Tourism satellite account: Year ended March 2024–26 February 2025 –Tourism satellite account (TSA) provides an overview of tourism’s role in New Zealand, highlighting the changing levels and impact of tourism activity. It presents information on tourism’s contribution to the economy in terms of expenditure and employment.
This release covers provisional figures for the year ended March 2024 and detailed results for 2023.
Key provisional estimates
For the year ended March 2024 (expressed in nominal terms):
total tourism expenditure was $44.4 billion, up 14.6 percent ($5.6 billion) from 2023
international tourism expenditure was up 59.9 percent ($6.3 billion) to $16.9 billion, returning to levels similar to 2019 ($17.2 billion)
international student expenditure (studying less than 12 months) was $3.8 billion, up 76.2 percent ($1.6 billion)
GST from international tourists totalled $1.7 billion, up $689 million
international tourism’s contribution to total exports of goods and services was 17.2 percent, up 6.0 percentage points
overseas visitor arrivals to New Zealand increased 44.8 percent to 3,183,376
LAKEWOOD, N.J., Feb. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Commerce Bancorp, Inc., (the “Company”) (OTC: CMRB), the holding company for First Commerce Bank, (the “Bank”), proudly announces the addition of several individuals to the Bank’s Board of Directors and Management Team. The Bank has added two new members to its Board of Directors: Mr. Aaron Bookman and Mr. Stanley Koreyva.
Commenting on their attributes and experience, Chairman Thomas P. Bovino remarked, “Mr. Bookman, a seasoned corporate finance executive and CPA, brings over 25 years of experience leading large public companies. With deep roots in the Lakewood community, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to both shareholder value and corporate governance. His expertise in financial strategy and operational leadership will enhance the Board’s ability to navigate today’s dynamic financial landscape. Mr. Koreyva, a former senior banking executive, brings many years of successful and disciplined banking and regulatory experience to the Board with a fresh and independent perspective regarding relationship building and value creation. His extensive familiarity of industry challenges will assist the independent Board members in understanding the intricate aspects of today’s banking environment. We welcome both gentlemen to our Board of Directors and look forward to their contributions in the many diverse facets of the complex industry and communities that we endeavor to serve.”
Additionally, the Bank has recently bolstered its Business Development and Risk Management teams by hiring several successful senior level Business Development Officers, Community Banking Specialists and Risk Professionals. With respect to Business Development and Relationship Management, the Bank has hired: Mr. Leonard Allen, VP/Business Banking Officer; Mr. Daniel Dunn, VP/Treasury Management Officer; Mr. Matteo DiGrigoli, Retail Sales & Service Officer; Ms. Wendy Glatz-Akmentins, AVP/Branch Manager and Mr. Logan Cheow, AVP/Relationship Manager. The hiring of these experienced bankers demonstrates the Bank’s continued commitment to a superior customer experience by offering quality personalized service to our business and retail clients.
Further, as the Bank continues its organic growth by providing a more diverse menu of products and services for its clients, it is imperative that the Bank maintain robust risk management protocols. To that effect, the Bank acquired the services of Daniel Beagle, SVP/Chief Risk Officer to oversee the Risk Management function of the Bank. Mr. Beagle has a proven track record in effectively managing risk over his 30+ years in the banking and insurance industries.
On the acquisition of their talents, President & CEO Donald Mindiak commented, “through the disruption created by recent merger and acquisition activity within our industry, the Bank was able to secure the services of these exceptionally talented and experienced banking professionals. Each brings a distinctly unique and comprehensive skill set to our Bank, with a dedication to professionalism and service to customer and community alike. We are extremely proud of these hires and look forward to their positive contribution of creating an enhanced customer service experience as well as a heightened level of value creation for our shareholder base.”
About First Commerce Bancorp, Inc.
First Commerce Bancorp, Inc, is a financial services organization headquartered in Lakewood, New Jersey. The Bank, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, provides businesses and individuals a wide range of loans, deposit products and retail and commercial banking services through its branch network located in Allentown, Bordentown, Closter, Englewood, Fairfield, Freehold, Jackson, Lakewood, Robbinsville and Teaneck, New Jersey. For more information, please go to www.firstcommercebk.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release, like many written and oral communications presented by First Commerce Bancorp Inc., and our authorized officers, may contain certain forward-looking statements regarding our prospective performance and strategies within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are including this statement for purposes of said safe harbor provisions. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe future plans, strategies, and expectations of the Company, are generally identified by use of the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “seek,” “strive,” “try,” or future or conditional verbs such as “could,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” or similar expressions. Our ability to predict results or the actual effects of our plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Accordingly, actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.
In addition to the factors previously disclosed in prior Bank communications and those identified elsewhere, the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements or historical performance: the impact of changes in interest rates and in the credit quality and strength of underlying collateral and the effect of such changes on the market value of First Commerce Bank’s investment securities portfolio; changes in asset quality and credit risk; the inability to sustain revenue and earnings growth; difficult market conditions and unfavorable economic trends in the United States generally, and particularly in the market areas in which First Commerce Bank operates and in which its loans are concentrated, including the effects of declines in housing market values; the effects of the recent turmoil in the banking industry (including the failures of two financial institutions); inflation; customer acceptance of the Bank’s products and services; customer borrowing, repayment, investment and deposit practices; customer disintermediation; the introduction, withdrawal, success and timing of business initiatives; competitive conditions; the inability to realize cost savings or revenues or to implement integration plans and other consequences associated with certain corporate initiatives; economic conditions; and the impact, extent and timing of technological changes, capital management activities, and actions of governmental agencies and legislative and regulatory actions and reforms and the impact of a potential shutdown of the federal government.
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco announced today the promotion of Michael S. Hennessy to the position of executive vice president and chief financial officer, effective April 1, 2025. Hennessy will succeed Joseph E. Amato, the current CFO who is also serving as the interim president and CEO while the bank’s board of directors conducts a search for a permanent chief executive officer.
Hennessy currently serves as senior vice president, finance and analytics officer, overseeing financial planning and budgeting, capital markets analysis, valuations and analytics, and liquidity management. He has been with the bank for nearly 20 years, holding roles of increasing responsibility. In his new position, he will oversee accounting and financial reporting, treasury and capital markets, strategic planning, and portfolio strategy, ensuring the bank’s continued financial strength and stability.
“Mike’s deep understanding of the bank and the broader financial industry has been invaluable in advancing our mission of providing liquidity to our members and investing in communities,” said Joseph E. Amato, interim president and CEO. “His leadership and expertise will be important in shaping and executing the bank’s strategy. His deep expertise and knowledge of this Bank and the critical role the FHLBank System plays in our financial system will be a tremendous asset in his new role.”
Hennessy remarked he is honored to step into the role and continue his work with the team to support the Bank’s goals. “I look forward to driving financial excellence and advancing our mission by supporting our members and continuing to deliver on our liquidity function,” said Hennessy.
Hennessy joined the bank in 2005 and has played a key role in various financial and strategic initiatives. He represented the FHLBank System on the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s Market Risk Advisory Committee from 2015 to 2018. Before joining the bank, he was a vice president in fixed income sales and trading at both Lehman Brothers and Bank of America.
Hennessy received his bachelor’s degree in economics and molecular and cell biology from the University of California, Berkeley, and is a CFA charter holder.
About the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco is a member-driven cooperative helping local lenders in Arizona, California, and Nevada build strong communities, create opportunity, and change lives for the better. The tools and resources we provide to our member financial institutions — commercial banks, credit unions, industrial loan companies, savings institutions, insurance companies, and community development financial institutions — propel homeownership, finance quality affordable housing, drive economic vitality, and revitalize whole neighborhoods. Together with our members and other partners, we are making the communities we serve more vibrant, equitable, and resilient.
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Nicole Hassoun, Professor of Philosophy, Binghamton University, State University of New York
USAID was established by President John F. Kennedy in 1961 as a way to consolidate existing foreign aid programs.JAM STA ROSA/AFP via Getty Images
On his first day in office, Jan. 20, 2025, President Donald Trump began a drastic reshaping of the United States’ role in global health as part of the first 26 executive orders of his new term.
Many experts view this as a first step in dismantling the organization, which facilitates global efforts to improve health and education and to alleviate poverty. The sweeping move left aid workers and the people who depend on them in a panic and interrupted dozens of clinical trials across the world.
Most recently, on Feb. 25, a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to allow some USAID funding to resume and required that it pay all of its invoices for work completed before the foreign aid freeze went into effect.
Starting in the late 1960s, for instance, USAID helped lead the effort to eliminate smallpox and has also helped fight polio and other devastating diseases over the past six decades.
These efforts have brought immense financial as well as health benefits to the U.S. and the rest of the world. Some economists estimate that the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, created in 1988, alone saved the world more than US$27 billion as of 2017, and that it will save a total of $40 billion to $50 billion by 2035.
USAID also plays an important role in promoting global health equity. The agency works to increase access to primary health care, combat hunger and strengthen health systems – ultimately saving lives. In addition, USAID has provided a great deal of funding to fight infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis and HIV.
This is not to deny that USAID has made some grave errors in its history.
For instance, USAID provided significant funding to the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire) during the murderous regime of Mobutu Sese Seko, who was in power from 1965 to 1997.
But USAID also has done an immense amount of good. For instance, it has helped contain the Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo since 2018. USAID’s work in preventing epidemics from spreading helps people everywhere, including in the U.S.
If anything, there is a strong argument for increasing USAID funding. China has invested heavily in Asiaand Africa through its Belt and Road Initiative, which is an attempt to recreate ancient trade routes by investing in roads, trains and ports. Some researchers argue that this has shifted diplomatic relations in favor of China. They believe that if the U.S. does not make similar investments and instead cuts foreign aid, it will affect the United States’ ability to achieve its foreign policy objectives.
Similarly, there is a strong argument for increasing U.S. support for the WHO rather than withdrawing from the organization.
While dismantling USAID will cause irreparable harm to global health, these actions taken together are likely to deal a devastating blow to efforts to protect Americans and everyone else in the world from sickness and death.
Alyssa Figueroa, an undergraduate student at Binghamton University, contributed to this article.
Nicole Hassoun has received funding for research from the World Health Organization and the United Nations. She is the executive director of Global Health Impact (global-health-impact.org) which participates in the Pandemic Action Network.
UN humanitarians reported on Tuesday that aid workers in Gaza supporting local health authorities have now managed to vaccinate nearly 550,000 children under 10 – nearly all those it aimed to reach.
The campaign has been extended until Wednesday to ensure full coverage, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told journalists at the regular news briefing in New York, citing UN humanitarian coordinators.
As of Monday, the third day of the campaign, some 548,000 children had been inoculated, or 93 per cent of the target population.
Aid efforts continue
Humanitarian partners have been working to expand aid distribution since the fragile ceasefire began last month.
According to latest news reports, the Israeli Government is seeking to extend the first stage of the agreement, threatening to resume fighting without progress in talks this week on phase two.
The World Food Programme (WFP) has delivered over 30,000 metric tonnes of food, with more than 60 community kitchens across the Strip distributing nearly 10 million meals.
Similarly, the UN relief agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) has provided food parcels to two million people and flour to 1.3 million.
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) also delivered animal feed in northern Gaza for the first time since the ceasefire, benefiting livestock-owning families in Gaza City and Deir al Balah.
Efforts are also underway by partner organizations to repair and reopen schools that had been used as shelters for displaced families in Rafah, Khan Younis, and Deir al Balah.
Biting cold claims lives
Despite the steady flow of aid, children in Gaza continue to suffer.
The head of Gaza’s Ministry of Health reported on Tuesday that six children died from the severe cold in recent days, bringing the total number of cold-related child deaths to 15, Mr. Dujarric said.
Ongoing military operations in the West Bank
In the West Bank the security situation remains volatile, with Israeli military operations in the north leading to further casualties, mass displacement and destruction of essential infrastructure.
A two-day military operation in Qabatiya, Jenin governorate, ended Monday, Mr. Dujarric said.
The operation involved bulldozers and exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and Palestinians, as well as detentions, disruption to electricity lines, water lines, and school closures.
“We once again warn that lethal, war-like tactics are being applied, raising concerns over use of force that exceeds law enforcement standards,” Mr. Dujarric emphasised.
[. The model is based on the fact that recovery is possible, and Albertans deserve the best care to support them on their path of recovery.
The Mental Health Services Protection Act provides a foundation to ensure safe, quality mental health and addiction care, and the authority to establish licensing programs for mental health and addiction services. Services for bed-based addiction treatment, narcotic transition, drug consumption and psychedelic drug treatment are currently licensed under the act.
Alberta’s government is proposing amendments to be more flexible and responsive to the evolving needs of Albertans. The proposed amendments position the act as a framework legislation to provide better oversight for mental health and addiction services and help ensure Albertans receive quality, standardized treatment and services.
If passed, the amendments would come into effect in fall 2025.
“We are committed to developing a recovery-oriented system of care that grows and evolves to meet the needs of every Albertan. These proposed amendments reflect our dedication to maintaining a system that is both effective and adaptable.”
Enhancing bed-based addiction treatment services
Currently, all bed-based addiction treatment services are subject to the same licensing requirements, regardless of the type or intensity of services provided. The proposed amendments would create three types of bed-based addiction treatment services subject to separate licensing requirements:
Withdrawal management services: medically supervised services to manage or support an individual through the process of withdrawal from one or more substances;
Intensive treatment services: intensive and structured residential care services for individuals with addiction; and
Non-intensive recovery services: services in a recovery-oriented environment that provide less-intensive treatment compared to intensive treatment services.
In addition, proposed amendments would add a provision for title protection. This would mean only licensed bed-based addiction treatment services providers would be able to use these service descriptions.
The goal of these changes is to better support Albertans to find services, get the right support and know what to expect when accessing each type of service. Matching individuals with the appropriate level of care promotes better health outcomes and maximizes the effectiveness of resources. Service providers would also benefit from increased licensing clarity.
Introducing exemptions
Another proposed amendment includes authorizing the Minister of Mental Health and Addiction to exempt specific people or service providers on a unique case-by-case basis from the act’s framework.
Exemptions would only be allowed in very specific instances, such as for medical reasons, scientific research, or when there’s a clear public benefit. Clear guidelines would be developed to ensure exemptions would only be granted in appropriate circumstances.
The ability for the minister to grant exemptions would allow for flexibility and adaptability in rare circumstances or complex situations.
Refining regulatory requirements
The proposed legislation also includes administrative amendments to address regulatory inconsistencies, clarify requirements, and better align the act with the Alberta Recovery Model. As an example, references to residential addiction treatment services would be updated to bed-based treatment services.
Alberta’s government is making record investments and removing barriers to recovery-oriented supports for all Albertans, regardless of where they live or their financial situation. Actions include adding more than 10,000 new publicly funded addiction treatment spaces; eliminating daily user fees for bed-based treatment services; and expanding access to the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program, which provides same-day access to life-saving treatment medication.
Quick facts
Albertans can call 211 Alberta to find supports and services in their area.
Albertans struggling with opioid addiction can contact the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program (VODP) by calling 1-844-383-7688, seven days a week, from 6 a.m. to midnight. The VODP provides same-day access to addiction medicine specialists. There is no wait list.
Related information
Modernizing addiction treatment licensing
Mental Health Services Protection Act
Residential addiction treatment service providers
Residential addiction treatment service provider licensing
A Missouri woman pleaded guilty today in the Western District of Tennessee for her role in a scheme to defraud Elvis Presley’s family of millions of dollars and to steal the family’s ownership interest in Graceland, Elvis Presley’s former home in Memphis, Tennessee.
According to court documents, Lisa Jeanine Findley, 53, of Kimberling City, orchestrated a scheme to conduct a fraudulent sale of Graceland — using a fake company, forged documents, and false court filings — by falsely claiming that Elvis Presley’s daughter had pledged Graceland as collateral for a loan that she failed to repay before her death. Findley threatened to foreclose on Graceland and auction it to the highest bidder if Elvis Presley’s family did not pay or settle the claim against the estate.
Findley pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud. She is scheduled to be sentenced on June 18 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Reagan Taylor Fondren for the Western District of Tennessee, Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Criminal Investigations Group, and Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office made the announcement.
The USPIS and FBI Nashville Field Office are investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Aaron Henricks of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carroll L. André III for the Western District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case. Fraud Section Assistant Chief Cory E. Jacobs and Trial Attorney Christopher Fenton provided substantial assistance with the investigation and prosecution.
A Missouri woman pleaded guilty today in the Western District of Tennessee for her role in a scheme to defraud Elvis Presley’s family of millions of dollars and to steal the family’s ownership interest in Graceland, Elvis Presley’s former home in Memphis, Tennessee.
According to court documents, Lisa Jeanine Findley, 53, of Kimberling City, orchestrated a scheme to conduct a fraudulent sale of Graceland — using a fake company, forged documents, and false court filings — by falsely claiming that Elvis Presley’s daughter had pledged Graceland as collateral for a loan that she failed to repay before her death. Findley threatened to foreclose on Graceland and auction it to the highest bidder if Elvis Presley’s family did not pay or settle the claim against the estate.
Findley pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud. She is scheduled to be sentenced on June 18 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Reagan Taylor Fondren for the Western District of Tennessee, Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Criminal Investigations Group, and Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office made the announcement.
The USPIS and FBI Nashville Field Office are investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Aaron Henricks of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carroll L. André III for the Western District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case. Fraud Section Assistant Chief Cory E. Jacobs and Trial Attorney Christopher Fenton provided substantial assistance with the investigation and prosecution.
Revenues of $105.3 million for the fourth quarter and $393.5 million for 2024
Net income of $19.2 million, or $0.79 per diluted share for 2024
Total portfolio balance of $3.491 billion, highest in company history
New contract purchases of $1.682 billion for the full year 2024
LAS VEGAS, NV, Feb. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Consumer Portfolio Services, Inc. (Nasdaq: CPSS) (“CPS” or the “Company”) today announced earnings of $5.1 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, for its fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024.
Revenues for the fourth quarter of 2024 were $105.3 million, an increase of $13.3 million, or 14.5%, compared to $92.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. Total operating expenses for the fourth quarter of 2024 were $98.0 million compared to $82.1 million for the 2023 period. Pretax income for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $7.4 million compared to pretax income of $9.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2023.
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 total revenues were $393.5 million compared to $352.0 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, an increase of approximately $41.5 million, or 11.8%. Total operating expenses for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 were $366.1 million, compared to $290.9 million for the twelve months ended December 30, 2023. Pretax income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 was $27.4 million, compared to $61.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023. Net income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 was $19.2 million compared to $45.3 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023.
During the fourth quarter of 2024, CPS purchased $457.8 million of new contracts compared to $445.9 million during the third quarter of 2024 and $301.8 million during the fourth quarter of 2023. The total number of contracts purchased for 2024 totaled $1.682 billion compared to $1.358 billion in 2023. The Company’s receivables totaled $3.491 billion as of December 31, 2024, an increase from $3.330 billion as of September 31, 2024 and an increase from $2.970 billion as of December 31, 2023.
Annualized net charge-offs for the fourth quarter of 2024 were 8.02% of the average portfolio as compared to 7.74% for the fourth quarter of 2023. Delinquencies greater than 30 days (including repossession inventory) were 14.85% of the total portfolio as of December 31, 2024, compared to 14.55% as of December 31, 2023.
“New loan originations grew by 24% in 2024 over the prior year, leading to solid top line revenue growth,” said Charles E. Bradley, Chief Executive Officer. “With positive trends in loan originations and operating efficiencies, we remain optimistic in all aspects of our business going into 2025.”
Conference Call
CPS announced that it will hold a conference call on February 26, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. ET to discuss its fourth quarter 2024 operating results.
Those wishing to participate can pre-register for the conference call at the following link https://register.vevent.com/register/BI34e818cf84a24e118241657af74dd2d4. Registered participants will receive an email containing conference call details for dial-in options. To avoid delays, we encourage participants to dial into the conference call fifteen minutes ahead of the schedule start time. A replay will be available beginning two hours after conclusion of the call for 12 months via the Company’s website at https://ir.consumerportfolio.com/investor-relations.
About Consumer Portfolio Services, Inc.
Consumer Portfolio Services, Inc. is an independent specialty finance company that provides indirect automobile financing to individuals with past credit problems or limited credit histories. We purchase retail installment sales contracts primarily from franchised automobile dealerships secured by late model used vehicles and, to a lesser extent, new vehicles. We fund these contract purchases on a long-term basis primarily through the securitization markets and service the contracts over their lives.
Forward-looking statements in this news release include the Company’s recorded figures representing allowances for remaining expected lifetime credit losses, its estimates of fair value (most significantly for its receivables accounted for at fair value), its provision for credit losses, its entries offsetting the preceding, and figures derived from any of the preceding. In each case, such figures are forward-looking statements because they are dependent on the Company’s estimates of losses to be incurred in the future. The accuracy of such estimates may be adversely affected by various factors, which include the following: possible increased delinquencies; repossessions and losses on retail installment contracts; incorrect prepayment speed and/or discount rate assumptions; possible unavailability of qualified personnel, which could adversely affect the Company’s ability to service its portfolio; possible increases in the rate of consumer bankruptcy filings, which could adversely affect the Company’s rights to collect payments from its portfolio; other changes in government regulations affecting consumer credit; possible declines in the market price for used vehicles, which could adversely affect the Company’s realization upon repossessed vehicles; and economic conditions in geographic areas in which the Company’s business is concentrated. Any or all of such factors also may affect the Company’s future financial results, as to which there can be no assurance. Any implication that the results of the most recently completed quarter are indicative of future results is disclaimed, and the reader should draw no such inference. Factors such as those identified above in relation to losses to be incurred in the future may affect future performance.
Investor Relations Contact
Danny Bharwani, Chief Financial Officer
949-753-6811
Consumer Portfolio Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (In thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited)
Three months ended
Twelve months ended
December 31,
December 31,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Revenues:
Interest income
$
98,150
$
83,260
$
363,962
$
329,219
Mark to finance receivables measured at fair value
5,000
6,000
21,000
12,000
Other income
2,153
2,718
8,544
10,795
105,303
91,978
393,506
352,014
Expenses:
Employee costs
23,889
23,157
96,192
88,148
General and administrative
14,422
13,777
54,710
50,001
Interest
52,522
40,277
191,257
146,631
Provision for credit losses
(728
)
(1,600
)
(5,307
)
(22,300
)
Other expenses
7,847
6,523
29,223
28,437
97,952
82,134
366,075
290,917
Income before income taxes
7,351
9,844
27,431
61,097
Income tax expense
2,206
2,657
8,228
15,754
Net income
$
5,145
$
7,187
$
19,203
$
45,343
Earnings per share:
Basic
$
0.24
$
0.34
$
0.90
$
2.17
Diluted
$
0.21
$
0.29
$
0.79
$
1.80
Number of shares used in computing earnings per share:
Basic
21,412
21,136
21,292
20,896
Diluted
24,274
24,879
24,325
25,218
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
December 31,
December 31,
2024
2023
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
11,713
$
6,174
Restricted cash and equivalents
125,684
119,257
Finance receivables measured at fair value
3,313,767
2,722,662
Finance receivables
5,420
27,553
Allowance for finance credit losses
(433
)
(2,869
)
Finance receivables, net
4,987
24,684
Deferred tax assets, net
1,010
3,736
Other assets
36,707
27,233
$
3,493,868
$
2,903,746
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
$
70,151
$
62,544
Warehouse lines of credit
410,898
234,025
Residual interest financing
99,176
49,875
Securitization trust debt
2,594,384
2,265,446
Subordinated renewable notes
26,489
17,188
3,201,098
2,629,078
Shareholders’ equity
292,770
274,668
$
3,493,868
$
2,903,746
Operating and Performance Data ($ in millions)
At and for the
At and for the
Three months ended
Twelve months ended
December 31,
December 31,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Contracts purchased
$
457.81
$
301.80
$
1,681.94
$
1,357.75
Contracts securitized
$
298.42
$
306.70
1,256.13
1,352.11
Total portfolio balance (1)
$
3,490.96
$
2,970.07
$
3,490.96
$
2,970.07
Average portfolio balance (1)
$
3,445.52
$
2,958.95
3,209.99
2,913.57
Delinquencies (1)
31+ Days
12.11
%
12.29
%
Repossession Inventory
2.74
%
2.26
%
Total Delinquencies and Repo. Inventory
14.85
%
14.55
%
Annualized Net Charge-offs as % of Average Portfolio (1)
8.02
%
7.74
%
7.62
%
6.53
%
Recovery rates (1), (2)
27.2
%
34.3
%
30.1
%
39.2
%
For the
For the
Three months ended
Twelve months ended
December 31,
December 31,
2024
2023
2024
2023
$ (3)
% (4)
$ (3)
% (4)
$ (3)
% (4)
$ (3)
% (4)
Interest income
$
98.15
11.4
%
$
83.26
11.3
%
$
363.96
11.3
%
$
329.22
11.3
%
Mark to finance receivables measured at fair value
5.00
0.6
%
6.00
0.8
%
21.00
0.7
%
12.00
0.4
%
Other income
2.15
0.2
%
2.72
0.4
%
8.54
0.3
%
10.80
0.4
%
Interest expense
(52.52
)
-6.1
%
(40.28
)
-5.4
%
(191.26
)
-6.0
%
(146.63
)
-5.0
%
Net interest margin
52.78
6.1
%
51.70
7.0
%
202.25
6.3
%
205.38
7.0
%
Provision for credit losses
0.73
0.1
%
1.60
0.2
%
5.31
0.2
%
22.30
0.8
%
Risk adjusted margin
53.51
6.2
%
53.30
7.2
%
207.56
6.5
%
227.68
7.8
%
Other operating expenses (5)
(46.16
)
-5.4
%
(43.46
)
-5.9
%
(180.13
)
-5.6
%
(166.59
)
-5.7
%
Pre-tax income
$
7.35
0.9
%
$
9.84
1.3
%
$
27.43
0.9
%
$
61.10
2.1
%
(1) Excludes third party portfolios.
(2) Wholesale auction liquidation amounts (net of expenses) as a percentage of the account balance at the time of sale.
(3) Numbers may not add due to rounding.
(4) Annualized percentage of the average portfolio balance. Percentages may not add due to rounding.
(5) Total pre-tax expenses less provision for credit losses and interest expense.
Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
Download audio here
WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and bipartisan Senate colleagues to introduce a resolution acknowledging the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The resolution expresses the Senate’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and condemns Russia’s illegal aggression and attempts to seize Ukrainian territory. It also commends NATO, the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and the international community for their continued efforts to support Ukraine’s defense and the protection of human rights on its territory.
“Putin’s inhumane and unprovoked attack on Ukraine started the largest war in Europe since World War II. He has kidnapped children to brainwash them, and he has tortured and killed civilians. As we commemorate three years since Russia’s brutal invasion, Americans stand with the Ukrainian people in the pursuit of peace and an end to the bloodshed,” Grassley said.
Additional cosponsors are Sens. Dick Durbin (D-Il.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), John Curtis (R-Utah), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Susan Collins (R-Maine), John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.).
Find resolution text HERE.
Click HERE to download audio of Grassley discussing the resolution.
Background:
Grassley is an outspoken critic of Russia’s threats and aggression. In a speech on the Senate floor yesterday marking the third anniversary of the invasion, Grassley reaffirmed his support for the people of Ukraine.
After Putin’s 2022 invasion, Grassley immediately condemned Russia’s assault on Ukraine, calling it “inhumane” and pointing out that Putin is tragically “killing innocent people like Stalin did in the 1930s.”
Grassley spoke on the Senate floor to call for victory in Ukraine noting, “Anything short of a Ukrainian victory is an invitation for future Russian aggression.”
After Russia began indiscriminately bombing Ukraine and murdering innocent civilians, Grassley joined his colleagues in introducing a resolution to hold Putin and his allies accountable for war crimes. This resolution passed the Senate unanimously.
Read more about Grassley’s efforts to support Ukraine and hold Russia accountable HERE.
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Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations Chairman Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) are requesting Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel investigate potential criminal leaks to the media of sensitive and classified information ahead of the 2024 presidential election. The senators are also requesting Bondi and Patel investigate former Assistant Special Agent in Charge Timothy Thibault and his associates’ potential breach of FBI information sharing policies, in light of legally protected whistleblower disclosures revealing Thibault shared sensitive, non-public investigative information from his FBI email account with a private citizen with whom he was romantically involved.
“The FBI repeatedly lectures Congress, without any legitimate basis, that it can’t share information with Congress because the matter is an ongoing investigation. The FBI has asserted to Congress that [For Official Use Only] information and FBI email accounts and personnel names should remain non-public. Yet, here, Thibault sent all of that type of information to a private citizen while the FBI stiff-arms Congress and the American people,” the senators wrote.
“Thibault’s conduct exemplifies the FBI’s ‘do as I say, not as I do’ hypocrisy and why its repeated complaints to Congress when it makes government information public should fall on deaf ears,” the senators concluded.
Grassley and Johnson pointed to news reporting released shortly before the November 2024 election containing potentially “classified U.S. intelligence” as a further example of DOJ and FBI officials sharing non-public investigative information while ignoring congressional requests for the same. Accordingly, the senators are requesting DOJ and FBI open a criminal media leak investigation to hold accountable those responsible for sharing potentially classified and other sensitive information to the press.
The senators also made public an award given to Special Agent Walter Giardina, an FBI employee who worked on aspects of the Mueller and Jack Smith investigations, which he received for investigating Trump.
Read the full letter and attached legally protected whistleblower disclosures HERE.
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Tourism satellite account: Year ended March 2024 – 26 February 2025 – Tourism satellite account (TSA) provides an overview of tourism’s role in New Zealand, highlighting the changing levels and impact of tourism activity. It presents information on tourism’s contribution to the economy in terms of expenditure and employment.
This release covers provisional figures for the year ended March 2024 and detailed results for 2023.
Key provisional estimates
For the year ended March 2024 (expressed in nominal terms):
total tourism expenditure was $44.4 billion, up 14.6 percent ($5.6 billion) from 2023
international tourism expenditure was up 59.9 percent ($6.3 billion) to $16.9 billion, returning to levels similar to 2019 ($17.2 billion)
international student expenditure (studying less than 12 months) was $3.8 billion, up 76.2 percent ($1.6 billion)
GST from international tourists totalled $1.7 billion, up $689 million
international tourism’s contribution to total exports of goods and services was 17.2 percent, up 6.0 percentage points
overseas visitor arrivals to New Zealand increased 44.8 percent to 3,183,376
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – On February 24, 2025, Sean Christopher Williams, 53, of Johnson City, Tennessee, was sentenced to 95 years imprisonment by the Honorable J. Ronnie Greer, United States District Judge, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Greeneville.
In July of 2024, Williams was convicted at trial of escape in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 751(a) and in November of 2024, Williams was convicted at trial of three counts of production of child pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2251(a) and (e).
The evidence presented at the escape trial showed that Williams escaped from a transport van enroute to the Greeneville Federal Courthouse on October 18, 2023. His escape resulted in a multistate manhunt that led to the capture of Williams in Pinellas County, Florida, on November 21, 2023.
The evidence presented at the child pornography trial showed that Williams used three minor children to engage in sexually explicit conduct and took photos of the sexually explicit conduct. The conduct occurred at Williams’s apartment in Johnson City. The evidence showed that Williams sexually assaulted each of the victims’ mothers while they were unconscious, around the same time that he took pornographic photos of their children. The criminal conduct extended over a 12-year period. Williams took photos of the first victim in 2008 and the two other victims on separate occasions in 2020. Williams was arrested in 2023 near the campus of Western Carolina University and campus police officers seized flash drives from his car that were later found to contain the photos.
“Sean Williams is a dangerous sexual predator who preyed on our community’s most vulnerable victims,” said United States Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III. “Today’s sentence reflects the severity of the crimes committed and not only ensures that this dangerous individual has been held accountable for the harm he caused, but also prevents him from hurting others again. We thank the dedicated law enforcement officers whose efforts made the convictions and sentence possible.”
“Our children are among the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Nashville Field Office. “The FBI will continue to do everything in its power to stop sexual exploitation of children that causes irreparable harm and trauma to the victims and bring to justice those responsible.”
“This case shows the impact of collaboration and determination by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and our local, state, and federal partners to hold accountable an individual who preyed upon innocent children,” said TBI Director David Rausch. “We hope the outcome of this investigation sends a clear message that we will continue to commit all the necessary resources to find and apprehend those who victimize our most vulnerable residents.”
Law enforcement agencies either participating in a joint investigation, or cooperating in a parallel investigation, which led to the apprehension, indictment and subsequent conviction of Williams included the FBI, the United States Marshal Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and the Western North Carolina Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meghan L. Gomez, Emily M. Swecker, and J. Gregory Bowman represented the United States at the trials.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006, by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Complaint alleges systematic fraudulent billing of Medicare and Medicaid for unnecessary care at skilled nursing facilities in Massachusetts and Connecticut
BOSTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office has filed a joint complaint with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office under the federal and Massachusetts False Claims Acts against 19 skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) in Massachusetts and Connecticut and their present and former management companies, RegalCare Management Group, LLC and RegalCare Management 2.0 (together “RegalCare”); RegalCare’s owner, Eliyahu Mirlis and an executive, Hector Caraballo; and RegalCare’s therapy consultant, Stern Therapy Consultants (Stern).
SNFs are inpatient facilities that provide transitional care to patients following a hospital stay. Federal healthcare programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, reimburse providers for medically reasonable and necessary services rendered to SNF patients. Both the federal and Massachusetts False Claims Acts prohibit individuals or entities from submitting, or causing the submission of, false claims for payment and false statements material to a claim for payment from the respective governments.
The complaint alleges that, between 2017 and 2023, RegalCare – at the direction of Mirlis and Caraballo and aided by Stern – fraudulently caused the submission of claims to Medicare and Medicaid (via MassHealth and its managed care organizations) for medically unreasonable and unnecessary services to patients of RegalCare’s SNFs. The defendants’ scheme allegedly resulted in millions of dollars in damages to the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
Specifically, the complaint alleges that RegalCare, at Mirlis’ direction, systematically caused Medicare to be billed for the highest level of skilled rehabilitation therapy services at RegalCare’s SNFs in Massachusetts and Connecticut, despite patients not clinically needing those services. Caraballo facilitated Mirlis’ plan by ensuring that RegalCare’s patient records supported billing for such services – including altering and amending records despite knowing he was not authorized to do so at his licensing level, without having assessed or spoken to the patients, and often without having spoken to clinicians about the changes he personally made. The United States also alleges that RegalCare, through Mirlis and Caraballo, improperly directed RegalCare’s third-party billing company to bill Medicare for the highest-level skilled rehabilitation therapy services before the underlying necessary clinical documentation was even complete.
The complaint further alleges that Stern, a New York long-term care consulting company, conspired with RegalCare to cause the submission of fraudulent claims to Medicare by scheduling therapists to provide unnecessary services, contrary to patients’ medical needs, to justify billing at the highest-level. When Stern therapists refused to provide services they deemed unnecessary or unreasonable, Stern managers threatened to take employment action against those therapists to pressure them to capitulate.
“As alleged, these defendants drained Medicare and Medicaid of millions of dollars and put vulnerable patients at risk – making them undergo unnecessary, and sometimes painful, services,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “When facilities prioritize profits over patient well-being, they endanger those in their care and undermine the integrity of our healthcare system. This office will continue to hold accountable those who exploit federal healthcare programs at the expense of patients and taxpayers alike.”
“I am proud of our team’s partnership with the USAO in this case, which advances elder justice and safeguards crucial nursing home funds,” said Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell. “My office will continue to work aggressively to protect our elders and hold companies accountable that seek to harm them or violate our false claim laws.”
“Taxpayers who fund the Medicare and Medicaid programs expect skilled nursing facilities to bill those programs honestly and accurately,” said Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “The integrity of our federal health care system is undermined when that expectation is not met, and we will continue to thoroughly pursue allegations of False Claims Act violations.”
Massachusetts contends that RegalCare, directed by Mirlis and Caraballo, submitted inflated claims to MassHealth for long-term care services performed for patients of RegalCare’s SNFs in Massachusetts. Between 2017 and 2023, RegalCare operated SNFs in Amesbury, Danvers, Greenfield, Harwich, Holyoke, Lowell, Quincy, Saugus, Taunton and Worcester. The complaint alleges that RegalCare, Mirlis and Caraballo altered documentation to support billing for increased long term care services even though the patient did not clinically need the additional services.
The governments filed their complaint in a lawsuit filed by a whistleblower under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Acts. Under those laws, a private citizen can sue on behalf of the United Staes or Massachusetts and share in any recovery. The United States and Massachusetts also are entitled to intervene in the lawsuit, as they have done in this case, which is captioned United States and Commonwealth of Massachusetts ex rel. McCormick v. RegalCare Management 2.0, LLC, et al.
U.S. Attorney Foley, AG Campbell and HHS-OIG SAC Coviello made the announcement today. This matter is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven Sharobem, Andrew Caffrey, Olivia Benjamin and Diane Seol of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit and Assistant Attorney General Scott Grannemann of the Attorney General’s Office’s Medicaid Fraud Division.
The claims in which the United States and Massachusetts have intervened are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the Metropolitan Transportation Authority completed a brand-new staircase and passageway to the Flushing Line platform and widened staircases at Grand Central Terminal. This is part of the larger Grand Central-42 Street Circulations Improvement Project, that will improve passenger flow and minimize congestion for 480,000 daily customers on the 7 train line.
Crews built a new staircase to the Flushing Line platform and widened existing staircases 25 percent to connect the Lexington Passageway to the existing passageway to improve customer flow. The project also included work to keep the existing infrastructure in a state of good repair, including repairing visible concrete, steel, and paint defects on the Flushing Line cavern roof arch and walls and upgrades to fire alarms and other utilities at the Flushing, Lexington and Shuttle. The project created more than 250 jobs and took advantage of weekend outages along the 7 line to minimize impact to customers.
“New York is home to an incredibly advanced and innovative transit system — and we’re always looking to push the bounds even further,” Governor Hochul said. “The new passageway will improve the connectivity and flow of traffic through Grand Central, and I am dedicated to bettering our riders’ transit experience and keeping New York moving.”
MTA Chair and CEOJanno Lieber said, “A thousand tons of dirt and 140 feet of Manhattan Schist couldn’t get in the way of another on-time and under-budget MTA capital project. We are blasting through bedrock and red tape to deliver more for New Yorkers, no matter what’s happening in Washington.”
MTA Construction and Development President Jamie Torres-Springer said, “The new passageway and widened staircases will greatly improve passenger circulation for hundreds of thousands of daily riders at one of the busiest transfer points in our system. Our team delivered this project on time and under budget, all while minimizing impact on the customers who rely on it. It’s a huge achievement and we’re proud to share it with our customers today.”
New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow said, “Critical station upgrades, security updates, and state of good repair work will only improve the already well performing 7 Line. When this project is completed, customers will benefit from better service and a safer experience at Grand Central.”
The project was made possible by the East Midtown Rezoning that was adopted by the City Council a few years ago, which allowed property rent revenues to fund transit improvements.
Last year, crews descended a 55-foot shaft to begin removing 1,000 tons of dirt and performed controlled blasts through the bedrock to create the new passageway beneath 42 St — all while service still operated safely elsewhere in the terminal. Video of the project’s work can be seen here.
As part of the station improvements, which totaled $74.2 million, artwork along the length of the platform was cleaned, re-lit and received a retrofit to accommodate the new stairs. Artist Christopher Sproat’s functional sculpture titled “V-Beam” was commissioned by MTA Arts & Design and installed in 2000. The artwork is suspended from the ceiling with a cantilevered design.
“V-Beam” is made up of large linear stainless-steel assemblages that contain standard station lighting, signage, air circulation, and safety equipment. Sproat explains, “Rather than make an artistic or decorative statement and add it to the station so that the viewer knows ‘this is art,’ I chose to make the entire space exuberant and unique.” “V-Beam” includes a stand-alone “chandelier” sculpture on the east platform mezzanine.
The entire Grand Central-42 Street Circulations Improvement Project, which will be completed later this year, includes replacement of eight escalators, a new fare control area, new wayfinding, lighting, signage, and architectural improvements on the mezzanine, along with additional work to keep existing infrastructure in a state of good repair. Ongoing improvements at the 42 St Connection include making the 42 St-Bryant Park BDFM station fully accessible to all in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), retail upgrades, state of good repair work and upgrades to fire alarms and other utilities.
Grand Central Partnership President and CEO Fred Cerullosaid, “The much-anticipated completion of this new Flushing Line passageway and staircase is welcome news for the half million subway riders who travel daily on the 7 — many of whom begin or end their daily commute at Grand Central-42 St. We appreciate all of the recent and continuing public and private initiatives to dramatically improve the customer experience of commuters, residents, and visitors in the Midtown East community.”
LUBBOCK, Texas, Feb. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — South Plains Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPFI) (“South Plains” or the “Company”), today announced that the board of directors of the Company (the “Board”) approved a new stock repurchase program for up to $15.0 million of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Stock Repurchase Program”). The Stock Repurchase Program will conclude on February 21, 2026, subject to the earlier termination or extension of the Stock Repurchase Program by the Board or the $15.0 million designated for the Stock Repurchase Program are depleted.
Under the Stock Repurchase Program, the Company may repurchase shares of the Company’s common stock from time to time through various means, including open market purchases and privately negotiated transactions. Open market repurchases will be conducted in accordance with the limitations set forth in Rule 10b-18 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and other applicable legal requirements. Repurchases under the Stock Repurchase Program may also be made pursuant to a trading plan under Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act, which would permit shares to be repurchased by the Company when the Company might otherwise be precluded from doing so because of self-imposed trading blackout periods or other regulatory restrictions. The extent to which the Company repurchases its shares, and the manner, timing and amount of such repurchases, will depend upon a variety of factors, including the performance of the Company’s stock price, general market and economic conditions, regulatory requirements, availability of funds, and other relevant considerations, as determined by the Company. The Company may, in its discretion, begin, suspend or terminate repurchases at any time prior to the Stock Repurchase Program’s expiration, without any prior notice. The Stock Repurchase Program does not obligate the Company to repurchase any particular number or amount of shares of the Company’s common stock and there is no guarantee as to the exact number or value of shares that will be repurchased by the Company under the Stock Repurchase Program.
About South Plains Financial, Inc.
South Plains is the bank holding company for City Bank, a Texas state-chartered bank headquartered in Lubbock, Texas. City Bank is one of the largest independent banks in West Texas and has additional banking operations in the Dallas, El Paso, Greater Houston, the Permian Basin, and College Station, Texas markets, and the Ruidoso, New Mexico market. South Plains provides a wide range of commercial and consumer financial services to small and medium-sized businesses and individuals in its market areas. Its principal business activities include commercial and retail banking, along with investment, trust and mortgage services. Please visit https://www.spfi.bank for more information.
Available Information
The Company routinely posts important information for investors on its web site (under www.spfi.bank and, more specifically, under the News & Events tab at www.spfi.bank/news-events/press-releases). The Company intends to use its web site as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD (Fair Disclosure) promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Accordingly, investors should monitor the Company’s web site, in addition to following the Company’s press releases, SEC filings, public conference calls, presentations and webcasts.
The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, the Company’s web site is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this document.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements reflect South Plains’ current views with respect to future events. Any statements about South Plains’ expectations, beliefs, plans, predictions, forecasts, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not historical facts and may be forward-looking. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “anticipate,” “believes,” “can,” “could,” “may,” “predicts,” “potential,” “should,” “will,” “estimate,” “plans,” “projects,” “continuing,” “ongoing,” “expects,” “intends” and similar words or phrases. South Plains cautions that the forward-looking statements in this press release are based largely on South Plains’ expectations and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on factors which are, in many instances, beyond South Plains’ control. Factors that could cause such changes include, but are not limited to, the impact on us and our customers of a decline in general economic conditions and any regulatory responses thereto; potential recession in the United States and our market areas; the impacts related to or resulting from uncertainty in the banking industry as a whole; increased competition for deposits in our market areas and related changes in deposit customer behavior; the impact of changes in market interest rates, whether due to a continuation of the elevated interest rate environment or further reductions in interest rates and a resulting decline in net interest income; the lingering inflationary pressures, and the risk of the resurgence of elevated levels of inflation, in the United States and our market areas; the uncertain impacts of ongoing quantitative tightening and current and future monetary policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; increases in unemployment rates in the United States and our market areas; declines in commercial real estate values and prices; uncertainty regarding United States fiscal debt, deficit and budget matters; cyber incidents or other failures, disruptions or breaches of our operational or security systems or infrastructure, or those of our third-party vendors or other service providers, including as a result of cyber attacks; severe weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism, geopolitical instability or other external events; the impact of changes in U.S. presidential administrations or Congress, including potential changes in U.S. and international trade policies and the resulting impact on the Company and its customers; competition and market expansion opportunities; changes in non-interest expenditures or in the anticipated benefits of such expenditures; the risks related to the development, implementation, use and management of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learnings; potential costs related to the impacts of climate change; current or future litigation, regulatory examinations or other legal and/or regulatory actions; and changes in applicable laws and regulations. Additional information regarding these risks and uncertainties to which South Plains’ business and future financial performance are subject is contained in South Plains’ most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q on file with the SEC, including the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of such documents, and other documents South Plains files or furnishes with the SEC from time to time, which are available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed, or implied by the forward-looking statements due to additional risks and uncertainties of which South Plains is not currently aware or which it does not currently view as, but in the future may become, material to its business or operating results. Due to these and other possible uncertainties and risks, the Company can give no assurance that the results contemplated in the forward-looking statements will be realized and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Any forward-looking statements presented herein are made only as of the date of this press release, and South Plains does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect changes in assumptions, new information, the occurrence of unanticipated events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. All forward-looking statements, express or implied, included in the press release are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.
More than 6,000 people in Haiti have been forced from their homes by gang violence in almost a month, hampering aid efforts by humanitarian agencies, the United Nations warned on Tuesday.
Since the end of January, a wave of extreme brutality has led to widespread loss of life and the displacement of over 6,000 people in the capital, Port-au-Prince.
“We are deeply alarmed and appalled by the unacceptable and inhumane intensity of violence in Haiti,” the Haiti Humanitarian Country Team, which is made up of UN agencies, national and international NGOs and donors, said in a statement.
Entire families were killed in their homes, while others, including children and babies, were shot dead as they tried to escape.
The killings follow a massacre last December, when an outbreak of violence in the commune of Cité Soleil in Port-au-Prince led to the execution of more than 200 people by the Wharf Jérémie gang.
UN condemns attacks on civilian population
According to the UN, the daily life of many Haitians is marked by violence, fear, exhaustion, hunger, disease and an uncertain future. Women, girls and children are increasingly at risk, particularly that of sexual violence.
By the end of 2024, violence had claimed the lives of at least 5,600 Haitians and displaced more than a million.
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms any attack against the civilian population and infrastructure, in this case the one that targeted the hospital of the State University of Haiti on February 13. These acts violate human rights and deprive the most vulnerable of essential vital services,” said Humanitarian Coordinator Ulrika Richardson.
On the ground, the humanitarian community is showing its determination to continue providing life-saving assistance to millions of children, women and men in vulnerable situations.
Beyond immediate humanitarian assistance, the agencies are also committed to coordinating efforts with development and peacebuilding actors, so that these collective efforts contribute to sustainable solutions that build community resilience.
“The mobilization actions of the international community in favour of Haiti will continue in order to guarantee the necessary funding to meet urgent needs and restore the dignity of the affected people,” the Humanitarian Country Team stressed.
The UN continues to support people who have been displaced by ongoing violence in Haiti.
Humanitarian response plan: Over $900 million to save Haitians on the brink
An appeal for $908 million to help some 3.9 million Haitians facing food insecurity, in a country where basic services are nearing collapse, has been launched by the UN.
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) released the 2025 humanitarian response plan on 19 February, which focuses on addressing acute needs caused by recent events, including armed violence, forced displacement, epidemics, and the consequences of natural disasters.
The funding is earmarked to tackle Haiti’s profound challenges, including mobile teams to help humanitarians deliver aid, protection against sexual exploitation and abuse, and programmes aimed at supporting the country’s long-term development.
On the West Coast of the South Island, you’ll find a huge range of tramping opportunities – from simple overnighters suitable for young families to multi-day adventures for those with backcountry skills. We spoke with a few West Coast staff to hear about their favourite huts and adventures.
Remotest Hut: Gorge River Hut.
What’s your name? What’s your role?
Owen Kilgour, West Coast Operations Director, based in Hokitika
In 2022 it was our first overnight hike as a family with three young boys.
I have run into this hut frequently over the past eight years when visiting family who live close by.
Why do you like it?
Kōhanga Atawhai – Manson Nicholls Hut is the ideal first authentic kiwi tramping experience for families.
The original hut on this site, Manson-Nicholls Memorial Hut, was constructed in 1976 by members of the Christchurch Tramping Club and The Lake Daniell’s Fishing Club in memory of three young trampers who lost their lives nearby in 1974. The current hut was built by DOC staff especially for families and school groups. Every time I visit, it puts a smile on my face to see lots of kids enjoying their experience in nature.
How do you get there and long does it take someone with moderate fitness?
The hut is 3 hours walk from nearest road end on the Lake Daniell Track. It’s a great first tramp for families.
September 2022 I think. I was the hut warden up there for a couple of seasons and it was such an epic place to spend eight days every other week watching the different weather patterns come and go and meeting lots of different people passing through
Why do you like it?
The highlight was always watching the most epic sunsets with a hot cup of tea above the hut, up a secret “spur”.
How do you get there and long does it take someone with moderate fitness?
Its 20 kilometres from Smoke-ho carpark. You need a moderate level of fitness as it’s lots of relentless uphill. You need to be fairly competent on a mountain bike as there are narrow sections, steep drop offs and lots of loose rogue rocks that can kick you off if you are not careful.
Moonlight Tops Hut.
What’s your name? What’s your role?
Benjamin Pigott, Inspector – Checking huts, tracks and structures throughout the WSI backcountry.
March 2024, and then later in May along with a crew to undertake maintenance work. This took 10 days and we really gave the hut a birthday! New roof, piles, bearers & a paint to name a few of the jobs we did.
Why do you like it?
It sits in a beautiful remote valley with little tramping traffic. It’s now done up for all to enjoy!
How do you get there and long does it take someone with moderate fitness?
You’d want a good 8hr day of tramping to get in there. Moderate to difficult, but achievable by most parties with backcountry navigation skills who do their homework about track conditions.
Jacko Flat Hut – from left: DOC Inspectors Ben Pigott, Mike Detlaff, and Rangers Casey Rhodes and Matt Ainge
It’s a beautiful old hut with lots of heritage, built back in 1949. The Perth Valley has had a lot of Predator control done by ZIP, and the bird life is really on the rise. A spectacular hut to base yourself for adventures into more difficult terrain up the Perth valley.
How do you get there and long does it take someone with moderate fitness?
Approx 6 hours or so, moderate fitness and moderate route finding required. The hut is old and has character, it’s certainly not a Hilton so expect to be a bit feral!
Nolans Hut.
Our network of tracks and huts
Owen Kilgour Western South Island Operations Director– says “DOC has a fantastic network of tracks and huts on conservation land on the West Coast, and I’d encourage people to get out and explore. There are tramping opportunities for everyone, from families undertaking their first overnighters with young children, to backcountry wilderness experiences for those experienced in the outdoors. Going tramping requires warm clothes, a pack, a raincoat and a pair of sturdy footwear but you can start out with basic gear, and not spend too much money getting started. It’s a great way to see some of the most beautiful places in New Zealand.”
Biggest Hut: Heaphy Hut. Photo: Richard Rossiter
DOC hut network in general
DOC manages a network of over 950 huts around New Zealand providing shelter and enabling trampers and others to overnight in some of our most picturesque places including in forests, on mountainsides and by lakes, rivers and the sea.
DOC huts come in a range of standards from basic bivvies to serviced. Most are available on a first come first served basis but around 55 must be booked in advance.
Bookable huts help us manage our very popular or over-subscribed facilities. They provide certainty to families and less experienced visitors, and support the payment of hut fees so these facilities can continue into the future.
It’s important all hut users pay their hut fees, are well-prepared before heading out and assess conditions before deciding whether it’s safe to go, even if people have made a booking.
How many huts does the West Coast have?
In Western South Island Region we have 148 huts and bivvies in total with 147 open.
26 February 2025 – Meridian Energy has reported a net loss after tax of $121 million for the six months ending 31 December 2024, compared to a net profit after tax of $191 million in last year’s interim result.
Operating cash flows were $50 million, down from $303 million in the same period last year.
These results were heavily impacted by the cost of hedge contracts for winter 2024 in the face of one-in-90-year record low inflows and an unexpected and unprecedented shortage of domestic gas. The hedge contracts included calling the largest demand response option with New Zealand’s Aluminum Smelter (NZAS).
EBITDAF fell from $443 million to $257 million and underlying net profit fell from $175 million to a $5 million loss. Both of these are non-GAAP measures.
“The combination of particularly low hydro inflows, low wind and gas shortages made the operating environment for the first half of this financial year as tough as I can recall experiencing,” says Meridian Chief Executive Neal Barclay.
“We took a hit for New Zealand. Meridian put this country’s security of supply first and, as New Zealand’s largest renewable electricity generator, our balance sheet tends to underwrite the mitigation of extended droughts. That’s one of the ways the country benefits from having large and financially strong gentailers. While the situation was particularly challenging, we know we rely on Mother Nature for our fuel and accept the financial impact droughts bring. We prepare the business to deal with these kinds of eventualities, including maintaining a strong and flexible balance sheet.”
“There is plenty of time before the coming winter, but we are highly focused on managing risks to winter 2025 security. We have reached a new agreement with NZAS for them to reduce demand by 50MW and are looking for simple rule changes to access this country’s existing contingent hydro storage. The bigger issue, though, is the structural and significant shortage of domestic gas. New Zealand needs to take urgent action to address this. Gas is the biggest factor in setting spot and future electricity prices,” says Neal Barclay.
With a challenging first half to the financial year, the Meridian Board has decided to maintain the interim dividend at the same level as the prior period, and declared an interim ordinary dividend of 6.15 cents per share. The dividend reinvestment plan will apply to this interim dividend at a 2% discount.
Mr Barclay says that Meridian has continued to build strong momentum to set the business up for future growth. This year, the company expects to commit over $1 billion of capital to new development projects.
“The relatively fast decline in gas resources has put even greater emphasis on the need to deploy new renewable developments as quickly as possible, and also get more out of our existing fleet of hydro and wind generation. In that regard, we’ve had a few wins recently. We’ve reinstated capacity in the generation fleet after resolving transformer issues at Manapōuri and West Wind, and we’ve begun commissioning our Ruakākā grid scale battery. We’ve also made great progress in advancing a development pipeline that will deliver additional megawatts for many years to come,” says Neal Barclay.
Meridian recently announced:
A finalised consent for its 120MW Ruakākā solar development (February) Consent for its 90MW Mt Munro Wind Farm near Eketāhuna (February) A Scheme Implementation Agreement as part of its bid to acquire the remaining shares in NZ Windfarms (February) A Power Purchase Agreement with Harmony Energy / First Renewables in respect of their joint venture to build the 150MW Tauhei Solar Farm in the Waikato (January) A 50-50 joint venture with Nova Energy to build the 400MW Te Rahui solar farm at Rangitāiki near Taupō (December).
The first half of FY25 has also seen tremendous progress in Meridian’s Retail business. Having completed a strategic reset and restructure to enable the business to meet changing technology and consumer needs, the company has launched three new products (Smart Hot Water, Smart EV Charging and the Four Hours Free Plan), with more to come over the remainder of the financial year.
“Customers are responding to these changes, with record numbers signing up. As of 1 January, we had achieved our highest ever market share of electricity connections, with 16.58% across the Meridian and Powershop brands. Our brands also led the industry rankings for new connections in December, with Powershop first and Meridian second, and more than 4,000 connections that month across both brands,” says Neal Barclay.
“The business has weathered an extraordinarily difficult set of circumstances and leveraged our financial strength to ensure the lights stayed on for New Zealand homes and businesses. At the same time, we’ve not backed away from our strategic goals and our customer market share has continued to grow as has our renewable development pipeline.”
On November 6, 2023, Susan D’Addario of Farmington suffered a sudden and life-threatening pulmonary embolism at home. Her husband Peter immediately sprang into action, performing CPR until first responders arrived. Thanks to his quick thinking and the expert care at UConn John Dempsey Hospital, Susan survived against all odds.
Once at the hospital, Emergency Department physician, Dr. Matthew Ledford administered a dose of tPA, a medication, commonly used to treat pulmonary embolism as a “clot-busting” drug that breaks down blood clots in the lungs, restoring blood flow.
Susan was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where her condition remained under close observation. Her care was assumed by ICU physicians Dr. Debapriya Datta, Dr. Raymond Foley, and the ICU team. When her progress remained limited, the team consulted Dr. Juyong Lee, an interventional cardiologist.
Lee successfully removed the clots blocking her arteries, giving Susan a second chance at life. With only 5% of pulmonary embolism cases surviving such a crisis, Susan knows just how fortunate she is. She is grateful to Drs. Lee, Datta, Foley, Ledford and the ICU team that included residents, Drs. Erind Muco, Kiroloss Eskander, Bianca Thakker, Daphne Gonzalez Aponte, Dr. Angela Quental, Fellow, Kellie McPherson, RN, Stacy Philips, APP and Randy Lebron, Nurse’s Aide.
Susan’s story is a testament to the importance of heart health, rapid emergency response, and the dedicated medical professionals who make survival possible. It also highlights the vital role that UConn Health’s cardiovascular experts play in saving lives every day.
Recently, Susan met Dr. Lee for the first time, and together they spoke with WFSB’s Great Day CT about her experience, pulmonary embolisms, and the critical importance of knowing CPR.
HONG KONG, Feb. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Diginex Limited (“Diginex Limited” or the “Company”), an impact technology company specializing in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues, is excited to announce the launch of its ESG Ratings Support Service. The innovative service is designed to help businesses secure an ESG score across key rating agencies, including CDP, EcoVadis, Sustainable Fitch, S&P, Sustainalytics, the world’s leading ESG ratings providers. Leveraging Diginex Limited’s expertise and cutting-edge technology, the ESG Ratings Support Service provides companies with a robust framework to optimize their ESG ratings, attract investment, and strengthen stakeholder trust.
The launch of the ESG Ratings Support Service comes at a pivotal moment as investors, regulators, and consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability. With the global ESG investment market reaching nearly USD 29.86 trillion in 2024, according to a report by Precedence Research, and regulatory bodies like the European Union, SEC as well as many stock exchanges globally who are mandating comprehensive ESG / Climate disclosures, businesses need reliable tools to navigate this landscape. diginexADVISORY’s new ESG Ratings Support Service offers a tailored approach, combining expert consultancy with data-driven insights to help organizations report their ESG data and performance to secure competitive advantages.
“We believe our ESG Ratings Support Service is a game-changer for companies looking to align sustainability with commercial success,” said Mark Blick, Chief Executive Officer of Diginex Limited. “By providing clear, actionable recommendations into ESG performance, we’re helping businesses to unlock new opportunities for growth and investment. Sustainability isn’t just a compliance exercise—it’s a prerequisite for long-term prosperity.”
Case Study: Living Style Group’s ESG Performance
A recent example of the service’s impact is diginexADVISORY’s collaboration with the Living Style Group, a global leader in home decor and furnishings generating over $1.2 billion in yearly revenue. Living Style Group successfully completed its first-ever CDP submission, achieving an impressive B score in Climate on its first attempt.
“With Diginex’s expert guidance, we successfully navigated our first ESG disclosure, achieving strong CDP scores on our first attempt. Diginex’s structured approach made a complex process seamless,” said Mark Loomis, EVP Quality, Compliance & Sustainability, Living Style Group. “This report marks an important milestone in our journey toward greater sustainability, and we look forward to building on these efforts in the years to come.”
Through this collaboration, we believe that Living Style Group is now better equipped to attract ESG-focused investors and meet evolving regulatory demands.
A Comprehensive Solution for ESG Success
The ESG Ratings Support Service integrates with Diginex’s award-winning diginexESG platform, which supports 17 global frameworks, including GRI (the “Global Reporting Initiative”), SASB (the “Sustainability Accounting Standards Board”), and TCFD (the “Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures”). We expect our clients to benefit from end-to-end support, from materiality assessments and data management to stakeholder engagement and report generation through implementation of the ESG Ratings Support Service.
The ESG Ratings Service is available immediately to clients worldwide, with options for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and large corporations alike.
About Diginex Limited Diginex Limited is a Cayman Islands exempted company, with subsidiaries located in Hong Kong, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Diginex Limited conducts operations through its wholly owned subsidiary Diginex Solutions (HK) Limited, a Hong Kong corporation (“DSL”) and DSL is the sole owner of (i) Diginex Services Limited, a corporation formed in the United Kingdom and (ii) Diginex USA LLC, a limited liability company formed in the State of Delaware. DSL commenced operations in 2020, and is a software company that empowers businesses and governments to streamline ESG, climate, and supply chain data collection and reporting. DSL is an impact technology business that helps organizations address the some of the most pressing ESG, climate and sustainability issues, utilizing blockchain, machine learning and data analysis technology to lead change and increase transparency in corporate social responsibility and climate action.
Diginex’s products and services solutions enable companies to collect, evaluate and share sustainability data through easy-to-use software. For more information, please visit the Company’s website: https://www.diginex.com/.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “approximates,” “believes,” “hopes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s filings with the SEC.
For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
Diginex Investor Relations Email: ir@diginex.com
European IR Contract Jens Hecht Phone: +49.40.609186.82 Email: jens.hecht@kirchhoff.de
US IR Contract Jackson Lin Lambert by LLYC Phone: +1 (646) 717-4593 Email: jian.lin@llyc.global
ROSEMONT, Ill., Feb. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wintrust Financial Corporation (“Wintrust” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: WTFC) will present at the RBC Capital Markets Global Financial Institutions Conference to be held on March 4-5, 2025. Wintrust management will participate in a question and answer session that is scheduled to begin at approximately 8:40 AM Eastern Time on March 4, 2025.
This event will be available via an audio webcast and may be accessed at https://kvgo.com/rbc/wintrust-financial-corporation-march-2025 or at Wintrust’s website at www.wintrust.com, Investor Relations, Investor News and Events, Presentations and Conference Calls. Listeners should go to the website at least fifteen minutes before the presentation to download and install any necessary audio software. For those unable to attend the live broadcast, a replay will be available for up to 90 days after the conference. There is no charge to access the event.
About Wintrust Wintrust is a financial holding company with approximately $65 billion in assets whose common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. Guided by its “Different Approach, Better Results” philosophy, Wintrust offers the sophisticated resources of a large bank while providing a community banking experience to each customer. Wintrust operates more than 200 retail banking locations through 16 community bank subsidiaries in the greater Chicago, southern Wisconsin, west Michigan, northwest Indiana, and southwest Florida market areas. In addition, Wintrust operates various non-bank business units, providing residential mortgage origination, wealth management, commercial and life insurance premium financing, short-term accounts receivable financing/outsourced administrative services to the temporary staffing services industry, and qualified intermediary services for tax-deferred exchanges.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Timothy S. Crane, President & Chief Executive Officer David A. Dykstra, Vice Chairman & Chief Operating Officer (847) 939-9000 Website address: www.wintrust.com
Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis
WASHINGTON, D.C.–Today, Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Mark Kelly(D-AZ)introduced the bipartisanPreserving Life-saving Access to Specialty Medicines in America (PLASMA) Act, legislation to ensure individuals with rare diseases and immunodeficiencies have access to necessary plasma-based medicines.
“It is critical patients with rare diseases and immunodeficiencies haveuninterruptedaccess to the life-saving plasma-based medicines they need,”said Senator Tillis. “This commonsense legislation increases access to these innovative medications and ensures they remain affordable for the thousands of Americas who rely on them.”
“Patients with rare diseases and immune disorders rely on plasma-based medicines to stay healthy, but right now, too many are facing rising costs and supply challenges,” said Senator Kelly. “By protecting access to these lifesaving medicines, we’re making sure patients can get the treatments they need affordably and without disruption.”
“The Alpha-1 Foundation is proud to endorse The PLASMA Act in support of patients with rare diseases, like Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and immunodeficiencies to have access to necessary plasma-based medicines,” said Scott Santarella, President & CEO, Alpha-1 Foundation. “It is vital for our community to have continued access to this life-saving plasma therapy that they receive on a weekly basis.”
Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
“All Americans impacted by rare diseases deserve to have innovative, high-quality health care,” said Representative Hudson.“My legislation will increase access to plasma medicines for our nation’s most vulnerable patients and help save lives.”
Background:
North Carolina is home to one of the world’s largest plasma production facilities and more than 30 plasma donor centers across the state, which provide life-saving measures for thousands of Americans.
The PLASMA Act would include plasma-derived medicines in a phase-in process for the Part D redesign the Inflation Reduction Act already has in place for other drugs Congress recognized as unique. Beginning in 2031, manufacturers would pay the full rebate amount following annual rebate increases, protecting vulnerable beneficiaries’ supply of plasma-derived medicines and avoiding skyrocketing costs for patients.
In the United States, over 125,000 patients living with rare and life-threatening diseases rely on sustained access to plasma derived medicinal products to treat their lifelong health conditions. These rare and chronic diseases include Primary Immunodeficiencies, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy, and Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency; for most patients there are no effective, alternative therapies available.
The PLASMA Act is endorsed by top national and international health organizations, including the Immune Deficiency Foundation, Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association, Alpha-1 Foundation, and GBS | CIDP Foundation International.
“Without the farmers, it is only political policy without implementation” – that was the stark message delivered by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s Director-General on Tuesday to delegates attending the latest round of UN biodiversity talks in Rome.
Over 150 countries will be meeting from 25 to 27 February to advance biodiversity finance, accountability and the integration of agrifood systems into global conservation strategies.
Despite groundbreaking agreements on genetic data and recognising the stewardship role of Indigenous Peoples at the first round of the COP16 conference in Colombia late last year, this new Conference of the Parties – or COP16.2 – aims to close some crucial gaps which are instrumental for implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.
With nature declining at an alarming rate, the challenge now is turning commitments into action.
Farmers on board
FAO chief Qu Dongyu called for urgent action to transform agrifood systems, stressing that biodiversity must be embedded in food and farming policies. A key focus is the Agri-NBSAPs Support Initiative, launched at COP16 in Cali, Colombia.
The initiative is designed to help governments integrate agrifood systems into their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans, to eliminate any conflicts between agricultural policy and biodiversity goals.
Colombia’s COP16 President, Environment Minister María Susana Muhamad, and Agriculture Minister Martha Carvajalino, underscored the importance of full implementation.
Mr. Dongyu highlighted the deep connections between biodiversity and food security, noting that over half of the Kunming-Montreal Framework’s 23 targets are directly linked to agriculture.
He explained that “biodiversity is also in the soil and in the water” and that it is critical “to look at biodiversity from a holistic, three-dimensional perspective”.
‘On the brink’: Guterres
Despite commitments made at COP15, funding remains a sticking point.
Secretary-General António Guterres, warned in a statement that biodiversity is “on the brink” and urged governments to translate pledges into investment. “Success requires accountability. And action demands finance,” he said.
With only a fraction of the required $200 billion per year mobilised, developing nations are pushing wealthier countries to meet their financial obligations.
Discussions in Rome are expected to focus on accountability frameworks to track spending and ensure resources reach the communities most affected by biodiversity loss.
What’s next?
In the coming days, negotiators will work to finalise agreements on biodiversity finance, implementation strategies and monitoring frameworks.
Mr. Dongyu closed his statement by calling for an integrated approach across government sectors.
“We need an integrated approach across government sectors, across Ministries, to ensure the Four Betters: better production, better nutrition, better environment and a better life – leaving no one behind,” he said.
With time running out to meet the 2030 targets, COP16.2 is a key test of global commitment – whether countries will step up or risk falling short on protecting the planet’s ecosystems.
Ongoing fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) between Rwanda-backed M23 rebels and Congolese troops has claimed more lives and forced even more families from their homes.
In an alert on Tuesday, UN aid coordinators OCHA said that six humanitarian workers have been killed since January – the latest victim was shot during clashes last week near a hospital in Masisi Territory about 80 kilometres west of Goma, in North Kivu.
The same clashes reportedly killed three other civilians and injured a child, according to OCHA, which said that more than 100,000 people have been forced to flee their homes due to further clashes last week in Lubero Territory, 250 kilometers north of Goma.
Rape and other violations reported
Because of the insecurity several local health facilities have had to suspend activities. Humanitarian partners on the ground also report that there have been widespread human rights violations amid the fighting, including rape, OCHA said.
Meanwhile, local officials in South Kivu report schools are gradually re-opening in Kalehe Territory, located some 65 kilometres north of the provincial capital Bukavu.
Unexploded ordnance remains a problem in many areas affected by recent fighting, including two schools in the city of Minova, north of Bukavu, according to humanitarian partners.
The head of UN Peacekeeping Operations expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis and loss of life in the DRC during a press conference in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, on Monday.
Jean-Pierre Lacroix stressed that there is no military solution to the crisis and reiterated that while “it’s encouraging to see progress and involvement from stakeholders…the priority is a cessation of hostilities, implementation of decisions from the Luanda Process, and ensuring humanitarian access.”
He added that the UN Mission faces limitations in M23-controlled areas but continues to protect civilians and reduce violence in other areas, safeguarding hundreds of thousands of civilians daily.
Europe faces a ‘cradle to cane’ health crisis, warns WHO
And in a medical update on Tuesday, UN health agency WHO warned that countries across Europe and Central Asia have a major problem with “stagnating” healthcare systems.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), almost 76,000 children in the region die before their fifth birthday every year.
In addition, non-communicable diseases claim the lives one in six people before they’re 70.
Wide regional variations
WHO’s latest European Health Report showed that under-five mortality ranged from 1.5 to 40.4 deaths per 1,000 live births across 53 countries in the region.
The top causes of death include pre-term birth complications, birth asphyxia and congenital heart anomalies.
Despite much progress in tackling non-communicable diseases across Europe and Central Asia, conditions such as heart and lung disease, stroke and diabetes remain by far the biggest killers.
At least 10 countries have achieved a 25 per cent reduction in premature mortality from these four non-communicable diseases.
Nonetheless, one in six people still die before they reach their 70th birthday from cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes or chronic respiratory disease, WHO said.
Chad: Nearly four million could go hungry during lean season
Humanitarians in Chad are warning about the impact of the forthcoming lean season on food security, amid already dire conditions, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said on Tuesday.
A regional assessment found that some 2.4 million people are not getting enough to eat, which is expected to rise to 3.7 million people, or 20 per cent of the population, during the lean season from June to August.
More than two million children under the age of five are malnourished, including more than half a million who are suffering from severe acute malnutrition who are at risk of dying in the coming months without the appropriate treatment.
Additionally, nearly 300,000 pregnant and breast-feeding women are suffering from acute malnutrition.
Multiple shocks
Mr. Dujarric told journalists in New York that “this crisis is due to shocks, including natural catastrophes such as floods, which have destroyed croplands, in addition to the increasing price of basic commodities.”
Humanitarians warn that unless significant funding is received before the end of March, there will be no time to prevent a full-scale food security and nutrition crisis.
They are appealing for $1.45 billion to support operations in Chad this year but have so far received under $60 million, roughly four per cent.
Alberta’s government is committed to ensuring all Albertans have access to high-quality care when and where they need it, including in remote Alberta communities. The new La Crete Maternity and Community Health Centre will provide enhanced access to maternal health and advanced ambulatory care, underscoring the Alberta government’s dedication to meeting the health care needs of communities across the province.
“Every Albertan deserves high-quality health care close to home. This expanded access will ensure Albertans living in La Crete and the surrounding areas will receive timely, exceptional care when they need it most.”
Alberta’s government first announced the project in 2021, with planning for the new facility beginning at that time and the design phase being completed in early February of this year. The construction phase of the project will see Alberta’s government invest $80 million over the next three years as part of a total investment of about $86 million for the project.
Designed to meet local needs, the facility will include a birthing centre, midwifery program, advanced ambulatory care and a two-vehicle ambulance bay to improve emergency services. These new services will offer Albertans in the northern community and its surrounding areas more timely and accessible care by improving maternal health, emergency response and overall health care options in the area.
“With shovels going in the ground, northern Albertans in La Crete are looking forward to having their very own maternity and community health centre. I am pleased that we are now entering the construction phase for this new facility within the community, keeping Peace Country a beautiful place to raise a family.”
In addition to the existing public health services, residents will have access to expanded services including pre- and post-natal care on site. This health facility, expected to open in 2027, is the result of a close collaboration with the La Crete community to address its unique health care needs. It will be operated by Covenant Health. As Alberta’s government continues to refocus the health care system, working closely with local leadership will ensure these services are aligned with community priorities.
“This much-needed facility will make a real difference for families in the community, providing essential care closer to home. Its opening can’t come soon enough.”
The centre will also include a laboratory for timely blood testing and storage, as well as diagnostic imaging services, including ultrasound. Dedicated space will also be available for counselling and psychiatrist referrals to support individuals, families and groups.
“This is an exciting milestone for the community of La Crete, surrounding areas and Covenant Health. Guided by our values of compassion, respect and stewardship, we look forward to welcoming and integrating our new employees while providing seamless, high-quality health care for the community.”
Alberta’s government will continue investing in future projects that provide Albertans in rural and remote communities with access to high-quality care, both now and in the future.
Quick facts
The new facility will provide integrated health services for about 9,200 people living in La Crete and the surrounding areas.
Covenant Health will assume operations of the existing health facility and continuing care centre by fall 2025.
Plans for Covenant Health to operate the new health facility were announced in April 2022.
To foster transparency and dialogue, Covenant Health and Alberta Health Services hosted a town hall for affected staff and La Crete community members on Jan. 30, 2025.
Related information
Covenant Health
Related news
Covenant Health to operate new La Crete health centre (April 3, 2022)
New maternity, community health centre for La Crete (Aug. 11, 2021)
A man has been arrested following a wild rampage in the Northern and Barossa areas overnight.
About 7.45pm Tuesday 25 February police attended a home on Nottle Road, Gawler, conducting follow up enquiries in relation to a business robbery that occurred on Monday 24 February at the Munno Para Shopping Centre.
When patrols arrived at the location a grey Nissan Pathfinder sped from the street and a short police pursuit ensued before police lost site of the vehicle on Redbanks Road.
About 8.15pm police received reports that a Nissan Pathfinder was driving erratically crashing into fences and gates on Ward Belt Road, Ward Belt.
About 8.25pm police received reports that a Nissan Pathfinder was driving erratically on Dundas Street, Gawler, before it crashed into a parked car and left the scene.
About 8.30pm police were called to Turnbull Road, Elizabeth Downs, after a Nissan Pathfinder collided with a fence and left the scene.
About 8.45 police were called to the carpark of a shopping centre on Hamblynn Road, Elizabeth Downs after reports a Nissan Pathfinder had crashed into a parked Volkswagen. Thankfully a woman who had been seated in the Volkswagen at the time was not injured.
About 9.15pm police were called to the carpark of the Munno Para Shopping Centre after reports a man threatened a woman at knife point before stealing her black Ford Territory. Thankfully the woman was not physically injured. Police located the Nissan Pathfinder abandoned in the carpark nearby.
PolAir arrived in the location quickly locating the stolen Ford Territory and tracking it to Bandiana Crescent, Elizabeth Downs. Here the driver got out of the vehicle and fled in nearby yards. Patrols swarmed the area quickly locating and arresting the man about 9.30pm.
The 33-year-old Two Wells man has been charged with a raft of serious offences including driving without due care, failing to stop at a crash scene and aggravated robbery. He did not apply for bail and will appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court today.
The investigation remains on going with police seeking to identify further victims. Anyone with information that may assist is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or 1800 333 000 – you can remain anonymous.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced today the Indictment of ROBERT ANTHONY MARSH, JR.(“MARSH”),age 59, of Metairie, was indicted on February 14, 2025, with Possession of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(4)(B) and (a)(2), and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). If convicted of the possession of sexual exploitation materials, MARSH faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten (10) years and a maximum sentence of twenty (20) years imprisonment, and/or a fine of up to $250,000.00, a term of supervised release of no less than five (5) years and up to life, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee. If convicted of firearm possession by a convicted felon, MARSH faces a maximum sentence of fifteen (15) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to court documents, MARSH’s home was searched by state law enforcement officials and federal agents on December 19, 2024. At the time of this search, MARSH was on state supervised release for a previous state conviction of Pornography Involving Juveniles. On December 19, 2024, following the search of his home, MARSH was arrested by Louisiana State Probation and Parole for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and possession of child pornography. Thereafter, MARSH was transferred from state to federal custody in connection with this federal indictment.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Jefferson Parish Police Department; and the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections, Probation and Parole. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Kasey Todd Reed, 32, of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation, Utah, was sentenced to 96 months’ imprisonment, and ordered by the court to three years’ supervised release after he committed a violent crime that involved shooting a firearm at his domestic partner’s home.
The sentence, imposed by Senior U.S. District Court Judge David Sam comes after Reed pleaded guilty on December 6, 2024, to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm while within Indian Country.
According to court documents, and statements made at Reed’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, on May 30, 2022, Reed was involved in a domestic dispute with his partner, and after being pepper sprayed, Reed threatened to return to the victim’s home to harm her. Upon his return, Reed pointed a loaded .38 five-shot revolver at the victim’s residence and fired five rounds towards the home that housed multiple occupants as he drove past in his vehicle.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case was investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office’s Vernal Resident Agency.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Pead of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
ATLANTA – Irma Elvira Cruz, also known as “Huzipol” and “Madre,” 60, of Mexico, has been arraigned before Russell G. Vineyard, Chief United States Magistrate Judge, on federal charges of Conspiracy to Unlawfully Import Cocaine into the United States and Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute. Cruz was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 14, 2017.
“Cruz allegedly played a critical role in the trafficking of hundreds of kilograms of cocaine into the United States,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. “Cruz’s extradition from Mexico is an important step in holding her accountable for her alleged role in bringing dangerous drugs into the United States and into our local communities. We thank our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners for their work in this investigation and our international partners for their cooperation in helping us bring Cruz to justice.”
“Drug traffickers exploit vulnerable members of our community to generate profits,” said Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Division. “Cases like this clearly demonstrate the resolve of the DEA to hold drug traffickers accountable.”
“The extradition and arraignment of Irma Elvira Cruz, an alleged key figure in an international cocaine trafficking organization, demonstrates the unwavering commitment of HSI and our partners to dismantling transnational criminal networks,” said Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Atlanta, which covers Georgia and Alabama. “By targeting those who facilitate the flow of dangerous narcotics into our communities, we are sending a strong message that we will pursue justice across borders and hold traffickers accountable.”
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, Jr., the charges, and other information presented in court: In 2013, United States law enforcement identified a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization that, between approximately 2013 and 2016, imported large quantities of cocaine from Colombia, through Mexico and into the United States for distribution, and transported drug proceeds from the United States to Mexico. The investigation identified Irma Elvira Cruz as an associate of the drug trafficking organization, allegedly responsible for the quality control testing of multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine, sent from Colombia to Costa Rica and Mexico, and intended to be delivered into the United States.
Cruz allegedly conspired with others in Mexico, Colombia, Guatemala, and elsewhere to coordinate the transportation of multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine from Colombia through the coast of Central America for distribution in Mexico and the United States, including Atlanta, Georgia. Specifically, Cruz was allegedly responsible for testing the quality of a large shipment of cocaine ultimately destined for Atlanta.
The investigation revealed that on or about September 3, 2015, Cruz traveled to the organization’s stash house in Heredia, Belen, Asuncion, Costa Rica, to test the purity of the cocaine to be delivered into the United States. The following day, law enforcement authorities stopped vehicles driven by Cruz’s associates leaving the stash house and seized approximately 100 kilograms of cocaine. Law enforcement authorities then searched the stash house and seized approximately 221 kilograms of cocaine.
Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. Cruz is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Coast Guard, United States Navy, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, United States Border Patrol, DeKalb County Police Department, and Georgia State Patrol.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas M. Forsyth, III and Elizabeth M. Hathaway are prosecuting the case. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa Tarvin contributed to the prosecution as well. Also, the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs coordinated with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the arrest and extradition of Cruz.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies and eliminates the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
