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Category: housing

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Urges Georgians to Apply for Assistance Despite Concerns About Homeowners’ Insurance

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency 2

    f you were affected by Tropical Storm Debby (Aug. 4—20, 2024) or Hurricane Helene (Sept. 24—Oct. 30, 2024) and have an active insurance policy, state and FEMA officials urge you to check with both your insurance company and FEMA to help you on your road to recovery. 
    You do not need to have insurance to qualify for FEMA assistance and should not wait to submit your FEMA application. While FEMA assistance can only help with losses not covered by insurance, the assistance may help provide additional coverage for losses caused by Tropical Storm Debby or Hurricane Helene.
    If you do have an active insurance policy, you are urged to apply with FEMA because you may be eligible for disaster assistance for basic home repairs, personal property losses and other disaster-caused expenses that insurance didn’t cover. While you do not have to file an insurance claim before applying for FEMA disaster assistance, you will be required to provide FEMA with documentation regarding your insurance settlement or denial of your claim before being considered for certain types of assistance. Also, if your insurance benefits are delayed, FEMA can provide assistance to meet your immediate needs.
    While some survivors are likely concerned about the impact filing a claim may have on increasing their premiums, people affected by either or both of the storms should talk with their insurance agent to understand their deductible and associated out-of-pocket expenses to determine whether it makes sense to file a claim. 
    In many instances, damage may fall below the policy deductible or otherwise not be covered by the policy. Insurance companies are encouraged to provide documentation necessary for their customers to apply for FEMA assistance for uncovered losses.
    If you feel your insurance settlement is insufficient to cover the damage, you may be able to use the free Disaster Legal Assistance to help appeal your claim with your insurance. Georgia residents can use this service to receive confidential, free legal assistance due to the disasters, who do not have the money to hire adequate legal services. If you are interested in receiving this legal assistance, call the toll-free legal hotline at 866-584-8027 or 404-527-8793.
    If you are in one of the 63 affected counties designated for Individual Assistance, you are eligible to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. You can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or by calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in most languages. You can also contact the Georgia Call Center at 678-547-2861 Monday through Saturday for assistance with your application.
    To view an accessible video on how to apply, visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.
    For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/helene/georgia. Follow FEMA Region 4 @FEMARegion4 on X or follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel. Also, follow Acting Administrator Cameron Hamilton on X @FEMA_Cam.
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    FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: A Congress.gov Interview with Lindsay Gibmeyer, the US Senate Bill Clerk

    Source: US Global Legal Monitor

    Today’s blog post is a Congress.gov interview with Lindsay Gibmeyer, a bill clerk at the United States Senate. 

    1. Describe your background

    I grew up on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, so close geographically, but in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city. I attended the University of Texas at Dallas and later, missing Maryland’s famous blue crabs, finished my undergraduate studies at the University of Maryland College Park. My first job on the Hill was in the Senate Bill Clerk’s office as an assistant bill clerk. Coming from a background in social science research, I was all about data and had very limited legislative process knowledge. Luckily, I landed in one of the best spots possible to hit the ground running with a front-row seat to the legislative process. I really owe all of my success to my fellow colleagues who are wonderful resources with a wealth of institutional knowledge.

    2. How would you describe your job to other people?

    I have heard this role described as the nervous system of the Senate. We are part of the non-partisan team who have a hand in all legislative material from the Senate and messaging between the houses. Nearly everything travels through our office at one point or another and is processed and made available to the public the next day via the Congressional Record and Congress.gov.

    3. What is your role in the development of Congress.gov?

    Soon after I began my Senate career, the transition from Thomas.gov and LIS was beginning to move forward. There were concerns with representing our data in an accurate manner and combining two sites—one user-friendly public-facing and one more centered around Congressional needs—was not an easy task. The Bill Clerk’s office was asked to provide testing and functionality feedback, from a “power user” point of view, a fancy way of saying we use and depend on Congress.gov a lot!
    My role in the project was to provide feedback specifically from our office’s point of view and help shape how our data is presented to the public. I was really excited about this project because of my previous data management background, and I found it familiar to review how the data was carried via XML files. I was also available to help explain how we process floor actions and data entry. Together with a lot of great collaboration with our Library of Congress and LIS partners, we have the present-day, multi-audience Congress.gov.

    4. What is your favorite feature of Congress.gov?

    I really like one of the newer features of Congress.gov where the Congressional Record links to the legislation. As a daily user, it is nice to quickly access the online record via the All Actions tab and pull up either the floor action or the text of the measure. This is especially useful for staff or the public to find the full text of legislation or amendments the day after submission.

    5. What is the most interesting fact you’ve learned about the legislative process while working for Congress?

    As the Bill Clerk, I think one of the most interesting facts about the legislative process is the many paths a bill can take before it becomes law. Bills can be referred to a committee, or fast-tracked through various paths for quicker floor consideration—which can sometimes take the agreement of all 100 members—not an easy feat! We have recently reached record highs in the number of introduced bills in the Senate at 5400 + and counting and that is not including House bills. A very small percentage of those measures become law. At last count, there were 224 public laws during the 118th Congress.

    6. What’s something most of your co-workers do not know about you?

    Not a well-kept secret—my family is obsessed with Golden Retrievers! Here are our three rescue Goldens (Alexander, Hamilton, and Rosie).

    Lindsay’s rescued golden retrievers: Alexander, Hamilton, and Rosie. Picture courtesy of Lindsay Gibmeyer.

    Subscribe to In Custodia Legis – it’s free! – to receive interesting posts drawn from the Law Library of Congress’s vast collections and our staff’s expertise in U.S., foreign, and international law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Land seizure and South Africa’s new expropriation bill: scholar weighs up the new act

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Zsa-Zsa Temmers Boggenpoel, Academic, Stellenbosch University

    South Africa has a new law to govern the expropriation (or compulsory acquisition) of private property by government for public purposes or in the public interest.

    The passing of the Expropriation Act 13 of 2024 followed a parliamentary process that began in 2020.

    The act repeals the apartheid-era Expropriation Act 63 of 1975, and aims to align expropriation law with the constitution. It sets out the procedures, rules and regulations for expropriation. Besides setting out in quite a detailed fashion how expropriations are to take place, the act also provides an outline regarding how compensation is to be determined.

    In South Africa’s colonial and apartheid past, land distribution was grossly unequal on the basis of race. The country is still suffering the effects of this. So expropriation of property is a potential tool to reduce land inequality. This has become a matter of increasing urgency. South Africans have expressed impatience with the slow pace of land reform.

    Property rights and land reform

    There is much debate in the country about the provisions of the new act. The debate is mostly about the extent to which it affects existing private property rights. Some argue the act is unconstitutional. Others welcome it as a necessary step in the right direction.

    I’m a professor of law with a keen interest in this area of the law, and recently edited a book on land expropriation in South Africa by leading experts. My view is that an expropriation act that is aligned with the constitution should be welcomed, to enable land reform to work effectively.

    Read more: Land reform in South Africa: what the real debate should be about

    Land reform also needs a capable and proactive state that implements the legal framework in such a manner that prioritises expropriation as a mechanism to ensure land reform.

    So far, expropriation has not been used effectively to redistribute land more equitably, as part of land reform.

    I am not convinced that the act, in its current form, is the silver bullet to effect large-scale land reform – at least not the type of radical land reform that South Africa urgently needs.

    Understandably, the act will have a severe impact on property rights. But it still substantially protects landowners affected by expropriation. Only in very limited cases would they not be compensated.

    Protections for land owners

    The act says that property must not be expropriated arbitrarily or for a purpose other than a public purpose or in the public interest.

    Public purpose means by or for the benefit of the public. For example, expropriating property to build roads, schools and hospitals. Public interest is broader and includes the nation’s commitment to land reform.

    “Arbitrary” would usually mean without reason or justification.

    Read more: South Africa has another go at an expropriation law. What it’s all about

    The act further requires that an expropriating authority – an organ of state or person empowered by the act or any other legislation – must first try to reach an agreement with the owner to acquire the property on reasonable terms before considering expropriation.

    This gives some power to a landowner, even though expropriation does not normally require consent. The act also says a specific expropriation must always be authorised by a law.

    No compensation?

    Section 12 of the act deals with compensation for expropriation. It is arguably the most controversial part of the new legislation. Section 12(1) does not appear to be problematic and is largely the same wording as section 25(3) of the constitution. This part of the property clause sets out what must be taken into account when compensation for expropriation is determined.

    Section 12(3) of the act refers to “nil compensation” – when nil rand (monetary) compensation may be paid. There is no explicit reference to nil compensation in the current wording of section 25 of the constitution. It’s a new thing in the Expropriation Act.

    However, courts have toyed with the idea that section 25 of the constitution already provides room for a reduction in compensation.

    The circumstances in which nil compensation could be granted in terms of the new act are in fact very limited. Section 12(3) leaves the discretion to the expropriating authority to determine when it may be just and equitable to pay nil compensation. However, the act lacks guidelines on how such a discretion must be exercised.

    Read more: Land is a heated issue in South Africa – the print media are presenting only one side of the story

    The scope of section 12(3) is also limited in some respects. For one, it is restricted to land. Only where land is expropriated would nil compensation be an option. Therefore, not all forms of property can be expropriated without compensation. The notion of property under section 25(1) of the constitution is generally wide and includes various rights and interests, which are broader than just land. For instance, personal rights, mineral rights and licences are included under the section 25(1) notion of property.

    This wide understanding of property is not applicable to section 12(3), which refers to “land” being expropriated.

    Section 12(3) is also limited to the expropriation of land “in the public interest”. Nil compensation is therefore envisaged only in the context of expropriation of land undertaken in the public interest, and not also for a public purpose.

    Three of the four categories listed in section 12(3), where nil compensation is envisaged, are linked to the way in which the property was being used prior to the expropriation. Land used in a productive manner is therefore not evidently envisaged under section 12(3).

    Nil compensation is not necessarily limited to the instances listed. Still, the amount of compensation must – in all instances – be just and equitable.

    Novel approach

    The act forces South Africans to engage with the idea of nil compensation in a much more direct manner.

    The presence of a clause dedicated to nil compensation provides new clarity on when this could apply.

    It is hard to determine whether this act will pass constitutional muster without seeing how expropriation under it will work in practice. It remains to be seen whether it will have the far-reaching consequences that many fear, or call for.

    – Land seizure and South Africa’s new expropriation bill: scholar weighs up the new act
    – https://theconversation.com/land-seizure-and-south-africas-new-expropriation-bill-scholar-weighs-up-the-new-act-244697

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Driving Africa’s Sports Future: Meet the Partners Powering the Sports Africa Investment Summit (SAIS25)

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    LAGOS, Nigeria, January 30, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The Sports Africa Investment Summit (SAIS25) is more than an event—it’s a movement to unlock Africa’s potential by investing in sports infrastructure for a sustainable future. This mission wouldn’t be possible without the support of visionary partners committed to driving innovation, policy development, and investment in Africa’s sports industry.

    Meet the Partners

    Afreximbank – A leading financial institution fostering trade and development across Africa, Afreximbank brings its expertise in funding large-scale projects, making it a key player in sports infrastructure financing.

    Bank of Industry (BOI) – As Nigeria’s leading development finance institution, BOI plays a critical role in driving local economic growth. Through strategic financing, BOI is supporting the expansion of Nigeria’s sports sector, creating opportunities for businesses and communities to thrive.

    International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) – A global leader in sport integrity, ICSS works across continents to promote safety, transparency, and governance in sports. Their partnership with SAIS25 reinforces the need for robust security frameworks that protect investments and ensure the long-term sustainability of Africa’s sports ecosystem.

    UN Global Compact Network Nigeria – Championing responsible business practices, this network is instrumental in promoting sustainability within sports investments, ensuring that SAIS25 initiatives align with global environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.

    NESH Foundation – With a focus on Nigerian entrepreneurship, NESH plays a vital role in connecting sports investment with local economic empowerment, creating opportunities for homegrown businesses to thrive.

    Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) – As a Nigerian policy think tank, NESG drives economic transformation by shaping investment-friendly policies across multiple sectors, including sports. Their expertise in fostering collaboration between governments, private sector players, and investors positions them as a key advocate for a sustainable and profitable sports industry across Africa.

    Why This Matters

    The collective efforts of these esteemed partners underscore SAIS25’s mission: to transform Africa’s sports sector through strategic investments, infrastructure development, and policies that foster long-term sustainability.

    As SAIS25 approaches on February 17-18, 2025, in Lagos, we invite investors, policymakers, industry leaders, athletes, sports talent managers, sports merchandisers, fans and enthusiasts to join us in shaping the future of African sports.

    Register now at https://apo-opa.co/4gjbCZg and be part of the conversation.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why Trump’s meme coin is a cash grab

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Maximilian Brichta, Doctoral Student of Communication, University of Southern California

    The Trump meme coin has already attracted over a half-million buyers. Mateusz Slodkowski/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

    Three days before his presidential inauguration, Donald Trump launched a meme coin, a type of cryptocurrency whose value is buoyed by social media and internet culture, rather than any sort of functionality or intrinsic value.

    The coin – officially called $Trump – briefly ascended into the top 15 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization and attracted over a half-million buyers.

    Referencing the coin in a news conference on Jan. 21, 2025, a reporter asked Trump if he intended to continue selling products that benefited him personally while being president.

    “You made a lot of money [on $Trump], sir,” he told Trump, who seemed oblivious to its meteoric rise in value.

    “How much?” Trump asked.

    “Several billion dollars, it seems like, in the last couple days.”

    Donald Trump is asked about the successful launch of his new meme coin.

    Over the following week, various publications claimed the meme coin had “ballooned [Trump’s] net worth” making him a “crypto billionaire.”

    While it’s true that Trump stands to benefit handsomely from the meme coin and his other crypto ventures, the claims of Trump himself earning billions off it are overblown.

    Funny money or filch?

    Meme coins became popular in 2013 with the launch of Dogecoin, which its creators intended as a joke, spoofing the many other seemingly useless cryptocurrencies that were popping up at the time. It was never supposed to be a popular investment. The creators even attempted to make it as undesirable as possible to ensure it wouldn’t.

    Twelve years later, it remains in the top 10 cryptocurrencies and has inspired thousands of other meme coins to launch.

    In 2025, it’s cheaper and easier than ever to launch and trade these tokens.

    For example, all it takes to create a new coin on the website Pump.fun is a name, ticker symbol, description, image and the equivalent of roughly US$5 worth of cryptocurrency.

    Moonshot, the crypto exchange that Trump’s meme coin website routes interested buyers to, allows users to sign up in as little as 10 minutes. They’re then able to purchase the Trump coin and a slew of other meme coins.

    The vast majority of meme coins launched are dubious. Many are outright scams. For instance, in August 2024 the Instagram account of McDonald’s was hacked to advertise a meme coin named $Grimace in a nod to the fast-food chain’s purple mascot. After artificially inflating the price of the coin, the creators cashed out close to $700,000.

    There are countless other scam coins that fly under the radar using the same dynamic: generate hype, pump the price and dump on investors.

    Looking under the hood

    So how much might Trump and his associates actually benefit from his new meme coin and, more broadly, the “free-for-all” attitude his administration is taking toward the crypto industry?

    I study the gray area between participation and exploitation in crypto markets, and I dug deeper into the Trump meme coin.

    One way to assess whether a meme coin offering is a scam is to look at its “tokenomics” – that is, the predetermined number of units of its supply, how that supply is distributed and how much of it the creator gets to keep. The higher the percentage of the supply allocated to the creators, the more they can sell for profit. As media studies scholar Lana Swartz points out, creator tokens were originally intended for developers to crowdfund their startups. But with meme coins – which typically don’t claim to build anything – they exist to enrich their creators and, potentially, fund continued marketing of the coin.

    Unlike Dogecoin, which took a “fair launch” approach – meaning that its creators didn’t allocate a portion of the initial coins to themselves before allowing others to trade it – the majority of Trump tokens are allocated to its creators on a three-year-long distribution schedule.

    In fact, 80% of the coin supply will be distributed to the coin’s creators over the course of three years. In other words, the tokenomics of the Trump meme coin are set up so that its creators can slowly sell off their large supply without drastically manipulating its price. Rather than quickly pulling the rug from under investors’ feet, they can do it slowly.

    None of this is hidden information – the tokenomics of the Trump meme coin are featured prominently on the coin’s website.

    Notably, none of the people behind the coin will begin receiving portions of the supply until March 2025. The amount of profit they can reap will be based on future prices. At the time of this writing, the Trump meme coin was down roughly 60% from its peak.

    Who are these creators anyway? The various layers of limited liability companies behind the project, listed in fine print on the $Trump meme website, obscure which individuals stand to benefit.

    Presuming Trump is one of these creators, the president technically doesn’t have an allotment of the supply to cash out – not until March, at least.

    So, no, Trump didn’t make billions from the coin. But he still stands to potentially vacuum up millions of dollars from unwitting investors. Judging by the spike in crypto exchange downloads over the weekend of the Trump coin’s launch, it attracted many new, and likely novice, speculators. Coins like this, which can significantly devalue in a matter of hours, can be distressing introductions to the world of investing.

    This isn’t the first time Trump has tried to make a killing on crypto, either. He’s already brought in millions off the sales of five nonfungible token launches – which are essentially digital trading cards – since 2022.

    Have fun!

    The final words in Trump’s meme coin announcement on his social media platform Truth Social sum up his administration’s attitude toward the crypto industry over the next four years: “Have fun!”

    On Jan. 23, Trump signed an executive order containing a slew of decrees aimed at making the U.S. the “crypto capital of the world.”

    He has tapped venture capitalist David Sacks to chair the group tasked with reworking the prohibitive regulations around the crypto industry. Sacks has invested in crypto-focused companies and has bragged about his personal crypto investments on his podcast.

    In a recent Fox Business interview, Sacks was asked if he thought Trump’s meme coin was a conflict of interest. He said no, suggesting that the coins should be thought of as “collectibles” akin to “a baseball card or a stamp.”

    David Sacks, Donald Trump’s crypto czar, sees little issue with Trump’s crypto investments.

    Notably, the $Trump website also refers to the tokens as “cards” and “memes,” rather than coins. This could be an attempt to skirt legal trouble: It frames them as tokens of mere amusement rather than serious investment vehicles with expectations of profit.

    Nonetheless, several members of Congress have already called for a probe into the Trump meme coin.

    No matter how you define $Trump, one thing remains clear: The structure of the coin is set up to siphon money out of retail investors for at least the next three years. Sure, ordinary speculators can still profit off it, so long as its value remains propped up. That’s basically a gamble.

    With Trump starting to accumulate a stockpile of various cryptocurrencies through his other venture, World Liberty Financial, he could also benefit immensely from a looser regulatory environment.

    Fun indeed.

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

    – ref. Why Trump’s meme coin is a cash grab – https://theconversation.com/why-trumps-meme-coin-is-a-cash-grab-248215

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: ‘We painted our fear, hope and dreams’ − examining the art and artists of Guantánamo Bay

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Alexandra Moore, Professor of Human Rights in Literary and Cultural Studies, Binghamton University, State University of New York

    Sailing ships are a common feature of Moath al-Alwi’s art. Moath al-Alwi, 2016, CC BY-SA

    When Moath al-Alwi left Guantánamo Bay for resettlement in Oman, accompanying him on his journey was a cache of artwork he created during more than two decades of detention.

    Al-Alwi was detainee number “028” – an indication that he was one of the first to arrive at the U.S. military prison off Cuba after it opened in January 2002. His departure from the detention center on Jan. 6, 2025, along with 10 fellow inmates, was part of an effort to reduce the prison’s population before the end of President Joe Biden’s term.

    For al-Alwi, it meant freedom not only for himself, but also for his artwork. While not all detainees shared his passion, creating art was not an uncommon pursuit inside Guantánamo – indeed it has been a feature, formally and informally, of the detention center since its opening more than 20 years ago.

    As editors of the recently published book “The Guantánamo Artwork and Testimony of Moath al-Alwi: Deaf Walls Speak,” we found that art-making in Guantánamo was more than self-expression; it became a testament to detainees’ emotions and experiences and influenced relationships inside the detention center. Examining the art offers unique ways of understanding conditions inside the facility.

    Art from tea bags and toilet paper

    Detained without charge or trial for 23 years, al-Alwi was first cleared for release in December 2021. Due to unstable conditions in his home country of Yemen, however, his transfer was subject to finding another country for resettlement. Scheduled for release in early October 2023, he and 10 other Yemeni detainees were further delayed when the Biden administration canceled the flight due to concerns over the political climate after the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel.

    Sabri Mohammad Ibrahim Al Qurashi depicted Lady Liberty with a cage at her base.
    Sabri Mohammad Ibrahim Al Qurashi, CC BY-SA

    During his detention, al-Alwi suffered abuse and ill treatment, including forced feedings. Making art was a way for him, and others, to survive and assert their humanity, he said. Along with fellow former detainees Sabri al-Qurashi, Ahmed Rabbani, Muhammad Ansi and Khalid Qasim, among others, al-Alwi became an accomplished artist while being held. His work was featured in several art shows and in a New York Times opinion documentary short

    During the detention center’s early years, these men used whatever materials were at hand to create artwork – the edge of a tea bag to write on toilet paper, an apple stem to imprint floral and geometric patterns and poems onto Styrofoam cups, which the authorities would destroy after each meal.

    In 2010, the Obama administration began offering art classes at Guantánamo in an attempt to show the world they were treating prisoners humanely and helping them occupy their time.

    However, those attending were given only rudimentary supplies. And they were subjected to invasive body searches to and from class and initially shackled to the floor, with one hand chained to the table, throughout each session. Furthermore, the subject matter for their art was restricted – detainees were forbidden from representing certain aspects of their detention, and all artwork was subject to approval and risked being destroyed.

    Despite this, many detainees participated in the classes for camaraderie and the opportunity to engage in some form of creative expression.

    A window to freedom

    Making art served many purposes. Mansoor Adayfi, a former Guantánamo Bay detainee and author of “Don’t Forget Us Here: Lost and Found at Guantanamo,” wrote in his contribution to the book on al-Alwi that initially, “we painted what we missed: the beautiful blue sky, the sea, stars. We painted our fear, hope and dreams.”

    Those who have been transferred from Guantánamo describe the art as a way to express their appreciation for culture, the natural world and their families while imprisoned by a regime that consistently characterized them as violent and inhuman.

    The Statue of Liberty became a frequent motif Guantánamo artists deployed to communicate the betrayal of U.S. laws and ideals. Often, Lady Liberty was depicted in distress – drowning, shackled or hooded. For Sabri al-Qurashi, the symbol of freedom under duress represented his own condition when he painted it. “I am in prison, not free, and without any rights,” he told us.

    Sabri Mohammad Ibrahim Al Qurashi painting of the Statue of Liberty.
    Sabri Mohammad Ibrahim Al Qurashi, 2012, CC BY-SA

    Other times, the artwork responded directly to the men’s day-to-day conditions of confinement.

    One of al-Alwi’s early pieces was a model of a three-dimensional window. Approximately 40 x 55 inches, the window was filled in with images carefully torn from nature and travel magazines, and layered to create depth, so that it appeared to look out on an island with a house with palm and coconut trees made from twisted pieces of rope and soap.

    Al-Alwi was initially allowed to keep it in his windowless cell, and fellow detainees and guards would visit to “look out” the window.

    But, as far as we know, it was eventually lost or destroyed in a prison raid.

    Art as representation and respite

    In another example of how artwork can be an expression of what former detainees call their “brotherhood,” Khalid Qasim, who was imprisoned at the age of 23 and held for more than two decades before being transferred alongside al-Alwi, mixed coffee grounds and coarse sand to create a series of nine textured, evocative paintings to memorialize each of the nine men who died while held at Guantánamo.

    Especially in periods when camp rules allowed detainees to create artwork in their cells, the artists’ use of prison detritus and found objects made the artwork more than simply a depiction of what the men lacked, desired or imagined. Artwork helped create an alternative forum for the men’s experiences, especially for those artists who, along with the vast majority of Guantánamo’s 779 detainees, never faced charge or trial.

    The pieces served as symbols and metaphors of the detainees’ experiences. For example, al-Alwi describes his 2015 large model ship, The Ark, as fighting against the waves of an imagined, threatening sea. In creating it, he wrote, “I felt I was rescuing myself.”

    Moath al-Alwi used found items to create his model ships.
    Moath al-Alwi, 2017, CC BY-SA

    Constructed out of the materials of his imprisonment, the work also points to the conditions of his daily life in Guantánamo. Made from the strands of mops, unraveled prayer cap and T-shirt threads, bottle caps, bits of sponges and cardboard from meal packaging, al-Alwi’s ships – he went on to create at least seven – reveal both his artistic ingenuity and his circumstances.

    Guantánamo artists talk about the artwork as being imprisoned like them and subjected to the same restrictions and seemingly arbitrary processes of approval or disappearance.

    The transfer to Oman of al-Alwi and his artwork releases both from those processes. It also creates an opportunity to inform the public about what Guantánamo meant to those who were held there, and to the 15 men who remain.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. ‘We painted our fear, hope and dreams’ − examining the art and artists of Guantánamo Bay – https://theconversation.com/we-painted-our-fear-hope-and-dreams-examining-the-art-and-artists-of-guantanamo-bay-246964

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: A federal policy expert weighs in on Trump’s efforts to stifle gender-affirming care for Americans under 19

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Elana Redfield, Federal Policy Director at the Williams Institute, University of California, Los Angeles

    President Donald Trump signs an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House on Jan. 23, 2025. AP Photo/Ben Curtis

    Amid a flurry of executive orders affecting transgender Americans, the Trump administration ordered restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors. Calling it “a stain on our Nation’s history,” the Jan. 28, 2025, order seeks to “end” this form of treatment for Americans under 19 years old.

    The Conversation U.S. interviewed Elana Redfield, federal policy director at the Williams Institute, an independent research center at the UCLA School of Law dedicated to studying sexual orientation and gender identity law. She describes the aims of the executive order, how much weight it carries, and how it should be understood in the broader context of legal battles over access to gender-affirming care.

    What’s the scope of the executive order?

    Twenty-six states have already restricted gender-affirming care for minors or banned it outright. So the order seeks to extend restrictions to the rest of the country using the weight of the executive branch.

    However, it’s not a national ban on gender-affirming care for minors. Instead, it’s directing federal agencies to regulate and restrict this form of care.

    That being said, federal agencies have a tremendous impact on American life. Trans kids rely on publicly funded health insurance programs such as Medicaid and TRICARE, which is administered to the children of active duty service members via the Department of Defense. And a big part of the executive order is directing the federal agencies that administer these programs to review their own policies to ensure that they are not supporting gender-affirming care for minors.

    So what we’re really seeing is the federal government trying to erect barriers to kids accessing this care.

    Does the executive branch have the authority to unilaterally ban federal funding of certain medical treatments?

    The answer is a little mixed. A president might be able to suspend or put a temporary pause on funding a particular type of treatment or service. But the actual parameters of a program – and how agencies should implement them – are determined by Congress and, to some extent, by the courts.

    Ultimately, the president can only take actions in ways that are designated by the Constitution, or through some specific power that Congress has granted to the executive branch. I don’t see that authority granted for a lot of what’s contained in this executive order. But many of these directives will probably be litigated in court, where the president will likely argue that he has the power to direct agencies to do all they can to put a halt to gender-affirming care for minors.

    Do private health insurers fall outside the scope of this executive order?

    On the surface, yes. But it’s easy to see how directives from the executive branch can touch broader components of the country’s health care system, including private hospitals and private health insurance.

    For example, Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act is a nondiscrimination provision. It says there can be no sex discrimination when it comes to approving health care treatments. This has been interpreted to mean that health insurance plans receiving federal funding cannot deny a policyholder gender-affirming care. However, this interpretation has been blocked by a federal court.

    The question of whether this definition of sex discrimination encompasses gender identity is currently playing out in the courts. For example, there’s a pending U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding a Tennessee law banning gender-affirming care for minors. Should the Supreme Court determine that Tennessee is able to ban gender-affirming care for minors, it’s possible to see how this could impact private health insurance coverage for gender-affirming care.

    Transgender rights supporters and opponents rally outside of the U.S. Supreme Court as the high court hears arguments in a case about Tennessee’s law banning gender-affirming care for minors on Dec. 4, 2024.
    Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

    What else stood out to you from the executive order?

    The executive order directs the Department of Justice to discourage doctors and hospitals from administering gender-affirming care to minors, characterizing it as genital mutilation, which is a heinous-sounding offense. Even though this is an inaccurate comparison, it could have a chilling effect even in states where this form of care is legal.

    The order also contains a provision that asks Congress to extend the statute of limitations for gender-affirming care, so that someone who received gender-affirming care as a minor and decides they’re not happy with it decades later can sue their doctor. Some states have already extended the statute of limitations to 30 years for gender-affirming care.

    Again, this could have a chilling effect in states where the care is legal. What doctor or hospital would want to expose themselves to this risk?

    Of course, these two elements constitute directives from the executive branch, but we don’t know how they’ll be enforced. They do reveal, however, some of the ways in which the administration plans to direct its efforts.

    Before Roe v. Wade was overturned, federal funding of elective abortion had been restricted for decades under the Hyde Amendment. You can’t receive coverage for an abortion under a Medicaid plan, for example. Do you see this executive order as Trump trying to simply enact – via fiat, of course – his own version of the Hyde Amendment, but instead applied to gender-affirming care for minors?

    I think there’s a key difference between the two. The Hyde Amendment, which has been repeatedly reenacted by Congress, prohibits federal funding of abortion care, but it doesn’t prohibit states from allowing or permitting abortion. It’s always operated as a sort of compromise: It says providers can’t use federal funding for an abortion, but they can use their own funding to administer abortions – and oh, by the way, they can still receive federal funding for other health services.

    This executive order, on the other hand, takes a much more uncompromising position: It tells agency heads to stop directing any and all federal funds to institutions that research or provide gender-affirming care.

    Again, it’s important to remember that executive orders aren’t established policy. They’re simply directing agencies to craft certain policies and encouraging lawmakers to enact legislation.

    So far, much of the legislation restricting gender-affirming care – whether it’s at the state level or in the executive branch – has centered on minors, or individuals under 19. Are there any threats to gender-affirming care for adults?

    Only one state, Florida, has enacted a law that specifically regulates gender-affirming care for adults. That law basically sets some compliance standards and restricts who can prescribe the care. Florida also banned the use of state funds for gender-affirming care for everyone, adults and children. So that means, for example, those who are incarcerated in state prisons can’t receive gender-affirming care.

    Florida isn’t the only state that has enacted a state funding ban. Depending on your insurance, this could mean you’re forced to pay out of pocket for your procedures and treatment, which can be prohibitively expensive.

    What are you going to be watching for in the coming weeks?

    I’m sure someone’s going to sue to challenge the order. The problem, though, is that an executive order is an expression of policy ideas. You need something to actually happen before lawyers and activists can react to it. So I’ll be tracking federal agencies to see how they specifically try to enact some of these directives.

    Is there anything else you’d like to add?

    This executive order contains language that characterizes the science around gender-affirming care as junk science. It’s repeatedly described as chemical and surgical mutilation, or as maiming and sterilizing kids. There’s talk of rapid-onset gender dysphoria, which has been discredited.

    So it rejects the idea that gender-affirming care has health benefits, even though there’s robust, extensive evidence supporting access to gender-affirming care. Self-reporting by transgender individuals is overwhelmingly positive: 98% of trans people who had hormone therapy said it made their lives better, according to the 2022 U.S. Transgender Survey.

    There are also rigorous standards of practice, including for how you support and treat minors, that are intended to prevent overprescription or overutilization of services.

    In other words, there are already barriers in place and checks and balances for minors if they want to access gender-affirming care.

    Elana Redfield works at an organization that has received private, state or federal research grants.

    – ref. A federal policy expert weighs in on Trump’s efforts to stifle gender-affirming care for Americans under 19 – https://theconversation.com/a-federal-policy-expert-weighs-in-on-trumps-efforts-to-stifle-gender-affirming-care-for-americans-under-19-248646

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How satellites and AI help fight wildfires today

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By John W. Daily, Research Professor in Thermo Fluid Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder

    The wind and terrain can quickly change how a fire, like this one near Los Angeles in January 2025, behaves. AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez

    As wind-driven wildfires spread through the Los Angeles area in January 2025, fire-spotting technology and computer models were helping firefighters understand the rapidly changing environment they were facing.

    That technology has evolved over the years, yet some techniques are very similar to those used over 100 years ago.

    I have spent several decades studying combustion, including wildfire behavior and the technology used to track fires and predict where wildfires might turn. Here’s a quick tour of the key technologies used today.

    Spotting fires faster

    First, the fire must be discovered.

    Often wildfires are reported by people seeing smoke. That hasn’t changed, but other ways fires are spotted have evolved.

    In the early part of the 20th century, the newly established U.S. Forest Service built fire lookout towers around the country. The towers were topped by cabins with windows on all four walls and provided living space for the fire lookouts. The system was motivated by the Great Fire of 1910 that burned 3 million acres in Washington, Idaho and Montana and killed 87 people.

    Before satellites, fire crews watched for smoke from fire towers across the national forests.
    K. D. Swan, U.S. Forest Service

    Today, cameras watch over many high-risk areas. California has more than 1,100 cameras watching for signs of smoke. Artificial intelligence systems continuously analyze the images to provide data for firefighters to quickly respond. AI is a way to train a computer program to recognize repetitive patterns: smoke plumes in the case of fire.

    NOAA satellites paired with AI data analysis also generate alerts but over a wider area. They can detect heat signatures, map fire perimeters and burned areas, and track smoke and pollutants to assess air quality and health risks.

    Forecasting fire behavior

    Once a fire is spotted, one immediate task for firefighting teams is to estimate how the fire is going to behave so they can deploy their limited firefighting resources most effectively.

    Fire managers have seen many fires and have a sense of the risks their regions face. Today, they also have computer simulations that combine data about the terrain, the materials burning and the weather to help predict how a fire is likely to spread.

    Fuel models

    Fuel models are based on the ecosystem involved, using fire history and laboratory testing. In Southern California, for example, much of the wildland fuel is chaparral, a type of shrubland with dense, rocky soil and highly flammable plants in a Mediterranean climate. Chaparral is one of the fastest-burning fuel types, and fires can spread quickly in that terrain.

    For human-made structures, things are a bit more complex. The materials a house is made of – if it has wood siding, for example – and the environment around it, such as how close it is to trees or wooden fences, play an important role in how likely it is to burn and how it burns.

    How scientists study fire behavior in a lab.

    Weather and terrain

    Terrain is also important because it influences local winds and because fire tends to run faster uphill than down. Terrain data is well known thanks to satellite imagery and can easily be incorporated into computer codes.

    Weather plays another critical role in fire behavior. Fires need oxygen to burn, and the windier it is, the more oxygen is available to the fire. High winds also tend to generate embers from burning vegetation that can be blown up to 5 miles in the highest winds, starting spot fires that can quickly spread.

    Today, large computer simulations can forecast the weather. There are global models that cover the entire Earth and local models that cover smaller areas but with better resolution that provides greater detail.

    Both provide real-time data on the weather for creating fire behavior simulations.

    Modeling how flames spread

    Flame-spread models can then estimate the likely movement of a fire.

    Scientists build these models by studying past fires and conducting laboratory experiments, combined with mathematical models that incorporate the physics of fire. With local terrain, fuel and real-time weather information, these simulations can help fire managers predict a fire’s likely behavior.

    Examples of how computer modeling can forecast a fire’s spread. American Physical Society.

    Advanced modeling can account for fuel details such as ground-level plant growth and tree canopies, including amount of cover, tree height and tree density. These models can estimate when a fire will reach the tree canopy and how that will affect the fire’s spread.

    Forecasting helps, but wind can change fast

    All these tools are made available to firefighters in computer applications and can help fire crews as they respond to wildfires.

    However, wind can rapidly change speed or direction, and new fires can start in unexpected places, meaning fire managers know they have to be prepared for many possible outcomes – not just the likely outcomes they see on their computer screens.

    Ultimately, during a fire, firefighting strategy is based on human judgment informed by experience, as well as science and technology.

    John W. Daily receives funding from the Department of Defense for wildland fire research. He is affiliated with the Combustion Institute and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. He is a Fellow of both organizations.

    – ref. How satellites and AI help fight wildfires today – https://theconversation.com/how-satellites-and-ai-help-fight-wildfires-today-248420

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Gen Z seeks safety above all else as the generation grows up amid constant crisis and existential threat

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Yalda T. Uhls, Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Scholars & Storytellers and Assistant Adjunct Professor in Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles

    Asked to rate the importance of 14 personal goals, Gen Z reported ‘to be safe’ as the top goal. Darya Komarova/Getty Images

    After many years of partisan politics, increasingly divisive language, finger-pointing and inflammatory speech have contributed to an environment of fear and uncertainty, affecting not just political dynamics but also the priorities and perceptions of young people.

    As a developmental psychologist who studies the intersection of media and adolescent mental health, and as a mother of two Gen Z kids, I have seen firsthand how external societal factors can profoundly shape young people’s emotional well-being.

    This was brought into sharp relief through the results of a recent survey my colleagues and I conducted with 1,644 young people across the U.S., ages 10 to 24. The study was not designed as a political poll but rather as a window into what truly matters to adolescents. We asked participants to rate the importance of 14 personal goals. These included classic teenage desires such as “being popular,” “having fun” and “being kind.”

    None of these ranked as the top priority. Instead, the No. 1 answer was “to be safe.”

    It lurks everywhere: Gen Z’s perception of danger is further shaped by events like the recent fires devastating Los Angeles.
    Agustin Paullier/AFP via Getty Images

    What was once taken for granted

    The findings are both illuminating and heartbreaking. As a teenager, I did countless unsafe things. My peers and I didn’t dwell on harm; we chased fun and freedom.

    Whereas previous generations may have taken safety for granted, today’s youth are growing up in an era of compounded crises — school shootings, a worsening climate crisis, financial uncertainty and the lingering trauma of a global pandemic. Even though our research did not pinpoint the specific causes of adolescent fears, the constant exposure to crises, amplified by social media, likely plays a significant role in fostering a pervasive sense of worry.

    Despite data showing that many aspects of life are safer now than in previous generations, young people just don’t feel it. Their perception of danger is further shaped by events like the recent fires that devastated Los Angeles, reinforcing a belief that danger, possibly caused by global crises like climate change, lurks everywhere.

    This shift in perspective has profound implications for the future of this generation and those to come.

    Especially vulnerable time

    Adolescence, like early childhood, is a pivotal period for brain development. Young people are particularly sensitive to their surroundings as their brains evaluate the environment to prepare them for independence.

    This developmental stage – when the capacity to regulate emotions and critically assess information is still maturing – makes them especially vulnerable to enduring impacts.

    Studies show that adolescents are more likely to overestimate risks and struggle to put threats in context. This makes them particularly vulnerable to fear-driven messaging prevalent in both traditional and social media, which is further amplified by political rhetoric and blame-shifting. This vulnerability has implications for their mental health, as prolonged exposure to fear and uncertainty has been linked to increased rates of anxiety, depression and even physical health issues.

    So when the media that Gen Z consumes are dominated by fear – be it through headlines, social media posts, political rhetoric or even storylines in movies and TV – it could shape their worldview in ways that may reverberate for generations to come.

    Enduring generational impact

    Historical events have long been shown to shape the worldview of entire generations.

    For instance, the Great Depression primarily impacted the daily lives of the Silent Generation, those born between 1928 and 1945. Moreover, its long-term effects on financial attitudes and security concerns echoed into the Baby Boomer generation, influencing how those born between 1946 and 1964 approached money, stability and risk throughout their lives.

    Similarly, today’s adolescents, growing up amid a series of compounded global crises, will likely carry the imprint of this period of heightened fear and uncertainty well into adulthood. This formative experience could shape their mental health, decision-making and even their collective identity and values for decades to come.

    In addition, feelings of insecurity and instability can make people more responsive to fear-based messaging, which could potentially influence their political and social choices. In an era marked by the rise of authoritarian governments, this susceptibility could have far-reaching implications because fear often drives individuals to prioritize immediate safety over moral or ideological ideals.

    As such, these dynamics may profoundly shape how this generation engages with the world, the causes they champion and the leaders they choose to follow.

    Room for optimism?

    Interestingly, “being kind” was rated No. 2 in our survey, irrespective of other demographics. While safety dominates their priorities, adolescents still value qualities that foster connection and community.

    This finding indicates a duality in their aspirations: While they feel a pervasive sense of danger, they also recognize the importance of interpersonal relationships and emotional well-being.

    Our findings are a call to look at the broader societal context shaping adolescent development. For instance, the rise in school-based safety drills, while intended to provide a sense of preparedness, may unintentionally reinforce feelings of insecurity. Similarly, the apocalyptic narrative around climate change may create a sense of powerlessness that could further compound their fears and leave them wanting to bury their heads in the sand.

    Understanding how these perceptions are formed and their implications for mental health, decision-making and behavior is essential for parents, storytellers, policymakers and researchers.

    I believe we must also consider how societal systems contribute to the pervasive sense of uncertainty and fear among youth. Further research can help untangle the complex relationship between external stressors, media consumption and youth well-being, shedding light on how to best support adolescents during this formative stage of life.

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

    – ref. Gen Z seeks safety above all else as the generation grows up amid constant crisis and existential threat – https://theconversation.com/gen-z-seeks-safety-above-all-else-as-the-generation-grows-up-amid-constant-crisis-and-existential-threat-245455

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Biden targeted the online right-wing terrorism threat − now it’s up to Trump

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jason M. Blazakis, Professor of Practice and Director of Center on Terrorism, Extremism and Counterterrorism, Middlebury

    U.S. officials say the right-wing terrorism threat is significant. Farion_O/iStock via Getty Images

    In the waning days of the Biden administration, the U.S. Department of State took its first major step against terrorism groups primarily focused on what is called “accelerationism” – the effort to inspire independent followers to engage in violence in ways that broadly destabilize society. The U.S. government has long targeted actively violent terrorist organizations such as al-Qaida – the group behind the 9/11 attacks – and the Islamic State group, which carried out beheadings of innocent civilians in Iraq and Syria.

    Then-FBI Director Christopher Wray repeatedly warned Congress about the threat to national security from far-right accelerationist groups. In a move to respond to those warnings, the Biden administration labeled the online-only “Terrorgram Collective” and three of its leaders as specially designated global terrorists, which means their financial assets are frozen and anyone who tries to support them can be arrested.

    The Terrorgram Collective aims to destroy the current global economic and political structure and spark a war between white people and people of other racial and ethnic backgrounds. To accomplish that, it maintains an online forum on the Telegram social media platform. The forum’s posts, from leaders and followers alike, are characterized by people spouting violent rhetoric and incitement to violence against minorities, Jewish people and governments.

    Widespread radicalization

    The State Department’s action also specifically targets two U.S. citizens: Dallas Humber of California and Matthew Allison of Idaho, who allegedly played leading roles in the Terrorgram Collective and are facing federal charges for soliciting the murder of government officials.

    As my colleagues at Middlebury’s Center on Terrorism, Extremism and Counterterrorism wrote in a 2022 report, Terrorgram’s danger is primarily in its ability to spread far-right propaganda to radicalize almost anyone active on Telegram or elsewhere online.

    The State Department has not attributed specific attacks to the Terrorgram Collective but rather warns of its influence and potential to inspire attacks by people who encounter the ideas it spreads. For instance, Terrorgram material was reportedly used as the basis for writings by a 17-year-old high school student who killed two fellow students and injured a third in a Jan. 22, 2025, school shooting in Nashville, Tennessee.

    The Telegram app icon on a smartphone screen.
    Nikolas Kokovlis/NurPhoto via Getty Images

    Little targeting of fascist groups

    The Terrorgram action came seven months after the Biden administration’s labeling of a Scandinavia-based far-right extremist group, the Nordic Resistance Movement, as terrorists as well.

    These were two of just three times fascist extremist groups anywhere in the world were labeled terrorists by the U.S. government. Early in his first term, President Donald Trump’s State Department did label one far-right group as a specially designated global terrorist organization: the Russian Imperial Movement, based in Russia.

    But as the former head of the State Department office that sanctions terrorists, I know that neither Trump nor Biden marshaled the full force of the nation’s anti-terrorism efforts against these groups.

    There’s a hierarchy in the U.S. government’s labels for these organizations. That hierarchy reflects the degree of danger an organization poses as well as the strength of the U.S. response to it.

    The highest-level designation and the most significant sanctions the U.S. government can impose come from placing a group on the State Department’s list of foreign terrorist organizations. That list includes groups such as al-Qaida and the Islamic State group – also called ISIS or ISIL – which are subject to asset freezes and extended prison sentences and are barred from entering the U.S.

    The second-tier list covers what are called specially designated global terrorists, which carries similar, but less severe, restrictions.

    It’s easier to prove someone did something to support a group on the foreign terrorist organization list than to prove support for a group on the specially designated list. And jail time for foreign terrorist organization backers is typically longer.

    All three right-wing groups are on the specially designated list, though the Trump administration could upgrade them to the top-level list, as Trump has asked the State Department to do with the Houthi militants in Yemen.

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

    – ref. Biden targeted the online right-wing terrorism threat − now it’s up to Trump – https://theconversation.com/biden-targeted-the-online-right-wing-terrorism-threat-now-its-up-to-trump-247977

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gross Domestic Product, 4th Quarter and Year 2024 (Advance Estimate)

    Source: US Bureau of Economic Analysis

    Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased at an annual rate of 2.3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024 (October, November, and December), according to the advance estimate released by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. In the third quarter, real GDP increased 3.1 percent.

    The increase in real GDP in the fourth quarter primarily reflected increases in consumer spending and government spending that were partly offset by a decrease in investment. Imports, which are a subtraction in the calculation of GDP, decreased. For more information, refer to the “Technical Notes” below.

    Compared to the third quarter, the deceleration in real GDP in the fourth quarter primarily reflected downturns in investment and exports. Imports turned down.

    The price index for gross domestic purchases increased 2.2 percent in the fourth quarter, compared with an increase of 1.9 percent in the third quarter. The personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index increased 2.3 percent, compared with an increase of 1.5 percent. Excluding food and energy prices, the PCE price index increased 2.5 percent, compared with an increase of 2.2 percent.

    Real GDP and Related Measures
    (Percent change from preceding quarter)
    Real GDP 2.3
    Current-dollar GDP 4.5
    Gross domestic purchases price index 2.2
    PCE price index 2.3
    PCE price index excluding food and energy 2.5

    GDP for 2024

    Real GDP increased 2.8 percent in 2024 (from the 2023 annual level to the 2024 annual level), compared with an increase of 2.9 percent in 2023. The increase in real GDP in 2024 reflected increases in consumer spending, investment, government spending, and exports. Imports increased.

    The price index for gross domestic purchases increased 2.3 percent in 2024, compared with an increase of 3.3 percent in 2023. The PCE price index increased 2.5 percent, compared with an increase of 3.8 percent. Excluding food and energy prices, the PCE price index increased 2.8 percent, compared with an increase of 4.1 percent.

    Next release: February 27, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. EST
    Gross Domestic Product, 4th Quarter and Year 2024 (Second Estimate)

    For definitions, statistical conventions, updates to GDP, and more, visit “Additional Information.”

    Technical Notes

    Sources of change for real GDP

    Real GDP increased at an annual rate of 2.3 percent (0.6 percent at a quarterly rate1), primarily reflecting increases in both consumer and government spending. Imports, which are a subtraction in the calculation of GDP, decreased.

    • The increase in consumer spending reflected increases in both services and goods. Within services, the leading contributor to the increase was health care. Within goods, the leading contributors to the increase were recreational goods and vehicles as well as motor vehicles and parts.
      • Within health care, hospital and nursing home services (notably hospital services) and outpatient services increased, based primarily on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Current Employment Statistics (CES) employment, earnings, and hours data.
      • The increase in recreational goods and vehicles was led by information processing equipment, based on Census Bureau Monthly Retail Trade Survey data.
      • The increase in motor vehicles and parts was led by new light trucks, based primarily on unit sales data from Wards Intelligence.
    • The increase in government spending reflected increases in state and local as well as federal government spending.
      • Within state and local government spending, the increase was led by compensation of employees, based primarily on employment data from the BLS CES.
      • Within federal government spending, the increase was led by defense consumption expenditures, based primarily on Monthly Treasury Statement data.

    More information on the source data and BEA assumptions that underlie the fourth-quarter estimate is shown in the key source data and assumptions table.

    Impact of Hurricane Milton on fourth-quarter 2024 estimates

    Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane just south of Tampa Bay, Florida, on October 9, 2024, bringing damage from high winds, including significant tornado activity, and extensive inland flooding. 

    This disaster disrupted usual consumer and business activities and prompted emergency services and remediation activities. The responses to this disaster are included, but not separately identified, in the source data that BEA uses to prepare the estimates of GDP; consequently, it is not possible to estimate the overall impact of Hurricane Milton on fourth-quarter GDP. The destruction of fixed assets, such as residential and nonresidential structures, does not directly affect GDP or personal income. BEA estimates of disaster losses are presented in NIPA table 5.1, “Saving and Investment.” BEA’s preliminary estimates show that Hurricane Milton resulted in losses of $27.0 billion in privately owned fixed assets ($108.0 billion at an annual rate) and $3.0 billion in state and local government-owned fixed assets ($12.0 billion at an annual rate).

    For additional information, refer to “How are the measures of production and income in the national accounts affected by a disaster?” and “How are the fixed assets accounts (FAAs) and consumption of fixed capital (CFC) impacted by disasters?”

    1. Percent changes in quarterly seasonally adjusted series are displayed at annual rates, unless otherwise specified. For more information, refer to the FAQ Why does BEA publish percent changes in quarterly series at annual rates?. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Kearny Financial Corp. Announces Second Quarter Fiscal 2025 Results and Declaration of Cash Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FAIRFIELD, N.J., Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kearny Financial Corp. (NASDAQ GS: KRNY) (the “Company”), the holding company of Kearny Bank (the “Bank”), reported net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 of $6.6 million, compared to $6.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024.

    Earnings per basic and diluted share were $0.11 and $0.10, respectively, for the quarter ended December 31, 2024. This compares to earnings per basic and diluted share of $0.10 for the quarter ended September 30, 2024.

    The Company also announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.11 per share, payable on February 26, 2025, to stockholders of record as of February 12, 2025.

    Craig L. Montanaro, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “As anticipated, this quarter reflected the early stages of growth in net interest income and expansion of net interest margin. We are pleased to report growth in deposits of 3.7% from September 30, 2024, reflecting robust performance from our branch network, digital channels and commercial lending relationships. This growth allowed us to shrink the balance of outstanding borrowings while reducing our cost of funds by nine basis points quarter-over-quarter.”

    Mr. Montanaro continued, “Although market expectations for fed funds rate cuts have moderated, the continuation of positive deposit trends coupled with the reinvestment of low-coupon cash flows from our loan and securities portfolio should serve as earnings tailwinds in the coming quarters.”

    Balance Sheet

    • Total assets were $7.73 billion at December 31, 2024, a decrease of $41.0 million, or 0.5%, from September 30, 2024.
    • Investment securities totaled $1.15 billion at December 31, 2024, a decrease of $57.5 million, or 4.8%, from September 30, 2024.
    • Loans receivable totaled $5.79 billion at December 31, 2024, an increase of $7.5 million, or 0.1%, from September 30, 2024.
    • Deposits were $5.67 billion at December 31, 2024, an increase of $200.5 million, or 3.7%, from September 30, 2024. This increase was primarily driven by increases in interest and non-interest bearing demand deposits of $142.1 million, and an increase of $60.6 million in consumer savings deposits.
    • Borrowings were $1.26 billion at December 31, 2024, a decrease of $220.9 million, or 14.9%, from September 30, 2024, reflecting reductions in Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) and other borrowings.
    • At December 31, 2024, the Company maintained available secured borrowing capacity with the FHLB and the Federal Reserve Discount Window of $2.32 billion, an increase of $256.0 million from September 30, 2024, representing 30.0% of total assets.

    Earnings

    Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

    • Net interest margin expanded two basis points from the quarter ended September 30, 2024 to 1.82% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024. The increase for the quarter was driven by the replacement of borrowings with relatively lower cost deposits and broad based decreases in deposit rates, partially offset by higher costs and average balances of brokered certificates of deposit (“CDs”), along with reduced average balances and yields on interest-earning assets.
    • For the quarter ended December 31, 2024, net interest income increased $166,000 to $32.6 million from $32.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. Included in net interest income for the quarters ended December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024, respectively, was purchase accounting accretion of $685,000 and $649,000, and loan prepayment penalty income of $288,000 and $52,000.

    Non-Interest Income

    • Non-interest income increased $247,000 to $4.9 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, from $4.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. This increase was primarily driven by a $104,000 larger gain on the sale of loans held-for-sale compared to the prior comparative period and a $102,000 increase in electronic banking fees and charges.

    Non-Interest Expense

    • For the quarter ended December 31, 2024, non-interest expense decreased $225,000, or 0.8%, to $29.6 million from $29.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. This decrease was primarily driven by a decrease in other expense, partially offset by an increase in salary and benefits expense.
    • Salary and benefits expense increased $81,000 primarily driven by the absence of a non-recurring decrease in stock-based compensation recorded in the prior comparative period, partially offset by a decrease in payroll taxes.
    • Other expense decreased $280,000 primarily driven by a reversal of $116,000 for credit losses related to off balance sheet commitments compared to a provision for credit losses on off balance sheet commitments of $274,000 recorded in the prior comparative period. The remaining changes in the other components of non-interest expense between comparative periods generally reflected normal operating fluctuations within those line items.

    Income Taxes

    • Income tax expense totaled $1.3 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 compared to $1.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, resulting in an effective tax rate of 16.0% and 15.1%, respectively. The increase in income tax expense was primarily due to higher pre-tax income in the current quarter.

    Asset Quality

    • The balance of non-performing assets decreased $2.2 million to $37.7 million, or 0.49% of total assets, at December 31, 2024, from $39.9 million, or 0.51% of total assets, at September 30, 2024, respectively.
    • Net charge-offs totaled $573,000, or 0.04% of average loans, on an annualized basis, for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to $124,000, or 0.01% of average loans, on an annualized basis, for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. The net charge-offs recorded for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 had previously been individually reserved for within the allowance for credit losses (“ACL”).
    • For the quarter ended December 31, 2024, the Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $107,000, compared to $108,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. The provision for credit loss expense for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 was primarily driven by loan growth.
    • The ACL was $44.5 million, or 0.77% of total loans, at December 31, 2024, a decrease of $466,000 from $44.9 million, or 0.78% of total loans, at September 30, 2024. The decrease in the ACL from September 30, 2024 was largely attributable to a reduction in reserves for individually evaluated loans, resulting from the charge-offs noted above.

    Capital

    • For the quarter ended December 31, 2024, book value per share decreased $0.11, or 0.9%, to $11.53 while tangible book value per share decreased $0.10, or 1.0%, to $9.75. These decreases were driven by a $7.4 million larger accumulated other comprehensive loss due primarily to a decrease in the fair value of the Company’s available for sale securities, partially offset by an increase in the fair value of the Company’s derivatives portfolio.
    • At December 31, 2024, total stockholders’ equity included after-tax net unrealized losses on securities available for sale of $89.8 million, partially offset by after-tax unrealized gains on derivatives of $17.4 million. After-tax net unrecognized losses on securities held to maturity of $11.3 million were not reflected in total stockholders’ equity.
    • At December 31, 2024, the Company’s tangible equity to tangible assets ratio equaled 8.27% and the regulatory capital ratios of both the Company and the Bank were in excess of the levels required by federal banking regulators to be classified as “well-capitalized” under regulatory guidelines.

    This earnings release should be read in conjunction with Kearny Financial Corp.’s Q2 2025 Investor Presentation, a copy of which is available through the Investor Relations link located at the bottom of the page of our website at www.kearnybank.com and via a Current Report on Form 8-K on the website of the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov.

    Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors, which include, but are not limited to, factors discussed in documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. The Company does not undertake and specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company.

    Category: Earnings

    For further information contact:
    Keith Suchodolski, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, or
    Sean Byrnes, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
    Kearny Financial Corp.
    (973) 244-4500

    Linked-Quarter Comparative Financial Analysis
             
    Kearny Financial Corp.
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (Unaudited)
             
    (Dollars and Shares in Thousands,
    Except Per Share Data)    		 December 31,
    2024    		 September 30,
    2024    		 Variance
    or Change    		 Variance
    or Change Pct.
    Assets        
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 141,554   $ 155,574   $ (14,020 ) -9.0 %
    Securities available for sale   1,018,279     1,070,811     (52,532 ) -4.9 %
    Securities held to maturity   127,266     132,256     (4,990 ) -3.8 %
    Loans held-for-sale   5,695     8,866     (3,171 ) -35.8 %
    Loans receivable   5,791,758     5,784,246     7,512   0.1 %
    Less: allowance for credit losses on loans   (44,457 )   (44,923 )   (466 ) -1.0 %
    Net loans receivable   5,747,301     5,739,323     7,978   0.1 %
    Premises and equipment   45,127     45,189     (62 ) -0.1 %
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock   64,443     57,706     6,737   11.7 %
    Accrued interest receivable   27,772     29,467     (1,695 ) -5.8 %
    Goodwill   113,525     113,525     —   — %
    Core deposit intangible   1,679     1,805     (126 ) -7.0 %
    Bank owned life insurance   301,339     300,186     1,153   0.4 %
    Deferred income taxes, net   53,325     50,131     3,194   6.4 %
    Other assets   84,080     67,540     16,540   24.5 %
    Total assets $ 7,731,385   $ 7,772,379   $ (40,994 ) -0.5 %
             
    Liabilities        
    Deposits:        
    Non-interest-bearing $ 601,510   $ 592,099   $ 9,411   1.6 %
    Interest-bearing   5,069,550     4,878,413     191,137   3.9 %
    Total deposits   5,671,060     5,470,512     200,548   3.7 %
    Borrowings   1,258,949     1,479,888     (220,939 ) -14.9 %
    Advance payments by borrowers for taxes   17,986     17,824     162   0.9 %
    Other liabilities   38,537     52,618     (14,081 ) -26.8 %
    Total liabilities   6,986,532     7,020,842     (34,310 ) -0.5 %
             
    Stockholders’ Equity        
    Common stock   646     646     —   — %
    Paid-in capital   494,092     493,523     569   0.1 %
    Retained earnings   342,155     342,522     (367 ) -0.1 %
    Unearned ESOP shares   (19,943 )   (20,430 )   487   2.4 %
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (72,097 )   (64,724 )   (7,373 ) -11.4 %
    Total stockholders’ equity   744,853     751,537     (6,684 ) -0.9 %
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 7,731,385   $ 7,772,379   $ (40,994 ) -0.5 %
             
    Consolidated capital ratios        
    Equity to assets   9.63 %   9.67 %   -0.04 %  
    Tangible equity to tangible assets (1)   8.27 %   8.31 %   -0.04 %  
             
    Share data        
    Outstanding shares   64,580     64,580     —   — %
    Book value per share $ 11.53   $ 11.64   $ (0.11 ) -0.9 %
    Tangible book value per share (2) $ 9.75   $ 9.85   $ (0.10 ) -1.0 %

    _________________________

    (1)   Tangible equity equals total stockholders’ equity reduced by goodwill and core deposit intangible assets. Tangible assets equals total assets reduced by goodwill and core deposit intangible assets.
    (2)   Tangible book value equals total stockholders’ equity reduced by goodwill and core deposit intangible assets.

           
    Kearny Financial Corp.
    Consolidated Statements of Income
    (Unaudited)
           
    (Dollars and Shares in Thousands,
    Except Per Share Data)    		 Three Months Ended Variance
    or Change    		 Variance
    or Change Pct.
    December 31,
    2024    		 September 30,
    2024
    Interest income        
    Loans $ 65,408   $ 66,331   $ (923 ) -1.4 %
    Taxable investment securities   13,803     14,384     (581 ) -4.0 %
    Tax-exempt investment securities   59     71     (12 ) -16.9 %
    Other interest-earning assets   2,215     2,466     (251 ) -10.2 %
    Total interest income   81,485     83,252     (1,767 ) -2.1 %
             
    Interest expense        
    Deposits   36,721     35,018     1,703   4.9 %
    Borrowings   12,152     15,788     (3,636 ) -23.0 %
    Total interest expense   48,873     50,806     (1,933 ) -3.8 %
    Net interest income   32,612     32,446     166   0.5 %
    Provision for credit losses   107     108     (1 ) -0.9 %
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   32,505     32,338     167   0.5 %
             
    Non-interest income        
    Fees and service charges   627     635     (8 ) -1.3 %
    Gain on sale of loans   304     200     104   52.0 %
    Income from bank owned life insurance   2,619     2,567     52   2.0 %
    Electronic banking fees and charges   493     391     102   26.1 %
    Other income   830     833     (3 ) -0.4 %
    Total non-interest income   4,873     4,626     247   5.3 %
             
    Non-interest expense        
    Salaries and employee benefits   17,579     17,498     81   0.5 %
    Net occupancy expense of premises   2,831     2,798     33   1.2 %
    Equipment and systems   3,892     3,860     32   0.8 %
    Advertising and marketing   311     342     (31 ) -9.1 %
    Federal deposit insurance premium   1,503     1,563     (60 ) -3.8 %
    Directors’ compensation   361     361     —   — %
    Other expense   3,084     3,364     (280 ) -8.3 %
    Total non-interest expense   29,561     29,786     (225 ) -0.8 %
    Income before income taxes   7,817     7,178     639   8.9 %
    Income taxes   1,251     1,086     165   15.2 %
    Net income $ 6,566   $ 6,092   $ 474   7.8 %
             
    Net income per common share (EPS)        
    Basic $ 0.11   $ 0.10   $ 0.01    
    Diluted $ 0.10   $ 0.10   $ —    
             
    Dividends declared        
    Cash dividends declared per common share $ 0.11   $ 0.11   $ —    
    Cash dividends declared $ 6,933   $ 6,896   $ 37    
    Dividend payout ratio   105.6 %   113.2 %   -7.6 %  
             
    Weighted average number of common shares outstanding        
    Basic   62,443     62,389     54    
    Diluted   62,576     62,420     156    
                         
           
    Kearny Financial Corp.
    Average Balance Sheet Data
    (Unaudited)
           
    (Dollars in Thousands) Three Months Ended Variance
    or Change    		 Variance
    or Change Pct.
    December 31,
    2024    		 September 30,
    2024
    Assets        
    Interest-earning assets:        
    Loans receivable, including loans held for sale $ 5,762,053   $ 5,761,593   $ 460   — %
    Taxable investment securities   1,285,800     1,314,945     (29,145 ) -2.2 %
    Tax-exempt investment securities   9,711     12,244     (2,533 ) -20.7 %
    Other interest-earning assets   116,354     131,981     (15,627 ) -11.8 %
    Total interest-earning assets   7,173,918     7,220,763     (46,845 ) -0.6 %
    Non-interest-earning assets   459,982     467,670     (7,688 ) -1.6 %
    Total assets $ 7,633,900   $ 7,688,433   $ (54,533 ) -0.7 %
             
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity        
    Interest-bearing liabilities:        
    Deposits:        
    Interest-bearing demand $ 2,314,378   $ 2,282,608   $ 31,770   1.4 %
    Savings   711,801     668,240     43,561   6.5 %
    Certificates of deposit (retail)   1,211,985     1,203,770     8,215   0.7 %
    Certificates of deposit (brokered and listing service)   735,736     551,819     183,917   33.3 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits   4,973,900     4,706,437     267,463   5.7 %
    Borrowings:        
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances   1,085,455     1,325,583     (240,128 ) -18.1 %
    Other borrowings   156,522     237,011     (80,489 ) -34.0 %
    Total borrowings   1,241,977     1,562,594     (320,617 ) -20.5 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   6,215,877     6,269,031     (53,154 ) -0.8 %
    Non-interest-bearing liabilities:        
    Non-interest-bearing deposits   604,915     599,095     5,820   1.0 %
    Other non-interest-bearing liabilities   65,258     69,629     (4,371 ) -6.3 %
    Total non-interest-bearing liabilities   670,173     668,724     1,449   0.2 %
    Total liabilities   6,886,050     6,937,755     (51,705 ) -0.7 %
    Stockholders’ equity   747,850     750,678     (2,828 ) -0.4 %
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 7,633,900   $ 7,688,433   $ (54,533 ) -0.7 %
             
    Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities   115.41 %   115.18 %   0.23 % 0.2 %
                           
         
    Kearny Financial Corp.
    Performance Ratio Highlights
    (Unaudited)
         
      Three Months Ended Variance
    or Change
      December 31,
    2024    		 September 30,
    2024
    Average yield on interest-earning assets:      
    Loans receivable, including loans held for sale 4.54 % 4.61 % -0.07 %
    Taxable investment securities 4.29 % 4.38 % -0.09 %
    Tax-exempt investment securities (1) 2.42 % 2.32 % 0.10 %
    Other interest-earning assets 7.62 % 7.47 % 0.15 %
    Total interest-earning assets 4.54 % 4.61 % -0.07 %
           
    Average cost of interest-bearing liabilities:      
    Deposits:      
    Interest-bearing demand 2.96 % 3.13 % -0.17 %
    Savings 1.29 % 1.05 % 0.24 %
    Certificates of deposit (retail) 4.06 % 4.12 % -0.06 %
    Certificates of deposit (brokered and listing service) 2.71 % 2.18 % 0.53 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits 2.95 % 2.98 % -0.03 %
    Borrowings:      
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances 3.78 % 3.82 % -0.04 %
    Other borrowings 4.88 % 5.28 % -0.40 %
    Total borrowings 3.91 % 4.04 % -0.13 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities 3.15 % 3.24 % -0.09 %
           
    Interest rate spread (2) 1.39 % 1.37 % 0.02 %
    Net interest margin (3) 1.82 % 1.80 % 0.02 %
           
    Non-interest income to average assets (annualized) 0.26 % 0.24 % 0.02 %
    Non-interest expense to average assets (annualized) 1.55 % 1.55 % — %
           
    Efficiency ratio (4) 78.86 % 80.35 % -1.49 %
           
    Return on average assets (annualized) 0.34 % 0.32 % 0.02 %
    Return on average equity (annualized) 3.51 % 3.25 % 0.26 %
    Return on average tangible equity (annualized) (5) 4.21 % 3.89 % 0.32 %

    _________________________

    (1)   The yield on tax-exempt investment securities has not been adjusted to reflect their tax-effective yield.
    (2)   Interest income divided by average interest-earning assets less interest expense divided by average interest-bearing liabilities.
    (3)   Net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
    (4)   Non-interest expense divided by the sum of net interest income and non-interest income.
    (5)   Average tangible equity equals total average stockholders’ equity reduced by average goodwill and average core deposit intangible assets.

    Five-Quarter Financial Trend Analysis
               
    Kearny Financial Corp.
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
               
    (Dollars and Shares in Thousands,
    Except Per Share Data)    		 December 31,
    2024    		 September 30,
    2024    		 June 30,
    2024    		 March 31,
    2024    		 December 31,
    2023
      (Unaudited) (Unaudited)   (Unaudited) (Unaudited)
    Assets          
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 141,554   $ 155,574   $ 63,864   $ 71,027   $ 73,860  
    Securities available for sale   1,018,279     1,070,811     1,072,833     1,098,655     1,144,175  
    Securities held to maturity   127,266     132,256     135,742     139,643     141,959  
    Loans held-for-sale   5,695     8,866     6,036     4,117     14,030  
    Loans receivable   5,791,758     5,784,246     5,732,787     5,758,336     5,745,629  
    Less: allowance for credit losses on loans   (44,457 )   (44,923 )   (44,939 )   (44,930 )   (44,867 )
    Net loans receivable   5,747,301     5,739,323     5,687,848     5,713,406     5,700,762  
    Premises and equipment   45,127     45,189     44,940     45,053     45,928  
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock   64,443     57,706     80,300     81,347     83,372  
    Accrued interest receivable   27,772     29,467     29,521     31,065     30,258  
    Goodwill   113,525     113,525     113,525     210,895     210,895  
    Core deposit intangible   1,679     1,805     1,931     2,057     2,189  
    Bank owned life insurance   301,339     300,186     297,874     296,493     256,064  
    Deferred income taxes, net   53,325     50,131     50,339     47,225     46,116  
    Other real estate owned   —     —     —     —     11,982  
    Other assets   84,080     67,540     98,708     100,989     136,242  
    Total assets $ 7,731,385   $ 7,772,379   $ 7,683,461   $ 7,841,972   $ 7,897,832  
               
    Liabilities          
    Deposits:          
    Non-interest-bearing $ 601,510   $ 592,099   $ 598,366   $ 586,089   $ 584,130  
    Interest-bearing   5,069,550     4,878,413     4,559,757     4,622,961     4,735,500  
    Total deposits   5,671,060     5,470,512     5,158,123     5,209,050     5,319,630  
    Borrowings   1,258,949     1,479,888     1,709,789     1,722,178     1,667,055  
    Advance payments by borrowers for taxes   17,986     17,824     17,409     17,387     16,742  
    Other liabilities   38,537     52,618     44,569     44,279     46,427  
    Total liabilities   6,986,532     7,020,842     6,929,890     6,992,894     7,049,854  
               
    Stockholders’ Equity          
    Common stock   646     646     644     644     645  
    Paid-in capital   494,092     493,523     493,680     493,187     493,297  
    Retained earnings   342,155     342,522     343,326     440,308     439,755  
    Unearned ESOP shares   (19,943 )   (20,430 )   (20,916 )   (21,402 )   (21,889 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (72,097 )   (64,724 )   (63,163 )   (63,659 )   (63,830 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   744,853     751,537     753,571     849,078     847,978  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 7,731,385   $ 7,772,379   $ 7,683,461   $ 7,841,972   $ 7,897,832  
               
    Consolidated capital ratios          
    Equity to assets   9.63 %   9.67 %   9.81 %   10.83 %   10.74 %
    Tangible equity to tangible assets (1)   8.27 %   8.31 %   8.43 %   8.34 %   8.26 %
               
    Share data          
    Outstanding shares   64,580     64,580     64,434     64,437     64,445  
    Book value per share $ 11.53   $ 11.64   $ 11.70   $ 13.18   $ 13.16  
    Tangible book value per share (2) $ 9.75   $ 9.85   $ 9.90   $ 9.87   $ 9.85  

    _________________________

    (1)   Tangible equity equals total stockholders’ equity reduced by goodwill and core deposit intangible assets. Tangible assets equals total assets reduced by goodwill and core deposit intangible assets.
    (2)   Tangible book value equals total stockholders’ equity reduced by goodwill and core deposit intangible assets.

               
    Kearny Financial Corp.
    Supplemental Balance Sheet Highlights
    (Unaudited)
               
    (Dollars in Thousands) December 31,
    2024    		 September 30,
    2024    		 June 30,
    2024    		 March 31,
    2024    		 December 31,
    2023
    Loan portfolio composition:          
    Commercial loans:          
    Multi-family mortgage $ 2,722,623   $ 2,646,187   $ 2,645,851   $ 2,645,195   $ 2,651,274  
    Nonresidential mortgage   950,194     950,771     948,075     965,539     947,287  
    Commercial business   135,740     145,984     142,747     147,326     144,134  
    Construction   176,704     227,327     209,237     229,457     221,933  
    Total commercial loans   3,985,261     3,970,269     3,945,910     3,987,517     3,964,628  
    One- to four-family residential mortgage   1,765,160     1,768,230     1,756,051     1,741,644     1,746,065  
    Consumer loans:          
    Home equity loans   47,101     44,741     44,104     42,731     43,517  
    Other consumer   2,778     2,965     2,685     3,198     2,728  
    Total consumer loans   49,879     47,706     46,789     45,929     46,245  
    Total loans, excluding yield adjustments   5,800,300     5,786,205     5,748,750     5,775,090     5,756,938  
    Unaccreted yield adjustments   (8,542 )   (1,959 )   (15,963 )   (16,754 )   (11,309 )
    Loans receivable, net of yield adjustments   5,791,758     5,784,246     5,732,787     5,758,336     5,745,629  
    Less: allowance for credit losses on loans   (44,457 )   (44,923 )   (44,939 )   (44,930 )   (44,867 )
    Net loans receivable $ 5,747,301   $ 5,739,323   $ 5,687,848   $ 5,713,406   $ 5,700,762  
               
    Asset quality:          
    Nonperforming assets:          
    Accruing loans – 90 days and over past due $ —   $ —   $ —   $ —   $ —  
    Nonaccrual loans   37,697     39,854     39,882     39,546     28,089  
    Total nonperforming loans   37,697     39,854     39,882     39,546     28,089  
    Nonaccrual loans held-for-sale   —     —     —     —     9,700  
    Other real estate owned   —     —     —     —     11,982  
    Total nonperforming assets $ 37,697   $ 39,854   $ 39,882   $ 39,546   $ 49,771  
               
    Nonperforming loans (% total loans)   0.65 %   0.69 %   0.70 %   0.69 %   0.49 %
    Nonperforming assets (% total assets)   0.49 %   0.51 %   0.52 %   0.50 %   0.63 %
               
    Classified loans $ 132,216   $ 119,534   $ 118,700   $ 115,772   $ 94,676  
               
    Allowance for credit losses on loans (ACL):          
    ACL to total loans   0.77 %   0.78 %   0.78 %   0.78 %   0.78 %
    ACL to nonperforming loans   117.93 %   112.72 %   112.68 %   113.61 %   159.73 %
    Net charge-offs $ 573   $ 124   $ 3,518   $ 286   $ 4,110  
    Average net charge-off rate (annualized)   0.04 %   0.01 %   0.25 %   0.02 %   0.29 %
                                   
               
    Kearny Financial Corp.
    Supplemental Balance Sheet Highlights
    (Unaudited)
               
    (Dollars in Thousands) December 31,
    2024    		 September 30,
    2024    		 June 30,
    2024    		 March 31,
    2024    		 December 31,
    2023
    Funding composition:          
    Deposits:          
    Non-interest-bearing deposits $ 601,510   $ 592,099   $ 598,367   $ 586,089   $ 584,130  
    Interest-bearing demand   2,380,408     2,247,685     2,308,915     2,349,032     2,347,262  
    Savings   742,266     681,709     643,481     630,456     646,182  
    Certificates of deposit (retail)   1,194,865     1,215,746     1,199,127     1,235,261     1,283,676  
    Certificates of deposit (brokered and listing service)   752,011     733,273     408,234     408,212     458,380  
    Interest-bearing deposits   5,069,550     4,878,413     4,559,757     4,622,961     4,735,500  
    Total deposits   5,671,060     5,470,512     5,158,124     5,209,050     5,319,630  
               
    Borrowings:          
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances   1,028,949     1,209,888     1,534,789     1,457,178     1,432,055  
    Overnight borrowings   230,000     270,000     175,000     265,000     235,000  
    Total borrowings   1,258,949     1,479,888     1,709,789     1,722,178     1,667,055  
               
      Total funding $ 6,930,009   $ 6,950,400   $ 6,867,913   $ 6,931,228   $ 6,986,685  
               
    Loans as a % of deposits   101.4 %   105.1 %   110.4 %   109.8 %   107.4 %
    Deposits as a % of total funding   81.8 %   78.7 %   75.1 %   75.2 %   76.1 %
    Borrowings as a % of total funding   18.2 %   21.3 %   24.9 %   24.8 %   23.9 %
               
    Uninsured deposits:          
    Uninsured deposits (reported) (1) $ 1,935,607   $ 1,799,726   $ 1,772,623   $ 1,760,740   $ 1,813,122  
    Uninsured deposits (adjusted) (2) $ 797,721   $ 773,375   $ 764,447   $ 718,026   $ 694,510  

    _________________________

    (1)   Uninsured deposits of Kearny Bank.
    (2)   Uninsured deposits of Kearny Bank adjusted to exclude deposits of its wholly-owned subsidiary and holding company and collateralized deposits of state and local governments.

       
    Kearny Financial Corp.
    Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)
    (Unaudited)
       
      Three Months Ended
    (Dollars and Shares in Thousands,
    Except Per Share Data)    		 December 31,
    2024    		 September 30,
    2024    		 June 30,
    2024    		 March 31,
    2024    		 December 31,
    2023
    Interest income          
    Loans $ 65,408   $ 66,331   $ 65,819   $ 64,035   $ 63,384  
    Taxable investment securities   13,803     14,384     14,802     15,490     16,756  
    Tax-exempt investment securities   59     71     80     85     84  
    Other interest-earning assets   2,215     2,466     2,289     2,475     2,401  
    Total interest income   81,485     83,252     82,990     82,085     82,625  
               
    Interest expense          
    Deposits   36,721     35,018     32,187     32,320     30,340  
    Borrowings   12,152     15,788     17,527     15,446     16,446  
    Total interest expense   48,873     50,806     49,714     47,766     46,786  
    Net interest income   32,612     32,446     33,276     34,319     35,839  
    Provision for credit losses   107     108     3,527     349     2,105  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   32,505     32,338     29,749     33,970     33,734  
               
    Non-interest income          
    Fees and service charges   627     635     580     657     624  
    Loss on sale and call of securities   —     —     —     —     (18,135 )
    Gain (loss) on sale of loans   304     200     111     (712 )   104  
    Loss on sale of other real estate owned   —     —     —     —     (974 )
    Income from bank owned life insurance   2,619     2,567     3,209     3,039     1,162  
    Electronic banking fees and charges   493     391     1,130     464     396  
    Other income   830     833     776     755     811  
    Total non-interest income   4,873     4,626     5,806     4,203     (16,012 )
               
    Non-interest expense          
    Salaries and employee benefits   17,579     17,498     17,266     16,911     17,282  
    Net occupancy expense of premises   2,831     2,798     2,738     2,863     2,674  
    Equipment and systems   3,892     3,860     3,785     3,823     3,814  
    Advertising and marketing   311     342     480     387     301  
    Federal deposit insurance premium   1,503     1,563     1,532     1,429     1,495  
    Directors’ compensation   361     361     360     360     393  
    Goodwill impairment   —     —     97,370     —     —  
    Other expense   3,084     3,364     3,020     3,286     3,808  
    Total non-interest expense   29,561     29,786     126,551     29,059     29,767  
    Income (loss) before income taxes   7,817     7,178     (90,996 )   9,114     (12,045 )
    Income taxes   1,251     1,086     (917 )   1,717     1,782  
    Net income (loss) $ 6,566   $ 6,092   $ (90,079 ) $ 7,397   $ (13,827 )
               
    Net income (loss) per common share (EPS)          
    Basic $ 0.11   $ 0.10   $ (1.45 ) $ 0.12   $ (0.22 )
    Diluted $ 0.10   $ 0.10   $ (1.45 ) $ 0.12   $ (0.22 )
               
    Dividends declared          
    Cash dividends declared per common share $ 0.11   $ 0.11   $ 0.11   $ 0.11   $ 0.11  
    Cash dividends declared $ 6,933   $ 6,896   $ 6,903   $ 6,844   $ 6,882  
    Dividend payout ratio   105.6 %   113.2 %   -7.7 %   92.5 %   -49.8 %
               
    Weighted average number of common shares outstanding          
    Basic   62,443     62,389     62,254     62,205     62,299  
    Diluted   62,576     62,420     62,254     62,211     62,299  
                                   
       
    Kearny Financial Corp.
    Average Balance Sheet Data
    (Unaudited)
       
      Three Months Ended
    (Dollars in Thousands) December 31,
    2024    		 September 30,
    2024    		 June 30,
    2024    		 March 31,
    2024    		 December 31,
    2023
    Assets          
    Interest-earning assets:          
    Loans receivable, including loans held-for-sale $ 5,762,053   $ 5,761,593   $ 5,743,008   $ 5,752,477   $ 5,726,321  
    Taxable investment securities   1,285,800     1,314,945     1,343,541     1,382,064     1,509,165  
    Tax-exempt investment securities   9,711     12,244     13,737     14,614     15,025  
    Other interest-earning assets   116,354     131,981     128,257     125,155     139,740  
    Total interest-earning assets   7,173,918     7,220,763     7,228,543     7,274,310     7,390,251  
    Non-interest-earning assets   459,982     467,670     466,537     577,411     554,335  
    Total assets $ 7,633,900   $ 7,688,433   $ 7,695,080   $ 7,851,721   $ 7,944,586  
               
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity          
    Interest-bearing liabilities:          
    Deposits:          
    Interest-bearing demand $ 2,314,378   $ 2,282,608   $ 2,310,521   $ 2,378,831   $ 2,301,169  
    Savings   711,801     668,240     631,622     635,226     664,926  
    Certificates of deposit (retail)   1,211,985     1,203,770     1,208,101     1,257,362     1,292,837  
    Certificates of deposit (brokered and listing service)   735,736     551,819     405,697     448,151     531,479  
    Total interest-bearing deposits   4,973,900     4,706,437     4,555,941     4,719,570     4,790,411  
    Borrowings:          
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances   1,085,455     1,325,583     1,507,192     1,428,801     1,513,497  
    Other borrowings   156,522     237,011     228,461     210,989     142,283  
    Total borrowings   1,241,977     1,562,594     1,735,653     1,639,790     1,655,780  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   6,215,877     6,269,031     6,291,594     6,359,360     6,446,191  
    Non-interest-bearing liabilities:          
    Non-interest-bearing deposits   604,915     599,095     589,438     581,870     597,294  
    Other non-interest-bearing liabilities   65,258     69,629     62,978     65,709     62,387  
    Total non-interest-bearing liabilities   670,173     668,724     652,416     647,579     659,681  
    Total liabilities   6,886,050     6,937,755     6,944,010     7,006,939     7,105,872  
    Stockholders’ equity   747,850     750,678     751,070     844,782     838,714  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 7,633,900   $ 7,688,433   $ 7,695,080   $ 7,851,721   $ 7,944,586  
               
    Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities   115.41 %   115.18 %   114.89 %   114.39 %   114.65 %
                                   
       
    Kearny Financial Corp.
    Performance Ratio Highlights
       
      Three Months Ended
      December 31,
    2024    		 September 30,
    2024    		 June 30,
    2024    		 March 31,
    2024    		 December 31,
    2023
    Average yield on interest-earning assets:          
    Loans receivable, including loans held-for-sale 4.54 % 4.61 % 4.58 % 4.45 % 4.43 %
    Taxable investment securities 4.29 % 4.38 % 4.41 % 4.48 % 4.44 %
    Tax-exempt investment securities (1) 2.42 % 2.32 % 2.32 % 2.32 % 2.25 %
    Other interest-earning assets 7.62 % 7.47 % 7.14 % 7.91 % 6.87 %
    Total interest-earning assets 4.54 % 4.61 % 4.59 % 4.51 % 4.47 %
               
    Average cost of interest-bearing liabilities:          
    Deposits:          
    Interest-bearing demand 2.96 % 3.13 % 3.06 % 3.08 % 2.91 %
    Savings 1.29 % 1.05 % 0.63 % 0.46 % 0.44 %
    Certificates of deposit (retail) 4.06 % 4.12 % 3.95 % 3.52 % 3.06 %
    Certificates of deposit (brokered and listing service) 2.71 % 2.18 % 1.59 % 1.97 % 2.24 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits 2.95 % 2.98 % 2.83 % 2.74 % 2.53 %
    Borrowings:          
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances 3.78 % 3.82 % 3.86 % 3.55 % 3.82 %
    Other borrowings 4.88 % 5.28 % 5.24 % 5.22 % 5.65 %
    Total borrowings 3.91 % 4.04 % 4.04 % 3.77 % 3.97 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities 3.15 % 3.24 % 3.16 % 3.00 % 2.90 %
               
    Interest rate spread (2) 1.39 % 1.37 % 1.43 % 1.51 % 1.57 %
    Net interest margin (3) 1.82 % 1.80 % 1.84 % 1.89 % 1.94 %
               
    Non-interest income to average assets (annualized) 0.26 % 0.24 % 0.30 % 0.21 % -0.81 %
    Non-interest expense to average assets (annualized) 1.55 % 1.55 % 6.58 % 1.48 % 1.50 %
               
    Efficiency ratio (4) 78.86 % 80.35 % 323.81 % 75.43 % 150.13 %
               
    Return on average assets (annualized) 0.34 % 0.32 % -4.68 % 0.38 % -0.70 %
    Return on average equity (annualized) 3.51 % 3.25 % -47.97 % 3.50 % -6.59 %
    Return on average tangible equity (annualized) (5) 4.21 % 3.89 % 3.33 % 4.68 % -8.84 %

    _________________________

    (1)   The yield on tax-exempt investment securities has not been adjusted to reflect their tax-effective yield.
    (2)   Interest income divided by average interest-earning assets less interest expense divided by average interest-bearing liabilities.
    (3)   Net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
    (4)   Non-interest expense divided by the sum of net interest income and non-interest income.
    (5)   Average tangible equity equals total average stockholders’ equity reduced by average goodwill and average core deposit intangible assets.

    The following tables provide a reconciliation of certain financial measures calculated in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) (as reported) and non-GAAP measures. These non-GAAP measures provide additional information which allow readers to evaluate the ongoing performance of the Company. They are not a substitute for GAAP measures; they should be read and used in conjunction with the Company’s GAAP financial information. In all cases, it should be understood that non-GAAP per share measures do not depict amounts that accrue directly to the benefit of shareholders.

       
    Kearny Financial Corp.
    Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP
    (Unaudited)
       
      Three Months Ended
    (Dollars and Shares in Thousands,
    Except Per Share Data)    		 December 31,
    2024    		 September 30,
    2024    		 June 30,
    2024    		 March 31,
    2024    		 December 31,
    2023
    Adjusted net income:          
    Net income (loss) (GAAP) $ 6,566   $ 6,092   $ (90,079 ) $ 7,397   $ (13,827 )
    Non-recurring transactions – net of tax:          
    Net effect of sale and call of securities   —     —     —     —     12,876  
    Net effect of bank-owned life insurance restructure   —     —     392     —     6,286  
    Goodwill impairment   —     —     95,283     —     —  
    Adjusted net income $ 6,566   $ 6,092   $ 5,596   $ 7,397   $ 5,335  
               
    Calculation of pre-tax, pre-provision net revenue:          
    Net income (loss) (GAAP) $ 6,566   $ 6,092   $ (90,079 ) $ 7,397   $ (13,827 )
    Adjustments to net income (GAAP):          
    Provision for income taxes   1,251     1,086     (917 )   1,717     1,782  
    Provision for credit losses   107     108     3,527     349     2,105  
    Pre-tax, pre-provision net revenue (non-GAAP) $ 7,924   $ 7,286   $ (87,469 ) $ 9,463   $ (9,940 )
               
    Adjusted earnings per share:          
    Weighted average common shares – basic   62,443     62,389     62,254     62,205     62,299  
    Weighted average common shares – diluted   62,576     62,420     62,330     62,211     62,367  
               
    Earnings per share – basic (GAAP) $ 0.11   $ 0.10   $ (1.45 ) $ 0.12   $ (0.22 )
    Earnings per share – diluted (GAAP) $ 0.10   $ 0.10   $ (1.45 ) $ 0.12   $ (0.22 )
               
    Adjusted earnings per share – basic (non-GAAP) $ 0.11   $ 0.10   $ 0.09   $ 0.12   $ 0.09  
    Adjusted earnings per share – diluted (non-GAAP) $ 0.10   $ 0.10   $ 0.09   $ 0.12   $ 0.09  
               
    Pre-tax, pre-provision net revenue per share:          
    Pre-tax, pre-provision net revenue per share – basic (non-GAAP) $ 0.13   $ 0.12   $ (1.41 ) $ 0.15   $ (0.16 )
    Pre-tax, pre-provision net revenue per share – diluted (non-GAAP) $ 0.13   $ 0.12   $ (1.41 ) $ 0.15   $ (0.16 )
               
    Adjusted return on average assets:          
    Total average assets $ 7,633,900   $ 7,688,433   $ 7,695,080   $ 7,851,721   $ 7,944,586  
               
    Return on average assets (GAAP)   0.34 %   0.32 %   -4.68 %   0.38 %   -0.70 %
    Adjusted return on average assets (non-GAAP)   0.34 %   0.32 %   0.29 %   0.38 %   0.27 %
               
    Adjusted return on average equity:          
    Total average equity $ 747,850   $ 750,678   $ 751,070   $ 844,782   $ 838,714  
               
    Return on average equity (GAAP)   3.51 %   3.25 %   -47.97 %   3.50 %   -6.59 %
    Adjusted return on average equity (non-GAAP)   3.51 %   3.25 %   2.98 %   3.50 %   2.54 %
                                   
       
    Kearny Financial Corp.
    Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP
    (Unaudited)
       
      Three Months Ended
    (Dollars and Shares in Thousands,
    Except Per Share Data)    		 December 31,
    2024    		 September 30,
    2024    		 June 30,
    2024    		 March 31,
    2024    		 December 31,
    2023
    Adjusted return on average tangible equity:          
    Total average equity $ 747,850   $ 750,678   $ 751,070   $ 844,782   $ 838,714  
    Less: average goodwill   (113,525 )   (113,525 )   (113,525 )   (210,895 )   (210,895 )
    Less: average other intangible assets   (1,761 )   (1,886 )   (2,006 )   (2,138 )   (2,277 )
    Total average tangible equity $ 632,564   $ 635,267   $ 635,539   $ 631,749   $ 625,542  
               
    Return on average tangible equity (non-GAAP)   4.21 %   3.89 %   3.33 %   4.68 %   -8.84 %
    Adjusted return on average tangible equity (non-GAAP)   4.21 %   3.89 %   3.58 %   4.68 %   3.41 %
               
    Adjusted non-interest expense ratio:          
    Non-interest expense (GAAP) $ 29,561   $ 29,786   $ 126,551   $ 29,059   $ 29,767  
    Non-recurring transactions:          
    Goodwill impairment   —     —     (97,370 )   —     —  
    Non-interest expense (non-GAAP) $ 29,561   $ 29,786   $ 29,181   $ 29,059   $ 29,767  
               
    Non-interest expense ratio (GAAP)   1.55 %   1.55 %   6.58 %   1.48 %   1.50 %
    Adjusted non-interest expense ratio (non-GAAP)   1.55 %   1.55 %   1.52 %   1.48 %   1.50 %
               
    Adjusted efficiency ratio:          
    Non-interest expense (non-GAAP) $ 29,561   $ 29,786   $ 29,181   $ 29,059   $ 29,767  
               
    Net interest income (GAAP) $ 32,612   $ 32,446   $ 33,276   $ 34,319   $ 35,839  
    Total non-interest income (GAAP)   4,873     4,626     5,806     4,203     (16,012 )
    Non-recurring transactions:          
    Net effect of sale and call of securities   —     —     —     —     18,135  
    Net effect of bank-owned life insurance restructure   —     —     392     —     573  
    Total revenue (non-GAAP) $ 37,485   $ 37,072   $ 39,474   $ 38,522   $ 38,535  
               
    Efficiency ratio (GAAP)   78.86 %   80.35 %   323.81 %   75.43 %   150.13 %
    Adjusted efficiency ratio (non-GAAP)   78.86 %   80.35 %   73.92 %   75.43 %   77.25 %
                                   

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Red River Bancshares, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ALEXANDRIA, La., Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Red River Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”) (Nasdaq: RRBI), the holding company for Red River Bank (the “Bank”), announced today its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter of 2024.

    Net income for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $9.3 million, or $1.37 per diluted common share (“EPS”), an increase of $552,000, or 6.3%, compared to $8.8 million, or $1.27 EPS, for the third quarter of 2024, and an increase of $1.0 million, or 12.2%, compared to $8.3 million, or $1.16 EPS, for the fourth quarter of 2023. For the fourth quarter of 2024, the quarterly return on assets was 1.18%, and the quarterly return on equity was 11.46%.

    Net income for the year ended December 31, 2024, was $34.2 million, or $4.95 EPS, a decrease of $644,000, or 1.8%, compared to $34.9 million, or $4.86 EPS, for the year ended December 31, 2023. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the return on assets was 1.11%, and the return on equity was 11.02%.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Performance and Operational Highlights

    In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company had an improved net interest margin, which resulted in higher net interest income and earnings, along with slightly higher loans and deposits. A significant stock repurchase transaction was completed, and a stock repurchase program for 2025 was renewed. During the fourth quarter, the target range of the federal funds rate was reduced by 50 basis points (“bps”).

    • Net income for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $9.3 million compared to $8.8 million for the prior quarter. Net income for the fourth quarter benefited from an improved net interest margin fully tax equivalent (“FTE”) and higher net interest income.
    • Net interest income and net interest margin FTE increased for the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to the prior quarter. Net interest income for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $23.7 million compared to $22.5 million for the prior quarter. Net interest margin FTE for the fourth quarter of 2024 was 3.09% compared to 2.98% for the prior quarter. These improvements were due to higher loan balances, combined with higher securities yields and lower deposit rates.
    • As of December 31, 2024, assets were $3.15 billion, which was $47.8 million, or 1.5%, higher than September 30, 2024. The increase was mainly due to a $58.0 million increase in deposits.
    • Deposits totaled $2.81 billion as of December 31, 2024, an increase of $58.0 million, or 2.1%, compared to $2.75 billion as of September 30, 2024. This increase was mainly due to the seasonal inflow of funds from public entity customers.
    • As of December 31, 2024, loans held for investment (“HFI”) were $2.08 billion, slightly higher than $2.06 billion as of September 30, 2024. In the third and fourth quarters of 2024, we closed on a high level of loan commitments, which we expect to fund over time.
    • As of December 31, 2024, total securities were $684.9 million, which was $12.8 million, or 1.8%, lower than September 30, 2024. Securities decreased mainly due to having a larger net unrealized loss on securities available-for-sale (“AFS”). New securities purchased were offset by securities maturities and principal repayments.
    • As of December 31, 2024, liquid assets, which are cash and cash equivalents, were $269.0 million, and the liquid assets to assets ratio was 8.54%. We do not have any borrowings, brokered deposits, or internet-sourced deposits.
    • In the fourth quarter of 2024, the provision for credit losses totaled $300,000. This included $200,000 for loans and $100,000 for unfunded loan commitments.
    • As of December 31, 2024, nonperforming assets (“NPA(s)”) were $3.3 million, or 0.10% of assets, and the allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) was $21.7 million, or 1.05% of loans HFI.
    • We paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.09 per common share in the fourth quarter of 2024.
    • The 2024 stock repurchase program authorized us to purchase up to $5.0 million of our outstanding shares of common stock from January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024. Under this plan, in the fourth quarter of 2024, we repurchased 632 shares on the open market at an aggregate cost of $33,000. The 2024 stock repurchase program expired on December 31, 2024, with $1.1 million of remaining availability. On December 19, 2024, our Board of Directors approved the renewal of our stock repurchase program for 2025. The 2025 stock repurchase program authorizes us to purchase up to $5.0 million of our outstanding shares of common stock from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025.
    • On November 5, 2024, we entered into a privately negotiated stock repurchase agreement for the repurchase of 50,000 shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $2.5 million. This repurchase was supplemental to our 2024 stock repurchase program.
    • In 2024, we repurchased 327,085 shares of our common stock. For the year ended December 31, 2024, these repurchases benefited earnings per share by $0.14.
    • As of December 31, 2024, capital levels were strong, with a stockholders’ equity to assets ratio of 10.15%, a leverage ratio of 11.86%, and a total risk-based capital ratio of 18.28%.
    • In the fourth quarter of 2024, we continued implementing our organic expansion plan. We purchased property in Lafayette, Louisiana and plan to build a new banking center at that location, which would be our second banking center in the Acadiana market.
    • The American Banker publication included Red River Bank in its “2024 Best Banks To Work For” ranking.

    Blake Chatelain, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “We are pleased to finish out 2024 with a strong fourth quarter, which included steady net interest margin improvement, higher net income, solid loan activity, and good liquidity.

    “In the fourth quarter, the Federal Reserve lowered short-term interest rates; however, longer term rates remained fairly consistent. Due to diligent balance sheet management, our net interest margin FTE increased by 11 bps and net interest income increased by 5.5% in the fourth quarter. New loan activity was very good in the fourth quarter; however, the loan portfolio was impacted by higher than normal paydowns on loans. For the second quarter in a row, we closed on a significant amount of construction loan commitments, which we expect to fund over time. Our balance sheet is well positioned for the forecasted interest rate environment and a normal shaped yield curve. This should enable us to continue improving the net interest margin slightly in the first half of 2025.

    “In the fourth quarter of 2024, we completed a third, significant private stock repurchase transaction. In 2024, we repurchased 4.6% of outstanding shares, which positively impacted earnings per share, while also maintaining strong capital levels and ratios.

    “The fourth quarter of 2024 wrapped up a good year for our Company and our communities. Our Company is well positioned for the future, with robust capital and liquidity levels combined with a great team of community bankers. We look forward to 2025 as we continue to grow and build value for our shareholders.”

    Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin FTE

    Net interest income and net interest margin FTE increased in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to the prior quarter. These measures were both impacted by improved yields on securities, as well as lower deposit rates. After keeping the federal funds rate consistent since the third quarter of 2023, the Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) decreased the federal funds rate by 50 bps in September of 2024, and by an additional 50 bps during the fourth quarter of 2024.

    Net interest income for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $23.7 million, which was $1.2 million, or 5.5%, higher than the third quarter of 2024, due to a $729,000 increase in interest and dividend income, combined with a $501,000 decrease in interest expense. The increase in interest and dividend income was due to higher interest income on loans and securities. Loan income increased $376,000 primarily due to higher average loan balances during the fourth quarter. Securities income increased $289,000 due to reinvesting lower yielding securities cash flows into higher yielding securities. The decrease in interest expense was primarily due to lower rates on interest-bearing transaction deposits and time deposits.

    The net interest margin FTE increased 11 bps to 3.09% for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to 2.98% for the prior quarter. This increase was due to improved yields on securities, combined with lower deposit costs. The yield on securities increased 13 bps due to reinvesting lower yielding securities cash flows into higher yielding securities. The yield on loans increased 2 bps due to higher rates on new and renewed loans compared to the existing portfolio yield. The average rate on new and renewed loans was 7.25% for the fourth quarter of 2024 and 7.89% for the prior quarter. The cost of deposits decreased 10 bps to 1.71% for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to 1.81% for the previous quarter, due to our lowering of selected deposit rates. As a result of this change, there was a 17 bp decrease in the rate on interest-bearing transaction deposits and a 9 bp decrease on time deposits during the fourth quarter.

    The FOMC lowered the federal funds rate by 50 bps in the fourth quarter of 2024, reducing the target federal funds range to 4.25%-4.50%. The market’s expectation is that the FOMC may lower the target range of the federal funds rate by at least 25 bps in 2025. In 2025, we anticipate receiving approximately $101.0 million in securities cash flows with an average yield of 3.01%, and we project approximately $194.0 million of fixed rate loans will mature with an average yield of 6.04%. We expect to redeploy these balances into higher yielding assets. Additionally, in 2025, we expect $541.9 million of time deposits to mature with an average rate of 4.10%, which we anticipate repricing into lower cost deposits. As of December 31, 2024, floating rate loans were 16.0% of loans HFI, and floating rate transaction deposits were 8.1% of interest-bearing transaction deposits. Depending on balance sheet activity and the movement in interest rates, we expect the net interest income and net interest margin FTE to improve slightly during the first half of 2025.

    Provision for Credit Losses

    The provision for credit losses for the third and fourth quarters of 2024 was $300,000, which included $200,000 for loans and $100,000 for unfunded loan commitments for each quarter. The provision in the third and fourth quarters was due to potential economic challenges resulting from the recent inflationary environment, changing monetary policy, and loan growth. In the second half of 2024, we had an increase in unfunded loan commitments. We will continue to evaluate future provision needs in relation to current economic situations, loan growth, trends in asset quality, forecasted information, and other conditions influencing loss expectations.

    Noninterest Income

    Noninterest income totaled $5.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, a decrease of $424,000, or 7.8%, compared to $5.4 million for the previous quarter. The decrease was mainly due to a loss on equity securities and lower loan and deposit income.

    Equity securities are an investment in a Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) mutual fund consisting primarily of bonds. The gain or loss on equity securities is a fair value adjustment primarily driven by changes in the interest rate environment. Due to the fluctuations in market rates between quarters, equity securities had a loss of $91,000 in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to a gain of $107,000 for the previous quarter.

    Loan and deposit income totaled $463,000 for the fourth quarter of 2024, a decrease of $125,000, or 21.3%, compared to $588,000 for the previous quarter. The third quarter of 2024 benefited from the receipt of a $151,000 nonrecurring loan related fee.

    Operating Expenses

    Operating expenses totaled $16.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, which was fairly consistent with the previous quarter. Higher occupancy and equipment expenses were offset by lower other taxes.

    Occupancy and equipment expenses totaled $1.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, which was $55,000, or 3.3% higher than the previous quarter. In the fourth quarter of 2024, there was $35,000 of nonrecurring expenses related to a new administrative office in the New Orleans market.

    Other taxes totaled $547,000 for the fourth quarter of 2024, a decrease of $75,000, or 12.1%, compared to $622,000 for the previous quarter. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the State of Louisiana bank stock tax expense was lower due to a $68,000 adjustment with receipt of the year-end bank stock tax invoices.

    Asset Overview

    As of December 31, 2024, assets were $3.15 billion, compared to assets of $3.10 billion as of September 30, 2024, an increase of $47.8 million, or 1.5%. In the fourth quarter, assets were mainly impacted by a $58.0 million, or 2.1%, increase in deposits. In the fourth quarter of 2024, liquid assets increased $36.3 million, or 15.6%, to $269.0 million and averaged $256.2 million for the fourth quarter. As of December 31, 2024, we had sufficient liquid assets available and $1.62 billion accessible from other liquidity sources. The liquid assets to assets ratio was 8.54% as of December 31, 2024. Total securities decreased $12.8 million, or 1.8%, to $684.9 million in the fourth quarter and were 21.7% of assets as of December 31, 2024. During the fourth quarter, loans HFI increased $19.0 million, or 0.9%, to $2.08 billion. The loans HFI to deposits ratio was 73.97% as of December 31, 2024, compared to 74.84% as of September 30, 2024.

    Securities

    Total securities as of December 31, 2024, were $684.9 million, a decrease of $12.8 million, or 1.8%, from September 30, 2024. Securities decreased mainly due to having a larger net unrealized loss on securities AFS. New securities purchased were offset by securities maturities and principal repayments.

    The estimated fair value of securities AFS totaled $550.1 million, net of $63.2 million of unrealized loss, as of December 31, 2024, compared to $560.6 million, net of $49.5 million of unrealized loss, as of September 30, 2024. As of December 31, 2024, the amortized cost of securities held-to-maturity (“HTM”) totaled $131.8 million compared to $134.1 million as of September 30, 2024. As of December 31, 2024, securities HTM had an unrealized loss of $22.8 million compared to $17.3 million as of September 30, 2024.

    As of December 31, 2024, equity securities, which is an investment in a CRA mutual fund consisting primarily of bonds, totaled $2.9 million compared to $3.0 million as of September 30, 2024.

    Loans

    Loans HFI as of December 31, 2024, were $2.08 billion, slightly higher than $2.06 billion as of September 30, 2024. In the third and fourth quarters of 2024, we closed on a high level of loan commitments, which, depending on customer activity, we expect to fund over time. Unfunded loan commitments that originated in the fourth quarter of 2024 totaled $106.2 million.

    Loans HFI by Category
      December 31, 2024   September 30, 2024   Change from
    September 30, 2024 to
    December 31, 2024
    (dollars in thousands) Amount   Percent   Amount   Percent   $ Change   % Change
    Real estate:                      
    Commercial real estate $ 884,641   42.6 %   $ 875,590   42.6 %   $ 9,051     1.0 %
    One-to-four family residential   614,551   29.6 %     616,467   30.0 %     (1,916 )   (0.3 %)
    Construction and development   155,229   7.5 %     141,525   6.9 %     13,704     9.7 %
    Commercial and industrial   327,086   15.8 %     327,069   15.9 %     17     — %
    Tax-exempt   64,930   3.1 %     66,436   3.2 %     (1,506 )   (2.3 %)
    Consumer   28,576   1.4 %     28,961   1.4 %     (385 )   (1.3 %)
    Total loans HFI $ 2,075,013   100.0 %   $ 2,056,048   100.0 %   $ 18,965     0.9 %
                                         

    Commercial real estate (“CRE”) loans are collateralized by owner occupied and non-owner occupied properties mainly in Louisiana. Non-owner occupied office loans were $56.4 million, or 2.7% of loans HFI, as of December 31, 2024, and are primarily centered in low-rise suburban areas. The average CRE loan size was $953,000 as of December 31, 2024.

    Health care loans are our largest industry concentration and are made up of a diversified portfolio of health care providers. As of December 31, 2024, total health care loans were 8.1% of loans HFI. Within the health care sector, loans to nursing and residential care facilities were 4.4% of loans HFI, and loans to physician and dental practices were 3.4% of loans HFI. The average health care loan size was $372,000 as of December 31, 2024.

    Asset Quality and Allowance for Credit Losses

    NPAs totaled $3.3 million as of December 31, 2024, an increase of $166,000, or 5.3%, from September 30, 2024, primarily due to an increase in past due loans, partially offset by payoffs and charge-offs of nonaccrual loans. The ratio of NPAs to assets was 0.10% as of December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024.

    As of December 31, 2024, the ACL was $21.7 million. The ratio of ACL to loans HFI was 1.05% as of December 31, 2024 and 1.06% as of September 30, 2024. The net charge-offs to average loans ratio was 0.01% for the fourth quarter of 2024 and 0.00% for the third quarter of 2024.

    Deposits

    As of December 31, 2024, deposits were $2.81 billion, an increase of $58.0 million, or 2.1%, compared to September 30, 2024. Average deposits for the fourth quarter of 2024 were $2.78 billion, an increase of $53.5 million, or 2.0%, from the prior quarter. The following tables provide details on our deposit portfolio:

    Deposits by Account Type
      December 31, 2024   September 30, 2024   Change from
    September 30, 2024 to
    December 31, 2024
    (dollars in thousands) Balance   % of Total   Balance   % of Total   $ Change   % Change
    Noninterest-bearing demand deposits $ 866,496   30.9 %   $ 882,394   32.1 %   $ (15,898 )   (1.8 %)
    Interest-bearing deposits:                      
    Interest-bearing demand deposits   154,720   5.5 %     163,787   6.0 %     (9,067 )   (5.5 %)
    NOW accounts   467,118   16.7 %     379,566   13.8 %     87,552     23.1 %
    Money market accounts   556,769   19.8 %     551,229   20.0 %     5,540     1.0 %
    Savings accounts   169,894   6.1 %     166,723   6.1 %     3,171     1.9 %
    Time deposits less than or equal to $250,000   403,096   14.3 %     411,361   15.0 %     (8,265 )   (2.0 %)
    Time deposits greater than $250,000   187,013   6.7 %     192,065   7.0 %     (5,052 )   (2.6 %)
    Total interest-bearing deposits   1,938,610   69.1 %     1,864,731   67.9 %     73,879     4.0 %
    Total deposits $ 2,805,106   100.0 %   $ 2,747,125   100.0 %   $ 57,981     2.1 %
                                         
    Deposits by Customer Type
      December 31, 2024   September 30, 2024   Change from
    September 30, 2024 to
    December 31, 2024
    (dollars in thousands) Balance   % of Total   Balance   % of Total   $ Change   % Change
    Consumer $ 1,362,740   48.6 %   $ 1,348,281   49.1 %   $ 14,459     1.1 %
    Commercial   1,178,488   42.0 %     1,191,625   43.4 %     (13,137 )   (1.1 %)
    Public   263,878   9.4 %     207,219   7.5 %     56,659     27.3 %
    Total deposits $ 2,805,106   100.0 %   $ 2,747,125   100.0 %   $ 57,981     2.1 %
                                         

    The increase in deposits in the fourth quarter of 2024 was mainly due to the seasonal inflow of funds from public entity customers, partially offset by a decrease in commercial customer deposit balances related to normal business activity.

    The Bank has a granular, diverse deposit portfolio with customers in a variety of industries throughout Louisiana. As of December 31, 2024, the average deposit account size was approximately $28,000.

    As of December 31, 2024, our estimated uninsured deposits, which are the portion of deposit accounts that exceed the FDIC insurance limit (currently $250,000), were approximately $879.8 million, or 31.4% of total deposits. This amount was estimated based on the same methodologies and assumptions used for regulatory reporting purposes. Also, as of December 31, 2024, our estimated uninsured deposits, excluding collateralized public entity deposits, were approximately $667.6 million, or 23.8% of total deposits. Our cash and cash equivalents of $269.0 million, combined with our available borrowing capacity of $1.62 billion, equaled 214.6% of our estimated uninsured deposits and 282.8% of our estimated uninsured deposits, excluding collateralized public entity deposits.

    Stockholders’ Equity

    Total stockholders’ equity as of December 31, 2024, was $319.7 million compared to $324.3 million as of September 30, 2024. The $4.6 million, or 1.4%, decrease in stockholders’ equity during the fourth quarter of 2024 was attributable to a $10.6 million, net of tax, market adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive loss related to securities, the repurchase of 50,632 shares of common stock for $2.7 million, and $610,000 in cash dividends related to a $0.09 per share cash dividend that we paid on December 19, 2024. The common stock repurchase of $2.7 million includes $213,000 of stock repurchase excise tax related to our 2023 and 2024 stock repurchases, which tax regulations require to be recorded as a reduction to shareholders’ equity. These decreases in stockholders’ equity were partially offset by $9.3 million of net income and $95,000 of stock compensation.

    Non-GAAP Disclosure

    Our accounting and reporting policies conform to United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and the prevailing practices in the banking industry. Certain financial measures used by management to evaluate our operating performance are discussed as supplemental non-GAAP performance measures. In accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) rules, we classify a financial measure as being a non-GAAP financial measure if that financial measure excludes or includes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have the effect of excluding or including amounts, that are included or excluded, as the case may be, in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP as in effect from time to time in the U.S.

    Management and the board of directors review tangible book value per share, tangible common equity to tangible assets, and realized book value per share as part of managing operating performance. However, these non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the most directly comparable or other financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. Moreover, the manner we calculate the non-GAAP financial measures that are discussed may differ from that of other companies’ reporting measures with similar names. It is important to understand how such other banking organizations calculate and name their financial measures similar to the non-GAAP financial measures discussed by us when comparing such non-GAAP financial measures.

    A reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to the comparable GAAP financial measures is included within the following financial statement tables.

    About Red River Bancshares, Inc.

    Red River Bancshares, Inc. is the bank holding company for Red River Bank, a Louisiana state-chartered bank established in 1999 that provides a fully integrated suite of banking products and services tailored to the needs of commercial and retail customers. Red River Bank operates from a network of 28 banking centers throughout Louisiana and one combined loan and deposit production office in New Orleans, Louisiana. Banking centers are located in the following Louisiana markets: Central, which includes the Alexandria metropolitan statistical area (“MSA”); Northwest, which includes the Shreveport-Bossier City MSA; Capital, which includes the Baton Rouge MSA; Southwest, which includes the Lake Charles MSA; the Northshore, which includes Covington; Acadiana, which includes the Lafayette MSA; and New Orleans.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Statements in this news release regarding our expectations and beliefs about our future financial performance and financial condition, as well as trends in our business, interest rates, and markets, are “forward-looking statements” 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. Forward-looking statements often include words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “project,” “outlook,” or words of similar meaning, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” or “may.” The forward-looking statements in this news release are based on current information and on assumptions that we make about future events and circumstances that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that are often difficult to predict and beyond our control. As a result of those risks and uncertainties, our actual financial results in the future could differ, possibly materially, from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release and could cause us to make changes to our future plans. Additional information regarding these and other risks and uncertainties to which our business and future financial performance are subject is contained in the section titled “Risk Factors” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and in other documents that we file with the SEC from time to time. In addition, our actual financial results in the future may differ from those currently expected due to additional risks and uncertainties of which we are not currently aware or which we do not currently view as, but in the future may become, material to our business or operating results. Due to these and other possible uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this news release or to make predictions based solely on historical financial performance. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law. All forward-looking statements, express or implied, included in this news release are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

    Contact:
    Isabel V. Carriere, CPA, CGMA
    Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Assistant Corporate Secretary
    318-561-4023
    icarriere@redriverbank.net 

    FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (UNAUDITED)
     
        As of and for the
    Three Months Ended    		   As of and for the
    Years Ended
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)   December 31,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023    		   December 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023
    Net Income   $ 9,306     $ 8,754     $ 8,292     $ 34,235     $ 34,879  
                         
    Per Common Share Data:                    
    Earnings per share, basic   $ 1.37     $ 1.28     $ 1.16     $ 4.96     $ 4.87  
    Earnings per share, diluted   $ 1.37     $ 1.27     $ 1.16     $ 4.95     $ 4.86  
    Book value per share   $ 47.18     $ 47.51     $ 42.85     $ 47.18     $ 42.85  
    Tangible book value per share (1)   $ 46.95     $ 47.28     $ 42.63     $ 46.95     $ 42.63  
    Realized book value per share (1)   $ 56.07     $ 54.78     $ 51.38     $ 56.07     $ 51.38  
    Cash dividends per share   $ 0.09     $ 0.09     $ 0.08     $ 0.36     $ 0.32  
    Shares outstanding     6,777,238       6,826,120       7,091,637       6,777,238       7,091,637  
    Weighted average shares outstanding, basic     6,797,469       6,851,223       7,128,988       6,898,286       7,164,314  
    Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted     6,816,299       6,867,474       7,145,870       6,918,060       7,181,728  
                         
    Summary Performance Ratios:                    
    Return on average assets     1.18 %     1.13 %     1.08 %     1.11 %     1.15 %
    Return on average equity     11.46 %     11.11 %     11.63 %     11.02 %     12.44 %
    Net interest margin     3.04 %     2.93 %     2.78 %     2.91 %     2.87 %
    Net interest margin FTE     3.09 %     2.98 %     2.82 %     2.96 %     2.91 %
    Efficiency ratio     58.71 %     60.09 %     60.51 %     60.29 %     59.39 %
    Loans HFI to deposits ratio     73.97 %     74.84 %     71.13 %     73.97 %     71.13 %
    Noninterest-bearing deposits to deposits ratio     30.89 %     32.12 %     32.71 %     30.89 %     32.71 %
    Noninterest income to average assets     0.63 %     0.70 %     0.67 %     0.66 %     0.70 %
    Operating expense to average assets     2.14 %     2.17 %     2.08 %     2.14 %     2.11 %
                         
    Summary Credit Quality Ratios:                    
    NPAs to assets     0.10 %     0.10 %     0.08 %     0.10 %     0.08 %
    Nonperforming loans to loans HFI     0.16 %     0.15 %     0.13 %     0.16 %     0.13 %
    ACL to loans HFI     1.05 %     1.06 %     1.07 %     1.05 %     1.07 %
    Net charge-offs to average loans     0.01 %     0.00 %     0.01 %     0.03 %     0.02 %
                         
    Capital Ratios:                    
    Stockholders’ equity to assets     10.15 %     10.46 %     9.71 %     10.15 %     9.71 %
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets(1)     10.11 %     10.41 %     9.67 %     10.11 %     9.67 %
    Total risk-based capital to risk-weighted assets     18.28 %     18.07 %     18.28 %     18.28 %     18.28 %
    Tier 1 risk-based capital to risk-weighted assets     17.12 %     17.05 %     17.24 %     17.12 %     17.24 %
    Common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets     17.12 %     17.05 %     17.24 %     17.12 %     17.24 %
    Tier 1 risk-based capital to average assets     11.86 %     11.90 %     11.56 %     11.86 %     11.56 %

    (1) Non-GAAP financial measure. Calculations of this measure and reconciliations to GAAP are included in the schedules accompanying this release.

    RED RIVER BANCSHARES, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
     
    (in thousands) December 31,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024    		   March 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023
    ASSETS                  
    Cash and due from banks $ 30,558     $ 39,664     $ 35,035     $ 19,401     $ 53,062  
    Interest-bearing deposits in other banks   238,417       192,983       178,038       210,404       252,364  
    Securities available-for-sale, at fair value   550,148       560,555       526,890       545,967       570,092  
    Securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost   131,796       134,145       136,824       139,328       141,236  
    Equity securities, at fair value   2,937       3,028       2,921       2,934       2,965  
    Nonmarketable equity securities   2,328       2,305       2,283       2,261       2,239  
    Loans held for sale   2,547       1,805       3,878       1,653       1,306  
    Loans held for investment   2,075,013       2,056,048       2,047,890       2,038,072       1,992,858  
    Allowance for credit losses   (21,731 )     (21,757 )     (21,627 )     (21,564 )     (21,336 )
    Premises and equipment, net   59,441       57,661       57,910       57,539       57,088  
    Accrued interest receivable   10,048       9,465       9,570       9,995       9,945  
    Bank-owned life insurance   30,380       30,164       29,947       29,731       29,529  
    Intangible assets   1,546       1,546       1,546       1,546       1,546  
    Right-of-use assets   2,733       2,853       2,973       3,091       3,629  
    Other assets   33,433       31,285       34,450       32,940       32,287  
    Total Assets $ 3,149,594     $ 3,101,750     $ 3,048,528     $ 3,073,298     $ 3,128,810  
    LIABILITIES                  
    Noninterest-bearing deposits $ 866,496     $ 882,394     $ 892,942     $ 895,439     $ 916,456  
    Interest-bearing deposits   1,938,610       1,864,731       1,823,704       1,850,452       1,885,432  
    Total Deposits   2,805,106       2,747,125       2,716,646       2,745,891       2,801,888  
    Accrued interest payable   7,583       11,751       8,747       8,959       8,000  
    Lease liabilities   2,864       2,982       3,100       3,215       3,767  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities   14,302       15,574       13,045       15,919       11,304  
    Total Liabilities   2,829,855       2,777,432       2,741,538       2,773,984       2,824,959  
    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES   —       —       —       —       —  
    STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                  
    Preferred stock, no par value   —       —       —       —       —  
    Common stock, no par value   38,655       41,402       44,413       45,177       55,136  
    Additional paid-in capital   2,777       2,682       2,590       2,485       2,407  
    Retained earnings   338,554       329,858       321,719       314,352       306,802  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)   (60,247 )     (49,624 )     (61,732 )     (62,700 )     (60,494 )
    Total Stockholders’ Equity   319,739       324,318       306,990       299,314       303,851  
    Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity $ 3,149,594     $ 3,101,750     $ 3,048,528     $ 3,073,298     $ 3,128,810  
    RED RIVER BANCSHARES, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
                         
        For the Three Months Ended   For the Years Ended
    (in thousands)     December 31,
    2024    		       September 30,
    2024    		     December 31,
    2023    		     December 31,
    2024    		       December 31,
    2023    		  
    INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME                                    
    Interest and fees on loans   $ 28,285     $ 27,909   $ 24,898   $ 108,969     $ 93,439  
    Interest on securities     4,623       4,334     3,656     17,089       14,291  
    Interest on federal funds sold     —       —     —     —       886  
    Interest on deposits in other banks     2,699       2,630     3,438     11,077       9,797  
    Dividends on stock     23       28     49     95       155  
    Total Interest and Dividend Income     35,630       34,901     32,041     137,230       118,568  
    INTEREST EXPENSE                    
    Interest on deposits     11,943       12,444     10,747     47,936       32,066  
    Interest on other borrowed funds     —       —     —     —       64  
    Total Interest Expense     11,943       12,444     10,747     47,936       32,130  
    Net Interest Income     23,687       22,457     21,294     89,294       86,438  
    Provision for credit losses     300       300     250     1,200       735  
    Net Interest Income After Provision for Credit Losses     23,387       22,157     21,044     88,094       85,703  
    NONINTEREST INCOME                    
    Service charges on deposit accounts     1,452       1,486     1,459     5,674       5,776  
    Debit card income, net     960       905     875     3,836       3,563  
    Mortgage loan income     652       732     441     2,490       1,965  
    Brokerage income     924       987     1,039     3,791       3,798  
    Loan and deposit income     463       588     575     2,034       2,140  
    Bank-owned life insurance income     216       217     197     851       754  
    Gain (Loss) on equity securities     (91 )     107     132     (28 )     (14 )
    SBIC income     346       301     393     1,453       2,873  
    Other income (loss)     73       96     76     340       259  
    Total Noninterest Income     4,995       5,419     5,187     20,441       21,114  
    OPERATING EXPENSES                    
    Personnel expenses     9,769       9,700     9,233     38,623       37,241  
    Occupancy and equipment expenses     1,716       1,661     1,647     6,691       6,581  
    Technology expenses     884       865     693     3,182       2,759  
    Advertising     313       317     347     1,374       1,302  
    Other business development expenses     486       521     537     2,076       1,987  
    Data processing expense     681       652     631     2,331       2,320  
    Other taxes     547       622     679     2,407       2,721  
    Loan and deposit expenses     334       294     256     895       984  
    Legal and professional expenses     658       653     664     2,657       2,378  
    Regulatory assessment expenses     428       421     423     1,654       1,645  
    Other operating expenses     1,024       1,046     913     4,264       3,955  
    Total Operating Expenses     16,840       16,752     16,023     66,154       63,873  
    Income Before Income Tax Expense     11,542       10,824     10,208     42,381       42,944  
    Income tax expense     2,236       2,070     1,916     8,146       8,065  
    Net Income   $ 9,306     $ 8,754   $ 8,292   $ 34,235     $ 34,879  
                                         
    RED RIVER BANCSHARES, INC.
    NET INTEREST INCOME AND NET INTEREST MARGIN (UNAUDITED)
     
      For the Three Months Ended
      December 31, 2024   September 30, 2024
    (dollars in thousands) Average Balance Outstanding   Interest
    Income/
    Expense    		   Average
    Yield/
    Rate    		   Average Balance Outstanding   Interest
    Income/
    Expense    		   Average
    Yield/
    Rate
    Assets                      
    Interest-earning assets:                      
    Loans(1,2) $ 2,072,858     $ 28,285   5.34 %   $ 2,054,451     $ 27,909   5.32 %
    Securities – taxable   555,622       3,636   2.62 %     545,171       3,344   2.45 %
    Securities – tax-exempt   190,470       987   2.07 %     191,285       990   2.07 %
    Interest-bearing deposits in other banks   225,660       2,699   4.74 %     194,229       2,630   5.36 %
    Nonmarketable equity securities   2,307       23   3.99 %     2,284       28   4.85 %
    Total interest-earning assets   3,046,917     $ 35,630   4.60 %     2,987,420     $ 34,901   4.59 %
    Allowance for credit losses   (21,824 )             (21,702 )        
    Noninterest-earning assets   109,992               104,599          
    Total assets $ 3,135,085             $ 3,070,317          
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity                      
    Interest-bearing liabilities:                      
    Interest-bearing transaction deposits $ 1,263,775     $ 5,658   1.78 %   $ 1,230,487     $ 6,042   1.95 %
    Time deposits   599,910       6,285   4.17 %     597,286       6,402   4.26 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits   1,863,685       11,943   2.55 %     1,827,773       12,444   2.71 %
    Other borrowings   —       —   — %     —       —   — %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   1,863,685     $ 11,943   2.55 %     1,827,773     $ 12,444   2.71 %
    Noninterest-bearing liabilities:                      
    Noninterest-bearing deposits   918,804               901,192          
    Accrued interest and other liabilities   29,567               28,006          
    Total noninterest-bearing liabilities   948,371               929,198          
    Stockholders’ equity   323,029               313,346          
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 3,135,085             $ 3,070,317          
    Net interest income     $ 23,687           $ 22,457    
    Net interest spread         2.05 %           1.88 %
    Net interest margin         3.04 %           2.93 %
    Net interest margin FTE(3)         3.09 %           2.98 %
    Cost of deposits         1.71 %           1.81 %
    Cost of funds         1.56 %           1.66 %

    (1) Includes average outstanding balances of loans held for sale of $3.2 million and $3.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024, respectively.
    (2) Nonaccrual loans are included as loans carrying a zero yield.
    (3) Net interest margin FTE includes an FTE adjustment using a 21.0% federal income tax rate on tax-exempt securities and tax-exempt loans.

    RED RIVER BANCSHARES, INC.
    NET INTEREST INCOME AND NET INTEREST MARGIN (UNAUDITED)
     
      For the Years Ended
      December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023
    (dollars in thousands) Average Balance Outstanding   Interest
    Income/
    Expense    		   Average
    Yield/
    Rate    		   Average Balance Outstanding   Interest
    Income/
    Expense    		   Average
    Yield/
    Rate
    Assets                      
    Interest-earning assets:                      
    Loans(1,2) $ 2,046,339     $ 108,969   5.24 %   $ 1,943,381     $ 93,439   4.74 %
    Securities – taxable   554,194       13,098   2.36 %     605,692       10,169   1.68 %
    Securities – tax-exempt   193,368       3,991   2.06 %     202,673       4,122   2.03 %
    Federal funds sold   —       —   — %     18,594       886   4.70 %
    Interest-bearing deposits in other banks   210,959       11,077   5.22 %     188,199       9,797   5.17 %
    Nonmarketable equity securities   2,273       95   4.19 %     3,353       155   4.61 %
    Total interest-earning assets   3,007,133     $ 137,230   4.50 %     2,961,892     $ 118,568   3.96 %
    Allowance for credit losses   (21,646 )             (20,980 )        
    Noninterest-earning assets   102,951               86,939          
    Total assets $ 3,088,438             $ 3,027,851          
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity                      
    Interest-bearing liabilities:                      
    Interest-bearing transaction deposits $ 1,246,528     $ 23,082   1.85 %   $ 1,249,259     $ 17,555   1.41 %
    Time deposits   593,817       24,854   4.19 %     470,522       14,511   3.08 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits   1,840,345       47,936   2.60 %     1,719,781       32,066   1.86 %
    Other borrowings   —       —   — %     1,151       64   5.49 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   1,840,345     $ 47,936   2.60 %     1,720,932     $ 32,130   1.87 %
    Noninterest-bearing liabilities:                      
    Noninterest-bearing deposits   910,507               1,004,107          
    Accrued interest and other liabilities   26,884               22,385          
    Total noninterest-bearing liabilities   937,391               1,026,492          
    Stockholders’ equity   310,702               280,427          
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 3,088,438             $ 3,027,851          
    Net interest income     $ 89,294           $ 86,438    
    Net interest spread         1.90 %           2.09 %
    Net interest margin         2.91 %           2.87 %
    Net interest margin FTE(3)         2.96 %           2.91 %
    Cost of deposits         1.74 %           1.18 %
    Cost of funds         1.59 %           1.08 %

    (1) Includes average outstanding balances of loans held for sale of $2.9 million and $2.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
    (2) Nonaccrual loans are included as loans carrying a zero yield.
    (3) Net interest margin FTE includes an FTE adjustment using a 21.0% federal income tax rate on tax-exempt securities and tax-exempt loans.

    RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (UNAUDITED)
     
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data) December 31,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023
    Tangible common equity          
    Total stockholders’ equity $ 319,739     $ 324,318     $ 303,851  
    Adjustments:          
    Intangible assets   (1,546 )     (1,546 )     (1,546 )
    Total tangible common equity (non-GAAP) $ 318,193     $ 322,772     $ 302,305  
    Realized common equity          
    Total stockholders’ equity $ 319,739     $ 324,318     $ 303,851  
    Adjustments:          
    Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss   60,247       49,624       60,494  
    Total realized common equity (non-GAAP) $ 379,986     $ 373,942     $ 364,345  
    Common shares outstanding   6,777,238       6,826,120       7,091,637  
    Book value per share $ 47.18     $ 47.51     $ 42.85  
    Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP) $ 46.95     $ 47.28     $ 42.63  
    Realized book value per share (non-GAAP) $ 56.07     $ 54.78     $ 51.38  
               
    Tangible assets          
    Total assets $ 3,149,594     $ 3,101,750     $ 3,128,810  
    Adjustments:          
    Intangible assets   (1,546 )     (1,546 )     (1,546 )
    Total tangible assets (non-GAAP) $ 3,148,048     $ 3,100,204     $ 3,127,264  
    Total stockholders’ equity to assets   10.15 %     10.46 %     9.71 %
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets (non-GAAP)   10.11 %     10.41 %     9.67 %

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: iPower Schedules Fiscal Second Quarter 2025 Conference Call for February 13, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. ET

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif., Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — iPower Inc. (Nasdaq: IPW) (“iPower” or the “Company”), a tech and data-driven ecommerce services provider and online retailer, will host a conference call on Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time to discuss its financial results for the fiscal second quarter ended December 31, 2024. The Company’s results will be reported in a press release prior to the call.

    iPower management will host the conference call, followed by a question-and-answer period.

    Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025
    Time: 4:30 p.m. Eastern time
    Dial-in registration link: here
    Live webcast registration link: here

    Please dial into the conference call 5-10 minutes prior to the start time. If you have any difficulty connecting with the conference call, please contact the company’s investor relations team at IPW@elevate-ir.com.

    The conference call will also be broadcast live and available for replay in the Events & Presentations section of the Company’s website at www.meetipower.com.

    About iPower Inc. 

    iPower Inc. is a tech and data-driven online retailer, as well as a provider of value-added ecommerce services for third-party products and brands. iPower’s capabilities include a full spectrum of online channels, robust fulfillment capacity, a nationwide network of warehouses, competitive last mile delivery partners and a differentiated business intelligence platform. iPower believes that these capabilities will enable it to efficiently move a diverse catalog of SKUs from its supply chain partners to end consumers every day, providing the best value to customers in the U.S. and other countries. For more information, please visit iPower’s website at www.meetipower.com.

    Forward Looking Statements

    This press release may contain information about iPower’s view of its future expectations, plans and prospects that constitute forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from historical results or those indicated by these forward-looking statements because of a variety of factors including, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties associated with its ability to maintain and grow its business, variability of operating results, its development and introduction of new products and services, marketing and other business development initiatives and competition in the industry. iPower encourages you to review other factors that may affect its future results in its filings with the SEC.

    Investor Relations Contact

    Sean Mansouri, CFA or Aaron D’Souza
    Elevate IR
    (720) 330-2829
    IPW@elevate-ir.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Nord Security partners up with Gridheart to support Nordic businesses on their cybersecurity journey

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nord Security, home for advanced cybersecurity solutions, proudly announces a partnership with Gridheart, a leading Nordic cloud distributor, to deliver comprehensive, business-oriented cybersecurity solutions for managed service providers (MSPs). With this step, Gridheart has become the first distributor representing the full Nord Security business suite, including the newest addition — NordStellar, a threat exposure management platform.

    “We are thrilled to partner with such a trusted organization as Gridheart. While we have spent the last few years focusing heavily on global markets, in 2025, we are giving greater attention to Europe,” says Justas Morkunas, Chief Commercial Officer for B2B at Nord Security. “The Scandinavian market in particular stands out for its notably higher adoption of cybersecurity solutions than other parts of Europe. Together with Gridheart, we are ready to accelerate this momentum, educate the market, and deliver a comprehensive cybersecurity offering tailored to the needs of SMBs.”

    This collaboration integrates three products from Nord Security’s business suite into Gridhearts’ portfolio: NordPass — a next-generation password manager, NordLayer — a toggle-ready network security platform for business, and NordStellar — a threat exposure manager platform that helps companies detect and respond to emerging cyber threats. All three products are designed to ensure comprehensive cybersecurity, protecting employees and employers from potential data leaks and equipping them with the right toolset to get ahead of any cyberattacks.

    “We’re thrilled to join forces with Nord Security,” says Carl Hagström, CEO of Gridheart. “This partnership strengthens our ability to provide MSPs comprehensive cybersecurity solutions tailored for businesses that secure their clients’ operations and enhance service delivery and compliance. Together, we empower businesses to operate safely and efficiently in an increasingly digital hostile environment.”

    Gridheart partners can now add all of the above-mentioned Nord Security products to their portfolio. For more information, read here: https://www.gridheart.com/nordsecurity.

    About Nord Security

    Nord Security is home to advanced cybersecurity solutions that share the Nord brand and values, including the world’s most advanced VPN service NordVPN, the next-generation password manager NordPass, the file encryption tool NordLocker, threat exposure management platform NordStellar, the toggle-ready network security platform for business NordLayer, an all-around identity theft protection service NordProtect, and Saily, an eSIM service. Established in 2012, Nord Security’s products are now acknowledged by the most influential tech sites and IT security specialists. More information: nordsecurity.com.

    About Gridheart

    Gridheart is a leading provider of cloud-based solutions for MSPs in the Nordics. In a digital age where IT security is of utmost importance, Gridheart offers world-class security solutions. We specialize in delivering cloud services that protect digital assets in an ever-changing IT landscape, where new cyber threats constantly emerge. More information: gridheart.com

    Contact:
    inga@nordsec.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Italy and WFP partner with the Government of Iraq to strengthen community resilience and women empowerment for green opportunities in Iraq

    Source: World Food Programme

    BAGHDAD – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomed a generous contribution from the Italian Government through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) to strengthen community resilience and empower women through green opportunities, to address the challenges climate change poses to agriculture and food security in Iraq.

    WFP will work together with the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Environment to empower local communities in food security and climate action decisions. WFP will also provide capacity building and technical expertise to local government authorities, helping them implement sustainable farming and livelihood solutions that can withstand climate challenges. 

    This project takes an innovative approach to support vulnerable women-led households, crisis-affected people, and smallholder farmers. It aims to help communities become more adaptable and resilient to climate change shocks by promoting inclusive coordination, active participation, and income-generating activities with a focus on empowering women, youth, and persons with disabilities. The project will be implemented in Ninewa, Salah al-Din, Thi-Qar, and Basra.

    Iraq’s agricultural sector is one of the main sources of income for vulnerable populations and the second-largest contributor to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) after oil revenues. More frequent droughts and continued water scarcity are increasing challenges to farmers who face reduced crop yields and loss of arable land, leading to an overall decline of agriculture in Iraq. 

    “Iraq, ‘the land of two rivers,’ faces a serious problem with water scarcity, desertification, rising temperatures and other climate impacts that heavily affect its agriculture and, in turn, its food security. WFP is committed to working with the Government of Iraq to support local governments and communities in developing scalable and sustainable climate-smart solutions that not only address those issues, but enable the people to adapt and overcome them,” said WFP Representative and Country Director Mageed Yahia. “To build long-term resilience, it is essential to involve all members of the community—especially women, people with disabilities, and other marginalized groups—in decision-making processes that support food security and sustainable livelihoods.”

    WFP will partner with the Government of Iraq, academia and a number of Italian experts to provide technical solutions, equipment and expertise, fostering innovative ecosystems that draw from the extensive experience on providing technical capacity building to public institutions and national organizations.

    Collaboration with the private sector and academia will help drive innovative and sustainable solutions to empower women in agriculture. This includes improving food production, processing, storage, and distribution, as well as promoting responsible farming practices, diverse income opportunities, and reducing waste. The project also focuses on the connection between agriculture, energy, and the environment to create lasting change. 

    “Climate change poses significant risks to Iraq’s agricultural sector, threatening livelihoods and food security all over the Country, and especially for women-led households” highlighted H.E. Niccolò Fontana, Ambassador of Italy to Iraq. “Various regions across Iraq face the harsh realities of water scarcity, land degradation, and rising temperatures. This project directly addresses these challenges by promoting green skills and expanding the private sector workforce, enhancing agricultural value chains, supporting women’s entrepreneurship in climate-resilient sectors. Italy is proud to commit to fostering a green transition that will benefit not only the environment, but also the population, empowering their communities and nurturing sustainability.”

    WFP will continue working with the Government of Iraq to support communities affected by climate change by aligning its project implementation with the Government’s priorities, particularly focusing on the addressing unemployment, improving water management in irrigation to drive up production and empower women to seek and maintain sustainable livelihoods. 

    #                           #                         #

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

    Follow us on Twitter @WFP_Iraq @wfp_mena @wfpgovts

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Greece: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2025 Article IV Consultation Mission

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    January 30, 2025

    A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.

    The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    Greece’s near-term economic outlook remains favorable, with real GDP sustaining its robust expansion. The public finances have further improved, with the public debt-to-GDP ratio on a firm downward trajectory, amid continued fiscal consolidation supported by strong progress in reducing tax evasion. Continuing the reform momentum will establish a solid foundation to address remaining crisis legacies and structural challenges arising from the rising yet still low level of overall investment, an unfavorable demographic outlook, and sluggish productivity growth. The right policy mix aimed at continuing fiscal consolidation in a growth-friendly manner, implementing ambitious reforms to address supply-side structural impediments, and further strengthening financial system resilience is essential to achieve sustainable growth in the medium to long term, while ensuring fiscal sustainability and safeguarding financial stability.

    Robust Expansion with Declining Debt

    1. The economy maintained its robust growth in 2024, supported by strong domestic demand. Real GDP expanded by 2.3 percent (year-on-year; y/y) in the first three quarters, buoyed by a strong pickup in NGEU-funded investment projects and robust private consumption underpinned by rising real income. The unemployment rate fell to 9.5 percent (seasonally adjusted) in 2024Q3, a historic low since 2009, and the vacancy rate has risen, reflecting labor shortages in a few sectors, particularly construction, tourism-related services, and high-skill sectors. The labor force participation rate has also gradually risen but remains among the lowest in EU, especially for women. Disinflation is underway at a gradual pace with headline and core inflation at 2.9 and 3.4 percent (y/y) in end-2024, respectively, amid persistent services inflation and wage growth. Along with strong economic activity, credit growth to the private sector has accelerated to 9.4 percent (y/y) in 2024Q4, accompanied by a continued increase in residential real estate prices. High domestic import demand, driven by investment, also contributed to the widening of the current account deficit to an estimated 6.9 percent of GDP in 2024.

    2. Continued fiscal consolidation and sustained progress in much-needed structural reforms have strengthened the public finances, growth potential, and energy security. By end-2024, the public debt-to-GDP ratio is estimated to have decreased by more than 50 percentage points from its peak in 2020, supported by strong growth, high inflation, and substantial fiscal consolidation. While the labor tax wedge has been reduced by about 4½ percentage points since 2019, tax revenue has remained buoyant due to the authorities’ strong progress in reducing tax evasion. The abolishment of substantial pension penalties for retirees re-entering the labor market significantly increased the number of working pensioners in 2024. Following the significant expansion of solar and wind capacity in recent years, renewable sources now account for about 50 percent of total electricity generation.

    3. The banking system has further enhanced its resilience with improved asset quality and capital adequacy. Asset quality in systemically important banks has improved further, with the NPL ratio dropping to around 3 percent in 2024Q3, facilitated by a government-sponsored securitization framework. Banks sustained high profits, which, along with capital instrument issuances, have boosted capital adequacy, although there is room for a further strengthening of voluntary capital buffers. The capital quality needs to be further improved as Deferred Tax Credit (DTC) still represents a substantial share of prudential capital. Given repayment of the Targeted Longer-Term Refinancing Operations (TLTROs) and meeting the Minimum Requirement for Own Funds and Eligible Liabilities (MREL) targets, liquidity and funding risks have been markedly reduced, with buffers well above prudential requirements and the EU average.

    4. Real GDP growth is projected to remain high at 2.1 percent in 2025, before moderating in the medium term. Investment will continue to be a key driver, supported by NGEU-funded projects. Private consumption growth will remain solid, underpinned by favorable employment and income growth. With stabilizing global energy prices, headline inflation is expected to resume its downward trend, while core inflation will be more persistent due to services inflation and wage growth. With NGEU funding set to expire against the backdrop of demographic headwinds and sluggish productivity growth, GDP growth is forecast to moderate to lower levels around 1¼ percent in the medium term. The current account deficit is expected to narrow gradually below 4 percent of GDP in the medium term, as imports are expected to slow along with the winding down of NGEU-funded investment.

    5. Risks to the growth outlook are balanced, while those to inflation are tilted upward. Potential headwinds include the growth slowdown in major euro area countries, a deterioration of regional conflicts, and global policy uncertainty. The acceleration of ambitious structural reforms could further improve growth prospects. Stronger and more persistent-than-expected wage growth could further fuel services inflation, potentially exacerbated by fluctuations in global and regional energy prices.

    Growth-friendly Fiscal Consolidation

    6. Continued fiscal consolidation would further strengthen public debt sustainability. The primary surplus is expected to remain high at around 2½ percent of GDP in 2025 as reduced revenue from an additional cut in social security contributions is expected to be broadly offset by revenue gains from reforms aimed at reducing tax evasion and increasing tax compliance. With the primary surplus remaining high at 2.3 percent of GDP in the medium term, the public debt-to-GDP ratio is projected to decrease further by about 25 percentage points to below 130 percent by 2030.

    7. Additional expenditure measures that raise efficiency would further strengthen Greece’s public finances. Continued reforms are necessary to enhance efficient public investment planning and management, including through further strengthening centralized coordination and procurement. It is essential to protect non-pension social spending, such as healthcare and education, to promote inclusive growth, while enhancing efficiency. Excessive increases in pensions and public-sector wages should be resisted by implementing recent reforms, for example by ensuring that pension increases adhere to the established indexation formula without ad hoc adjustment.

    8. There is room for additional revenue-enhancing reforms to further reduce tax evasion while enhancing the progressivity of the tax system. The Independent Authority for Public Revenue’s new medium-term strategy presents a good opportunity to further modernize tax administration and increase tax collection by continuing to leverage digitalization, which also reduces the burden of compliance. Tax policy reforms should focus on broadening the tax base and increasing tax progressivity. Additionally, inefficient tax expenditures, particularly the regressive VAT exemptions on some goods and services, should be phased out. The authorities should also consider raising carbon pricing, particularly in the transport and industry sectors, which can generate revenue for improved social protection and help address climate change and energy security by sharpening market incentives.

    9. Fiscal space created by additional measures or better-than-expected performance should be used for debt reduction as well as crucial social and capital spending. While public debt remains high, there are significant infrastructure investment needs, especially for energy security and in support of the green transition. The authorities should also consider enhancing support for crucial social expenditures, such as healthcare, and education with increased targeting toward the poor and vulnerable to promote inclusive growth.

    Structural reforms for boosting potential growth

    10. Comprehensive reforms to address structural supply-side impediments would increase productivity and medium-term growth prospects.

    • Raising labor force participation and ensuring a better skilled workforce. Increasing the availability of childcare and elderly care facilities can enable women to engage more productively in the economy. Reducing the still high tax wedge, coupled with appropriate job search and phasing out certain features of the unemployment benefit within the eligibility period, can enhance work incentives. Upgrading and scaling up the lifelong learning system with effective private sector participation, particularly in digital and green skills, as well as healthcare, can reduce skill mismatches and help alleviate bottlenecks for youth and female employment.
    • Accelerating regulatory reforms. Further reducing the regulatory burden and barriers to entry for firms, particularly in the services sector, would foster competition, increase productivity, and promote investment. Promoting business dynamism and fostering robust job creation are essential for effectively integrating new labor force entrants, particularly women, into employment. The quality of regulation needs to be improved by leveraging digitalization and enhancing regulatory impact assessments. Further enlarging and deepening the European single market would allow firms to grow to scale and lift productivity.
    • Advancing judicial system reforms. Progress in the implementation of the new insolvency framework, which is essential for addressing a large stock of crisis legacy distressed debt, has been hindered by imbalances and rigidities in the functioning of the civil judiciary system. In line with the recent judicial reform program, efforts should focus on accelerating the resolution of court cases. Such reforms would not only enhance financial sector resilience but also promote productive growth by facilitating the reallocation of capital to more productive activities and higher investment.

    11. Continued progress in green and digital transition will help achieve energy security and further boost productivity growth. Improving power connectivity with distant islands and enhancing energy efficiency in industries and transportation are essential for achieving the updated climate goals. Building on the ongoing increase in solar and wind capacity, scaling up grid networks and storage solutions will contribute to energy security by ensuring a stable power supply. More fundamentally, the completion of the EU-wide Energy Union, with a fully integrated and interconnected energy market, will remain crucial. Additionally, building on the commendable digitalization of public administration and the new national artificial intelligence strategy, the authorities should incentivize stronger adoption of digital technologies by the private sector to enhance productivity gains.

    Strengthening financial system resilience

    12. Monitoring of credit risks by banks should be further strengthened, while enhancing capital adequacy and its quality. With accelerating credit growth, supervisors should continue scrutinizing the extent to which banks deploy adequate and forward-looking provisioning policies, supported by adequate collateral valuations. Supervisors should also closely monitor how banks adapt their business models to the changing operating environment and further strengthen their risk management frameworks. Currently elevated bank profits should be primarily utilized to build capital buffers and improve the quality of capital. The recently announced initiative by banks to accelerate the amortization of DTCs will enhance bank resilience and reduce the bank-sovereign nexus.

    13. The implementation of the recently adopted comprehensive macroprudential toolkit will further strengthen the resilience of the banking sector. Staff welcomes activation of borrower-based measures (BBMs) for mortgage loans and a positive neutral countercyclical capital buffer (CCyB). The BBMs, in the form of caps on loan-to-value (LTV) and debt service-to-income (DSTI) ratios, should help contain excessive mortgage leverage buildup while limiting banks’ exposure to the housing boom, although close monitoring is warranted. Given the still relatively low combined capital buffers, the authorities could consider recalibrating the CCyB rate over the medium term to align with increasing uncertainty and enhance resilience.

    In closing, the mission would like to thank the Greek authorities and other stakeholders for their kind hospitality and for the open and productive discussions.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Eva Graf

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/01/30/CS-Greece-2025

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Alan Wilson announces prison sentence for Illinois man for sex charges against 12-year-old in SCRead More

    Source: US State of South Carolina

    (COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced that Alberto Mercado, Jr. pleaded guilty to Dissemination of Obscene Material to a Person under the Age of 12, Criminal Solicitation of a Minor, and Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, First Degree, Tuesday in Richland County, before the Honorable Daniel Coble.  

    On May 11, 2018, the Richland County Sheriff’s Office responded to a home in Richland County in response to a call from a concerned citizen who had found texts on her child’s cell phone that were sexual in nature. The investigation revealed that the minor had met a man named Alberto Mercado on a chat site and exchanged phone numbers. After learning that he was speaking to a 12-year-old minor, Mercado discussed in graphic detail sexual activities that he would like to do with the minor. He also sent the minor photos of his face, as well as sexually explicit photos and a video of himself, and he requested and received sexually explicit images of the minor victim. Mercado was ultimately identified as a registered sex offender out of the state of Illinois.

    Judge Coble sentenced Mercado to eight years in prison on the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor charge, and 233 days already served on the Criminal Solicitation of a Minor and the Dissemination of Obscene Material charges. He will have to continue to register as a sex offender upon release.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Counter terror-style powers to strengthen ability to smash smuggling gangs

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Powerful new legislation will give law enforcement tougher tools to pursue people smugglers and disrupt their ability to carry out small boat crossings.

    New counter terror-style powers to identify, disrupt and smash people smuggling gangs will be introduced as part of landmark legislation to protect our borders.

    The measures will for the first time allow counter-terror style tactics to be used against smuggling gangs through unprecedented tools to stop smugglers before they act.

    This includes stronger powers to seize and search mobile phones to investigate organised immigration crime and introducing new offences against gangs conspiring to plan crossings, selling or handling small boat parts for use in the Channel, supplying forged ID documents, for migrants attempting to come here illegally.

    These laws, included within the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill introduced in Parliament today (January 30), are inspired by powers used to combat terrorism and will transform the ability of law enforcement agencies to take earlier and more effective action against organised immigration crime.

    The robust, workable measures will directly go after organised crime groups who – even in the freezing temperatures in the Channel this month – are continuing to organise dangerous crossings, not caring if the vulnerable people they exploit live or die, as long as they pay. The legislation will give greater powers than ever to law enforcement agencies to treat people smuggling as a global security threat as part of our renewed effort to break the business model of these gangs for good and restore order to our asylum system.

    The new laws are being welcomed by law enforcement agencies like the National Crime Agency, Immigration Enforcement and police, and include:

    • allowing immigration officers and police to seize phones, laptops and other electronic devices at an earlier stage before arrests are made, if they are suspected of containing information about organised immigration crime
    • allowing law enforcement to arrest those involved in facilitating organised immigration crime at a much earlier stage than is currently possible, meaning they can intervene quicker, more effectively and before smuggling takes place
    • making it illegal to supply or handle items suspected of being for use by organised crime groups, for example the selling and handling of small boats parts, with those caught facing a prison sentence of up to 14 years
    • creating a new offence for collecting information to be used by organised immigration criminals to prepare for boat crossings. This includes arranging departure points, dates and times, with clear links back to the gangs facilitating the dangerous crossings
    • criminalising the making, adapting, importing and possession of specific articles that could be used in serious crime, carrying a prison sentence of up to 5 years. This includes templates for 3D printed firearms, pill presses and vehicle concealments
    • putting the role of the Border Security Commander, Martin Hewitt, on a legal footing, meaning he will have the authority to convene partners across law enforcement and set strategic priorities for achieving the Home Secretary’s goals. These will be shared with partners like the National Crime Agency as part of their ongoing work upstream to target people smuggling networks
    • to prevent more people being crammed into unsafe, flimsy boats and lives being put at risk by these gangs, we will make it an offence to endanger another life during perilous sea crossing to the UK.  Anyone involved in physical aggression, intimidation or coercive behaviour, including preventing offers of rescue, while at sea will face prosecution and an increased sentence of up to five years in prison

    Border Security is one of the foundations of the government’s Plan for Change. The legislation being introduced today demonstrates our commitment to giving law enforcement the tools and powers they need to protect the integrity of the UK border as we put in place a serious, credible plan to restore order to our asylum system.

    Since July, we have already surpassed our pledge to deliver the highest rate of removals since 2018, with 16,400 people with no right to be in the UK removed since this government took power and have ramped up our enforcement against illegal working by 32% as we look to end the false promise of jobs sold to migrants by people smugglers.   This is in addition to a stream of major people smuggling arrests through a renewed focus on joint international investigations involving the National Crime Agency.

    Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

    Over the last six years, criminal smuggling gangs have been allowed to take hold all along our borders, making millions out of small boat crossings.

    This Bill will equip our law enforcement agencies with the powers they need to stop these vile criminals, disrupting their supply chains and bringing more of those who profit from human misery to justice.

    These new counter terror-style powers, including making it easier to seize mobile phones at the border, along with statutory powers for our new Border Security Command to focus activity across law enforcement agencies and border force will turbocharge efforts to smash the gangs.

    Our Plan for Change relies on strong border security. It is critical we have the tools at our disposal to pursue those who undermine them in every way we can.

    Border Security Commander Martin Hewitt said:

    It is vital that government and our law enforcement partners, working together as part of the UK’s border security system, have the right tools to tackle the people smuggling gangs abusing our border.

    This Bill will do exactly that, by equipping teams on the ground dealing with this issue first hand and empowering them to go further and act faster when dismantling organised criminality.

    These crucial measures will underpin our enforcement action across the system, and together with our strengthened relationships with international partners, we will bring down these gangs once and for all.

    NCA Director General Graeme Biggar said:

    Tackling organised immigration crime remains a priority for the NCA.

    The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill should help UK law enforcement act earlier and faster to disrupt people smuggling networks and give us additional tools to target them and their business models.

    These criminal gangs risk the lives of those they transport in their deadly pursuit of profit, and we remain determined to work with partners in the UK and abroad to do all we can to stop them.

    Based on counter-terror tactics, the new powers in this Bill will allow law enforcement to make swifter interventions at a much earlier stage against those conspiring to smuggle people into the UK by small boats or in the backs of lorries.

    Where someone is suspected of selling or handling small boats parts or sharing suspect information online, we will be able to apply these offences against them at this point and make an arrest. Current rules mean law enforcement are unable to intervene until much later on in the process and after they’ve facilitated a small boat crossing.

    In November 2024, Amanj Hasan Zada was jailed for 17 years after being found guilty of organising small boat crossings from his home in Lancashire. Each crossing involved Kurdish migrants who had travelled through eastern Europe, into Germany, Belgium and then France. It is possible the reasonable suspicion element means investigators would have met the requirements to arrest and charge earlier with the new offences. Evidence which showed Zada planning organised immigration crime facilitation – for example discussing moving migrants, purchasing vessels – would have likely been in scope of the offence. Instead of needing to prove a definitive link to a migrant facilitation under current legislation, the new offences could have met the threshold for earlier and faster action to be taken.

    The Bill will also modernise biometric checks overseas to build a clear picture of individuals coming to the UK and preventing those with a criminal history from entering. During crisis evacuations to the UK, the new powers will allow checks to take place much earlier, resulting in the rapid identification of who is eligible to enter the country and reducing the risk of delays or security threats during time sensitive operations.

    In a major upgrade to Serious Crime Prevention Orders, we will also give law enforcement new powers to impose Interim Serious Crime Prevention Orders, allowing them to place instance restrictions on organised immigration criminals alongside other serious criminals. This could include bans on travel, internet and mobile phone use, with curbs also leading to social media blackouts, curfews and restricted access to finances.

    Collectively, these measures will strengthen our response across the system, empowering partners and law enforcement to properly go after the people smuggling gangs.

    Through the Border Security Command, we’re already driving up activity to disrupt the criminal gangs behind this trade.

    The NCA continues to target smuggling networks in the UK and overseas. This includes three arrests this month in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region as a result of a joint operation between the NCA and local law enforcement, the first of its kind.

    But with this legislation we will go further, giving our law enforcement stronger tools than ever before to dismantle the gangs.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Land seizure and South Africa’s new expropriation bill: scholar weighs up the new act

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Zsa-Zsa Temmers Boggenpoel, Academic, Stellenbosch University

    South Africa has a new law to govern the expropriation (or compulsory acquisition) of private property by government for public purposes or in the public interest.

    The passing of the Expropriation Act 13 of 2024 followed a parliamentary process that began in 2020.

    The act repeals the apartheid-era Expropriation Act 63 of 1975, and aims to align expropriation law with the constitution. It sets out the procedures, rules and regulations for expropriation. Besides setting out in quite a detailed fashion how expropriations are to take place, the act also provides an outline regarding how compensation is to be determined.

    In South Africa’s colonial and apartheid past, land distribution was grossly unequal on the basis of race. The country is still suffering the effects of this. So expropriation of property is a potential tool to reduce land inequality. This has become a matter of increasing urgency. South Africans have expressed impatience with the slow pace of land reform.

    Property rights and land reform

    There is much debate in the country about the provisions of the new act. The debate is mostly about the extent to which it affects existing private property rights. Some argue the act is unconstitutional. Others welcome it as a necessary step in the right direction.

    I’m a professor of law with a keen interest in this area of the law, and recently edited a book on land expropriation in South Africa by leading experts. My view is that an expropriation act that is aligned with the constitution should be welcomed, to enable land reform to work effectively.



    Read more:
    Land reform in South Africa: what the real debate should be about

    Land reform also needs a capable and proactive state that implements the legal framework in such a manner that prioritises expropriation as a mechanism to ensure land reform.

    So far, expropriation has not been used effectively to redistribute land more equitably, as part of land reform.

    I am not convinced that the act, in its current form, is the silver bullet to effect large-scale land reform – at least not the type of radical land reform that South Africa urgently needs.

    Understandably, the act will have a severe impact on property rights. But it still substantially protects landowners affected by expropriation. Only in very limited cases would they not be compensated.

    Protections for land owners

    The act says that property must not be expropriated arbitrarily or for a purpose other than a public purpose or in the public interest.

    Public purpose means by or for the benefit of the public. For example, expropriating property to build roads, schools and hospitals. Public interest is broader and includes the nation’s commitment to land reform.

    “Arbitrary” would usually mean without reason or justification.



    Read more:
    South Africa has another go at an expropriation law. What it’s all about

    The act further requires that an expropriating authority – an organ of state or person empowered by the act or any other legislation – must first try to reach an agreement with the owner to acquire the property on reasonable terms before considering expropriation.

    This gives some power to a landowner, even though expropriation does not normally require consent. The act also says a specific expropriation must always be authorised by a law.

    No compensation?

    Section 12 of the act deals with compensation for expropriation. It is arguably the most controversial part of the new legislation. Section 12(1) does not appear to be problematic and is largely the same wording as section 25(3) of the constitution. This part of the property clause sets out what must be taken into account when compensation for expropriation is determined.

    Section 12(3) of the act refers to “nil compensation” – when nil rand (monetary) compensation may be paid. There is no explicit reference to nil compensation in the current wording of section 25 of the constitution. It’s a new thing in the Expropriation Act.

    However, courts have toyed with the idea that section 25 of the constitution already provides room for a reduction in compensation.

    The circumstances in which nil compensation could be granted in terms of the new act are in fact very limited. Section 12(3) leaves the discretion to the expropriating authority to determine when it may be just and equitable to pay nil compensation. However, the act lacks guidelines on how such a discretion must be exercised.



    Read more:
    Land is a heated issue in South Africa – the print media are presenting only one side of the story

    The scope of section 12(3) is also limited in some respects. For one, it is restricted to land. Only where land is expropriated would nil compensation be an option. Therefore, not all forms of property can be expropriated without compensation. The notion of property under section 25(1) of the constitution is generally wide and includes various rights and interests, which are broader than just land. For instance, personal rights, mineral rights and licences are included under the section 25(1) notion of property.

    This wide understanding of property is not applicable to section 12(3), which refers to “land” being expropriated.

    Section 12(3) is also limited to the expropriation of land “in the public interest”. Nil compensation is therefore envisaged only in the context of expropriation of land undertaken in the public interest, and not also for a public purpose.

    Three of the four categories listed in section 12(3), where nil compensation is envisaged, are linked to the way in which the property was being used prior to the expropriation. Land used in a productive manner is therefore not evidently envisaged under section 12(3).

    Nil compensation is not necessarily limited to the instances listed. Still, the amount of compensation must – in all instances – be just and equitable.

    Novel approach

    The act forces South Africans to engage with the idea of nil compensation in a much more direct manner.

    The presence of a clause dedicated to nil compensation provides new clarity on when this could apply.

    It is hard to determine whether this act will pass constitutional muster without seeing how expropriation under it will work in practice. It remains to be seen whether it will have the far-reaching consequences that many fear, or call for.

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

    – ref. Land seizure and South Africa’s new expropriation bill: scholar weighs up the new act – https://theconversation.com/land-seizure-and-south-africas-new-expropriation-bill-scholar-weighs-up-the-new-act-244697

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Celebrate Charles Dickens’ 213th birthday

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum is to host a special event on Friday 7 February to honour the renowned author on the 213th anniversary of his birth.

    Every year the museum hosts the celebration to commemorate the writer at the place he was born in Old Commercial Road, Portsmouth.

    The Lord Mayor of Portsmouth will be in attendance to lay a wreath at the front door of the home at 11am. There will also be members of Dickens Fellowship Portsmouth Branch who will be performing readings from some of his most famous works.

    After the ceremony the museum will be open for visitors to view the room in which he was born and discover some of Dickens’ prized possessions.

    Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council with responsibility for Culture, Regeneration and Economic Development, said:

    “We encourage residents to join us to mark the anniversary of Charles Dickens’ birth and celebrate the life and work of one of the world’s most acclaimed authors –  especially as he was born here in Portsmouth.

    “Portsmouth is rich in history and the arts and this special house combines the two.”

    Charles Dickens was born on 7 February 1812. The eldest son of John and Elizabeth Dickens, he was christened Charles John Huffman Dickens in the nearby St Mary’s Church.

    The Dickens family lived in the home from 1809 for three years before moving to 16 Hawks Street, which was destroyed by bombing in 1941.

    The museum will be open from 12pm until 3.30pm (last entry 3pm) on 6 February; and 10am until 4.30pm (last entry 4pm) on 7, 8, 9, 18, 20, and 22 February.

    Due to the small nature of the birthplace, visits may need to be staggered so it’s possible visitors may need to queue outside for a period of time.

    Portsmouth residents can enter the museum for free, for more information visit, charlesdickensbirthplace.co.uk

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AMERICA/COLOMBIA – Catatumbo: Humanitarian aid corridor established and state of emergency declared

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Thursday, 30 January 2025

    Caritas Colombia

    Tibú (Agenzia Fides) – The wave of violence, mainly due to the control of international cocaine trafficking in the Catatumbo region, has led President Gustavo Petro to declare a state of emergency and deploy the army.As reported by the National Coordinator for Disaster Risk Management of Caritas Colombia, among the victims of this serious crisis, the worst since 2002, are civilians, minors, pregnant women, people with disabilities and members of indigenous communities.In about 10 days, the clashes between the guerrillas of the National Liberation Army (ELN) and the fighters of the “Frente 33” of the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) have left more than a hundred dead, thousands of internally displaced people have had to flee their homes and just as many are isolated and unable to move due to the violent clashes. Meanwhile, many people continue to flee to areas considered safe.To help the many innocent victims, a humanitarian aid corridor has been set up to provide additional support by delivering products, drinks, food for immediate consumption and tools. In the affected areas, thousands of people have sought refuge in the parishes and seminaries of the Catholic Church in Tibú, Ocaña, Gabarra and Tabo. Thanks to the collaboration of the dioceses of Cúcuta, Ocaña and Tibú with the “Asociación Nacional de Empresarios de Colombia” (ANDI), “Bancos de Alimentos de Colombia” (ÁBACO) and through monetary donations, 23,622 kilos of food and essential goods have already been provided.According to the Ministry of Defense, to date more than 47,000 displaced people have fled to the towns of Tibú (10,482 displaced), Ocaña (10,719), Cúcuta (16,663) and other municipalities (11,699). It is also estimated that more than 23,000 people are trapped in the region.The Front Comuneros del Sur, a dissident group of the ENL, is one of the causes of the crisis between the armed group and the government after officially joining the peace process initiated in 2016, which was sealed with the peace agreement signed between the Colombian government and the then FARC guerrillas. “We are evacuating the leaders and signatories from Catatumbo who are being persecuted by the ELN; a first contingent of 400 men is said to have already arrived in the region,” said Defense Minister Iván Velásquez. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 30/1/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: RELEASE: DCCA URGES RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES TO PRIORITIZE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AMID INCREASING WEATHER EVENTS

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    RELEASE: DCCA URGES RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES TO PRIORITIZE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AMID INCREASING WEATHER EVENTS

    Posted on Jan 29, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS

    KA ʻOIHANA PILI KĀLEPA

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    NADINE Y. ANDO

    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

    DCCA URGES RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES TO PRIORITIZE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AMID INCREASING WEATHER EVENTS

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    January 29, 2025

    HONOLULU — The state of Hawai‘i Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) is urging residents and business owners to prioritize emergency preparedness in response to the rise of weather events throughout the state. The department is offering vital resources and information on how to safeguard property, ensure continued utility services, understand insurance coverage, avoid scams, and navigate the disaster recovery process.

    Key Emergency Preparedness Tips:

     

    1. Preparing Homes and Businesses for Disasters
    • Create an Emergency Plan: Establish clear evacuation routes, designating safe areas for family members or employees. Ensure everyone knows the plan and conduct practice drills regularly.
    • Secure Property: Reinforce windows and doors, check roofing and siding for potential vulnerabilities, and secure outdoor objects that could become projectiles.
    • Emergency Kits: Stock essential supplies including water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies, cash, and any special items required by family members or staff.
    • Prepare for Business Disruption: Businesses should develop continuity plans, back up important data, and ensure essential services can be maintained during and after a disaster.
    1. Utility Emergency Preparedness
    • Sign Up for Crucial Updates: Register for utility provider notifications to receive alerts about service disruptions, outages and updates during emergencies. Visit the links below to sign up:
      • Hawaiian Electric
      • KIUC
    • Keep the Lights On: Consider investing in backup power sources like generators or solar-powered systems to maintain key operations during service outages.
    • Stay Safe: Keep gas, water and electrical systems well-maintained, and learn how to shut off utilities in case of a leak or other emergency. Visit the links below to report a power outage or potential safety issues:
      • Hawaiian Electric
      • KIUC
    • Stay Informed: To learn more about public utilities and utility preparedness, please visit the DCCA Division of Consumer Advocacy.

     

    1. Understanding Insurance Coverage for Disasters
    • Review Your Insurance Policy: Ensure that your home and business insurance policies cover common disaster-related risks, including floods, fires and hurricanes. Standard policies may not cover all types of damage.
    • Document Property: Take inventory of your belongings and keep photos and/or videos of property, valuables and important documents in case you need to file an insurance claim.
    • Know Your Deductibles and Coverage Limits: Be aware of your policy’s terms, including any exclusions or specific disaster-related deductibles.
    • Seek Input or Assistance: The DCCA Insurance Division can help you understand the claims process and provide assistance with other insurance questions or issues.
    • Stay Informed: To learn more about Insurance, please visit the DCCA Insurance Division.
    1. Identifying Disaster-Related Consumer Scams
    • Be Cautious of Fraud: Scammers often exploit disasters to prey on vulnerable consumers. Common scams include fake contractors, charity fraud and phishing emails or texts offering government assistance.
    • Check Credentials: When doing repairs on your property, always hire licensed and insured contractors, and never pay for services up front. Report suspicious activities to the DCCA Regulated Industries Complaints Office.
    • Verify Charity Solicitations: Before donating to disaster relief efforts, ensure that the charity is legitimate. Use resources like the Better Business Bureau or Charity Navigator to check organizations’ credibility.
    • Stay Informed: To learn more about consumer protection, please visit the DCCA Office of Consumer Protection.
    1. Disaster Recovery Resources for Homeowners and Business Owners
    • For Homeowners: FEMA and other government agencies offer financial assistance for home repairs, temporary housing and disaster-related expenses. Visit https://www.fema.gov/ for more information.
    • For Business Owners: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides low-interest disaster loans to help businesses recover from physical damage and economic losses. Visit https://www.sba.gov/ for more information.
    • Stay Informed: To learn more about disaster recovery loans and financial assistance, please visit the DCCA Division of Financial Institutions.

    These resources, along with other emergency preparedness information, are available on the DCCA website.

    “Taking steps to prepare now can make all the difference in the aftermath of a disaster,” shares DCCA Director Nadine Ando. “Whether it’s preparing your property, understanding your insurance, or protecting yourself from fraud, DCCA is here to help our community stay safe and recover quickly.”

    For more information or to report any disaster-related consumer concerns, visit the DCCA website or contact the DCCA directly.

    ###

    Media Contact:

    Communications Office
    Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

    Phone: 808-586-2760
    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lombardo Appoints Chandeni Sendall to Nevada Gaming Control Board

    Source: US State of Nevada

    LAS VEGAS, NV – January 29, 2025

    Today, Governor Joe Lombardo announced his appointment of Chandeni Sendall to the Nevada Gaming Control Board.

    “I’m pleased to appoint Chandeni Sendall to the Nevada Gaming Control Board,” said Governor Joe Lombardo. “With her unique background in law and compliance, Chandeni will bring fresh insight and critical perspective to the Board. I look forward to her leadership and contributions to gaming oversight in our state.”

    Since 2015, Ms. Sendall has served as a Deputy City Attorney for the City of Reno, practicing in the civil division. Before her work in the Reno City Attorney’s Office, Ms. Sendall worked in civil and commercial litigation, served as an in-house legal intern for Caesars Entertainment, and clerked for the Honorable James W. Hardesty at the Nevada Supreme Court. While attending the William S. Boyd School of Law, Ms. Sendall served as the Editor-in-Chief of the UNLV Gaming Law Journal. Before her legal career, she served for several years as an Internal Auditor for Caesars Entertainment.

    “I’m grateful to Governor Lombardo for this opportunity to serve the State of Nevada,” said Chandeni Sendall. “Along with my legal background, I look forward to applying my educational background in economics and my work experience in the gaming industry as I begin this new role at the Nevada Gaming Control Board.”

    Ms. Sendall officially begins her term this week.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom provides ongoing support to help business owners and workers recover from LA firestorms

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jan 29, 2025

    What you need to know: As part of ongoing actions to help support workers and businesses impacted by the Los Angeles area fires, Governor Newsom is issuing an executive order to defer licensing fees and streamline requirements for certain small businesses. The order also defers annual licensure fees for thousands of impacted workers – from nurses and barbers to contractors and dental hygienists.

    LOS ANGELES — To help Los Angeles continue to recover and rebuild, Governor Gavin Newsom today issued an executive order to support small business owners and workers impacted by Los Angeles-area firestorms. The executive order provides relief to help local businesses recover quickly by deferring annual licensure fees for workers and businesses and waiving other requirements that may impose barriers to recovery. 

    “Small businesses are not only key to a thriving economy but make up the heart of healthy communities. As we help Los Angeles rise and rebuild, it is crucial that we protect and support the businesses and workers affected. Just as we have removed red tape to rebuild our homes, we are breaking down barriers and helping pave the way for impacted businesses and workers to get back on their feet.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    The executive order helps workers and business owners by:

    • Extending the deadline to pay for renewing licenses, certificates, and permits for one year for licenses with a renewal date occurring between January 1, 2025, and July 1, 2025.
    • Waiving fees for businesses and workers requesting duplicate or replacement of a license certificate that was burned or destroyed.
    • Extending deadlines for businesses to appeal license-related proceedings.
    • Eliminating requirements that make it more difficult to relocate certain businesses impacted by the fires. 

    Find resources to help your business at gov.ca.gov/LAfires/help-your-business.

    Helping businesses and workers recover

    California has worked with federal and local providers to help businesses and workers with the resources and support they need to recover and rebuild from the firestorms.

    • Supporting workers and employers: The Employment Development Department (EDD) supports workers with unemployment, disability insurance, or Paid Family Leave benefits, including Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for those who do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits. Citizenship or immigration status doesn’t affect eligibility for disability insurance or Paid Family leave. Employers can request a 60-day extension on payroll reports and taxes, or participate in the Work Sharing program. California also announced $20 million to create temporary jobs in impacted areas and deliver other supportive services through America’s Job Center of California.
    • On-the-ground advisors for small businesses: 200+ business advisors from Small Business Support Centers funded through the California Office of the Small Business Advocate’s (CalOSBA) Technical Assistance Program (TAP) are staffed across the region, including business advisors from the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Women’s Business Center (WBC). All of these TAP partners can answer questions about key aspects of economic recovery, including the loan application process, insurance inquiries, employee and workforce support, and business planning related individual recovery plans.  SBDC and WBC staff are co-located at the Disaster Recovery Center at Pasadena City College and the Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Camarillo (Ventura County), as well as various Business Recovery Centers organized by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
    • Providing resources for recovery: CalOSBA has launched a Resource Guide for small businesses impacted by the wildfires through its Outsmart Disaster website, and is conducting a series of online trainings in both English and Spanish.
    • Financial assistance for businesses: The California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank) is offering loan programs for businesses from one to 750 employees affected by the LA wildfires. Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Program (DRLGP) issues loan guarantees up to 95% of the loan through IBank’s partner Financial Development Corporations to help small business borrowers impacted by disaster who need term loans or lines of credit for working capital. 
    • Expediting licensing for contractors: The Contractor State Licensing Board (CSLB) is processing licensing applications as fast as 48 hours from the time an application and exam are complete. Rapid licensing will support the Governor’s efforts to rebuild the homes and businesses destroyed. 
    • Helping fire survivors rebuild safely: CSLB is also partnering with state agencies to directly assist survivors at the Southern California Disaster Recovery Centers, urging them to only hire California-licensed contractors for repairs or to rebuild their homes or businesses. CSLB’s Disaster Hotline 1-800-962-1125 and online Disaster Help Center are also providing valuable support to survivors.
    • Protecting against unlicensed contractors: Investigation teams are on the ground, posting signs to put unlicensed contractors on notice that it is a felony to contract without a license in a California disaster area. Consumers are urged to always check licenses before hiring a contractor and notify the state of unlicensed activity immediately. Consumers can file complaints and find additional resources online at www2.cslb.ca.gov.
    • Helping licensees rebuild their businesses: The Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, the Board of Accountancy, and other DCA boards are rescheduling licensing examinations at no charge and assisting licensees by issuing duplicate licenses due to a physical license being lost in the fires.

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

    Get help today

    For those Californians impacted by the firestorms in Los Angeles, there are resources available.Californians can go to CA.gov/LAfires – a hub for information and resources from state, local and federal government.  

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

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

    Recent news

    Jan 29, 2025

    News Los Angeles, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring January 29, 2025, as Lunar New Year.The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: PROCLAMATIONCalifornia joins people throughout the country and around the world…

    Jan 28, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Deborah Hoffman, of Sacramento, has been appointed Chief Deputy Director at the Office of Tax Appeals. Hoffman has been Special Advisor at the California Department of Veterans Affairs…

    Jan 28, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom met today with leaders of the Pacific Palisades synagogue Kehillat Israel, which still stands after the fire. Los Angeles, California – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom met with clergy, staff, and board members of Kehillat…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Gabelli Funds to Host Pump, Valve & Water Systems Symposium at the Harvard Club, New York City

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GREENWICH, Conn., Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gabelli Funds is hosting its 35th annual Pump, Valve & Water Systems Symposium at the Harvard Club in New York City on Thursday, February 27, 2025. The symposium focuses on themes crucial to this industry, including infrastructure spending, resource security, conservation, and mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in one-on-one sessions with management, providing an opportunity to delve into the strategies and growth prospects of these companies.

    This symposium underscores the pivotal role of the pump, valve, and water systems industry in addressing global challenges. It highlights the sector’s significance in infrastructure development, resource management, and environmental sustainability. With a focus on key themes and direct interactions with management, the event aims to offer investors valuable insights into industry trends and potential investment opportunities within this dynamic and vital sector.

    Registration Link: CLICK HERE
    The Harvard Club, New York, NY
    Thursday, February 27th, 2025

    Company presentations, fireside chats, panel discussions, and one-on-one meetings

    Gabelli Funds 35th Annual Pump, Valve & Water Systems Symposium
    Thursday, February 27
    The Harvard Club, New York City
    8:20 AM Gabelli Team Intro
    8:30 Graco Inc. (NYSE: GGG)
    David Lowe, CFO & Treasurer; John Bower, Director of Investor Relations, Finance & FP&A
    9:00 Watts Water Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: WTS)*
    Robert Pagano, Chairperson, President & CEO
    9:30 Enerpac Tool Group Corp. (NYSE: EPAC)
    Paul Sternlieb, President & CEO; Darren Kozik, Executive VP & CFO
    10:00 ITT Inc. (NYSE: ITT)
    Emmanuel Caprais, Senior VP & CFO; Mark Macaluso, Vice President of Investor Relations & Global Communications
    10:30 Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (NASDAQ: FELE)
    Jeffery Taylor, Vice President & CFO
    11:00 Landis+Gyr Group AG (XSWX: LAND)*
    Peter Mainz, CEO
    11:30 Flowserve Corporation (NYSE: FLS)
    Amy Schwetz, Senior VP & CFO; Brian Ezzell, Vice President, Treasurer, Investor Relations & Corporate Finance
    12:00 PM Lunch
    12:15 EnPro Inc. (NYSE: NPO)*
    Eric Vaillancourt, President & CEO; Joe Bruderek, Executive VP & CFO; James Gentile, Vice President, Investor Relations
    12:45 Mueller Water Products Inc. (NYSE: MWA)
    Paul McAndrew, President & COO; Whit Kincaid, Vice President, Investor Relations & Communications
    1:15 Graham Corporation (NYSE: GHM)
    Dan Thoren, President & CEO; Christopher Thome, VP Finance, CFO & CAO; Matt Malone, Vice President & GM Barber-Nichols for Graham Corporation
    1:45 AMETEK, Inc. (NYSE: AME)*
    Kevin Coleman, Vice President, Investor Relations & Treasurer
    2:15 The Gorman-Rupp Company (NYSE: GRC)
    Scott A. King, President & CEO; James C. Kerr, Executive VP & CFO
    2:45 Badger Meter, Inc. (NYSE: BMI)*
    Bob Wrocklage, Senior VP & CFO; Karen Bauer, Vice President, Investor Relations, Strategy & Treasurer; Barb Noverini, Senior Director, Investor Relations
    3:15 Crane Company (NYSE: CR)
    Alex Alcala, COO; Shangaza Dasent, Senior VP, Process Flow Technologies; Allison Poliniak-Cusic, Vice President, Investor Relations
    3:45 Gibraltar Industries (NASDAQ: ROCK)*
    William Bosway, CEO; Joseph Lovechio, CFO

    *Indicates Virtual Attendance

    Gabelli Funds, LLC is a registered investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is a wholly owned subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc. (OTCQX: GAMI).

    Contact
    General Inquiries

    Isabella DeLuca
    Client Relations
    P: 914-921-5101
    E : ideluca@gabelli.com

    Portfolio Management / Research Team

    Kevin Dreyer
    Co-CIO, Value
    P: 914-921-7791
    E: kdreyer@gabelli.com

    Tony Bancroft
    Portfolio Manager
    P: 914-921-5083
    E: tbancroft@gabelli.com

    Justin Bergner
    Portfolio Manager
    P: 914-921-8326
    E: jbergner@gabelli.com

    Sarah Donnelly
    Portfolio Manager
    P: 914-921-5197
    E: sdonnelly@gabelli.com

    Simon Wong, CFA
    Portfolio Manager
    P: 914-921-5125
    E: swong@gabelli.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CIRA unveils new Internet Performance Test to help Canadians better understand broadband speeds

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OTTAWA, Ontario, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, CIRA is proud to unveil a completely redesigned version of its popular Internet Performance Test (IPT) as part of its Net Good program. First launched in 2015, CIRA’s Internet Performance Test enables Canadians to test their mobile and home broadband performance across dozens of data points while gathering comprehensive and accurate data on broadband coverage and quality nationwide. The latest version of IPT provides users with an enhanced test-results dashboard, to ensure users understand critical aspects of their internet performance including how their connection supports common online activities like streaming services or video calls.

    While Canada has made great strides to bridge the digital divide in the past few years, there is still work to be done to ensure the speeds that are being promised are actually attained. The new IPT will allow Canadians to verify whether they are receiving the speeds and quality of service advertised. CIRA will then leverage Canadians’ anonymous broadband data and real-world daily experience to help municipalities, local and federal governments and consumers create a heat map of where connectivity upgrades are most urgently needed.

    Key features

    • The new user interface guides participants intuitively through the testing process, improving accessibility for users of all technical backgrounds.
    • Enhanced user interface makes running a test faster and easier on smartphones, tablets and desktops.
    • Through a new, interactive dashboard, users can now explore trends and performance data from previous tests, gaining a deeper understanding of internet performance changes. These insights empower individuals, researchers and policymakers to track progress and identify gaps.
    • More accurate user location estimation improves the quality of location-specific internet performance data, which is vital in analyzing broadband access across regions or within a community or neighbourhood.

    Executive quote

    “With this upgrade, CIRA is taking a significant step forward in our mission to empower Canadians with insights into their internet connectivity. We encourage everyone to use the new Internet Performance Test regularly to understand their speeds under real-world conditions and contribute to the heat map of Canada’s connectivity so we can work together to build a stronger, reliable internet across the country.”

    — Charles Noir, vice-president, Community Investment, Policy and Advocacy

    Resource

    About CIRA 

    CIRA is the national not-for-profit best known for managing the .CA domain on behalf of all Canadians. As a leader in Canada’s internet ecosystem, CIRA offers a wide range of products, programs and services designed to make the internet a secure and accessible space for all. CIRA advocates for Canada on both national and international stages to support its goal of building a trusted internet for Canadians by helping shape the future of the internet.

    Media contact
    Delphine Avomo Evouna
    613.315.1458
    delphine.avomoevouna@cira.ca

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4970dd9d-e2c1-4bbb-af1b-631cad2352a1

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Enphase Energy Expands in Southeast Asia with Market Entry in Vietnam and Malaysia

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FREMONT, Calif., Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enphase Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: ENPH), a global energy technology company and the world’s leading supplier of microinverter-based solar and battery systems, today announced that it is expanding in Southeast Asia by entering the solar markets in Vietnam and Malaysia. Enphase is now shipping IQ8P™ Microinverters, with peak output AC power of 480 W, for residential and commercial applications in Vietnam and Malaysia to support newer high-powered solar modules. Enphase announced first shipments of IQ8P Microinverters in Thailand and the Philippines last year.

    IQ8™ Microinverters are designed to maximize energy production and can manage a continuous DC current of 14 amperes, supporting higher-powered solar modules through increased energy harvesting. The IQ8P Microinverters are the most powerful microinverters available to date from Enphase. The product features a peak output power of 480 W and is built to seamlessly pair with a full range of solar modules up to 640 W DC. All IQ8P Microinverters activated in Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines come with an industry-leading 25-year limited warranty.

    “The Vietnamese solar market is poised for explosive growth thanks to the new Decree 135/2024/ND-CP on October 22, 2024,” said Phan Ngoc Anh, CEO of Alena Energy, a distributor of Enphase products in Vietnam. “This will be a major boost to the government’s ambitious 2050 net-zero carbon goal. Enphase IQ8P Microinverters are a game-changer, delivering unparalleled performance and safety – perfect for our solar installations.”

    “In Malaysia, the demand for energy savings and reliable, clean power solutions is driving solar adoption,” said Bernard Fok, general manager of MYSOLARPOWER SDN BHD, a distributor of Enphase products in Malaysia. “As the global leader in microinverter technology, Enphase offers the IQ8P Microinverters, which provide an ideal blend of efficiency and reliability. This empowers our customers to enjoy consistent energy production while reducing both their carbon footprint and utility costs.”

    The Enphase IQ8P Microinverter is built to use low-voltage alternating current (AC) power instead of high-voltage direct current (DC) power used by central (“string”) inverter-based solar systems. Additionally, Enphase IQ® Microinverters include built-in rapid shutdown to help keep first responders and utility workers safe. In an emergency, solar power can be turned off instantly and easily.

    “At KG Solar, we prioritize safety and reliability in every project, whether it’s a simple installation or a sensitive site like a gas station,” said Gunn Teeraniti, engineering director of KG Solar, an Enphase installer in Thailand. “That’s why we choose Enphase. The Enphase IQ8P Microinverters, backed by their impressive 25-year warranty, provide unmatched peace of mind for us and our customers. Their advanced safety features and consistent energy savings make them the ideal choice for all types of installations, from straightforward setups to the most demanding environments.”

    “As homeowners, our homes are likely to be one of the most expensive investments we’ll ever make in our entire lives,” said Hsin Yao Cheng, CEO at Helios, an installer of Enphase products in the Philippines. “We care a lot about our homes and the loved ones we nurture in them. Therefore, it’s a no brainer to put in the absolute safest and highest quality equipment to protect your investment and your family. Enphase IQ8P Microinverters stand out for their safety, durability, and exceptional performance. The 25-year limited warranty reassures us of their long-term reliability, while the system’s efficiency helps our clients achieve significant energy savings.”

    “At Enphase, our focus remains on expanding access to leading-edge, reliable energy technology across Southeast Asia,” said Ken Fong, senior vice president and general manager of the Americas and APAC at Enphase Energy. “We deeply value our partnerships with regional solar installers and are committed to supporting their work as we drive the adoption of resilient, renewable energy solutions.” 

    For more information about IQ8P Microinverters, please visit the Enphase websites for Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines.

    About Enphase Energy, Inc.

    Enphase Energy, a global energy technology company based in Fremont, CA, is the world’s leading supplier of microinverter-based solar and battery systems that enable people to harness the sun to make, use, save, and sell their own power—and control it all with a smart mobile app. The company revolutionized the solar industry with its microinverter-based technology and builds all-in-one solar, battery, and software solutions. Enphase has shipped approximately 78.0 million microinverters, and over 4.5 million Enphase-based systems have been deployed in more than 160 countries. For more information, visit https://enphase.com/.

    ©2025 Enphase Energy, Inc. All rights reserved. Enphase Energy, Enphase, the “e” logo, IQ, and certain other marks listed at https://enphase.com/trademark-usage-guidelines are trademarks or service marks of Enphase Energy, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Other names are for informational purposes and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release may contain forward-looking statements, including statements related to the expected capabilities and performance of Enphase Energy’s technology and products, including safety, quality, and reliability; and the availability and market adoption of Enphase’s products in Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. These forward-looking statements are based on Enphase Energy’s current expectations and inherently involve significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements as a result of such risks and uncertainties including those risks described in more detail in Enphase Energy’s most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Annual Report on Form 10-K, and other documents filed by Enphase Energy from time to time with the SEC. Enphase Energy undertakes no duty or obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information, future events or changes in its expectations, except as required by law.

    Contact:

    Enphase Energy

    press@enphaseenergy.com

    This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Oxyle raises $16m to lead the fight against the “forever chemicals” contaminating our water

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Zurich, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — When Fajer Mushtaq turned on the tap as a child in Delhi, one question always loomed: was the water safe? Today, that same question haunts communities worldwide as PFAS — toxic “forever chemicals” used in everything from non-stick pans to firefighting foam — contaminate water supplies at an alarming rate. Today, Swiss startup Oxyle announced a $16m funding round to scale its breakthrough solution to destroy, not just relocate, PFAS from wastewater. This builds on its $3M pre-seed round in 2022, growing support for its mission. 

    The seed round was led by 360 Capital, with participation from Axeleo Capital and returning investors Founderful and SOSV. 

    Oxyle founders: Dr. Silvan Staufert and Dr. Fajer Musthaq (CREDIT: Daniel Kunz, daniekunzphoto, Adliswil, Switzerland)

    Industries have long struggled with PFAS treatment. Current methods like filtration and adsorption merely move PFAS from water to other waste streams, requiring expensive incineration or landfilling that risks these chemicals leaching back into the environment through air or soil – creating an endless cycle of contamination. While some technologies can destroy PFAS, their massive energy requirements make them financially impractical for most organizations to implement at scale.

    Oxyle’s breakthrough technology represents the world’s first economical and permanent solution to PFAS contamination. Unlike traditional methods that merely filter or concentrate these chemicals, Oxyle’s system destroys PFAS molecules, achieving over 99% elimination rates while consuming at least 15 times less energy than alternative destruction methods. The system’s three-stage process combines foam fractionation, catalytic destruction, and real-time monitoring powered by machine learning – all housed in a modular system that eliminates the need for secondary waste disposal through incineration or landfilling. Whereas traditional solutions require weeks-long lab analysis, Oxyle’s proprietary monitoring system provides instant feedback and continuous treatment optimization.

    Oxyle pilot unit on a customer site (CREDIT: Oxyle). 

    “Five years ago, Oxyle was two of us founders and one big idea: get rid of forever chemicals from our water. Today, that idea is proven, implemented, and ready to scale. This funding is a game-changer. It gives us what we need to take our technology to the industries and communities that need it most. To our investors, old and new, thank you for joining us on this mission to make clean water a reality for all.” commented Dr. Fajer Mushtaq, CEO & Co-Founder, Oxyle.

    The company was co-founded by Fajer Mushtaq and Silvan Staufert at ETH Zurich, where Mushtaq earned her PhD in Micro- and Nanosystems focused on water remediation – inspired by her experiences with water scarcity in Delhi – while Staufert completed his PhD in Mechanical and Process Engineering. Understanding that water treatment innovations couldn’t come soon enough, they developed a technology to degrade Forever Chemicals in minutes. They knew their breakthrough could change the world, but only if it moved from lab to reality.

    Oxyle Team (CREDIT Daniel Kunz, daniekunzphoto, Adliswil, Switzerland).

    In just four years, the duo have transformed Oxyle from innovation to implementation. The company has grown to a team of 26, completed over 20 customer projects, and secured prestigious recognition including the Swiss Technology Award, SEIF, and WEF’s Uplink Top Innovators. This round brings Oxyle’s total funding to $26m, including additional non-dilutive funding from grants and awards. With revenue-generating customer pilots under its belt and its first commercial installation operational, Oxyle is now securing multiple-year treatment contracts for 2025 and beyond.

    The technology’s effectiveness has been proven across multiple applications. In groundwater treatment, it reduces PFAS concentrations from 8,700 ng/l to below 14 ng/l. For soil wash water, it achieves 99.8% removal of 11 different PFAS species. It eliminated 98% of short-chain PFAS and reduced trifluoracetic acid (TFA) concentrations by 96% in trials with an industrial customer. Most significantly, in November 2024, Oxyle deployed its first full-scale system in Switzerland, treating 10 cubic meters of contaminated groundwater per hour at less than 1 kWh/m³.

    “We are proud to lead the investment in Oxyle, whose pioneering technology addresses the massive global challenge of PFAS pollution,” says Thomas Nivard, Partner at 360 Capital. “Unlike traditional methods that merely contain these harmful chemicals, Oxyle’s solution destroys them permanently, setting a new standard for tackling this urgent environmental crisis. This is a game changer. The team’s exceptional commercial and technical momentum has laid a strong foundation for establishing a true technology leader in the coming years.”

    The timing for Oxyle’s solution is critical. Rising waves of PFAS-related lawsuits and multi-billion-dollar settlements in the U.S. are pushing companies to adopt preventative solutions. Stricter regulations in both the EU and U.S. are increasing demand for advanced treatment technologies that can ensure compliance and minimize liability. New data from the Forever Lobbying Project shows the cost of inaction is staggering—cleaning up Europe’s soil and water from PFAS contamination could cost €100 billion per year, totaling €2 trillion over the next 20 years.

    Looking ahead, Oxyle aims to treat 100 million cubic meters of contaminated water in the next five years. The company plans to expand its solution across industries, from chemical and consumer goods manufacturing to semiconductor production and municipal water treatment – ultimately restoring and protecting our waters from Forever Chemicals, down to the very last drop.

    Ends 

    Notes to the editor
    Media images can be found here.

    About Oxyle
    Oxyle is the world’s first economical, sustainable, and permanent answer to PFAS contamination. Our breakthrough PFAS catalytic destruction technology empowers industrial and environmental remediation companies in their fight against PFAS. We don’t just filter or adsorb PFAS, we eliminate it entirely to below detection limits. With 15x lower average energy consumption than other destructive treatments, it is the most energy efficient, cost effective treatment on the market. Established in 2020, we’re on a mission to protect our water from PFAS – down to the last drop.

    About 360 Capital
    360 Capital is a leading European venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments across Deep Tech, Climate Tech, and Digital-First solutions. Since 1997, it has partnered with visionary entrepreneurs across Europe, supporting over 160 startups. With €500 million in assets under management, a portfolio of more than 60 active companies, and offices in Paris and Milan, 360 Capital is a prominent force in Europe’s venture ecosystem

    Founderful
    Founderful is Switzerland’s leading pre-seed fund, backing founder teams building tech companies with the potential to become global market leaders. Founderful has a track record of supporting exceptional founders in creating breakthrough companies and has the passionate conviction that the Swiss startup ecosystem is just starting to write its best success stories.

    SOSV
    SOSV is a multi-stage, deep tech venture investor committed  to “human and planetary health,” and invests beginning at a startup’s inception, the “First Check in Deep Tech®.”  Headquartered in Princeton, NJ, SOSV operates the deeply resourced startup development programs in New York City and San Francisco (IndieBio) and Newark, NJ (HAX) equipped with labs for bio-safety, chem, food, EE, analytics and mechatronics.  The SOSV ecosystem spans the globe, with 800+ startups operating in 40 countries.

    Axeleo Capital 
    Axeleo Capital (AXC) is an Emerging independent early-stage VC, trusted and backed by seasoned entrepreneurs and industry experts across Europe, focusing on B2B software and Greentech startups. With €300 million in assets under management, 4 successful fund raises so far and 13 employees, the firm has made over 70 investments across the EU, and has achieved 18 successful exits within the past 36 months. AXC provides a unique framework for European early-stage startups. It offers a comprehensive range of support, including equity investments from seed to Series B stages, operational guidance and strategic assistance. The firm boasts an active ecosystem of more than 150 high-level partners, sector experts and mentors who have been instrumental in numerous success stories across Europe and the US. Axeleo Greentech Industry I aims to foster green innovation and sustainable development in Europe, with a focus on energy, chemicals, agriculture, and mobility sectors

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Standard Lithium, Equinor announce Smackover Lithium as new joint venture name

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LEWISVILLE, Ark., Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Standard Lithium Ltd. (“Standard Lithium”) (TSXV:SLI) (NYSE:A:SLI), a leading near-commercial lithium developer, and Equinor, a global energy leader, today announced Smackover Lithium as the new name for their joint venture developing direct lithium extraction (“DLE”) projects in Southwest Arkansas and East Texas.

    Smackover Lithium was announced yesterday at a community meeting in Lewisville, Arkansas, home of a planned field office and nearby the joint venture’s South West Arkansas (“SWA”) project. The SWA project, located in Lafayette and Columbia counties, is expected to be one of the world’s first commercial-scale DLE facilities.

    “Smackover Lithium is a natural fit for the joint venture given the Smackover formation’s prolific resource and our joint venture’s commitment to adding to the incredible legacy of American energy production from this region,” said David Park, CEO of Standard Lithium.

    In May 2024, Equinor formed a joint venture with Standard Lithium to advance DLE projects in the Smackover basin, focused on Southwest Arkansas and East Texas. Smackover Lithium is now the external brand for the joint venture and will continue building on Standard Lithium’s work with local communities to enhance economic development and grow educational and workforce opportunities.

    “We are excited to be a part of Smackover Lithium, developing critical mineral projects in the Smackover basin and building the next generation of lithium development,” said Allie Kennedy Thurmond, Vice President of US Lithium at Equinor.

    For more information on Smackover Lithium, please visit: www.smackoverlithium.com.

    About Standard Lithium Ltd.

    Standard Lithium is a leading near-commercial lithium development company focused on the sustainable development of a portfolio of large, high-grade lithium-brine properties in the United States. The Company prioritizes projects characterized by the highest quality resources, robust infrastructure, skilled labor, and streamlined permitting. Standard Lithium aims to achieve sustainable, commercial-scale lithium production via the application of a scalable and fully integrated DLE and purification process. The Company’s flagship projects are located in the Smackover Formation, a world-class lithium brine asset, focused in Arkansas and Texas. In partnership with global energy leader Equinor, Standard Lithium is advancing the SWA project, a greenfield project located in southern Arkansas, and actively exploring promising lithium brine prospects in East Texas. Additionally, the Company is advancing the Phase 1A project in partnership with LANXESS Corporation, a brownfield development project located in southern Arkansas. Standard Lithium also holds an interest in certain mineral leases in the Mojave Desert in San Bernardino County, California.

    Standard Lithium trades on both the TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSXV”) and the NYSE American under the symbol “SLI”; and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol “S5L”. Please visit the Company’s website at www.standardlithium.com.

    About Equinor

    Equinor is an international energy company committed to long-term value creation in a low-carbon future. Equinor’s portfolio of projects encompasses oil and gas, renewables and low-carbon solutions, with an ambition of becoming a net-zero energy company by 2050. Headquartered in Norway, Equinor is the leading operator on the Norwegian continental shelf and is present in around 30 countries worldwide. Our partnership with Standard Lithium to mature DLE projects builds on our broad US energy portfolio of oil and gas, offshore wind, low carbon solutions and battery storage projects.

    For more information on Equinor in the US, please visit: Equinor in the US – Equinor

    Media Contacts:

    Chris Lang
    Standard Lithium Ltd.
    investors@standardithium.com

    Ola Morten Aanestad
    Equinor
    oaan@equinor.com

    Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “target, “plan”, “forecast”, “may”, “schedule” and other similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to intended development timelines, future prices of commodities, accuracy of mineral or resource exploration activity, reserves or resources, regulatory or government requirements or approvals, the reliability of third party information, continued existence and success of the joint venture, continued access to mineral properties or infrastructure, fluctuations in the market for lithium and its derivatives, changes in exploration costs and government regulation in Canada and the United States, and other factors or information. Such statements and information represent the Company’s current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation to, update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.

    The MIL Network –