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Category: Finance

  • MIL-OSI: Red White & Bloom Brands Confirms Date for Reconvened Annual General Meeting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Red White & Bloom Brands Inc. (CSE: RWB) (“RWB” or the “Company”) announces that its 2025 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the “AGM”), which was originally convened and subsequently adjourned on July 11, 2025, will reconvene on August 8, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. (Pacific Time), at Suite 1890 – 1075 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, and by teleconference at 1-877-407-8816, Participation Code: 77783, followed by the # key. The reconvened meeting is being held in accordance with the Articles of the Company.

    As previously disclosed, the AGM was adjourned to allow additional time for the Company to complete and present its audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 (the “Annual Financial Statements”).

    Shareholders of record as of the record date previously set for the AGM will remain eligible to attend and vote at the reconvened meeting. Shareholders are encouraged to attend in person or participate via teleconference and to review the Company’s materials in advance of the meeting.

    The Annual Financial Statements and related management discussion and analysis are expected to be filed and made available to shareholders prior to the reconvened AGM, in accordance with applicable securities laws and stock exchange requirements.

    About Red White & Bloom Brands Inc.

    Red White & Bloom Brands is a multi-jurisdictional cannabis operator and house of premium brands operating in the United States, Canada and select international jurisdictions. The Company is predominantly focusing its investments on major U.S. markets, including California, Florida, Missouri, Michigan, and Ohio in addition to Canadian and international markets.

    Red White & Bloom Brands Inc.
    Investor and Media Relations
    Edoardo Mattei, CFO
    IR@RedWhiteBloom.com
    947-225-0503

    Visit us on the web: https://www.redwhitebloom.com/.

    Follow us on social media:

    Twitter: @rwbbrands

    Facebook: @redwhitebloombrands

    Instagram: @redwhitebloombrands

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

    FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION

    Certain information contained in this news release may constitute “forward-looking information” or “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information is often identified by the use of words such as “plans,” “expects,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “will,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “forecasts,” or variations of such words and phrases, including the negative forms thereof, as well as terms such as “pro forma” and “scheduled,” and similar expressions that refer to future events or outcomes.

    Forward-looking statements in this release include, without limitation, statements relating to the anticipated timing, review, completion, and filing of the Annual Financial Statements; the reconvening of the AGM of Shareholders on August 8, 2025, and the Company’s ongoing business operations and regulatory compliance efforts.

    Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks associated with audit completion processes; regulatory reviews and approvals; and the risk that the Company may not be able to complete its Annual Financial Statements within the timeframe currently anticipated.

    There can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

    The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.

    THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS NEWS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE COMPANY’S EXPECTATIONS AS OF THE DATE OF THIS NEWS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE THE COMPANY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS.

    The MIL Network –

    July 17, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: The One Big Beautiful Bill Slashes Seniors’ Tax Burden

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–The One Big Beautiful Bill Act delivers on President Trump’s promise to seniors, providing significant tax relief to low- and middle-income seniors with a bonus exemption on top of other significant tax relief.
    “This legislation reflects our commitment to care for our seniors, ensuring low- and middle-income senior citizens receive a crucial tax break and are able to keep more of the money they have earned over the course of their lives,” said Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho).
    Key wins:
    Provides a $6,000 bonus exemption to millions of low- and middle-income seniors, slashing their tax burden.
    Permanent lower tax rates, letting Americans keep more of their hard-earned money.
    Permanent increased and enhanced standard deduction, claimed by over 90 percent of taxpayers.
    What they are saying:
    “The bill’s broadest tax impact comes from making permanent the reduced income tax rates enacted during Trump’s first term and initially set to expire after this year.  Another key provision, backed by AARP, provides targeted tax relief for older adults in the form of a $6,000 “bonus” deduction that could offset federal taxes on Social Security benefits.” – AARP
    “The One, Big, Beautiful Bill will unleash the full potential of the U.S. economy.  It locks in permanent, pro-growth tax cuts for families, workers, and job creators.  The bill also enacts No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime, and new tax cuts for seniors.  The OBBB will strengthen important programs for those who need them most and save taxpayer dollars by cutting waste, fraud, and abuse.  This consequential legislation cements the blue-collar boom and improves the lives of Americans on every rung of the economic ladder. As we saw after the passage of the 2017 Trump Tax Cuts, American businesses will hire, invest, and raise wages now that this Administration and the Republican Congress have delivered certainty and stability for the economy.” – Scott Bessent, Treasury Secretary
    “Under the One Big Beautiful Bill, 51.4 million seniors – 88 percent of all seniors receiving Social Security income – will pay no tax on their Social Security.” – Council of Economic Advisers
    Click HERE to learn more about the Finance Committee provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 17, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn-Supported Annual Intelligence Bill Passes Committee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today released the following statement after the Intelligence Authorization Act (IAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 passed out of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence:

    “The U.S. Intelligence Community and congressional intelligence committees play vital roles in keeping Texans safe and secure in an increasingly complex threat environment at home and around the globe,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This legislation will ensure our intelligence agencies are equipped with the tools to confront foreign espionage, enhance counternarcotics efforts, and bolster our cybersecurity all while prioritizing transparency and efficiency, and I was glad to support it.”

     Sen. Cornyn’s Legislation Included in the Bill:

    • Intelligence Community Technology Bridge Act: Would enable the Intelligence Community (IC) to streamline acquisition processes and prioritize small business and nontraditional defense contractor solutions.
    • Counternarcotics Enhancement Act: Would direct the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to submit to the congressional intelligence committees an action plan to enhance counternarcotics collaboration, coordination, and cooperation between the U.S. and Mexico.
    • Strengthening Prosecution Integrity for Espionage Statutes (SPIES) Act: Would help hold foreign spies who commit espionage crimes against the U.S. accountable by removing the statute of limitations for certain offenses such as gathering or delivering classified information to aid foreign governments.

    Other Key Provisions Include:

    • Requiring the DNI to assess the counterintelligence vulnerabilities of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA);
    • Requiring the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to assess and share the counterintelligence risks to commercial spaceports;
    • Reforming and improving efficiencies and effectiveness within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) and the broader IC;
    • Requiring that visas be denied to certain nationals applying to work at the United Nations if they are known or suspected of being foreign intelligence officers or committing intelligence or espionage activities;
    • Prohibiting the IC from contracting with Chinese military companies engaged in biotechnology research, development, or manufacturing;
    • Codifying tour and travel restrictions for Chinese, Russian, Iranian, and North Korean diplomats in the United States;
    • Enhancing protections for, and congressional oversight of, IC whistleblowers;
    • Prohibiting IC contractors from collecting or selling IC personnel location data;
    • And promoting transparency by requiring the DNI to conduct a declassification review and publish intelligence relating to the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 17, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Recession Profit Secrets Offers Recession Remedy Strategy for Economic Resilience in 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. Recession Profit Secrets products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a healthcare provider before use.

    Visit the Official Recession Profit Secrets Site

    Understanding the Recession Profit Secrets Framework

    In a time when economic headwinds challenge traditional investment logic, the Recession Profit Secrets platform offers an alternative financial learning system rooted in strategic preparedness. Unlike high-risk investment schemes that often emerge during periods of volatility, this program emphasizes core economic resilience—a principle aligned with timeless financial planning fundamentals.

    At its core, the Recession Profit Secrets framework is designed to help individuals recognize recessionary signals in advance. The educational material prioritizes a blend of historical case studies, monetary policy trends, and behavioral finance strategies. Each lesson is structured to equip the average person with an analytical lens through which they can evaluate their own asset positioning, consumption patterns, and long-term fiscal health.

    The platform does not claim to predict market collapses, nor does it provide financial advice. Rather, it teaches principles that help consumers interpret economic context with greater clarity. The keyword “Recession Remedy” represents a broader philosophy: using knowledge—not speculation—to make better personal finance decisions in uncertain times.

    What Makes the ‘Recession Remedy’ Concept Unique in 2025

    In 2025, recession discourse has shifted from rare-event theory to continuous preparedness. The “Recession Remedy” concept introduces structured education modules that challenge consumers to examine their dependencies on interest-sensitive income, evaluate liquidity positions, and stress-test their household budgets.

    Unlike one-size-fits-all guides or emotionally driven forecasts, this program incorporates data from leading macroeconomic indicators such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI), GDP volatility, and the Federal Reserve’s forward guidance models. The Recession Profit Secrets team consolidates these elements into digestible formats accessible to non-professionals, with an emphasis on awareness rather than anxiety.

    Additionally, the platform offers detailed frameworks on capital preservation, explaining the difference between cyclical downturns and structural economic shifts. Whether addressing inflationary environments or debt cycle contractions, the “Recession Remedy” curriculum remains anchored in verifiable academic sources and financial journalism standards.

    Analyzing Economic Indicators and Market Trends

    Interpreting macroeconomic signals is essential for financial planning. Recession Profit Secrets dedicates extensive coverage to the most telling indicators of systemic stress. These include yield curve inversions, stagnating industrial production, consumer sentiment declines, and wage growth divergences.

    By breaking down these indicators into practical insights, the curriculum avoids overwhelming readers with technical jargon. Instead, it outlines how everyday economic developments—from grocery price surges to rising credit card APRs—can serve as early warnings for larger systemic shifts.

    This section also explores how market psychology, geopolitical uncertainty, and commodity cycles intersect to influence recession trajectories. Users are introduced to frameworks that encourage diversified income streams, conservative leverage practices, and flexibility in spending habits—three critical ingredients for financial durability.

    Learn more about how this framework works in real-world scenarios by visiting the Official Recession Profit Secrets Site.

    Protecting Household Wealth Before a Recession Hits

    While many programs focus on crisis response, Recession Profit Secrets focuses on pre-recession resilience. This includes guidance on fixed cost reduction, low-volatility income strategies, and recession-conscious budgeting techniques.

    Participants are encouraged to audit discretionary expenses, review insurance coverages, and consider adjustments to tax-withholding strategies. For those nearing retirement, modules explore how sequence-of-returns risk can impact drawdown plans—and what adjustments may help reduce volatility exposure.

    The “Recession Remedy” philosophy places strong emphasis on liquidity, arguing that access to cash reserves can reduce reliance on debt and allow strategic timing of asset decisions. The program offers no investment advice, but it does provide a playbook for increasing optionality in personal finance planning.

    How Consumers Are Shifting Financial Behavior in Uncertain Times

    Recent surveys suggest growing consumer appetite for financial literacy tools—particularly those aimed at reducing dependency on high-risk assets. The Recession Profit Secrets platform reflects this shift, offering modular instruction suited for all levels of experience.

    In 2025, younger consumers are prioritizing debt reduction, middle-aged households are exploring passive income strategies, and retirees are seeking inflation-sensitive allocation models. The program adapts to these generational differences by offering layered content—each module building on the last in a non-linear, self-paced structure.

    More broadly, the platform addresses the psychological side of economic stress: fear of job loss, anxiety over inflation, and pressure to sustain pre-recession lifestyles. It frames each lesson in terms of empowerment, helping users focus on action rather than apprehension.

    The Educational Design Behind Recession Profit Secrets

    The instructional design of Recession Profit Secrets follows a “concept-to-application” flow. Each topic begins with foundational definitions and economic context, followed by hypothetical case studies and end-of-module review checklists.

    Modules are built to foster knowledge retention through spaced repetition, context layering, and behavioral modeling. Visual learners benefit from infographics and charts that map out economic cycles and recessionary triggers.

    The program also includes access to periodic updates, ensuring that macro trends—such as fiscal policy changes, new federal reserve signals, or labor market shifts—are integrated into future course revisions. This living-document approach ensures the curriculum evolves in tandem with the economy itself.

    Why ClickBank’s Transparent Delivery Model Matters

    One distinguishing feature of the Recession Profit Secrets experience is its delivery through ClickBank, a global platform known for compliance standards and customer transparency.

    Consumers who access the product through ClickBank benefit from secure checkout, defined refund terms, and readily available support channels. This backend infrastructure ensures continuity, platform security, and access to updates without data risk or affiliate obfuscation.

    ClickBank’s reputation for delivering digital education securely and consistently makes it an ideal partner for programs like Recession Profit Secrets, where trust and clarity are critical to user adoption.

    Explore how the platform delivers secure digital access via ClickBank by visiting the Official Recession Profit Secrets Site.

    Debunking Common Myths About Recession-Proof Investing

    The Recession Profit Secrets platform directly addresses common misconceptions—such as the belief that gold is always a safe haven, or that cash hoarding is universally effective.

    Instead, the curriculum unpacks the nuances behind each perceived “safe” strategy. For example, while gold may act as a hedge during specific inflationary periods, its correlation to real purchasing power varies depending on geopolitical cycles.

    The platform discourages absolutism, advocating instead for a principles-first approach: understanding liquidity profiles, inflation pass-throughs, and the interplay of policy responses. The goal is to equip users with frameworks, not prescriptions.

    Who May Benefit Most from This Approach in 2025

    The Recession Profit Secrets curriculum may appeal to a broad audience—particularly those with fixed or limited incomes, pre-retirees, small business owners, and consumers carrying unsecured debt.

    Its accessibility makes it suitable for both new learners and experienced individuals looking to reframe outdated financial models. Those navigating job transitions, retirement recalibrations, or household budgeting stress may find particular value in the course’s situational application style.

    Rather than positioning the program as a cure-all, the content invites users to treat it as a toolkit—drawing from it selectively based on their current financial lifecycle.

    Final Thoughts on Building a Financially Resilient Future

    In a landscape increasingly shaped by debt cycles, fiscal uncertainty, and automation-driven job volatility, building financial resilience has become more than a goal—it’s a necessity.

    Recession Profit Secrets does not offer easy answers or predictive models. Instead, it emphasizes financial self-awareness, data-informed decision-making, and skillful adaptation. The “Recession Remedy” approach is less about forecasting crashes and more about preparing for the full arc of economic life.

    Consumers seeking empowerment through education—not alarmist speculation—may find Recession Profit Secrets to be a valuable companion in their long-term planning process.

    Contact & Transparency Information

    For more details or support related to Recession Profit Secrets:
    Contact Support:support@recessionprofitsecrets.com
    ClickBank Customer Service:support@clickbank.com
    Phone (US): 1-800-390-6035
    Phone (INTL): 1-208-345-4245

    Visit the Official Recession Profit Secrets Site

    Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. Recession Profit Secrets products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a healthcare provider before use.

    The MIL Network –

    July 17, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Great Southern Bancorp, Inc. Reports Preliminary Second Quarter Earnings of $1.72 Per Diluted Common Share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SPRINGFIELD, Mo., July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Great Southern Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) (NASDAQ:GSBC), the holding company for Great Southern Bank (the “Bank”), today reported that preliminary earnings for the three months ended June 30, 2025, were $1.72 per diluted common share ($19.8 million net income) compared to $1.45 per diluted common share ($17.0 million net income) for the three months ended June 30, 2024.

    For the quarter ended June 30, 2025, annualized return on average common equity was 12.81%, annualized return on average assets was 1.34%, and annualized net interest margin was 3.68%, compared to 12.03%, 1.17% and 3.43%, respectively, for the quarter ended June 30, 2024.

    Second Quarter 2025 Key Results:

    • Net Interest Income: Net interest income for the second quarter of 2025 increased $4.2 million (or approximately 8.9%) to $51.0 million compared to $46.8 million for the second quarter of 2024, largely driven by lower interest expense on deposit accounts and other borrowings. Annualized net interest margin was 3.68% for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, compared to 3.43% for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, and 3.57% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. During the quarter ended June 30, 2025, the Company recorded $434,000 of interest income related to recoveries on non-accrual loans and other cash-basis assets, positively affecting net interest income and net interest margin.
    • Asset Quality: Non-performing assets and potential problem loans totaled $15.3 million at June 30, 2025, a decrease of $1.3 million from $16.6 million at December 31, 2024. At June 30, 2025, non-performing assets were $8.1 million (0.14% of total assets), a decrease of $1.5 million from $9.6 million (0.16% of total assets) at December 31, 2024.
    • Liquidity: The Company had secured borrowing line availability at the FHLBank and Federal Reserve Bank of $1.22 billion and $338.9 million, respectively, at June 30, 2025. In addition, at June 30, 2025, the Company had unpledged securities with a market value totaling $349.3 million, which could be pledged as collateral for additional borrowing capacity at either the FHLBank or Federal Reserve Bank.
    • Capital: The Company’s capital position remained strong as of June 30, 2025, significantly exceeding the thresholds established by regulators. On a preliminary basis, as of June 30, 2025, the Company’s Tier 1 Leverage Ratio was 11.5%, Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio was 13.0%, Tier 1 Capital Ratio was 13.5%, and Total Capital Ratio was 14.7%. The Company’s tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio was 10.5% at June 30, 2025. In June 2025, the Company redeemed at par all of its outstanding subordinated notes, which had an aggregate principal amount of $75.0 million.
    • Significant Item Impacting Non-Interest Income: In the quarter ended June 30, 2025, the Company recorded income of $1.1 million related to exits from, and other activities of, its investments in tax credit partnerships. This was an unusually large amount for the Company, but this type of income occurs from time to time. We cannot, however, anticipate the amount or timing of this income with certainty.

    Selected Financial Data:

      Three Months Ended
        June 30,     June 30,   March 31,
        2025     2024     2025
        (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
                           
    Net interest income $ 50,963     $ 46,818     $ 49,334  
    Provision (credit) for credit losses on loans and unfunded commitments   (110 )     (607 )     (348 )
    Non-interest income   8,212       9,833       6,590  
    Non-interest expense   35,005       36,409       34,822  
    Provision for income taxes   4,494       3,861       4,290  
                     
    Net income $ 19,786     $ 16,988     $ 17,160  
                     
    Earnings per diluted common share $ 1.72     $ 1.45     $ 1.47  
                           

    Joseph W. Turner, President and CEO of Great Southern, commented, “The second quarter was marked by continued execution of our strategy to maintain core banking fundamentals, drive earnings, and improve tangible book value per share. Our core credit and operating metrics remained sound, with solid quarterly profitability driven by steady margins, ongoing disciplined expense control, and continued strong credit quality. We reported net income of $19.8 million, or $1.72 per diluted common share, for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $17.0 million, or $1.45 per diluted common share, in the same period last year. The increase in net income compared to the prior year quarter reflects strong growth in net interest income, which rose $4.2 million, or 8.9%, largely due to lower interest expense on deposit accounts and borrowings. The second quarter of 2025 and 2024 each had significant unusual or non-recurring items included in non-interest income, which are noted elsewhere in this earnings release. Non-interest expense also decreased from the year-ago quarter due to significant legal and professional fees recorded in 2024.”

    Turner noted, “Despite lingering external economic pressures, our core operations continued to perform well. Total interest income for the second quarter of 2025 was $81.0 million, reflecting stable yields on loans and investment securities. Net interest income for the quarter increased to $51.0 million, supported by our continued disciplined asset-liability management and lower deposit interest costs, despite competitive pressures. We also saw stability in our core non-time deposit balances, reflecting the strength of customer relationships and the enduring value of our franchise.”

    Turner added, “Our balance sheet remains well positioned, with total assets of approximately $5.85 billion at June 30, 2025, and a loan portfolio that reflects a balanced approach to growth and risk management, as we serve our constituent markets. We emphasize prudent lending practices through our relationship-based lending resulting in strong credit quality. Given our emphasis on balancing loan growth with appropriate pricing and loan structure, we saw a $156 million net loan reduction in the quarter, which included a $30 million loan payoff at the end of the quarter. Large loan payoffs tend to fluctuate, but we did experience a higher level of such payoffs in the second quarter of 2025. Our allowance for credit losses stood at $64.8 million at June 30, 2025, representing 1.41% of total loans. Our non-performing assets decreased $1.5 million from both March 31, 2025, and December 31, 2024, to $8.1 million, or 0.14% of total assets, highlighting our prudent underwriting standards and ongoing credit monitoring.”

    Turner further noted, “On the expense side, we remain focused on operating discipline. Non-interest expense totaled $35.0 million for the second quarter of 2025, an improvement of $1.4 million from the prior-year second quarter, with reductions in legal and professional fees and expense on other real estate owned, partially offset by modest increases in technology investments. Non-interest income totaled $8.2 million for the second quarter of 2025, which did include some significant unusual income as we’ve noted.”

    Turner continued, “As we look ahead, our priorities remain consistent: control costs, safeguard credit quality, and optimize our funding mix to enable continued growth and long-term financial stability. At June 30, 2025, our capital and liquidity positions were solid, with a tangible common equity ratio of 10.5% and approximately $2.2 billion of secured available lines and on-balance sheet liquid assets, providing us with the capital and liquidity we need to support customers, pursue strategic growth opportunities, and continue returning value to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. In the second quarter of 2025 we repurchased nearly 176,000 shares of our common stock. In June 2025, we redeemed all of the Company’s outstanding 5.50% fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes, with an aggregate principal balance of $75 million, in advance of a step up in rate, thereby avoiding a significant increase in interest cost.”

    “Great Southern’s second-quarter 2025 results demonstrate the strength and consistency of our business model and our ability to deliver sustainable returns, supported by strong customer relationships and disciplined management. Our focus on long-term value creation is steadfast as our team works daily to meet the needs of our customers, communities and shareholders,” Turner concluded.

    NET INTEREST INCOME

      Three Months Ended
        June 30,     June 30,   March 31,
        2025     2024   2025
        (Dollars in thousands)
    Interest Income $ 80,975     $ 80,927     $ 80,243  
    Interest Expense   30,012       34,109       30,909  
                           
    Net Interest Income $ 50,963     $ 46,818     $ 49,334  
                     
    Net interest margin   3.68 %     3.43 %     3.57 %
    Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities   126.9 %     126.7 %     125.5 %
                           

    Net interest income for the second quarter of 2025 increased $4.2 million to $51.0 million, compared to $46.8 million for the second quarter of 2024. This increase in net interest income was driven primarily by higher investment interest income and improved overall yields, as well as the strategic management of maturing/repricing brokered deposits and interest-bearing demand deposits to reduce interest expense. Net interest margin was 3.68% in the second quarter of 2025, compared to 3.43% in the same period of 2024 and 3.57% in the first quarter of 2025. Compared to the 2024 second quarter, the average yield on loans decreased 11 basis points, the average yield on investment securities increased 27 basis points and the average yield on other interest earning assets decreased 101 basis points. The average rate paid on interest-bearing demand and savings deposits, time deposits and brokered deposits decreased 36 basis points, 63 basis points and 74 basis points, respectively, in the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2024. The average interest rate spread was 3.09% for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to 2.77% for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 3.00% for the three months ended March 31, 2025.

    Net interest margin was positively impacted by the receipt of interest income which had not been accrued for, as outlined above, under “Second Quarter 2025 Key Results – Net Interest Income.” This additional interest income contributed three basis points to net interest margin in the second quarter of 2025. While we currently believe that interest income recoveries such as this may occur in future periods, we cannot anticipate the amount or timing of this income with certainty.

    The average rate paid on total interest-bearing liabilities decreased from 3.17% in the 2024 second quarter to 2.75% in the 2025 second quarter. The average rates paid on deposits and borrowings decreased compared to the prior-year second quarter as market interest rates, primarily the federal funds rate and SOFR rates, declined in the fourth quarter of 2024. Yields on the Company’s portfolio of investment securities increased compared to the prior-year second quarter due to higher-yielding securities purchased in the second quarter of 2024. While market interest rates decreased compared to the second quarter of 2024, the average yield on loans only decreased slightly as cash flows from lower-rate fixed rate loans were redeployed into loans with comparably higher rates of interest.

    To mitigate exposure to the risk of fluctuations in future cash flows resulting from changes in interest rates (primarily related to falling interest rates), the Company has, from time to time, strategically utilized derivative financial instruments, primarily interest rate swaps, as part of its interest rate risk management strategy.

    The following table presents, for the periods indicated, the effect of cash flow hedge accounting included in interest income in the consolidated statements of income:

      Three Months Ended
        June 30,     June 30,   March 31,
        2025     2024   2025
        (In thousands)
    Terminated interest rate swaps $ 2,025     $ 2,025     $ 2,003  
    Active interest rate swaps   (1,757 )     (2,769 )     (1,742 )
                           
    Increase (decrease) to interest income $ 268     $ (744 )   $ 261  
                           

    The Company entered into an interest rate swap in October 2018, which was terminated in March 2020. Upon termination, the Company received $45.9 million, inclusive of accrued but unpaid interest, from its swap counterparty. The net amount, after deducting accrued interest and deferred income taxes, is being accreted to interest income on loans monthly until the originally scheduled termination date of October 6, 2025. After this date, the Company will no longer have the benefit of that income from the terminated swap. The Company anticipates recording approximately $2.0 million in interest income from the terminated swap in the third quarter of 2025, after which no further interest income will be realized.

    The Company’s net interest income in the second quarter of 2025 increased 8.9% compared to net interest income in the second quarter of 2024. The cost of deposits has been negatively impacted over several quarters by the high level of competition for deposits across the industry and the lingering effects of liquidity events at several banks in March and April 2023. After the second quarter of 2023, the Company had a significant amount of time deposits maturing at relatively low interest rates. These deposits were either renewed at higher rates or withdrawn, requiring the Company to replace the withdrawn deposits with other funding sources at then-current market rates. Market rates for time deposits for much of 2024 remained elevated, but have declined as the FOMC cut the federal funds rate by 100 basis points in late 2024 and signaled that further rate cuts may occur in late 2025. As of June 30, 2025, time deposit maturities over the next 12 months were as follows: within three months — $696 million, with a weighted-average rate of 3.93%; within three to six months — $460 million, with a weighted-average rate of 3.83%; and within six to twelve months — $124 million, with a weighted-average rate of 3.37%. Based on time deposit market rates in June 2025, replacement rates for these maturing time deposits are likely to be approximately 3.35-3.85%.

    NON-INTEREST INCOME

    For the quarter ended June 30, 2025, non-interest income decreased $1.6 million to $8.2 million when compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2024, primarily as a result of the following items:

    • Other income: Other income decreased $1.6 million compared to the prior-year quarter. In the second quarter of 2024, the Company recorded $2.7 million of other income, net of expenses and write-offs, related to the termination of the master agreement between the Company and a third-party software vendor for the intended conversion of the Company’s core banking platform. Separately, in the quarter ended June 30, 2025, the Company recorded income of $1.1 million related to exits from, and other activities of, its investments in tax credit partnerships.
    • Net gains on loan sales: Net gains on loan sales decreased $234,000 compared to the prior-year quarter. The decrease was due to a decrease in balance of fixed-rate single-family mortgage loans originated and sold during the 2025 period compared to the 2024 period. Fixed rate single-family mortgage loans originated are generally subsequently sold in the secondary market.
    • Late charges and fees on loans: Late charges and fees on loans increased $204,000 compared to the prior-year quarter. This increase was primarily due to prepayment fees on one large commercial real estate loan, which paid off in the 2025 quarter.

    NON-INTEREST EXPENSE

    For the quarter ended June 30, 2025, non-interest expense decreased $1.4 million to $35.0 million when compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2024, primarily as a result of the following items:

    • Legal, audit and other professional fees: Legal, audit and other professional fees decreased $935,000, or 50.2%, from the prior-year quarter, to $929,000. In the quarter ended June 30, 2024, the Company expensed a total of $902,000 related to training and implementation costs for the intended core systems conversion and professional fees to consultants engaged to support the Company’s proposed transition of core and ancillary software and information technology systems, compared to $46,000 in costs expensed in the quarter ended June 30, 2025.
    • Expense on other real estate owned: Expenses on other real estate owned decreased $453,000, or 158.9%, from the prior-year quarter. In the quarter ended June 30, 2025, the Company collected a total of $445,000 in rental income from other real estate owned, compared to $24,000 collected for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. The 2025 period included rental income from the $6.0 million office building asset that was added to other real estate owned in the fourth quarter of 2024. See “Asset Quality” below.
    • Other operating expenses: Other operating expenses decreased $444,000, or 17.3%, from the prior-year quarter. In the 2024 period, the Company recorded expenses totaling $600,000 related to the resolution of compliance matters, with no similar expenses recorded in the current-year quarter.
    • Net occupancy and equipment expenses: Net occupancy and equipment expenses increased $594,000, or 7.6%, from the prior-year quarter. Various components of computer license and support expenses related to upgrades of core systems capabilities collectively increased by $502,000 in the second quarter of 2025 compared to the second quarter of 2024.

    The Company’s efficiency ratio for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, was 59.16% compared to 64.27% for the same quarter in 2024. The Company’s ratio of non-interest expense to average assets was 2.37% for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to 2.50% for the three months ended June 30, 2024. Average assets for the three months ended June 30, 2025, increased $86.0 million, or 1.5%, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2024, primarily due to growth in average balances of net loans and investment securities.

    INCOME TAXES

    For each of the three months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, the Company’s effective tax rate was 18.5%. For the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, the Company’s effective tax rate was 19.2% and 18.8%, respectively. These effective rates were below the statutory federal tax rate of 21%, due primarily to the utilization of certain investment tax credits and the Company’s tax-exempt investments and tax-exempt loans, which reduced the Company’s effective tax rate. The Company’s effective tax rate may fluctuate in future periods as it is impacted by the level and timing of the Company’s utilization of tax credits, the level of tax-exempt investments and loans, the amount of taxable income in various state jurisdictions and the overall level of pre-tax income. State tax expense estimates continually evolve as taxable income and apportionment between states are analyzed. The Company currently expects its effective tax rate (combined federal and state) will be approximately 18.0% to 20.0% in future periods.

    CAPITAL

        June 30,   December 31,   March 31,
        2025   2024   2025
    Consolidated Regulatory Capital Ratios   (Preliminary)            
    Tier 1 Leverage Ratio   11.5 %   11.4 %   11.3 %
    Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio   13.0 %   12.3 %   12.4 %
    Tier 1 Capital Ratio   13.5 %   12.8 %   12.9 %
    Total Capital Ratio   14.7 %   15.4 %   15.6 %
    Tangible Common Equity Ratio   10.5 %   9.9 %   10.1 %
                       

    As of June 30, 2025, total stockholders’ equity was $622.4 million, representing 10.6% of total assets and a book value of $54.61 per common share. This compares to total stockholders’ equity of $599.6 million, or 10.0% of total assets, and a book value of $51.14 per common share at December 31, 2024. The $22.8 million increase in stockholders’ equity from December 31, 2024, was primarily driven by $36.9 million in net income and a $2.0 million increase from stock option exercises, partially offset by $9.2 million in cash dividends declared on the Company’s common stock and $20.0 million in common stock repurchases.

    Decreased unrealized losses on the Company’s available-for-sale investment securities and interest rate swaps, which totaled $54.4 million (net of taxes) at December 31, 2024, also increased stockholders’ equity by $13.0 million during the first six months of 2025. These net unrealized losses primarily resulted from increased intermediate-term market interest rates in prior periods, which generally decreased the fair value of the investment securities and interest rate swaps. In the first six months of 2025, these market interest rates decreased, resulting in increases in the fair value of the Company’s investment securities and interest rate swaps.

    The Company had unrealized losses on its portfolio of held-to-maturity investment securities, which totaled $19.3 million and $24.7 million at June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively, that were not included in its total capital balance. If held-to-maturity unrealized losses were included in capital (net of taxes) at June 30, 2025, they would have decreased total stockholder’s equity at that date by $14.6 million. This amount was equal to 2.3% of total stockholders’ equity of $622.4 million at June 30, 2025, compared to 3.1% of total stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2024.

    On June 15, 2025, the Company redeemed all of its outstanding 5.50% fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes due June 15, 2030, with an aggregate principal balance of $75 million. The total redemption price was 100% of the aggregate principal balance of the subordinated notes plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Company utilized excess cash on hand for the redemption payment.

    In November 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to one million shares of the Company’s common stock. As of June 30, 2025, approximately 94,000 shares remained available under this stock repurchase authorization.

    In April 2025, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a new stock repurchase program, which will succeed the existing repurchase program (authorized in November 2022) following the repurchase of the existing program’s remaining available shares. The new stock repurchase program authorizes the purchase, from time to time, of up to one million additional shares of the Company’s common stock.

    During the three months ended June 30, 2025, the Company repurchased 175,998 shares of its common stock at an average price of $55.11, and the Company’s Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.40 per common share, which, combined, reduced stockholders’ equity by $14.4 million.

    During the six months ended June 30, 2025, the Company repurchased 349,342 shares of its common stock at an average price of $56.73, and the Company’s Board of Directors declared regular quarterly cash dividends totaling $0.80 per common share, which, combined, reduced stockholders’ equity by $29.2 million.

    LIQUIDITY AND DEPOSITS

    Liquidity is a measure of the Company’s ability to generate sufficient cash to meet present and future financial obligations in a timely manner. The Company’s primary sources of funds are customer deposits, FHLBank advances, other borrowings, loan repayments, unpledged securities, proceeds from sales of loans and available-for-sale securities and funds provided from operations. The Company utilizes some or all of these sources of funds depending on the comparative costs and availability at the time. The Company has from time to time chosen not to pay rates on deposits as high as the rates paid by certain of its competitors and, when believed to be appropriate, supplements deposits with less expensive alternative sources of funds. Management believes that the Company maintains overall liquidity sufficient to satisfy its depositors’ requirements and meet its borrowers’ credit needs.

    At June 30, 2025, the Company had the following available secured lines and on-balance sheet liquidity:

        June 30, 2025
    Federal Home Loan Bank line     $1,216.1 million
    Federal Reserve Bank line     338.9 million
    Cash and cash equivalents     245.9 million
    Unpledged securities – Available-for-sale     325.3 million
    Unpledged securities – Held-to-maturity     24.0 million
           

    During the six months ended June 30, 2025, the Company’s total deposits increased $78.6 million. Interest-bearing checking balances increased $18.5 million (0.8%), primarily in certain money market accounts, and non-interest-bearing checking balances increased $17.0 million (2.0%). Time deposits generated through the Company’s banking center and corporate services networks decreased $18.1 million (2.3%). Brokered deposits increased $61.2 million (7.9%) through a variety of sources. During the three months ended June 30, 2025, the Company’s total deposits decreased $73.9 million, with $62.1 million of this decrease in brokered deposits.

    At June 30, 2025, the Company had the following deposit balances:

           June 30, 2025
    Interest-bearing checking     $2,233.2 million
    Non-interest-bearing checking     859.9 million
    Time deposits     757.7 million
    Brokered deposits     833.3 million
           

    At June 30, 2025, the Company estimated that its uninsured deposits, excluding deposit accounts of the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries, were approximately $703.6 million (15% of total deposits).

    LOANS

    Total net loans, excluding mortgage loans held for sale, decreased $156.1 million, or 3.3%, from $4.69 billion at December 31, 2024 to $4.53 billion at June 30, 2025. This decrease was primarily driven by decreases in construction loans of $79.1 million, commercial real estate loans of $56.1 million, one- to four-family residential loans of $23.0 million and commercial business loans of $25.2 million, partially offset by an increase in other residential (multi-family) loans of $28.7 million. Compared to March 31, 2025, net loans decreased $156.4 million.

    The pipeline of the unfunded portion of loans and formal loan commitments remained strong, with the largest portion of these unfunded balances represented by the unfunded portion of outstanding construction loans ($626.0 million at June 30, 2025). See the table below.

    For additional details about the Company’s loan portfolio, please refer to the quarterly loan portfolio presentation available on the Company’s Investor Relations website under “Presentations.”

    Loan commitments and the unfunded portion of loans at the dates indicated were as follows (in thousands):

        June 30,
    2025
        March 31,
    2025
        December
    31, 2024
        December
    31, 2023
        December
    31, 2022
     
    Closed non-construction loans with unused available lines                              
    Secured by real estate (one- to four-family) $ 211,453   $ 211,119   $ 205,599   $ 203,964   $ 199,182  
    Secured by real estate (not one- to four-family)   —     —     —     —     —  
    Not secured by real estate – commercial business   102,891     106,211     106,621     82,435     104,452  
                                   
    Closed construction loans with unused available lines                              
    Secured by real estate (one-to four-family)   96,935     96,807     94,501     101,545     100,669  
    Secured by real estate (not one-to four-family)   644,427     657,828     703,947     719,039     1,444,450  
                                   
    Loan commitments not closed                              
    Secured by real estate (one-to four-family)   17,148     19,264     14,373     12,347     16,819  
    Secured by real estate (not one-to four-family)   13,002     50,296     53,660     48,153     157,645  
    Not secured by real estate – commercial business   27,003     18,484     22,884     11,763     50,145  
                                   
      $ 1,112,859   $ 1,160,009   $ 1,201,585   $ 1,179,246   $ 2,073,362  
                                   

    PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES

    During the three months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, the Company did not record a provision expense on its portfolio of outstanding loans. During the six months ended June 30, 2025, the Company did not record a provision expense on its portfolio of outstanding loans, compared to a provision expense of $500,000 in the same period in 2024. Total net recoveries were $111,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to net recoveries of $168,000 during the same period in the prior year. Total net recoveries were $55,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to net recoveries of $85,000 during the same period in the prior year. Additionally, for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, the Company recorded a negative provision for losses on unfunded commitments of $110,000, compared to a negative provision of $607,000 for the same period in 2024. For the six months ended June 30, 2025, the Company recorded a negative provision for losses on unfunded commitments of $458,000, compared to a negative provision of $477,000 for the same period in 2024.

    The Bank’s allowance for credit losses as a percentage of total loans was 1.41% at June 30, 2025, an increase from 1.36% at both December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2025. Management considers the allowance for credit losses adequate to cover losses inherent in the Bank’s loan portfolio at June 30, 2025, based on recent reviews of the portfolio and current economic conditions. However, if challenging economic conditions persist or worsen, or if management’s assessment of the loan portfolio changes, additional provisions for credit losses may be required, which could adversely impact the Company’s future financial performance.

    ASSET QUALITY

    At June 30, 2025, non-performing assets were $8.1 million, a decrease of $1.5 million from $9.6 million at December 31, 2024 and a decrease of $1.4 million from $9.5 million at March 31, 2025. Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets were 0.14% at June 30, 2025, compared to 0.16% at both December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2025.

    Activity in the non-performing loan categories during the quarter ended June 30, 2025, was as follows:

        Beginning
    Balance,
    April 1
      Additions
    to Non-
    Performing
      Removed
    from Non-
    Performing
      Transfers
    to Potential
    Problem
    Loans
      Transfers to
    Foreclosed
    Assets and
    Repossessions
      Charge-
    Offs
      Payments   Ending
    Balance,
    June 30
        (In thousands)
                                     
    One- to four-family construction $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —   $ —
    Subdivision construction   —   —   —   —   —   —   —     —
    Land development   368   —   —   —   —   —   (368 )   —
    Commercial construction   —   —   —   —   —   —   —     —
    One- to four-family residential   3,076   154   —   —   —   —   (1,204 )   2,026
    Other residential (multi-family)   —   —   —   —   —   —   —     —
    Commercial real estate   —   —   —   —   —   —   —     —
    Commercial business   —   —   —   —   —   —   —     —
    Consumer   38   7   —   —   —   —   (27 )   18
    Total non-performing loans $ 3,482 $ 161 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ (1,599 ) $ 2,044
                                     
    • Compared to March 31, 2025, non-performing loans decreased $1.4 million.
    • The non-performing one- to four-family residential category consisted of eight loans at June 30, 2025, one of which was added during the current quarter.
    • The largest relationship in the one- to four-family residential category totaled $614,000 at June 30, 2025. This relationship was added to non-performing loans in 2024 and is collateralized by a single-family residential property in the Sarasota, Fla. area.
    • During the quarter ended June 30, 2025, one- to four-family residential loans experienced one loan pay-off totaling $884,000 and another related loan had a principal pay-down totaling $296,000. Additionally, the only loan in the non-performing land development category at the beginning of the quarter paid off.

    Activity in the potential problem loans categories during the quarter ended June 30, 2025, was as follows:

        Beginning
    Balance,
    April 1
      Additions to
    Potential
    Problem
      Removed
    from
    Potential
    Problem
      Transfers
    to Non-
    Performing
      Transfers to
    Foreclosed
    Assets and
    Repossessions
      Charge-
    Offs
      Loan Advances (Payments)   Ending
    Balance,
    June 30
     
        (In thousands)
                                       
    One- to four-family construction $ — $ — $ —   $ — $ —   $ —   $ —   $ —  
    Subdivision construction   —   —   —     —   —     —     —     —  
    Land development   —   —   —     —   —     —     —     —  
    Commercial construction   —   —   —     —   —     —     —     —  
    One- to four-family residential   2,128   34   (307 )   —   —     —     (16 )   1,839  
    Other residential (multi-family)   —   —   —     —   —     —     —     —  
    Commercial real estate   4,313   —   —     —   —     —     (16 )   4,297  
    Commercial business   —   33   —     —   —     —     —     33  
    Consumer   1,011   50   —     —   (2 )   (11 )   (11 )   1,037  
    Total potential problem loans $ 7,452 $ 117 $ (307 ) $ — $ (2 ) $ (11 ) $ (43 ) $ 7,206  
                                       
    • Compared to March 31, 2025, potential problem loans decreased $246,000.
    • At June 30, 2025, the commercial real estate category consisted of three loans, all of which are part of one relationship and were added in 2024.
    • The commercial real estate relationship is collateralized by three nursing care facilities located in southwest Missouri. The borrower’s business cash flow was negatively impacted by a reduction in available labor and increased operating costs as well as ongoing changes to the Missouri Medicaid reimbursement rate. Monthly payments were timely made prior to the transfer to this category and have continued to be paid timely.
    • At June 30, 2025, the one- to four-family residential category consisted of ten loans, one of which was added to potential problem loans during the current quarter.
    • The largest relationship in the one- to four-family category, which was reclassified from the consumer category during the first quarter of 2025, totaled $963,000 and is collateralized by multiple single-family residential properties in Indiana and Florida.
    • At June 30, 2025, the consumer category of potential problem loans consisted of 14 loans, two of which were added during the current quarter.
    • The largest loan in the consumer category is a home equity loan totaling $784,000 related to the nursing care facility relationship, noted above.

    Activity in the foreclosed assets and repossessions categories during the quarter ended June 30, 2025 was as follows:

        Beginning
    Balance,
    April 1
      Additions   ORE and
    Repossession
    Sales
      Capitalized
    Costs
      ORE and
    Repossession
    Write-Downs
      Ending
    Balance,
    June 30
        (In thousands)
                             
    One-to four-family construction $ — $ — $ —   $ — $ — $ —
    Subdivision construction   —   —   —     —   —   —
    Land development   —   —   —     —   —   —
    Commercial construction   —   —   —     —   —   —
    One- to four-family residential   —   —   —     —   —   —
    Other residential (multi-family)   —   —   —     —   —   —
    Commercial real estate   6,036   —   —     —   —   6,036
    Commercial business   —   —   —     —   —   —
    Consumer   —   6   (2 )   —   —   4
    Total foreclosed assets and repossessions $ 6,036 $ 6 $ (2 ) $ — $ — $ 6,040
                             
    • Compared to March 31, 2025, foreclosed assets increased $4,000.
    • The commercial real estate category consisted of two foreclosed properties, one of which, totaling $76,000, was added during the first quarter of 2025.
    • The largest asset in the commercial real estate category, totaling $6.0 million, consisted of an office building located in Clayton, Mo. This asset was foreclosed upon in the fourth quarter of 2024.

    BUSINESS INITIATIVES

    Technology updates and advancements continue with the Company’s current core provider. Projects involving a full array of products and services are moving forward, with completions expected beginning in the third quarter of 2025 and continuing into 2026.

    The Company installed 10 ITM units in the St. Louis, Mo. market, replacing existing end-of-life ATM units. The ITMs, all located at banking center locations, offer customers live teller services, extended banking hours, and services beyond those traditionally available via an ATM.

    Construction of the Company’s new banking center at 723 N. Benton in Springfield, Mo., to replace the existing facility at that location, began in March 2025 and is on schedule for completion in the fourth quarter of 2025. The new facility, designed as a next-generation banking center, will allow for flexibility in testing new designs, processes, technology and tools, balanced with customer convenience. The Company has 11 other banking centers and an Express Center in Springfield.

    Earnings Conference Call

    The Company will host a conference call on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time to discuss second quarter 2025 preliminary earnings. The call will be available live or in a recorded version at the Company’s Investor Relations website, http://investors.greatsouthernbank.com. Participants may register for the call at https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI5023532982f44a44b03e6e16deb1e937.

    About Great Southern Bancorp, Inc.

    Headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, Great Southern offers a broad range of banking services to customers. The Company operates 89 retail banking centers in Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Arkansas and Nebraska and commercial lending offices in Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Omaha, and Phoenix. The common stock of Great Southern Bancorp, Inc. is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “GSBC.”

    www.GreatSouthernBank.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    When used in this press release and in other documents filed or furnished by the Company with or to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), in the Company’s other press releases or other public or stockholder communications, and in oral statements made with the approval of an authorized executive officer, the words or phrases “may,” “might,” “could,” “should,” “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “will continue,” “is anticipated,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “intends” or similar expressions are intended to identify “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements also include, but are not limited to, statements regarding plans, objectives, expectations or consequences of announced transactions, known trends and statements about future performance, operations, products and services of the Company. The Company’s ability to predict results or the actual effects of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain, and the Company’s actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements.

    Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: (i) expected revenues, cost savings, earnings accretion, synergies and other benefits from the Company’s merger and acquisition activities might not be realized within the anticipated time frames or at all, and costs or difficulties relating to integration matters, including but not limited to customer and employee retention, might be greater than expected; (ii) changes in economic conditions, either nationally or in the Company’s market areas; (iii) the effects of any new or continuing public health issues on general economic and financial market conditions; (iv) fluctuations in interest rates, the effects of inflation or a potential recession, whether caused by Federal Reserve actions or otherwise; (v) the impact of bank failures or adverse developments at other banks and related negative press about the banking industry in general on investor and depositor sentiment; (vi) slower or negative economic growth caused by tariffs, changes in energy prices, supply chain disruptions or other factors; (vii) the risks of lending and investing activities, including changes in the level and direction of loan delinquencies and write-offs and changes in estimates of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses; (viii) the possibility of realized or unrealized losses on securities held in the Company’s investment portfolio; (ix) the Company’s ability to access cost-effective funding and maintain sufficient liquidity; (x) fluctuations in real estate values and both residential and commercial real estate market conditions; (xi) the ability to adapt successfully to technological changes to meet customers’ needs and developments in the marketplace; (xii) the possibility that security measures implemented might not be sufficient to mitigate the risk of a cyber-attack or cyber theft, and that such security measures might not protect against systems failures or interruptions; (xiii) legislative or regulatory changes that adversely affect the Company’s business; (xiv) changes in accounting policies and practices or accounting standards; (xv) results of examinations of the Company and the Bank by their regulators, including the possibility that the regulators may, among other things, require the Company to limit its business activities, change its business mix, increase its allowance for credit losses, write-down assets or increase its capital levels, or affect its ability to borrow funds or maintain or increase deposits, which could adversely affect its liquidity and earnings; (xvi) costs and effects of litigation, including settlements and judgments; (xvii) competition; and (xviii) natural disasters, war, terrorist activities or civil unrest and their effects on economic and business environments in which the Company operates. The Company wishes to advise readers that the factors listed above and other risks described in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including, without limitation, those described under “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other documents filed or furnished from time to time by the Company with the SEC (which are available on our website at www.greatsouthernbank.com and the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov), could affect the Company’s financial performance and cause the Company’s actual results for future periods to differ materially from any opinions or statements expressed with respect to future periods in any current statements.

    The Company does not undertake-and specifically declines any obligation- to publicly release the result of any revisions which may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

    The following tables set forth selected consolidated financial information of the Company at the dates and for the periods indicated. Financial data at all dates other than December 31, 2024, and for all periods is unaudited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, which consist only of normal recurring accrual adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results at and for such unaudited dates and periods have been included. The results of operations and other data for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, and the three months ended March 31, 2025, are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations which may be expected for any future period.

        June 30,
        December 31,
        2025
        2024
    Selected Financial Condition Data:   (In thousands)
                   
    Total assets $ 5,854,672     $ 5,981,628  
    Loans receivable, gross   4,604,943       4,761,848  
    Allowance for credit losses   64,815       64,760  
    Other real estate owned, net   6,040       5,993  
    Available-for-sale securities, at fair value   527,543       533,373  
    Held-to-maturity securities, at amortized cost   183,100       187,433  
    Deposits   4,684,126       4,605,549  
    Total borrowings   450,483       679,341  
    Total stockholders’ equity   622,368       599,568  
    Non-performing assets   8,084       9,566  
                   
        Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended     Three Months
    Ended
        June 30,     June 30,     March 31,
        2025     2024     2025     2024
        2025
        (In thousands)
    Selected Operating Data:                              
    Interest income $ 80,975     $ 80,927     $ 161,218     $ 158,317     $ 80,243  
    Interest expense   30,012       34,109       60,921       66,683       30,909  
    Net interest income   50,963       46,818       100,297       91,634       49,334  
    Provision (credit) for credit losses on loans and unfunded commitments   (110 )     (607 )     (458 )     23       (348 )
    Non-interest income   8,212       9,833       14,802       16,639       6,590  
    Non-interest expense   35,005       36,409       69,827       70,831       34,822  
    Provision for income taxes   4,494       3,861       8,784       7,024       4,290  
    Net income $ 19,786     $ 16,988     $ 36,946     $ 30,395     $ 17,160  
                                   
      At or For the Three
    Months Ended
      At or For the Six
    Months Ended
      At or For the Three
    Months Ended
      June 30,   June 30,   March 31,
      2025   2024   2025   2024   2025
      (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
    Per Common Share:              
    Net income (fully diluted) $ 1.72     $ 1.45     $ 3.18     $ 2.58     $ 1.47  
    Book value $ 54.61     $ 49.11     $ 54.61     $ 49.11     $ 53.03  
                   
    Earnings Performance Ratios:              
    Annualized return on average assets   1.34 %     1.17 %     1.24 %     1.05 %     1.15 %
    Annualized return on average common stockholders’ equity   12.81 %     12.03 %     12.06 %     10.69 %     11.30 %
    Net interest margin   3.68 %     3.43 %     3.63 %     3.38 %     3.57 %
    Average interest rate spread   3.09 %     2.77 %     3.05 %     2.71 %     3.00 %
    Efficiency ratio   59.16 %     64.27 %     60.67 %     65.42 %     62.27 %
    Non-interest expense to average total assets   2.37 %     2.50 %     2.35 %     2.44 %     2.34 %
                   
    Asset Quality Ratios:              
    Allowance for credit losses to period-end loans   1.41 %     1.39 %     1.41 %     1.39 %     1.36 %
    Non-performing assets to period-end assets   0.14 %     0.34 %     0.14 %     0.34 %     0.16 %
    Non-performing loans to period-end loans   0.04 %     0.23 %     0.04 %     0.23 %     0.07 %
    Annualized net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans   (0.01 )%     (0.01 )%     0.00 %     0.00 %     0.00 %
                   
     
    Great Southern Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
    Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
    (In thousands, except number of shares)
                 
        June 30,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2025
                 
    Assets            
    Cash $ 110,007   $ 109,366   $ 106,336  
    Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions   135,906     86,390     110,845  
    Cash and cash equivalents   245,913     195,756     217,181  
                 
    Available-for-sale securities   527,543     533,373     535,914  
    Held-to-maturity securities   183,100     187,433     185,853  
    Mortgage loans held for sale   5,616     6,937     6,857  
    Loans receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $64,815 – June 2025; $64,760 – December 2024; $64,704 – March 2025   4,534,287     4,690,393     4,690,636  
    Interest receivable   20,644     20,430     21,504  
    Prepaid expenses and other assets   133,614     136,594     132,930  
    Other real estate owned and repossessions, net   6,040     5,993     6,036  
    Premises and equipment, net   134,337     132,466     132,165  
    Goodwill and other intangible assets   9,877     10,094     9,985  
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock and other interest-earning assets   23,714     28,392     25,813  
    Current and deferred income taxes   29,987     33,767     28,968  
                 
    Total Assets $ 5,854,672   $ 5,981,628   $ 5,993,842  
                 
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity            
    Liabilities            
    Deposits $ 4,684,126   $ 4,605,549   $ 4,758,046  
    Securities sold under reverse repurchase agreements with customers   54,802     64,444     75,322  
    Short-term borrowings   369,907     514,247     359,907  
    Subordinated debentures issued to capital trust   25,774     25,774     25,774  
    Subordinated notes   —     74,876     74,950  
    Accrued interest payable   4,065     12,761     5,416  
    Advances from borrowers for taxes and insurance   8,822     5,272     7,451  
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses   76,763     70,634     65,528  
    Liability for unfunded commitments   8,045     8,503     8,155  
    Total Liabilities   5,232,304     5,382,060     5,380,549  
                 
    Stockholders’ Equity            
    Capital stock            
    Preferred stock, $.01 par value; authorized 1,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding June 2025, December 2024 and March 2025 -0- shares   —     —     —  
    Common stock, $.01 par value; authorized 20,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding June 2025 – 11,396,533 shares; December 2024 – 11,723,548 shares; March 2025 – 11,565,211 shares   114     117     116  
    Additional paid-in capital   51,646     50,336     51,076  
    Retained earnings   611,921     603,477     606,239  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (41,313 )   (54,362 )   (44,138 )
    Total Stockholders’ Equity   622,368     599,568     613,293  
                 
    Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity $ 5,854,672   $ 5,981,628   $ 5,993,842  
                       
     
    Great Southern Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries
    Consolidated Statements of Income
    (In thousands, except per share data)
                   
        Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended   Three Months Ended
        June 30,     June 30,   March 31,
        2025     2024     2025     2024     2025
    Interest Income                            
    Loans $ 73,830     $ 74,295     $ 146,901     $ 145,371     $ 73,071  
    Investment securities and other   7,145       6,632       14,317       12,946       7,172  
        80,975       80,927       161,218       158,317       80,243  
    Interest Expense                            
    Deposits   24,368       27,783       48,968       55,420       24,600  
    Securities sold under reverse repurchase agreements   372       394       743       727       371  
    Short-term borrowings, overnight FHLBank borrowings and other interest-bearing liabilities   3,974       4,373       8,424       7,417       4,450  
    Subordinated debentures issued to capital trust   389       454       771       908       382  
    Subordinated notes   909       1,105       2,015       2,211       1,106  
        30,012       34,109       60,921       66,683       30,909  
                                 
    Net Interest Income   50,963       46,818       100,297       91,634       49,334  
    Provision for Credit Losses on Loans   —       —       —       500       —  
    Provision (Credit) for Unfunded Commitments   (110 )     (607 )     (458 )     (477 )     (348 )
    Net Interest Income After Provision for Credit Losses and Provision (Credit) for Unfunded Commitments   51,073       47,425       100,755       91,611       49,682  
                                 
    Non-interest Income                            
    Commissions   411       269       673       650       262  
    Overdraft and Insufficient funds fees   1,266       1,230       2,481       2,519       1,215  
    POS and ATM fee income and service charges   3,444       3,588       6,678       6,771       3,234  
    Net gains on loan sales   893       1,127       1,494       1,804       601  
    Late charges and fees on loans   340       136       583       303       243  
    Gain (loss) on derivative interest rate products   (28 )     (7 )     (52 )     (20 )     (24 )
    Other income   1,886       3,490       2,945       4,612       1,059  
        8,212       9,833       14,802       16,639       6,590  
                                 
    Non-interest Expense                            
    Salaries and employee benefits   20,005       19,886       40,134       39,542       20,129  
    Net occupancy and equipment expense   8,435       7,841       16,968       15,680       8,533  
    Postage   825       777       1,756       1,584       931  
    Insurance   1,095       1,263       2,260       2,407       1,165  
    Advertising   705       891       995       1,241       290  
    Office supplies and printing   238       236       504       503       266  
    Telephone   705       685       1,411       1,406       706  
    Legal, audit and other professional fees   929       1,864       1,967       3,589       1,038  
    Expense (income) on other real estate and repossessions   (168 )     285       (238 )     346       (70 )
    Acquired intangible asset amortization   108       109       216       217       108  
    Other operating expenses   2,128       2,572       3,854       4,316       1,726  
        35,005       36,409       69,827       70,831       34,822  
                                 
    Income Before Income Taxes   24,280       20,849       45,730       37,419       21,450  
    Provision for Income Taxes   4,494       3,861       8,784       7,024       4,290  
                                 
    Net Income $ 19,786     $ 16,988     $ 36,946     $ 30,395     $ 17,160  
                                 
    Earnings Per Common Share                            
    Basic $ 1.73     $ 1.46     $ 3.20     $ 2.60     $ 1.47  
    Diluted $ 1.72     $ 1.45     $ 3.18     $ 2.58     $ 1.47  
                                 
    Dividends Declared Per Common Share $ 0.40     $ 0.40     $ 0.80     $ 0.80     $ 0.40  
                                 
     
    Average Balances, Interest Rates and Yields
     

    The following table presents, for the periods indicated, the total dollar amounts of interest income from average interest-earning assets and the resulting yields, as well as the interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities, expressed both in dollars and rates, and the net interest margin. Average balances of loans receivable include the average balances of nonaccrual loans for each period. Interest income on loans includes interest received on nonaccrual loans on a cash basis. Interest income on loans also includes the amortization of net loan fees, which were deferred in accordance with accounting standards. Net fees included in interest income were $1.1 million for both the three months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024. Net fees included in interest income were $2.1 million and $2.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Tax-exempt income was not calculated on a tax equivalent basis. The table does not reflect any effect of income taxes.

      June 30, 2025       Three Months Ended
    June 30, 2025
      Three Months Ended
    June 30, 2024
     
              Average         Yield/       Average         Yield/  
      Yield/Rate       Balance     Interest   Rate       Balance     Interest   Rate  
      (Dollars in thousands)  
    Interest-earning assets:                                        
    Loans receivable:                                        
    One- to four-family residential 4.24 %   $ 822,283   $ 8,750   4.27 %   $ 877,957   $ 8,769   4.02 %
    Other residential 6.91       1,565,447     27,281   6.99       1,072,168     19,633   7.36  
    Commercial real estate 6.19       1,489,015     23,082   6.22       1,499,893     23,296   6.25  
    Construction 7.07       480,254     8,617   7.20       803,478     15,525   7.77  
    Commercial business 5.93       208,119     3,517   6.78       266,187     4,375   6.61  
    Other loans 6.39       167,548     2,583   6.18       170,467     2,697   6.36  
                                             
    Total loans receivable 6.16       4,732,666     73,830   6.26       4,690,150     74,295   6.37  
                                             
    Investment securities 3.17       727,336     6,099   3.36       696,239     5,347   3.09  
    Other interest-earning assets 4.37       97,463     1,046   4.30       97,340     1,285   5.31  
                                             
    Total interest-earning assets 5.74       5,557,465     80,975   5.84       5,483,729     80,927   5.94  
    Non-interest-earning assets:                                        
    Cash and cash equivalents         100,289                 94,669            
    Other non-earning assets         256,923                 250,244            
    Total assets       $ 5,914,677               $ 5,828,642            
                                             
    Interest-bearing liabilities:                                        
    Interest-bearing demand and savings 1.41     $ 2,225,933     7,791   1.40     $ 2,234,824     9,794   1.76  
    Time deposits 3.42       757,608     6,521   3.45       894,475     9,073   4.08  
    Brokered deposits 4.44       895,340     10,056   4.50       683,337     8,916   5.25  
    Total deposits 2.47       3,878,881     24,368   2.52       3,812,636     27,783   2.93  
    Securities sold under reverse repurchase agreements 2.33       65,607     372   2.27       76,969     394   2.06  
    Short-term borrowings, overnight FHLBank borrowings and other interest-bearing liabilities 4.55       347,303     3,974   4.59       339,270     4,373   5.18  
    Subordinated debentures issued to capital trust 6.14       25,774     389   6.05       25,774     454   7.08  
    Subordinated notes —       62,631     909   5.82       74,699     1,105   5.95  
                                             
    Total interest-bearing liabilities 2.66       4,380,196     30,012   2.75       4,329,348     34,109   3.17  
    Non-interest-bearing liabilities:                                        
    Demand deposits         849,862                 853,555            
    Other liabilities         66,585                 80,905            
    Total liabilities         5,296,643                 5,263,808            
    Stockholders’ equity         618,034                 564,834            
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity       $ 5,914,677               $ 5,828,642            
                                             
    Net interest income:             $ 50,963               $ 46,818      
    Interest rate spread 3.08 %               3.09 %               2.77 %
    Net interest margin*                   3.68 %               3.43 %
    Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities         126.9 %               126.7 %          
                                             

    *Defined as the Company’s net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.

      June 30, 2025       Six Months Ended
    June 30, 2025
      Six Months Ended
    June 30, 2024
     
              Average         Yield/       Average         Yield/  
      Yield/Rate       Balance     Interest   Rate       Balance     Interest   Rate  
      (Dollars in thousands)  
    Interest-earning assets:                                        
    Loans receivable:                                        
    One- to four-family residential 4.24 %   $ 826,426   $ 17,318   4.23 %   $ 883,963   $ 17,466   3.97 %
    Other residential 6.91       1,555,881     53,731   6.96       1,016,071     36,491   7.22  
    Commercial real estate 6.19       1,499,665     46,096   6.20       1,499,767     46,064   6.18  
    Construction 7.07       485,392     17,270   7.17       830,025     31,368   7.60  
    Commercial business 5.93       209,944     7,339   7.05       276,131     8,984   6.54  
    Other loans 6.39       166,989     5,147   6.22       172,051     4,998   5.84  
                                             
    Total loans receivable 6.16       4,744,297     146,901   6.24       4,678,008     145,371   6.25  
                                             
    Investment securities 3.17       732,699     12,173   3.35       682,960     10,357   3.05  
    Other interest-earning assets 4.37       101,238     2,144   4.27       98,922     2,589   5.26  
                                             
    Total interest-earning assets 5.74       5,578,234     161,218   5.83       5,459,890     158,317   5.83  
    Non-interest-earning assets:                                        
    Cash and cash equivalents         100,537                 92,572            
    Other non-earning assets         259,692                 243,029            
    Total assets       $ 5,938,463               $ 5,795,491            
                                             
    Interest-bearing liabilities:                                        
    Interest-bearing demand and savings 1.41     $ 2,223,716     15,588   1.41     $ 2,229,302     19,276   1.74  
    Time deposits 3.42       764,791     13,235   3.49       916,098     18,238   4.00  
    Brokered deposits 4.44       893,983     20,145   4.54       686,079     17,906   5.25  
    Total deposits 2.47       3,882,490     48,968   2.54       3,831,479     55,420   2.91  
    Securities sold under reverse repurchase agreements 2.33       73,957     743   2.03       75,718     727   1.93  
    Short-term borrowings, overnight FHLBank borrowings and other interest-bearing liabilities 4.55       369,849     8,424   4.59       290,431     7,417   5.14  
    Subordinated debentures issued to capital trust 6.14       25,774     771   6.03       25,774     908   7.08  
    Subordinated notes —       68,741     2,015   5.91       74,659     2,211   5.96  
                                             
    Total interest-bearing liabilities 2.66       4,420,811     60,921   2.78       4,298,061     66,683   3.12  
    Non-interest-bearing liabilities:                                        
    Demand deposits         835,888                 854,202            
    Other liabilities         68,961                 74,391            
    Total liabilities         5,325,660                 5,226,654            
    Stockholders’ equity         612,803                 568,837            
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity       $ 5,938,463               $ 5,795,491            
                                             
    Net interest income:             $ 100,297               $ 91,634      
    Interest rate spread 3.08 %               3.05 %               2.71 %
    Net interest margin*                   3.63 %               3.38 %
    Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities         126.2 %               127.0 %          
                                             

    *Defined as the Company’s net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.

    NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

    This document contains certain financial information determined by methods other than in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”), specifically, the ratio of tangible common equity to tangible assets.

    In calculating the ratio of tangible common equity to tangible assets, we subtract period-end intangible assets from common equity and from total assets. Management believes that the presentation of this measure excluding the impact of intangible assets provides useful supplemental information that is helpful in understanding our financial condition and results of operations, as it provides a method to assess management’s success in utilizing our tangible capital as well as our capital strength. Management also believes that providing a measure that excludes balances of intangible assets, which are subjective components of valuation, facilitates the comparison of our performance with the performance of our peers. In addition, management believes that this is a standard financial measure used in the banking industry to evaluate performance.

    This non-GAAP financial measurement is supplemental and is not a substitute for any analysis based on GAAP financial measures. Because not all companies use the same calculation of non-GAAP measures, this presentation may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures as calculated by other companies.

    Non-GAAP Reconciliation: Ratio of Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets

        June 30,       December 31,  
        2025       2024  
        (Dollars in thousands)  
           
    Common equity at period end $ 622,368     $ 599,568  
    Less: Intangible assets at period end   9,877       10,094  
    Tangible common equity at period end (a) $ 612,491     $ 589,474  
                   
    Total assets at period end $ 5,854,672     $ 5,981,628  
    Less: Intangible assets at period end   9,877       10,094  
    Tangible assets at period end (b) $ 5,844,795     $ 5,971,534  
                   
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets (a) / (b)   10.48 %     9.87 %
                   

    CONTACT:

    Jeff Tryka, CFA,
    Investor Relations,
    (616) 233-0500
    GSBC@lambert.com

    The MIL Network –

    July 17, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Lightchain AI Confirms July 2025 Mainnet Launch, Introducing Decentralized AI Infrastructure

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHREWSBURY, United Kingdom, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lightchain AI a decentralized infrastructure protocol focused on artificial intelligence, has confirmed the launch of its mainnet in July 2025. This milestone marks a significant step forward in integrating AI execution into blockchain environments through real-time task processing, developer tools, and incentive-driven consensus.

    Designed with scalability, transparency, and performance at its core, Lightchain AI’s architecture introduces a new layer of utility to blockchain networks. The protocol features the Artificial Intelligence Virtual Machine (AIVM), which enables distributed training and inference of AI models across validator nodes using zero-knowledge proofs and federated learning mechanisms.

    At the heart of the network lies a novel Proof of Intelligence (PoI) consensus, rewarding nodes for completing useful AI tasks such as model optimization and data analysis. This approach transforms compute power into verifiable contributions that can support diverse use cases across healthcare, finance, logistics, and more.

    “Launching our mainnet in July is a major step toward making AI-based computation more open, distributed, and accessible,” said a Lightchain AI spokesperson. “We are building a transparent ecosystem where developers and node operators can work together to create meaningful real-world AI solutions.”

    Key features of the Lightchain AI network include:

    • Artificial Intelligence Virtual Machine (AIVM): Secure, privacy-preserving AI task execution
    • Gas Optimization: Fee adjustment based on task complexity and network load
    • Decentralized Storage: Enables verifiable data integrity and transparency
    • Developer Ecosystem: Public GitHub repositories, API libraries, and onboarding documentation
    • $150,000 Grant Pool: Available for developers building tooling, explorers, or dApps
    • Validator Onboarding: Node registration and task allocation tools now live

    The upcoming launch builds on Lightchain AI’s successful $21.1 million presale across 15 funding rounds, reflecting early community engagement and confidence in the platform’s mission. The Bonus Round remains active at a fixed price of $0.007 per token as Lightchain finalizes preparations for mainnet rollout.

    Developers, validators, and ecosystem partners are invited to join the growing network and participate in shaping the future of decentralized artificial intelligence.

    For more information and ongoing updates, visit:
    https://lightchain.ai
    Whitepaper
    Twitter/X
    Telegram

    Contact:
    SHAJAN SKARIA
    media@lightchain.ai

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by Lightchain AI. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/80d4d6ec-5a84-44f2-a9b1-b48b8264241a

    The MIL Network –

    July 17, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Lightchain AI Confirms July 2025 Mainnet Launch, Introducing Decentralized AI Infrastructure

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHREWSBURY, United Kingdom, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lightchain AI a decentralized infrastructure protocol focused on artificial intelligence, has confirmed the launch of its mainnet in July 2025. This milestone marks a significant step forward in integrating AI execution into blockchain environments through real-time task processing, developer tools, and incentive-driven consensus.

    Designed with scalability, transparency, and performance at its core, Lightchain AI’s architecture introduces a new layer of utility to blockchain networks. The protocol features the Artificial Intelligence Virtual Machine (AIVM), which enables distributed training and inference of AI models across validator nodes using zero-knowledge proofs and federated learning mechanisms.

    At the heart of the network lies a novel Proof of Intelligence (PoI) consensus, rewarding nodes for completing useful AI tasks such as model optimization and data analysis. This approach transforms compute power into verifiable contributions that can support diverse use cases across healthcare, finance, logistics, and more.

    “Launching our mainnet in July is a major step toward making AI-based computation more open, distributed, and accessible,” said a Lightchain AI spokesperson. “We are building a transparent ecosystem where developers and node operators can work together to create meaningful real-world AI solutions.”

    Key features of the Lightchain AI network include:

    • Artificial Intelligence Virtual Machine (AIVM): Secure, privacy-preserving AI task execution
    • Gas Optimization: Fee adjustment based on task complexity and network load
    • Decentralized Storage: Enables verifiable data integrity and transparency
    • Developer Ecosystem: Public GitHub repositories, API libraries, and onboarding documentation
    • $150,000 Grant Pool: Available for developers building tooling, explorers, or dApps
    • Validator Onboarding: Node registration and task allocation tools now live

    The upcoming launch builds on Lightchain AI’s successful $21.1 million presale across 15 funding rounds, reflecting early community engagement and confidence in the platform’s mission. The Bonus Round remains active at a fixed price of $0.007 per token as Lightchain finalizes preparations for mainnet rollout.

    Developers, validators, and ecosystem partners are invited to join the growing network and participate in shaping the future of decentralized artificial intelligence.

    For more information and ongoing updates, visit:
    https://lightchain.ai
    Whitepaper
    Twitter/X
    Telegram

    Contact:
    SHAJAN SKARIA
    media@lightchain.ai

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by Lightchain AI. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/80d4d6ec-5a84-44f2-a9b1-b48b8264241a

    The MIL Network –

    July 17, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Moldova – Moldova Launches Agrotek Arena: A New Incubator for Digital Agriculture, Robotics, and FoodTech

    Source: Innovate Moldova Programme

    Chișinău, Moldova – Moldova is taking a decisive step toward the future of agriculture with the launch of a new incubator and pre-accelerator at Agrotek Arena Incubator, an innovation space dedicated to digital agriculture, robotics, and food technology. The initiative is part of the Innovate Moldova Programme, funded by Sweden, and aims to modernize the country’s agri-food sector through innovation, research, and international collaboration.

    On July 9, 2025, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Moldova’s Ministry of Digitalization and Economic Development (MDED), the Technical University of Moldova (UTM), the Innovate Moldova Programme, and the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund (UMAEF), marking the start of this strategic partnership.

    The incubator will span 1,300 square meters across two refurbished floors of Agrotek Arena and will host up to 30 residents – startups, student entrepreneurs, researchers, and agri-food businesses. It is projected to benefit over 3,000 students, farmers, and food processors annually by providing access to cutting-edge technologies, prototyping labs, greenhouses, and innovation support programs.

    “Agriculture remains a backbone of Moldova’s economy. Yet, without modern tools and forward-thinking infrastructure, its full potential cannot be realized, Agrotek Arena will serve as a launchpad for innovation, helping us bridge the gap between academia, industry, and global partners.”

    stated Doina Nistor, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digitalization and Economic Development.

    The incubator is set to open its doors to residents by September 1st, with a structured acceleration program launching in October 2025. Activities will focus on developing viable agri-tech solutions in areas such as precision agriculture, smart irrigation, and sustainable food processing.

    Shared Investment and Global Collaboration

    The $1 million project is built on a shared funding model. Innovate Moldova Programme and UMAEF are supporting the refurbishment of common areas, while UTM is offering rent-free space and managing energy efficiency upgrades. Residents will contribute by equipping their dedicated offices with air conditioning, furnishings, and technical installations.

    Agrotek Arena will also establish strong linkages with European and North American technology providers. Strategic collaborations include:

    Davis Weather Stations for climate-smart farming,
    Biosfera’s GPS AgTech Solutions for resource-optimized agriculture,
    SAS Cropio ERP Systems for real-time farm data analytics.

    These partnerships not only bolster Moldova’s agricultural transformation but also create long-term business opportunities for EU, EFTA and North Atlantic region.

    A Foundation for Moldova’s AgriTech Future

    Located on UTM’s 5-hectare Mircești campus in capital Chișinău and linked to 570 hectares in Criuleni region, Agrotek Arena is the first major milestone in the broader Agrotek Park vision. Future plans include the development of high-tech farming sites, applied R&D centers, and repurposed Soviet-era infrastructure into labs and innovation hubs.

    “This is more than a building—it’s the beginning of Moldova’s transformation into a regional hub for sustainable agri-tech. By fostering ties between startups, universities, and international partners, we are laying the groundwork for high-value job creation and export-ready technologies.”

    said Sergiu Rabii, Programme Director at the Innovate Moldova Programme

    Agrotek Arena will also support Moldova’s alignment with EU standards by integrating sustainable design, ESG practices, and inclusive economic development into its operational model.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

    July 17, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Moldova – Moldova Business Week 2025. Discover Moldova’s Economic Opportunities at the Country’s Leading Economic Forum

    Source: Invest Moldova Agency

    Chișinău, July 16, 2025 – Invest Moldova Agency invites business leaders, investors, business associations, public and private partners to the tenth edition of Moldova Business Week – the country’s most important economic forum, taking place between September 15-19, 2025.

    The event will bring together participants from the business, institutional, and academic communities, both from Moldova and abroad, with activities scheduled in Chișinău and other regions across the country.

    Organized under the theme “Moldova is Open for Business”, this milestone edition highlights Moldova’s ongoing commitment to international economic cooperation.

    MBW25 reflects the country’s strategic direction toward building a sustainable, digital, and regionally integrated economy, further strengthening Moldova’s position as an emerging investment destination in Europe.

    The forum’s agenda includes B2B sessions, thematic panels, investor and exporter success stories, field visits, and a strong focus on networking and business development.

    This edition will place special emphasis on four strategic pillars:

     State Aid Scheme for Industrialization – a competitive investment attraction tool supporting six strategic sectors, offering state assistance of up to 60% of the total investment amount.

     Moldova IT Park – a flagship success in the IT and business services sector, offering a unique flat tax rate of 7%, guaranteed by law until 2035.

     Infrastructure and Renewable Energy Investments – aiming to strengthen energy independence, diversify supply sources, ensure direct energy integration with the EU, and accelerate the transition to green energy.

     Positioning Moldova as a regional logistics hub – contributing to the reconstruction of Ukraine through infrastructure, logistics, and the production of construction materials.

    “Through this anniversary edition, Moldova will demonstrate its readiness to play an active role in the regional economy. We have talented people, a business-friendly fiscal environment, and a clear development vision,” says Natalia Bejan, Director of the Invest Moldova Agency.

    Recent data reinforces this message:

    In 2024, 1.3% of all cars produced globally included components made in Moldova.
     
    Moldova ranks among the top 20 global producers and exporters of apples, apricots, plums, and wine.
     
    IT exports have increased more than fivefold between 2018 and 2024.
     
    The British company William Russell named Moldova the most promising real estate investment destination in Europe for 2025.
     
    International rating agencies Fitch and Moody’s have reaffirmed Moldova’s sovereign ratings with a stable outlook, reflecting investor confidence and economic resilience.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

    July 17, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Tillis Announces $24 Million for Raleigh-Durham International Airport Improvements

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis announced a $24 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to realign key sections of the roadway in front of two terminals at Raleigh-Durham International (RDU) Airport and widen the roadway from two lanes to four lanes. The funding comes from the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant Program for fiscal year 2025, which is partially funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), legislation that Senator Tillis helped negotiate, write, and pass into law.  

    “This funding will ensure that RDU not only meets national standards but also continues to provide an exceptional experience for passengers,” said Senator Tillis. “As the Triangle region continues to grow, it is vital that we invest in our public transportation and infrastructure, including our airports. I am proud to have worked alongside local leaders to secure this critical funding.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 17, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Middletown Man Who Pretended to be Teenage Boy Online Pleads Guilty to Coercing, Exploiting Minor Girls

    Source: US FBI

    CINCINNATI – A Middletown man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to 11 counts of federal child exploitation crimes. The plea agreement includes a recommended sentence of 26 years in prison.  

    William Scott Elam, 53, connected with girls between the ages of 10 and 16 on various online chatting apps. He pretended to be a 14-year-old male and coerced or attempted to coerce the minor victims into creating nude images and videos that involved sexual conduct.

    For approximately four years, Elam began online relationships with numerous minor females in at least seven states. Law enforcement officers have identified at least 10 victims to date. He admitted to coercing victims into masturbating on live video calls with him.

    He manipulated at least one victim into complying by threatening to harm himself if she did not do as he asked. He instructed another victim to self-harm via cutting on live video after learning the victim had a history of self-harm.

    Elam coerced victims into sending him live sexual material by threatening to leak naked images he obtained of them.

    The defendant was arrested in October 2023. He pleaded guilty today to 10 counts of coercion and enticement and one count of sexual exploitation of children.

    Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the guilty plea entered on July 14 before U.S. District Judge Jeffery P. Hopkins. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle J. Healey is representing the United States in this case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

    July 17, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE New England arrests El Salvadorian national, a registered sex offender convicted of possession of child pornography

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    July 16, 2025Boston, MA, United StatesChild Exploitation

    BOSTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations New England has administratively arrested El Salvadorian national Victor Vasquez Cordova, a Level 1 registered sex offender with a past conviction for possession of child sexual abuse material.

    ICE HSI personnel, in coordination with the U.S. Marshals Service, arrested Cordova, 54, on July 10 at his residence in Everett, Massachusetts, for immigration violations.

    Cordova entered the United States on Dec. 18, 1983, as a lawful permanent resident.

    He was convicted on March 31, 2022, of possession of child pornography. Cordova was sentenced to 18 months’ probation and ordered to register as a sex offender.

    He will be held in ICE custody pending a hearing before an immigration judge.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 17, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Call for public information on Auckland marine mammal cases

    Source: NZ Department of Conservation

    Date:  17 July 2025

    Eva Obushenkova, an Investigator with DOC’s National Compliance Team, says the first incident occurred between 11:20 am and 12 pm on May 21, and involves a recreational boat skipper seen steering his vessel through a pod of bottlenose dolphins.

    “One witness has seen the vessel launched at Waiake Beach on Auckland’s North Shore,” Eva says.

    “They reported seeing the boat head straight toward the dolphins, which were clearly visible, and get very close to them.

    “Our witness has also stated the boatie later changed direction and began following the pod, steering his vessel among the dolphins and eventually stopping the engine to take photographs.”

    Under the Marine Mammals Protection Regulations, vessels cannot travel through a pod of dolphins.

    Eva says the boat involved in the incident is a Haynes Hunter named Plaisir.

    “We’d like to talk to the owner or skipper of Plaisir, and encourage them to come forward,” she says.

    Anyone who saw the incident, or can share information on the vessel, can contact DOC on 0800 DOC HOT and quote CLE Works case number 9189. Any information offered by members of the public is kept confidential by DOC.

    In a separate incident at Muriwai in Auckland in early June, members of the public discovered two dead kekeno/NZ fur seals with their heads removed on the beach. The discovery was reported to DOC.

    DOC science staff who’ve seen the images say the decapitations are the result of human actions, and not predation by another species.

    Anyone with information on the decapitation of the dead seals at Muriwai – whether it’s eye-witness reports of incidents, or other potentially valuable evidence – is asked to contact 0800 DOC HOT and quote CLE Works case 9390.

    Although DOC staff acknowledge the seals were discovered dead on the beach, there is still no justification for removing the animals’ heads. The Marine Mammals Protection Act clearly states it is illegal to take any part of a marine mammal.

    “It’s not acceptable for people to tamper with protected wildlife, and it’s illegal to remove a protected species’ head,” Eva says.

    DOC protects and nurtures more than a third of New Zealand’s landscape, marine areas, and thousands of endangered species – a role guided by several key laws like the Conservation Act, Wildlife Act, and National Parks Act. These legal frameworks ensure our unique biodiversity is properly safeguarded.

    When people or organisations don’t follow the rules, it further threatens our special places and native wildlife. DOC takes these responsibilities very seriously and has a range of enforcement tools to hold rule-breakers to account.

    However, DOC can’t be everywhere, so public eyes and ears make a real difference. DOC staff continually urge the public to help protect nature by reporting unlawful activity through 0800 DOC HOT.

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    July 17, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Pyrophyte Acquisition Corp. II Announces Pricing of $175 Million Initial Public Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, TX, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pyrophyte Acquisition Corp. II (the “Company”) today announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 17,500,000 units at a price of $10.00 per unit. The units will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) and are expected to trade under the ticker symbol “PAII.U” beginning on July 17, 2025. Each unit consists of one Class A ordinary share and one-half of one redeemable warrant, with each whole warrant exercisable to purchase one Class A ordinary share at a price of $11.50 per share, subject to certain adjustments. Only whole warrants will be exercisable. Once the securities comprising the units begin separate trading, the Class A ordinary shares and the warrants are expected to be listed on the NYSE under the symbols “PAII” and “PAII WS,” respectively. Only whole warrants will trade. The offering is expected to close on July 18, 2025.

    Pyrophyte Acquisition Corp. II is a blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, amalgamation, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. While the Company may pursue an initial business combination in any industry, sector or geographic region, it expects to target opportunities and companies in the energy sector.

    UBS Investment Bank is acting as the lead book-running manager for the offering and Brookline Capital Markets, a division of Arcadia Securities, LLC is acting as co-manager for the offering. The Company has granted the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 2,625,000 units at the initial public offering price to cover over-allotments, if any.

    A registration statement relating to these securities was declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on July 16, 2025. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the prospectus may be obtained, when available, from UBS Securities LLC, 1285 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10019, Attention: Prospectus Department, or by email at: prospectusrequest@ubs.com.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements,” including with respect to the proposed initial public offering and the anticipated use of the net proceeds from the offering. No assurance can be given that the offering discussed above will be completed on the terms described, or at all, that the net proceeds of the offering will be used as indicated, or that the Company will ultimately complete a business combination transaction. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company’s registration statement for the offering, available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov, and the Company’s preliminary prospectus. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the issuance of this release, except as required by law.

    CONTACT

    Sten Gustafson
    President and Chief Financial Officer
    Pyrophyte Acquisition Corp. II
    sten.gustafson@pyrophytespac.com

    The MIL Network –

    July 17, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Pyrophyte Acquisition Corp. II Announces Pricing of $175 Million Initial Public Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, TX, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pyrophyte Acquisition Corp. II (the “Company”) today announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 17,500,000 units at a price of $10.00 per unit. The units will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) and are expected to trade under the ticker symbol “PAII.U” beginning on July 17, 2025. Each unit consists of one Class A ordinary share and one-half of one redeemable warrant, with each whole warrant exercisable to purchase one Class A ordinary share at a price of $11.50 per share, subject to certain adjustments. Only whole warrants will be exercisable. Once the securities comprising the units begin separate trading, the Class A ordinary shares and the warrants are expected to be listed on the NYSE under the symbols “PAII” and “PAII WS,” respectively. Only whole warrants will trade. The offering is expected to close on July 18, 2025.

    Pyrophyte Acquisition Corp. II is a blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, amalgamation, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. While the Company may pursue an initial business combination in any industry, sector or geographic region, it expects to target opportunities and companies in the energy sector.

    UBS Investment Bank is acting as the lead book-running manager for the offering and Brookline Capital Markets, a division of Arcadia Securities, LLC is acting as co-manager for the offering. The Company has granted the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 2,625,000 units at the initial public offering price to cover over-allotments, if any.

    A registration statement relating to these securities was declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on July 16, 2025. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the prospectus may be obtained, when available, from UBS Securities LLC, 1285 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10019, Attention: Prospectus Department, or by email at: prospectusrequest@ubs.com.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements,” including with respect to the proposed initial public offering and the anticipated use of the net proceeds from the offering. No assurance can be given that the offering discussed above will be completed on the terms described, or at all, that the net proceeds of the offering will be used as indicated, or that the Company will ultimately complete a business combination transaction. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company’s registration statement for the offering, available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov, and the Company’s preliminary prospectus. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the issuance of this release, except as required by law.

    CONTACT

    Sten Gustafson
    President and Chief Financial Officer
    Pyrophyte Acquisition Corp. II
    sten.gustafson@pyrophytespac.com

    The MIL Network –

    July 17, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: July 16th, 2025 BREAKING: Heinrich’s Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act Signed into Law

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich announced that his Halt All Lethal Trafficking of (HALT) Fentanyl Act to permanently classify fentanyl-related substances (FRS) as Schedule I drugs, under the Controlled Substances Act, has been signed into law. Heinrich introduced the HALT Fentanyl Act in January with U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa). Heinrich announced passage of his bill in the U.S. Senate in March and the U.S. House of Representatives in June.

    This permanent scheduling will give law enforcement added tools to help get extremely lethal and dangerous drugs off our streets, dismantle organized criminal trafficking operations, and keep New Mexicans safe.

    “I’m very pleased that my HALT Fentanyl Act is now law. This bill will help our law enforcement crack down on illegal trafficking and keep our communities safe, and allow prosecutors to build stronger, longer-term criminal cases,” said Heinrich, the bill’s lead Democratic sponsor. “I will never stop fighting to deliver the resources to get deadly fentanyl out of our communities and save lives.”

    The HALT Fentanyl Act is endorsed by the Drug Enforcement Association of Federal Narcotics Agents, the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, the Major County Sheriffs of America, the National Alliance of State Drug Enforcement Agencies, the National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Directors Association, the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, and the National District Attorneys Association, as well as state and local law enforcement across New Mexico.

    “Fentanyl has negatively impacted the city of Las Cruces in significant ways. In the past five years, we have experienced a substantial increase in crime, homelessness, and quality of life issues. I firmly believe fentanyl has been the biggest driver of these issues. It is time to take meaningful action to reverse the harm caused by this illicit substance,” said Jeremy Story, Chief of the Las Cruces Police Department.

    “Like any illegal substance, whether it be opioids or fentanyl use, there are no easy or quick solutions and often combatting their abuse requires a multi-layered approach. The HALT Fentanyl Act is just that, which is why I fully support it. We may be inclined to not concern ourselves with research, for example, but those trafficking in this market do concern themselves with research. Let us endorse this bigger picture approach to help combat fentanyl use in our country,” said Kim Stewart, Doña Ana County Sheriff.

    “The HALT Fentanyl Act is another tool to go after transnational gangs and help make our community safer. Legislation is key for law enforcement to do their job,” said John Allen, Bernalillo County Sheriff.

    Background:

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there were 107,543 overdose deaths in the United States in 2023. Fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances accounted for nearly 75,000 of those deaths. Since 1999, the overdose crisis has increasingly been characterized by deaths involving these illicitly manufactured synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl-related substances (FRS), which are commonly sold through illicit drug markets for their fentanyl-like effect, and are often mixed with heroin or other drugs, such as cocaine, or pressed in to counterfeit prescription pills. During this same period, overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids (excluding methadone) increased 103-fold. By comparison, overdose deaths involving heroin and prescription opioids increased 2.5-fold and 4.1-fold, respectively.

    Traffickers are continually altering the chemical structure of fentanyl to evade regulation and prosecution, sometimes with tragic results. Since 2013, China has been the principal source of fentanyl, fentanyl-related substances, and the precursor chemicals from which they are produced. Chinese product is commonly shipped to Mexico and smuggled into the United States’ illicit drug market via U.S. citizens. Traffickers have favored fentanyl-related substances to skirt around committing the crime of trafficking fentanyl and fentanyl analogues. In 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seized nearly 12,000 pounds of illicit fentanyl, including fentanyl powder and more than 78 million pills laced with illicit fentanyl. The 2023 seizures were equivalent to more than 388.8 million lethal doses of fentanyl.

    In 2018, as an initial response to this unprecedented crisis, the DEA issued a temporary scheduling order that placed FRS in Schedule I, under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), after classifying it as an imminent hazard to public safety. Previously, Congress has only closed this loophole temporarily by designating fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs. Congress has extended the FRS temporary scheduling order several times, most recently on March 15, 2025, with a measure that would have expired on September 30, 2025.

    Heinrich’s HALT Fentanyl Act will finally make permanent the scheduling of illicitly produced fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs and streamline the regulatory process for scientists seeking approval from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to research Schedule I substances.

    Clear and Enforceable Criminal Penalties for Fentanyl Trafficking:

    A permanent scheduling of FRS is necessary to make penalties for criminals clear and enforceable under the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), reducing the supply and availability of illicitly manufactured FRS. The HALT Fentanyl Act places controls and penalties on FRS that have no accepted medical use and a high abuse potential.

    Specifically, the HALT Fentanyl Act will permanently impose the following quantity-based federal trafficking penalties on FRS:

    Mandatory minimum penalties: 5 years for 10 grams or more (10 years for second offense); and 10 years for 100 grams or more (20 years for second offense).

    Discretionary maximum penalties: 40 years for 10 grams or more (life for second offense); and life for 100 grams or more.

    Expanded Scientific and Medical Research:

    More closely aligning the research and registration process for Schedule I substances, including FRS, with Schedule II substances will facilitate increased FRS research. By accommodating more medical research into fentanyl-related substances, the bill will establish a new, streamlined registration process for research funded by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), or under an Investigative New Drug (IND) exemption from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

    Specifically, the HALT Fentanyl Act will enhance our understanding of these illicitly manufactured substances by:

    • Allowing researchers in the same institution to participate in multiple scientific studies.
    • Permitting researchers with ongoing studies to examine newly added Schedule I substances.
    • Allowing researchers to manufacture small quantities of FRS without a separate registration.

    The text of the HALT Fentanyl Act is here.

    A section-by-section summary of the HALT Fentanyl Act is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 17, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Jayapal, Meng Introduce Housing is a Human Right Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Grace Meng (NY-06) led lawmakers today in introducing the Housing is a Human Right Act, transformative legislation to authorize more than $300 billion for housing infrastructure to reduce homelessness across America. This urgent proposal would invest more than $200 billion in necessary affordable housing and support services and provide $27 billion a year for homelessness services, $100 million a year for community-driven alternatives to criminalization of those experiencing homelessness, and make targeted investments in communities at disproportionate risk of homelessness. 

    “Homelessness is not a personal failure, it’s a policy failure,” said Jayapal. “At a moment when Trump and Republicans just enacted the largest transfer of wealth from poor and working people to billionaires, while slashing food assistance and health care for millions of Americans, it is more urgent than ever to pass this legislation to invest in our most vulnerable communities. As rents skyrocket across the country and homeownership is out of reach for millions of Americans, we can and must invest in proven solutions to build more affordable housing.  Housing is a human right – and every person deserves to have a safe place to call home.”

    “Housing is a human right, and no one should be without a safe, stable place to call home,” said Meng. “That’s why I’m proud to reintroduce this landmark legislation, which dedicates billions of dollars toward ending homelessness nationwide. Homelessness is a complex issue with many causes, and simply providing a roof is not always enough. This bill tackles the root causes by funding affordable housing, expanding supportive services, and investing in communities that face the greatest risk. Together, we can build a future where everyone has a place to belong.”

    According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, across the United States, over 750,000 people experienced homelessness in 2024, an increase of 18 percent from 2023. Additionally, as costs have skyrocketed and the minimum wage has stagnated, there are no longer any American cities where a minimum-wage earner can afford the cost to rent a one-bedroom apartment.

    This is particularly true in Washington state, which had the third-highest homeless population in the country in 2024. In 2024, on any given night in King County, there were an estimated 16,868 individuals experiencing homelessness, which is a whopping 26 percent higher than the 2022 estimate.

    A lack of housing often leads to penalization, both civil and criminal, depending on local laws. It also makes it difficult to seek or hold a job, obtain assistance with accessing resources, find safe housing, and receive regular care for health needs. In fact, the harsh conditions of unsheltered homelessness lead to a mortality rate that is at least four times higher than that of the general public. 

    Vulnerable groups already targeted by this administration are also disproportionately likely to experience homelessness — including communities of color, LGBTQIA+ people, people with disabilities, seniors, veterans, former foster youth, and formerly incarcerated people. While Black communities make up 13 percent of the general population, they comprise 40 percent of people experiencing homelessness and half of all homeless families. And up to 40 percent of the 4.2 million youth experiencing homelessness identify as LGBTQIA+, while only making up 9.5 percent of the general population.

    The Housing is a Human Right Act will address this crisis by:

    • Investing up to $100 billion for McKinney-Vento Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) and $100 billion for Continuum of Care (COC) grants.
    • Creating a new grant program to invest in humane infrastructure; providing municipalities with $6 billion a year through a flexible program that will allow them to address their most urgent housing needs to keep people in stable housing and support those experiencing homelessness. 
    • Incentivizing local investments in humane, evidence-based models to support people experiencing homelessness, including alternatives to criminalization and penalization.
    • Providing $10 billion for FEMA emergency food and shelter grants while improving grants to better represent high rates of homelessness and income inequality.
    • Authorizing $100 million in grants to public libraries to provide assistance and tailored supports to persons experiencing homelessness.

    The Housing is a Human Right Act is sponsored by Representatives Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), André Carson (IN-07), Greg Casar (TX-35), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Summer Lee (PA-12), Ted Lieu (CA-36), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-00), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).

    The Housing is a Human Right Act is endorsed by A Way Home America; Bellwether Housing; Downtown Emergency Service Center; Homestead Community Land Trust; Lavender Rights Project; Low Income Housing Institute; Minority Veterans of America; National Alliance to End Homelessness; National Coalition for the Homeless; National Health Care for the Homeless Council; National Homelessness Law Center; National Housing Law Project; National Low Income Housing Coalition; RESULTS; Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness; The Southern Poverty Law Center; and Washington Low Income Housing Alliance.

    Issues: Housing, Transportation, & Infrastructure

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 17, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: South Carolina Woman Sentenced for Sending Threats to Kill a Catskill Man

    Source: US FBI

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Kristin Keeble, age 54, of Pageland, South Carolina, was sentenced yesterday to 5 months in jail, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release with 6 months of home detention, for transmitting a threat to injure another in interstate commerce.

    Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

    As part of her guilty plea, Keeble admitted that on October 26, 2023, she sent four threatening, profanity-laced and racially derogatory audio messages through Facebook Messenger to a man in Catskill, New York. Keeble threatened to kill the victim by hanging him, along with a woman the victim knew, and the woman’s children, from a tree. Keeble purported to be acting with members of the Ku Klux Klan. Keeble knew, from the victim’s Facebook profile photo, that the victim was Black.

    U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “No one should ever receive despicable, hateful threats like this. Those who threaten people over the Internet are going to be prosecuted and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

    FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “No individual should live in fear because of someone’s intolerance and hatred. Threats of violence, especially borne from hate, will never be tolerated and the FBI remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners hold the perpetrators accountable for their disturbing actions and bring justice to the victims.”

    The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

    July 17, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Hamburg Man Charged with Threatening a Member of Congress

    Source: US FBI

    BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Gerald T. Przybylski, 78, of Hamburg, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with transmitting in interstate and foreign commerce, specifically using the internet, communications that contained threats to injure a member of Congress, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on June 13, 2025, Przybylski sent a threatening email to the office email account of a member of the United States House of Representatives (Victim). Among other things, the email stated, “You are obviously unaware of the movement to execute Trump and all his Republican sycophants, not assassination but legal execution under the Constitution of the United States, which you, Donald Trump, and all your Republican colleagues have refused to honor, you have betrayed your oath of office and are a TRAITOR!!!” The email also “You should be afraid for your life!!!” When interviewed by law enforcement, Przybylski stated, “I was probably trying to scare him.”

    Przybylski made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was released on conditions.

    The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia, the United States Secret Service, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Charles Perras, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm, and the United States Capitol Police, under the direction of Chief Michael Sullivan.

    The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.  

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

    July 17, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Lead Defendant in Multistate Car Theft Ring Pleads Guilty

    Source: US FBI

    DAYTON, Ohio – The lead defendant in a $1.5 million chop shop conspiracy pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court. 

    Kahrese Tracey Scott Lee, 28, of Cincinnati, pleaded guilty to conspiring to transport stolen vehicles in interstate commerce and to knowingly operating a chop shop. He faces up to 15 years in prison.

    According to court documents, between at least October 2023 and October 2024, Lee, who is also known as “Reese Lee” and “Bennett Jones,” knowingly worked with others to orchestrate an interstate stolen car ring. The defendant operated a garage in Dayton and received dozens of stolen vehicles. For example, during May 2024 alone, Lee’s Dayton chop shop housed within it more than half a million dollars in stolen cars and vehicle parts.

    Lee often disassembled stolen vehicles and removed their parts for resale or for placement in another vehicle. He both received and traded or sold vehicles out of state.

    On occasion, Lee also stole vehicles himself or worked with others to do so. During one planned theft incident, Lee and others traveled from Ohio to Indiana, where they stole three vehicles valued at more than $200,000 total from an auto lot.

    Law enforcement ultimately discovered Lee and others in possession of the stolen vehicles in Alabama, where Lee planned to establish a new garage. Officers confiscated the cars and returned them to the Indiana dealership that owned them.

    Lee and his accomplices had placed a tracking device on one of the stolen cars and tracked it back to Indiana. Lee traveled back to the Indiana dealership and attempted to steal the vehicle again; however, law enforcement apprehended him as he attempted to do so.

    Lee and six others were charged by a federal indictment in November 2024.

    Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and Dayton Police Chief Kamran Afzal announced the guilty plea entered on July 11 before Senior U.S. District Judge Walter H. Rice. Deputy Criminal Chief Brent G. Tabacchi and Assistant United States Attorney Rob Painter are representing the United States in this case.

    # # #

     

    MIL Security OSI –

    July 17, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Consistency, Strength & Earnings Power Remain the Story at HOMB

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CONWAY, Ark., July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Home BancShares, Inc. (NYSE: HOMB) (“Home” or the “Company”), parent company of Centennial Bank, released quarterly earnings today.

    Quarterly Highlights
    Metric Q2 2025 Q1 2025 Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q2 2024
    Net income $118.4 million $115.2 million $100.6 million $100.0 million $101.5 million
    Net income, as adjusted (non-GAAP)(1) $114.6 million $111.9 million $99.8 million $99.0 million $103.9 million
    Total revenue (net) $271.0 million $260.1 million $258.4 million $258.0 million $254.6 million
    Income before income taxes $152.0 million $147.2 million $129.5 million $129.1 million $133.4 million
    Pre-tax, pre-provision, net income (PPNR) (non-GAAP)(1) $155.0 million $147.2 million $146.2 million $148.0 million $141.4 million
    PPNR, as adjusted (non-GAAP)(1) $150.4 million $142.8 million $145.2 million $146.6 million $141.9 million
    Pre-tax net income to total revenue (net) 56.08% 56.58% 50.11% 50.03% 52.40%
    Pre-tax net income, as adjusted, to total revenue (net) (non-GAAP)(1) 54.39% 54.91% 49.74% 49.49% 52.59%
    P5NR (Pre-tax, pre-provision, profit percentage) (PPNR to total revenue (net)) (non-GAAP)(1) 57.19% 56.58% 56.57% 57.35% 55.54%
    P5NR, as adjusted (non-GAAP)(1) 55.49% 54.91% 56.20% 56.81% 55.73%
    ROA 2.08% 2.07% 1.77% 1.74% 1.79%
    ROA, as adjusted (non-GAAP)(1) 2.02% 2.01% 1.76% 1.72% 1.83%
    NIM 4.44% 4.44% 4.39% 4.28% 4.27%
    Purchase accounting accretion $1.2 million $1.4 million $1.6 million $1.9 million $1.9 million
    ROE 11.77% 11.75% 10.13% 10.23% 10.73%
    ROE, as adjusted (non-GAAP)(1) 11.39% 11.41% 10.05% 10.12% 10.98%
    ROTCE (non-GAAP)(1) 18.26% 18.39% 15.94% 16.26% 17.29%
    ROTCE, as adjusted (non-GAAP)(1) 17.68% 17.87% 15.82% 16.09% 17.69%
    Diluted earnings per share $0.60 $0.58 $0.51 $0.50 $0.51
    Diluted earnings per share, as adjusted (non-GAAP)(1) $0.58 $0.56 $0.50 $0.50 $0.52
    Non-performing assets to total assets 0.60% 0.56% 0.63% 0.63% 0.56%
    Common equity tier 1 capital 15.6% 15.4% 15.1% 14.7% 14.4%
    Leverage 13.4% 13.3% 13.0% 12.5% 12.3%
    Tier 1 capital 15.6% 15.4% 15.1% 14.7% 14.4%
    Total risk-based capital 19.3% 19.1% 18.7% 18.3% 18.0%
    Allowance for credit losses to total loans 1.86% 1.87% 1.87% 2.11% 2.00%
    Book value per share $20.71 $20.40 $19.92 $19.91 $19.30
    Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP)(1) $13.44 $13.15 $12.68 $12.67 $12.08
    Dividends per share $0.20 $0.195 $0.195 $0.195 $0.18
    Shareholder buyback yield(2) 0.49% 0.53% 0.05% 0.56% 0.67%

    (1) Calculation of this metric and the reconciliation to GAAP are included in the schedules accompanying this release.
    (2) Calculation of this metric is included in the schedules accompanying this release.

    “I am once again very pleased with our quarterly results. Diluted EPS of $0.60 and net income of $118.4 million are both records for HOMB. The ongoing, consistent performance from our bankers led to numerous other records being set in the second quarter, further highlighting that strength is no accident,” said John Allison, Chairman & CEO of HOMB.

    Stock Repurchases and Dividends

    During the three-month period ended June 30, 2025, the Company repurchased 1.0 million shares of common stock, which equated to a shareholder buyback yield of 0.49%(1). In comparison, during the three-month period ended March 31, 2025, the Company repurchased 1.0 million shares of common stock, which equated to a shareholder buyback yield of 0.53%(1). The Company defines shareholder buyback yield as the percentage of the Company’s market capitalization spent on share repurchases. It reflects how much the Company is returning to the shareholders by reducing the number of outstanding shares, and it is calculated by dividing the Company’s total share repurchase cost for the period by the Company’s total market capitalization at the beginning of the period.

    In addition, during the quarter ended June 30, 2025, the Company paid a dividend of $0.20 per share. This cash dividend represented a $0.005 per share, or 2.6%, increase over the $0.195 cash dividend paid during the first quarter of 2025.

    Operating Highlights

    Net income for the three-month period ended June 30, 2025 was $118.4 million, or $0.60 diluted earnings per share, both of which were records for the Company. When adjusting for non-fundamental items, net income and diluted earnings per share on an as-adjusted basis (non-GAAP), were $114.6 million(2) and $0.58 per share(2), respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2025.

    Our net interest margin was 4.44% for both of the three-month periods ended June 30, 2025 and March 31, 2025. The yield on loans was 7.36% and 7.38% for the three months ended June 30, 2025 and March 31, 2025, respectively, as average loans increased from $14.89 billion to $15.06 billion. Additionally, the rate on interest bearing deposits decreased to 2.64% as of June 30, 2025, from 2.67% as of March 31, 2025, while average interest-bearing deposits increased from $13.20 billion to $13.43 billion.

    During the second quarter of 2025, there was $516,000 of event interest income compared to $1.3 million of event interest income for the first quarter of 2025. Purchase accounting accretion on acquired loans was $1.2 million and $1.4 million for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2025 and March 31, 2025, respectively, and average purchase accounting loan discounts were $16.2 million and $17.5 million for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2025 and March 31, 2025, respectively.

    Net interest income on a fully taxable equivalent basis was $222.5 million for the three-month period ended June 30, 2025, and $217.2 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2025. This increase in net interest income for the three-month period ended June 30, 2025, was the result of a $6.6 million increase in interest income, partially offset by a $1.3 million increase in interest expense. The $6.6 million increase in interest income was primarily the result of a $5.3 million increase in loan income and a $2.3 million increase in income from deposits with other banks, partially offset by a $1.0 million decrease in investment income. The $1.3 million increase in interest expense was due to a $1.7 million increase in interest expense on deposits, partially offset by a $363,000 decrease in FHLB and other borrowed funds.

    The Company reported $51.1 million of non-interest income for the second quarter of 2025. The most important components of non-interest income were $13.5 million from other income, $12.6 million from other service charges and fees, $9.6 million from service charges on deposit accounts, $5.2 million from trust fees, $4.8 million in mortgage lending income, $2.7 million from dividends from FHLB, FRB, FNBB and other, $1.4 million from the increase in cash value of life insurance and $972,000 from the gain on sale of branches, equipment and other assets, net. Included within other income was $3.5 million in special income from equity investments and $885,000 in legal fee reimbursements.

    Non-interest expense for the second quarter of 2025 was $116.0 million. The most important components of non-interest expense were $64.3 million from salaries and employee benefits, $29.3 million in other operating expense, $14.0 million in occupancy and equipment expenses and $8.4 million in data processing expenses. Included within other expense was $3.3 million in legal claims expense, which was partially offset by a $1.5 million FDIC assessment reduction. For the second quarter of 2025, our efficiency ratio was 41.68%, and our efficiency ratio, as adjusted (non-GAAP), was 42.01%(2).

    Financial Condition

    Total loans receivable were $15.18 billion at June 30, 2025, compared to $14.95 billion at March 31, 2025. Total loans receivable of $15.18 billion were a record for the Company. Total deposits were $17.49 billion at June 30, 2025, compared to $17.54 billion at March 31, 2025. Total assets were $22.91 billion at June 30, 2025, compared to $22.99 billion at March 31, 2025.

    During the second quarter of 2025, the Company had a $228.5 million increase in loans. Our community banking footprint experienced $106.8 million in organic loan growth during the quarter ended June 30, 2025, and Centennial CFG experienced $121.7 million of organic loan growth and had loans of $1.83 billion at June 30, 2025.

    Non-performing loans to total loans were 0.63% and 0.60% at June 30, 2025 and March 31, 2025, respectively. Non-performing assets to total assets were 0.60% and 0.56% at June 30, 2025 and March 31, 2025, respectively. Net loans charged-off were $1.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, and net loans recovered were $4.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025. The charge-off detail by region for the quarters ended June 30, 2025 and March 31, 2025 can be seen below.

    For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2025
    (in thousands)   Texas   Arkansas   Centennial CFG   Shore Premier Finance   Florida   Alabama   Total
    Charge-offs   $ 2,588     $ 462     $ 181   $ 582     $ 245     $ 13     $ 4,071  
    Recoveries     (2,172 )     (223 )     —     (22 )     (577 )     (2 )     (2,996 )
    Net charge-offs (recoveries)   $ 416     $ 239     $ 181   $ 560     $ (332 )   $ 11     $ 1,075  
    For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2025
    (in thousands)   Texas   Arkansas   Centennial CFG   Shore Premier Finance   Florida   Alabama   Total
    Charge-offs   $ 444     $ 474     $ —     $ 53     $ 2,479     $ 8     $ 3,458  
    Recoveries     (6,514 )     (228 )     (658 )     (3 )     (117 )     (2 )     (7,522 )
    Net (recoveries) charge-offs   $ (6,070 )   $ 246     $ (658 )   $ 50     $ 2,362     $ 6     $ (4,064 )

    At June 30, 2025, non-performing loans were $96.3 million, and non-performing assets were $137.8 million. At March 31, 2025, non-performing loans were $89.6 million, and non-performing assets were $129.4 million.

    The table below shows the non-performing loans and non-performing assets by region as June 30, 2025:

    (in thousands)   Texas   Arkansas   Centennial CFG   Shore Premier Finance   Florida   Alabama   Total
    Non-accrual loans   22,487   16,276   787   11,716   37,833   162   89,261
    Loans 90+ days past due   3,557   2,341   —   —   1,133   —   7,031
    Total non-performing loans   26,044   18,617   787   11,716   38,966   162   96,292
                                 
    Foreclosed assets held for sale   17,259   863   22,842   —   565   —   41,529
    Other non-performing assets   —   —   —   —   —   —   —
    Total other non-performing assets   17,259   863   22,842   —   565   —   41,529
    Total non-performing assets   43,303   19,480   23,629   11,716   39,531   162   137,821

    The table below shows the non-performing loans and non-performing assets by region as March 31, 2025:

    (in thousands)   Texas   Arkansas   Centennial CFG   Shore Premier Finance   Florida   Alabama   Total
    Non-accrual loans   23,694   15,214   2,766   5,444   39,108   157   86,383
    Loans 90+ days past due   3,264   —   —   —   —   —   3,264
    Total non-performing loans   26,958   15,214   2,766   5,444   39,108   157   89,647
                                 
    Foreclosed assets held for sale   15,357   1,052   22,820   —   451   —   39,680
    Other non-performing assets   63   —   —   —   —   —   63
    Total other non-performing assets   15,420   1,052   22,820   —   451   —   39,743
    Total non-performing assets   42,378   16,266   25,586   5,444   39,559   157   129,390

    The Company’s allowance for credit losses on loans was $281.9 million at June 30, 2025, or 1.86% of total loans, compared to the allowance for credit losses on loans of $279.9 million, or 1.87% of total loans, at March 31, 2025. As of June 30, 2025 and March 31, 2025, the Company’s allowance for credit losses on loans was 292.72% and 312.27% of its total non-performing loans, respectively.

    Stockholders’ equity was $4.09 billion at June 30, 2025, which increased approximately $42.8 million from March 31, 2025. The net increase in stockholders’ equity is primarily associated with the $78.9 million increase in retained earnings, which was partially offset by the $11.4 million increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss and the $27.5 million in stock repurchases for the quarter. Book value per common share was $20.71 at June 30, 2025, compared to $20.40 at March 31, 2025. Tangible book value per common share (non-GAAP) was $13.44(2) at June 30, 2025, compared to $13.15(2) at March 31, 2025. Book value per common share and tangible book value per common share, as of June 30, 2025, were both records for the Company.

    Branches

    The Company currently has 75 branches in Arkansas, 78 branches in Florida, 58 branches in Texas, 5 branches in Alabama and one branch in New York City.

    Conference Call

    Management will conduct a conference call to review this information at 1:00 p.m. CT (2:00 p.m. ET) on Thursday, July 17, 2025. We strongly encourage all participants to pre-register for the conference call webcast or the live call using one of the following links. First, participants can pre-register for the conference call webcast using the following link: https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/133918928. Participants who pre-register will be given a unique webcast link to gain immediate access to the conference call webcast. Second, participants can pre-register for the live call using the following link: https://www.netroadshow.com/events/login?show=862a0326&confId=84106. Participants who pre-register will be given the phone number and unique access codes to gain immediate access to the live call. Participants may pre-register now, or at any time prior to the call, and will immediately receive simple instructions via email. The Home BancShares conference call will also be scheduled as an event in your Outlook calendar.

    Those without internet access or unable to pre-register may dial in and listen to the live call by calling 1-833-470-1428, Passcode: 171523. A replay of the call will be available by calling 1-866-813-9403, Passcode: 539251, which will be available until July 24, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CT. Internet access to the call will be available live or in recorded version on the Company’s website at www.homebancshares.com. 

    About Home BancShares

    Home BancShares, Inc. is a bank holding company headquartered in Conway, Arkansas. Its wholly-owned subsidiary, Centennial Bank, provides a broad range of commercial and retail banking plus related financial services to businesses, real estate developers, investors, individuals and municipalities. Centennial Bank has branch locations in Arkansas, Florida, Texas, South Alabama and New York City. The Company’s common stock is traded through the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “HOMB.” The Company was founded in 1998. Visit www.homebancshares.com or www.my100bank.com for more information.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    This press release contains financial information determined by methods other than in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The Company’s management uses these non-GAAP financial measures–including net income (earnings), as adjusted; pre-tax, pre-provision, net income (PPNR); PPNR, as adjusted; pre-tax net income, as adjusted, to total revenue (net); pre-tax, pre-provision, profit percentage; pre-tax, pre-provision, profit percentage, as adjusted; diluted earnings per common share, as adjusted; return on average assets, as adjusted; return on average assets excluding intangible amortization; return on average assets, as adjusted, excluding intangible amortization; return on average common equity, as adjusted; return on average tangible common equity; return on average tangible common equity, as adjusted; return on average tangible common equity excluding intangible amortization; return on average tangible common equity, as adjusted, excluding intangible amortization; efficiency ratio, as adjusted; tangible book value per common share and tangible common equity to tangible assets–to provide meaningful supplemental information regarding our performance. These measures typically adjust GAAP performance measures to include the tax benefit associated with revenue items that are tax-exempt, as well as adjust income available to common shareholders for certain significant items or transactions that management believes are not indicative of the Company’s primary business operating results. Since the presentation of these GAAP performance measures and their impact differ between companies, management believes presentations of these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful supplemental information that is essential to a proper understanding of the operating results of the Company’s business. These non-GAAP disclosures should not be viewed as a substitute for operating results determined in accordance with GAAP, nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies. Where non-GAAP financial measures are used, the comparable GAAP financial measure, as well as the reconciliation to the comparable GAAP financial measure, can be found in the tables of this release.

    (1) Calculation of this metric is included in the schedules accompanying this release.
    (2) Calculation of this metric and the reconciliation to GAAP are included in the schedules accompanying this release.

    General

    This release contains forward-looking statements regarding the Company’s plans, expectations, goals and outlook for the future, including future financial results. Statements in this press release that are not historical facts should be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future events, performance or results. When we use words or phrases like “may,” “plan,” “propose,” “contemplate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “continue,” “expect,” “project,” “predict,” “estimate,” “could,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions, you should consider them as identifying forward-looking statements, although we may use other phrasing. Forward-looking statements of this type speak only as of the date of this news release. By nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Various factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following: economic conditions, credit quality, interest rates, loan demand, real estate values and unemployment, including any future impacts from inflation or changes in tariffs or trade policies; the ability to identify, complete and successfully integrate new acquisitions; the risk that expected cost savings and other benefits from acquisitions may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected; diversion of management time on acquisition-related issues; the availability of and access to capital and liquidity on terms acceptable to us; legislative and regulatory changes and risks and expenses associated with current and future legislation and regulations; technological changes and cybersecurity risks and incidents; the effects of changes in accounting policies and practices; changes in governmental monetary and fiscal policies; political instability, military conflicts and other major domestic or international events; the impacts of recent or future adverse weather events, including hurricanes, and other natural disasters; disruptions, uncertainties and related effects on credit quality, liquidity and other aspects of our business and operations that may result from any future public health crises; competition from other financial institutions; potential claims, expenses and other adverse effects related to current or future litigation, regulatory examinations or other government actions; potential increases in deposit insurance assessments, increased regulatory scrutiny or market disruptions resulting from financial challenges in the banking industry; changes in the assumptions used in making the forward-looking statements; and other factors described in reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including those factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on February 27, 2025.

    FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
    Donna Townsell
    Director of Investor Relations
    Home BancShares, Inc.
    (501) 328-4625

     Home BancShares, Inc.
     Consolidated End of Period Balance Sheets
     (Unaudited)
                         
     (In thousands)   Jun. 30, 2025   Mar. 31, 2025   Dec. 31, 2024   Sep. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2024
    ASSETS                    
                         
    Cash and due from banks   $ 291,344     $ 319,747     $ 281,063     $ 265,408     $ 229,209  
    Interest-bearing deposits with other banks     809,729       975,983       629,284       752,269       829,507  
    Cash and cash equivalents     1,101,073       1,295,730       910,347       1,017,677       1,058,716  
    Federal funds sold     2,600       6,275       3,725       6,425       —  
    Investment securities – available-for-sale, net of allowance for credit losses     2,899,968       3,003,320       3,072,639       3,270,620       3,344,539  
    Investment securities – held-to-maturity, net of allowance for credit losses     1,265,292       1,269,896       1,275,204       1,277,090       1,278,853  
    Total investment securities     4,165,260       4,273,216       4,347,843       4,547,710       4,623,392  
    Loans receivable     15,180,624       14,952,116       14,764,500       14,823,979       14,781,457  
    Allowance for credit losses     (281,869 )     (279,944 )     (275,880 )     (312,574 )     (295,856 )
    Loans receivable, net     14,898,755       14,672,172       14,488,620       14,511,405       14,485,601  
    Bank premises and equipment, net     379,729       384,843       386,322       388,776       383,691  
    Foreclosed assets held for sale     41,529       39,680       43,407       43,040       41,347  
    Cash value of life insurance     218,113       221,621       219,786       219,353       218,198  
    Accrued interest receivable     107,732       115,983       120,129       118,871       120,984  
    Deferred tax asset, net     174,323       170,120       186,697       176,629       195,041  
    Goodwill     1,398,253       1,398,253       1,398,253       1,398,253       1,398,253  
    Core deposit intangible     36,255       38,280       40,327       42,395       44,490  
    Other assets     383,400       376,030       345,292       352,583       350,192  
    Total assets   $ 22,907,022     $ 22,992,203     $ 22,490,748     $ 22,823,117     $ 22,919,905  
                         
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                    
    Liabilities                    
    Deposits:                    
    Demand and non-interest-bearing   $ 4,024,574     $ 4,079,289     $ 4,006,115     $ 3,937,168     $ 4,068,302  
    Savings and interest-bearing transaction accounts     11,571,949       11,586,106       11,347,850       10,966,426       11,150,516  
    Time deposits     1,891,909       1,876,096       1,792,332       1,802,116       1,736,985  
    Total deposits     17,488,432       17,541,491       17,146,297       16,705,710       16,955,803  
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase     140,813       161,401       162,350       179,416       137,996  
    FHLB and other borrowed funds     550,500       600,500       600,750       1,300,750       1,301,050  
    Accrued interest payable and other liabilities     203,004       207,154       181,080       238,058       230,011  
    Subordinated debentures     438,957       439,102       439,246       439,394       439,542  
    Total liabilities     18,821,706       18,949,648       18,529,723       18,863,328       19,064,402  
                         
    Stockholders’ equity                    
    Common stock     1,972       1,982       1,989       1,989       1,997  
    Capital surplus     2,221,576       2,246,312       2,272,794       2,272,100       2,295,893  
    Retained earnings     2,097,712       2,018,801       1,942,350       1,880,562       1,819,412  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (235,944 )     (224,540 )     (256,108 )     (194,862 )     (261,799 )
    Total stockholders’ equity     4,085,316       4,042,555       3,961,025       3,959,789       3,855,503  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 22,907,022     $ 22,992,203     $ 22,490,748     $ 22,823,117     $ 22,919,905  
                         
     Home BancShares, Inc.
     Consolidated Statements of Income
     (Unaudited)
                                 
         Quarter Ended   Six Months Ended
    (In thousands)   Jun. 30, 2025   Mar. 31, 2025   Dec. 31, 2024   Sep. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2025   Jun. 30, 2024
     Interest income:                            
    Loans   $ 276,041     $ 270,784     $ 278,409     $ 281,977     $ 274,324     $ 546,825     $ 539,618  
    Investment securities                            
    Taxable     26,444       27,433       28,943       31,006       32,587       53,877       65,816  
    Tax-exempt     7,626       7,650       7,704       7,704       7,769       15,276       15,572  
    Deposits – other banks     8,951       6,620       7,585       12,096       12,564       15,571       23,092  
    Federal funds sold     53       55       73       62       59       108       120  
    Total interest income     319,115       312,542       322,714       332,845       327,303       631,657       644,218  
     Interest expense:                            
    Interest on deposits     88,489       86,786       90,564       97,785       95,741       175,275       188,289  
    Federal funds purchased     —       —       —       1       —       —       —  
    FHLB and other borrowed funds     5,539       5,902       9,541       14,383       14,255       11,441       28,531  
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase     1,012       1,074       1,346       1,335       1,363       2,086       2,767  
    Subordinated debentures     4,123       4,124       4,121       4,121       4,122       8,247       8,219  
    Total interest expense     99,163       97,886       105,572       117,625       115,481       197,049       227,806  
     Net interest income     219,952       214,656       217,142       215,220       211,822       434,608       416,412  
    Provision for credit losses on loans     3,000       —       16,700       18,200       8,000       3,000       13,500  
    Provision for (recovery of) credit losses on unfunded commitments     —       —       —       1,000       —       —       (1,000 )
    Recovery of credit losses on investment securities     —       —       —       (330 )     —       —       —  
    Total credit loss expense     3,000       —       16,700       18,870       8,000       3,000       12,500  
     Net interest income after credit loss expense     216,952       214,656       200,442       196,350       203,822       431,608       403,912  
     Non-interest income:                            
    Service charges on deposit accounts     9,552       9,650       9,935       9,888       9,714       19,202       19,400  
    Other service charges and fees     12,643       10,689       11,651       10,490       10,679       23,332       20,868  
    Trust fees     5,234       4,760       4,526       4,403       4,722       9,994       9,788  
    Mortgage lending income     4,780       3,599       3,518       4,437       4,276       8,379       7,834  
    Insurance commissions     589       535       483       595       565       1,124       1,073  
    Increase in cash value of life insurance     1,415       1,842       1,215       1,161       1,279       3,257       2,474  
    Dividends from FHLB, FRB, FNBB & other     2,657       2,718       2,820       2,637       2,998       5,375       6,005  
    Gain on SBA loans     —       288       218       145       56       288       254  
    Gain (loss) on branches, equipment and other assets, net     972       (163 )     26       32       2,052       809       2,044  
    Gain (loss) on OREO, net     13       (376 )     (2,423 )     85       49       (363 )     66  
    Fair value adjustment for marketable securities     (238 )     442       850       1,392       (274 )     204       729  
    Other income     13,462       11,442       8,403       7,514       6,658       24,904       14,038  
    Total non-interest income     51,079       45,426       41,222       42,779       42,774       96,505       84,573  
     Non-interest expense:                            
    Salaries and employee benefits     64,318       61,855       60,824       58,861       60,427       126,173       121,337  
    Occupancy and equipment     14,023       14,425       14,526       14,546       14,408       28,448       28,959  
    Data processing expense     8,364       8,558       9,324       9,088       8,935       16,922       18,082  
    Other operating expenses     29,335       28,090       27,536       27,550       29,415       57,425       56,303  
    Total non-interest expense     116,040       112,928       112,210       110,045       113,185       228,968       224,681  
     Income before income taxes     151,991       147,154       129,454       129,084       133,411       299,145       263,804  
    Income tax expense     33,588       31,945       28,890       29,046       31,881       65,533       62,165  
    Net income   $ 118,403     $ 115,209     $ 100,564     $ 100,038     $ 101,530     $ 233,612     $ 201,639  
                                 
    Home BancShares, Inc.
    Selected Financial Information
    (Unaudited)
                                 
        Quarter Ended   Six Months Ended
    (Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data)   Jun. 30, 2025   Mar. 31, 2025   Dec. 31, 2024   Sep. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2025   Jun. 30, 2024
    PER SHARE DATA                            
    Diluted earnings per common share   $ 0.60     $ 0.58     $ 0.51     $ 0.50     $ 0.51     $ 1.18     $ 1.00  
    Diluted earnings per common share, as adjusted (non-GAAP)(1)     0.58       0.56       0.50       0.50       0.52       1.14       1.01  
    Basic earnings per common share     0.60       0.58       0.51       0.50       0.51       1.18       1.00  
    Dividends per share – common     0.20       0.195       0.195       0.195       0.18       0.395       0.36  
    Shareholder buyback yield(2)     0.49 %     0.53 %     0.05 %     0.56 %     0.67 %     1.02 %     1.12 %
    Book value per common share   $ 20.71     $ 20.40     $ 19.92     $ 19.91     $ 19.30     $ 20.71     $ 19.30  
    Tangible book value per common share (non-GAAP)(1)     13.44       13.15       12.68       12.67       12.08       13.44       12.08  
                                 
    STOCK INFORMATION                            
    Average common shares outstanding     197,532       198,657       198,863       199,380       200,319       198,091       200,765  
    Average diluted shares outstanding     197,765       198,852       198,973       199,461       200,465       198,289       200,909  
    End of period common shares outstanding     197,239       198,206       198,882       198,879       199,746       197,239       199,746  
                                 
    ANNUALIZED PERFORMANCE METRICS                            
                                 
    Return on average assets (ROA)     2.08 %     2.07 %     1.77 %     1.74 %     1.79 %     2.08 %     1.78 %
    Return on average assets, as adjusted: (ROA, as adjusted) (non-GAAP)(1)     2.02 %     2.01 %     1.76 %     1.72 %     1.83 %     2.02 %     1.79 %
    Return on average assets excluding intangible amortization (non-GAAP)(1)     2.25 %     2.24 %     1.92 %     1.88 %     1.94 %     2.25 %     1.93 %
    Return on average assets, as adjusted, excluding intangible amortization (non-GAAP)(1)     2.18 %     2.18 %     1.91 %     1.86 %     1.98 %     2.18 %     1.94 %
    Return on average common equity (ROE)     11.77 %     11.75 %     10.13 %     10.23 %     10.73 %     11.76 %     10.69 %
    Return on average common equity, as adjusted: (ROE, as adjusted) (non-GAAP)(1)     11.39 %     11.41 %     10.05 %     10.12 %     10.98 %     11.40 %     10.76 %
    Return on average tangible common equity (ROTCE) (non-GAAP)(1)     18.26 %     18.39 %     15.94 %     16.26 %     17.29 %     18.33 %     17.26 %
    Return on average tangible common equity, as adjusted: (ROTCE, as adjusted) (non-GAAP)(1)     17.68 %     17.87 %     15.82 %     16.09 %     17.69 %     17.77 %     17.38 %
    Return on average tangible common equity excluding intangible amortization (non-GAAP)(1)     18.50 %     18.64 %     16.18 %     16.51 %     17.56 %     18.57 %     17.53 %
    Return on average tangible common equity, as adjusted, excluding intangible amortization (non-GAAP)(1)     17.92 %     18.12 %     16.07 %     16.34 %     17.97 %     18.02 %     17.66 %
                                 
    (1) Calculation of this metric and the reconciliation to GAAP are included in the schedules accompanying this release.
    (2) Calculation of this metric is included in the schedules accompanying this release.
    Home BancShares, Inc.
    Selected Financial Information
    (Unaudited)
                                 
        Quarter Ended   Six Months Ended
    (Dollars in thousands)   Jun. 30, 2025   Mar. 31, 2025   Dec. 31, 2024   Sep. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2025   Jun. 30, 2024
    Efficiency ratio     41.68 %     42.22 %     42.24 %     41.42 %     43.17 %     41.94 %     43.69 %
    Efficiency ratio, as adjusted (non-GAAP)(1)     42.01 %     42.84 %     42.00 %     41.66 %     42.59 %     42.42 %     43.50 %
    Net interest margin – FTE (NIM)     4.44 %     4.44 %     4.39 %     4.28 %     4.27 %     4.44 %     4.20 %
    Fully taxable equivalent adjustment   $ 2,526     $ 2,534     $ 2,398     $ 2,616     $ 2,628     $ 5,060     $ 3,520  
    Total revenue (net)     271,031       260,082       258,364       257,999       254,596       531,113       500,985  
    Pre-tax, pre-provision, net income (PPNR) (non-GAAP)(1)     154,991       147,154       146,154       147,954       141,411       302,145       276,304  
    PPNR, as adjusted (non-GAAP)(1)     150,404       142,821       145,209       146,562       141,886       293,225       275,614  
    Pre-tax net income to total revenue (net)     56.08 %     56.58 %     50.11 %     50.03 %     52.40 %     56.32 %     52.66 %
    Pre-tax net income, as adjusted, to total revenue (net) (non-GAAP)(1)     54.39 %     54.91 %     49.74 %     49.49 %     52.59 %     54.64 %     52.52 %
    P5NR (Pre-tax, pre-provision, profit percentage) (PPNR to total revenue (net)) (non-GAAP)(1)     57.19 %     56.58 %     56.57 %     57.35 %     55.54 %     56.89 %     55.15 %
    P5NR, as adjusted (non-GAAP)(1)     55.49 %     54.91 %     56.20 %     56.81 %     55.73 %     55.21 %     55.01 %
    Total purchase accounting accretion   $ 1,233     $ 1,378     $ 1,610     $ 1,878     $ 1,873     $ 2,611     $ 4,645  
    Average purchase accounting loan discounts     16,219       17,493       19,090       20,832       22,788       16,873       23,813  
                                 
    OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES                            
    Advertising   $ 2,054     $ 1,928     $ 1,941     $ 1,810     $ 1,692     $ 3,982     $ 3,346  
    Amortization of intangibles     2,025       2,047       2,068       2,095       2,140       4,072       4,280  
    Electronic banking expense     3,172       3,055       3,307       3,569       3,412       6,227       6,568  
    Directors’ fees     431       452       356       362       423       883       921  
    Due from bank service charges     283       281       271       302       282       564       558  
    FDIC and state assessment     1,636       3,387       3,216       3,360       5,494       5,023       8,812  
    Insurance     1,049       999       900       926       905       2,048       1,808  
    Legal and accounting     2,360       3,641       2,361       1,902       2,617       6,001       4,698  
    Other professional fees     2,211       1,947       1,736       2,062       2,108       4,158       4,344  
    Operating supplies     711       711       711       673       613       1,422       1,296  
    Postage     488       503       518       522       497       991       1,020  
    Telephone     419       436       438       455       444       855       914  
    Other expense     12,496       8,703       9,713       9,512       8,788       21,199       17,738  
    Total other operating expenses   $ 29,335     $ 28,090     $ 27,536     $ 27,550     $ 29,415     $ 57,425     $ 56,303  
                                 
    (1) Calculation of this metric and the reconciliation to GAAP are included in the schedules accompanying this release.
    Home BancShares, Inc.
    Selected Financial Information
    (Unaudited)
                         
    (Dollars in thousands)   Jun. 30, 2025   Mar. 31, 2025   Dec. 31, 2024   Sep. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2024
    BALANCE SHEET RATIOS                    
    Total loans to total deposits     86.80 %     85.24 %     86.11 %     88.74 %     87.18 %
    Common equity to assets     17.83 %     17.58 %     17.61 %     17.35 %     16.82 %
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets (non-GAAP)(1)     12.35 %     12.09 %     11.98 %     11.78 %     11.23 %
                    .    
    LOANS RECEIVABLE                    
    Real estate                    
    Commercial real estate loans                    
    Non-farm/non-residential   $ 5,553,182     $ 5,588,681     $ 5,426,780     $ 5,496,536     $ 5,599,925  
    Construction/land development     2,695,561       2,735,760       2,736,214       2,741,419       2,511,817  
    Agricultural     315,926       335,437       336,993       335,965       345,461  
    Residential real estate loans                    
    Residential 1-4 family     2,138,990       1,947,872       1,956,489       1,932,352       1,910,143  
    Multifamily residential     620,439       576,089       496,484       482,648       509,091  
    Total real estate     11,324,098       11,183,839       10,952,960       10,988,920       10,876,437  
    Consumer     1,218,834       1,227,745       1,234,361       1,219,197       1,189,386  
    Commercial and industrial     2,107,326       2,045,036       2,022,775       2,084,667       2,242,072  
    Agricultural     323,457       314,323       367,251       352,963       314,600  
    Other     206,909       181,173       187,153       178,232       158,962  
    Loans receivable   $ 15,180,624     $ 14,952,116     $ 14,764,500     $ 14,823,979     $ 14,781,457  
                         
    ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES                    
    Balance, beginning of period   $ 279,944     $ 275,880     $ 312,574     $ 295,856     $ 290,294  
    Loans charged off     4,071       3,458       53,959       2,001       3,098  
    Recoveries of loans previously charged off     2,996       7,522       565       519       660  
    Net loans charged off (recovered)     1,075       (4,064 )     53,394       1,482       2,438  
    Provision for credit losses – loans     3,000       —       16,700       18,200       8,000  
    Balance, end of period   $ 281,869     $ 279,944     $ 275,880     $ 312,574     $ 295,856  
                         
    Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average total loans     0.03 %     (0.11 )%     1.44 %     0.04 %     0.07 %
    Allowance for credit losses to total loans     1.86 %     1.87 %     1.87 %     2.11 %     2.00 %
                         
    NON-PERFORMING ASSETS                    
    Non-performing loans                    
    Non-accrual loans   $ 89,261     $ 86,383     $ 93,853     $ 95,747     $ 78,090  
    Loans past due 90 days or more     7,031       3,264       5,034       5,356       8,251  
    Total non-performing loans     96,292       89,647       98,887       101,103       86,341  
    Other non-performing assets                    
    Foreclosed assets held for sale, net     41,529       39,680       43,407       43,040       41,347  
    Other non-performing assets     —       63       63       63       63  
    Total other non-performing assets     41,529       39,743       43,470       43,103       41,410  
    Total non-performing assets   $ 137,821     $ 129,390     $ 142,357     $ 144,206     $ 127,751  
                         
    Allowance for credit losses for loans to non-performing loans     292.72 %     312.27 %     278.99 %     309.16 %     342.66 %
    Non-performing loans to total loans     0.63 %     0.60 %     0.67 %     0.68 %     0.58 %
    Non-performing assets to total assets     0.60 %     0.56 %     0.63 %     0.63 %     0.56 %
                         
    (1) Calculation of this metric and the reconciliation to GAAP are included in the schedules accompanying this release.
    Home BancShares, Inc.
    Consolidated Net Interest Margin
    (Unaudited)
                             
        Three Months Ended
        June 30, 2025   March 31, 2025
    (Dollars in thousands)   Average Balance   Income/ Expense   Yield/ Rate   Average Balance   Income/ Expense   Yield/ Rate
    ASSETS                        
    Earning assets                        
    Interest-bearing balances due from banks   $ 813,833   $ 8,951   4.41 %   $ 611,962   $ 6,620   4.39 %
    Federal funds sold     4,878     53   4.36 %     5,091     55   4.38 %
    Investment securities – taxable     3,095,764     26,444   3.43 %     3,179,290     27,433   3.50 %
    Investment securities – non-taxable – FTE     1,113,044     10,033   3.62 %     1,135,783     10,061   3.59 %
    Loans receivable – FTE     15,055,414     276,160   7.36 %     14,893,912     270,907   7.38 %
    Total interest-earning assets     20,082,933     321,641   6.42 %     19,826,038     315,076   6.45 %
    Non-earning assets     2,714,805             2,722,797        
    Total assets   $ 22,797,738           $ 22,548,835        
                             
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                      
    Liabilities                        
    Interest-bearing liabilities                        
    Savings and interest-bearing transaction accounts   $ 11,541,641   $ 71,042   2.47 %   $ 11,402,688   $ 69,672   2.48 %
    Time deposits     1,886,147     17,447   3.71 %     1,801,503     17,114   3.85 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits     13,427,788     88,489   2.64 %     13,204,191     86,786   2.67 %
    Federal funds purchased     46     —   — %     —     —   — %
    Securities sold under agreement to repurchase   143,752     1,012   2.82 %     155,861     1,074   2.79 %
    FHLB and other borrowed funds     566,984     5,539   3.92 %     600,681     5,902   3.98 %
    Subordinated debentures     439,027     4,123   3.77 %     439,173     4,124   3.81 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     14,577,597     99,163   2.73 %     14,399,906     97,886   2.76 %
    Non-interest bearing liabilities                        
    Non-interest bearing deposits     3,981,901             3,980,944        
    Other liabilities     202,085             190,314        
    Total liabilities     18,761,583             18,571,164        
    Shareholders’ equity     4,036,155             3,977,671        
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 22,797,738           $ 22,548,835        
    Net interest spread           3.69 %           3.69 %
    Net interest income and margin – FTE       $ 222,478   4.44 %       $ 217,190   4.44 %
                             
    Home BancShares, Inc.
    Consolidated Net Interest Margin
    (Unaudited)
                             
        Six Months Ended
        June 30, 2025   June 30, 2024
    (Dollars in thousands)   Average Balance   Income/ Expense   Yield/ Rate   Average Balance   Income/ Expense   Yield/ Rate
    ASSETS                        
    Earning assets                        
    Interest-bearing balances due from banks   $ 713,455   $ 15,571   4.40 %   $ 865,686   $ 23,092   5.36 %
    Federal funds sold     4,984     108   4.37 %     4,718     120   5.11 %
    Investment securities – taxable     3,137,296     53,877   3.46 %     3,459,639     65,816   3.83 %
    Investment securities – non-taxable – FTE     1,124,351     20,094   3.60 %     1,221,431     18,896   3.11 %
    Loans receivable – FTE     14,975,109     547,067   7.37 %     14,568,029     539,814   7.45 %
    Total interest-earning assets     19,955,195     636,717   6.43 %     20,119,503     647,738   6.47 %
    Non-earning assets     2,718,779             2,660,101        
    Total assets   $ 22,673,974           $ 22,779,604        
                             
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                    
    Liabilities                        
    Interest-bearing liabilities                        
    Savings and interest-bearing transaction accounts   $ 11,472,548   $ 140,713   2.47 %   $ 11,078,749   $ 153,525   2.79 %
    Time deposits     1,844,059     34,562   3.78 %     1,708,902     34,764   4.09 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits     13,316,607     175,275   2.65 %     12,787,651     188,289   2.96 %
    Federal funds purchased     23     —   — %     17     —   — %
    Securities sold under agreement to repurchase   149,773     2,086   2.81 %     165,962     2,767   3.35 %
    FHLB and other borrowed funds     583,739     11,441   3.95 %     1,301,071     28,531   4.41 %
    Subordinated debentures     439,100     8,247   3.79 %     439,686     8,219   3.76 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     14,489,242     197,049   2.74 %     14,694,387     227,806   3.12 %
    Non-interest bearing liabilities                        
    Non-interest bearing deposits     3,981,425             4,050,787        
    Other liabilities     196,232             239,704        
    Total liabilities     18,666,899             18,984,878        
    Shareholders’ equity     4,007,075             3,794,726        
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 22,673,974           $ 22,779,604        
    Net interest spread           3.69 %           3.35 %
    Net interest income and margin – FTE       $ 439,668   4.44 %       $ 419,932   4.20 %
    Home BancShares, Inc.
    Non-GAAP Reconciliations
    (Unaudited)
                                 
        Quarter Ended   Six Months Ended
    (Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data)   Jun. 30, 2025   Mar. 31, 2025   Dec. 31, 2024   Sep. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2025   Jun. 30, 2024
    EARNINGS, AS ADJUSTED                            
    GAAP net income available to common shareholders (A)   $ 118,403     $ 115,209     $ 100,564     $ 100,038     $ 101,530     $ 233,612     $ 201,639  
    Pre-tax adjustments                            
    FDIC special assessment     (1,516 )     —       —       —       2,260       (1,516 )     2,260  
    BOLI death benefits     (1,243 )     —       (95 )     —       —       (1,243 )     (162 )
    Gain on sale of premises and equipment     (983 )     —       —       —       (2,059 )     (983 )     (2,059 )
    Fair value adjustment for marketable securities     238       (442 )     (850 )     (1,392 )     274       (204 )     (729 )
    Special income from equity investment     (3,498 )     (3,891 )     —       —       —       (7,389 )     —  
    Legal fee reimbursement     (885 )     —       —       —       —       (885 )     —  
    Legal claims expense     3,300       —       —       —       —       3,300       —  
    Total pre-tax adjustments     (4,587 )     (4,333 )     (945 )     (1,392 )     475       (8,920 )     (690 )
    Tax-effect of adjustments     (817 )     (1,059 )     (208 )     (348 )     119       (1,876 )     (132 )
    Deferred tax asset write-down     —       —       —       —       2,030       —       2,030  
    Total adjustments after-tax (B)     (3,770 )     (3,274 )     (737 )     (1,044 )     2,386       (7,044 )     1,472  
    Earnings, as adjusted (C)   $ 114,633     $ 111,935     $ 99,827     $ 98,994     $ 103,916     $ 226,568     $ 203,111  
                                 
    Average diluted shares outstanding (D)     197,765       198,852       198,973       199,461       200,465       198,289       200,909  
                                 
    GAAP diluted earnings per share: (A/D)   $ 0.60     $ 0.58     $ 0.51     $ 0.50     $ 0.51     $ 1.18     $ 1.00  
    Adjustments after-tax: (B/D)     (0.02 )     (0.02 )     (0.01 )     0.00       0.01       (0.04 )     0.01  
    Diluted earnings per common share, as adjusted: (C/D)   $ 0.58     $ 0.56     $ 0.50     $ 0.50     $ 0.52     $ 1.14     $ 1.01  
                                 
    ANNUALIZED RETURN ON AVERAGE ASSETS                            
    Return on average assets: (A/E)     2.08 %     2.07 %     1.77 %     1.74 %     1.79 %     2.08 %     1.78 %
    Return on average assets, as adjusted: (ROA, as adjusted) ((A+D)/E)     2.02 %     2.01 %     1.76 %     1.72 %     1.83 %     2.02 %     1.79 %
    Return on average assets excluding intangible amortization: ((A+C)/(E-F))     2.25 %     2.24 %     1.92 %     1.88 %     1.94 %     2.25 %     1.93 %
    Return on average assets, as adjusted, excluding intangible amortization: ((A+C+D)/(E-F))     2.18 %     2.18 %     1.91 %     1.86 %     1.98 %     2.18 %     1.94 %
                                 
    GAAP net income available to common shareholders (A)   $ 118,403     $ 115,209     $ 100,564     $ 100,038     $ 101,530     $ 233,612     $ 201,639  
    Amortization of intangibles (B)     2,025       2,047       2,068       2,095       2,140       4,072       4,280  
    Amortization of intangibles after-tax (C)     1,530       1,547       1,563       1,572       1,605       3,077       3,210  
    Adjustments after-tax (D)     (3,770 )     (3,274 )     (737 )     (1,044 )     2,386       (7,044 )     1,472  
    Average assets (E)     22,797,738       22,548,835       22,565,077       22,893,784       22,875,949       22,673,974       22,779,604  
    Average goodwill & core deposit intangible (F)     1,435,480       1,437,515       1,439,566       1,441,654       1,443,778       1,436,492       1,444,840  
     Home BancShares, Inc.
     Non-GAAP Reconciliations
     (Unaudited)
                                 
        Quarter Ended   Six Months Ended
    (Dollars in thousands)   Jun. 30, 2025   Mar. 31, 2025   Dec. 31, 2024   Sep. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2025   Jun. 30, 2024
    ANNUALIZED RETURN ON AVERAGE COMMON EQUITY                            
    Return on average common equity: (A/D)     11.77 %     11.75 %     10.13 %     10.23 %     10.73 %     11.76 %     10.69 %
    Return on average common equity, as adjusted: (ROE, as adjusted) ((A+C)/D)     11.39 %     11.41 %     10.05 %     10.12 %     10.98 %     11.40 %     10.76 %
    Return on average tangible common equity: (ROTCE) (A/(D-E))     18.26 %     18.39 %     15.94 %     16.26 %     17.29 %     18.33 %     17.26 %
    Return on average tangible common equity, as adjusted: (ROTCE, as adjusted) ((A+C)/(D-E))     17.68 %     17.87 %     15.82 %     16.09 %     17.69 %     17.77 %     17.38 %
    Return on average tangible common equity excluding intangible amortization: (B/(D-E))     18.50 %     18.64 %     16.18 %     16.51 %     17.56 %     18.57 %     17.53 %
    Return on average tangible common equity, as adjusted, excluding intangible amortization: ((B+C)/(D-E))     17.92 %     18.12 %     16.07 %     16.34 %     17.97 %     18.02 %     17.66 %
                                 
    GAAP net income available to common shareholders (A)   $ 118,403     $ 115,209     $ 100,564     $ 100,038     $ 101,530     $ 233,612     $ 201,639  
    Earnings excluding intangible amortization (B)     119,933       116,756       102,127       101,610       103,135       236,689       204,849  
    Adjustments after-tax (C)     (3,770 )     (3,274 )     (737 )     (1,044 )     2,386       (7,044 )     1,472  
    Average common equity (D)     4,036,155       3,977,671       3,950,176       3,889,712       3,805,800       4,007,075       3,794,726  
    Average goodwill & core deposits intangible (E)     1,435,480       1,437,515       1,439,566       1,441,654       1,443,778       1,436,492       1,444,840  
                                 
    EFFICIENCY RATIO & P5NR                            
    Efficiency ratio: ((D-G)/(B+C+E))     41.68 %     42.22 %     42.24 %     41.42 %     43.17 %     41.94 %     43.69 %
    Efficiency ratio, as adjusted: ((D-G-I)/(B+C+E-H))     42.01 %     42.84 %     42.00 %     41.66 %     42.59 %     42.42 %     43.50 %
    Pre-tax net income to total revenue (net) (A/(B+C))     56.08 %     56.58 %     50.11 %     50.03 %     52.40 %     56.32 %     52.66 %
    Pre-tax net income, as adjusted, to total revenue (net) ((A+F)/(B+C))     54.39 %     54.91 %     49.74 %     49.49 %     52.59 %     54.64 %     52.52 %
    Pre-tax, pre-provision, net income (PPNR) (B+C-D)   $ 154,991     $ 147,154     $ 146,154     $ 147,954     $ 141,411     $ 302,145     $ 276,304  
    Pre-tax, pre-provision, net income, as adjusted (B+C-D+F)   $ 150,404     $ 142,821     $ 145,209     $ 146,562     $ 141,886     $ 293,225     $ 275,614  
    P5NR (Pre-tax, pre-provision, profit percentage) PPNR to total revenue (net)) (B+C-D)/(B+C)     57.19 %     56.58 %     56.57 %     57.35 %     55.54 %     56.89 %     55.15 %
    P5NR, as adjusted (B+C-D+F)/(B+C)     55.49 %     54.91 %     56.20 %     56.81 %     55.73 %     55.21 %     55.01 %
                                 
    Pre-tax net income (A)   $ 151,991     $ 147,154     $ 129,454     $ 129,084     $ 133,411     $ 299,145     $ 263,804  
    Net interest income (B)     219,952       214,656       217,142       215,220       211,822       434,608       416,412  
    Non-interest income (C)     51,079       45,426       41,222       42,779       42,774       96,505       84,573  
    Non-interest expense (D)     116,040       112,928       112,210       110,045       113,185       228,968       224,681  
    Fully taxable equivalent adjustment (E)     2,526       2,534       2,398       2,616       2,628       5,060       3,520  
    Total pre-tax adjustments (F)     (4,587 )     (4,333 )     (945 )     (1,392 )     475       (8,920 )     (690 )
    Amortization of intangibles (G)     2,025       2,047       2,068       2,095       2,140       4,072       4,280  
                                 
    Adjustments:                            
    Non-interest income:                            
    Fair value adjustment for marketable securities   $ (238 )   $ 442     $ 850     $ 1,392     $ (274 )   $ 204     $ 729  
    Gain (loss) on OREO     13       (376 )     (2,423 )     85       49       (363 )     66  
    Gain (loss) on branches, equipment and other assets, net     972       (163 )     26       32       2,052       809       2,044  
    Special income from equity investment     3,498       3,891       —       —       —       7,389       —  
    BOLI death benefits     1,243       —       95       —       —       1,243       162  
    Legal expense reimbursement     885       —       —       —       —       885       —  
    Total non-interest income adjustments (H)   $ 6,373     $ 3,794     $ (1,452 )   $ 1,509     $ 1,827     $ 10,167     $ 3,001  
                                 
    Non-interest expense:                            
    FDIC special assessment     (1,516 )     —       —       —       2,260       (1,516 )     2,260  
    Legal claims expense     3,300       —       —       —       —       3,300       —  
    Total non-interest expense adjustments (I)   $ 1,784     $ —     $ —     $ —     $ 2,260     $ 1,784     $ 2,260  
                                 
    Home BancShares, Inc.
     Non-GAAP Reconciliations
     (Unaudited)
                         
        Quarter Ended
        Jun. 30, 2025   Mar. 31, 2025   Dec. 31, 2024   Sep. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2024
    TANGIBLE BOOK VALUE PER COMMON SHARE                    
    Book value per common share: (A/B)   $ 20.71     $ 20.40     $ 19.92     $ 19.91     $ 19.30  
    Tangible book value per common share: ((A-C-D)/B)     13.44       13.15       12.68       12.67       12.08  
                         
    Total stockholders’ equity (A)   $ 4,085,316     $ 4,042,555     $ 3,961,025     $ 3,959,789     $ 3,855,503  
    End of period common shares outstanding (B)     197,239       198,206       198,882       198,879       199,746  
    Goodwill (C)     1,398,253       1,398,253       1,398,253       1,398,253       1,398,253  
    Core deposit and other intangibles (D)     36,255       38,280       40,327       42,395       44,490  
                         
    TANGIBLE COMMON EQUITY TO TANGIBLE ASSETS                    
    Equity to assets: (B/A)     17.83 %     17.58 %     17.61 %     17.35 %     16.82 %
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets: ((B-C-D)/(A-C-D))     12.35 %     12.09 %     11.98 %     11.78 %     11.23 %
                         
    Total assets (A)   $ 22,907,022     $ 22,992,203     $ 22,490,748     $ 22,823,117     $ 22,919,905  
    Total stockholders’ equity (B)     4,085,316       4,042,555       3,961,025       3,959,789       3,855,503  
    Goodwill (C)     1,398,253       1,398,253       1,398,253       1,398,253       1,398,253  
    Core deposit and other intangibles (D)     36,255       38,280       40,327       42,395       44,490  
                         
    Home BancShares, Inc.
    Shareholder Buyback Yield
    (Unaudited)
                                 
        Quarter Ended   Six Months Ended
    (Dollars and shares in thousands)   Jun. 30, 2025   Mar. 31, 2025   Dec. 31, 2024   Sep. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2025   Jun. 30, 2024
    SHAREHOLDER BUYBACK YIELD                            
    Shareholder buyback yield: (A/B)     0.49 %     0.53 %     0.05 %     0.56 %     0.67 %     1.02 %     1.12 %
                                 
    Shares repurchased     1,000       1,000       96       1,000       1,400       2,000       2,426  
    Average price per share   $ 26.99     $ 29.67     $ 26.38     $ 26.90     $ 23.26     $ 28.33     $ 23.31  
    Principal cost     26,989       29,668       2,526       26,902       32,562       56,657       56,549  
    Excise tax     459       117       (72 )     63       285       576       421  
    Total share repurchase cost (A)   $ 27,448     $ 29,785     $ 2,454     $ 26,965     $ 32,847     $ 57,233     $ 56,970  
                                 
    Shares outstanding beginning of period     198,206       198,882       198,879       199,746       200,797       198,882       201,526  
    Price per share beginning of period   $ 28.27     $ 28.30     $ 27.09     $ 23.96     $ 24.57     $ 28.30     $ 25.33  
    Market capitalization beginning of period (B)   $ 5,603,284     $ 5,628,361     $ 5,387,632     $ 4,785,914     $ 4,933,582     $ 5,628,361     $ 5,104,654  
                                 

    The MIL Network –

    July 17, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Landmark package to pursue domestic abuse perpetrators

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Landmark package to pursue domestic abuse perpetrators

    Victims of domestic abuse to be protected under a £53 million drive to target most dangerous offenders.

    Thousands more women and children will be better protected from domestic abuse through the direct targeting of perpetrators, the Home Secretary has announced today.

    Backed by a £53 million investment over the next 4 years, domestic abuse perpetrators who pose the highest risk will be forced to change their behaviour and stop their offending as more police and agencies roll out tactics shown to reduce abuse.

    It will form a central part of the government’s Plan for Change and pledge to tackle the epidemic of domestic abuse, which sees the police record a domestic abuse-related crime every 30 seconds.

    The Drive Project has been piloted since 2016 to address the root causes of abuse through intensive one-to-one case management for up to 12 months. This includes using protection orders to keep offenders away from victims, alongside work to address drug misuse and alcohol dependency. A dedicated independent domestic violence advisor (IDVA) supports the victim in parallel, ensuring their safety and needs are prioritised at every stage. 

    The results have seen percentages of perpetrators using physical abuse cut by 82%, sexual abuse by 88%, stalking behaviours by 75% and jealous and controlling behaviours by 73%.

    The multi-million pound investment will see up to 15 new areas going live by March 2026, with full roll-out across England and Wales to follow.

    Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

    The roll out of these new programmes means the relentless pursuit of perpetrators who pose a risk to women and girls whether they operate at home or on the streets – and intervening early to prevent further harm.

    Through our mission to make our streets safer, we will take every opportunity to challenge and change dangerous behaviours, intensively monitor and manage perpetrators who pose a risk, and give victims the support they need to take back their lives.

    The Drive Partnership, a consortium of 3 organisations – Respect, SafeLives, and Social Finance – is working to end domestic abuse and protect victim-survivors. The Drive Project is their flagship intervention working with those causing harm in their relationships to prevent abusive behaviour.

    Rolling out The Drive Project demonstrates that the government is committed to doing things differently, working closely with civil society and bringing experts into policy development to improve the lives of working people. Today’s announcement comes ahead of the Civil Society Summit being held on Thursday 17 July, where the Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips will join a violence against women and girls panel with Beyond Equality, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner and Minister Davies-Jones.

    Alongside tackling domestic abuse, the government is also funding 3 police forces to step up efforts to prevent predatory behaviour in public spaces and night time economy venues through Project Vigilant.

    Currently being trialled by Thames Valley Police, alongside several other forces across the country, specially trained plain-clothed officers are patrolling nightlife hotspots to hunt down predatory behaviour, with uniformed officers then stepping in to keep the public safe.

    A further £230,000 will enable specialist deployments in 3 police forces, support the trial of new tools – including sniffer dogs trained to detect drugs commonly used in spiking – and help to gather evidence on how the approach works in different settings.

    Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, Jess Phillips said:

    Through bold initiatives like the Drive Project and Project Vigilant, we’re going after perpetrators wherever they pose a threat. We are shifting the focus onto those who cause harm, challenging dangerous behaviours and making it clear that the responsibility for ending abuse lies with perpetrators, not those who suffer from it.

    Through our mission to make our streets safer, every penny we invest in holding perpetrators to account is a step towards a better and safer future for every victim.

    The Drive Project will be delivered in partnership with police and crime commissioners, police forces, domestic abuse services and the Drive Partnership, and supported by national training and resources.

    Case managers work closely with high-risk perpetrators for up to 12 months, building their capacity to manage emotions and relationships differently, removing opportunities for abuse through close monitoring and disruption tactics and ensuring dedicated support for victims.

    Interventions are tailored to each perpetrator’s risk level and pattern of abuse and can include:

    • disruption tactics such as police intervention and the use of protection orders
    • engagement with social services to safeguard families and children
    • alternative accommodation to prevent perpetrators from returning to victims’ homes
    • addressing drug and alcohol dependencies that can fuel abusive behaviour
    • behaviour change to address patterns of control and violence
    • monitoring and accountability to prevent reoffending
    • dedicated support for victims to help them rebuild their lives and move on

    Kyla Kirkpatrick, Director, The Drive Partnership, said 

    We welcome this investment from the Home Office into the expansion of the Drive Project across England and Wales because victim-survivors tell us that as well as more support for themselves, they want and need better responses to the people causing harm in their lives. They need them to be seen, held to account and stopped. The Drive Project does that and with 10 years of delivery, development and evaluation behind us know that it works.

    This work can only happen if the focus is absolutely on the safety and wellbeing of the victim-survivors. This investment will see the vast majority of funding flow directly to local domestic abuse perpetrator services and victim-survivor support services, and we will be working in partnership with local services to ensure that the Drive Project is tailored to meet the needs of local communities. We look forward to the forthcoming VAWG strategy to support victim-survivor services with much-needed investment and cross-departmental commitment.

    Detective Superintendent Jon Capps, Head of Rape and Sexual Offences and Project Vigilant at Thames Valley Police, said:

    We welcome funding which supports vital proactive initiatives to disrupt those who behave in a predatory manner and offend against women and girls.

    Our Project Vigilant officers are specially trained to spot predatory behaviour, intervening and preventing it escalating into an offence.

    This year we have conducted 50 Vigilant deployments across the Thames Valley, all of which highlight our commitment to keep people safe, specifically in the night time economy and increasingly with large public events.

    Our aim is to take a suspect-focused approach, creating safer public spaces and building trust and confidence in our policing response.

    Michael Kill, CEO, Night Time Industries Association:

    We welcome today’s announcement and fully support the government’s £53 million package to target the most dangerous domestic abuse perpetrators. A perpetrator-focused approach is essential – accountability must lie with those who commit these crimes, not the women who endure them.

    We understand that predatory behaviour is a pervasive issue within society and must be addressed wherever it occurs – across communities, public spaces, and institutions. Over recent years, the industry has worked hard to drive awareness and put robust mitigations in place – through staff training, use of CCTV, awareness campaigns and strengthened partnerships with key stakeholders and policing.

    Today’s announcement – particularly the expansion of the Drive Project and Project Vigilant, as well as the introduction of specially-trained officers to address predatory behaviour – is a vital step toward tackling the root causes of abuse. It will provide greater protection for women and support operators in disrupting harmful behaviours early.

    The NTIA is committed to supporting the government’s Plan for Change and its goal to halve violence against women within a decade. We will continue working closely with government, policing, and local authorities to embed a perpetrator-focused culture of safety and accountability throughout the night time economy.

    This investment comes after the government announced a boost of nearly £20 million in support for victims of abuse, including £6 million for helplines which can offer life-saving support.

    A relentless pursuit of perpetrators will form a central part of the government’s upcoming strategy on violence against women and girls, shifting the burden of safety away from victims and onto the perpetrators responsible for these devastating crimes. The strategy will also set out action to transform the system’s response to VAWG, including on prevention, early intervention, enforcement and victim support.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 16 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 17, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Bennet, Beyer Reintroduce Bicameral Bill to Overhaul Unemployment Insurance

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

    Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Senator Michael F. Bennet, D-Colo., and U.S. Representative Don Beyer, D-Va., today reintroduced legislation to update and expand unemployment insurance so the program better meets the needs of the modern workforce and is ready to respond should the economy go into a recession in the future.

    “There’s no question that our unemployment insurance system is in desperate need of an update,” Wyden said. “American workers who become unemployed by no fault of their own shouldn’t have to worry about putting food on the table and paying their bills as they get back on their feet. This bill modernizes unemployment insurance so working Americans get a 21st century economic lifeline – all while ensuring that we’re keeping up with our changing economy.”

    “Too many Americans struggle to access essential unemployment benefits as they navigate a patchwork of outdated state systems,” Bennet said. “Our bicameral bill strengthens unemployment systems across the country to prepare for an economic downturn and help workers stay afloat during difficult times.”

    “The last recession again showed the importance of our unemployment insurance system and the desperate need for its expansion and modernization,” Beyer said. “The inadequacy of the system forced Congress to step in and temporarily expand the program, but without permanent reform we remain woefully unprepared for a major crisis. Our bill would make long-overdue improvements to our unemployment system that will help families and the broader economy more easily weather a future economic shock.”

    The Unemployment Insurance Modernization and Recession Readiness Act would:

    • Update the federal-state Extended Benefits program so that it will automatically add additional weeks of benefits when unemployment rises.
    • Establish new requirements for state unemployment programs to ensure that benefits are adequate to support workers through job loss and that more workers are covered when they lose their job. This would include requiring that all states offer 26 weeks of benefits, replace 75% of workers’ wages, cover part-time workers, and pay workers for their first week of unemployment — the “waiting week.”
    • Create new permanent federal programs for unemployed workers, including a $250 per week Jobseeker Allowance that would be available to any unemployed workers not covered by the traditional unemployment insurance system, such as self-employed workers and new entrants to the labor force.
    • The bill would also include an additional $25 weekly federal allowance for each dependent an unemployed worker has, and provide federal funding to increase unemployed workers’ wage replacement rates to 100% during major disasters or public health emergencies.

    The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet, D-Colo., Jack Reed, D-R.I., Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., John Fetterman, D-Pa., and Cory Booker, D-N.J.

    A section-by-section summary is here.

    The text of the bill is here.

    Statements of Support

    Rebecca Dixon, President and CEO of National Employment Law Project: “The pandemic revealed how absolutely critical unemployment insurance is for supporting jobless workers, their families, and the entire economy. By updating the Extended Benefits program, modernizing regular unemployment insurance, and adding a powerful new jobseeker’s allowance to support workers who are excluded from the current system, the Unemployment Insurance Modernization and Recession Readiness Act will make the system stronger, more equitable, and better prepared for the next recession.”

    Michele Evermore, Senior Fellow at National Academy of Social Insurance: “I applaud Senators Wyden and Bennet and Congressman Beyer for their consistent leadership on this issue. The time to think about improving unemployment insurance is now, before the next crisis. Many UI systems across the United States are no longer equipped to support people in an economic downturn. They often do not reach enough people or provide enough income support to keep people afloat. This legislation mainly codifies five decades of bipartisan advisory council recommendations to ensure UI supports people who lose their jobs in the way it was intended.”

    Andrew Stettner, Director of Economy and Jobs at The Century Foundation: “The core unemployment insurance system currently only covers 3 in 10 jobless workers. The bill contains overdue reforms that would ensure the workers in every state have the protections they need, and that our entire economy can rely on the economic stabilization UI uniquely provides in times of recession. The time to fix UI is now, so it is there when we need it most.”

    A letter of support from over 100 organizations is here.

    A web version of this release is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 17, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Union Bankshares Announces Earnings for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 and Declares Quarterly Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MORRISVILLE, VT., July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Union Bankshares, Inc. (NASDAQ – UNB) today announced results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 and declared a regular quarterly cash dividend. Consolidated net income for the three months ended June 30, 2025 was $2.4 million, or $0.53 per share, compared to $2.0 million, or $0.45 per share, for the same period in 2024, and $4.9 million, or $1.08 per share, for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to $4.4 million, or $0.98 per share, for the same period in 2024.

    Balance Sheet

    Total assets were $1.48 billion as of June 30, 2025 compared to $1.40 billion as of June 30, 2024, an increase of $81.9 million, or 5.9%. Loan growth was the primary driver of the increase in total assets with total loans increasing $99.8 million, or 9.8%, to reach $1.11 billion as of June 30, 2025 including $9.0 million in loans held for sale, compared to $1.01 billion as of June 30, 2024, with $6.2 million in loans held for sale. Despite the economic uncertainty in the future, asset quality remains strong with minimal past due loans and net recoveries of $5 thousand and $6 thousand for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, respectively.

    In addition to the balance sheet growth in loans, qualifying residential loans of $31.0 million and $56.8 million were sold to the secondary market for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, respectively, compared to sales of $19.3 million and $41.0 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively.

    Total deposits were $1.10 billion as of June 30, 2025 compared to deposits of $1.05 billion as of June 30, 2024, and included purchased brokered deposits of $65.3 million and $65.0 million for the respective periods. Borrowed funds consisted of Federal Home Loan Bank advances of $270.7 million as of June 30, 2025 compared to $212.1 million as of June 30, 2024. There were also $35.0 million in advances from the Federal Reserve’s Bank Term Funding Program outstanding as of June 30, 2024.

    The Company had total equity capital of $71.3 million and a book value per share of $15.66 as of June 30, 2025 compared to $64.0 million and a book value of $14.16 per share as of June 30, 2024. Total equity capital is reduced by accumulated other comprehensive loss as it relates to the fair market value adjustment for investment securities. Accumulated other comprehensive loss as of June 30, 2025 was $31.2 million compared to $35.2 million as of June 30, 2024.

    Income Statement

    Consolidated net income was $2.4 million for the second quarter of 2025 compared to $2.0 million for the second quarter of 2024, an increase of $376 thousand, or 18.6%. Interest income increased $2.2 million, or 13.1%, to $18.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to $16.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024, due to an increase in yield on earning assets and an increase in volume for the comparison periods. Similarly, interest expense increased $1.2 million, or 17.1%, to $8.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to $7.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 due to an increase in rates paid on customer deposits and to a lesser extent an increase in volumes. As a result of these changes during the comparison periods, net interest income increased $962 thousand, or 10.1%.

    Credit loss expense of $221 thousand was recorded for the second quarter of 2025 compared to $388 thousand recorded for the second quarter of 2024. The credit loss expense was primarily related to the growth and mix of the loan portfolio at both June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2024. Management continues to assess the adequacy of the Allowance for Credit Losses quarterly.

    Noninterest income was $2.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024. Noninterest expenses increased $706 thousand, or 7.2%, to $10.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to $9.8 million for the same period in 2024. The increase during the comparison period was due to increases of $311 thousand in salaries and wages, $340 thousand in employee benefits, $2 thousand in occupancy expenses, and $83 thousand in equipment expenses, partially offset by a decrease of $31 thousand in other expenses. Income tax expense was $102 thousand for the three months ended June 30, 2025, an increase of $41 thousand compared to income tax expense of $61 thousand for the three months ended June 30, 2024.

    Dividend Declared

    The Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.36 per share for the quarter payable August 7, 2025 to shareholders of record as of July 26, 2025.

    About Union Bankshares, Inc.

    Union Bankshares, Inc., headquartered in Morrisville, Vermont, is the bank holding company parent of Union Bank, which provides commercial, retail, and municipal banking services, as well as, wealth management services throughout northern Vermont and New Hampshire. Union Bank operates 18 banking offices, three loan centers, and multiple ATMs throughout its geographical footprint.

    Since 1891, Union Bank has helped people achieve their dreams of owning a home, saving for retirement, starting or expanding a business and assisting municipalities to improve their communities. Union Bank has earned an exceptional reputation for residential lending programs and has been recognized by the US Department of Agriculture, Rural Development for the positive impact made in lives of low to moderate home buyers. Union Bank is consistently one of the top Vermont Housing Finance Agency mortgage originators and has also been designated as an SBA Preferred lender for its participation in small business lending. Union Bank’s employees contribute to the communities where they work and reside, serving on non-profit boards, raising funds for worthwhile causes, and giving countless hours in serving our fellow residents. All of these efforts have resulted in Union receiving and “Outstanding” rating for its compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) in its most recent examination. Union Bank is proud to be one of the few independent community banks serving Vermont and New Hampshire and we maintain a strong commitment to our core traditional values of keeping deposits safe, giving customers convenient financial choices and making loans to help people in our local communities buy homes, grow businesses, and create jobs. These values–combined with financial expertise, quality products and the latest technology–make Union Bank the premier choice for your banking services, both personal and business. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Statements made in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements necessarily involve risks and uncertainties, and many factors could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those contemplated in the forward-looking statements. When we use any of the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates” or similar expressions, we are making forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results and events to differ from those contemplated in the forward-looking statements: uncertainties associated with general economic conditions; changes in the interest rate environment; inflation; political, legislative or regulatory developments; acts of war or terrorism; the markets’ acceptance of and demand for the Company’s products and services; technological changes, including the impact of the internet on the Company’s business and on the financial services market place generally; the impact of competitive products and pricing; and dependence on third party suppliers. For further information, please refer to the Company’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov or on our investor page at www.ublocal.com.

    Contact: David S. Silverman
    (802) 888-6600

    The MIL Network –

    July 17, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Union Bankshares Announces Earnings for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 and Declares Quarterly Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MORRISVILLE, VT., July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Union Bankshares, Inc. (NASDAQ – UNB) today announced results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 and declared a regular quarterly cash dividend. Consolidated net income for the three months ended June 30, 2025 was $2.4 million, or $0.53 per share, compared to $2.0 million, or $0.45 per share, for the same period in 2024, and $4.9 million, or $1.08 per share, for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to $4.4 million, or $0.98 per share, for the same period in 2024.

    Balance Sheet

    Total assets were $1.48 billion as of June 30, 2025 compared to $1.40 billion as of June 30, 2024, an increase of $81.9 million, or 5.9%. Loan growth was the primary driver of the increase in total assets with total loans increasing $99.8 million, or 9.8%, to reach $1.11 billion as of June 30, 2025 including $9.0 million in loans held for sale, compared to $1.01 billion as of June 30, 2024, with $6.2 million in loans held for sale. Despite the economic uncertainty in the future, asset quality remains strong with minimal past due loans and net recoveries of $5 thousand and $6 thousand for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, respectively.

    In addition to the balance sheet growth in loans, qualifying residential loans of $31.0 million and $56.8 million were sold to the secondary market for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, respectively, compared to sales of $19.3 million and $41.0 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively.

    Total deposits were $1.10 billion as of June 30, 2025 compared to deposits of $1.05 billion as of June 30, 2024, and included purchased brokered deposits of $65.3 million and $65.0 million for the respective periods. Borrowed funds consisted of Federal Home Loan Bank advances of $270.7 million as of June 30, 2025 compared to $212.1 million as of June 30, 2024. There were also $35.0 million in advances from the Federal Reserve’s Bank Term Funding Program outstanding as of June 30, 2024.

    The Company had total equity capital of $71.3 million and a book value per share of $15.66 as of June 30, 2025 compared to $64.0 million and a book value of $14.16 per share as of June 30, 2024. Total equity capital is reduced by accumulated other comprehensive loss as it relates to the fair market value adjustment for investment securities. Accumulated other comprehensive loss as of June 30, 2025 was $31.2 million compared to $35.2 million as of June 30, 2024.

    Income Statement

    Consolidated net income was $2.4 million for the second quarter of 2025 compared to $2.0 million for the second quarter of 2024, an increase of $376 thousand, or 18.6%. Interest income increased $2.2 million, or 13.1%, to $18.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to $16.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024, due to an increase in yield on earning assets and an increase in volume for the comparison periods. Similarly, interest expense increased $1.2 million, or 17.1%, to $8.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to $7.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 due to an increase in rates paid on customer deposits and to a lesser extent an increase in volumes. As a result of these changes during the comparison periods, net interest income increased $962 thousand, or 10.1%.

    Credit loss expense of $221 thousand was recorded for the second quarter of 2025 compared to $388 thousand recorded for the second quarter of 2024. The credit loss expense was primarily related to the growth and mix of the loan portfolio at both June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2024. Management continues to assess the adequacy of the Allowance for Credit Losses quarterly.

    Noninterest income was $2.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024. Noninterest expenses increased $706 thousand, or 7.2%, to $10.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to $9.8 million for the same period in 2024. The increase during the comparison period was due to increases of $311 thousand in salaries and wages, $340 thousand in employee benefits, $2 thousand in occupancy expenses, and $83 thousand in equipment expenses, partially offset by a decrease of $31 thousand in other expenses. Income tax expense was $102 thousand for the three months ended June 30, 2025, an increase of $41 thousand compared to income tax expense of $61 thousand for the three months ended June 30, 2024.

    Dividend Declared

    The Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.36 per share for the quarter payable August 7, 2025 to shareholders of record as of July 26, 2025.

    About Union Bankshares, Inc.

    Union Bankshares, Inc., headquartered in Morrisville, Vermont, is the bank holding company parent of Union Bank, which provides commercial, retail, and municipal banking services, as well as, wealth management services throughout northern Vermont and New Hampshire. Union Bank operates 18 banking offices, three loan centers, and multiple ATMs throughout its geographical footprint.

    Since 1891, Union Bank has helped people achieve their dreams of owning a home, saving for retirement, starting or expanding a business and assisting municipalities to improve their communities. Union Bank has earned an exceptional reputation for residential lending programs and has been recognized by the US Department of Agriculture, Rural Development for the positive impact made in lives of low to moderate home buyers. Union Bank is consistently one of the top Vermont Housing Finance Agency mortgage originators and has also been designated as an SBA Preferred lender for its participation in small business lending. Union Bank’s employees contribute to the communities where they work and reside, serving on non-profit boards, raising funds for worthwhile causes, and giving countless hours in serving our fellow residents. All of these efforts have resulted in Union receiving and “Outstanding” rating for its compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) in its most recent examination. Union Bank is proud to be one of the few independent community banks serving Vermont and New Hampshire and we maintain a strong commitment to our core traditional values of keeping deposits safe, giving customers convenient financial choices and making loans to help people in our local communities buy homes, grow businesses, and create jobs. These values–combined with financial expertise, quality products and the latest technology–make Union Bank the premier choice for your banking services, both personal and business. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Statements made in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements necessarily involve risks and uncertainties, and many factors could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those contemplated in the forward-looking statements. When we use any of the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates” or similar expressions, we are making forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results and events to differ from those contemplated in the forward-looking statements: uncertainties associated with general economic conditions; changes in the interest rate environment; inflation; political, legislative or regulatory developments; acts of war or terrorism; the markets’ acceptance of and demand for the Company’s products and services; technological changes, including the impact of the internet on the Company’s business and on the financial services market place generally; the impact of competitive products and pricing; and dependence on third party suppliers. For further information, please refer to the Company’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov or on our investor page at www.ublocal.com.

    Contact: David S. Silverman
    (802) 888-6600

    The MIL Network –

    July 17, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Pacific Trade Ministers to meet in Fiji

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Minister of State for Trade and Investment Nicola Grigg will travel to Fiji this week to attend the Pacific Island Forum’s Trade Ministers Meeting (FTMM). 

    “Trade plays a critical role in getting more money into your back pocket, helping you and your family to thrive. It drives employment, economic growth, and lifts the standard of living in New Zealand and across the Pacific,” Ms Grigg says. 

    The Pacific Island Forum’s (PIF) biennial Trade Ministers Meeting will be held in Suva on 18 July. It is a key regional event, bringing together Pacific trade ministers to discuss and shape the future of trade and economic integration. 

    “The Government is strongly committed to supporting Pacific Island countries to grow the positive impacts of trade. New Zealand’s attendance at the FTMM signals our continued commitment to regional cooperation, resilience, and leadership in advancing Pacific trade priorities under the 2050 Strategy for the Pacific Blue Continent,” Ms Grigg says. 

    “This key regional meeting provides a timely platform to discuss the critical importance of the rules-based trading system, with the World Trade Organisation at its core. This structure is particularly vital for small countries like New Zealand and PIF members. We are best served by a world in which trade flows freely governed by rules. 

    “I will attend a Fiji New Zealand Business Council event where the Council will launch its strategy to help reach the joint New Zealand and Fiji goal of lifting two-way trade to NZ$2 billion by 2030.

    “I also look forward to engaging with my PACER Plus Ministerial counterparts. PACER Plus is the largest and most comprehensive trade agreement in our region. It is helping both large and small businesses — including women-led businesses — to grow; reduce costs through e-commerce and enhance regulatory cooperation between governments, streamline customs processes, paperless trade, and provisions on investment that protect investors; and to promote cross-border investment flows. 

    “While PACER Plus is a trade agreement, with currently 10 parties, that also speaks to the bonds between our nations, as neighbours, partners, and family, whose interests, prosperity, and well-being are intertwined.” 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    July 17, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Nigerian man sentenced to over 11 years in prison for fraudulently obtaining $1.3 million in COVID-19 jobless and disability benefits

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    LOS ANGELES — On July 10, 2023, a Nigerian man living in the San Gabriel Valley was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison for defrauding California and Nevada of $1.3 million in COVID-19 pandemic unemployment and disability insurance benefits. He achieved this by submitting more than 100 fraudulent applications using stolen identities and used the money to build a nightclub and mall in Nigeria.

    Abiola Femi Quadri, 43, of Pasadena, was sentenced by United States District Judge George H. Wu, who also ordered him to pay $1,356,229 in restitution and a $35,000 fine.

    Quadri is a Nigerian citizen who acquired permanent residency in the United States through what he described — according to court documents — as a “fake wedding” in messages to a woman who was not his wife. He pleaded guilty on Jan. 2 to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

    Quadri withdrew the fraudulent unemployment and disability benefits at ATMs from 2021 until his arrest in September 2024 at Los Angeles International Airport, where he was scheduled to fly to Nigeria. Quadri sent at least $500,000 abroad during the scheme. He also paid for the construction of a 120-room resort hotel in Nigeria, the Oyins International, that includes a nightclub, a mall, and additional high-end amenities. Quadri failed to disclose his ownership of the hotel as required when completing his financial disclosure to the court.

    Investigators found images of 17 counterfeit checks totaling more than $3.3 million on Quadri’s phone, along with messages discussing negotiations for the checks. Some of the checks were made payable to shell businesses held in the names of Quadri’s aliases. California paid Quadri to provide daycare services to developmentally disabled children through his Altadena-based business, Rock of Peace. When agents searched Quadri’s residence, they found the children’s misappropriated food-aid debit cards.

    The United States Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, and the California Employment Development Department Investigation Division investigated this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Brown of the Major Frauds Section prosecuted this case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 17, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE New England arrests Guatemalan national and registered sex offender convicted of indecent assault, battery on child under 14

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    July 16, 2025Boston, MA, United StatesChild Exploitation

    BOSTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations New England administratively arrested an illegally present Guatemalan national convicted of indecent assault and battery involving a child.

    ICE HSI personnel arrested Jose Alberto Rojop Cajas, a Level 1 registered sex offender, on July 9 in Middleton, Massachusetts, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service.

    Cajas, 39, illegally entered the United States from an unknown location in approximately 2004. He was convicted in Lynn, Massachusetts, District Court on June 13, 2023, of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14.

    He remains in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 17, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Tren De Araqua Associates Plead Guilty to Bank Theft

    Source: US FBI

    JACKSON, MS – Two individuals with ties to the Venezuelan organized crime syndicate Tren de Araqua pleaded guilty to bank theft, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff.

    According to court documents and statements made in open court, Jesus Rene Cabrera Tobias, 25 and Darwin Javier Delgado, 46, pleaded guilty after being indicted by a federal grand jury for bank theft. On August 8, 2024, Tobias and Delgado stole $21,500 from an ATM machine in Enterprise, Mississippi by hacking the ATM operating system and disabling the ATM security features by installing a foreign device that allowed them to assume control of the ATM.

    Surveillance footage recovered by FBI on the night of the theft captured Tobias unlock the ATM and open the machine to access the internal system that controlled the ATM operating system and security features. The footage showed that after manipulating the ATM, Tobias returned to their vehicle and retrieved a small electronic device to install within the ATM. After a brief period of manipulating the ATM using the small electronic device, the ATM then emptied by continuously producing United States currency from the cash tray. Tobias collected the cash as it was disbursed from the ATM and transferred it to another individual in the vehicle.

    Investigators identified the suspect vehicle and its owner through the surveillance footage. The registered owner of the vehicle was Delgado. Surveillance footage from a nearby store captured Tobias and Delgado traveling in the suspect vehicle and shopping within the store.

    The suspect vehicle was stopped the next day in Texas by officers with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Delgado and Cabrera were found in the vehicle and arrested. Two cell phones and clothing matching the clothing worn during the bank theft operation were recovered from the suspect vehicle upon execution of a search warrant. A forensic examination of the cellular phones contained photographs and videos from the instant offense, including multiple videos of the defendants manipulating other ATMs and withdrawing cash. The forensic examination also showed that the photographs and videos taken during the theft contained metadata placing the defendants at the scene of the crime. The ATM hard drive was forensically examined by FBI and was shown to have been compromised with malware that disabled the ATM security features.

    Tobias and Delgado are citizens of Venezuela. During the investigation, Investigators discovered that Tobias and Delgado committed the theft in coordination with members of the transnational criminal organization Tren de Araqua from Venezuela.

    “Today’s announcement sends a clear message: Tren de Aragua transnational criminal operations will not be tolerated and the FBI will aggressively pursue TdA’s scourge of criminal activity. Tobias and Delgado brazenly tampered with ATM machines defrauding banks and the American people,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff. “These guilty pleas underscore the FBI’s commitment in collaboration with our state and federal partners in identifying, pursuing, disrupting, and dismantling organized crime syndicates, ultimately eradicating TdA’s presence and influence in the U.S.”

    Tobias is scheduled to be sentenced on September 10, 2025. Delgado is scheduled to be sentenced on October 7, 2025. Tobias and Delgado face a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment followed by possible deportation. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office, Meridian Police Department, Decatur Police Department, Enterprise Police Department, and the Texas Department of Public Safety.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samuel Goff and Brett Grantham are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

    July 17, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Ring Energy Announces Timing of Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Release and Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    THE WOODLANDS, Texas, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ring Energy, Inc. (NYSE American: REI) (“Ring” or the “Company”) today announced the timing of its second quarter 2025 earnings release and conference call.

    Ring plans to issue its second quarter 2025 earnings release after the close of trading on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. The Company has scheduled a conference call on Thursday, August 7, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET (10:00 a.m. CT) to discuss its second quarter operational and financial results. To participate, interested parties should dial 833-953-2433 at least five minutes before the call is to begin. Please reference the “Ring Energy Earnings Conference Call”. International callers may participate by dialing 412-317-5762. The call will also be webcast and available on Ring’s website at www.ringenergy.com under “Investors” on the “News & Events” page. An audio replay will also be available on the Company’s website following the call.

    About Ring Energy, Inc.

    Ring Energy, Inc. is an oil and gas exploration, development, and production company with current operations focused on the development of its Permian Basin assets. For additional information, please visit www.ringenergy.com.

    Contact Information

    Al Petrie Advisors
    Al Petrie, Senior Partner
    Phone: 281-975-2146
    Email: apetrie@ringenergy.com

    The MIL Network –

    July 17, 2025
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