the portfolio at the end of the prior calendar year.
    • Gain on sale of branches: As discussed earlier, during the current period we completed the previously announced sale of our two Knoxville, Tennessee branches, recognizing a gain of $1.4 million in the current period.

    Noninterest Expense.  Noninterest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2025 increased $2.1 million, or 3.6%, when compared to the same period last year. Changes in the components of noninterest expense are discussed below:

      Six Months Ended    
    (Dollars in thousands) June 30, 2025   June 30, 2024   $ Change   % Change
    Noninterest expense              
    Salaries and employee benefits $ 35,907     $ 33,584     $ 2,323     7 %
    Occupancy expense, net   4,886       4,856       30     1  
    Computer services   5,293       6,204       (911 )   (15 )
    Operating lease depreciation expense   3,657       3,565       92     3  
    Telephone, postage and supplies   1,107       1,165       (58 )   (5 )
    Marketing and advertising   894       1,251       (357 )   (29 )
    Deposit insurance premiums   984       1,085       (101 )   (9 )
    Core deposit intangible amortization   926       1,329       (403 )   (30 )
    Other   8,562       7,580       982     13  
    Total noninterest expense $ 62,216     $ 60,619     $ 1,597     3 %
                                 
    • Salaries and employee benefits: The increase was primarily the result of increases in both pay and incentive compensation.
    • Computer services: As discussed earlier, the decrease in expense year-over-year is a reflection of the improved vendor pricing associated with the multiyear renewal of our largest core processing contract.
    • Marketing and advertising: The decrease was the result of a reduction in spending in the six months ended June 30, 2025 when compared to the same period of the prior year, as we re-evaluated our marketing strategy for future periods.
    • Core deposit intangible amortization: The intangible recorded associated with the Quantum merger is being amortized on an accelerated basis, so the rate of amortization slowed year-over-year.
    • Other: The increase period-over-period was driven by increases of $274,000 in losses on the sale repossessed equipment, $234,000 in community association banking deposit line of business referral fees, and $224,000 in consulting fees.

    Income Taxes. The amount of income tax expense is influenced by the amount of pre-tax income, tax-exempt income, changes in the statutory rate and the effect of changes in valuation allowances maintained against deferred tax benefits. The effective tax rate was 21.1% for both the six months ended June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2024.

    Balance Sheet Review
    Total assets decreased by $17.4 million to $4.6 billion and total liabilities decreased by $44.9 million to $4.0 billion, respectively, at June 30, 2025 as compared to December 31, 2024. These changes can be traced to the use of the proceeds of both loan sales and the maturities of debt securities and certificates of deposit to fund loan growth. Total deposits declined by $113.0 million over the same period. The decrease was mainly the result of a reduction in brokered deposits of $96.5 million and $34.3 million of deposits which were assumed by the purchaser of our two Knoxville, Tennessee branches. Borrowings increased by $77.0 million to provide additional liquidity.

    Stockholders’ equity increased $27.5 million to $579.3 million at June 30, 2025 as compared to December 31, 2024. Activity within stockholders’ equity included $31.8 million in net income and $2.2 million in stock-based compensation and stock option exercises, partially offset by $4.1 million in cash dividends declared and $3.3 million in stock repurchases. In addition, accumulated other comprehensive income improved by $1.4 million due to a reduction in the unrealized loss on available for sale securities due to changes in market interest rates.

    As of June 30, 2025, the Bank was considered “well capitalized” in accordance with its regulatory capital guidelines and exceeded all regulatory capital requirements.

    Asset Quality
    The ACL on loans was $44.1 million, or 1.20% of total loans, at June 30, 2025 compared to $45.3 million, or 1.24% of total loans, at December 31, 2024. The drivers of this change are discussed in the “Comparison of Results of Operations for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2024 – Provision for Credit Losses” section above.

    Net loan charge-offs totaled $3.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to $4.9 million for the same period last year. Annualized net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans were 0.18% for the six months ended June 30, 2025 as compared to 0.25% for the six months ended June 30, 2024.

    Nonperforming assets, made up of nonaccrual loans and repossessed assets, increased by $2.5 million, or 8.9%, to $30.5 million, or 0.67% of total assets, at June 30, 2025 compared to $28.0 million, or 0.61% of total assets, at March 31, 2025. Owner occupied commercial real estate (“CRE”) made up the largest portion of nonperforming assets at $8.9 million and $8.6 million, respectively, at these same dates. One relationship made up $5.0 million of the totals at both dates but no loss is anticipated. In addition, equipment finance loans made up $6.0 million and $5.1 million, respectively, at these same dates, concentrated in the transportation sector. The ratio of nonperforming loans to total loans was 0.81% at June 30, 2025 compared to 0.74% at March 31, 2025.

    Nonperforming assets increased by $1.7 million, or 6.1%, to $30.5 million, or 0.67% of total assets, at June 30, 2025 compared to $28.8 million, or 0.63% of total assets, at December 31, 2024, with the composition of nonperforming assets remaining consistent between periods. The ratio of nonperforming loans to total loans was 0.81% at June 30, 2025 compared to 0.76% at December 31, 2024.

    Classified assets increased by $8.2 million, or 20.0%, to $48.8 million, or 1.07% of total assets, as of June 30, 2025 when compared to the balance of $40.7 million, or 0.89% of total assets, at March 31, 2025. The drivers of the change were increases of $3.2 million in Equipment Finance loans, $2.3 million in commercial and industrial loans, and $1.6 million in owner-occupied CRE loans. Classified assets increased by $69,000, or 0.14%, to $48.8 million, or 1.07% of total assets, as of June 30, 2025 when compared to the balance of $48.8 million, or 1.06% of total assets, at December 31, 2024. The largest portfolios of classified assets at June 30, 2025 included $14.5 million of owner-occupied CRE loans, $8.6 million of equipment finance loans, $6.5 million of both 1-4 family residential real estate and commercial and industrial loans, $5.4 million of HELOCs, and $4.7 million of non-owner occupied CRE loans.

    Lastly, in an effort to assist customers in their post-Hurricane Helene recovery and clean-up efforts, at the end of the prior calendar year we granted payment deferrals of up to six months to provide short-term relief to impacted customers. The outstanding balance of these deferrals declined from $136.0 million at December 31, 2024 to $18.9 million at June 30, 2025. As stated earlier, after reassessing the remaining exposure and the sufficiency of the ACL in place, in the current quarter we released the $2.2 million qualitative allocation previously established for the storm upon our loan portfolio which had been established in the quarter ended September 30, 2024. To date, $27,000 in charge-offs have been recognized which were directly related to Hurricane Helene.

    About HomeTrust Bancshares, Inc.
    HomeTrust Bancshares, Inc. (NYSE: HTB), headquartered in Asheville, North Carolina, is the holding company for HomeTrust Bank, a state-chartered community bank operating over 30 locations across North Carolina, South Carolina, East Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and Georgia. With total assets of $4.6 billion as of June 30, 2025, the Company’s goal is to continue to be recognized as a high-performing, regional community bank, while our strategy to reach that goal is to be a best place to work. As a reflection of these efforts, the Company has been named one of Bank Director’s “Best U.S. Banks,” one of Forbes’ “America’s Best Banks”, one of S&P Global’s “Top 50 Community Banks”, and named to the 2025 KBW Honor Roll. In addition, the Company has been recognized as one of American Banker’s “Best Banks to Work For”, received a “Most Loved Workplace” certification by Best Practices Institute, named as one of Best Companies Group’s “America’s Best Workplaces”, as well as being named a “Best Place to Work” in all five states in which the Company operates.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact, but instead are based on certain assumptions including statements with respect to the Company’s beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, assumptions and statements about future economic performance and projections of financial items. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated or implied by forward-looking statements. The factors that could result in material differentiation include, but are not limited to, natural disasters, including the lingering effects of Hurricane Helene; expected revenues, cost savings, synergies and other benefits from merger and acquisition activities might not be realized to the extent anticipated, within the anticipated time frames, or at all, costs or difficulties relating to integration matters, including but not limited to customer and employee retention, might be greater than expected, and goodwill impairment charges might be incurred; increased competitive pressures among financial services companies; changes in the interest rate environment; changes in general economic conditions, both nationally and in our market areas; legislative and regulatory changes; and the effects of inflation, a potential recession, and other factors described in the Company’s latest Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other documents filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission – which are available on the Company’s website at www.htb.com and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Any of the forward-looking statements that the Company makes in this press release or in the documents the Company files with or furnishes to the SEC are based upon management’s beliefs and assumptions at the time they are made and may turn out to be wrong because of inaccurate assumptions, the factors described above or other factors that management cannot foresee. The Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

    Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

    (Dollars in thousands) June 30,
    2025    		   March 31,
    2025    		   December 31,
    2024    (1)    		   September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024
    Assets                  
    Cash $ 16,662     $ 14,303     $ 18,778     $ 18,980     $ 18,382  
    Interest-bearing deposits   280,547       285,522       260,441       274,497       275,808  
    Cash and cash equivalents   297,209       299,825       279,219       293,477       294,190  
    Certificates of deposit in other banks   23,319       25,806       28,538       29,290       32,131  
    Debt securities available for sale, at fair value   143,942       150,577       152,011       140,552       134,135  
    FHLB and FRB stock   15,263       13,602       13,630       18,384       19,637  
    SBIC investments, at cost   17,720       17,746       15,117       15,489       15,462  
    Loans held for sale, at fair value   1,106       2,175       4,144       2,968       1,614  
    Loans held for sale, at the lower of cost or fair value   169,835       151,164       202,018       189,722       224,976  
    Total loans, net of deferred loan fees and costs   3,671,951       3,648,609       3,648,299       3,698,892       3,701,454  
    Allowance for credit losses – loans   (44,139 )     (44,742 )     (45,285 )     (48,131 )     (49,223 )
    Loans, net   3,627,812       3,603,867       3,603,014       3,650,761       3,652,231  
    Premises and equipment held for sale, at the lower of cost or fair value   616       8,240       616       616       616  
    Premises and equipment, net   62,706       62,347       69,872       69,603       69,880  
    Accrued interest receivable   16,554       18,269       18,336       17,523       18,412  
    Deferred income taxes, net   9,968       9,288       10,735       10,100       10,512  
    BOLI   92,576       91,715       90,868       90,021       89,176  
    Goodwill   34,111       34,111       34,111       34,111       34,111  
    Core deposit intangibles, net   5,670       6,080       6,595       7,162       7,730  
    Other assets   59,646       63,248       66,606       67,514       66,051  
    Total assets $ 4,578,053     $ 4,558,060     $ 4,595,430     $ 4,637,293     $ 4,670,864  
    Liabilities and stockholders’ equity                  
    Liabilities                  
    Deposits $ 3,666,178     $ 3,736,360     $ 3,779,203     $ 3,761,588     $ 3,707,779  
    Junior subordinated debt   10,170       10,145       10,120       10,096       10,070  
    Borrowings   265,000       177,000       188,000       260,013       364,513  
    Other liabilities   57,431       69,106       66,349       65,592       64,874  
    Total liabilities   3,998,779       3,992,611       4,043,672       4,097,289       4,147,236  
    Stockholders’ equity                  
    Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, none issued or outstanding   —       —       —       —       —  
    Common stock, $0.01 par value, 60,000,000 shares authorized(2)   175       176       175       175       175  
    Additional paid in capital   174,900       176,682       176,693       175,495       172,907  
    Retained earnings   408,178       393,026       380,541       368,383       357,147  
    Unearned Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) shares   (3,703 )     (3,835 )     (3,966 )     (4,099 )     (4,232 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)   (276 )     (600 )     (1,685 )     50       (2,369 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   579,274       565,449       551,758       540,004       523,628  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 4,578,053     $ 4,558,060     $ 4,595,430     $ 4,637,293     $ 4,670,864  

    (1)  Derived from audited financial statements.
    (2)  Shares of common stock issued and outstanding were 17,492,143 at June 30, 2025; 17,552,626 at March 31, 2025; 17,527,709 at December 31, 2024; 17,514,922 at September 30, 2024; and 17,437,326 at June 30, 2024.


    Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)

      Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    (Dollars in thousands) June 30, 2025   March 31, 2025   June 30, 2025   June 30, 2024
    Interest and dividend income              
    Loans $ 60,440     $ 58,613     $ 119,053     $ 122,113  
    Debt securities available for sale   1,658       1,787       3,445       2,808  
    Other investments and interest-bearing deposits   1,543       3,235       4,778       3,848  
    Total interest and dividend income   63,641       63,635       127,276       128,769  
    Interest expense              
    Deposits   18,856       20,363       39,219       41,456  
    Junior subordinated debt   206       205       411       470  
    Borrowings   350       160       510       2,902  
    Total interest expense   19,412       20,728       40,140       44,828  
    Net interest income   44,229       42,907       87,136       83,941  
    Provision for credit losses   1,303       1,540       2,843       5,425  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   42,926       41,367       84,293       78,516  
    Noninterest income              
    Service charges and fees on deposit accounts   2,502       2,244       4,746       4,503  
    Loan income and fees   548       721       1,269       1,325  
    Gain on sale of loans held for sale   2,109       1,908       4,017       3,285  
    BOLI income   852       842       1,694       2,642  
    Operating lease income   1,876       1,379       3,255       3,450  
    Gain on sale of branches   1,448       —       1,448       —  
    Gain (loss) on sale of premises and equipment   28       —       28       (9 )
    Other   794       933       1,727       1,728  
    Total noninterest income   10,157       8,027       18,184       16,924  
    Noninterest expense              
    Salaries and employee benefits   18,208       17,699       35,907       33,584  
    Occupancy expense, net   2,375       2,511       4,886       4,856  
    Computer services   2,488       2,805       5,293       6,204  
    Operating lease depreciation expense   1,789       1,868       3,657       3,565  
    Telephone, postage and supplies   561       546       1,107       1,165  
    Marketing and advertising   442       452       894       1,251  
    Deposit insurance premiums   473       511       984       1,085  
    Core deposit intangible amortization   411       515       926       1,329  
    Other   4,508       4,054       8,562       7,580  
    Total noninterest expense   31,255       30,961       62,216       60,619  
    Income before income taxes   21,828       18,433       40,261       34,821  
    Income tax expense   4,618       3,894       8,512       7,336  
    Net income $ 17,210     $ 14,539     $ 31,749     $ 27,485  

    Per Share Data

        Three Months Ended    Six Months Ended
        June 30, 2025   March 31, 2025   June 30, 2025   June 30, 2024
    Net income per common share(1)                
    Basic   $ 1.01     $ 0.84     $ 1.85     $ 1.61  
    Diluted   $ 1.00     $ 0.84     $ 1.84     $ 1.61  
    Average shares outstanding                
    Basic     17,006,141       17,011,359       17,008,699       16,871,383  
    Diluted     17,106,448       17,113,424       17,109,842       16,888,550  
    Book value per share at end of period   $ 33.12     $ 32.21     $ 33.12     $ 30.03  
    Tangible book value per share at end of period(2)   $ 30.92     $ 30.00     $ 30.92     $ 27.73  
    Cash dividends declared per common share   $ 0.12     $ 0.12     $ 0.24     $ 0.22  
    Total shares outstanding at end of period     17,492,143       17,552,626       17,492,143       17,437,326  

    (1)  Basic and diluted net income per common share have been prepared in accordance with the two-class method.
    (2)  See Non-GAAP reconciliations below for adjustments.


    Selected Financial Ratios and Other Data

      Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
      June 30, 2025   March 31, 2025   June 30, 2025   June 30, 2024
    Performance ratios(1)          
    Return on assets (ratio of net income to average total assets) 1.58 %   1.33 %   1.46 %   1.25 %
    Return on equity (ratio of net income to average equity) 11.97     10.52     11.26     10.73  
    Yield on earning assets 6.22     6.20     6.21     6.25  
    Rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities 2.61     2.73     2.67     2.94  
    Average interest rate spread 3.61     3.47     3.54     3.31  
    Net interest margin(2) 4.32     4.18     4.25     4.08  
    Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities 137.43     135.25     136.33     134.95  
    Noninterest expense to average total assets 2.87     2.84     2.85     2.76  
    Efficiency ratio 57.47     60.79     59.07     60.10  
    Efficiency ratio – adjusted(3) 58.59     60.29     59.43     60.36  

    (1)  Ratios are annualized where appropriate.
    (2)  Net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
    (3)  See Non-GAAP reconciliations below for adjustments.

      At or For the Three Months Ended
      June 30,
    2025    		   March 31,
    2025    		   December 31,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024
    Asset quality ratios                  
    Nonperforming assets to total assets(1) 0.67 %   0.61 %   0.63 %   0.64 %   0.54 %
    Nonperforming loans to total loans(1) 0.81     0.74     0.76     0.78     0.68  
    Total classified assets to total assets 1.07     0.85     1.06     0.99     0.91  
    Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans(1) 147.98     165.96     163.68     166.51     194.80  
    Allowance for credit losses to total loans 1.20     1.23     1.24     1.30     1.33  
    Net charge-offs to average loans (annualized) 0.21     0.14     0.19     0.42     0.27  
    Capital ratios                  
    Equity to total assets at end of period 12.65 %   12.41 %   12.01 %   11.64 %   11.21 %
    Tangible equity to total tangible assets(2) 11.91     11.65     11.25     10.88     10.44  
    Average equity to average assets 13.20     12.66     12.28     12.02     11.78  

    (1)  Nonperforming assets include nonaccruing loans and repossessed assets. There were no accruing loans more than 90 days past due at the dates indicated. At June 30, 2025, $6.1 million, or 20.4%, of nonaccruing loans were current on their loan payments as of that date.
    (2)  See Non-GAAP reconciliations below for adjustments.


    Loans

    (Dollars in thousands) June 30,
    2025    		   March 31,
    2025    		   December 31,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024
    Commercial real estate                  
    Construction and land development $ 267,494     $ 247,539     $ 274,356     $ 300,905     $ 316,050  
    Commercial real estate – owner occupied   561,623       570,150       545,490       544,689       545,631  
    Commercial real estate – non-owner occupied   877,440       867,711       866,094       881,340       892,653  
    Multifamily   113,416       118,094       120,425       114,155       92,292  
    Total commercial real estate   1,819,973       1,803,494       1,806,365       1,841,089       1,846,626  
    Commercial                  
    Commercial and industrial   367,359       349,085       316,159       286,809       266,136  
    Equipment finance   360,499       380,166       406,400       443,033       461,010  
    Municipal leases   168,623       163,554       165,984       158,560       152,509  
    Total commercial   896,481       892,805       888,543       888,402       879,655  
    Residential real estate                  
    Construction and land development   53,020       56,858       53,683       63,016       70,679  
    One-to-four family   640,287       631,537       630,391       627,845       621,196  
    HELOCs   205,918       199,747       195,288       194,909       188,465  
    Total residential real estate   899,225       888,142       879,362       885,770       880,340  
    Consumer   56,272       64,168       74,029       83,631       94,833  
    Total loans, net of deferred loan fees and costs   3,671,951       3,648,609       3,648,299       3,698,892       3,701,454  
    Allowance for credit losses – loans   (44,139 )     (44,742 )     (45,285 )     (48,131 )     (49,223 )
    Loans, net $ 3,627,812     $ 3,603,867     $ 3,603,014     $ 3,650,761     $ 3,652,231  


    Deposits

    (Dollars in thousands) June 30,
    2025    		   March 31,
    2025    		   December 31,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024
    Core deposits                  
    Noninterest-bearing accounts $ 698,843     $ 721,814     $ 680,926     $ 684,501     $ 683,346  
    NOW accounts   561,524       573,745       575,238       534,517       561,789  
    Money market accounts   1,323,762       1,357,961       1,341,995       1,345,289       1,311,940  
    Savings accounts   179,980       184,396       181,317       179,762       185,499  
    Total core deposits   2,764,109       2,837,916       2,779,476       2,744,069       2,742,574  
    Certificates of deposit   902,069       898,444       999,727       1,017,519       965,205  
    Total $ 3,666,178     $ 3,736,360     $ 3,779,203     $ 3,761,588     $ 3,707,779  

    Non-GAAP Reconciliations
    In addition to results presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles utilized in the United States (“GAAP”), this earnings release contains certain non-GAAP financial measures, which include: the efficiency ratio, tangible book value, tangible book value per share and the tangible equity to tangible assets ratio. The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures and ratios as presented are useful for both investors and management to understand the effects of certain items and provide an alternative view of its performance over time and in comparison to its competitors. These non-GAAP measures have inherent limitations, are not required to be uniformly applied and are not audited. They should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for total stockholders’ equity or operating results determined in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

    Set forth below is a reconciliation to GAAP of the Company’s efficiency ratio:

        Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    (Dollars in thousands)   June 30, 2025   March 31, 2025   June 30, 2025   June 30, 2024
    Noninterest expense   $ 31,255     $ 30,961     $ 62,216     $ 60,619  
                     
    Net interest income   $ 44,229     $ 42,907     $ 87,136     $ 83,941  
    Plus: tax-equivalent adjustment     431       418       849       704  
    Plus: noninterest income     10,157       8,027       18,184       16,924  
    Less: BOLI death benefit proceeds in excess of cash surrender value     —       —       —       1,143  
    Less: gain on sale of branches     1,448       —       1,448       —  
    Less: gain (loss) on sale of premises and equipment     28       —       28       (9 )
    Net interest income plus noninterest income – adjusted   $ 53,341     $ 51,352     $ 104,693     $ 100,435  
    Efficiency ratio   57.47 %   60.79 %   59.07 %   60.10 %
    Efficiency ratio – adjusted   58.59 %   60.29 %   59.43 %   60.36 %

    Set forth below is a reconciliation to GAAP of tangible book value and tangible book value per share:

        As of
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)   June 30,
    2025    		   March 31,
    2025    		   December 31,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024
    Total stockholders’ equity   $ 579,274     $ 565,449     $ 551,758     $ 540,004     $ 523,628  
    Less: goodwill, core deposit intangibles, net of taxes     38,477       38,793       39,189       39,626       40,063  
    Tangible book value   $ 540,797     $ 526,656     $ 512,569     $ 500,378     $ 483,565  
    Common shares outstanding     17,492,143       17,552,626       17,527,709       17,514,922       17,437,326  
    Book value per share   $ 33.12     $ 32.21     $ 31.48     $ 30.83     $ 30.03  
    Tangible book value per share   $ 30.92     $ 30.00     $ 29.24     $ 28.57     $ 27.73  

    Set forth below is a reconciliation to GAAP of tangible equity to tangible assets:

        As of
    (Dollars in thousands)   June 30,
    2025    		   March 31,
    2025    		   December 31,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024
    Tangible equity(1)   $ 540,797     $ 526,656     $ 512,569     $ 500,378     $ 483,565  
    Total assets     4,578,053       4,558,060       4,595,430       4,637,293       4,670,864  
    Less: goodwill, core deposit intangibles, net of taxes     38,477       38,793       39,189       39,626       40,063  
    Total tangible assets   $ 4,539,576     $ 4,519,267     $ 4,556,241     $ 4,597,667     $ 4,630,801  
    Tangible equity to tangible assets   11.91 %   11.65 %   11.25 %   10.88 %   10.44 %

    (1)  Tangible equity (or tangible book value) is equal to total stockholders’ equity less goodwill and core deposit intangibles, net of related deferred tax liabilities.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Applied Rating Index Q2 2025 Results Released

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Toronto, ON, July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Applied Systems® today announced the second quarter of 2025 results of the Applied Rating Index™, the Canadian insurance industry’s premium rate index. In Q2 2025, average premiums for both Personal Auto lines and Personal Property lines increased year over year. Quarter over quarter, premium rate change increased for Personal Auto and for Personal Property compared to Q2 2024.

    For Personal Auto, all provinces experienced an increase year over year, with Ontario seeing the highest at 18.5% and Alberta the lowest at 10.6%. For Personal Property lines, all provinces experienced an increase in premium rate change year over year. Quebec saw the highest premium rate change at 10.1% and British Columbia experienced the lowest at 1.0%

    Key findings for Q2 2025 include:

    • Personal Auto: In Q2 2025, Personal Auto premium rate change increased 14.9% versus Q2 2024. Personal Auto premium rate change increased 3.3% versus Q1 2025.
    • Personal Property: In Q2 2025, Personal Property premium rate change increased 6.9% versus Q2 2024. Personal Property premium rate change increased 3.4% versus Q1 2025.
    • Provinces: Across Personal Auto, all provinces experienced increased premium rate change year over year with Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic Provinces seeing 10.6%, 18.5%, 13.7% and 15.7% respectively. Relative to Q1 2025, all provinces saw increases in premium rate change quarter over quarter with Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic Provinces at, 3.0%, 4.4%, 1.2% and 2.7% respectively.

    Personal Property lines experienced increased year over year premium rate change across all provinces. Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, the Atlantic Provinces and Saskatchewan & Manitoba saw increases in premium rate change year over year with 9.5%, 1.0%, 5.0%, 10.1%, 7.1% and 9.4% respectively. Relative to Q1 2025, Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, the Atlantic Provinces and Saskatchewan & Manitoba all saw increases quarter over quarter of 5.9%, 1.7%, 1.8%, 1.3%, 3.0% and 3.9%.

    “It is evident that rising auto premiums are not just a short-term fluctuation but a trend across the country,” said Steve Whitelaw, SVP and general manager, Applied Systems Canada. “We also see that the Homeowners rates are under similar upward pressure.  The Applied Rating Index will continue to monitor rates across both personal auto and property lines, serving as a reliable measure of overall market activity.”

    The Applied Rating Index is a data-driven report of current conditions and trends for Personal Auto and Personal Property (Homeowners) insurance premium rates. Analyzing quotes completed, the Applied Rating Index measures the increase or decrease in average premium rate trends across Canada. The Applied Rating Index is the most complete depiction of the premium rate trends being experienced by consumers, brokerages, and their insurers across the Canadian market.

    Access the complete quarterly report here.

    # # #

    Applied Rating Index is a trademark of Applied Systems, Inc. All data is fully anonymized when aggregating and analyzing the Applied Rating Index.

    About Applied Systems
    Applied Systems is the leading global provider of cloud-based software that powers the business of insurance. Recognized as a pioneer in insurance automation and the innovation leader, Applied is the world’s largest provider of agency and brokerage management systems, serving customers throughout the United States, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, and the United Kingdom. By automating the insurance lifecycle, Applied’s people and products enable millions of people around the world to safeguard and protect what matters most.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Applied Rating Index Q2 2025 Results Released

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Toronto, ON, July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Applied Systems® today announced the second quarter of 2025 results of the Applied Rating Index™, the Canadian insurance industry’s premium rate index. In Q2 2025, average premiums for both Personal Auto lines and Personal Property lines increased year over year. Quarter over quarter, premium rate change increased for Personal Auto and for Personal Property compared to Q2 2024.

    For Personal Auto, all provinces experienced an increase year over year, with Ontario seeing the highest at 18.5% and Alberta the lowest at 10.6%. For Personal Property lines, all provinces experienced an increase in premium rate change year over year. Quebec saw the highest premium rate change at 10.1% and British Columbia experienced the lowest at 1.0%

    Key findings for Q2 2025 include:

    • Personal Auto: In Q2 2025, Personal Auto premium rate change increased 14.9% versus Q2 2024. Personal Auto premium rate change increased 3.3% versus Q1 2025.
    • Personal Property: In Q2 2025, Personal Property premium rate change increased 6.9% versus Q2 2024. Personal Property premium rate change increased 3.4% versus Q1 2025.
    • Provinces: Across Personal Auto, all provinces experienced increased premium rate change year over year with Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic Provinces seeing 10.6%, 18.5%, 13.7% and 15.7% respectively. Relative to Q1 2025, all provinces saw increases in premium rate change quarter over quarter with Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic Provinces at, 3.0%, 4.4%, 1.2% and 2.7% respectively.

    Personal Property lines experienced increased year over year premium rate change across all provinces. Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, the Atlantic Provinces and Saskatchewan & Manitoba saw increases in premium rate change year over year with 9.5%, 1.0%, 5.0%, 10.1%, 7.1% and 9.4% respectively. Relative to Q1 2025, Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, the Atlantic Provinces and Saskatchewan & Manitoba all saw increases quarter over quarter of 5.9%, 1.7%, 1.8%, 1.3%, 3.0% and 3.9%.

    “It is evident that rising auto premiums are not just a short-term fluctuation but a trend across the country,” said Steve Whitelaw, SVP and general manager, Applied Systems Canada. “We also see that the Homeowners rates are under similar upward pressure.  The Applied Rating Index will continue to monitor rates across both personal auto and property lines, serving as a reliable measure of overall market activity.”

    The Applied Rating Index is a data-driven report of current conditions and trends for Personal Auto and Personal Property (Homeowners) insurance premium rates. Analyzing quotes completed, the Applied Rating Index measures the increase or decrease in average premium rate trends across Canada. The Applied Rating Index is the most complete depiction of the premium rate trends being experienced by consumers, brokerages, and their insurers across the Canadian market.

    Access the complete quarterly report here.

    # # #

    Applied Rating Index is a trademark of Applied Systems, Inc. All data is fully anonymized when aggregating and analyzing the Applied Rating Index.

    About Applied Systems
    Applied Systems is the leading global provider of cloud-based software that powers the business of insurance. Recognized as a pioneer in insurance automation and the innovation leader, Applied is the world’s largest provider of agency and brokerage management systems, serving customers throughout the United States, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, and the United Kingdom. By automating the insurance lifecycle, Applied’s people and products enable millions of people around the world to safeguard and protect what matters most.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Enjoy BTC and DOGE income every day! Siton Mining opens a new era of zero-threshold cloud mining

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, NY, July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With the passage of the GENIUS Act, crypto assets are accelerating their integration into the global financial system. Mainstream currencies such as BTC, ETH, DOGE, and XRP have become the core assets of decentralized finance. However, traditional mining still daunts many ordinary users due to high equipment investment, technical barriers, and energy consumption costs.

    Siton Mining is rewriting this landscape. As the world’s leading compliant cloud mining platform, Siton Mining has officially launched a new mobile app to bring a truly “zero threshold mining” experience to global users. Users can access Siton Mining’s global green mining network with just one click on their smartphones, and easily start the road to passive income from crypto assets.

    Start your mining journey easily:
    1Visit sitonmining.com, register an account, and immediately receive a $10-$100 random reward for new users
    2Choose a suitable cloud computing power contract and customize your investment strategy
    3After the contract is activated, the system automatically starts mining, and the income is credited daily
    4Supports more than 9 cryptocurrency settlements: including USDT (TRC20/ERC20), BTC, ETH, XRP, DOGE, LTC, BCH, BNB, SOL, USDC, etc.
    5Withdraw at any time when you reach $100, or choose to reinvest to continuously amplify your income
    Denominated in US dollars to avoid market volatility risks
    All contracts are priced in US dollars. The system automatically converts the BTC, ETH, DOGE and other currencies invested by users according to the real-time exchange rate to help users lock in value and significantly reduce potential losses caused by currency price fluctuations.

    Why choose Siton Mining?
    Siton Mining is the world’s leading green cloud computing platform, creating stable income for more than 9 million users. Its core advantages include:

    Global green mines, creating a sustainable mining model
    Siton Mining has deployed green energy mines in Northern Europe, Canada, Russia and other places, all of which are driven by renewable energy such as hydropower and wind power to ensure high energy consumption ratio and promote the standardized development of environmentally friendly mining.

    Military-grade security protection to ensure worry-free assets
    The platform’s EV SSL encryption technology protects user accounts and data assets around the clock. At the same time, it uses an AI intelligent risk control system to monitor potential risk behaviors in real time and comprehensively prevent hacker attacks and abnormal operations.

    The future of digital assets starts with Siton Mining
    In the current uncertain global economic environment, Siton Mining provides users with a stable, secure and sustainable channel for the appreciation of encrypted assets. Whether you are a digital currency novice or a senior investor, you can start the road to stable passive income with just a mobile phone.

    Join Siton Mining now and let your mobile phone become your digital wealth portal!
    Official website: https://sitonmining.com
    Email: info@sitonmining.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Minister of State at Ministry of Foreign Affairs Receives Phone Call from Acting Foreign Minister in Afghan Caretaker Government

    Source: Government of Qatar

    Doha, July 22 

    HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi received a phone call on Tuesday from HE Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Caretaker Government of Afghanistan Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi.

    During the call, they discussed the latest developments in Afghanistan and ways to support the Afghan people.

    HE Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Caretaker Government of Afghanistan expressed, during the call, his country’s appreciation for the State of Qatar’s efforts in facilitating the return of a second group of Afghan citizens from Germany to their country. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Nigel Topping CMG appointed Chair of the Climate Change Committee

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Nigel Topping CMG appointed Chair of the Climate Change Committee

    Nigel Topping CMG has been appointed as Chair of the Climate Change Committee.

    Nigel Topping CMG has been appointed as Chair of the Climate Change Committee (CCC) by the UK and devolved governments today (22 July). 

    This follows the Secretary of State, Ed Miliband, and the Northern Irish, Welsh and Scottish devolved government Ministers selecting Nigel Topping as the preferred candidate for the role, as well as a successful pre-appointment hearing in front of the Energy Security and Net Zero and Environmental Audit Committees on Wednesday 16 July.   

    The Energy Secretary has written to Nigel Topping to confirm his appointment, welcoming him to the role and confirming his confidence in him to lead the Climate Change Committee. He has also written to Professor Piers Forster, to thank him for his leadership as interim Chair of the CCC following Lord Deben’s departure in 2023. 

    The Chair will play a key role in the committee’s work of advising government on the delivery of its carbon budgets, with a critical few years ahead as the government accelerates to net zero as part of its clean energy superpower mission. 

    Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, said: 

    I want to congratulate Nigel Topping on his appointment as Chair of the Climate Change Committee.  

    We highly value the Climate Change Committee’s independent advice on how we can achieve net zero, so I am thrilled to have Nigel in this important role – as he brings extensive experience, including from his time serving as the UN High Level Climate Action Champion for COP26.  

    Net zero is the economic opportunity of the 21st century and Nigel’s business expertise will help us to maximise on this opportunity as we deliver our clean energy superpower mission – boosting energy security, creating good jobs, bringing down bills and tackling the climate crisis.

    Nigel Topping, Chair of the Climate Change Committee, said: 

    It is an honour to be appointed Chair of the Climate Change Committee at this pivotal moment. The UK has an opportunity to deliver on its climate commitments in a way that reduces costs for households, powers our industries forward, and makes our economy more successful. It’s also important to ensure resilience against growing climate impacts and I look forward to working with Baroness Brown who leads our adaptation work.    

    I’d like to offer my sincere thanks to Professor Piers Forster, who has been our interim Chair since Lord Deben stepped down. He has led the Committee through an incredibly busy period overseeing advice on the UK’s Seventh Carbon Budget, three devolved carbon budgets, and a number of key progress reports to government.   

    I am committed to upholding the rigour and independent nature of the Committee’s advice, while harnessing our country’s wealth of scientific, financial and business talent.

    Nigel Topping’s selection follows a competitive recruitment process in line with the Governance Code for Public Appointments. 

    Notes to Editors

    The UK government, Scottish Government, Welsh Government, and Northern Ireland Executive agreed to appoint Nigel Topping. The decision-making Ministers were: 

    • Ed Miliband MP, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero 

    • Andrew Muir MLA, Minister of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs, Northern Ireland Executive 

    • Gillian Martin MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, Scottish Government 

    • Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Deputy First Minister of Wales and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Welsh Government 

    Nigel Topping’s term as Chair will begin on Wednesday 23 July.

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: GUU became the winner of the All-Russian competition of youth projects 2025

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Official website of the State –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The State University of Management was among the winners of the All-Russian competition of youth projects among universities, implemented with the support of Rosmolodezh and Rosmolodezh.Grants.

    A total of 2,803 projects from 293 educational institutions were submitted to the competition, and 89 universities won.

    The State University of Management received the maximum grant of 22.5 million rubles for the implementation of youth initiatives.

    The head of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs, associate professor of the Department of State and Municipal Management of the State University of Management Grigory Gurov noted that “the grant is no longer a one-time subsidy, but a two-year program for the development of youth policy. Comprehensive programs that receive funding go beyond individual events and become systemic work.”

    In 2025-2026, 14 project solutions aimed at forming value systems and guidelines among young people will be implemented at the State University of Management:

    School of Coordinators “KUL” All-Russian Forum of Student Commissions on Education Quality and Centers for Researching Students’ Opinions “Exploring Students” Creation of a System for Popularizing Volunteering “The Path of Good” School of Student Self-Government Activists “Successful Leader’s Course” Military-Patriotic Game “Defenders of the State University of Management” Student Interregional Historical Ball “Inspiration” Festival of Youth Brass Bands “St. George’s Trumpets” Youth Festival of Creativity “Raising the Flag” School of Administrators of the Service-Learning Program Interregional Accelerator “Entrepreneur for Russia” Student Coworking Zone on the -1 Floor of the Main Academic Building Entrepreneurial Coworking Zone Festival of Interethnic Friendship and Harmony Dedicated to the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland “Hero of His People” Patriotic Festival “Family History. Immortal Memory”

    We will report on the progress of the projects on our website and in the official social networks of the State University of Management, subscribe so as not to miss important information: VKontakte, Telegram, Zen, Rutube.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: IAEA Reviews Progress of Sri Lanka’s Nuclear Infrastructure Development

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    INIR mission team leader John Haddad presents the draft report to Thushara Rathnayake, Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board, at the closing meeting on 18 July. (Photo: Ministry of Energy of Sri Lanka)

    As Sri Lanka embarks on the development of its nuclear power programme, the country is making progress in establishing the necessary nuclear infrastructure, according to an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) review mission that recently concluded.

    The follow-up Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) mission, conducted at the request of the Government of Sri Lanka, took place from 14 to 18 July 2025.

    The mission team, comprising two international experts from Bulgaria and Türkiye and two IAEA staff,  assessed the progress made to address the recommendations and suggestions of the Phase 1 2022 INIR mission. A Phase 1 INIR mission assesses the readiness of a country to make a knowledgeable commitment to a nuclear power programme using the Phase 1 criteria of the IAEA Milestones Approach and Evaluation Methodology. The 2022 mission made 26 recommendations and 6 suggestions to assist Sri Lanka in advancing its infrastructure development.

    In 2010, Sri Lanka’s Cabinet approved the initiation of studies for implementing a nuclear power programme in the country. In 2019, a Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organization (NEPIO) was established to coordinate related efforts, which included the Ministry of Energy, the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board (SLAEB), the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Regulatory Council (SLAERC). In 2024, the government decided on further actions to consider a nuclear power programme.

    The INIR team concluded that Sri Lanka has made good progress to address recommendations and suggestions from the Phase 2 INIR mission in 2022. Sri Lanka has already identified five candidate sites for the nuclear power plant, established a management structure to oversee the procurement process for nuclear reactors, drafted a comprehensive nuclear law and included nuclear power in its current long-term energy planning for the period 2025-2044.

    Sri Lanka hosted a national workshop on nuclear law in November 2023, as well as an IAEA  Site and External Events Design Review Service (SEED) mission in 2024, which reviewed the country’s selection process to identify candidate sites to build its first nuclear power plant. A SEED follow up mission was also conducted, which took place in July this year.

    “Sri Lanka is actively working on addressing the recommendations and suggestions from the main INIR mission in 2022,” said mission team leader John Haddad from IAEA’s Nuclear Infrastructure Development Section. “This indicates the level of commitment of Sri Lanka to conduct the required studies and make a knowledgeable decision regarding the nuclear power programme.”

    In the opening ceremony for the INIR Mission, Hon. Eng. Kumara Jayakody, Cabinet Minister of Energy, welcomed the INIR mission as “a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s journey towards a secure, sustainable and forward-looking energy future as we take decisive steps forward in exploring the role of nuclear power in our national energy mix.”

    Nuclear Power is included as an energy source within the CEB Least Cost Long Term Generation and Expansion Plan 2025-2044. According to the plan, accommodating a nuclear power unit above 600 MWe to the Sri Lankan network will be technically challenging due to the network’s condition, projected demand growth, and the generation mix which is expected to be dominated by variable renewable energy sources. The team said that further work is needed related to the finalization of strategies and studies in various areas of infrastructure development such as, among others, management, human resource development, stakeholder involvement, radioactive waste management and industrial involvement.

    About Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) Missions

    INIR missions are based on the IAEA Milestones Approach, with its 19 infrastructure issues, three phases (consider, prepare and construct) and three milestones (decide, contract and operate). INIR missions enable IAEA Member State representatives to have in-depth discussions with international experts about experiences and best practices in different countries.

    In developing its recommendations, the INIR team considers the comments made by the relevant national organizations. Implementation of any of the team’s recommendations and suggestions is at the discretion of the Member State requesting the mission. The results of the INIR mission are expected to help the Member State develop an action plan to fill any gaps, which in turn will help the development of the national nuclear infrastructure.

    INIR follow-up missions assess the implementation of the recommendations and suggestions provided during the main mission.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: IAEA Reviews Progress of Sri Lanka’s Nuclear Infrastructure Development

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

    INIR mission team leader John Haddad presents the draft report to Thushara Rathnayake, Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board, at the closing meeting on 18 July. (Photo: Ministry of Energy of Sri Lanka)

    As Sri Lanka embarks on the development of its nuclear power programme, the country is making progress in establishing the necessary nuclear infrastructure, according to an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) review mission that recently concluded.

    The follow-up Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) mission, conducted at the request of the Government of Sri Lanka, took place from 14 to 18 July 2025.

    The mission team, comprising two international experts from Bulgaria and Türkiye and two IAEA staff,  assessed the progress made to address the recommendations and suggestions of the Phase 1 2022 INIR mission. A Phase 1 INIR mission assesses the readiness of a country to make a knowledgeable commitment to a nuclear power programme using the Phase 1 criteria of the IAEA Milestones Approach and Evaluation Methodology. The 2022 mission made 26 recommendations and 6 suggestions to assist Sri Lanka in advancing its infrastructure development.

    In 2010, Sri Lanka’s Cabinet approved the initiation of studies for implementing a nuclear power programme in the country. In 2019, a Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organization (NEPIO) was established to coordinate related efforts, which included the Ministry of Energy, the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board (SLAEB), the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Regulatory Council (SLAERC). In 2024, the government decided on further actions to consider a nuclear power programme.

    The INIR team concluded that Sri Lanka has made good progress to address recommendations and suggestions from the Phase 2 INIR mission in 2022. Sri Lanka has already identified five candidate sites for the nuclear power plant, established a management structure to oversee the procurement process for nuclear reactors, drafted a comprehensive nuclear law and included nuclear power in its current long-term energy planning for the period 2025-2044.

    Sri Lanka hosted a national workshop on nuclear law in November 2023, as well as an IAEA  Site and External Events Design Review Service (SEED) mission in 2024, which reviewed the country’s selection process to identify candidate sites to build its first nuclear power plant. A SEED follow up mission was also conducted, which took place in July this year.

    “Sri Lanka is actively working on addressing the recommendations and suggestions from the main INIR mission in 2022,” said mission team leader John Haddad from IAEA’s Nuclear Infrastructure Development Section. “This indicates the level of commitment of Sri Lanka to conduct the required studies and make a knowledgeable decision regarding the nuclear power programme.”

    In the opening ceremony for the INIR Mission, Hon. Eng. Kumara Jayakody, Cabinet Minister of Energy, welcomed the INIR mission as “a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s journey towards a secure, sustainable and forward-looking energy future as we take decisive steps forward in exploring the role of nuclear power in our national energy mix.”

    Nuclear Power is included as an energy source within the CEB Least Cost Long Term Generation and Expansion Plan 2025-2044. According to the plan, accommodating a nuclear power unit above 600 MWe to the Sri Lankan network will be technically challenging due to the network’s condition, projected demand growth, and the generation mix which is expected to be dominated by variable renewable energy sources. The team said that further work is needed related to the finalization of strategies and studies in various areas of infrastructure development such as, among others, management, human resource development, stakeholder involvement, radioactive waste management and industrial involvement.

    About Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) Missions

    INIR missions are based on the IAEA Milestones Approach, with its 19 infrastructure issues, three phases (consider, prepare and construct) and three milestones (decide, contract and operate). INIR missions enable IAEA Member State representatives to have in-depth discussions with international experts about experiences and best practices in different countries.

    In developing its recommendations, the INIR team considers the comments made by the relevant national organizations. Implementation of any of the team’s recommendations and suggestions is at the discretion of the Member State requesting the mission. The results of the INIR mission are expected to help the Member State develop an action plan to fill any gaps, which in turn will help the development of the national nuclear infrastructure.

    INIR follow-up missions assess the implementation of the recommendations and suggestions provided during the main mission.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Sowing the seeds of digital agriculture in Ethiopia

    Source: APO


    .

    Ethiopia’s agricultural sector is going digital, with new tools offering ways to boost productivity and improve market access. In Addis Ababa, sector leaders and stakeholders explore practical steps for building a more resilient, tech-enabled farming system.

    With traditional farming still widespread and digital tools often out of reach for rural communities, a symposium held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, set out to address challenges in productivity, market access, infrastructure and digital literacy. Smallholder farmers, women, youth and others who are frequently excluded from innovation efforts, received particular attention.

    Organized by Orbit Innovation Hub in partnership with the International Trade Centre and Trade Ethiopia, the symposium brought together stakeholders from across the agriculture and technology ecosystems. 

    Focused on real-world solutions

    The one-day programme included panel discussions, startup pitches, a documentary screening and presentations on new technologies such as AI in agriculture. The event offered a platform for exchanging ideas and exploring how digital innovation can support inclusive and sustainable agricultural growth.

    Orbit Innovation Hub, launched as the social enterprise arm of health tech company Orbit Health, is committed to developing the startup ecosystem in Ethiopia. “We started this because we didn’t want new entrepreneurs to face the same hurdles we did,” said COO Girum Habetewold. “Agriculture remains central to our economy. Modernizing it is essential for long-term growth.”

    Support from the International Trade Centre’s Netherlands Trust Fund V (NTF V) Ethiopia Tech project has been key to turning that vision into reality. Over the past three years, the programme has provided both funding and technical guidance to help Orbit standardize the symposium format, bring in international expertise and expand its reach. What began as a local idea has become a national platform with international relevance.

    Building networks and partnerships

    One of the symposium’s key strengths was the range of voices in the room. Policymakers, business leaders, researchers, funders and grassroots entrepreneurs all took part. “Everyone brought their networks,” said Kiya Girma of Trade Ethiopia. “It helped connect people who don’t usually have the chance to collaborate directly.”

    Trade Ethiopia, a B2B platform connecting local producers with global buyers, joined the organizing team for the first time this year. Their involvement highlighted the importance of linking agriculture, digital tools and export opportunities. “We support cooperatives and smallholder farmers in accessing markets,” Girma said. “Digital tools help them do that more efficiently and on better terms.”

    NTF V played a coordinating role in bringing these different actors together, drawing on its extensive experience in supporting agricultural trade and digital innovation across Ethiopia.

    Stories from the field

    The symposium also presented examples of what happens when digital tools and support systems are in place. For example, a young farmer from Woliso, who attended a SEED programme workshop, secured a bank loan and bought a tractor. His story illustrates how targeted training and financial access can bring new opportunities for youth engagement and economic mobility within the sector.

    Another example came from Kifiya Technologies, a company offering digital insurance services that help farmers manage risk and improve resilience. 

    Speakers raised important points about the need to design tools that fit local realities, invest in digital literacy, prioritize relationships with farmers, and ensure that technology is accessible, affordable and relevant to those working in remote or underserved areas. Several panelists stressed that without strong local engagement, even the most advanced tools risk being underused or misunderstood. 

    “You don’t get useful data unless you’ve built trust,” Girma said. “Technology has to work for the people using it.”

    Supporting national goals

    The symposium directly supports Ethiopia’s Digital Ethiopia 2025 strategy, which aims to unlock greater value in agriculture through digital innovation. Orbit Innovation Hub has been an active contributor to this agenda, and NTF V has served as a key partner in making that contribution possible.

    NTF V’s broader impact extends well beyond the symposium. The project helped Ethiopian agri-businesses engage in international markets, supported women-led enterprises, and increased digital access for nearly 400,000 individuals. It also brought in direct investment and improved the capacity of local support organizations, including those involved in agricultural trade.

    Looking ahead

    As the NTF V project concludes, Orbit and its partners are exploring how to sustain and scale the work that has been started. Plans are under way for future editions of the symposium and new initiatives that will support innovation in agriculture and beyond.

    “Agriculture in Ethiopia is beginning to change,” said Habetewold of Orbit Innovation Hub. “It’s a slow process, but the groundwork is being laid. Shifting from traditional practices to data-driven, tech-enabled farming will take time, especially given the scale of the sector and the realities facing smallholder farmers. But with continued investment, strong partnerships and a focus on practical outcomes, Ethiopia is taking meaningful steps toward a more resilient and inclusive farming future.” 

    The COO added that the AgriTech Stakeholders Symposium has become a clear example of how local collaboration, combined with sustained international support, can turn good ideas into action and help reshape the agricultural landscape from the ground up.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £1m investment to turn Portsmouth into a nature positive city

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    Nearly £1m of extra investment will help reinforce Portsmouth as a nature positive city.

    Portsmouth City Council has been awarded Nature Towns and Cities funding after a successful bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

    The £895,818 will be spent on transforming the city’s green infrastructure over three years for the benefit of residents and nature, paving the way for Portsmouth to become an officially recognised Nature City. It will also be used to leverage in external funding for the city.

    Cllr Kimberly Barrett, Portsmouth City Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Greening the City, said:

    “As we approach 2026, Portsmouth’s Centenary Year, this funding will help us understand how we can work with residents and communities to achieve our  bold ambition to make Portsmouth a nature positive city, where the benefits of nature can be enjoyed and support the health and wellbeing of residents.

    “We can only achieve this by working in partnership, and the council is delighted to be working with Southern Water, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Historic England and Shaping Portsmouth. We know facing the environmental challenges of the future requires strong collaboration.”

    Because Portsmouth is a densely populated city, it means its vital green spaces are fragmented by roads and buildings. The funding will help connect these spaces by identifying opportunities for new green infrastructure such as rain gardens and trees, creating corridors for wildlife to travel between.

    The funding will build on recommendations from a developing Urban Forest Master Plan and enable the council to work with residents, landowners and others across the city to develop a resilient treescape with diverse species resistant to a changing climate and pests and disease. This will help in the fight against climate change, by creating shade and cooling because trees release water vapour, and absorb rain water.

    By working with local environmental groups, charities, communities and businesses the council will develop a shared understanding of how to become a well-adapted Portsmouth, resilient to the increasing climate hazards already being faced, whether heatwaves or intense rainfall bringing surface water flooding. Working in key areas of the city will drive investment for green infrastructure into places where it is needed most, therefore addressing inequalities.

    Community groups will be supported through small grants, training and mentoring. Businesses will also be encouraged to participate in the project accessing support and advice.

    The ambitious and transformative project will start in October 2025 when further details will be available.

    Residents are also encouraged to help young trees thrive in the current heatwaves by watering those close to where they live or work.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Young musicians hit the high notes in concert series

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Over 4 nights, 400 members of Wolverhampton Music Service represented 60 city schools and performed 50 individual pieces of music as part of Wolverhampton Summer Sounds, a celebration of musical talent held at the Wulfrun Hall, University of Wolverhampton at The Halls.

    Organised by Wolverhampton Music Service, it included performances by the Youth Choir, Concert String Orchestra, Keyboard Ensemble, Fusion Fives, Big Top SEND Ensemble, Bhangra Fusion Percussion, the Primary and Secondary Rock ‘n’ Pop groups, Guitar Group, Concert Wind Band, New Wind, Early Strings, New Strings, Jazz Big Band, Youth Wind Orchestra and Youth Orchestra.

    Head of Service Ciaran O’Donnell said: “It has been an aspiration to bring all 16 musical groups to the city’s most iconic venue, and I am so proud of everyone who took part and made it happen.

    “Many parents went for coffee or something to eat beforehand; in this way, alongside our educational ambition for our children and young people, the Music Service can also really support the city’s nighttime economy. I hope we can do it again next year.”

    Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “This concert series was a powerful showcase of the dedication, creativity and spirit of Wolverhampton’s young musicians.

    “Their talent deserved to be heard and celebrated on the big stage and it was great that so many family and friends were able to watch on proudly as their young people took part in these very special performances.”

    The Summer Sounds concert series was made possible thanks to a generous donation of £10,000 donation from the Friends of Wolverhampton Music Service.

    Wolverhampton Music Service’s team of 34 hard working staff provide high quality tuition and musical opportunities for youngsters from schools across the city, including the chance to perform with its flagship groups, Wolverhampton Youth Orchestra and Wolverhampton Youth Wind Orchestra.

    Recent feedback from the Arts Council cited school engagement at 94%, with curriculum support the highest in the West Midlands.

    The Music Service will be recruiting new members in September – to find out more, please visit Wolverhampton Music Service.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Leeds aquatics team success brings home international medals

    Source: City of Leeds

    Leeds City Council’s aquatic training scheme has brought home six medals from the European Junior Championships that took place earlier this month.

    Five swimmers got selected from Leeds for the championship this year, more than from any other programme and the highest number Leeds has had selected since 2008.

    The team brought home three gold, one silver and two bronze medals.

    As a result of their great performances Daniel Ransom and Gabriel Shepherd have also been selected for the World Aquatics Junior Championships in August, where they will represent Great Britain amongst some of the strongest junior swimmers from across the world. 

    The aquatics scheme at John Charles Centre for Sport has cemented itself as the leading aquatics programme in Great Britain, providing more athletes to Great Britain’s world class programmes and the England national performance and talent programmes than any other aquatics programme.

    Councillor Salma Arif, executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles, and culture, said: “I want to say congratulations to the whole team who competed in the European Junior Championships, what an achievement.

    “We are very proud of our aquatics training scheme and it’s wonderful to see that the hard work of the coaches and the athletes continues to pay off year after year.”

    Jamie Fowler, group coach at Leeds City Council’s swim training scheme, said: “I would like to thank Active Leeds, Leeds City Council and the City of Leeds Swimming Club for the support that is provided for competitive swimming in the city.

    “To have five swimmers at European Junior level is a fantastic achievement and is more than any other programme in Britian. It’s a true testament to how strong our age group and youth development programme is.”

    List of medals:

    Gabriel Shepherd

    • Bronze Men’s 4×100 Freestyle Relay 
    • Silver Mixed 4×100 Freestyle Relay 
    • Gold Men’s 4×100 Medley Relay 

    Hollie Wilson

    • Bronze Women’s 4×200 Freestyle Relay 

    Daniel Ransom

    • Gold Mixed 4×100 Medley Relay 
    • Gold Men’s 4×100 Medley Relay 

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Derby praised for work to keep children safe outside the school gates

    Source: City of Derby

    Children are enjoying safer journeys to and from school thanks to a pioneering Council scheme, which has now won a nationally recognised award for helping to keep children safe by the school gates.

    School Safe Haven Zones operate outside of schools, using temporary road closures or restrictions to limit the use of cars for school drop-offs and pick-ups. Enforced by ANPR cameras, the zones restrict vehicles during peak hours to improve air quality and safety for students.

    The zones, which have been trialled in multiple locations across the city, have brought tangible benefits to both school children and local residents. Not only are there fewer hazards caused by moving and dangerously parked vehicles, but air quality has improved, and active travel – such as walking and cycling – has increased. Residents living close to the zones have also seen reductions in traffic ‘rat-runs’ and felt that their communities were safer, more pleasant places to be.

    Data collected through the scheme is used to identify high-risk locations, monitor compliance and enhance the technology, making sure that any enforcement is fair and accurate. Data collected in Derby has shown significant reductions of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) concentrations, with reductions of up to 48.8% in some locations.

    The pioneering zones been formally recognised with Derby’s parking and transport teams winning Best Service Team of the Year at this year’s MJ Awards, which recognise and celebrate the vital, but often unseen, work that happens across local government. The first local authority to implement this type of scheme outside of London and Wales, the award highlighted the Derby City Council’s innovative and strategic approach, such as the positive impact on child safety, use of active travel methods and the improvements in air quality around schools across the city.

    Councillor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability said:

    “We’re incredibly proud of the positive impact that our School Safe Havens have brought to Derby, and I’m so pleased that this work has been recognised on a national level.

    “This isn’t just about reducing traffic; it’s about making sure that our children are safe outside the school gates and enabling healthy habits from a young age by promoting active travel and contributing to a healthier generation.

    “By partnering with other local authorities to share our expertise, we’re not just making Derby safer, we’re also helping other councils do the same.”

    Following overwhelming success in trials, the Council has teamed up with councils in Walsall, Coventry and Hull to roll out the project and improve safety elsewhere in the UK. Income of around £500,000 has been generated through this roll-out that is being reinvested into the project and other local services, such as providing cycle training and bicycles for school children as well as supporting other highways projects and the work of the school crossing patrol team.

    More information about School Safe Haven Zones can be found on the Council’s website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rain, thunderstorms and strong winds: worsening weather expected in the capital

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    According to weather forecasters, rain and thunderstorms are expected in Moscow on July 22. Wind gusts may reach 15 meters per second.

    In bad weather, city residents are asked to be especially careful on the street, not to take shelter under trees and not to park cars near them.

    The project has been opened on the portal “Our City” “Safe Summer”, with the help of which Muscovites can report about unreliably fixed advertising structures and road signs, broken or leaning trees, as well as other potentially dangerous situations. This will allow to quickly and effectively help services to minimize the consequences of bad weather, to protect the lives, health and property of city residents.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU students took part in the first All-Russian festival of student families

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The festival was created with the aim of uniting student families, as well as rectors, vice-rectors and specialists responsible for the implementation of family policy in universities. A pair of young scientists, Tatyana and Danil Sboev, had the opportunity to represent NSU at the first All-Russian Festival of Student Families. Tatyana completed her first year of Master’s degree Physics Department of NSU, and Danil is a 1st year postgraduate student Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics of NSU.

    — It was an honor for us to represent Novosibirsk State University at the All-Russian Festival of Student Families. Participation in the festival is, first of all, new acquaintances. We talked with the rector and vice-rector of Buryat State University, exchanged experiences and ideas in the field of supporting families within the university, — said Tatyana.

    During the festival, a plenary session was held, at which the Chairperson of the Federation Council Valentina Matviyenko, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Government Dmitry Chernyshenko and the Head of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia Valery Falkov told students in a question-and-answer format about measures to support young families.

    — The program was very busy. Unfortunately, we were able to attend only the first day of the festival. But during that day we managed to participate in a quiz dedicated to family traditions, where our team took second place, and we received many memorable prizes, and also participated in a master class on psychological well-being of the family. Among other things, the festival provided an opportunity to voice the questions and problems that young student families face. At the plenary session, we asked a question that concerns us as a family of young scientists, and we hope that measures to support the families of young scientists will be developed at the state level, — Tatyana added.

    During the plenary session, Valentina Matvienko personally invited Tatyana and Danil to take part in the V Congress of Young Scientists, which will be held from November 26 to 28, 2025, in the federal territory “Sirius” of Krasnodar Krai. The event is part of the national project “Youth and Children”.

    — I liked the festival. We met other student families, exchanged experiences, what kind of support universities offer when entering into marriage. I liked the quiz about family values and traditions. There were guys from Penza, Lugansk and Skolkovo on our team. In addition, despite the busy festival program, Tanya and I managed to take a short walk around summer Moscow, — Danil shared.

    Material prepared by: Varvara Frolkina, NSU press service

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A member of the RUDN construction team told how the third work shift is going

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peoples’Friendship University of Russia –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Every weekday morning, Jean-Pierre Tsishugi Bisimva, a member of the RUDN Meridian Druzhby construction team, comes to the assembly line at 8:45 a.m. before the start of the work day. He works as a painter in the 11th block of the dormitory. Before this summer, he had never had to paint anything, but in three weeks he has already learned a lot.

    His experience working in a repair crew will definitely be useful to him in the future. After all, Jean-Pierre came to Russia from the Democratic Republic of Congo and graduated from the preparatory faculty to enroll in the RUDN Engineering Academy in the Construction program. He will begin his studies on September 1, but in the meantime, he is gaining useful practical skills in advance.

    “In the morning, we discuss the work plan for the day, and then we go to our site. I have a wonderful supervisor who is always ready to give professional advice and just suggest something on personal issues. I got used to the work faster than I thought, learned how to paint walls, stairs, radiators. To make it look prettier and more even, we use tape to separate the borders between colors and to avoid painting too much,” Jean-Pierre Tsishugi Bisimva (Construction, 1st year).

    Insidious paints

    Jean-Pierre already has not only useful knowledge and skills “under his belt”, but also a funny story about his colleague from the construction team.

    “He also worked as a painter, but he didn’t know much about paint. When he had to work in the bathroom, he didn’t cover the floor with anything to protect the surface from the oil paint that was dripping off the walls. This was because he thought that all paints were the same and could be easily washed off after work. As a result, my friend spent a long time cleaning the floor, and it was difficult to do. And that’s why we are always advised to use protective bags, film or cardboard to cover surfaces and keep the work area clean,” Jean-Pierre Tsishugi Bisimwa (Construction, 1st year).

    Concerts on Fridays

    The construction team members work from 09:00 to 18:00, with a lunch break. They go to the university cafeteria to recharge their batteries or bring food with them. In the evening, they hand over their completed work to the foreman and go home to rest and tidy up their work uniforms so that they are clean and ready for the new day. However, they are not always in a hurry to part with each other after checking in with the foreman.

    “We have a friendly, even family-like atmosphere. On Wednesdays we play football. And on Fridays we organize concerts where everyone can demonstrate their talents: sing, dance, play the guitar. In addition, excursions are organized for us. We have already seen the iconic places of Moscow, learned about its history and architecture,” – Jean-Pierre Tsishugi Bisimva (Construction, 1st year).

    At the end of July and in August, students will also be able to compete for the titles of “Miss and Mister of the Construction Team”. Who knows, maybe Jean-Pierre will receive the title of “Mister”? Time will tell.

    The third semester of the RUDN construction team “Meridian of Friendship” started on June 27. In total, more than 190 students from 55 countries are taking part in it.

    They were divided into two work areas: “Atlantes” are engaged in the improvement of student dormitories, and the guys from “Prometheus” are repairing classrooms, laboratories and sports areas of the university. The teams will work for two months.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –