Category: Intelligence Agencies

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom and Visit California launch international tourism campaign welcoming Canadians to experience the warmth and love of the Golden State

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 14, 2025

    What you need to know: California is launching a new campaign to further strengthen tourism between California and Canada — reminding its international partners that the Golden State remains a welcoming, inclusive, and unparalleled travel destination.

    SACRAMENTO –  In response to recent declines in tourism created by President Trump’s policies, Governor Newsom and Visit California today announced the state will be launching a new international campaign to help maintain the strong tourism partnership between California and Canada, reminding Canadians that California is a grateful partner and remains one of the best — and most welcoming — destinations in the United States, and the world.

    “Sure, you-know-who is trying to stir things up back in D.C., but don’t let that ruin your beach plans. California is the ultimate playground — over 2,000 miles from Washington and a world away in mindset, from our iconic beaches and national parks to world-class wine, food, and outdoor adventure — there’s something here for everyone. Canada, come experience our California Love.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    President Trump’s economic and immigration policies are hurting nearly every economic sector, including the tourism industry. Since President Trump took office, tourism from Canada has dramatically declined, dropping 12% in February compared to the previous year. This is the first decrease in Canadian tourism to California since the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, 1.8 million Canadians traveled to California, spending $3.72 billion in the Golden State. 

    California is taking decisive, strategic action — not only to stem this tide, but to send a clear message: California is open, welcoming, and deeply values its international visitors, especially Canadians. The upcoming campaign will extend Visit California’s $5.2 million annual marketing investment in Canada. 

    “California is committed to rolling out the red carpet for our Canadian visitors, whenever you’re ready to visit,” Visit California President & CEO Caroline Beteta said. “California and Canada share so much in common. Our inclusive values, love of natural beauty and passion for innovation bind us, and we look forward to welcoming you back with the same community spirit you’ve always shown us.”’
     

    Visit California is a nonprofit corporation funded by private travel, tourism and hospitality businesses in the state. No tax dollars will be used to fund this campaign.

    California Love

    All dreams are welcome in California. From the warmth of its people to its unmatched diversity of landscapes and activities, California is the ultimate playground — and a far cry from Washington, D.C. California will continue to be a welcome destination for its international neighbors to the north.

    For more about your next California adventure, see VisitCalifornia.com.

    Canada: A World of Opportunity 

    Canada is a top travel destination for California’s 40 million residents — pulling intrepid spirits to its friendly urban playgrounds, wide expanses of nature, and legendary outdoor sports locations. The campaign will help ensure that Canada remains a bright North Star for California travelers. 

     

    Expanding partnerships 

    This follows the Governor’s recent announcement of California’s goal to create new strategic trade relationships with international partners aimed at strengthening shared economic resilience and protecting California’s manufacturers, workers, farmers, businesses, and supply chains. As part of that effort, Governor Newsom today met with British Columbia Premier David Eby to discuss opportunities for expanding California’s partnership with Canada and shared priorities, including the lumber industry, national transportation corridors, and opportunities to expedite major projects and affordable housing.

    Meeting with British Columbia Premier David Eby. Photo may be credited to Governor Newsom’s Press Office

    California leads the nation in tourism 

    California is the nation’s #1 tourism destination. Travelers spent more than $150 billion in the state in 2023, generating $12.7 billion in state and local tax revenue. Nearly 1.2 million California workers depend on jobs in tourism and hospitality.

    Recent news

    News What you need to know: California will receive 32 new rangers and lifeguards serving across 13 state parks – protecting and informing more visitors ahead of the high travel season. PARADISE — While the federal government cuts staffing for national parks, Governor…

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring a special election for Assembly District 63 on August 26, 2025. The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: SPECIAL ELECTION PROCLAMATIONBY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF…

    News What you need to know: California is investing an additional $170 million to support forest and vegetation management projects critical to protecting communities from wildfire. SACRAMENTO – Protecting communities ahead of peak fire season, Governor Gavin Newsom…

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom proclaims special election for Assembly District 63

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 14, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring a special election for Assembly District 63 on August 26, 2025.

    The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below:

    SPECIAL ELECTION PROCLAMATION
    BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

    I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim and order the following that a special election shall beheld on the 26th day of August 2025, within the 63rd Assembly District of the State, to fill the vacancy in the offie of State Assembly Member from that district resulting from the resignation of Assembly Member Bill Essayli.

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and cause the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 14th day of April 2025.

    GAVIN NEWSOM
    Governor of California

    ATTEST:
    SHIRLEY N. WEBER, Ph.D.
    Secretary of State

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    News What you need to know: California is investing an additional $170 million to support forest and vegetation management projects critical to protecting communities from wildfire. SACRAMENTO – Protecting communities ahead of peak fire season, Governor Gavin Newsom…

    News What you need to know: The Pacific Coast Highway, which was closed following the Palisades Fire, will reopen to public travel by the end of May – months ahead of schedule. LOS ANGELES – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced an all-hands-on-deck effort to support…

    News What you need to know: There are just four days left for homeowners and businesses to apply for debris removal assistance. LOS ANGELES – As nearly 500 crews of expert heavy equipment operators work around the clock to rapidly clear ash, soot, and fire debris from…

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: California welcomes 32 new state park rangers, lifeguards at graduation ceremony

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 14, 2025

    What you need to know: California will receive 32 new rangers and lifeguards serving across 13 state parks – protecting and informing more visitors ahead of the high travel season.

    PARADISE — While the federal government cuts staffing for national parks, Governor Gavin Newsom today celebrated the addition of 32 new state park rangers and lifeguards. These dedicated individuals recently graduated from a rigorous eight month training program and now join the nation’s largest state park system.

    “California congratulates the 32 new state park rangers and lifeguards who will now serve in 13 parks across the state. I thank these dedicated individuals for their valuable public service – ensuring our parks remain enjoyable and safe destinations for all Californians.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    The graduation ceremony marked the culmination of a 32-week Basic Visitor Service Training (BVST) Academy. The graduates officially received their badges in front of their family, friends, and department staff. With this milestone, they now embark on careers dedicated to serving, protecting, and educating visitors across California’s 280 state parks. 

    This year’s graduating BVST 50 class includes 27 rangers and five lifeguards, selected from a competitive pool of approximately 830 applicants. Their assignments span the state, from the North Coast Redwoods to the Central Valley, Santa Cruz, Orange Coast, and Inland Empire districts. 

    Those interested in a career with California State Parks can go to  https://www.parks.ca.gov/jobs

    From the program’s start in September 2024, the cadets have shown unwavering commitment to protecting California’s natural and cultural treasures. Their journey exemplifies this year’s motto: “Water and Land, Together We Stand,” reflecting their dedication to safeguarding the state’s diverse landscapes and waterways for future generations. 

    “We welcome 32 new guardians of California’s most cherished places,” said State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “These men and women have not only trained hard, but they have chosen a life of service, of standing in the gap between preservation and destruction, between safety and danger. They will be the steady hands guiding lost hikers home, the first responders in times of crisis, and the storytellers who connect us to our past. Their duty is not just a job, but a promise to protect the lands and waters that define who we are as Californians.”

    The cadets’ training was extensive, ensuring they are prepared for the challenges ahead. Key areas of instruction included: 

    • Strategic communication and de-escalation techniques
    • Physical arrests and defensive tactics
    • Search and rescue operations
    • Investigation techniques
    • Visitor services, public education and interpretation
    • Park resource protection and management
    • Firearms training and first aid 

    The program’s rigorous curriculum also prepared the cadets for the next stage of their journey: a 13-week Field Training Officer Program, where they will gain hands-on, on-the-job training.

    Recent news

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring a special election for Assembly District 63 on August 26, 2025. The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: SPECIAL ELECTION PROCLAMATIONBY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF…

    News What you need to know: California is investing an additional $170 million to support forest and vegetation management projects critical to protecting communities from wildfire. SACRAMENTO – Protecting communities ahead of peak fire season, Governor Gavin Newsom…

    News What you need to know: The Pacific Coast Highway, which was closed following the Palisades Fire, will reopen to public travel by the end of May – months ahead of schedule. LOS ANGELES – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced an all-hands-on-deck effort to support…

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Clarification on the Commission’s position regarding the COVID-19 lab leak theory – E-001403/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001403/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Christine Anderson (ESN)

    Multiple Western intelligence sources and legislative bodies have revived the theory that COVID-19 may have originated from a laboratory incident in China.

    – The US Central Intelligence Agency now considers a lab leak to be a plausible origin, though with low confidence.

    – In 2020, Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service reportedly assessed that there was an 80–90 % likelihood of an accidental lab leak.

    – A 2024 US Congressional report concluded that the virus ‘likely emerged due to a laboratory or research-related mishap’, further revealing that gain-of-function research funded by the National Institute of Health was conducted at the Wuhan Institute of Virology prior to the outbreak.

    Although no scientific consensus has emerged so far, these developments raise serious questions about biosafety, research funding oversight and international accountability.

    In this context, I seek clarification on the following points:

    • 1.Has the Commission reviewed or reassessed its position on the origins of COVID-19 in light of recent intelligence findings by US and German authorities?
    • 2.Has any EU-funded research directly or indirectly supported the Wuhan Institute of Virology or other institutions engaged in high-risk virological work prior to the pandemic?
    • 3.What measures is the Commission taking to ensure greater transparency, traceability and safety in EU-funded research involving gain-of-function or dual-use biological experiments, both within the EU and internationally?

    Submitted: 7.4.2025

    Last updated: 15 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI China: ‘The Amateur’: Heartbreaking, innovative spy thriller

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The creators of the film “The Amateur” spoke with China.org.cn on April 9 about their adaptation of a 1981 novel for the big screen, presenting an unconventional espionage thriller centered on a heartbroken man’s quest for revenge.

    A still from “The Amateur,” which was released in China on April 11, 2025. [Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios]

    “The Amateur” was Robert Littell’s debut novel, establishing him as a prominent espionage thriller author before he gained wider fame with “The Company” (2002). 

    Recognizing the significant evolution of the espionage landscape since the novel’s publication, director James Hawes and his team were deliberate in their approach.

    Hawes explained that their approach was to ensure they stayed true to the novel’s core concept and maintain the emotional engine at the heart of the story. “Then we updated it,” he said. “We changed some of the cities where the drama takes place. We updated the technology to be contemporary and near-future, so that it feels like it takes place now, in 2025.”

    Starring Rami Malek, Rachel Brosnahan and Laurence Fishburne, the film follows Charlie Heller (Malek), a brilliant but introverted CIA cryptographer whose life is shattered by the death of his wife in a terrorist attack in London. When the agency refuses to act, Heller embarks on a personal mission to track down those responsible.

    In a world accustomed to sleek, highly trained spies on screen, “The Amateur” breaks the mold with its refreshingly unconventional protagonist. This gritty, globe-trotting revenge thriller delivers a clever and deeply human story at the heart of the spy genre — a vision the director describes as celebrating the power of the underdog. “It’s about keeping the vulnerability of Heller as a character — keeping him sometimes clumsy, sometimes failing, but always fighting back,” he said. 

    In the film, Heller faces off against the CIA, the world’s most powerful intelligence agency. The director believes audiences will wonder: How will he survive and achieve his goal? At each turn, Heller invents new ways to evade his pursuers or eliminate targets. The story stays true to the idea that he’s not a seasoned professional. “He’s an ordinary guy like us. We love to back an underdog, we love an unexpected hero,” Hawes said.

    The spy operations portrayed in the film draw inspiration from real CIA practices. “I’m almost scared to say this, but yes, we had technical advisers. We had security advisers throughout the production,” the director revealed to China.org.cn. “Obviously, it’s true that some of the things we invented pushed the edge, because I started from the basis of ‘let’s make this feel real’ — and then gave it a little Hollywood boost. But quite often, we were dreaming up ideas during the scriptwriting process, asking some of the professionals if they were possible. And they would say, ‘Sure, we’ve been doing that for years. Nothing new there.’”

    The director noted that Oscar-winning actor Rami Malek has an innate intelligence and was perfect for the lead role. Meanwhile, Malek had been looking to get involved in an action film where the main character possessed both a high IQ and high emotional intelligence. 

    A still from “The Amateur.” [Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios]

    “That’s what drew me to the story and the role,” the actor said. “You don’t often see those two things balanced — in film or in life, necessarily. Maybe they exist, I’m sure they do, but I haven’t seen that on the big screen.”

    Rami Malek said that he thinks his character, Charlie Heller, is incredibly human. “This is a very character-driven story where you can actually relate to the protagonist, and that’s something I haven’t seen before. And it still delivers the same heightened impact of scope, scale and explosive intensity that you get and deserve from an action film,” he noted. 

    For Malek, the film also explores a universal theme of grief and loss. “At its heart, it’s about grief,” he said. “You lose the love of your life, and what length will you go to ensure that your soulmate, that remarkable person who changed your life, is not forgotten?”

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for April 15, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on April 15, 2025.

    Social media is the new election battleground. Is embracing influencers smart, risky or both?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Susan Grantham, Lecturer in Communication, Griffith University From Abbie Chatfield and Hannah Ferguson to Ozzy Man, influencers have never been more central to an Australian election campaign. Much has been made of the increasingly common site of politicians on TikTok or Instagram reels. Some political groups don’t

    Trump’s tariffs rollercoaster is really about Republican unity
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lester Munson, Non-Resident Fellow, United States Studies Centre, University of Sydney After announcing Liberation Day – stiff “retaliatory” tariffs on every country and penguin-inhabited island in the world – US President Donald Trump rescinded the vast majority of tariffs eight days later when stock and bond markets

    Peters emphasises growing importance of NZ’s Pacific ties with the United States
    By Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai, RNZ Pacific journalist in Hawai’i New Zealand’s Pacific connection with the United States is “more important than ever”, says Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters after rounding up the Hawai’i leg of his Pacific trip. Peters said common strategic interests of the US and New Zealand were underlined while in the state. “Our

    Israeli military reservists court Australian universities amid ‘hypocrisy’ over anti-war protests
    Hundreds of university staff and students in Melbourne and Sydney called on their vice-chancellors to cancel pro-Israel events earlier this month, write Michael West Media’s Wendy Bacon and Yaakov Aharon. SPECIAL REPORT: By Wendy Bacon and Yaakov Aharon While Australia’s universities continue to repress pro-Palestine peace protests, they gave the green light to pro-Israel events

    Why the Mormon church is on an expansion project, with 2 secretive new temples planned for Australia
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brenton Griffin, Casual Lecturer and Tutor in History, Indigenous Studies, and Politics, Flinders University The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced it will build 15 new temples in countries across the world, including one in Liverpool, New South Wales. This follows a similar announcement

    Winter electricity prices are rising – how do we know we’re getting value for money?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard Meade, Adjunct Associate Professor, Griffith University, Centre for Applied Energy Economics and Policy Research, Griffith University Shutterstock Winter is coming to New Zealand and Australia, and with it come those inevitably higher power bills from heating our homes. But even without that seasonal spike, household power

    Amid the election promises, what would actually help ‘fix’ the housing crisis? Here’s 5 ideas
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Ong ViforJ, John Curtin Distinguished Professor & ARC Future Fellow, Curtin University Shutterstock As the election campaign rolls on, housing has been, unsurprisingly, a major campaign focus. We’ve seen a series of housing policy announcements from across the political spectrum, including duelling announcements from the major

    New study finds no evidence technology causes ‘digital dementia’ in older people
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nikki-Anne Wilson, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), UNSW Sydney RDNE Stock project/Pexels In the 21st century, digital technology has changed many aspects of our lives. Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is the latest newcomer, with chatbots and other AI tools changing how we learn and creating

    Amid the election promises, what would actually help ‘fix’ the housing crisis? Here are 5 ideas
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Ong ViforJ, John Curtin Distinguished Professor & ARC Future Fellow, Curtin University Shutterstock As the election campaign rolls on, housing has been, unsurprisingly, a major campaign focus. We’ve seen a series of housing policy announcements from across the political spectrum, including duelling announcements from the major

    Cutting migrant numbers won’t help housing – the real immigration problems not being tackled this election
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter McDonald, Honorary Professor of Demography, Centre for Health Policy, The University of Melbourne Immigration is shaping as one of the most potent policy issues of the election campaign. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has announced a Coalition government would cut the two major migration programs – permanent

    Focusing on a child’s strengths can transform assessments – and help them thrive after an ADHD or autism diagnosis
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adam Guastella, Professor and Clinical Psychologist, Michael Crouch Chair in Child and Youth Mental Health, University of Sydney Jota Buyinch Photo/Shutterstock When parents are concerned about their child’s development, they often seek an assessment to address concerns and identify any conditions, such as autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

    Australian honeybees are under attack by mites and beetles. Here’s how to keep your backyard hive safe
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cornelia Sattler, Research Fellow in Ecology & Videographer, Macquarie University Varroa mites on a male bee larva. Theotime Colin Australia’s honeybees are facing an exceptional crisis. The tiny but devastating foreign pest Varroa destructor is steadily spreading across the country. The mite feeds on baby bees (larvae),

    Would looser lending rules help more people buy a house – or just put them at risk?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Grant, Associate Professor in Finance, University of Sydney doublelee/Shutterstock Big promises on housing were at the centre of both major parties’ announcements at the official federal election campaign launches on the weekend. Among the highlights, Labor pledged to build 100,000 new homes and extend a government-guaranteed

    Why is it so hard for everyone to have a house in Australia?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ehsan Noroozinejad, Senior Researcher, Urban Transformations Research Centre, Western Sydney University Bilalnol/Shutterstock Home ownership in Australia was once regarded as proof of success in life. However, it remains elusive for many people today. Prices have soared beyond wage growth, rents keep rising, and even some well-intentioned government

    Why the Mormon church is on an expansion project, with two secretive new temples planned for Australia
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brenton Griffin, Casual Lecturer and Tutor in History, Indigenous Studies, and Politics, Flinders University The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced it will build 15 new temples in countries across the world, including one in Liverpool, New South Wales. This follows a similar announcement

    Owners are officially no longer responsible for tourism accidents on their land – but they never really were
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Chris Peace, Lecturer in Occupational Health and Safety, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington EyesWideOpen/Getty Images Newly announced reforms to the Health and Safety at Work Act mean landowners will no longer be responsible for tourism-related injuries on their properties. But it’s not clear this

    New Zealand’s humanity – does it include all of us, or only for some?
    COMMENTARY: By Katrina Mitchell-Kouttab “Wherever Palestinians have control is barbaric.” These were the words from New Zealand’s Chief Human Rights Commissioner Stephen Rainbow. During a meeting with Philippa Yasbek from Jewish Voices for Peace, Dr Rainbow allegedly told her that information from the NZ Security Intelligence Services (NZSIS) threat assessment asserted that Muslims were the

    Leaked ‘working paper’ on New Caledonia’s political future sparks new concerns
    By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk A leaked “working paper” on New Caledonia’s future political status is causing concern on the local stage and has prompted a “clarification” from the French government’s Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls. Details of the document, which was supposed to remain confidential, have been widely circulated online

    Election Diary: Will Peter Dutton help son Harry buy a house?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Political leaders’ kids are routinely put on display to share the glory or the pain of election night. Earlier, they’re often at campaign launches to “humanise” the candidates. Peter Dutton pulled out all stops with the family for his Sunday

    Big Girls Don’t Cry is a powerful, heart-wrenching, and comical celebration of Indigenous resilience and survival
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Laura Case, Lecturer in Musicology, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, University of Sydney Stephen Wilson Barker/Belvoir With Big Girls Don’t Cry, Gumbaynggirr/Wiradjuri playwright Dalara Williams proves herself to be a formidable talent. Cheryl (Williams), Queenie (Megan Wilding) and Lulu (Stephanie Somerville) are three best friends who share a

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI USA: The NPR, PBS Grift Has Ripped Us Off for Too Long

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    For years, American taxpayers have been on the hook for subsidizing National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), which spread radical, woke propaganda disguised as “news.”
    As President Trump has stated, taxpayer funding of NPR’s and PBS’s biased content is a waste.
    Here are some examples of the trash that passes for “news” at NPR and PBS:
    In 2024, NPR ran a Valentine’s Day feature around “queer animals,” in which it suggested the make-believe clownfish in Finding Nemo would’ve been better off as a female, that “banana slugs are hermaphrodites,” and that “some deer are nonbinary.”
    In 2024, PBS produced a documentary making the case for reparations.
    In 2023, PBS’s Washington Week roundtable covered up Joe Biden’s clear mental decline, with far-left “journalist” Jeff Goldberg claiming Biden is actually “quite acute.”
    In 2022, NPR educated the nation on the “whole community of genderqueer dinosaur enthusiasts” and “trans-ceratops.”
    In 2021, a PBS station aired a “children’s program” that featured a drag queen named “Lil’ Miss Hot Mess.”
    In 2021, NPR reported on the “cousin of diet culture” known as “healthism, which is the idea that we have to be healthy” — as if that was a bad thing.
    In 2021, NPR suggested doorway sizes are based on “latent fatphobia.”
    In 2021, NPR lamented that “animals deserve pronouns, too.”
    In 2022, NPR ran a feature titled “What ‘Queer Ducks’ can teach teenagers about sexuality in the animal kingdom.”
    In 2020, PBS show Sesame Street partnered with CNN for a town hall aimed presenting children with a one-sided narrative to “address racism” amid the Black Lives Matter riots.
    In 2020, NPR explored “the racial origins of fat phobia.”
    In 2017, NPR ran a story titled “Cannibalism: It’s ‘Perfectly Natural,’” in which an author describes eating another human’s placenta: “It was really the prep that made it taste good. Granted, the [husband] was a chef and so he knew how to prepare it osso bucco style and used a really nice wine I had brought. It smelled great. It didn’t taste bad.”
    In 2017, PBS aired a panel devoted to what it “mean[s] to be woke” and “white privilege.”
    In 2017, PBS produced an entire movie celebrating a transgender teenager’s so-called “changing gender identity.”
    In 2015, NPR dedicated an entire segment to the “population of anthropomorphic animal enthusiasts known as ‘furries.’” 
    NPR and PBS have zero tolerance for non-leftist viewpoints:
    In 2020, NPR refused to cover the explosive Hunter Biden laptop scandal in the runup to the election, baselessly claiming there were “many, many red flags” and its “assertions don’t amount to much.”
    NPR wrote: “We don’t want to waste our time on stories that are not really stories, and we don’t want to waste the listeners’ and readers’ time on stories that are just pure distractions.”

    When a 25-year veteran NPR reporter and editor spoke out about the network’s refusal to report on the Hunter Biden laptop — and their obsession with liberal causes — they suspended him.
    The editor found that registered Democrats outnumbered Republicans 87 to zero in their newsroom.
    NPR prolifically reported on the Russian collusion hoax, with the editor describing “[Adam] Schiff talking points” as “the drumbeat of NPR news reports.”
    NPR management asked its editors to avoid the term “biological sex” when discussing transgender issues.

    NPR CEO Katherine Maher once called President Trump “racist,” shared a photo of herself wearing a “Biden for President” campaign hat, serves on the board of a Soros-funded activist group, and described the “reverence for the truth” as a “distraction.”
    In 2023, a study found that congressional Republicans saw 85% negative coverage while congressional Democrats saw 54% positive coverage on PBS’s flagship news program.
    According to a 2024 study, PBS news staff used 162 variations of the term “far-right,” but only six variations of “far-left.”
    Media bias rating agency AllBias — which surveyed nearly 24,000 readers — found NPR’s bias aligns with “liberal, progressive or left-wing thought and/or policy agendas.”
    In 2010, NPR terminated journalist Juan Williams, who said it was because he was not a “predictable, black liberal.”
    NPR repeatedly dismissed the theory that COVID-19 originated in a lab — a conclusion now deemed likely by the FBI, CIA, and Department of Energy.
    April 2020: “Scientists Debunk Lab Accident Theory Of Pandemic Emergence”
    May 2020: “As Trump Pushes Theory Of Virus Origins, Some See Parallels In Lead-Up To Iraq War”
    May 2021: “Many Scientists Still Think The Coronavirus Came From Nature”
    March 2023: “Virologist says COVID origin report could make it harder to study dangerous diseases”
    September 2024: “New research points to raccoon dogs in Wuhan market as pandemic trigger. It’s controversial”

    A 2024 Media Research Center study found that PBS’s coverage of the Republican National Convention was 72% negative, while coverage of the Democratic National Convention was 88% positive.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI China: 3 US operatives on wanted list over cyberattacks

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Police authorities in Harbin, in northeast China’s Heilongjiang province, said on Tuesday that they are pursuing three operatives affiliated with the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) over suspected cyberattacks against China.
    The Harbin public security bureau said that the three operatives — Katheryn A. Wilson, Robert J. Snelling, and Stephen W. Johnson — had been engaged in cyberattacks targeting the Asian Winter Games held in the city in February.
    Investigations by Chinese technical teams revealed that the cyberattacks were carried out by the Office of Tailored Access Operations of the NSA. To conceal the origins of its attacks and secure its cyber weapons, the office used multiple affiliated front organizations to purchase IP addresses from various countries and anonymously rented servers located in regions including Europe and Asia.
    Investigations revealed that the NSA focused its pre-event cyberattacks on critical systems of the Asian Winter Games, including registration, arrival/departure management, and competition entry platforms, authorities said. These systems, essential for pre-event operations, stored vast amounts of sensitive personal data of individuals associated with the Games.
    From Feb. 3, coinciding with the first ice hockey match, NSA cyberattacks peaked, primarily targeting critical operational systems such as the event’s official information platforms. These systems were vital for ensuring the smooth running of the Games, and the NSA attempted to disrupt them to undermine their normal operations.
    Meanwhile, the NSA launched cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure sectors in Heilongjiang province, including energy, transportation, water resources, telecommunications, and defense research institutions, authorities said.
    Technical teams also discovered that during the Asian Winter Games, the NSA transmitted unknown encrypted data packets to specific devices running Microsoft Windows operating systems within the province. These packets are suspected to have been attempts to activate or trigger pre-implanted backdoors in the Windows systems, authorities added.
    Further investigations revealed that the three NSA operatives had repeatedly launched cyberattacks against China’s critical information infrastructure and participated in cyber operations targeting companies such as Huawei.
    Technical teams also uncovered evidence implicating the University of California and Virginia Tech in the coordinated cyber campaign against the Asian Winter Games, authorities stated.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-Evening Report: Israeli military reservists court Australian universities amid ‘hypocrisy’ over anti-war protests

    Hundreds of university staff and students in Melbourne and Sydney called on their vice-chancellors to cancel pro-Israel events earlier this month, write Michael West Media’s Wendy Bacon and Yaakov Aharon.

    SPECIAL REPORT: By Wendy Bacon and Yaakov Aharon

    While Australia’s universities continue to repress pro-Palestine peace protests, they gave the green light to pro-Israel events earlier this month, sparking outrage from anti-war protesters over the hypocrisy.

    Israeli lobby groups StandWithUs Australia (SWU) and Israel-IS organised a series of university events this week which featured Israel Defense Force (IDF) reservists who have served during the war in Gaza, two of whom lost family members in the Hamas resistance attack on October 7, 2023.

    The events were promoted as “an immersive VR experience with an inspiring interfaith panel” discussing the importance of social cohesion, on and off campus.”

    Hundreds of staff and students at Monash, Sydney Uni, UNSW and UTS signed letters calling on their universities to “act swiftly to cancel the SWU event and make clear that organisations and individuals who worked with the Israel Defense Forces did not have a place on UNSW campuses.”

    SWU is a global charity organisation which supports Israel and fights all conduct it perceives to be “antisemitic”. It campaigns against the United Nations and international NGOs’ findings against Israel and is currently supporting actions to suspend United States students supporting Palestine.

    It established an office in Sydney in 2022 and Michael Gencher, who previously worked at the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, was appointed as CEO.

    The event’s co-sponsor, Israel-IS, is a similar propaganda outfit whose mission is to “connect with people before they connect with ideas” particularly through “cutting edge technologies like VR and AI.”

    Among their 18 staff, one employee’s role is “IDF coordinator’” while two employees serve as “heads of Influencer Academy”.

    The events were a test for management at Monash, UTS, UNSW and USyd to see how far each would go in cooperating with the Israel lobby.

    Some events cancelled
    At Monash, an open letter criticising the event was circulated by staff and students. The event was then cancelled without explanation.

    At UNSW, 51 staff and postgraduate students signed an open letter to vice-chancellor Atilla Brungs, calling for the event’s cancellation. It was signed on their behalf by Jessica Whyte, an associate professor of philosophy in arts and law and Noam Peleg, associate professor in the Faculty of Law and Justice.

    Prior to the scheduled event, Michael West Media sent questions to UNSW. After the event was scheduled to occur, the university responded to MWM, informing us that it had not taken place.

    As of today, two days after the event was scheduled, vice-chancellor Brungs has not responded to the letter.

    UTS warning to students
    The UTS branch of the Australasian Union of Jewish Students partnered with Israel-IS in organising the UTS event, in alignment with their core “pillars” of Zionism and activism. The student group seeks to “promote a positive image of Israel on campus” to achieve its vision of a world where Jewish students are committed to Israel.

    UTS Students’ Association, Palestinian Youth Society and UTS Muslim Student Society wrote to management but deputy vice-chancellor Kylie Readman rejected pleas. She replied that the event’s organisers had guaranteed it would be “a small private event focused on minority Israeli perspectives” and that speakers would only speak in a personal capacity.

    While acknowledging the conflict in the Middle East was stressful for many at UTS, she then warned students, “UTS has not received formal notification of any intent to protest, as is required under the campus policy. As such, I must advise that any protest activity planned for 2nd April will be unauthorised. I would urge you to encourage students not to participate in an unauthorised protest.”

    Students who allegedly breach campus policies can face disciplinary proceedings that can lead to suspension.

    UTS Student Association president Mia Campbell told MWM, “The warning given by UTS about protesting definitely felt intimidating and frightening to a number of students, including myself.

    “Especially as a law student, misconduct allegations can affect your admission to the profession . . .  but with all other avenues of communication exhausted between us and the university, it felt like we didn’t have a choice.

    I don’t want to look back on what I was doing during this genocide and have done any less than what was possible at the time.

    A UTS student reads the names of Gaza children killed in Israel’s War on Gaza. Image: Wendy Bacon/MWM

    Sombre, but quietly angry protest
    The UTS protest was sombre but quietly angry. Speakers read from lists naming dead Palestinian children.

    One speaker, who has lost 120 members of his extended family in Gaza, explained why he protested: “We have to be backed into a corner, told we can’t protest, told we can’t do anything. We’ve exhausted every single policy . . . Add to all that we are threatened with misconduct.”

    Do you think we can stay silent while there are people on campus who may have played a part in the killings in Gaza?

    SWU at University of Sydney
    University of Sydney staff and students who signed an open letter received no reply before the event.

    Activists from USyd staff in support of Palestine, Students Against War and Jews Against the Occupation ‘48 began protesting outside the Michael Spence building that houses the university’s senior executives on the Wednesday evening, April 2.

    Escorted by UTS security, three SWU representatives arrived. A small group was admitted. Soon afterwards, the participants could be seen from below in the building’s meeting room.

    A few protesters remained and booed the attendees as they left. These included Mark Leach, a far right Christian Zionist and founder of pro-Israeli group Never Again is Now. Later on X, he condemned the protesters and described Israel as a “multi-ethnic enclave of civilisation.”

    Warning letters for students
    Several student activists have received letters recently warning them about breaching the new USyd code of conduct regulating protests. USyd has also adopted a definition of anti-semitism which critics say could restrict criticism of Israel.

    It has been slammed by the Jewish Council of Australia as “dangerous” and “unworkable”.

    A Jews against Occupation ’48 speaker, Judith Treanor, said, “Welcoming this organisation makes a mockery of this university’s stated values of respect, non-harassment, and anti-racism.

    “In the context of this university’s adoption of draconian measures to stifle freedom of expression in relation to Palestine, the decision to host this event promoting Israel reveals a shocking level of hypocrisy and a huge abuse of power.”

    Jews Against the Occupation ‘48: L-R Suzie Gold, Laurie Izaks MacSween and Judith Treanor at the protest. Image: Vivienne Moore/MWM

    No stranger to USyd
    Michael Gencher is no stranger to USyd. Since October 2023, he has opposed student encampments and street protests.

    On one occasion, he visited the USyd protest student encampment in support of Palestine with Richard Kemp, a retired British army commander who tirelessly promotes the IDF. Kemp’s most recent X post congratulates Hungary for withdrawing from “the International Criminal Kangaroo Court. Other countries should reject this political court and follow suit.”

    Kemp and Gencher filmed themselves attempting to interrogate students about their knowledge of conflict in the Middle East on May 21, 2024, but the students refused to be provoked and declined to engage.

    In May 2024, Gercher helped organise a joint rally at USyd with Zionist Group Together with Israel, a partner of far-right group Australian Jewish Association. Extreme Zionist Ofir Birenbaum, who was recently exposed as covertly filming staff at an inner city cafe, Cairo Takeaway, helped organise the rally.

    Students at the USyd encampment told MWM  that they experienced provocative behaviour towards them during the May rally.

    Opposition to StandWithUs
    Those who oppose the SWU campus events draw on international findings condemning Israel and its IDF, explained in similar letters to university leaders.

    After the USyd event, those who signed a letter received a response from vice-chancellor Mark Scott.

    He explained, “We host a broad range of activities that reflect different perspectives — we recognise our role as a place for debate and disagreeing well, which includes tolerance of varied opinions.”

    His response ignored the concerns raised, which leaves this question: Why are organisations that reject all international and humanitarian legal findings, including ones of genocide and ethnic cleansing,

    being made to feel ‘safe and welcome’ when their critics risk misconduct proceedings?

    SWU CEO Michael Gencher went on the attack in the Jewish press:

    “We’re seeing a coordinated attempt to intimidate universities into silencing Israeli voices simply because they don’t conform to a radical political narrative.” He accused the academics of spreading “provable lies, dangerous rhetoric, and blatant hypocrisy.”

    SWU regards United Nations and other findings against Israel as false.

    Wendy Bacon is an investigative journalist who was professor of journalism at UTS. She worked for Fairfax, Channel Nine and SBS and has published in The Guardian, New Matilda, City Hub and Overland. She has a long history in promoting independent and alternative journalism. She is a long-term supporter of a peaceful BDS and the Greens.

    Yaakov Aharon is a Jewish-Australian living in Wollongong. He enjoys long walks on Wollongong Beach, unimpeded by Port Kembla smoke fumes and AUKUS submarines. This article was first published by Michael West Media and is republished with permission of the authors.

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI USA: PLASKETT MEETS WITH VIRGIN ISLANDS PHYSICIANS AND LOCAL HOSPITAL BOARD ON STATE OF VI HEALTHCARE

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

    For Immediate Release                                          Contact: Tionee Scotland
    April 14, 2025                                                    202-808-6129

    PRESS RELEASE

    PLASKETT MEETS WITH VIRGIN ISLANDS PHYSICIANS AND LOCAL HOSPITAL BOARD ON STATE OF VI HEALTHCARE

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Plaskett released the following statement:

    “Last week, I and my office met with key stakeholders in our healthcare sector.  Given the heightened concerns related to our hospitals in the Virgin Islands- including staffing shortages, supply deficits, and operational challenges, meeting with those responsible fr the hospitals was very relevant. On Thursday, we met with the Juan F. Luis Hospital physicians and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Regina Flippin, as well as the Schneider Regional Medical Center physicians and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. George Rosenberg, and on Sunday, I met with the Virgin Islands Government Hospital and Health Facilities Corporation Territorial Board Executive Committee (Corporation). I appreciate the responsiveness of the physician community and the Corporation, and value the respective, collaborative discussions.

    “We discussed the difficulties that the Virgin Islands hospitals are presently facing, including the problems listed above, and we discussed long term funding gaps which continue to plague our healthcare system.  There have been decades-long attempts to change multiple federal programs and funding formulas.  During the Biden Administration, I was able, in legislation, to change the percent of Medicaid payment by the federal government from 55% to 83% and raise the Medicaid cap. Medicare payments for the Virgin Islands are calculated using the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 (TEFRA). Under TEFRA, the respective base years are 1982 for the Schneider Regional Medical Center (SRMC) and 1996 for the Governor Juan F. Louis Hospital (JFL). The base year reimbursement system, which relies upon an inflation adjustment, does not accurately capture the expenses of patient care services. I have introduced legislation for healthcare equity in each Congress and included in annual appropriations legislation language to urge the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to update the payment data and formulas for the hospitals in the Virgin Islands.  Additionally, I have met with CMS leadership to urge the use of their administrative scope to assign a new base period, which is more representative of the reasonable and necessary cost of inpatient services.

    “Additionally, during the calls we discussed Medicare and Medicaid payment systems that allow rural and geographically isolated hospitals an increased reimbursement rate. I have been a longstanding advocate to extend and permit Medicaid and Medicare Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payments to U.S. territories.  We also discussed during the meetings other programs and creative mechanisms to create larger funding for the hospitals, which we will pursue.

    “We also discussed in our Sunday meeting the Myrah Keating Smith Community Health Center and the Morris De Castro Clinic on St. John and the vital support they provide to the community. I understand that the Request for Proposals for the construction contracts for both centers are now closed, and I am hopeful that they are reconstructed in short order, to ensure that providers and community members on St. John have the necessary infrastructure for their healthcare spaces.

    “My office is committed to working with everyone in the Virgin Islands healthcare space to ensure that our providers and community have the necessary support to ensure both short- and long-term stability. I am grateful for the commitment and passion of our doctors and healthcare professionals.  They have made a lifetime commitment to our community, and I respect their dedication to their patients.  I was also happy for the transparency of the hospital Board in discussing their ongoing work to stabilize and create positive change in the hospital. The hospitals provide essential care to everyone in the Virgin Islands, and I will collaborate with the federal and local government to protect our healthcare system.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorneys for Southwestern Border Districts Charge More than 1,020 Illegal Aliens with Immigration-Related Crimes During the Second week in April as part of Operation Take Back America.

    Source: United States Attorneys General 13

    Since the inauguration of President Trump, the Department of Justice is playing a critical role in Operation Take back America, a nationwide initiative to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). 

    Last week, the U.S. Attorneys for Arizona, Central California, Southern California, New Mexico, Southern Texas, and Western Texas charged more than 1,020 defendants with criminal violations of U.S. immigration laws.  

    The Southern District of Texas filed 229 cases in border security-related matters. As part of those cases, 80 face allegations of illegally reentering the country with the majority having felony convictions such as narcotics, firearms or sexual offenses, or prior immigration crimes. A total of 126 people face charges of illegally entering the country, 18 cases involve various instances of human smuggling with others relating to firearms, false statements and other immigration matters. One such case alleges Victor D. Perozo-Zarraga committed fraud and misuse of a visa after authorities found him in possession of fraudulent legal permanent resident and Social Security documents. He indicated he had legal status to be in the United States, which he does not, according to the complaint. Other relevant matters this week include a Mexican visa holder who attempted to bring child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and drugs across the border. Christian Christopher Rodriguez-Lopez was ordered to serve 151 months after attempting to enter the United States from Mexico. Upon inspection, law enforcement located approximately five kilograms of cocaine in his vehicle. Further investigation following his arrest resulted in the additional discovery of CSAM on his cell phone. His visa has since been revoked.   

    The Western District of Texas filed 295 immigration and immigration-related criminal cases. Among the new cases, Mexican national Jorge Alberto Garcia-Drue was encountered at the Frio County Jail in Pearsall after he was arrested for allegedly refusing to provide accurate identification. Immigration and Customs Enforcement/Enforcement Removal Operations agents determined that Garcia-Drue was an alien illegally present within the United States and that he had been previously removed from the country. A review of his criminal history revealed that he had also been convicted on Dec. 10, 2014 of harboring illegal aliens and aiding and abetting. For that conviction, Garcia-Drue was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison. 

    The District of Arizona brought immigration-related criminal charges against 261 defendants. Specifically, the United States filed 103 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 140 aliens for illegally entering the United States. In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States also filed 14 cases against 18 individuals responsible for smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona. These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). 

    The Southern District of California filed 116 border-related cases, including charges of transportation of illegal aliens, bringing in aliens for financial gain, receipt of bribes by public officials, reentering the U.S. after deportation, and importation of controlled substances.  

    The Central District of California filed charges against 21 defendants who allegedly were found in the U.S. following removal. Many of the defendants charged were previously convicted of felony offenses prior to their removal from the United States, including alien smuggling, burglary, grand theft, and assault with a deadly weapon. 

    The District of New Mexico brought the following criminal charges: 63 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. 1326), four individuals were charged this week with Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324), and 38 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325). Many of the defendants charged pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1326 had prior criminal convictions, with some of those convictions being for drug trafficking, alien smuggling, and grand theft. 

    We are grateful for the hard work of our border prosecutors in bringing these cases and helping to make our border safe again.  

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: KC Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Firearms Trafficking

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, MO man pled guilty in federal court today to conspiring to traffic firearms to prohibited persons and to illegally trafficking firearms, to include a handgun that was converted into a machinegun.

    Antonio Manning, 23, pled guilty before U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to the aforementioned charges.

    By pleading guilty today, Antonio Manning admitted that he knowingly and willfully joined in an agreement to sell firearms to individuals who were prohibited from possessing them under federal law.  According to the plea agreement, the defendants trafficked at least 22 firearms to persons who were known felons or they sold firearms that were converted into unregistered machineguns in violation of federal law.  Pursuant to the plea agreement, Antonio Manning admitted that he was personally involved in illegally selling at least nine firearms and one of those firearms was an unregistered machinegun.

    On Jan. 22, 2025, co-defendant Sheron Manning, the brother of Antonio Manning, pled guilty to one count of conspiring to traffic firearms to prohibited persons and to one count of illegally trafficking a firearm that had been converted into an unregistered machinegun.

    On April 07, 2025, co-defendant Michael Dewayne Hardy pled guilty to one count of conspiring to traffic firearms to prohibited persons and to one count of illegally trafficking a firearm that had been converted into an unregistered machinegun.

    Under federal statutes, Antonio Manning is subject to a sentence of up to 30 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentence of the defendant will be determined by the court based upon the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.  A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

    Project Safe Neighborhoods

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Preferred Bank Announces 2025 First Quarter Earnings Release and Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, April 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Preferred Bank (NASDAQ: PFBC), one of the larger independent commercial banks in California, today announced plans to release its financial results for the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2025 before the open of market on Friday, April 25, 2025. That same day, management will host a conference call at 2:00 p.m. Eastern (11:00 a.m. Pacific). The call will be simultaneously broadcast over the Internet.

    Interested participants and investors may access the conference call by dialing 844-826-3037 (domestic) or
    412-317-5182 (international) and referencing “Preferred Bank.” There will also be a live webcast of the call available at the Investor Relations section of Preferred Bank’s website at www.preferredbank.com.

    Preferred Bank’s Chairman and CEO Li Yu, President and Chief Operating Officer Wellington Chen, Chief Financial Officer Edward J. Czajka, Chief Credit Officer Nick Pi and Deputy Chief Operating Officer Johnny Hsu will discuss Preferred Bank’s financial results, business highlights and outlook. After the live webcast, a replay will be available at the Investor Relations section of Preferred Bank’s website. A replay of the call will also be available at 877-344-7529 (domestic) or 412-317-0088 (international) through May 2, 2025; the passcode is 8939265.

    About Preferred Bank

    Preferred Bank is one of the larger independent commercial banks headquartered in California. The Bank is chartered by the State of California, and its deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC, to the maximum extent permitted by law. The Bank conducts its banking business from its main office in Los Angeles, California, and through twelve full-service branch banking offices in the California cities of Alhambra, Century City, City of Industry, Torrance, Arcadia, Irvine (2 branches), Diamond Bar, Pico Rivera, Tarzana and San Francisco (2 branches), two branches in New York (Manhattan and Flushing) and one branch in the Houston suburb of Sugar Land, Texas. Additionally, the Bank operates a Loan Production Office in Sunnyvale, California. Preferred Bank offers a broad range of deposit and loan products and services to both commercial and consumer customers. The Bank provides personalized deposit services as well as real estate finance, commercial loans and trade finance to small and mid-sized businesses, entrepreneurs, real estate developers, professionals and high net worth individuals. Although originally founded as a Chinese-American Bank, Preferred Bank now derives most of its customers from the diversified mainstream market but does continue to benefit from the significant migration to California of ethnic Chinese from China and other areas of East Asia.

    AT THE COMPANY: 
    Edward J. Czajka
    Executive Vice President
    Chief Financial Officer
    (213) 891-1188
    AT FINANCIAL PROFILES:
    Jeffrey Haas
    General Information
    (310) 622-8240
    PFBC@finprofiles.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE, federal partners arrest Brazilian charged with sex crimes against Massachusetts child

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    FALMOUTH, Mass. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, along with federal law enforcement partners from the FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives arrested an illegally present Brazilian charged with multiple sex crimes against a Massachusetts child. Officers with ICE Boston and agents with FBI Boston and ATF Boston arrested Ilma Leandro De Oliveira, 53, in Falmouth, March 20.

    “Ilma Leandro De Oliveira is charged with seven different crimes regarding the sexual victimization of a child in our Massachusetts community,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “These are crimes we simply will not tolerate. ICE Boston will continue to prioritize the safety of our children by arresting and removing any criminal alien who poses a threat to our New England residents.”

    U.S. Border Patrol arrested Leandro Sept. 20, 2007, after she illegally entered the United States near Laredo, Texas. The Border Patrol served her a notice and order of expedited removal.

    On Dec. 27, 2007, ERO San Antonio removed Leandro from the United States to Brazil.

    Leandro illegally re-entered the United States on an unknown date, at an unknown location, and without being inspected, admitted, or paroled by a U.S. immigration official.

    The Falmouth District Court arraigned Leandro March 18, 2025, for rape of a child, reckless endangerment of a child, indecent exposure, indecent assault and battery on a child under 14, unnatural acts with a child, aggravated statutory rape of a child, and incest. Officers with ICE Boston and agents with FBI Boston and ATF Boston arrested Ilma Leandro De Oliveira in Falmouth March 20. They served her with a notice of intent/decision to reinstate a prior removal order.

    ICE Boston transferred custody of Leandro over to the U.S. Marshals Service, April 8, as Leandro is expected to be prosecuted for illegal reentry after deportation.

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

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X: @EROBoston.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jury Convicts Home Health Agency Executive of Fixing Wages and Fraudulently Concealing Criminal Investigation

    Source: US State of California

    A federal jury convicted a Nevada man today for participating in a three-year conspiracy to fix the wages for home healthcare nurses in Las Vegas and for fraudulently failing to disclose the criminal antitrust investigation during the sale of his home healthcare staffing company.  

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Eduardo “Eddie” Lopez of Las Vegas, Nevada conspired to artificially cap the wages of home healthcare nurses in the Las Vegas area between March 2016 and May 2019. The three-year conspiracy affected the wages of hundreds of Las Vegas registered nurses and licensed practical nurses who provide care to patients in their homes. During the pendency of the government’s investigation, Lopez then sold his home healthcare staffing company for over $10 million while fraudulently concealing the government’s criminal investigation from the buyer.   

    “Wage-fixing agreements are nakedly unlawful attempts at unjustly profiting off American workers,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigal A. Slater of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “Today’s verdict highlights what should be a clear message with antitrust crimes: the agreement is the crime. The Antitrust Division will zealously prosecute those who seek to unjustly profit off their employees. The nurses here deserved better and, under President Trump’s leadership, they will be protected.”

    Lopez was convicted of one count of participating in a wage-fixing conspiracy and five counts of wire fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 14. A violation of the Sherman Act carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $1 million criminal fine for individuals.  A violation of the wire fraud statute carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The Antitrust Division’s San Francisco Office and the FBI’s International Corruption Unit investigated the case, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada. Senior Litigation Counsel Jeffrey Cramer and Mikal Condon, Assistant Chief Andrew Mast, and Trial Attorneys Paradi Javandel and Conor Bradley, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Anthony Lopez are prosecuting the case.

    Anyone with information in connection with this investigation should contact the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center at 888-647-3258, or visit http://www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jury Convicts Home Health Agency Executive of Fixing Wages and Fraudulently Concealing Criminal Investigation

    Source: United States Attorneys General 13

    A federal jury convicted a Nevada man today for participating in a three-year conspiracy to fix the wages for home healthcare nurses in Las Vegas and for fraudulently failing to disclose the criminal antitrust investigation during the sale of his home healthcare staffing company.  

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Eduardo “Eddie” Lopez of Las Vegas, Nevada conspired to artificially cap the wages of home healthcare nurses in the Las Vegas area between March 2016 and May 2019. The three-year conspiracy affected the wages of hundreds of Las Vegas registered nurses and licensed practical nurses who provide care to patients in their homes. During the pendency of the government’s investigation, Lopez then sold his home healthcare staffing company for over $10 million while fraudulently concealing the government’s criminal investigation from the buyer.   

    “Wage-fixing agreements are nakedly unlawful attempts at unjustly profiting off American workers,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigal A. Slater of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “Today’s verdict highlights what should be a clear message with antitrust crimes: the agreement is the crime. The Antitrust Division will zealously prosecute those who seek to unjustly profit off their employees. The nurses here deserved better and, under President Trump’s leadership, they will be protected.”

    Lopez was convicted of one count of participating in a wage-fixing conspiracy and five counts of wire fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 14. A violation of the Sherman Act carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $1 million criminal fine for individuals.  A violation of the wire fraud statute carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The Antitrust Division’s San Francisco Office and the FBI’s International Corruption Unit investigated the case, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada. Senior Litigation Counsel Jeffrey Cramer and Mikal Condon, Assistant Chief Andrew Mast, and Trial Attorneys Paradi Javandel and Conor Bradley, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Anthony Lopez are prosecuting the case.

    Anyone with information in connection with this investigation should contact the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center at 888-647-3258, or visit http://www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Fitzgerald Statement on Wisconsin Teen Accused of Murder and Plotting to Assassinate President Trump

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05)

    Oconomowoc, WI – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statement in response to a Wisconsin teen accused of murdering his parents and plotting to assassinate President Donald Trump.

    “I want to thank the FBI and local law enforcement for their quick, coordinated response to stop another plot to assassinate the President. We grieve for the two innocent individuals who were killed in connection with this plot. My prayers are with their loved ones as they endure this unimaginable loss,” said Congressman Fitzgerald.

    “Unfortunately, this incident reflects a dangerous trend. Reckless political rhetoric—especially from the Left—continues to inflame tensions and, in some cases, encourage violence against our elected officials. I will continue to stand with law enforcement and support efforts to ensure the safety of our communities and elected officials,” Fitzgerald concluded.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Who Staged Auto Accidents and Committed Insurance Fraud Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey on Monday sentenced a man who defrauded insurance companies by staging vehicle accidents and injuries to 18 months in prison and ordered him to pay $107,951 in restitution.

    From September 2021 to January 2023, Adrian Peebles staged auto accidents, usually at night and in remote areas to minimize his chances of getting caught. Peebles nearly always claimed to have been injured and went to the emergency room complaining of “pain that required expensive tests that never identified any particular injury,” according to his plea agreement. Peebles insisted that the resulting payments from the vehicle insurance companies be made to him rather than the hospital and then did not pay his medical bills. His scheme cost two insurance companies $107,951.

    Peebles, now 32, pleaded guilty in January to one count of mail fraud.

    The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Ware prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: PrairieSky Announces First Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, April 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PrairieSky Royalty Ltd. (“PrairieSky” or the “Company”) (TSX: PSK) is pleased to announce its first quarter operating and financial results for the period ended March 31, 2025.

    First Quarter Highlights:

    • Oil royalty production volumes averaged a record 13,502 barrels per day, a 3% increase over Q1 2024(1). Total royalty production averaged 25,339 BOE per day, a 3% decrease from Q1 2024 due to declines in natural gas and NGL production.
    • Royalty production revenue of $119.9 million combined with other revenue of $8.2 million to generate total revenues of $128.1 million for Q1 2025(1). Other revenue included bonus consideration of $5.0 million earned on entering into 52 new leasing arrangements focused on Duvernay light oil and Mannville light and heavy oil targets.
    • Funds from operations totaled $85.8 million or $0.36 per share, an increase of 3% over Q1 2024 primarily due to increased oil royalty revenue with higher oil royalty production volumes combined with narrowed oil price differentials.
    • Declared a first quarter dividend of $61.2 million ($0.26 per common share), representing a payout ratio of 71%.
    • Purchased and cancelled 3,415,900 common shares under the Company’s normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”) for $90.0 million.
    • Completed acquisitions of both producing and non-producing royalty interests for $63.6 million, including the previously announced $50.0 million acquisition, before customary closing adjustments, of fee lands, lessor interests and gross overriding royalty interests in Central Alberta and Southeast Saskatchewan, as well as incremental royalty interests in the Duvernay, Clearwater and Mannville.
    • Net debt totaled $258.8 million as at March 31, 2025.
     


    President’s Message

    It was a busy first quarter across PrairieSky’s royalty properties with 200 wells spud on PrairieSky’s royalty acreage at an average royalty rate of 6.9%, an increase from 174 wells spud in Q1 2024 at an average royalty rate of 6.0%. In addition to robust activity in the Mannville heavy oil play with 39 wells spud, there were 20 wells spud in the Clearwater, 15 wells spud in the Duvernay light oil play, 8 wells spud in the liquids-rich Montney, and an incremental 118 oil and natural gas wells spud elsewhere across the basin.

    PrairieSky earned $119.9 in royalty revenues, 93% liquids, from total royalty production volumes of 25,339 BOE per day in Q1 2025, 3% lower than Q1 2024. Oil royalty revenue totaled $101.1 million, a 10% increase over Q1 2024, and was generated from record oil royalty production of 13,502 barrels per day, an increase of 3% over Q1 2024. Oil royalty production volumes were positively impacted by continued activity in the Clearwater, Mannville and Duvernay and the addition of 177 barrels per day of production from the previously announced royalty acquisition that closed on January 10, 2025. Natural gas royalty production added 55.9 MMcf per day, a decrease of 10% from Q1 2024, and included an estimate of 1.1 MMcf per day of downtime related to cold weather in the quarter. Natural gas royalty production added $8.7 million of royalty revenue with continued weak natural gas benchmark pricing with daily AECO index pricing averaging $2.16 per Mcf, a decrease of 14% from Q1 2024. NGL royalty production averaged 2,520 barrels per day, a slight decrease of 1% from Q1 2024. NGL royalty production generated total NGL royalty revenue of $10.1 million in the quarter.

    Other revenue totaled $8.2 million in Q1 2025 and included $5.0 million in bonus consideration from entering into 52 new leases with 39 separate counterparties. In addition to active leasing in the quarter, PrairieSky acquired incremental producing and non-producing royalty interests focused on heavy and light oil plays in Central Alberta and Saskatchewan for $63.6 million. Acquisitions included the previously announced purchase of fee lands, lessor interests and gross overriding royalty interests for cash consideration of $50.0 million, before customary closing adjustments, which closed on January 10, 2025.

    Funds from operations totaled $85.8 million ($0.36 per share) in the quarter. PrairieSky declared a dividend of $0.26 per share or $61.2 million in the quarter with a resulting payout ratio of 71%. Excess funds from operations were allocated to acquisitions, including the purchase and cancellation of common shares under PrairieSky’s NCIB. Under the NCIB, PrairieSky purchased 3,415,900 common shares at a weighted average price of $26.36 per share for $90.0 million, including commissions and before income tax of $1.8 million. The NCIB is a key component of our capital allocation strategy and the recent share repurchase represents a high-quality acquisition of 1.4% more of the business, equivalent to purchasing approximately 259,000 acres of royalty lands. Repurchased common shares were cancelled prior to PrairieSky’s March 31, 2025 dividend record date. Share repurchases were funded using PrairieSky’s credit facility, which PrairieSky expects to pay down using excess cash flow above its quarterly dividend over time. At March 31, 2025, PrairieSky maintained a strong balance sheet with net debt of $258.8 million.

    We will be holding our 2025 investor day and releasing our updated Royalty Playbook on May 14, 2025 which will highlight the unique attributes of our long-duration, high margin business model. The investor day will be broadcast via webcast for interested parties. Thank you to our staff for their hard work and our shareholders for their continued support.

    Andrew Phillips, President & CEO

    ACTIVITY ON PRAIRIESKY’S ROYALTY PROPERTIES

    Third-party operators spud 200 wells in Q1 2025 (Q1 2024 – 174 wells) comprised of 108 wells on gross overriding royalty acreage, 81 wells on fee lands, and 11 unit wells. There were a total of 186 oil wells (93% of wells) spud during the quarter which included 53 Mannville light and heavy oil wells, 38 Viking wells, 20 Clearwater wells, 17 Mississippian wells, 15 Duvernay wells and 43 additional oil wells across Alberta and Saskatchewan and including 11 Lindbergh and 6 Onion Lake thermal oil wells which are expected to come on production in 2026. There were 14 natural gas wells spud in Q1 2025 including 8 Montney wells as well as additional gas wells in the Mannville, Spirit River and Duvernay formations. PrairieSky’s average royalty rate for wells spud in Q1 2025 was 6.9% (Q1 2024 – 6.0%).

    NORMAL COURSE ISSUER BID

    PrairieSky will apply to the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) to extend its NCIB for an additional one-year period. The renewal of the NCIB has been approved by the Company’s board of directors; however, the NCIB, including the limit of purchases thereunder, will be subject to acceptance by the TSX and, if accepted, will be made in accordance with the applicable rules and policies of the TSX and applicable securities laws. Under the NCIB, common shares may be repurchased in open market transactions on the TSX, and/or other Canadian exchanges or alternative trading systems. The price that PrairieSky will pay for common shares in open market transactions will be the market price at the time of purchase. Common shares acquired under the NCIB will be cancelled. If approved, the NCIB is expected to commence shortly after regulatory approvals are obtained and after expiry of the current program on June 3, 2025.

    PrairieSky believes renewing the NCIB as part of its capital management strategy is in the best interests of the Company and represents an attractive opportunity to use cash resources to reduce PrairieSky’s share count over time and thereby enhance the value of the common shares held by remaining shareholders. Decisions regarding increases to the NCIB will be based on market conditions, share price, best use of funds from operations, and other factors including debt repayment and options to expand our portfolio of royalty assets.

    2025 INVESTOR DAY

    PrairieSky will be hosting an investor day on May 14, 2025, in Calgary, Alberta, where members of PrairieSky’s management team will present details on the Company’s oil and natural gas plays. The investor day will be webcast starting at 9:30 a.m. MDT (11:30 a.m. EDT). Interested parties may participate in the webcast which will be available through PrairieSky’s investor center at www.prairiesky.com. The webcast will be archived and accessible for replay after the event.

    NOTES AND REFERENCES

    (1)    In this press release, the financial reporting periods are referred to as follows: “Q1 2025” or “the quarter” refers to the three months ended March 31, 2025; “Q1 2024” refers to the three months ended March 31, 2024.

    Unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, terms used in this press release but not defined above are as defined in in the Company’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024 which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com and PrairieSky’s website at www.prairiesky.com.

    FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL INFORMATION

    The following table summarizes select operational and financial information of the Company for the periods noted. All dollar amounts are stated in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted.

    A full version of PrairieSky’s management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) and unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2025 are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com and PrairieSky’s website at www.prairiesky.com.

        Three months ended
        March 31 December 31 March 31
    ($ millions, except $ per share or as otherwise noted)   2025 2024 2024
    FINANCIAL        
    Royalty production revenue     119.9     115.6     113.2  
    Other revenue     8.2     20.0     7.5  
    Revenues     128.1     135.6     120.7  
             
    Funds from operations     85.8     99.0     83.0  
    Per share – basic and diluted(1)     0.36     0.41     0.35  
             
    Net earnings     58.4     60.2     47.5  
    Per share – basic and diluted(1)     0.25     0.25     0.20  
             
    Dividends declared(2)     61.2     59.9     59.7  
    Per share     0.26     0.25     0.25  
             
    Dividend payout ratio(3)   71 % 61 % 72 %
             
    Acquisitions – including non-cash consideration(4)     63.6     31.5     8.8  
    Net debt(5)     258.8     134.9     208.3  
    Common share repurchases, inclusive of all costs     91.8          
             
    Shares outstanding (millions)        
    Shares outstanding at period end     235.5     239.0     239.0  
    Weighted average – basic and diluted     238.3     239.0     239.0  
             
    OPERATIONAL        
    Royalty production volumes        
    Crude oil (bbls/d)     13,502     13,317     13,142  
    NGL (bbls/d)     2,520     2,482     2,535  
    Natural gas (MMcf/d)     55.9     55.1     62.1  
    Royalty Production (BOE/d)(6)     25,339     24,982     26,027  
             
    Realized pricing        
    Crude oil ($/bbl)     83.16     81.66     77.18  
    NGL ($/bbl)     44.51     40.68     44.18  
    Natural gas ($/Mcf)     1.73     1.23     1.89  
    Total ($/BOE)(6)     52.58     50.30     47.79  
             
    Operating netback per BOE ($)(7)     42.85     45.86     39.60  
             
    Funds from operations per BOE ($)     37.62     43.07     35.04  
             
    Oil price benchmarks        
    West Texas Intermediate (WTI) (US$/bbl)     71.39     70.27     76.95  
    Edmonton light sweet ($/bbl)     95.20     94.90     92.18  
    Western Canadian Select (WCS) crude oil differential to WTI (US$/bbl)     (12.67 )   (12.55 )   (19.33 )
             
    Natural gas price benchmarks        
    AECO Monthly Index ($/Mcf)     2.02     1.46     2.05  
    AECO Daily Index ($/Mcf)     2.16     1.48     2.50  
             
    Foreign exchange rate (US$/CAD$)     0.6976     0.7147     0.7411  

    (1)    Funds from operations and net earnings per share are calculated using the weighted average number of basic and diluted common shares outstanding.
    (2)    A dividend of $0.26 per share was declared on March 10, 2025. The dividend will be paid on April 15, 2025 to shareholders of record as at March 31, 2025.
    (3)    Dividend payout ratio is defined under the “Non-GAAP Measures and Ratios” section of this press release.
    (4)    Excluding right-of-use asset additions.
    (5)    See Note 13 “Capital Management” in the interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 and Note 16 “Capital Management” in the annual audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
    (6)    See “Conversions of Natural Gas to BOE”.
    (7)    Operating netback per BOE is defined under the “Non-GAAP Measures and Ratios” section of this press release.

    CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS

    A conference call to discuss the results will be held for the investment community on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, beginning at 6:30 a.m. MST (8:30 a.m. EST). To participate in the conference call, you are asked to register at one of the links provided below. Details regarding the call will be provided to you upon registration.

    Live call participant registration
    URL:  https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BIadb5efe7e21145bda3895f295f81b293

    Live webcast participant registration (listen in only)
    URL:  https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/be75c3go

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This press release includes certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) which may include, but are not limited to PrairieSky’s future plans, current expectations and views of future operations and contains forward-looking statements that the Company believes allow readers to better understand the Company’s business and prospects. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. The use of any of the words “expect”, “expected to”, “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “objective”, “ongoing”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should”, “could”, “likely”, “believe”, “plans”, “intends”, “strategy” and similar expressions (including negative variations) are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, but are not limited to, estimates regarding the impact of cold weather downtime on natural gas royalty production volumes, our expectations with respect to PrairieSky’s business and growth strategy and trajectory, including the benefits of the Company’s strategy of investing in low-cost oil plays, expectation that the 11 Lindbergh and 6 Onion Lake thermal oil wells spud in Q1 2025 will come on production in 2026 and the application of PrairieSky to renew the NCIB, the timing of when the NCIB will commence, the limit thereunder, and PrairieSky’s belief that repurchasing such common shares under the NCIB is a good allocation of PrairieSky’s capital resources and will enhance the value of the common shares held by remaining shareholders, and other statements.

    With respect to forward-looking statements contained in this press release, PrairieSky has made several assumptions including those described in detail in our MD&A and the Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024. Readers and investors are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such forward-looking statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. PrairieSky’s actual results, performance, or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. PrairieSky can give no assurance that any of the events anticipated will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what benefits the Company will derive from them.

    By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond PrairieSky’s control, including but not limited to the impact of general economic conditions including inflation, industry conditions, volatility of commodity prices, lack of pipeline capacity, currency fluctuations, increasing interest rates, imprecision of reserve estimates, competitive factors impacting royalty rates, environmental risks, taxation, regulation, changes in tax or other legislation, competition from other industry participants, the lack of availability of qualified personnel or management, stock market volatility, political and geopolitical instability, the risks and impacts of tariffs imposed between Canada and the United States (and other countries) or other restrictive trade measures, retaliatory or countermeasures implemented by such governments affecting trade between Canada and the United States (and other countries), including the potential introduction of regulatory barriers to trade and the effect on the demand and/or market price for commodities, and the Company’s ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources. In addition, PrairieSky is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties in relation to acquisitions. These risks and uncertainties include risks relating to the potential for disputes to arise with counterparties, and limited ability to recover indemnification under certain agreements. The foregoing and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions are described in more detail in PrairieSky’s MD&A and the Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024 under the headings “Risk Management” and “Risk Factors”, respectively, each of which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com and PrairieSky’s website at www.prairiesky.com.

    Further, any forward-looking statement is made only as of the date of this press release, and PrairieSky undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by applicable securities laws. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for PrairieSky to predict all of these factors or to assess, in advance, the impact of each such factor on PrairieSky’s business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

    CONVERSIONS OF NATURAL GAS TO BOE

    To provide a single unit of production for analytical purposes, natural gas production and reserves volumes are converted mathematically to equivalent barrels of oil (BOE). PrairieSky uses the industry-accepted standard conversion of six thousand cubic feet of natural gas to one barrel of oil (6 Mcf = 1 bbl). The 6:1 BOE ratio is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip. It does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead and is not based on either energy content or current prices. While the BOE ratio is useful for comparative measures and observing trends, it does not accurately reflect individual product values and might be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. As well, given that the value ratio, based on the current price of crude oil to natural gas, is significantly different from the 6:1 energy equivalency ratio, using a 6:1 conversion ratio may be misleading as an indication of value.

    NON-GAAP MEASURES AND RATIOS

    Certain measures and ratios in this press release do not have any standardized meaning as prescribed by IFRS and, therefore, are considered non-GAAP measures and ratios. These measures and ratios may not be comparable to similar measures and ratios presented by other issuers. These measures and ratios are commonly used in the oil and natural gas industry and by PrairieSky to provide potential investors with additional information regarding the Company’s liquidity and its ability to generate funds to conduct its business. Non-GAAP measures and ratios include operating netback per BOE and dividend payout ratio. Management’s use of these measures and ratios is discussed further below. Further information can be found in the Non-GAAP Measures and Ratios section of PrairieSky’s MD&A for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024.

    “Operating netback per BOE” represents the cash margin for products sold on a BOE basis. Operating netback per BOE is calculated by dividing the operating netback (royalty production revenue less production and mineral taxes and cash administrative expenses) by the average daily production volumes for the period. Operating netback per BOE is used to assess the cash generating and operating performance per unit of product sold and the comparability of the underlying performance between years. Operating netback per BOE measures are commonly used in the oil and natural gas industry to assess performance comparability. Refer to the Operating Results table on page 6 of PrairieSky’s MD&A for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 and page 7 of PrairieSky’s MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2024.

        Three months ended
        March 31 December 31 March 31
    ($ millions)   2025 2024 2024
    Cash from operating activities     90.7     91.3     79.7  
    Other revenue     (8.2 )   (20.0 )   (7.5 )
    Other revenue – non-cash         8.2      
    Amortization of debt issuance costs     (0.1 )   (0.2 )   (0.1 )
    Finance expense     2.9     2.3     3.7  
    Current tax expense     17.3     16.2     14.7  
    Interest on lease obligation         (0.1 )    
    Net change in non-cash working capital     (4.9 )   7.7     3.3  
    Operating netback     97.7     105.4     93.8  

    “Operating Margin” represents operating netback as a percentage of royalty production revenue. Management uses this measure to demonstrate the comparability between the Company and production and exploration companies in the oil and natural gas industry as it shows net revenue generation from operations.

        Three months ended
        March 31 December 31 March 31
    ($ millions)   2025 2024 2024
    Royalty production revenue   119.9     115.6     113.2  
    Operating netback   97.7     105.4     93.8  
    Operating margin   81 % 91 % 83 %

    “Dividend payout ratio” is calculated as dividends declared as a percentage of funds from operations. Payout ratio is used by dividend paying companies to assess dividend levels in relation to the funds generated and used in operating activities.

        Three months ended
        March 31 December 31 March 31
    ($ millions, except otherwise noted)   2025 2024 2024
    Funds from operations     85.8     99.0     83.0  
    Dividends declared     61.2     59.9     59.7  
    Dividend payout ratio   71 % 61 % 72 %


    ABOUT PRAIRIESKY ROYALTY LTD.

    PrairieSky is a royalty company, generating royalty production revenues as oil and natural gas are produced from its properties. PrairieSky has a diverse portfolio of properties that have a long history of generating funds from operations and that represent the largest and most consolidated independently-owned fee simple mineral title position in Canada. PrairieSky’s common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol PSK.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

    Andrew M. Phillips
    President & Chief Executive Officer
    PrairieSky Royalty Ltd.
    (587) 293-4005 

    Michael T. Murphy
    Vice-President, Geosciences & Capital Markets
    PrairieSky Royalty Ltd.
    (587) 293-4056 

    Investor Relations
    (587) 293-4000
    www.prairiesky.com

    Pamela P. Kazeil
    Senior Vice-President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer
    PrairieSky Royalty Ltd.
    (587) 293-4089

    PDF available: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/582f0ac4-3c4f-4983-afeb-621e284659ef

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: CNB Financial Corporation Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CLEARFIELD, Pa., April 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    CNB Financial Corporation (“Corporation”) (NASDAQ: CCNE), the parent company of CNB Bank, today announced its earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2025.

    Executive Summary

    • Net income available to common shareholders (“earnings”) was $10.4 million, or $0.50 per diluted share, for the three months ended March 31, 2025. Excluding after-tax merger costs, earnings were $11.9 million, or $0.57 per diluted share, for the three months ended March 31, 2025, reflecting decreases of $2.1 million, or 14.98%, and $0.09 per diluted share, or 13.64% compared to earnings of $14.0 million, or $0.66 per diluted share, for the three months ended December 31, 2024.1 The quarterly decrease was a result of a decrease in net interest income and non-interest income and an increase in non-interest expense, partially offset by a decrease in the provision for credit losses, as discussed in more detail below. Excluding after-tax merger costs in the first quarter 2025, earnings and diluted earnings per share when compared to earnings of $11.5 million, or $0.55 per diluted share, in the quarter ended March 31, 2024, increased $368 thousand, or 3.19%, and $0.02 per diluted share, or 3.64%, due to an increase in net interest income, partially offset by increases in non-interest expense and the provision for credit losses, coupled with a decrease in non-interest income.1
    • At March 31, 2025, loans totaled $4.5 billion excluding the balances of syndicated loans. This total of $4.5 billion in loans represented a quarterly increase of $11.7 million, or 0.26% (1.05% annualized), compared to December 31, 2024, and a year-over-year increase of $188.1 million, or 4.32%, compared to March 31, 2024. The increase in loans for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2024 was primarily driven by growth in the BankOnBuffalo, Ridge View Bank and the legacy CNB markets. The year-over-year growth in loans as of March 31, 2025 compared to loans as of March 31, 2024 resulted primarily from growth in commercial and industrial loans in the ERIEBANK and Ridge View Bank markets, and growth in commercial real estate loans in the BankOnBuffalo market, ERIEBANK (primarily Cleveland, OH) and Ridge View Bank. Additional growth occurred in residential real estate loans in the Ridge View Bank and BankOnBuffalo markets and CNB Bank’s Private Banking division.
       
      • At March 31, 2025, the syndicated loan portfolio totaled $69.2 million, or 1.50% of total loans, compared to $79.9 million, or 1.73% of total loans, at December 31, 2024 and $78.7 million, or 1.78% of total loans, at March 31, 2024. The decreases in syndicated lending balances of $10.7 million compared to December 31, 2024 and $9.5 million compared to March 31, 2024 were the result of scheduled paydowns or early payoffs of certain syndicated loans. The Corporation closely manages the level and composition of its syndicated loan portfolio to ensure it continues to provide a high credit quality, profitable use of excess liquidity to complement the Corporation’s loan growth from its in-market customer relationships.
    • At March 31, 2025, total deposits were $5.5 billion, reflecting a quarterly increase of $88.7 million, or 1.65% (6.70% annualized), compared to December 31, 2024, and a year-over-year increase of $422.5 million, or 8.39%, compared to total deposits measured as of March 31, 2024. The increase in deposit balances compared to December 31, 2024 was driven by higher retail and municipal deposits, coupled with growth in retail time deposits. Additional deposit and liquidity profile details were as follows:
       
      • At March 31, 2025, the total estimated uninsured deposits for CNB Bank were approximately $1.6 billion, or approximately 27.94% of total CNB Bank deposits. However, when excluding $101.9 million of affiliate company deposits and $481.2 million of pledged-investment collateralized deposits, the adjusted amount and percentage of total estimated uninsured deposits was approximately $971.1 million, or approximately 17.46% of total CNB Bank deposits as of March 31, 2025.
         
        • The level of adjusted uninsured deposits at March 31, 2025 remained relatively unchanged, compared to the level at December 31, 2024, when the total estimated uninsured deposits for CNB Bank were approximately $1.5 billion, or approximately 27.71% of total CNB Bank deposits. Excluding $101.9 million of affiliate company deposits and $429.0 million of pledged-investment collateralized deposits, the adjusted amount and percentage of total estimated uninsured deposits were approximately $986.0 million, or approximately 18.01% of total CNB Bank deposits as of December 31, 2024.
           
      • At March 31, 2025, the average deposit balance per account for CNB Bank was approximately $34 thousand, which has remained stable at this level for an extended period.
         
      • At March 31, 2025, the Corporation had $447.1 million of cash equivalents held in CNB Bank’s interest-bearing deposit account at the Federal Reserve. These excess funds, when combined with collective contingent liquidity resources of $4.7 billion including (i) available borrowing capacity from the Federal Home Bank of Pittsburgh (“FHLB”) and the Federal Reserve, and (ii) available unused commitments from brokered deposit sources and other third-party funding channels, including previously established lines of credit from correspondent banks, resulted in the total available liquidity sources for the Corporation as of March 31, 2025 to be approximately 5.3 times the estimated amount of adjusted uninsured deposit balances discussed above.
         
    • At March 31, 2025, December 31, 2024, and March 31, 2024, the Corporation had no outstanding short-term borrowings from the FHLB or the Federal Reserve’s Discount Window. 
    • At March 31, 2025, the Corporation’s pre-tax net unrealized losses on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities totaled $61.7 million, or 9.88% of total shareholders’ equity, compared to $74.8 million, or 12.25% of total shareholders’ equity, at December 31, 2024 and $85.0 million, or 14.69% of total shareholders’ equity, at March 31, 2024. The change in unrealized losses during the first quarter 2025 was primarily due to changes in the yield curve compared to the fourth quarter of 2024 and first quarter of 2024, coupled with the Corporation’s scheduled bond maturities, which were all realized at par. Importantly, all regulatory capital ratios for the Corporation would still exceed regulatory “well-capitalized” levels as of March 31, 2025, December 31, 2024, and March 31, 2024 if the net unrealized losses at the respective dates were fully recognized. Additionally, the Corporation continued to maintain excess liquidity at its holding company totaling approximately $100.7 million of liquid funds at March 31, 2025, which more than covers the $61.7 million in combined available-for-sale and held-to-maturity unrealized losses on investments held primarily in its wholly-owned banking subsidiary, as an immediately available source of contingent capital to be down-streamed to CNB Bank, if necessary. 
    • Total nonperforming assets were approximately $56.1 million, or 0.89% of total assets, as of March 31, 2025, compared to $59.5 million, or 0.96% of total assets, as of December 31, 2024, and $30.7 million, or 0.53% of total assets, as of March 31, 2024. The decrease in nonperforming assets for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to the three months ended December 31, 2024 was primarily due to paydowns to nonaccrual loans, charge-offs, and the sale of an other real estate owned property. The increase in non-performing assets at March 31, 2025 compared to March 31, 2024 was due to a commercial multifamily relationship totaling $20.3 million with a specific reserve balance of $885 thousand. Management does not believe there is a risk of significant additional loss exposure beyond the specific reserves related to this loan relationship and is actively working with the borrower and their real estate broker to facilitate the sale of the property. Other nonperforming assets contributing to the year-over-year increase include certain commercial and industrial and owner-occupied commercial real estate relationships as previously disclosed in the second quarter of 2024 and a commercial relationship (consisting of various loan types) in the third quarter of 2024. For the three months ended March 31, 2025, net loan charge-offs were $1.4 million, or 0.13% (annualized) of average total loans and loans held for sale, compared to $2.1 million, or 0.19% (annualized) of average total loans and loans held for sale, during the three months ended December 31, 2024, and $1.3 million, or 0.12% (annualized) of average total loans and loans held for sale, during the three months ended March 31, 2024. The fourth quarter of 2024 included net loan charge-offs related to (i) an owner-occupied commercial real estate relationship with a charge-off of $750 thousand (remaining balance of approximately $3.8 million with specific reserves of $1.4 million), and (ii) a nonowner-occupied commercial real estate relationship for $625 thousand (no remaining balance). 
    • Pre-provision net revenue (“PPNR”), a non-GAAP measure, was $15.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025.1 Excluding after-tax merger costs, PPNR was $17.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $21.6 million and $16.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024, respectively.1 The first quarter 2025 PPNR, excluding after-tax merger costs, when compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, reflected decreases in net interest income, non-interest income and an increase in non-interest expense. The increase in PPNR for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily attributable to higher net interest income, partially offset by an increase in non-interest expenses.

    1 This release contains references to certain financial measures that are not defined by U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”). Management believes that these non-GAAP measures provide a greater understanding of ongoing operations, enhance comparability of results of operations with prior periods and show the effects of significant gains and charges in the periods presented. A reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures is provided in the “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section.

    Michael Peduzzi, President and CEO of both the Corporation and CNB Bank, stated, “Our first quarter performance reflects sound growth in both deposits and loans since year-end 2024. The net amount of loan growth was somewhat muted by some large unscheduled commercial loan payoffs that occurred early in the quarter and impacted our net interest income. This was evidenced by the quarterly average balance of total loans being less than both the quarter’s beginning and ending total loan balances. Favorably, we saw continued commercial loan growth and demand as we ended the quarter with both existing relationships and new prospects. Also, during the quarter, we continued to realize deposit growth based primarily in expanded Treasury Management relationships, as evidenced by favorable growth in our noninterest-bearing deposits. Concurrently, we reduced our cost of interest-bearing liabilities by 10 basis points to now being below three percent, as we continue to implement strategic reductions in deposit rates across our footprint. These fundamentals of well-priced and steadily growing loans and deposits position us well in our primary spread management business moving forward. Though we had some cyclical increases in noninterest elements, including base salaries and certain technology expenses with annual contract cost increases, and as we will have some additional non-recurring merger related costs as we pursue the regulatory and shareholder approval processes associated with our intended acquisition of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. and its subsidiary, ESSA Bank and Trust, we continue to focus on tightly managing the Corporation’s core overhead as we look to realize both positive operating leverage and improved efficiencies from economies of scale as we continue to expand the franchise. Additionally, we remain focused on growing our assets under management to realize more steady and sustainable growth in fee-based revenues from our wealth and asset management businesses.”

    Other Balance Sheet Highlights

    • Book value per common share was $27.01 at March 31, 2025. Excluding after-tax merger costs, book value per common share was $27.08, reflecting an increase from $26.34 at December 31, 2024 and $24.77 at March 31, 2024.1 Tangible book value per common share, a non-GAAP measure, was $24.91 as of March 31, 2025. Excluding after-tax merger costs, tangible book value per common share, a non-GAAP measure, was $24.98, reflecting an increase of $0.74, or 12.38% (annualized) from $24.24 as of December 31, 2024 and a year-over-year increase of $2.31, or 10.19%, from $22.67 as of March 31, 2024.1 The increases in book value per common share and tangible book value per common share, excluding after-tax merger costs, from December 31, 2024 to March 31, 2025 were primarily due to a $8.1 million increase in retained earnings, coupled with a $7.1 million decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss primarily from the after-tax impact of temporary unrealized valuation changes in the Corporation’s available-for-sale investment portfolio for the first quarter of 2025. The increases in book value per common share and tangible book value per common share, excluding after-tax merger costs, from March 31, 2024 to March 31, 2025 were primarily due to a $35.6 million increase in retained earnings over the twelve months ended March 31, 2025 coupled with a $10.7 million decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss primarily from the after-tax impact of temporary unrealized valuation changes in the Corporation’s available-for-sale investment portfolio for the past twelve months.

    Loan Portfolio Profile

    • As part of its lending policy and risk management activities, the Corporation tracks lending exposure by industry classification and type to determine potential risks associated with industry concentrations, and to identify any concentration risk issues that could lead to additional credit loss exposure. An important and recurring part of this process involves the Corporation’s continued measurement and evaluation of its exposure to the office, hospitality, and multifamily industries within its commercial real estate portfolio. Even given the Corporation’s historically sound underwriting protocols and high credit quality standards for borrowers in the commercial real estate industry segments, the Corporation monitors numerous relevant sensitivity elements, including occupancy, loan-to-value, absorption and cap rates, debt service coverage and covenant compliance, and developer/lessor financial strength both in the project and globally. At March 31, 2025, the Corporation had the following key metrics related to its office, hospitality and multifamily portfolios:
       
      • Commercial office loans:
        • There were 112 outstanding loans, totaling $109.2 million, or 2.37% of total Corporation loans outstanding;
        • There were no nonaccrual commercial office loans;
        • There were two past due commercial office loans that totaled $216 thousand, or 0.20% of total commercial office loans outstanding; and
        • The average outstanding balance per commercial office loan was $975 thousand.
           
      • Commercial hospitality loans:
        • There were 162 outstanding loans, totaling $323.1 million, or 7.01% of total Corporation loans outstanding;
        • There were no nonaccrual commercial hospitality loans;
        • There was one past due commercial hospitality loan that totaled $157 thousand, or 0.05% of total commercial hospitality loans outstanding; and
        • The average outstanding balance per commercial hospitality loan was $2.0 million.
           
      • Commercial multifamily loans:
        • There were 227 outstanding loans, totaling $373.4 million, or 8.10% of total Corporation loans outstanding;
        • There were two nonaccrual commercial multifamily loans that totaled $20.5 million, or 5.50% of total multifamily loans outstanding. As previously discussed, one customer relationship did have a specific reserve of $885 thousand, while the other customer relationship did not have a related specific loss reserve;
        • There were two past due commercial multifamily loans that totaled $20.5 million, or 5.50% of total commercial multifamily loans outstanding (included in nonaccrual loans disclosed above); and
        • The average outstanding balance per commercial multifamily loan was $1.6 million.

    The Corporation had no commercial office, hospitality or multifamily loan relationships considered by the banking regulators to be high volatility commercial real estate (“HVCRE”) credits.

    Performance Ratios

    • Annualized return on average equity was 7.52% for the three months ended March 31, 2025. Excluding after-tax merger costs, annualized return on average equity was 8.49% for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to 9.79% and 8.79% for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024, respectively.1
    • Annualized return on average tangible common equity, a non-GAAP measure, was 8.15% for the three months ended March 31, 2025. Excluding after-tax merger costs, annualized return on average tangible common equity was 9.32% for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to 10.90% and 9.77% for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024, respectively.1
    • The Corporation’s efficiency ratio was 72.07% for the three months ended March 31, 2025, and 71.28% on a fully tax-equivalent basis, a non-GAAP measure.1 Excluding merger costs, the efficiency ratio on a fully tax-equivalent basis, a non-GAAP measure, was 68.62%, compared to 63.02% and 68.29% for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024, respectively.1 The quarter-over-quarter increase was primarily driven by lower net interest income and non-interest income and increased non-interest expense, as further discussed below. The year-over-year increase was primarily driven by higher non-interest expense, partially offset by an increase in net interest income.

    Revenue

    • Total revenue (net interest income plus non-interest income) was $56.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, an increase when compared to $59.4 million and $54.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024, respectively.
      • Net interest income was $48.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $49.0 million and $45.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024, respectively. When comparing the first quarter of 2025 to the fourth quarter of 2024, the decrease in net interest income of $613 thousand, or 1.25% (5.07% annualized), was primarily due to lower loan yields on variable and floating-rate loans following the three Federal Reserve rate decreases totaling 100 basis points since mid-September 2024, coupled with changes in the yield curve, partially offset by targeted interest-bearing deposit rate decreases.
      • Net interest margin was 3.38%, 3.44% and 3.40% for the three months ended March 31, 2025, December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024, respectively. Net interest margin on a fully tax-equivalent basis, a non-GAAP measure, was 3.37%, 3.43% and 3.38% for the three months ended March 31, 2025, December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024, respectively.1
        • The yield on earning assets of 5.73% for the three months ended March 31, 2025 decreased 11 basis points from December 31, 2024 and 8 basis points from March 31, 2024. The decrease in yield compared to December 31, 2024 was attributable to the net impact of declining interest rates on variable and floating-rate loans as a result of the Federal Reserve decreases since mid-September 2024, coupled with changes in the yield curve.
        • The cost of interest-bearing liabilities was 2.93% for the three months ended March 31, 2025, representing a decrease of 10 basis points from both December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024. The decrease in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities is primarily the result of the Corporation’s targeted interest-bearing deposit rate decreases in response to the Federal Reserve rate decreases since mid-September 2024.
    • Total non-interest income was $8.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to $10.3 million and $9.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024, respectively. The quarter-over-quarter decrease was primarily attributable to lower pass-through income from small business investment companies (“SBICs”), increases in unrealized losses on equity securities, and a decrease in wealth and asset management fees. The decrease year-over-year in non-interest income was primarily due to increases in unrealized losses on equity securities and lower mortgage banking income, partially offset by higher pass-through income from SBICs.

    Non-Interest Expense

    • For the three months ended March 31, 2025 total non-interest expense was $41.0 million. Excluding merger costs, total non-interest expense was $39.5 million, compared to $37.8 million and $37.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024, respectively. Excluding merger costs, the increase of $1.7 million, or 4.51%, from the three months ended December 31, 2024, was primarily driven by an increase in salaries and benefits, due to higher incentive compensation accruals, coupled with the timing of retirement plan contribution accruals, and higher supplemental executive retirement plan (“SERP”) accruals. Notably, SERP expenses were lower in the fourth quarter due to a reduction related to the departure of an executive, as previously disclosed. Excluding merger costs, the $2.1 million increase in non-interest expense compared to the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily driven by higher salaries and benefits, reflecting increased incentive compensation accruals and higher health insurance costs. Additionally, technology expense increased, primarily due to higher core processing charges associated with growth. These increases were partially offset by a decline in legal expenses.

    Income Taxes

    • Income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was $2.9 million, representing a 19.96% effective tax rate, compared to $3.6 million, representing a 19.14% effective tax rate, for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and $2.8 million, representing an 18.36% effective tax rate, for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2025 was impacted by non-deductible merger costs totaling $1.3 million.

    Asset Quality

    • Total nonperforming assets were approximately $56.1 million, or 0.89% of total assets, as of March 31, 2025, compared to $59.5 million, or 0.96% of total assets, as of December 31, 2024, and $30.7 million, or 0.53% of total assets, as of March 31, 2024, as discussed in more detail above.
    • The allowance for credit losses measured as a percentage of total loans was 1.03% as of March 31, 2025, compared to 1.03% remaining consistent with the allowance for credit losses as a percentage of total loans as of as of December 31, 2024, and 1.03% as of March 31, 2024. In addition, the allowance for credit losses as a percentage of nonaccrual loans was 87.57% as of March 31, 2025, compared to 84.08% and 159.41% as of December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024, respectively. The change in the allowance for credit losses as a percentage of nonaccrual loans was primarily attributable to the levels of nonperforming assets, as discussed in more detail above.
    • The provision for credit losses was $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $2.9 million and $1.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024, respectively. The $1.4 million decrease in the provision expense for the first quarter of 2025 compared to the fourth quarter of 2024 was primarily a result of decreased net loan charge-offs in the first quarter of 2025. The $236 thousand increase in the provision expense for the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily due to higher net loan charge-offs in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the first quarter of 2024, coupled with an additional reserve for unfunded commitments. 
    • As discussed in more detail above, for the three months ended March 31, 2025, net loan charge-offs were $1.4 million, or 0.13% (annualized) of average total loans and loans held for sale, compared to $2.1 million, or 0.19% (annualized) of average total loans and loans held for sale, during the three months ended December 31, 2024, and $1.3 million, or 0.12% (annualized) of average total loans and loans held for sale, during the three months ended March 31, 2024.

    Capital

    • As of March 31, 2025, the Corporation’s total shareholders’ equity was $624.5 million, representing an increase of $13.8 million, or 2.26% (9.17% annualized), from December 31, 2024 and an increase of $45.9 million, or 7.93%, from March 31, 2024. The changes resulted from an increase in the Corporation’s retained earnings (net income, partially offset by the common and preferred stock dividends paid) and a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss primarily from the after-tax impact of temporary unrealized valuation changes in the Corporation’s available-for-sale investment portfolio.
    • Regulatory capital ratios for the Corporation continue to exceed regulatory “well-capitalized” levels as of March 31, 2025, consistent with prior periods.
    • As of March 31, 2025, the Corporation’s ratio of common shareholders’ equity to total assets was 9.00% compared to 8.93% at December 31, 2024 and 8.98% at March 31, 2024. As of March 31, 2025, the Corporation’s ratio of tangible common equity to tangible assets, a non-GAAP measure, was 8.36%. Excluding after-tax merger costs, the Corporation’s ratio of tangible common equity to tangible assets, a non-GAAP measure, was 8.38% compared to 8.28% at December 31, 2024 and 8.28% at March 31, 2024.1 The increase in the March 31, 2025 ratio of tangible common equity to tangible assets compared to December 31, 2024 was primarily the result of a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss, coupled with an increase in retained earnings, as discussed above.1

    Recent Events

    • On January 10, 2025, the Corporation announced that the Corporation and CNB Bank entered into a definitive merger agreement (the “Merger Agreement”) with with ESSA Bancorp, Inc. (“ESSA”) and ESSA Bank and Trust in an all-stock transaction. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, each outstanding share of ESSA common stock will be converted into the right to receive 0.8547 shares of the Corporation’s common stock. The transaction is currently expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approvals, and approval by the shareholders of ESSA and the Corporation.

    About CNB Financial Corporation

    CNB Financial Corporation is a financial holding company with consolidated assets of approximately $6.3 billion. CNB Financial Corporation conducts business primarily through its principal subsidiary, CNB Bank. CNB Bank is a full-service bank engaging in a full range of banking activities and services, including trust and wealth management services, for individual, business, governmental, and institutional customers. CNB Bank operations include a private banking division, one loan production office, one drive-up office, one mobile office, and 56 full-service offices in Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, and Virginia. CNB Bank, headquartered in Clearfield, Pennsylvania, with offices in Central and North Central Pennsylvania, serves as the multi-brand parent to various divisions. These divisions include ERIEBANK, based in Erie, Pennsylvania, with offices in Northwest Pennsylvania and Northeast Ohio; FCBank, based in Worthington, Ohio, with offices in Central Ohio; BankOnBuffalo, based in Buffalo, New York, with offices in Western New York; Ridge View Bank, based in Roanoke, Virginia, with offices in the Southwest Virginia region; and Impressia Bank, a division focused on banking opportunities for women, which operates in CNB Bank’s primary market areas. Additional information about CNB Financial Corporation may be found at www.CNBBank.bank.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release includes 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, with respect to the Corporation’s financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, future performance and business. These forward-looking statements are intended to be covered by the safe harbor for “forward-looking statements” provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are those that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements include statements with respect to beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations, estimates and intentions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors (some of which are beyond the Corporation’s control). Forward-looking statements often include the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “forecasts,” “intends,” “plans,” “targets,” “potentially,” “probably,” “projects,” “outlook” or similar expressions or future conditional verbs such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would” and “could.” The Corporation’s actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements, which are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future performance. Such known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the statements, include, but are not limited to, (i) adverse changes or conditions in capital and financial markets, including actual or potential stresses in the banking industry; (ii) changes in interest rates; (iii) the credit risks of lending activities, including our ability to estimate credit losses and the allowance for credit losses, as well as the effects of changes in the level of, and trends in, loan delinquencies and write-offs; (iv) effectiveness of our data security controls in the face of cyber attacks and any reputational risks following a cybersecurity incident; (v) changes in general business, industry or economic conditions or competition; (vi) changes in any applicable law, rule, regulation, policy, guideline or practice governing or affecting financial holding companies and their subsidiaries or with respect to tax or accounting principles or otherwise; (vii) governmental approvals of the Corporation’s pending merger with ESSA may not be obtained, or adverse regulatory conditions may be imposed in connection with governmental approvals of the merger; (viii) the Corporation’s shareholders and/or the shareholders of ESSA may fail to approve the merger; (ix) higher than expected costs or other difficulties related to integration of combined or merged businesses; (x) the effects of business combinations and other acquisition transactions, including the inability to realize our loan and investment portfolios; (xi) changes in the quality or composition of our loan and investment portfolios; (xii) adequacy of loan loss reserves; (xiii) increased competition; (xiv) loss of certain key officers; (xv) deposit attrition; (xvi) rapidly changing technology; (xvii) unanticipated regulatory or judicial proceedings and liabilities and other costs; (xviii) changes in the cost of funds, demand for loan products or demand for financial services; and (xix) other economic, competitive, governmental or technological factors affecting our operations, markets, products, services and prices. Such developments could have an adverse impact on the Corporation’s financial position and results of operations. For more information about factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements, please refer to the “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections of and the forward-looking statement disclaimers in the Corporation’s annual and quarterly reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    The forward-looking statements are based upon management’s beliefs and assumptions and are made as of the date of this press release. Factors or events that could cause the Corporation’s actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Corporation to predict all of them. The Corporation undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this press release or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those contained in such statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by law. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this press release might not occur and you should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.

    CNB FINANCIAL CORPORATION
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
    Unaudited
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)

      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Income Statement          
    Interest and fees on loans $ 72,379     $ 74,164     $ 71,513  
    Interest and dividends on securities and cash and cash equivalents   10,000       9,514       6,392  
    Interest expense   (33,948 )     (34,634 )     (32,683 )
    Net interest income   48,431       49,044       45,222  
    Provision for credit losses   1,556       2,930       1,320  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   46,875       46,114       43,902  
    Non-interest income          
    Wealth and asset management fees   1,796       1,976       1,802  
    Service charges on deposit accounts   1,714       1,712       1,694  
    Other service charges and fees   510       770       695  
    Net realized gains on available-for-sale securities         83        
    Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities   (249 )     (13 )     191  
    Mortgage banking   96       93       196  
    Bank owned life insurance   760       784       767  
    Card processing and interchange income   2,107       2,222       2,016  
    Other non-interest income   1,773       2,694       1,594  
    Total non-interest income   8,507       10,321       8,955  
    Non-interest expenses          
    Salaries and benefits   20,564       18,501       18,787  
    Net occupancy expense of premises   4,038       3,816       3,640  
    Technology expense   5,378       5,743       5,072  
    Advertising expense   514       684       685  
    State and local taxes   1,292       1,090       1,143  
    Legal, professional, and examination fees   849       986       1,172  
    FDIC insurance premiums   985       864       990  
    Card processing and interchange expenses   1,160       1,325       1,179  
    Merger costs   1,529              
    Other non-interest expense   4,729       4,796       4,756  
    Total non-interest expenses   41,038       37,805       37,424  
    Income before income taxes   14,344       18,630       15,433  
    Income tax expense   2,863       3,566       2,833  
    Net income   11,481       15,064       12,600  
    Preferred stock dividends   1,075       1,076       1,075  
    Net income available to common shareholders $ 10,406     $ 13,988     $ 11,525  
               
    Ending shares outstanding   20,980,245       20,987,992       21,024,695  
    Average diluted common shares outstanding   20,925,388       20,929,885       20,887,088  
    Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.50     $ 0.66     $ 0.55  
    Adjusted diluted earnings per common share, net of merger costs (non-GAAP) (1) $ 0.57     $ 0.66     $ 0.55  
    Cash dividends per common share $ 0.180     $ 0.180     $ 0.175  
    Dividend payout ratio   36 %     27 %     32 %
    Adjusted dividend payout ratio, net of merger costs (non-GAAP) (1)   32 %     27 %     32 %
                           

    CNB FINANCIAL CORPORATION
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
    Unaudited
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)

      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Average Balances          
    Total loans and loans held for sale $ 4,591,395     $ 4,556,770     $ 4,428,751  
    Investment securities   798,427       744,149       731,366  
    Total earning assets   5,803,526       5,674,794       5,350,126  
    Total assets   6,220,575       6,085,277       5,729,779  
    Noninterest-bearing deposits   814,441       832,168       736,965  
    Interest-bearing deposits   4,574,700       4,442,150       4,229,135  
    Shareholders’ equity   619,409       612,184       576,528  
    Tangible common shareholders’ equity (non-GAAP) (1)   517,550       510,308       474,596  
               
    Average Yields (annualized)          
    Total loans and loans held for sale   6.41 %     6.50 %     6.51 %
    Investment securities   2.75 %     2.40 %     2.01 %
    Total earning assets   5.73 %     5.84 %     5.81 %
    Interest-bearing deposits   2.89 %     3.00 %     3.00 %
    Interest-bearing liabilities   2.93 %     3.03 %     3.03 %
               
    Performance Ratios (annualized)          
    Return on average assets   0.75 %     0.98 %     0.88 %
    Adjusted return on average assets, net of merger costs (non-GAAP) (1)   0.85 %     0.98 %     0.88 %
    Return on average equity   7.52 %     9.79 %     8.79 %
    Adjusted return on average equity, net of merger costs (non-GAAP) (1)   8.49 %     9.79 %     8.79 %
    Return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP) (1)   8.15 %     10.90 %     9.77 %
    Adjusted return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP) (1)   9.32 %     10.90 %     9.77 %
    Net interest margin, fully tax equivalent basis (non-GAAP) (1)   3.37 %     3.43 %     3.38 %
    Efficiency ratio, fully tax equivalent basis (non-GAAP) (1)   71.28 %     63.02 %     68.29 %
    Adjusted efficiency ratio, fully tax equivalent basis (non-GAAP) (1)   68.62 %     63.02 %     68.29 %
               
    Net Loan Charge-Offs          
    CNB Bank net loan charge-offs $ 926     $ 1,719     $ 878  
    Holiday Financial net loan charge-offs   513       425       466  
    Total Corporation net loan charge-offs $ 1,439     $ 2,144     $ 1,344  
    Annualized net loan charge-offs / average total loans and loans held for sale   0.13 %     0.19 %     0.12 %
                           

    CNB FINANCIAL CORPORATION
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
    Unaudited
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)

      March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Ending Balance Sheet          
    Cash and due from banks $ 68,745     $ 63,771     $ 38,953  
    Interest-bearing deposits with Federal Reserve   447,053       375,009       259,464  
    Interest-bearing deposits with other financial institutions   4,359       4,255       3,036  
    Total cash and cash equivalents   520,157       443,035       301,453  
    Debt securities available-for-sale, at fair value   516,412       468,546       348,565  
    Debt securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost   282,159       306,081       381,706  
    Equity securities   10,293       10,456       9,581  
    Loans held for sale   860       762       1,010  
    Loans receivable          
    Syndicated loans   69,189       79,882       78,685  
    Loans   4,540,820       4,529,074       4,352,713  
    Total loans receivable   4,610,009       4,608,956       4,431,398  
    Less: allowance for credit losses   (47,357 )     (47,357 )     (45,832 )
    Net loans receivable   4,562,652       4,561,599       4,385,566  
    Goodwill and other intangibles   43,874       43,874       43,874  
    Core deposit intangible   190       206       260  
    Other assets   358,911       357,451       329,397  
    Total Assets $ 6,295,508     $ 6,192,010     $ 5,801,412  
               
    Noninterest-bearing demand deposits $ 842,398     $ 819,680     $ 749,178  
    Interest-bearing demand deposits   719,460       706,796       719,781  
    Savings   3,160,618       3,122,028       3,035,823  
    Certificates of deposit   737,602       722,860       532,771  
    Total deposits   5,460,078       5,371,364       5,037,553  
    Subordinated debentures   20,620       20,620       20,620  
    Subordinated notes, net of issuance costs   84,646       84,570       84,343  
    Other liabilities   105,656       104,761       80,256  
    Total liabilities   5,671,000       5,581,315       5,222,772  
    Common stock                
    Preferred stock   57,785       57,785       57,785  
    Additional paid in capital   220,254       219,876       218,224  
    Retained earnings   387,925       381,296       353,780  
    Treasury stock   (4,944 )     (4,689 )     (3,946 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (36,512 )     (43,573 )     (47,203 )
    Total shareholders’ equity   624,508       610,695       578,640  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 6,295,508     $ 6,192,010     $ 5,801,412  
               
    Book value per common share $ 27.01     $ 26.34     $ 24.77  
    Adjusted book value per common share (non-GAAP) (1) $ 27.08     $ 26.34     $ 24.77  
    Tangible book value per common share (non-GAAP) (1) $ 24.91     $ 24.24     $ 22.67  
    Adjusted tangible book value per common share (non-GAAP) (1) $ 24.98     $ 24.24     $ 22.67  
                           

    CNB FINANCIAL CORPORATION
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
    Unaudited
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)

      March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Capital Ratios          
    Tangible common equity / tangible assets (non-GAAP) (1)   8.36 %     8.28 %     8.28 %
    Adjusted tangible common equity / tangible assets (non-GAAP) (1)   8.38 %     8.28 %     8.28 %
    Tier 1 leverage ratio (2)   10.27 %     10.43 %     10.64 %
    Common equity tier 1 ratio (2)   11.85 %     11.76 %     11.70 %
    Tier 1 risk-based ratio (2)   13.50 %     13.41 %     13.43 %
    Total risk-based ratio (2)   16.30 %     16.16 %     16.27 %
               
    Asset Quality Detail          
    Nonaccrual loans $ 54,079     $ 56,323     $ 28,751  
    Loans 90+ days past due and accruing   308       653       49  
    Total nonperforming loans   54,387       56,976       28,800  
    Other real estate owned   1,664       2,509       1,864  
    Total nonperforming assets $ 56,051     $ 59,485     $ 30,664  
               
    Asset Quality Ratios          
    Nonperforming assets / Total loans + OREO   1.22 %     1.29 %     0.69 %
    Nonperforming assets / Total assets   0.89 %     0.96 %     0.53 %
    Ratio of allowance for credit losses on loans to nonaccrual loans   87.57 %     84.08 %     159.41 %
    Allowance for credit losses / Total loans   1.03 %     1.03 %     1.03 %
               
               
    Consolidated Financial Data Notes:
    (1) Management uses non-GAAP financial information in its analysis of the Corporation’s performance. Management believes that these non-GAAP measures provide a greater understanding of ongoing operations, enhance comparability of results of operations with prior periods and show the effects of significant gains and charges in the periods presented. The Corporation’s management believes that investors may use these non-GAAP measures to analyze the Corporation’s financial performance without the impact of unusual items or events that may obscure trends in the Corporation’s underlying performance. This non-GAAP data should be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with GAAP, and is not a substitute for, or superior to, GAAP results. Limitations associated with non-GAAP financial measures include the risks that persons might disagree as to the appropriateness of items included in these measures and that different companies might calculate these measures differently. A reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures is provided below (dollars in thousands, except per share data).
    (2) Capital ratios as of March 31, 2025 are estimated pending final regulatory filings.
     

    CNB FINANCIAL CORPORATION
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
    Unaudited
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)

      Average Balances, Income and Interest Rates on a Taxable Equivalent Basis
      Three Months Ended,
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
      Average
    Balance
      Annual
    Rate
      Interest
    Inc./Exp.
      Average
    Balance
      Annual
    Rate
      Interest
    Inc./Exp.
      Average
    Balance
      Annual
    Rate
      Interest
    Inc./Exp.
    ASSETS:                                  
    Securities:                                  
    Taxable (1) (4) $ 765,654       2.73 %   $ 5,461     $ 711,286       2.36 %   $ 4,487     $ 696,851       1.96 %   $ 3,651  
    Tax-exempt (1) (2) (4)   25,345       2.69       181       25,489       2.67       184       27,743       2.59       191  
    Equity securities (1) (2)   7,428       5.84       107       7,374       5.77       107       6,772       5.64       95  
    Total securities (4)   798,427       2.75       5,749       744,149       2.40       4,778       731,366       2.01       3,937  
    Loans receivable:                                  
    Commercial (2) (3)   1,466,323       6.74       24,369       1,458,902       6.77       24,824       1,429,718       6.90       24,519  
    Mortgage and loans held for sale (2) (3)   3,001,317       6.02       44,572       2,965,914       6.12       45,633       2,870,175       6.08       43,403  
    Consumer (3)   123,755       12.01       3,665       131,954       11.93       3,956       128,858       11.79       3,778  
    Total loans receivable (3)   4,591,395       6.41       72,606       4,556,770       6.50       74,413       4,428,751       6.51       71,700  
    Interest-bearing deposits with the Federal Reserve and other financial institutions   413,704       4.20       4,284       373,875       5.08       4,771       190,009       5.26       2,485  
    Total earning assets   5,803,526       5.73     $ 82,639       5,674,794       5.84     $ 83,962       5,350,126       5.81     $ 78,122  
    Noninterest-bearing assets:                                  
    Cash and due from banks   58,152               59,445               53,523          
    Premises and equipment   129,188               124,398               110,038          
    Other assets   277,051               273,326               261,863          
    Allowance for credit losses   (47,342 )             (46,686 )             (45,771 )        
    Total non interest-bearing assets   417,049               410,483               379,653          
    TOTAL ASSETS $ 6,220,575             $ 6,085,277             $ 5,729,779          
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:                                  
    Demand—interest-bearing $ 704,874       0.88 %   $ 1,527     $ 686,359       0.83 %   $ 1,437     $ 739,931       0.65 %   $ 1,195  
    Savings   3,131,697       3.09       23,840       3,068,451       3.26       25,139       2,965,279       3.47       25,611  
    Time   738,129       3.99       7,267       687,340       4.02       6,953       523,925       3.64       4,742  
    Total interest-bearing deposits   4,574,700       2.89       32,634       4,442,150       3.00       33,529       4,229,135       3.00       31,548  
    Short-term borrowings         0.00                   0.00                   0.00        
    Finance lease liabilities   15,143       6.32       236       212       3.75       2       282       4.28       3  
    Subordinated notes and debentures   105,228       4.15       1,078       105,153       4.17       1,103       104,925       4.34       1,132  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   4,695,071       2.93     $ 33,948       4,547,515       3.03     $ 34,634       4,334,342       3.03     $ 32,683  
    Demand—noninterest-bearing   814,441               832,168               736,965          
    Other liabilities   91,654               93,410               81,944          
    Total Liabilities   5,601,166               5,473,093               5,153,251          
    Shareholders’ equity   619,409               612,184               576,528          
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY $ 6,220,575             $ 6,085,277             $ 5,729,779          
    Interest income/Earning assets       5.73 %   $ 82,639           5.84 %   $ 83,962           5.81 %   $ 78,122  
    Interest expense/Interest-bearing liabilities       2.93       33,948           3.03       34,634           3.03       32,683  
    Net interest spread       2.80 %   $ 48,691           2.81 %   $ 49,328           2.78 %   $ 45,439  
    Interest income/Earning assets       5.73 %     82,639           5.84 %     83,962           5.81 %     78,122  
    Interest expense/Earning assets       2.36       33,948           2.41       34,634           2.43       32,683  
    Net interest margin (fully tax-equivalent)       3.37 %   $ 48,691           3.43 %   $ 49,328           3.38 %   $ 45,439  
                                                               
    (1) Includes unamortized discounts and premiums.
    (2) Average yields are stated on a fully taxable equivalent basis (calculated using statutory rates of 21%) resulting from tax-free municipal securities in the investment portfolio and tax-free municipal loans in the commercial loan portfolio. The taxable equivalent adjustment to net interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2025, December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024 was $260 thousand, $284 thousand and $217 thousand, respectively.
    (3) Average loans receivable outstanding includes the average balance outstanding of all nonaccrual loans. Loans receivable consist of the average of total loans receivable less average unearned income. In addition, loans receivable interest income consists of loans receivable fees, including PPP deferred processing fees.
    (4) Average balance is computed using the fair value of AFS securities and amortized cost of HTM securities. Average yield has been computed using amortized cost average balance for AFS and HTM securities. The adjustment to the average balance for securities in the calculation of average yield for the three months ended March 31, 2025, December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024 was $(48.1) million, $(47.0) million and $(55.1) million, respectively.
                                                               

    CNB FINANCIAL CORPORATION
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
    Unaudited
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)

    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Calculation of merger costs, net of tax (non-GAAP):          
    Merger costs – non deductible $ 1,327     $     $  
               
    Merger costs – deductible   202              
    Statutory federal tax rate   21 %     21 %     21 %
    Tax benefit of merger costs (non-GAAP)   42              
    Merger costs – deductible, net of tax   160              
               
    Merger costs, net of tax (non-GAAP) $ 1,487     $     $  
                           
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Calculation of net income available to common (GAAP):          
    Net income $ 11,481     $ 15,064     $ 12,600  
    Less: preferred stock dividends   1,075       1,076       1,075  
    Net income available to common shareholders $ 10,406     $ 13,988     $ 11,525  
               
    Adjusted calculation of net income available to common (non-GAAP):          
    Net income available to common shareholders $ 10,406     $ 13,988     $ 11,525  
    Add: Merger costs, net of tax (non-GAAP)   1,487              
    Adjusted net income available to common shareholders (non-GAAP) $ 11,893     $ 13,988     $ 11,525  
                           
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Calculation of PPNR (non-GAAP): (1)          
    Net interest income $ 48,431     $ 49,044     $ 45,222  
    Add: Non-interest income   8,507       10,321       8,955  
    Less: Non-interest expense   41,038       37,805       37,424  
    PPNR (non-GAAP) $ 15,900     $ 21,560     $ 16,753  
               
    Adjusted calculation of PPNR (non-GAAP): (1)          
    Net interest income $ 48,431     $ 49,044     $ 45,222  
    Add: Non-interest income   8,507       10,321       8,955  
    Less: Non-interest expense   41,038       37,805       37,424  
    Add: Merger costs   1,529              
    Adjusted PPNR (non-GAAP) $ 17,429     $ 21,560     $ 16,753  
               
    (1) Management believes that this is an important metric as it illustrates the underlying performance of the Corporation, it enables investors and others to assess the Corporation’s ability to generate capital to cover credit losses through the credit cycle and provides consistent reporting with a key metric used by bank regulatory agencies.
     

    CNB FINANCIAL CORPORATION
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
    Unaudited
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)

    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Basic earnings per common share computation:          
    Net income available to common shareholders $ 10,406     $ 13,988     $ 11,525  
    Less: net income available to common shareholders allocated to participating securities   57       98       92  
    Net income available to common shareholders allocated to common stock $ 10,349     $ 13,890     $ 11,433  
               
    Weighted average common shares outstanding, including shares considered participating securities   20,981       20,992       20,979  
    Less: Average participating securities   114       135       155  
    Weighted average shares   20,867       20,857       20,824  
    Basic earnings per common share $ 0.50     $ 0.67     $ 0.55  
               
    Diluted earnings per common share computation:          
    Net income available to common shareholders allocated to common stock $ 10,349     $ 13,890     $ 11,433  
               
    Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings per common share   20,867       20,857       20,824  
    Add: Dilutive effect of stock compensation   58       73       63  
    Weighted average shares and dilutive potential common shares   20,925       20,930       20,887  
    Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.50     $ 0.66     $ 0.55  
               
    Adjusted basic earnings per common share computation (non-GAAP):          
    Net income available to common shareholders $ 10,406     $ 13,988     $ 11,525  
    Add: Merger costs, net of tax (non-GAAP)   1,487              
    Less: net income available to common shareholders allocated to participating securities   57       98       92  
    Less: Adjustment to net income available to common shareholders allocated to participating securities for merger cost impact, net of tax (non-GAAP)   8              
    Adjusted net income available to common shareholders allocated to common stock (non-GAAP) $ 11,828     $ 13,890     $ 11,433  
               
    Weighted average common shares outstanding, including shares considered participating securities   20,981       20,992       20,979  
    Less: Average participating securities   114       135       155  
    Weighted average shares   20,867       20,857       20,824  
    Adjusted basic earnings per common share (non-GAAP) $ 0.57     $ 0.67     $ 0.55  
               
    Adjusted diluted earnings per common share computation (non-GAAP):          
    Adjusted net income available to common shareholders allocated to common stock (non-GAAP) $ 11,828     $ 13,890     $ 11,433  
               
    Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings per common share   20,867       20,857       20,824  
    Add: Dilutive effect of stock compensation   58       73       63  
    Weighted average shares and dilutive potential common shares   20,925       20,930       20,887  
    Adjusted diluted earnings per common share (non-GAAP) $ 0.57     $ 0.66     $ 0.55  
                           

    CNB FINANCIAL CORPORATION
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
    Unaudited
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)

    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Calculation of dividend payout ratio:          
    Cash dividends per common share $ 0.180     $ 0.180     $ 0.175  
    Diluted earnings per common share   0.50       0.66       0.55  
    Dividend payout ratio   36 %     27 %     32 %
               
    Adjusted calculation of dividend payout ratio (non-GAAP):          
    Cash dividends per common share $ 0.180     $ 0.180     $ 0.175  
    Adjusted diluted earnings per common share (non-GAAP)   0.57       0.66       0.55  
    Adjusted dividend payout ratio (non-GAAP)   32 %     27 %     32 %
                           
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Calculation of net interest margin:          
    Interest income $ 82,379     $ 83,678     $ 77,905  
    Interest expense   33,948       34,634       32,683  
    Net interest income $ 48,431     $ 49,044     $ 45,222  
               
    Average total earning assets $ 5,803,526     $ 5,674,794     $ 5,350,126  
               
    Net interest margin (GAAP) (annualized)   3.38 %     3.44 %     3.40 %
               
    Calculation of net interest margin (fully tax equivalent basis) (non-GAAP):          
    Interest income $ 82,379     $ 83,678     $ 77,905  
    Tax equivalent adjustment (non-GAAP)   260       284       217  
    Adjusted interest income (fully tax equivalent basis) (non-GAAP)   82,639       83,962       78,122  
    Interest expense   33,948       34,634       32,683  
    Net interest income (fully tax equivalent basis) (non-GAAP) $ 48,691     $ 49,328     $ 45,439  
               
    Average total earning assets $ 5,803,526     $ 5,674,794     $ 5,350,126  
    Less: average mark to market adjustment on investments (non-GAAP)   (48,070 )     (46,988 )     (55,146 )
    Adjusted average total earning assets, net of mark to market (non-GAAP) $ 5,851,596     $ 5,721,782     $ 5,405,272  
               
    Net interest margin, fully tax equivalent basis (non-GAAP) (annualized)   3.37 %     3.43 %     3.38 %
                           

    CNB FINANCIAL CORPORATION
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
    Unaudited
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)

    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

      March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Calculation of tangible book value per common share and tangible common
    equity / tangible assets (non-GAAP):
             
    Shareholders’ equity $ 624,508     $ 610,695     $ 578,640  
    Less: preferred equity   57,785       57,785       57,785  
    Common shareholders’ equity   566,723       552,910       520,855  
    Less: goodwill and other intangibles   43,874       43,874       43,874  
    Less: core deposit intangible   190       206       260  
    Tangible common equity (non-GAAP) $ 522,659     $ 508,830     $ 476,721  
               
    Total assets $ 6,295,508     $ 6,192,010     $ 5,801,412  
    Less: goodwill and other intangibles   43,874       43,874       43,874  
    Less: core deposit intangible   190       206       260  
    Tangible assets (non-GAAP) $ 6,251,444     $ 6,147,930     $ 5,757,278  
               
    Ending shares outstanding   20,980,245       20,987,992       21,024,695  
               
    Book value per common share (GAAP) $ 27.01     $ 26.34     $ 24.77  
    Tangible book value per common share (non-GAAP) $ 24.91     $ 24.24     $ 22.67  
               
    Common shareholders’ equity / Total assets (GAAP)   9.00 %     8.93 %     8.98 %
    Tangible common equity / Tangible assets (non-GAAP)   8.36 %     8.28 %     8.28 %
               
    Adjusted calculation of book value per common share (non-GAAP):          
    Common shareholders’ equity $ 566,723     $ 552,910     $ 520,855  
    Add: Merger costs, net of tax (non-GAAP)   1,487              
    Adjusted common shareholders’ equity (non-GAAP) $ 568,210     $ 552,910     $ 520,855  
               
    Ending shares outstanding   20,980,245       20,987,992       21,024,695  
               
    Adjusted book value per common share (non-GAAP) $ 27.08     $ 26.34     $ 24.77  
               
    Adjusted calculation of tangible book value per common share (non-GAAP):          
    Tangible common equity (non-GAAP) $ 522,659     $ 508,830     $ 476,721  
    Add: Merger costs, net of tax (non-GAAP)   1,487              
    Adjusted tangible common equity (non-GAAP) $ 524,146     $ 508,830     $ 476,721  
               
    Ending shares outstanding   20,980,245       20,987,992       21,024,695  
               
    Adjusted tangible book value per common share (non-GAAP) $ 24.98     $ 24.24     $ 22.67  
               
    Adjusted calculation of tangible common equity / tangible assets (non-GAAP):          
    Adjusted common shareholders’ equity (non-GAAP) $ 524,146     $ 508,830     $ 476,721  
               
    Tangible assets (non-GAAP) $ 6,251,444     $ 6,147,930     $ 5,757,278  
    Add: Merger costs, net of tax (non-GAAP)   1,529              
    Adjusted tangible assets (non-GAAP) $ 6,252,973     $ 6,147,930     $ 5,757,278  
               
    Adjusted tangible common equity / Adjusted tangible assets (non-GAAP)   8.38 %     8.28 %     8.28 %
                           

    CNB FINANCIAL CORPORATION
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
    Unaudited
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)

    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Calculation of efficiency ratio:          
    Non-interest expense $ 41,038     $ 37,805     $ 37,424  
               
    Non-interest income $ 8,507     $ 10,321     $ 8,955  
    Net interest income   48,431       49,044       45,222  
    Total revenue $ 56,938     $ 59,365     $ 54,177  
    Efficiency ratio   72.07 %     63.68 %     69.08 %
               
    Calculation of efficiency ratio (fully tax equivalent basis) (non-GAAP):          
    Non-interest expense $ 41,038     $ 37,805     $ 37,424  
    Less: core deposit intangible amortization   17       16       20  
    Adjusted non-interest expense (non-GAAP) $ 41,021     $ 37,789     $ 37,404  
               
    Non-interest income $ 8,507     $ 10,321     $ 8,955  
               
    Net interest income $ 48,431     $ 49,044     $ 45,222  
    Less: tax exempt investment and loan income, net of TEFRA (non-GAAP)   1,464       1,508       1,337  
    Add: tax exempt investment and loan income (fully tax equivalent basis) (non-GAAP)   2,076       2,111       1,932  
    Adjusted net interest income (fully tax equivalent basis) (non-GAAP)   49,043       49,647       45,817  
    Adjusted net revenue (fully tax equivalent basis) (non-GAAP) $ 57,550     $ 59,968     $ 54,772  
               
    Efficiency ratio (fully tax equivalent basis) (non-GAAP)   71.28 %     63.02 %     68.29 %
               
    Adjusted calculation of efficiency ratio (fully tax equivalent basis) (non-GAAP):          
    Adjusted non-interest expense (non-GAAP) $ 41,021     $ 37,789     $ 37,404  
    Less: Merger costs (non-GAAP)   1,529              
    Adjusted non-interest expense (non-GAAP) $ 39,492     $ 37,789     $ 37,404  
               
    Adjusted net revenue (fully tax equivalent basis) (non-GAAP) $ 57,550     $ 59,968     $ 54,772  
               
    Adjusted efficiency ratio (fully tax equivalent basis) (non-GAAP)   68.62 %     63.02 %     68.29 %
                           

    CNB FINANCIAL CORPORATION
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
    Unaudited
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)

    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Calculation of return on average assets:          
    Net income $ 11,481     $ 15,064     $ 12,600  
    Average total assets $ 6,220,575     $ 6,085,277     $ 5,729,779  
               
    Return on average assets (GAAP) (annualized)   0.75 %     0.98 %     0.88 %
               
    Adjusted calculation of return on average assets (non-GAAP):          
    Net income $ 11,481     $ 15,064     $ 12,600  
    Add: Merger costs, net of tax (non-GAAP)   1,487              
    Adjusted net income $ 12,968     $ 15,064     $ 12,600  
               
    Average total assets $ 6,220,575     $ 6,085,277     $ 5,729,779  
               
    Adjusted return on average assets (non-GAAP) (annualized)   0.85 %     0.98 %     0.88 %
                           
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
    2025
      December 31,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
    Calculation of return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP):          
    Net income $ 11,481     $ 15,064     $ 12,600  
    Less: preferred stock dividends   1,075       1,076       1,075  
    Net income available to common shareholders $ 10,406     $ 13,988     $ 11,525  
               
    Average shareholders’ equity $ 619,409     $ 612,184     $ 576,528  
    Less: average goodwill & intangibles   44,074       44,091       44,147  
    Less: average preferred equity   57,785       57,785       57,785  
    Average tangible common shareholders’ equity (non-GAAP) $ 517,550     $ 510,308     $ 474,596  
               
    Return on average equity (GAAP) (annualized)   7.52 %     9.79 %     8.79 %
    Return on average common equity (GAAP) (annualized)   7.51 %     10.04 %     8.94 %
    Return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP) (annualized)   8.15 %     10.90 %     9.77 %
               
    Adjusted calculation of return on average equity (non-GAAP):          
    Net income $ 11,481     $ 15,064     $ 12,600  
    Add: Merger costs, net of tax (non-GAAP)   1,487              
    Adjusted net income (non-GAAP) $ 12,968     $ 15,064     $ 12,600  
               
    Average shareholders’ equity $ 619,409     $ 612,184     $ 576,528  
               
    Adjusted return on average equity (non-GAAP) (annualized)   8.49 %     9.79 %     8.79 %
               
    Adjusted calculation of return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP):          
    Net income available to common shareholders $ 10,406     $ 13,988     $ 11,525  
    Add: Merger costs, net of tax (non-GAAP)   1,487              
    Adjusted net income available to common shareholders $ 11,893     $ 13,988     $ 11,525  
               
    Average tangible common shareholders’ equity (non-GAAP) $ 517,550     $ 510,308     $ 474,596  
               
    Adjusted return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP) (annualized)   9.32 %     10.90 %     9.77 %
                           

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Security: Waterbury Gang Member Sentenced to 17 Years in Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    JUSTIN CABRERA, also known as “J.U.,” 26, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 204 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for offenses stemming from his participation in the 960 gang, a violent Waterbury street gang.

    Today’s announcement was made by Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Maureen T. Platt, State’s Attorney for the Waterbury Judicial District; Anish Shukla, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; and Waterbury Police Chief Fernando C. Spagnolo.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address drug trafficking and related violence in Waterbury, the FBI, ATF, and Waterbury Police have been investigating multiple Waterbury-based groups, including the 960 gang.  On September 14, 2021, a federal grand jury in Hartford returned a 36-count indictment charging Cabrera and 15 other alleged 960 gang members with racketeering, narcotics trafficking, firearm possession, murder, attempted murder and assault, and obstruction of justice offenses.

    On October 31, 2017, four 960 members used a stolen car to carry out a drive-by shooting of members of ATM, a rival gang, at the corner of Bank Street and Porter Street in Waterbury.  An ATM member was shot and wounded in the attack.  Cabrera drove a second vehicle, or “trail car,” used in the shooting, conducted surveillance of ATM members prior to the shooting, and picked up the shooters after the event.

    Cabrera has been detained since September 16, 2021.  On September 16, 2024, he pleaded guilty to one count of attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, and one count of carrying and using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

    This investigation has been conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, Waterbury Police Department, ATF, and U.S. Marshals Service, with the assistance of the Southington Police Department, Watertown Police Department, New Milford Police Department, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Correction, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory, and the DEA Laboratory.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey M. Stone, John T. Pierpont, Jr. and Natasha M. Freismuth, and Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Don E. Therkildesen, Jr. and Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney Alexandra Arroyo, who were cross-designated as Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys in this matter.

    This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.

    PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.

    OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Judge Sentences Cherokee Man To 30 Years In Prison For Second Degree Murder In Indian Country

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Today, U.S. District Judge Max O. Cogburn, Jr. sentenced Brandon Tyler Buchanan to 30 years in prison for second degree murder, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Buchanan, 33, an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term and to pay $888,500 in restitution to the victim’s estate.

    Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, and Chief Carla Neadeau of the Cherokee Indian Police Department (CIPD) join U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making today’s announcement.

    According to filed court records and court proceedings, on November 11, 2022, CIPD officers responded to a 911 call following reports of a shooting. When the officers arrived, Buchanan admitted to shooting someone. CIPD officers discovered the body of the victim, Kobe Toineeta, a short distance away behind a row of trees, who had sustained five gunshot wounds. Court documents show that a Smith & Wesson, Model M&P, .9mm handgun was later found in Buchanan’s apartment. Laboratory testing confirmed that it was the firearm Buchanan used to shoot and kill the victim.

    On May 31, 2024, Buchanan pleaded guilty to second degree murder and remains in federal custody. He will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. 

    In making today’s announcement U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the FBI and the Cherokee Indian Police Department for their investigation of the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Scott of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Shiprock Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Sexually Abusing Two Children Over Six-Year Period

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man was sentenced to 75 months in federal prison for sexually abusing two children under 12 years old in separate incidents spanning 2014 and 2020.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    According to court documents, Roderick Bitsilly, 61, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, admitted to engaging in unlawful sexual contact with Jane Doe 1, a child under 12 years old, between February and August 2014. Bitsilly also pleaded guilty to similar charges involving Jane Doe 2, also under 12, between September 2019 and September 2020.

    Upon his release, Bitsilly will be subject to 15 years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin L. Dillon is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: A Nageezi Man Pleaded Guilty to Sexual Abuse

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Nageezi man pleaded guilty to federal sexual abuse charges after he engaged in non-consensual sexual acts with the victim.

    According to court records, between January 1, 2024, and April 30, 2024, Patrick Wayne Platero, 47, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, engaged in a sexual act with Jane Doe without her consent.

    At sentencing, Platero faces up to life in prison followed by up not less than five years and up to life of supervised release.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Meg Tomlinson is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Inmate Sentenced for Drug Conspiracy While Serving Time for Prior Drug Cases

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TULSA, Okla. – A man serving twenty years in the Oklahoma Department of Corrections for several prior drug offenses was sentenced today for federal Drug Conspiracy charges, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

    U.S. District Judge Sara E. Hill sentenced Shane Eugene Miller, 39, to 252 months followed by five years of supervised release.

    “Miller ran an extensive drug conspiracy from prison with the aid of contraband cell phones and other co-conspirators,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.  “The use of a contraband cellphone by prisoners cannot be tolerated.  The actions of Miller threatened our communities with dangerous narcotics.  My office, in conjunction with our law enforcement partners, will continue to prosecute individuals who deal drugs, whether they are in prison or out.”

    “This investigation demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to ensuring those who pollute our communities with dangerous drugs are brought to justice,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater. “We will continue to work side by side with our law enforcement partners to dismantle criminal enterprises, regardless of where they operate.”

    Miller conspired with others to operate a drug conspiracy while in custody at the Department of Corrections. Court documents show that Miller used contraband cellphones to communicate about the drug distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl. Miller further directed others to negotiate with buyers and collect payments. 

    Brenda Raelene Blakeley, 65, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced in March 2025 for Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. Judge Hill ordered Blakeley to 235 months imprisonment, followed by five years supervised release. Blakely was stopped by law enforcement in 2023. Officers found methamphetamine concealed in the vehicle.

    Cierra Michelle Warner, 32, of Ponca City, was sentenced in March 2025 for Use of a Communication Facility in Committing, Causing, and facilitating the Commission of a Drug Trafficking Felony. Judge Hill ordered Warner to 24 months imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release. Warner helped communicate with co-conspirators to coordinate the distribution of fentanyl.

    Johnathan Allen Perryman, 43, pleaded guilty to Distribution of Fentanyl and is awaiting sentencing.

    Miller will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.

    The FBI, the Muscogee Creek Nation Lighthorse Police, and the Tulsa Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Bailey, Attila Bogdan, and Joel-lyn McCormick prosecuted the case.

    The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: ‘Kilo Weight Dealer’ Sentenced to Nearly Six Years in Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PROVIDENCE – A Massachusetts man described in court documents as being a “kilo weight dealer” of cocaine has been sentenced to nearly six years in federal prison, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.

    Juan Betancourt Sosa, 29, pleaded guilty on October 16, 2024, to a charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy to 70 months of incarceration to be followed by four years of federal supervised release.

    At the time of his guilty plea, Betancourt admitted that he was a source of supply of cocaine to a person who was providing kilograms of cocaine to a Rhode Island-based conspiracy that trafficked crack cocaine and fentanyl.

    According to information presented to the court, Betancourt supplied at least six kilograms of cocaine to a person who then delivered the drugs to the leader of the conspiracy. At the time of his arrest, two kilos of cocaine were found inside the trunk of a car in which Betancourt was traveling.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey A. Erickson .

    The matter was investigated by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, DEA, and Providence Police Department, with the assistance of the United States Postal Inspection Service and East Providence Police Department.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Sentenced To More Than 10 Years In Prison For Kidnapping Elderly Victim

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Jordan Nathaniel Hedden, 32, was sentenced today to 121 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for the 2023 kidnapping of an elderly victim, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Hedden’s co-conspirator, Stephanie Miranda Neace, 32, of Blairsville, Georgia, is currently awaiting sentencing, after a federal jury last week convicted her of kidnapping.

    Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina joins U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making today’s announcement.

    According to filed documents, court proceedings, and trial evidence presented at Neace’s trial, on November 30, 2023, the victim, a 71-year-old female, was driving from Georgia to North Carolina, when she saw the defendants walking. The victim offered the defendants a ride because it was cold outside. The defendants accepted the ride, and soon after they entered North Carolina, Hedden instructed the victim to drive to his car. When they arrived at the location, a car was not there. Hedden then ordered the victim to stop the vehicle, and when the victim refused, Hedden forced the victim to stop the car and get in the back seat. Hedden then took over driving.

    According to court records, the victim began to cry and Hedden yelled at her and told her to shut up. Hedden appeared to be high and agitated and became paranoid that the victim had a tracking device. At one point, Hedden stopped the vehicle, and he and Neace searched the car and the victim herself for tracking devices. Then, they took the victim’s phone and disabled it. Hedden also demanded money from the victim, but the victim only had $2. Fearing for her safety, the victim told the defendants to take her to an ATM and the defendants agreed. During the drive into Tennessee, Hedden made the victim promise that she would not identify them to the police.

    During the drive to the ATM, the victim convinced Hedden to let her withdraw money from a gas station ATM instead of a bank. The victim also told Hedden that she would give the defendants the money if they let her stay behind safely at the gas station. When they arrived at the gas station, the victim took her purse and her car key fob. She told Hedden to turn off the car so the headlights could not be seen from the people inside the gas station, and Hedden complied. As the victim and Hedden were walking toward the gas station, the victim began to run to the door and scream for help. Hedden ran back to the car, attempted to use it to flee but was unable to start the car without the key fob. Hedden and Neace then fled on foot and escaped into the woods but were apprehended days later.

    On November 13, 2024, Hedden pleaded guilty to kidnapping and aiding and abetting. He is in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.

    In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the FBI for their investigation of the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Don Gast and Alexis Solheim of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville are in charge of the prosecution.

     

     

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Albuquerque Man Charged in Connection with Arson Attacks on Tesla Dealership and Republican Party of New Mexico Office

    Source: US State of California

    Note: View the criminal complaint.

    Federal charges have been filed against Jamison Wagner, 40, an Albuquerque resident, in connection with recent arson attacks targeting the Tesla Albuquerque Showroom and the Republican Party of New Mexico (RPNM) headquarters. Investigators linked Wagner to both incidents through surveillance footage and scene evidence.

    “Let this be the final lesson to those taking part in this ongoing wave of political violence,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “We will arrest you, we will prosecute you, and we will not negotiate. Crimes have consequences.”

    “Hurling firebombs is not political protest,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “It is a dangerous felony that we will prosecute to the maximum extent. The impressive work by law enforcement in New Mexico sends a clear message to perpetrators of all of the shameful attacks on Tesla facilities and political establishments: we are coming for you, you can’t hide, and you will do serious jail time to pay for your crimes.”

    “This arrest is part of the FBI’s aggressive efforts to investigate and hold accountable those who have targeted Tesla facilities in various states across the country,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Thank you to our agents and support teams in Albuquerque who did an outstanding job executing the mission. Under Attorney General Bondi’s leadership, we will continue to locate and arrest those responsible for these acts of domestic terrorism, and the FBI will work with partners at the Department of Justice to ensure such lawbreakers face justice.”

    “A key suspect is now in custody thanks to the exceptional work of ATF’s Special Agents, certified fire investigators, and forensic specialists,” said Deputy Director Robert Cekada of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. “This arrest marks a critical step toward justice in the firebombing that targeted a Tesla dealership and the New Mexico Republican Party Headquarters. Our teams worked around the clock—collecting, analyzing, and connecting forensic evidence across both scenes. With the support of our local partners, the FBI, and the rapid work of ATF’s forensic lab, we were able to link the crimes, identify those responsible, and take swift action to protect the public. This is what ATF does best: we follow the evidence, we find the truth, and we bring offenders to justice.”

    According to court documents, in the early morning hours of Feb. 9, 2025, the Tesla Albuquerque Showroom was targeted in an arson attack. Two Tesla vehicles were involved in the fire, one of which was significantly damaged.

    An intact glass container containing an improvised napalm material was found in the second vehicle. Investigators noted a hand-written capital “I” or “H” letter on the top of the green metal lid.

    Graffiti was spray-painted in red and black paint on the building and six other vehicles, including “Die Elon,” “Tesla Nazi Inc,” and “Die Tesla Nazi,” along with swastika symbols. 

    Surveillance video captured the suspect on scene, and he was observed as a tall, light-skinned individual, possibly over 6 feet tall, wearing black clothing and a mask, and carrying a white box.

    The following month, in the early morning hours of March 30, 2025, a second arson attack occurred, this time at the Republican Party New Mexico (RPNM) office. The fire significantly damaged the front door and entry area. At the scene, investigators collected shattered glass and metal lids from what appeared to be two to three separate glass containers. Two of the lids bore a handwritten capital “I” or “H,” similar in appearance to the letter found on the lid of the glass container at the Tesla scene.

    Graffiti with the phrase “ICE=KKK” was found on the south wall of the building.

    Investigators reviewed surveillance footage from nearby businesses and identified a white sedan parking on the north side of the RPNM office building before the fire. A single individual exited the vehicle, approached the RPNM headquarters, and a flash of light was recorded. The individual then returned to the vehicle and drove away. The vehicle was captured on nearby surveillance as it left the RPNM scene. After review of the available surveillance, law enforcement preliminarily identified the suspect vehicle as in what appeared to be a white Hyundai Accent between the years 2012 and 2015.

    Investigators determined that both arsons involved the use of homemade incendiary devices utilizing glass containers and flammable liquids. The resulting investigation connected Wagner as a significant person of interest for both crime scenes. Among other links, Wagner’s physical description matches that of the suspect in the available surveillance footage and investigators determined that Wagner owns a white 2015 Hyundai Accent.

    Wagner Facebook photo.
    Tesla arson suspect.
    Wagner’s driver’s license.

    On April 12, 2025, agents from the FBI and ATF executed a search warrant at Wagner’s residence in Albuquerque without incident. Inside, investigators uncovered substantial evidence linking him to both arson attacks including:

    • A white cardboard box containing eight assembled suspected incendiary devices.
    • Blue Styrofoam egg cartons consistent with the polystyrene material found in the improvised napalm used in the Tesla fire.
    • Materials for manufacturing additional incendiary devices and ignitable liquids consistent with the gasoline used at both fire scenes.
    • A jar with a green gingham-style lid similar to one found at the RPNM fire scene, along with several jars marked with handwritten capital letters “I” or “H,” similar to markings seen on lids recovered from both arson sites.
    • Black and red spray paint matching the graffiti used at both crime scenes.
    • A stencil bearing the phrase “ICE=KKK,” consistent with graffiti found at the RPNM fire scene.

    Wagner’s white Hyundai Accent was found in his garage during the search. Investigators noted modifications consistent with efforts to avoid identification during the commission of the crimes.

    “The charges today demonstrate that there is no place in our society for politically or ideologically motivated acts of violence and extremism,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin for the District of New Mexico. “We are grateful for the tireless and exceptional work of our law enforcement partners to identify the alleged perpetrator of these unacceptable criminal acts and commit to prosecuting this case to the fullest extent of the law.”

    Wagner is charged with two counts of malicious damage or destruction of property by fire or explosives and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing which has not been set. If convicted of the current charges, Wagner faces between five and 20 years in prison for each count.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the FBI Albuquerque Field Office are jointly investigating the case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department and the New Mexico Department of Justice.

    Numerous additional agencies responded to the arson scenes or otherwise provided valuable assistance, including the Santa Ana Pueblo Police Department, the Sandoval County Fire Department, the New Mexico State Fire Marshals Office, Albuquerque Fire Rescue, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and Homeland Security Investigations.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Elena Stiteler and Nicholas Mote for the District of New Mexico and Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.

    A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE investigation results in US seizing assets related to $126 million illegal staffing, money laundering case

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    DAYTON, Ohio – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio announced April 14 that the United States filed a civil forfeiture complaint against assets related to an investigation into a potential $126 million illegal staffing and money laundering operation.

    In July 2024, ICE Homeland Security Investigations, in collaboration with Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations and other law enforcement agencies, executed federal search warrants at Fuyao Glass America in Moraine, Ohio, and 27 other locations in the Dayton area.

    The civil complaint alleges that multiple suspects created roughly 40 entities (the “target entities”) that facilitate the harboring, transportation and employment of illegal aliens at various factories. The suspects used these target entities to augment the workforces of several factories with individuals who illegally entered the United States, who are unlawfully present in the United States and/or who are working without required employment authorizations. One of these factories is FGA in Moraine.

    It is alleged that many of the workers were illegally smuggled into the United States, primarily through Mexico, and encouraged to travel to the Dayton area to be employed by one of the target entities and serve as a workforce at the various factories. Most of the workers are of Chinese or Hispanic nationality. Workers allegedly lived at “family style hotels” (boarding houses) owned by the target entities and were driven to and from work in transportation provided by the target entities.

    “We will continue to investigate allegations of unfair labor practices,” said ICE HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “Collaboration across multiple law enforcement agencies helps to ensure accountability for both employers and the workforce.”

    The 74-page complaint details that the target entities allegedly engaged in money laundering to conceal the multi-million-dollar income generated by the workers. Within days of receiving direct payments from FGA, the suspects would extensively wire funds between their various LLCs. In total, FGA has paid more than $126 million to LLCs controlled by the suspects. The money was allegedly used by the suspects for private financial gain and to purchase real estate, vehicles and luxury goods.

    In the civil complaint filed on April 2, the United States alleges that the following property is subject to forfeiture: seven bank accounts, 12 properties in the Dayton area, two properties outside of Ohio, 15 vehicles and luxury goods, including a Cartier watch.

    Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, ICE Homeland Security Investigations Detroit; Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Karen Wingerd, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigations; announced the filing. The FBI, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Ohio State Highway Patrol and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office have assisted in the criminal investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Adam C. Tieger and Deborah D. Grimes are representing the United States in the civil forfeiture action.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bloomington Sex Offender Charged with Attempted Enticement of a Minor

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. PAUL, Minn. – Marwan Taweeleh of Shakopee, Minnesota, has been charged with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor as a registered sex offender, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.

    According to court documents, on March 18, 2025, Marwan Adel Taweeleh, 31, attempted to entice a minor under the age of 18 years old to engage in sexually explicit conduct.  

    The indictment charges Taweeleh with one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor and one count of offense by a registered sex offender.  Taweeleh was previously convicted of Solicitation of a Child to Engage in Sexual Conduct and is required by law to register as a sex offender. Taweeleh made his initial appearance in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge John F. Docherty on April 11, 2025, and will remain in custody pending further court proceedings.

    “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to prioritize the prosecution of sexual predators—particularly the prosecution of repeat sex offenders like Taweeleh,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.  “I am grateful to the Bloomington Police Department, to Homeland Security Investigations, and to all law enforcement officers who use undercover operations to identify and arrest child sex predators to prevent them from abusing real children.”

    “Those who prey on children will find no refuge from justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “These predators pose a serious threat to the safety of our communities. The FBI will continue to prioritize these investigations and support our partners in pursuing offenders to the fullest extent of the law.”

    This case is the result of an investigation by the Bloomington Police Department and the FBI.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca E. Kline is prosecuting the case.

    A complaint is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI