Category: Internet

MIL-OSI USA: SPC Tornado Watch 183

Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Note: The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
SEL3

URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Tornado Watch Number 183
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
500 PM CDT Mon Apr 28 2025

The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

* Tornado Watch for portions of
Southwest into Central Iowa
Northeast Kansas
Northwest Missouri
Far Southeast Nebraska

* Effective this Monday afternoon from 500 PM until Midnight CDT.

* Primary threats include…
A few tornadoes likely with a couple intense tornadoes possible
Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 3
inches in diameter likely
Scattered damaging winds likely with isolated significant gusts
to 75 mph possible

SUMMARY…Supercells are expected to continue developing this
evening while posing a threat for very large hail up to 2-3 inches
in diameter. A few tornadoes also appear likely, with a couple of
strong tornadoes possible with any sustained supercell. Scattered
severe/damaging winds with peak gusts to 65-75 mph may also occur.

The tornado watch area is approximately along and 55 statute miles
east and west of a line from 45 miles north northwest of Des Moines
IA to 35 miles south southeast of Manhattan KS. For a complete
depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update
(WOUS64 KWNS WOU3).

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
and possible warnings.

&&

OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 180…WW 181…WW 182…

AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
surface and aloft to 3 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
gusts to 65 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
storm motion vector 24035.

…Gleason

SEL3

URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Tornado Watch Number 183
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
500 PM CDT Mon Apr 28 2025

The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

* Tornado Watch for portions of
Southwest into Central Iowa
Northeast Kansas
Northwest Missouri
Far Southeast Nebraska

* Effective this Monday afternoon from 500 PM until Midnight CDT.

* Primary threats include…
A few tornadoes likely with a couple intense tornadoes possible
Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 3
inches in diameter likely
Scattered damaging winds likely with isolated significant gusts
to 75 mph possible

SUMMARY…Supercells are expected to continue developing this
evening while posing a threat for very large hail up to 2-3 inches
in diameter. A few tornadoes also appear likely, with a couple of
strong tornadoes possible with any sustained supercell. Scattered
severe/damaging winds with peak gusts to 65-75 mph may also occur.

The tornado watch area is approximately along and 55 statute miles
east and west of a line from 45 miles north northwest of Des Moines
IA to 35 miles south southeast of Manhattan KS. For a complete
depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update
(WOUS64 KWNS WOU3).

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
and possible warnings.

&&

OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 180…WW 181…WW 182…

AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
surface and aloft to 3 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
gusts to 65 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
storm motion vector 24035.

…Gleason

Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
SAW3
WW 183 TORNADO IA KS MO NE 282200Z – 290500Z
AXIS..55 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
45NNW DSM/DES MOINES IA/ – 35SSE MHK/MANHATTAN KS/
..AVIATION COORDS.. 50NM E/W /31SSE FOD – 58ESE SLN/
HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..3 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..65 KNOTS.
MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 24035.

LAT…LON 42139293 38669540 38669744 42139508

THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
FOR WOU3.

Watch 183 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

Note: Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

High (70%)

Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

Mod (50%)

Wind

Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

Mod (60%)

Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

Mod (30%)

Hail

Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

High (70%)

Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

High (70%)

Combined Severe Hail/Wind

Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

High (>95%)

For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SPC Tornado Watch 182

Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Note: The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
SEL2

URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Tornado Watch Number 182
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
400 PM CDT Mon Apr 28 2025

The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

* Tornado Watch for portions of
Western Oklahoma
West-Central Texas

* Effective this Monday afternoon and evening from 400 PM until
1100 PM CDT.

* Primary threats include…
A couple tornadoes possible
Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 3
inches in diameter likely
Scattered damaging winds likely with isolated significant gusts
to 75 mph possible

SUMMARY…Thunderstorms will intensify rapidly this afternoon in a
very unstable environment. Very large hail and damaging winds are
the primary threat. However, there is some concern for a few
tornadoes during the early evening.

The tornado watch area is approximately along and 65 statute miles
east and west of a line from 60 miles south southeast of Big Spring
TX to 40 miles north of Oklahoma City OK. For a complete depiction
of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS
WOU2).

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
and possible warnings.

&&

OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 180…WW 181…

AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
surface and aloft to 3 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
gusts to 65 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
storm motion vector 24035.

…Hart

SEL2

URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Tornado Watch Number 182
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
400 PM CDT Mon Apr 28 2025

The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

* Tornado Watch for portions of
Western Oklahoma
West-Central Texas

* Effective this Monday afternoon and evening from 400 PM until
1100 PM CDT.

* Primary threats include…
A couple tornadoes possible
Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 3
inches in diameter likely
Scattered damaging winds likely with isolated significant gusts
to 75 mph possible

SUMMARY…Thunderstorms will intensify rapidly this afternoon in a
very unstable environment. Very large hail and damaging winds are
the primary threat. However, there is some concern for a few
tornadoes during the early evening.

The tornado watch area is approximately along and 65 statute miles
east and west of a line from 60 miles south southeast of Big Spring
TX to 40 miles north of Oklahoma City OK. For a complete depiction
of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS
WOU2).

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
and possible warnings.

&&

OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 180…WW 181…

AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
surface and aloft to 3 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
gusts to 65 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
storm motion vector 24035.

…Hart

Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
SAW2
WW 182 TORNADO OK TX 282100Z – 290400Z
AXIS..65 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
60SSE BGS/BIG SPRING TX/ – 40N OKC/OKLAHOMA CITY OK/
..AVIATION COORDS.. 55NM E/W /33W SJT – 27SE END/
HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..3 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..65 KNOTS.
MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 24035.

LAT…LON 31410221 35979876 35979644 31410001

THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
FOR WOU2.

Watch 182 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

Note: Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

Mod (40%)

Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

Low (20%)

Wind

Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

Mod (60%)

Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

Mod (30%)

Hail

Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

High (70%)

Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

Mod (60%)

Combined Severe Hail/Wind

Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

High (>95%)

For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SPC Tornado Watch 181

Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Note: The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
SEL1

URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Tornado Watch Number 181
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
325 PM CDT Mon Apr 28 2025

The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

* Tornado Watch for portions of
Northern Iowa
Central and Southeast Minnesota
Western Wisconsin

* Effective this Monday afternoon and evening from 325 PM until
1100 PM CDT.

* Primary threats include…
A few tornadoes and a couple intense tornadoes likely
Widespread large hail and scattered very large hail events to 3
inches in diameter likely
Scattered damaging winds likely with isolated significant gusts
to 75 mph possible

SUMMARY…A line of intense thunderstorms over western Minnesota
will track northeastward across the watch area through the evening.
Very large hail and a few tornadoes are the primary concerns.
Strong tornadoes are also possible.

The tornado watch area is approximately along and 65 statute miles
east and west of a line from 95 miles north northeast of Minneapolis
MN to 20 miles southeast of Fort Dodge IA. For a complete depiction
of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS
WOU1).

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
and possible warnings.

&&

OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 180…

AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
surface and aloft to 3 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
gusts to 65 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
storm motion vector 24035.

…Hart

Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
SAW1
WW 181 TORNADO IA MN WI 282025Z – 290400Z
AXIS..65 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
95NNE MSP/MINNEAPOLIS MN/ – 20SE FOD/FORT DODGE IA/
..AVIATION COORDS.. 55NM E/W /41SSW DLH – 23SE FOD/
HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..3 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..65 KNOTS.
MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 24035.

LAT…LON 46149110 42349265 42349520 46149382

THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
FOR WOU1.

Watch 181 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

Note: Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

High (70%)

Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

Mod (60%)

Wind

Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

Mod (60%)

Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

Mod (30%)

Hail

Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

High (80%)

Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

High (80%)

Combined Severe Hail/Wind

Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

High (>95%)

For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 29, 2025

MIL-OSI: RBB Bancorp Reports First Quarter 2025 Earnings

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

LOS ANGELES, April 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RBB Bancorp (NASDAQ:RBB) and its subsidiaries, Royal Business Bank (the “Bank”) and RBB Asset Management Company (“RAM”), collectively referred to herein as the “Company,” announced financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025.

First Quarter 2025 Highlights

Net income totaled $2.3 million, or $0.13 diluted earnings per share
Return on average assets of 0.24%, compared to 0.44% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024
Net interest margin expanded to 2.88%, up from 2.76% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024
Net loans held for investment growth of $89.8 million, or 12% annualized
Nonperforming assets decreased $16.5 million, or 20.3%, to $64.6 million at March 31, 2025, down from $81.0 million at December 31, 2024
Book value and tangible book value per share⁽¹⁾ increased to $28.77 and $24.63 at March 31, 2025, up from $28.66 and $24.51 at December 31, 2024

The Company reported net income of $2.3 million, or $0.13 diluted earnings per share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to net income of $4.4 million, or $0.25 diluted earnings per share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2024. First quarter of 2025 net income included $6.7 million in pre-tax provision for credit losses mostly related to reducing exposure to nonperforming loans, including higher specific reserves.

“First quarter net income declined to $2.3 million, or 13 cents per share, as we took decisive action to address our nonperforming loans,” said David Morris, Chief Executive Officer of RBB Bancorp. “We reduced our net exposure to nonperforming loans to $51 million, including specific reserves, or 32% since year end. We remain focused on resolving our nonperforming loans as quickly as possible while minimizing the impact to earnings and capital and we think our actions in the first quarter reflect this.”

“Our loan production was relatively strong during the first quarter driven by continued execution of our initiatives, which resulted in 12% annualized net loan growth. Our loan prospect pipeline continues to be healthy, and we anticipate loan growth to continue in the second quarter, albeit likely at a more moderate pace,” said Johnny Lee, President of RBB Bancorp and President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank. “While the market environment is volatile, we have not observed significant signs of financial impact to our clients at this time.”

)

Reconciliations of the non–U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) measures included at the end of this press release.

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

Net interest income was $26.2 million for the first quarter of 2025, compared to $26.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2024. The $186,000 increase was due to a $2.4 million decrease in interest expense, offset by a $2.2 million decrease in interest income. The decrease in interest income was mostly due to the impact of fewer days in the quarter of $1.2 million and lower average excess liquidity (cash and cash equivalents and investment securities) of $1.5 million. The decrease in interest expense was mostly due to the impact of lower average funding rates of $1.5 million, fewer days in the quarter of $621,000 and lower average interest-bearing liabilities of $336,000. The $1.5 million attributed to lower average funding rates included $1.8 million due to a 29 basis point decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing deposits.

The net interest margin (“NIM”) was 2.88% for the first quarter of 2025, an increase of 12 basis points from 2.76% for the fourth quarter of 2024. The NIM expansion was due to a 17 basis point decrease in the overall cost of funds, partially offset by a 3 basis point decrease in the yield on average interest-earning assets. The yield on average interest-earning assets decreased to 5.76% for the first quarter of 2025 from 5.79% for the fourth quarter of 2024 due mainly to a decrease in the yield on average cash and cash equivalents of 32 basis points and average loans of 2 basis points, partially offset by the benefit of a change in the mix in average-earning assets. Average loans represented 84% of average interest-earning assets in the first quarter of 2025, as compared to 82% in the fourth quarter of 2024.

The average cost of funds decreased to 3.15% for the first quarter of 2025 from 3.32% for the fourth quarter of 2024, driven by a 29 basis point decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing deposits, partially offset by a 38 basis point increase in the average cost of borrowings. The average cost of interest-bearing deposits decreased to 3.77% for the first quarter of 2025 from 4.06% for the fourth quarter of 2024. During the first quarter of 2025, $150.0 million in Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances with an average cost of 1.18% matured and were largely replaced with $110.0 million in FHLB advances with various terms at an average rate of 3.88%. The overall funding mix for the first quarter of 2025 remained relatively unchanged from the fourth quarter of 2024 with total deposits representing 90% of the funding mix and average noninterest-bearing deposits representing 17% of average total deposits. The all-in average spot rate for total deposits was 3.06% at March 31, 2025.

Provision for Credit Losses

The provision for credit losses was $6.7 million for the first quarter of 2025 compared to $6.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2024. The first quarter of 2025 provision for credit losses was due to an increase in specific reserves of $2.8 million, net charge-offs of $2.6 million and an increase in general reserves of $1.3 million due mainly to net loan growth. The first quarter increase in specific reserves related mostly to two lending relationships. Net charge-offs included $1.4 million related to a bulk sale of $10.8 million in underperforming single-family residential (“SFR”) mortgage loans, of which $6.5 million were on nonaccrual at the end of the year, and $1.2 million related to an $8.8 million loan transferred to other real estate owned (“OREO”) and subsequently sold. Net charge-offs on an annualized basis represented 0.35% of average loans for the first quarter of 2025 compared to 0.26% for the fourth quarter of 2024. The first quarter provision also took into consideration factors such as changes in loan balances, the loan portfolio mix, the outlook for economic conditions and market interest rates, and changes in credit quality metrics, including changes in nonperforming loans, special mention and substandard loans during the period.

Noninterest Income

Noninterest income for the first quarter of 2025 was $2.3 million, a decrease of $434,000 from $2.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2024. This decrease was mostly due to the fourth quarter of 2024 including $258,000 of income from a Bank Enterprise Award grant (included in other income) and lower net gain on sale of loans as compared to the fourth quarter of 2024.

Noninterest Expense

Noninterest expense for the first quarter of 2025 was $18.5 million, an increase of $873,000 from $17.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2024. This increase was mostly due to higher salaries and employee benefits expense of $716,000 attributed to higher payroll taxes and annual pay increases, which are typically reflected in the first quarter of the year. The annualized noninterest expenses to average assets ratio was 1.90% for the first quarter of 2025, up from 1.76% for the fourth quarter of 2024. The efficiency ratio was 65.1% for the first quarter of 2025, up from 61.5% for the fourth quarter of 2024 due mostly to higher noninterest expense.

Income Taxes

The effective tax rate was 28.2% for the first quarter of 2025 and 13.3% for the fourth quarter of 2024. The increase in the effective tax rate for the first quarter was due in part to lower tax credits combined with higher estimated pre-tax net income for the full year of 2025 as compared to the prior quarter.2

Balance Sheet

At March 31, 2025, total assets were $4.0 billion, a $16.9 million increase compared to December 31, 2024, and a $131.4 million increase compared to March 31, 2024.

Loan and Securities Portfolio

Loans held for investment (“HFI”) totaled $3.1 billion as of March 31, 2025, an increase of $89.8 million, or 12% annualized, compared to December 31, 2024 and an increase of $115.7 million, or 3.8%, compared to March 31, 2024. The first quarter of 2025 net loan growth included $201 million in new production with an average yield of 6.77%. When loan sales, charge-offs, and foreclosures totaling $28.6 million are considered, the annualized first quarter net loan growth rate was 16%. The increase from December 31, 2024 was primarily due to a $51.8 million increase in SFR mortgage loans, a $44.0 million increase in commercial real estate (“CRE”) loans, a $6.0 million increase in commercial and industrial (“C&I”) loans and a $3.4 million increase in Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans, partially offset by a $14.4 million decrease in construction and land development (“C&D”) loans. The loan to deposit ratio was 98.4% at March 31, 2025, compared to 97.5% at December 31, 2024 and 98.6% at March 31, 2024.

As of March 31, 2025, available for sale securities totaled $378.2 million, a decrease of $42.0 million from December 31, 2024, primarily related to the net decrease in short-term commercial paper of $41.4 million due to maturity and purchase activity during the first quarter of 2025. As of March 31, 2025, net unrealized losses totaled $25.0 million, a $4.2 million decrease, when compared to net unrealized losses of $29.2 million as of December 31, 2024.

Deposits

Total deposits were $3.1 billion as of March 31, 2025, an increase of $58.8 million, or 7.7% annualized, compared to December 31, 2024 and an increase of $114.3 million, or 3.8%, compared to March 31, 2024. The increase during the first quarter of 2025 was due to a $93.6 million increase in interest-bearing deposits, while noninterest-bearing deposits decreased $34.8 million. The increase in interest-bearing deposits included increases in non-maturity deposits of $58.2 million and time deposits of $35.5 million. Wholesale deposits totaled $158.5 million at March 31, 2025, and $147.5 million at December 31, 2024. Noninterest-bearing deposits totaled $528.2 million and represented 16.8% of total deposits at March 31, 2025 compared to $563.0 million and 18.3% at December 31, 2024.

Credit Quality

Nonperforming assets totaled $64.6 million, or 1.61% of total assets, at March 31, 2025, down from $81.0 million, or 2.03% of total assets, at December 31, 2024. The $16.5 million decrease in nonperforming assets was due to sales totaling $20.0 million and payoffs or paydowns of $1.8 million, partially offset by the addition of one $5.3 million CRE loan placed on nonaccrual status in the first quarter of 2025. Nonperforming assets included one $4.2 million OREO (included in “Accrued interest and other assets”) at March 31, 2025, which was a nonaccrual loan at December 31, 2024.

Special mention loans totaled $64.3 million, or 2.05% of total loans, at March 31, 2025, down from $65.3 million, or 2.14% of total loans, at December 31, 2024. The $1.1 million decrease was primarily due to the upgrade of one $1.7 million CRE loan to a pass-rated loan, offset by the addition of one $578,000 C&I loan. All special mention loans are paying current.

Substandard loans totaled $76.4 million at March 31, 2025, down from $100.3 million at December 31, 2024. This $24.0 million decrease was primarily due to loan sales totaling $11.7 million, transfers to OREO totaling $12.8 million, of which $8.8 million was subsequently sold during the first quarter of 2025, and payoffs and paydowns totaling $5.4 million, partially offset by the downgrade of two loans totaling $6.2 million. Of the total substandard loans at March 31, 2025, there were $16.0 million on accrual status.

30-89 day delinquent loans, excluding nonperforming loans, totaled $5.9 million, or 0.19% of total loans, at March 31, 2025, down from $22.1 million, or 0.72% of total loans, at December 31, 2024. The $16.2 million decrease was mostly due to $16.3 million in loans returning to current status, $2.9 million in SFR mortgage loans included in the bulk sale of several underperforming SFR mortgage loans and $398,000 in paydowns and payoffs, offset by $3.5 million in new delinquent loans.3

As of March 31, 2025, the allowance for credit losses totaled $52.6 million and was comprised of an allowance for loan losses of $51.9 million and a reserve for unfunded commitments of $629,000 (included in “Accrued interest and other liabilities”). This compares to the allowance for credit losses of $48.5 million, comprised of an allowance for loan losses of $47.7 million and a reserve for unfunded commitments of $729,000 at December 31, 2024. The $4.1 million increase in the allowance for credit losses for the first quarter of 2025 was due to a $6.7 million provision for credit losses offset by net charge-offs of $2.6 million. Net charge-offs included $1.4 million related to a bulk sale of $10.8 million in underperforming SFR mortgage loans, of which $6.5 million were on nonaccrual at the end of the year, and $1.2 million related to an $8.8 million loan transferred to OREO and subsequently sold. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of loans HFI increased to 1.65% at March 31, 2025, compared to 1.56% at December 31, 2024, due to an increase in specific reserves. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of nonperforming loans HFI was 86% at March 31, 2025, an increase from 68% at December 31, 2024.

	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2025
*(dollars in thousands)*	Allowance for loan losses			Reserve for unfunded loan commitments			Allowance for credit losses
Beginning balance	$	47,729		$	729		$	48,458
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses		6,846			(100	)		6,746
Less loans charged-off		(2,727	)		—			(2,727	)
Recoveries on loans charged-off		84			—			84
Ending balance	$	51,932		$	629		$	52,561

Shareholders’ Equity

At March 31, 2025, total shareholders’ equity was $510.3 million, a $2.4 million increase compared to December 31, 2024, and a $3.7 million decrease compared to March 31, 2024. The increase in shareholders’ equity for the first quarter of 2025 was due to lower net unrealized losses on available for sale securities of $3.0 million, net income of $2.3 million and equity compensation activity of $43,000, offset by common stock cash dividends paid of $2.9 million. The decrease in shareholders’ equity for the last twelve months was due to common stock repurchases of $19.2 million and dividends paid of $11.6 million on common stock, offset by net income of $20.9 million, lower net unrealized losses on available for sale securities of $3.7 million, and equity compensation activity of $2.5 million. Book value per share and tangible book value per share⁽¹⁾ increased to $28.77 and $24.63 at March 31, 2025, up from $28.66 and $24.51 at December 31, 2024 and up from $27.67 and $23.68 at March 31, 2024.

)

Reconciliations of the non–U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) measures included at the end of this press release.

Corporate Overview

RBB Bancorp is a community-based financial holding company headquartered in Los Angeles, California. As of March 31, 2025, the Company had total assets of $4.0 billion. Its wholly-owned subsidiary, Royal Business Bank, is a full service commercial bank, which provides consumer and business banking services predominately to the Asian-centric communities in Los Angeles County, Orange County, and Ventura County in California, in Las Vegas, Nevada, in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan in New York, in Edison, New Jersey, in the Chicago neighborhoods of Chinatown and Bridgeport, Illinois, and on Oahu, Hawaii. Bank services include remote deposit, E-banking, mobile banking, commercial and investor real estate loans, business loans and lines of credit, commercial and industrial loans, SBA 7A and 504 loans, 1-4 single family residential loans, trade finance, a full range of depository account products and wealth management services. The Bank has nine branches in Los Angeles County, two branches in Ventura County, one branch in Orange County, California, one branch in Las Vegas, Nevada, three branches and one loan operation center in Brooklyn, three branches in Queens, one branch in Manhattan in New York, one branch in Edison, New Jersey, two branches in Chicago, Illinois, and one branch in Honolulu, Hawaii. The Company’s administrative and lending center is located at 1055 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, California 90017, and its operations center is located at 7025 Orangethorpe Ave., Buena Park, California 90621. The Company’s website address is www.royalbusinessbankusa.com.

Conference Call

Management will hold a conference call at 11:00 a.m. Pacific time/2:00 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, to discuss the Company’s first quarter 2025 financial results.

To listen to the conference call, please dial 1-888-506-0062 or 1-973-528-0011, the Participant ID code is 534591, conference ID RBBQ125. A replay of the call will be made available at 1-877-481-4010 or 1-919-882-2331, the passcode is 52277, approximately one hour after the conclusion of the call and will remain available through May 13, 2025.

The conference call will also be simultaneously webcast over the Internet; please visit our Royal Business Bank website at www.royalbusinessbankusa.com and click on the “Investors” tab to access the call from the site. This webcast will be recorded and available for replay on our website approximately two hours after the conclusion of the conference call.

Disclosure

This press release contains certain non-GAAP financial disclosures for tangible common equity and tangible assets and adjusted earnings. The Company uses certain non-GAAP financial measures to provide meaningful supplemental information regarding the Company’s operational performance and to enhance investors’ overall understanding of such financial performance. Please refer to the tables at the end of this release for a presentation of performance ratios in accordance with GAAP and a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to the GAAP financial measures.

Safe Harbor

Certain matters set forth herein (including the exhibits hereto) constitute forward-looking statements relating to the Company’s current business plans and expectations and our future financial position and operating results. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance and/or achievements to differ materially from those projected. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures; the potential for additional material weaknesses in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting or other potential control deficiencies of which the Company is not currently aware or which have not been detected; business and economic conditions generally and in the financial services industry, nationally and within our current and future geographic markets, including the tight labor market, ineffective management of the United States (“U.S.”) federal budget or debt or turbulence or uncertainly in domestic or foreign financial markets; the strength of the U.S. economy in general and the strength of the local economies in which we conduct operations; adverse developments in the banking industry highlighted by high-profile bank failures and the potential impact of such developments on customer confidence, liquidity and regulatory responses to these developments; possible additional provisions for credit losses and charge-offs; credit risks of lending activities and deterioration in asset or credit quality; extensive laws and regulations and supervision that we are subject to, including potential supervisory action by bank supervisory authorities; compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act and other money laundering statutes and regulations; potential goodwill impairment; liquidity risk; failure to comply with debt covenants; fluctuations in interest rates; risks associated with acquisitions and the expansion of our business into new markets; inflation and deflation; real estate market conditions and the value of real estate collateral; the effects of having concentrations in our loan portfolio, including commercial real estate and the risks of geographic and industry concentrations; environmental liabilities; our ability to compete with larger competitors; our ability to retain key personnel; successful management of reputational risk; severe weather, natural disasters, earthquakes, fires, including direct and indirect costs and impacts on clients, the Company and its employees from the January 2025 Los Angeles County wildfires; or other adverse external events could harm our business; geopolitical conditions, including acts or threats of terrorism, actions taken by the U.S. or other governments in response to acts or threats of terrorism and/or military conflicts, including the conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, in the Middle East, and increasing tensions between China and Taiwan, which could impact business and economic conditions in the U.S. and abroad; tariffs, trade policies, and related tensions, which could impact our clients, specific industry sectors, and/or broader economic conditions and financial market; public health crises and pandemics, and their effects on the economic and business environments in which we operate, including our credit quality and business operations, as well as the impact on general economic and financial market conditions; general economic or business conditions in Asia, and other regions where the Bank has operations; failures, interruptions, or security breaches of our information systems; climate change, including any enhanced regulatory, compliance, credit and reputational risks and costs; cybersecurity threats and the cost of defending against them; our ability to adapt our systems to the expanding use of technology in banking; risk management processes and strategies; adverse results in legal proceedings; the impact of regulatory enforcement actions, if any; certain provisions in our charter and bylaws that may affect acquisition of the Company; changes in tax laws and regulations; the impact of governmental efforts to restructure the U.S. financial regulatory system and increased costs of compliance and other risks associated with changes in regulation, including any amendments to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act; the impact of changes in the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance assessment rate and the rules and regulations related to the calculation of the FDIC insurance assessments; the effect of changes in accounting policies and practices or accounting standards, as may be adopted from time-to-time by bank regulatory agencies, the SEC, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other accounting standards setters; fluctuations in the Company’s stock price; restrictions on dividends and other distributions by laws and regulations and by our regulators and our capital structure; our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, and the potential resulting dilution of interests of holders of our common stock; the soundness of other financial institutions; our ongoing relations with our various federal and state regulators, including the SEC, FDIC, FRB and California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation; our success at managing the risks involved in the foregoing items and all other factors set forth in the Company’s public reports, including its Annual Report as filed under Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and particularly the discussion of risk factors within that document. The Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect occurrences or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements except as required by law. Any statements about future operating results, such as those concerning accretion and dilution to the Company’s earnings or shareholders, are for illustrative purposes only, are not forecasts, and actual results may differ.

RBB BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)

	March 31,			December 31,			September 30,			June 30,			March 31,
	2025			2024			2024			2024			2024
Assets
Cash and due from banks	$	25,315		$	27,747		$	26,388		$	23,313		$	21,887
Interest-earning deposits with financial institutions		213,508			229,998			323,002			229,456			247,356
Cash and cash equivalents		238,823			257,745			349,390			252,769			269,243
Interest-earning time deposits with financial institutions		600			600			600			600			600
Investment securities available for sale		378,188			420,190			305,666			325,582			335,194
Investment securities held to maturity		5,188			5,191			5,195			5,200			5,204
Loans held for sale		655			11,250			812			3,146			3,903
Loans held for investment		3,143,063			3,053,230			3,091,896			3,047,712			3,027,361
Allowance for loan losses		(51,932	)		(47,729	)		(43,685	)		(41,741	)		(41,688	)
Net loans held for investment		3,091,131			3,005,501			3,048,211			3,005,971			2,985,673
Premises and equipment, net		24,308			24,601			24,839			25,049			25,363
Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) stock		15,000			15,000			15,000			15,000			15,000
Cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance		60,699			60,296			59,889			59,486			59,101
Goodwill		71,498			71,498			71,498			71,498			71,498
Servicing assets		6,766			6,985			7,256			7,545			7,794
Core deposit intangibles		1,839			2,011			2,194			2,394			2,594
Right-of-use assets		26,779			28,048			29,283			30,530			31,231
Accrued interest and other assets		87,926			83,561			70,644			63,416			65,608
Total assets	$	4,009,400		$	3,992,477		$	3,990,477		$	3,868,186		$	3,878,006
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing demand	$	528,205		$	563,012		$	543,623		$	542,971		$	539,517
Savings, NOW and money market accounts		721,216			663,034			666,089			647,770			642,840
Time deposits, $250,000 and under		1,000,106			1,007,452			1,052,462			1,014,189			1,083,898
Time deposits, greater than $250,000		893,101			850,291			830,010			818,675			762,074
Total deposits		3,142,628			3,083,789			3,092,184			3,023,605			3,028,329
FHLB advances		160,000			200,000			200,000			150,000			150,000
Long-term debt, net of issuance costs		119,624			119,529			119,433			119,338			119,243
Subordinated debentures		15,211			15,156			15,102			15,047			14,993
Lease liabilities – operating leases		28,483			29,705			30,880			32,087			32,690
Accrued interest and other liabilities		33,148			36,421			23,150			16,818			18,765
Total liabilities		3,499,094			3,484,600			3,480,749			3,356,895			3,364,020
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock		260,284			259,957			259,280			266,160			271,645
Additional paid-in capital		3,360			3,645			3,520			3,456			3,348
Retained earnings		263,885			264,460			262,946			262,518			259,903
Non-controlling interest		72			72			72			72			72
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net		(17,295	)		(20,257	)		(16,090	)		(20,915	)		(20,982	)
Total shareholders’ equity		510,306			507,877			509,728			511,291			513,986
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	4,009,400		$	3,992,477		$	3,990,477		$	3,868,186		$	3,878,006

RBB BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
*(In thousands, except share and per share data)*

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2025		December 31, 2024		March 31, 2024
Interest and dividend income:
Interest and fees on loans	$	45,621	$	46,374	$	45,547
Interest on interest-earning deposits		2,014		3,641		5,040
Interest on investment securities		4,136		3,962		3,611
Dividend income on FHLB stock		330		330		331
Interest on federal funds sold and other		235		248		266
Total interest and dividend income		52,336		54,555		54,795
Interest expense:
Interest on savings deposits, NOW and money market accounts		4,468		4,671		4,478
Interest on time deposits		19,084		21,361		23,322
Interest on long-term debt and subordinated debentures		1,632		1,660		1,679
Interest on FHLB advances		989		886		439
Total interest expense		26,173		28,578		29,918
Net interest income before provision for credit losses		26,163		25,977		24,877
Provision for credit losses		6,746		6,000		—
Net interest income after provision for credit losses		19,417		19,977		24,877
Noninterest income:
Service charges and fees		1,017		988		992
Gain on sale of loans		81		376		312
Loan servicing fees, net of amortization		588		492		589
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance		403		407		382
Gain on OREO		—		—		724
Other income		206		466		373
Total noninterest income		2,295		2,729		3,372
Noninterest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits		10,643		9,927		9,927
Occupancy and equipment expenses		2,407		2,403		2,443
Data processing		1,602		1,499		1,420
Legal and professional		1,515		1,355		880
Office expenses		408		399		356
Marketing and business promotion		197		251		172
Insurance and regulatory assessments		730		677		982
Core deposit premium		172		182		201
Other expenses		848		956		588
Total noninterest expense		18,522		17,649		16,969
Income before income taxes		3,190		5,057		11,280
Income tax expense		900		672		3,244
Net income	$	2,290	$	4,385	$	8,036

Net income per share
Basic	$	0.13	$	0.25	$	0.43
Diluted	$	0.13	$	0.25	$	0.43
Cash dividends declared per common share	$	0.16	$	0.16	$	0.16
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
Basic		17,727,712		17,704,992		18,601,277
Diluted		17,770,588		17,796,840		18,666,683

RBB BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET AND NET INTEREST INCOME
(Unaudited)

	For the Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2025							December 31, 2024							March 31, 2024
(tax-equivalent basis,	Average		Interest		Yield /			Average		Interest		Yield /			Average		Interest		Yield /
*dollars in thousands)*	Balance		& Fees		Rate			Balance		& Fees		Rate			Balance		& Fees		Rate
Interest-earning assets
Cash and cash equivalents ⁽¹⁾	$	194,236	$	2,249		4.70	%	$	308,455	$	3,890		5.02	%	$	364,979	$	5,306		5.85	%
FHLB Stock		15,000		330		8.92	%		15,000		330		8.75	%		15,000		331		8.88	%
Securities
Available for sale ⁽²⁾		390,178		4,113		4.28	%		361,253		3,939		4.34	%		320,015		3,589		4.51	%
Held to maturity ⁽²⁾		5,189		49		3.83	%		5,194		48		3.68	%		5,207		46		3.55	%
Total loans ⁽³⁾		3,079,224		45,621		6.01	%		3,059,786		46,374		6.03	%		3,018,423		45,547		6.07	%
Total interest-earning assets		3,683,827	$	52,362		5.76	%		3,749,688	$	54,581		5.79	%		3,723,624	$	54,819		5.92	%
Total noninterest-earning assets		260,508							244,609							246,341
Total average assets	$	3,944,335						$	3,994,297						$	3,969,965

Interest-bearing liabilities
NOW		61,222		321		2.13	%	$	53,879	$	254		1.88	%	$	58,946	$	298		2.03	%
Money market		463,443		3,625		3.17	%		463,850		3,735		3.20	%		411,751		3,526		3.44	%
Saving deposits		155,116		522		1.36	%		162,351		682		1.67	%		157,227		654		1.67	%
Time deposits, $250,000 and under		989,622		10,046		4.12	%		1,034,946		11,583		4.45	%		1,175,804		13,805		4.72	%
Time deposits, greater than $250,000		864,804		9,038		4.24	%		835,583		9,778		4.66	%		785,172		9,517		4.88	%
Total interest-bearing deposits		2,534,207		23,552		3.77	%		2,550,609		26,032		4.06	%		2,588,900		27,800		4.32	%
FHLB advances		176,833		989		2.27	%		200,000		886		1.76	%		150,000		439		1.18	%
Long-term debt		119,562		1,295		4.39	%		119,466		1,295		4.31	%		119,180		1,295		4.37	%
Subordinated debentures		15,175		337		9.01	%		15,121		365		9.60	%		14,957		384		10.33	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities		2,845,777		26,173		3.73	%		2,885,196		28,578		3.94	%		2,873,037		29,918		4.19	%
Noninterest-bearing liabilities
Noninterest-bearing deposits		520,145							539,900							528,346
Other noninterest-bearing liabilities		66,151							56,993							55,795
Total noninterest-bearing liabilities		586,296							596,893							584,141
Shareholders’ equity		512,262							512,208							512,787
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	3,944,335						$	3,994,297						$	3,969,965
Net interest income / interest rate spreads			$	26,189		2.03	%			$	26,003		1.85	%			$	24,901		1.73	%
Net interest margin						2.88	%						2.76	%						2.69	%

Total cost of deposits	$	3,054,352	$	23,552		3.13	%	$	3,090,509	$	26,032		3.35	%	$	3,117,246	$	27,800		3.59	%
Total cost of funds	$	3,365,922	$	26,173		3.15	%	$	3,425,096	$	28,578		3.32	%	$	3,401,383	$	29,918		3.54	%

(1	)	Includes income and average balances for interest-earning time deposits and other miscellaneous interest-earning assets.
(2	)	Interest income and average rates for tax-exempt securities are presented on a tax-equivalent basis.
(3	)	Average loan balances relate to loans held for investment and loans held for sale and include nonaccrual loans. Interest income on loans includes the effects of discount accretion and net deferred loan origination fees and costs accounted for as yield adjustments.

RBB BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(Unaudited)

	At or for the Three Months Ended
	March 31,			December 31,			March 31,
	2025			2024			2024
Per share data (common stock)
Book value	$	28.77		$	28.66		$	27.67
Tangible book value ⁽¹⁾	$	24.63		$	24.51		$	23.68
Performance ratios
Return on average assets, annualized		0.24	%		0.44	%		0.81	%
Return on average shareholders’ equity, annualized		1.81	%		3.41	%		6.30	%
Return on average tangible common equity, annualized ⁽¹⁾		2.12	%		3.98	%		7.37	%
Noninterest income to average assets, annualized		0.24	%		0.27	%		0.34	%
Noninterest expense to average assets, annualized		1.90	%		1.76	%		1.72	%
Yield on average earning assets		5.76	%		5.79	%		5.92	%
Yield on average loans		6.01	%		6.03	%		6.07	%
Cost of average total deposits ⁽²⁾		3.13	%		3.35	%		3.59	%
Cost of average interest-bearing deposits		3.77	%		4.06	%		4.32	%
Cost of average interest-bearing liabilities		3.73	%		3.94	%		4.19	%
Net interest spread		2.03	%		1.85	%		1.73	%
Net interest margin		2.88	%		2.76	%		2.69	%
Efficiency ratio ⁽³⁾		65.09	%		61.48	%		60.07	%
Common stock dividend payout ratio		123.08	%		64.00	%		37.21	%

(1	)	Non-GAAP measure. See Non–GAAP reconciliations set forth at the end of this press release.
(2	)	Total deposits include non-interest bearing deposits and interest-bearing deposits.
(3	)	Ratio calculated by dividing noninterest expense by the sum of net interest income before provision for credit losses and noninterest income.

RBB BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(Unaudited)
*(Dollars in thousands)*

	At or for the quarter ended
	March 31,			December 31,			March 31,
	2025			2024			2024
Credit Quality Data:
Special mention loans	$	64,279		$	65,329		$	20,580
Special mention loans to total loans		2.05	%		2.14	%		0.68	%
Substandard loans HFI	$	76,372		$	89,141		$	57,170
Substandard loans HFS	$	—		$	11,195		$	—
Substandard loans HFI to total loans HFI		2.43	%		2.92	%		1.89	%
Loans 30-89 days past due, excluding nonperforming loans	$	5,927		$	22,086		$	20,950
Loans 30-89 days past due, excluding nonperforming loans, to total loans		0.19	%		0.72	%		0.69	%
Nonperforming loans HFI	$	60,380		$	69,843		$	35,935
Nonperforming loans HFS	$	—		$	11,195		$	—
OREO	$	4,170		$	—		$	1,071
Nonperforming assets	$	64,550		$	81,038		$	37,006
Nonperforming loans HFI to total loans HFI		1.92	%		2.29	%		1.19	%
Nonperforming assets to total assets		1.61	%		2.03	%		0.95	%

Allowance for loan losses	$	51,932		$	47,729		$	41,688
Allowance for loan losses to total loans HFI		1.65	%		1.56	%		1.38	%
Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans HFI		86.01	%		68.34	%		116.01	%
Net charge-offs	$	2,643		$	2,006		$	184
Net charge-offs to average loans		0.35	%		0.26	%		0.02	%

Capital ratios ⁽¹⁾
Tangible common equity to tangible assets ⁽²⁾		11.10	%		11.08	%		11.56	%
Tier 1 leverage ratio		12.07	%		11.92	%		12.16	%
Tier 1 common capital to risk-weighted assets		17.87	%		17.94	%		19.10	%
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets		18.45	%		18.52	%		19.72	%
Total capital to risk-weighted assets		24.41	%		24.49	%		25.91	%

(1	)	March 31, 2025 capital ratios are preliminary.
(2	)	Non-GAAP measure. See Non-GAAP reconciliations set forth at the end of this press release.

RBB BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(Unaudited)

Loan Portfolio Detail	As of March 31, 2025					As of December 31, 2024						As of March 31, 2024
*(dollars in thousands)*	$			%		$			%			$			%
Loans:
Commercial and industrial	$	135,538		4.3	%	$	129,585			4.2	%	$	121,441			4.0	%
SBA		50,651		1.6	%		47,263			1.5	%		54,677			1.8	%
Construction and land development		158,883		5.1	%		173,290			5.7	%		198,070			6.5	%
Commercial real estate ⁽¹⁾		1,245,402		39.6	%		1,201,420			39.3	%		1,178,498			38.9	%
Single-family residential mortgages		1,545,822		49.2	%		1,494,022			48.9	%		1,463,497			48.4	%
Other loans		6,767		0.2	%		7,650			0.4	%		11,178			0.4	%
Total loans ⁽²⁾	$	3,143,063		100.0	%	$	3,053,230			100.0	%	$	3,027,361			100.0	%
Allowance for loan losses		(51,932	)				(47,729	)					(41,688	)
Total loans, net	$	3,091,131				$	3,005,501					$	2,985,673

(1	)	Includes non-farm and non-residential loans, multi-family residential loans and non-owner occupied single family residential loans.
(2	)	Net of discounts and deferred fees and costs of $808, $488, and $474 as of March 31, 2025, December 31, 2024, and March 31, 2024, respectively.

Deposits	As of March 31, 2025				As of December 31, 2024					As of March 31, 2024
*(dollars in thousands)*	$		%		$		%			$		%
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing demand	$	528,205	16.8	%	$	563,012		18.3	%	$	539,517		17.8	%
Savings, NOW and money market accounts		721,216	22.9	%		663,034		21.5	%		642,840		21.2	%
Time deposits, $250,000 and under		863,962	27.5	%		882,438		28.6	%		901,738		29.8	%
Time deposits, greater than $250,000		870,708	27.8	%		827,854		26.8	%		746,611		24.7	%
Wholesale deposits ⁽¹⁾		158,537	5.0	%		147,451		4.8	%		197,623		6.5	%
Total deposits	$	3,142,628	100.0	%	$	3,083,789		100.0	%	$	3,028,329		100.0	%

)

Includes brokered deposits, collateralized deposits from the State of California, and deposits acquired through internet listing services.

Non-GAAP Reconciliations

Tangible Book Value Reconciliations

Tangible book value per share is a non-GAAP disclosure. Management measures tangible book value per share to assess the Company’s capital strength and business performance and believes this is helpful to investors as additional tools for further understanding our performance. The following is a reconciliation of tangible book value to the Company shareholders’ equity computed in accordance with GAAP, as well as a calculation of tangible book value per share as of March 31, 2025, December 31, 2024, and March 31, 2024.


*(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)*	March 31, 2025			December 31, 2024			March 31, 2024
Tangible common equity:
Total shareholders’ equity	$	510,306		$	507,877		$	513,986
Adjustments
Goodwill		(71,498	)		(71,498	)		(71,498	)
Core deposit intangible		(1,839	)		(2,011	)		(2,594	)
Tangible common equity	$	436,969		$	434,368		$	439,894
Tangible assets:
Total assets-GAAP	$	4,009,400		$	3,992,477		$	3,878,006
Adjustments
Goodwill		(71,498	)		(71,498	)		(71,498	)
Core deposit intangible		(1,839	)		(2,011	)		(2,594	)
Tangible assets	$	3,936,063		$	3,918,968		$	3,803,914
Common shares outstanding		17,738,628			17,720,416			18,578,132
Common equity to assets ratio		12.73	%		12.72	%		13.25	%
Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio		11.10	%		11.08	%		11.56	%
Book value per share	$	28.77		$	28.66		$	27.67
Tangible book value per share	$	24.63		$	24.51		$	23.68

Return on Average Tangible Common Equity

Management measures return on average tangible common equity (“ROATCE”) to assess the Company’s capital strength and business performance and believes this is helpful to investors as an additional tool for further understanding our performance. Tangible equity excludes goodwill and other intangible assets (excluding mortgage servicing rights) and is reviewed by banking and financial institution regulators when assessing a financial institution’s capital adequacy. This non-GAAP financial measure should not be considered a substitute for operating results determined in accordance with GAAP and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures used by other companies. The following table reconciles ROATCE to its most comparable GAAP measure:

	Three Months Ended
*(dollars in thousands)*	March 31, 2025			December 31, 2024			March 31, 2024
Net income available to common shareholders	$	2,290		$	4,385		$	8,036
Average shareholders’ equity		512,262			512,208			512,787
Adjustments:
Average goodwill		(71,498	)		(71,498	)		(71,498	)
Average core deposit intangible		(1,951	)		(2,129	)		(2,726	)
Adjusted average tangible common equity	$	438,813		$	438,581		$	438,563
Return on average common equity, annualized		1.81	%		3.41	%		6.30	%
Return on average tangible common equity, annualized		2.12	%		3.98	%		7.37	%

The MIL Network –

April 29, 2025

MIL-OSI Security: Registered Sex Offender Sentenced to 37 Years in Prison for Child Exploitation Crimes

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Alex Kai Tick Chin, 40, of San Francisco, California, was sentenced today to 37 years in prison, to be followed by 20 years of supervised release, for production of child pornography, enticement of a minor, and committing a sex crime against a minor while a registered sex offender.

A federal jury convicted Chin on August 22, 2024, after a three-day trial. Evidence at trial proved that from on or about December 12, 2020, through on or about February 14, 2021, Chin coerced a minor female residing within the Southern District of West Virginia to record and send him sexually explicit images of herself via the Snapchat multimedia instant messaging app. Chin threatened to harm himself if the minor female did not send him sexually explicit images.

Chin exchanged messages with a second minor female during the same time period who also resided within the Southern District of West Virginia, engaging in sexual conversations and soliciting nude images from her as well. Chin also threatened to harm himself in conversations with the second minor female unless she complied with his demands. Chin sent photos and videos of himself to the second minor female, including an image of himself masturbating.

Chin continued to communicate with both minor females until early March 2022, when he drove from California in a white panel van equipped with a mattress to the Southern District of West Virginia. There, he attempted unsuccessfully to meet both minor females in person.

Chin was a registered sex offender at the time of these offenses, and has been since his felony conviction for possession of child pornography in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, on December 27, 2017.

“The defendant was already a convicted sex offender when he targeted these two minor victims online. He groomed them, preyed upon their vulnerabilities, and coerced them into sending him pictures,” said Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston. “He has shown a complete inability to take any responsibility for his own actions or demonstrate any remorse for his conduct, which was reprehensible in this case.”

Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Rada Herrald and Courtney L. Finney prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:22-cr-87.

###

MIL Security OSI –

April 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Repeat Felon who Fought Police Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Firearm Possession

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

NEWNAN, Ga. – Arthur Gene Young, a multi-convicted felon with a history of violence, has been sentenced to federal prison for unlawfully possessing a firearm while resisting police officers in a small west Georgia city.

“Armed felons cannot be allowed to terrorize the citizens of our district,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. “After Young was arrested with a firearm for the third time in two years, local law enforcement wisely sought federal assistance to ensure he would be removed from the community. We will continue to work with our partners at all levels to protect the public from gun violence and repeat violent offenders.”

“The law-abiding citizens of this community are safer because of today’s sentence which will ensure the incarceration of a dangerous criminal and contribute to the restoration of order and peace to this area,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Benjamin Gibbons. “This sentence sends a direct message to criminals that ATF and our local law enforcement partners will investigate violent criminals and protect citizens.”

“The partnership of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies is imperative to help local communities stay safe,” said Bremen Police Department Lieutenant Joshua Newman. “The Bremen Police Department would like to thank all the agencies and law enforcement officers that were involved in this case.”

According to Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, the charges and other information presented in court: On May 2, 2023, less than a month after his release from state prison for other criminal conduct, Arthur Gene Young shoplifted from a pharmacy located in Bremen, Georgia. He returned to the pharmacy the following morning and argued with the store manager. Police officers responded and, upon learning of the earlier shoplifting incident, escorted Young from the store to arrest him. Young refused to obey the officers’ commands and shouted that he would not go back to prison as he fled the scene.

As officers pursued Young through the center of town and towards a church preschool, Young exclaimed that he was armed and demanded to be left alone. As additional officers responded, Young crossed a highway, scaled a berm, and walked onto an active train track. There, he grabbed the wrist and arm of a deputy sheriff who attempted to detain him. Ultimately, Young tripped, giving officers an opportunity to place handcuffs around one of his wrists. But Young fought the officers and refused to comply as the officers attempted to fully cuff him. During the struggle, one of the officers noticed the grip of a loaded 7.65mm semiautomatic pistol in Young’s right pants pocket. The officer managed to secure the weapon before Young was finally handcuffed.

As a multi-convicted felon, Young was legally prohibited from possessing firearms. Young’s decade-long criminal record included convictions for crimes of violence, such as attempted robbery by intimidation and terroristic threats, as well as other offenses. Additionally, at the time of his arrest following the incident at the Bremen pharmacy, Young was under indictment and on pretrial release in three cases brought in 2021 and 2022 charging him with attempted armed robbery, attempted robbery by intimidation, and two counts each of felon in possession of a firearm, aggravated assault, and simple assault.

Arthur Gene Young, 34, of Bremen, Georgia, was sentenced on April 22, 2025, by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy C. Batten, Sr. to 14 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Young was convicted of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person on January 14, 2025, after he pleaded guilty in the middle of a jury trial.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Bremen Police Department. The Haralson County Sheriff’s Office, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, and Georgia State Patrol provided valuable assistance.

Assistant United States Attorneys Theodore S. Hertzberg and Amy M. Palumbo prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce 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.

For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

MIL Security OSI –

April 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Syracuse Man Sentenced for Distribution, Transportation and Possession of Child Pornography

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Paul Mignacca, age 46, of Syracuse, was sentenced today to 78 months in federal prison for distribution, transportation, and possession of child pornography. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig R. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

Between September 2023 and February 2024, Mignacca uploaded several videos of child sexual abuse material to a social media application group chat dedicated to sharing child pornography files, as well as to Mignacca’s private account on an Internet-based filesharing application. Law enforcement arrested Mignacca in April 2024 and seized his electronic devices. Digital forensic analysis revealed that Mignacca possessed more than 3,400 files constituting child pornography.

United States Chief District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also ordered Mignacca to serve a 10-year term of post-incarceration supervised release, to pay a total of $60,000 in restitution to children identified from the child pornography he possessed, and to forfeit the electronic device he used to commit the offenses. Mignacca will also be required to register as a sex offender after his release from prison.

The case was investigated by the FBI’s Albany Division Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, and the New York State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Gillis prosecuted the case as a part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

MIL Security OSI –

April 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Non-Proliferation, Financing for Development & other topics – Daily Press Briefing | United Nations

Source: United Nations (Video News)

Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

Highlights:
Financing for Development
Deputy Secretary-General
Victims of Terrorism Associations’ Network
Trust Fund in Support of Victims of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
International Court of Justice
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Lebanon/Israel
Yemen
Sudan
Afghanistan
Myanmar
Security Council
International Day
Resident Coordinator – Samoa
Financial Contribution
Briefings Today

FINANCING FOR DEVELOPMENT
This morning, the Secretary-General, as you heard, spoke at the Economic and Social Council Forum on Financing for Development.
He said that, as we prepare for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Sevilla in July, we are facing some harsh truths: donors are pulling the plug on aid commitments, the Sustainable Development Goals are dramatically off track and high borrowing costs are draining away public investments.
But, the more dangerous truth is that collaboration is being questioned with the ongoing trade wars. The Secretary-General said trade is a prime example of the benefits of international cooperation, and trade barriers are a clear and present danger to the global economy and sustainable development.
These are tough times, he said, but it is in difficult periods that the imperative for responsible, sustainable investment is even more critical.

DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL
The Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed is in Montevideo, Uruguay. Today, she met with the President of Uruguay, Yamandú Orsi, to discuss the country’s development priorities and their alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Later today, she will meet with several Government Ministers to discuss the partnership between the United Nations and Uruguay. She is also meeting youth groups, civil society, and of course the country team of the United Nations.
And over the weekend, she chaired the annual regional retreat with UN Resident Coordinators from across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Ms. Mohammed will leave Uruguay later today and will be back here tomorrow evening.

VICTIMS OF TERRORISM ASSOCIATIONS’ NETWORK
This morning, our friends at the Office of Counter-Terrorism launched the Victims of Terrorism Associations’ Network. This is an initiative that brings together victims of terrorism and victims’ associations from across the globe to drive collective action to support victims’ rights and needs.
The network aims to provide a safe space for victims and survivors of terrorism to support each other, build resilience and engage as advocates, as educators, and as peacebuilders.
The development of the network was supported by a financial contribution from Spain.
The network was launched during an event this morning – and it is already available on UN Webtv. More information on the website of the office of Counter-terrorism.

Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=28%20April%202025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMJiomcK2rY

MIL OSI Video –

April 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Digital education: tackling cyberbullying by supporting schools and young people, particularly those living with disabilities – E-000859/2025(ASW)
Source: European Parliament

The Commission is committed to the highest standard of protection and empowerment of children offline and online. Bullying is addressed through research, tools and training to support and guide policymakers, school leaders, teachers and educators.

The Commission fosters mutual learning among national policymakers, civil society and social partners through the Working Group on Equality and Values in Education and Training[1], including on topics such as bullying.

The Commission is preparing an Action Plan to combat the growing trend of cyberbullying, leveraging on the current legal, policy and funding measures which will be adopted in the first half of 2025.

Cyberbullying will also be addressed under the Guidelines on Art. 28 of the Digital Services Act (DSA)[2] in the summer of 2025. The Commission will also launch the first-ever EU-wide inquiry on the impact of social media on the well-being and mental health of young people in the second half of 2025.

In parallel, under the Better Internet Kids (BIK+)[3] strategy, the co-funded network of Safer Internet Centres, with the EU-funded BIK platform[4], develops campaigns and provides assistance on cyberbullying for children, parents and teachers in Member States. One example is the French helpline 3018[5].

Moreover, the Digital Education Action Plan (2021-2027)[6] aims to ensure that all learners, including those with disabilities, have the digital literacy skills to safely engage with online content and to recognise risks and can make informed, safe and respectful choices when online.

The Commission published Guidelines for teachers and educators on tackling disinformation and promoting digital literacy through education and training in 2022[7].

Lastly, the Commission’s digital education agenda is supported through Erasmus+[8] and the European Solidarity Corps[9] programmes.
- [1] https://education.ec.europa.eu/about-eea/working-groups
- [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32022R2065
- [3] COM/2022/212 final.
- [4] https://www.betterInternetforkids.eu
- [5] https://e-enfance.org/le3018/
- [6] https://education.ec.europa.eu/focus-topics/digital-education/action-plan
- [7] https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/a224c235-4843-11ed-92ed-01aa75ed71a1/language-en
- [8] https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/
- [9] https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity_en
MIL OSI Europe News –
April 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM to participate in YUGM Conclave on 29th April

Source: Government of India

PM to participate in YUGM Conclave on 29th April

In line with Prime Minister’s vision of a self-reliant and innovation-led India, key projects related to Innovation will be initiated during the Conclave

Conclave aims to catalyze large-scale private investment in India’s innovation ecosystem

Deep Tech Startup Showcase at the Conclave will feature cutting-edge innovations from across India

Posted On: 28 APR 2025 7:07PM by PIB Delhi

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will participate in YUGM Conclave on 29th April, at around 11 AM, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. He will also address the gathering on the occasion.

YUGM (meaning “confluence” in Sanskrit) is a first-of-its-kind strategic conclave convening leaders from government, academia, industry, and the innovation ecosystem. It will contribute to India’s innovation journey, driven by a collaborative project of around Rs 1,400 crore with joint investment from the Wadhwani Foundation and Government Institutions.

In line with Prime Minister’s vision of a self-reliant and innovation-led India, various key projects will be initiated during the conclave. They include Superhubs at IIT Kanpur (AI & Intelligent Systems) and IIT Bombay (Biosciences, Biotechnology, Health & Medicine); Wadhwani Innovation Network (WIN) Centers at top research institutions to drive research commercialization; and partnership with Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) for jointly funding late-stage translation projects and promoting research and innovation.

The conclave will also include High-level Roundtables and Panel Discussions involving government officials, top industry and academic leaders; action-oriented dialogue on enabling fast-track translation of research into impact; a Deep Tech Startup Showcase featuring cutting-edge innovations from across India; and exclusive networking opportunities across sectors to spark collaborations and partnerships.

The Conclave aims to catalyze large-scale private investment in India’s innovation ecosystem; accelerate research-to-commercialization pipelines in frontier tech; strengthen academia-industry-government partnerships; advance national initiatives like ANRF and AICTE Innovation; democratize innovation access across institutions; and foster a national innovation alignment toward Viksit Bharat@2047.

***

MJPS/VJ

(Release ID: 2124948) Visitor Counter : 165

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 29, 2025
MIL-OSI: Lightspark: Built for the Next Century of Money
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

LOS ANGELES, April 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Three years ago, Lightspark started with a simple conviction: The way money moves should match the speed, openness, and intelligence of the Internet itself. Since then, the world has responded to a new kind of value — digital, borderless, and instant. But the infrastructure to move that value remains outdated, closed, cumbersome, and expensive.

Everything Lightspark does aims to change that.

Today, Lightspark unveils a bold new identity that reflects who they are and where they’re going. It’s a system designed for developers ready to move beyond the constraints of legacy infrastructure and toward faster, more innovative, and more open payments.

A Brand Built for the Network Lightspark’s Building

Lightspark’s new identity reflects how money is evolving. Not just a new logo or color palette – it’s a design system built to move as dynamically as the network behind it. Lightspark has rethought everything — from typography to motion — to echo the principles that drive us: open access, instant settlement, global reach. This is the new face of a faster financial future. Powered by Bitcoin and built on the Money Grid.

Lightspark’s technology is already powering some of the most important financial experiences in the world:
- Instant Bitcoin payments on Coinbase
- Seamless payouts via UMA between the US, Mexico, Latin America, Asia and Europe
- Real-time settlement for exchanges, wallets, and digital banks
- Stablecoin issuance on Bitcoin via Spark
The New Mark: Beyond the Bolt

Lightspark is moving beyond the lightning bolt. The new mark signals the origin point of the Money Grid — inspired by the Cartesian co-ordinate system’s X, Y, and Z axes and the Right-Hand Rule from physics, a principle used in electromagnetism that connects to light waves—a nod to Lightspark’s name and mission. The design symbolizes precision, direction, and interconnected movement, reinforcing the role in powering a more efficient and intelligent global financial network. More than a symbol. It’s a navigation point for the Money Grid.

Typography: Precision, Clarity, and Scale

At the foundation of Lightspark’s new identity is Suisse Int’l—a modern interpretation of the classic Swiss Grotesk. Chosen for its clean geometry, timeless clarity, and international versatility, it reflects the qualities Lightspark values in the infrastructure built: strength, reliability, and precision.

Suisse Int’l brings a functional elegance that allows information, not decoration, to lead. Its wide range of weights, global character support, and structural harmony make it ideal for scaling across surfaces, from product UIs to international campaigns. It’s a typographic system built for clear communication at scale, designed to move as fluidly as the Money Grid Lightspark is powering.

A Palette Built to Move

Money doesn’t stop at borders — and neither does Lightspark’s color system. Designed to be bold, expressive, and highly functional, Lightspark’s palette reflects the extensible nature of the Money Grid itself. This is a working color system from high-visibility colors used in interfaces and signals, like Spark, Universal Money Address, and Connect, to a range of neutral tones for structure and contrast. One that scales across products, touchpoints, and cultures. The palette is clean where it needs to be, and loud when necessary. It’s built for scale and flexible enough to adapt to how color is seen, felt, and used across cultures.

Bringing it all Together

The future doesn’t need to be imagined; it’s here. With Lightspark’s partners – digital banks, crypto exchanges, non-custodial wallets, developers, marketplaces, and the entrepreneurs shaping the Money Grid – Lightspark is just getting started.

The MIL Network –
April 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Washington Man Indicted for Abusive Sexual Contact and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Spokane, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced that on April 2, 2025, a federal grand jury for the Eastern District of Washington returned an indictment charging Michael R. Trout, 45, with Abusive Sexual Contact of a Minor, Receipt and Possession of Child Pornography, and Commission of a Felony Sex Offense by an Individual Required to Register as a Sex Offender.

Trout was arrested by federal and state law enforcement officers and made his initial appearance in federal court on April 4, 2025.

In late January 2025, the Investigative Services Branch of the National Park Service received a report of an assault that had occurred between July 18 and July 23, 2024, in Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area.

Trout has prior Washington State convictions for Rape and Burglary with Sexual Motivation. Because of these convictions, Trout was required under state and federal law to register as a sex offender.

If members of the public have any information regarding related crimes that Trout may have committed, they are encouraged to call the NPS crime tip line at 888-653-0009, email nps_isb@nps.gov, or submit a tip online.

This case is being investigated jointly by Nation Park Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the Washington State Patrol, and Spokane Police Department, as part of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ann T. Wick.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

2:25-cr-00050-TOR

MIL Security OSI –

April 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: California Man Arrested and Charged with Sexual Exploitation of a Child

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Devin Ravine, a/k/a Derek Johnson, age 20, of Riverside, California, was arrested on Friday on charges of sexual exploitation of a child. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

According to a criminal complaint, from on or about March 30, 2025 through April 1, 2025, Ravine persuaded and induced a Rensselaer County minor to create child sexual abuse material, which the child then sent to Ravine over the Internet. The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

United States Attorney Sarcone stated: “This case is the result of what I like to call ‘Operation It’s Not Your Fault’ – FBI agents visit schools all over the Northern District of New York to educate students about internet safety and sextortion. Our hope is to help students avoid these terrible situations, and also to encourage them to come forward if they believe they are a victim of a crime. Students may be embarrassed, ashamed, feeling that they’re at fault, afraid to tell their parents, and one of our messages is – no, it’s not your fault, and you should tell us if there are predators who have targeted you.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Tremaroli stated: “This case truly exemplifies the strength and reach of the FBI. It should also put predators on notice, as it doesn’t matter where you’re committing these heinous crimes, we will use every resource we have to find you and ensure you can never hurt another child again.”

Ravine made an initial appearance on Friday in the Central District of California and has a detention hearing there scheduled for tomorrow. He faces at least 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a supervised release term of at least 5 years and up to life. Ravine may also be ordered to pay restitution to the victim of his offense and forfeit any devices used in the offense. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. Ravine would also have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

The FBI Albany Field Office is investigating this case with assistance from the FBI Riverside Field Office, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Rick Belliss and Mikayla Espinosa are prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

MIL Security OSI –

April 29, 2025
MIL-OSI: Optery Wins Best Service for Attack Surface Management in the 13th Annual Global InfoSec Awards at RSAC 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SAN FRANCISCO, April 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Optery has won the Best Service for Attack Surface Management award from Cyber Defense Magazine (CDM), the industry’s leading electronic information security magazine. Now in its thirteenth year, the Global InfoSec Awards recognize cybersecurity companies with innovative and compelling solutions that push the industry forward.

“Data broker exposure, now officially part of the enterprise attack surface, is a huge security risk for organizations,” said Paul Mander, General Manager of Optery for Business. “The recent Black Basta leaks confirmed what we’ve long known—cybercriminals actively use data broker sites for reconnaissance and targeting. Optery delivers the most comprehensive and scalable solution for finding and eliminating employee PII exposure across these sites. In doing so, we help businesses dramatically reduce their attack surface for social engineering, credential compromise, and other PII-based threats. We’re honored to be recognized by Cyber Defense Magazine in this critical category.”

“We scoured the globe looking for cybersecurity innovators that could make a huge difference and potentially help turn the tide against the exponential growth in cyber-crime. Optery is absolutely worthy of this coveted award and consideration for deployment in your environment,” said Yan Ross, Global Editor of Cyber Defense Magazine.

We’re thrilled to be a member of this exceptional group of winners, located here: http://www.cyberdefenseawards.com/

Optery will be at RSAC 2025 providing live demos on how Optery’s patented technology works at booth N-6467 in the North Moscone Convention Center.

About Optery
Optery is the first company to offer a free report with dozens of screenshots showing where your personal information is being posted by hundreds of data brokers online, and the first to offer IT teams a completely self-service platform for finding and removing employee personal information from the web. Optery subscription plans automatically remove customers from these sites, clearing your home address, phone number, email, and other personal information from the Internet at scale. The service provides users with a proactive defense against escalating PII-based threats such as phishing and other social engineering attacks, credential compromise, identity fraud, doxing, and harassment. Optery has completed its AICPA SOC 2, Type II security attestation, and distinguishes itself with unparalleled search technology, data removal automation, visual evidence-based before-and-after reporting, data broker coverage, and API integration options. Optery was awarded “Editors’ Choice” by PCMag.com as the most outstanding product in the personal data removal category in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, received Fast Company’s Next Big Things in Tech award for security and privacy in 2023, was named winner in the Employee Privacy Protection, Attack Surface Management, and Digital Footprint Management categories of the 2024 and 2025 Cybersecurity Excellence Awards, and received the Top InfoSec Innovator Award for Attack Surface Management by Cyber Defense Magazine in 2024. Hundreds of thousands of people and hundreds of businesses use Optery to prevent attacks and keep their personal information off the Internet. Learn more at https://www.optery.com/.

About the Global InfoSec Awards
This is Cyber Defense Magazine’s thirteenth year of honoring InfoSec innovators from around the Globe. Our submission requirements are for any startup, early stage, later stage, or public companies in the INFORMATION SECURITY (INFOSEC) space who believe they have a unique and compelling value proposition for their product or service. Learn more at www.cyberdefenseawards.com

About the Judging
The judges are CISSP, FMDHS, CEH, certified security professionals who voted based on their independent review of the company submitted materials on the website of each submission including but not limited to data sheets, white papers, product literature and other market variables. CDM has a flexible philosophy to find more innovative players with new and unique technologies, than the one with the most customers or money in the bank. CDM is always asking “What’s Next?” so we are looking for best of breed, next generation InfoSec solutions.

About Cyber Defense Magazine
Cyber Defense Magazine is the premier source of cyber security news and information for InfoSec professions in business and government. We are managed and published by and for ethical, honest, passionate information security professionals. Our mission is to share cutting-edge knowledge, real-world stories and awards on the best ideas, products, and services in the information technology industry. We deliver electronic magazines every month online for free, and special editions exclusively for the RSA Conferences. CDM is a proud member of the Cyber Defense Media Group. Learn more about us at https://www.cyberdefensemagazine.com and visit https://www.cyberdefensetv.com and https://www.cyberdefenseradio.com to see and hear some of the most informative interviews of many of these winning company executives. Join a webinar at https://www.cyberdefensewebinars.com and realize that infosec knowledge is power.

Optery Media Inquiries
Sara Trammell
sara@optery.com

CDM Media Inquiries:
Contact: Irene Noser, Marketing Executive
Email: marketing@cyberdefensemagazine.com
Toll Free (USA): 1-833-844-9468
International: 1-646-586-9545
Website: www.cyberdefensemagazine.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0c5138f0-3846-4d00-8e79-e7bfb8fea02b

The MIL Network –

April 29, 2025
MIL-OSI: MEXC Announces the Listing of MilkyWay (MILK) with 448,000 MILK and 50,000 USDT Prize Pool

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

VICTORIA, Seychelles, April 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, announces the upcoming listing of MilkyWay (MILK) on April 29, 2025 (UTC). To celebrate this significant addition to the exchange, MEXC is launching a special event with a prize pool of 448,000 MILK and 50,000 USDT for both new and existing users.

MilkyWay is a next-generation restaking protocol addressing security fragmentation across modular blockchains. As a liquid staking solution within the Celestia ecosystem and the leading restake protocol under Initia, it allows staked assets to secure multiple chains while improving capital efficiency through liquid staking (milkTIA) and AVS integration. It is currently integrated with over 10 DeFi protocols, including Osmosis, Levana, and Mars, offering users services such as trading, leverage, lending, and yield farming.MilkyWay’s TVL currently reaches $190 million.

$MILK is the governance token of the MilkyWay ecosystem. Holders can stake to support network security, vote on proposals, and earn rewards through staking, liquidity incentives, and ecosystem growth. 10% of the total supply is airdropped to Celestia TIA stakers as a tribute to early supporters.

To celebrate the listing, MEXC will launch an Airdrop+ event from April 28, 2025, 13:00 to May 8, 2025, 10:00 (UTC). The event includes the following benefits:
Benefit 1: Deposit and share 336,000 MILK (New user exclusive)
Benefit 2: Futures Challenge — Trade to share 50,000 USDT in Futures bonus (For all users)
Benefit 3: Invite new users and share 112,000 MILK (For all users)

The listing of MilkyWay (MILK) is just the latest example of MEXC’s dedication to bringing the most innovative and timely assets to its platform. According to the latest TokenInsight report, from November 1, 2024, to February 15, 2025, MEXC led the industry with an impressive 461 spot listings. During each bi-weekly period, MEXC maintained a high listing frequency, consistently ranking among the top six exchanges and demonstrating its ability to capture market trends quickly. To date, MEXC has listed more than 3,000 digital assets. MEXC will continue to maintain its industry-leading listing efficiency, innovate, and expand its offerings, ensuring users have access to the best opportunities in the ever-evolving crypto landscape.

For full event details and participation rules, visit here.

About MEXC
Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Serving over 36 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, everyday airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.
MEXC Official Website｜ X ｜ Telegram ｜How to Sign Up on MEXC

Risk Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article regarding cryptocurrencies does not constitute investment advice. Given the highly volatile nature of the cryptocurrency market, investors are encouraged to carefully assess market fluctuations, the fundamentals of projects, and potential financial risks before making any trading decisions.

Source

Contact:
Lucia Hu
lucia.hu@mexc.com

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

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

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/73192371-340b-4487-b735-2023126ae5f7

The MIL Network –

April 29, 2025
MIL-OSI: Bitget Drops Exclusive LALIGA Skins: Trade in Style with Barça, Real Madrid & More

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

VICTORIA, Seychelles, April 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has launched its innovative “Your Team, Your Skin: LALIGA on Bitget“ campaign in a move that blends the thrill of football with the excitement of crypto trading. The product update allows users to deck out their Bitget app with their favorite LALIGA team logo and compete for rewards, proving that in crypto, as in football, passion and strategy go hand in hand.

Bitget, known for pushing the boundaries of user engagement, has leveled up its game by integrating LALIGA’s iconic team designs into its app interface. Now, traders can wear their team’s pride on their digital sleeves with this new trading kit. Whether you’re a die-hard FC Barcelona fan or ride with Real Madrid, your Bitget app can now feature your team’s logo.

“We’re giving crypto enthusiasts a new way to show off their team spirit while they trade,” said Gracy Chen, Chief Executive Officer at Bitget. “Think of it as the ultimate crossover—where your trading app becomes as personalized as your fantasy football lineup. This campaign is a hat trick of engagement, personalization, and fun; whether you’re here for the trading or the trophies, there’s something for every fan.”

This isn’t just a cosmetic upgrade—it’s a full-blown competition. Users earn points by completing gamified tasks tied to their chosen team, with weekly leaderboards tracking the top performers. The more you trade, the higher your team climbs. And just like in football, every point counts.

Getting in on the action is simple yet thrilling. First, fans can personalize their Bitget trading experience by selecting their favorite LALIGA team’s iconic crests, transforming the app interface into a digital tribute to their football passion. Then the real competition begins: users earn points for their chosen squad by completing trading challenges and engaging with the platform, creating an exciting crossover between crypto activity and team pride. The stakes get higher each week as updated leaderboards showcase which club’s supporters are dominating the competition, blending trading prowess with undying fandom in a way that’s never been done before.

LALIGA’s reputation for innovation and global appeal aligns perfectly with Bitget’s mission to make crypto trading more interactive and engaging. By blending sports fandom with financial markets, Bitget is redefining how users interact with their trading platforms, proving that crypto doesn’t have to be all charts and numbers. Sometimes, it’s about bragging rights too.

The “Your Team, Your Skin” campaign is now live in the Bitget app. Download, customize, and start earning points today. Who said crypto trading couldn’t have a little fútbol flair?

About Bitget

Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 100 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.

Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f7e187b7-cdfe-4cc7-9410-ec2319c1a0f9

The MIL Network –

April 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: The list of key settlements consists of more than half small towns and villages

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

According to the Presidential Decree on the national development goals of the country, by 2030 the quality of the living environment in key settlements should increase by 30% and by 60% by 2036. This work is being carried out under the national project “Infrastructure for Life”, said Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

“The unified list of support centers includes 2,160 settlements. Taking into account the adjacent territories, they cover almost the entire country in terms of population. Among them are all agglomerations and administrative centers of regions – 212 settlements. Also included are 183 other centers where large investment projects are being implemented, 217 strategic settlements that ensure national security, as well as 1,548 settlements servicing the adjacent territory. Thus, more than half of the support centers are small towns, urban-type settlements and villages. All support settlements will be included in the development program aimed at improving the quality of life of citizens,” said Marat Khusnullin.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, this program will cover 16 areas, including housing provision, resettlement of dilapidated buildings, improving the quality of public services, improving the condition of the road network and public transport, increasing transport connectivity, building social infrastructure, landscaping, connecting to gas, providing access to the Internet, and closing unauthorized landfills.

Infrastructure bonds, treasury infrastructure loans, which will replace infrastructure budget and special treasury loans (IBK and STK), as well as a mechanism for writing off regional debt on budget loans, are provided for the development of key settlements.

Ilshat Shagiakhmetov, General Director of the Territorial Development Fund, noted that during the period of validity of infrastructure budget and special treasury loans since 2022, regions have appreciated the convenience and flexibility of these instruments.

“Today, in Russia, thanks to the IBC and SKK programs, operated by the fund, work has been completed on more than 630 objects and events. Residents of large cities and small towns receive better quality utilities, modern social institutions, renovated roads and public transport fleets. Moreover, the new infrastructure has a positive impact on other areas. Residential areas are developing, new jobs are appearing, more private investment is attracted. And this is an integral part of the socio-economic development of each region of our country. The new mechanism of treasury infrastructure loans will serve the same goals aimed at improving the quality of life in the regions,” Ilshat Shagiakhmetov emphasized.

Different priorities are envisaged for different supporting settlements. Thus, small towns and villages require accelerated development of social infrastructure to reduce the outflow of population. Agglomerations and administrative centers need help with increasing the efficiency of the economy by strengthening agglomeration ties, increasing capital investments in scientific, technological and innovative development, and increasing the efficiency of infrastructure use. In strategic settlements, it is necessary to ensure a quality of living environment sufficient for maintaining and increasing the population, and to support projects to diversify the economy, which depends on the narrow specialization of city-forming enterprises. In the centers of implementation of large investment projects, accelerated development of transport, energy and utilities infrastructure is required, as well as housing construction to attract personnel.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

April 28, 2025
MIL-OSI: Clear Blue Technologies International to provide Corporate Update and Report Fiscal 2024 Financial Results and Host Conference Call on Thursday, May 1st, 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TORONTO, April 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Clear Blue Technologies International Inc. (TSXV: CBLU) the Smart Off-Grid™ Company, today announces that it will provide a corporate update and also report financial results for its fiscal 2024 on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, after the market closes.

Welcome to Clear Blue 2.0!

Clear Blue has successfully completed its financial restructuring and is now positioned to move forward and execute on the opportunity ahead. The Company has been very busy. Clear Blue will host a conference call on Thursday, May 1st, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time, to review the financial restructuring, the Company’s 2024 results, and to provide an update on its 2025 outlook and growth plan going forward. Those interested can register at:

Registration Link

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yLCwKEZnTLKhrAlYtqG51g

Final TSX-V Approval

On April 9, 2025, the Company announced the final piece of its financial restructuring – a transaction with RE Royalties that replaced its banking loan. The TSX-V has now approved the issuance of 1,388,889 units of equity units. Each unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant. Units were priced at CAD 0.18 per share, and each warrant is exercisable at CAD 0.30 for 24 months

About Clear Blue Technologies International

Clear Blue Technologies International, the Smart Off-Grid™ company, was founded on a vision of delivering clean, managed, “wireless power” to meet the global need for reliable, low-cost, solar and hybrid power for lighting, telecom, security, Internet of Things devices, and other mission-critical systems. Today, Clear Blue has thousands of systems under management across 37 countries, including the U.S. and Canada. (TSXV: CBLU) (FRA: 0YA) (OTCQB: CBUTF)

Legal Disclaimer:

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

For more information, contact:

Miriam Tuerk, Co-Founder and CEO
+1 416 433 3952
miriam@clearbluetechnologies.com
www.clearbluetechnologies.com/en/investors

The MIL Network –

April 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: On April 28, Mikhail Mishustin will take part in the educational marathon “Knowledge.First”

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

On April 28, Mikhail Mishustin will take part in the federal educational marathon “Knowledge.First”. The topic of the speech of the Chairman of the Government is “The Economy of Victory: the industrial breakthrough of the USSR in 1941-1945 and the achievements of modern Russia”. Mikhail Mishustin will also answer questions from the audience.

The speech will be broadcast on the Russia 24 channel, as well as on the Government’s official Internet resources:

“VKontakte”: HTTP: //vk.kom/gov

Telegram: HTTPS: //t. TA/MENGENCE_RURUS

YouTube: HTTP: //vv. Yutub.ku.kuer/ Government

Rutube: https: //rutuba.ru/channel/24624174/

“Classmates”: HTTPS: //ok.ru/gov

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

April 28, 2025
MIL-OSI: BYDFi Lists SIGN/USDT Trading Pair with $5,000 Prize Pool
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

VICTORIA, Seychelles, April 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The global cryptoc exchange BYDFi officially listed the SIGN token and opened trading for the SIGN/USDT spot pair. To celebrate the launch, BYDFi has introduced a $5,000 prize pool, open to all participating traders.

SIGN: Reinventing Trust in Web3

Developed by Sign Protocol, SIGN is built on the Ethereum ecosystem and focuses on providing trusted certification infrastructure for Web3. Its core products include Signatures, enabling on-chain agreement signing, and TokenTable, a token distribution management tool. To date, Sign Protocol has supported over 200 projects, generating a cumulative revenue of $15 million.

The project has also achieved remarkable success in community building, establishing the “Orange Dynasty” — a vibrant community of over 50,000 members — through its unique orange culture and an SBT-based incentive system. Sign Protocol has completed $28 million in financing, backed by leading investors including Sequoia Capital, Animoca Brands, and YZi Labs.

$SIGN serves as the native token within the Sign ecosystem, playing a vital role in governance, staking, and transaction fee payments, and forming a key pillar of the project’s certification and security system.

Launch Celebration: $5,000 in Rewards for Traders

Starting today, users trading SIGN/USDT on BYDFi are eligible to share in the $5,000 prize pool. In addition, new users can participate in an exclusive 8,100 USDT giveaway by completing simple tasks. Full details are available in the official BYDFi announcement.

About BYDFi

Since its launch in 2020, BYDFi has served over 1,000,000 users across 190+ countries and regions. Recognized as one of Forbes’ Top 10 Global Crypto Exchanges, BYDFi holds multiple MSB licenses, is a member of the Korea CODE VASP Alliance, and is verified by CoinMarketCap and CoinGecko — consistently maintaining the highest standards of compliance and transparency.

As an official sponsor of Token2049 Dubai, BYDFi continues to engage with the global Web3 community, bringing users and partners together for offline discussions that are shaping the future of Web3. BYDFi remains committed to delivering a world-class crypto trading experience for every user. BUIDL Your Dream Finance
- Website: https://www.bydfi.com
- Support Email: cs@bydfi.com
- Business Partnerships: bd@bydfi.com
- Media Inquiries: media@bydfi.com
Twitter( X )| LinkedIn| Facebook | Telegram| YouTube

The MIL Network –
April 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Office of Licensing Authority of Home Affairs Department steps up enforcement actions against unlicensed guesthouses during Easter holidays and before Labour Day holidays (with photo)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Office of Licensing Authority of Home Affairs Department steps up enforcement actions against unlicensed guesthouses during Easter holidays and before Labour Day holidays (with photo)
A spokesman for the OLA said, “Based on intelligence gathered, the OLA carried out surprise inspections on 12 premises. Ten premises were suspected of operating unlicensed hotels or guesthouses. The OLA will initiate prosecution on cases with sufficient evidence after completion of the investigation.”

The spokesman stressed, “Operating unlicensed hotels or guesthouses is a criminal offence, and such an offence leads to a criminal record upon conviction. According to the Hotel and Guesthouse Accommodation Ordinance, an offender is liable to three years’ imprisonment and a maximum fine of $500,000. A fine of $20,000 for each day can also be imposed during which the offence continues. A six-month closure order may also be issued for a hotel or guesthouse involved in a repeated offence.”

Apart from conducting special operations during festive seasons, the OLA also steps up efforts to combat unlicensed guesthouses via online platforms. The OLA has strengthened its intelligence collection by forming a dedicated team to browse webpages, mobile applications, social media, discussion forums, etc, to search for information and intelligence on suspected unlicensed guesthouses. The OLA’s law enforcement officers will initiate follow-up investigations when information of unlicensed guesthouses advertised via online platforms is found. The OLA also conducts publicity work on Internet search engines outside Hong Kong to enable tourists’ access to the information provided by the OLA in the course of planning their trips to Hong Kong.

Tourists and members of the public can make use of the search functions on the OLA’s website to check whether the hotel or guesthouse concerned is licensed or not. Any suspected unlicensed hotel or guesthouse should be reported to the OLA by the hotline (Tel: 2881 7498), by email (hadlaenq@had.gov.hkIssued at HKT 17:00

NNNN

CategoriesMIL-OSI

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 28, 2025
MIL-OSI: MEXC DEX+ Unveils Upgrade: One-Click Wallet Access Redefines Web3 Trading
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

VICTORIA, Seychelles, April 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a global leader in cryptocurrency trading, has upgraded the feature for MEXC DEX+, enabling users to register and log in seamlessly using external Web3 wallets such as MetaMask, Phantom, Trust Wallet, and TronLink. By leveraging wallet addresses as account identifiers, this innovation eliminates email or phone verification, delivering instant access to a unified CEX-DEX trading experience. Combining the robust liquidity of centralized exchanges (CEX) with the flexibility of decentralized exchanges (DEX), MEXC is redefining Web3 trading, empowering users worldwide to embrace the future of finance.

Wallet as Identity: Seamless Trading Redefined

MEXC DEX+’s external wallet registration feature prioritizes user experience, transforming the ease and flexibility of crypto trading. Key highlights include:
- Sign Up and Trade in Seconds: Connect MetaMask, Phantom, Trust Wallet, or TronLink, sign, and create an MEXC account with a unique on-chain identity in just 3 seconds—no email or phone required.
- Unified CEX-DEX Experience: Link an external wallet to manage CEX and DEX assets effortlessly. Move wallet assets to CEX for trading with one click, with trading tiers and VIP benefits syncing seamlessly across platforms.
- Effortless Multi-Chain Trading: Support for SOL, BSC, Base, Tron, and more empowers users to capitalize on market opportunities across blockchains anytime, anywhere.
Robust Security: Protecting Your Assets

In the Web3 era, protecting users’ assets is critical. MEXC DEX+ delivers ironclad security through advanced, multi-layered defenses, ensuring users’ funds are safe and providing true peace of mind with a “wallet as identity” experience:
- Three-Factor Security: Withdrawals require bot detection, two-factor authentication (via SMS, email, or Google Authenticator, choose two), and an on-chain signature for bulletproof account security.
- Full Private Key Control: Users retain full control of their private keys, guaranteeing decentralized protection and complete account sovereignty.
MEXC DEX+’s external wallet connection feature opens a decentralized trading gateway for all users including crypto novices or seasoned traders. It seamlessly integrates centralized exchange (CEX) liquidity with decentralized exchange (DEX) flexibility, enabling efficient Web3 trading with enhanced account security and control.

“This upgrade strengthens MEXC’s commitment to Web3,” said Tracy Jin, COO of MEXC. “By connecting CEX and DEX, we are fostering a secure, user-friendly trading environment to support the global growth of decentralized finance.”

Start trading today. Visit MEXC DEX+ to link your MetaMask, Trust Wallet, or other supported wallets.

Reminder: Always connect your wallet through MEXC’s official channels and never share your seed phrase or private key.

About MEXC

Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto”. Serving over 36 million users across 170+ countries and regions, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, frequent airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.

For more information, visit: MEXC Website｜X｜Telegram｜How to Sign Up on MEXC
For media inquiries, please contact MEXC PR Manager Lucia Hu: lucia.hu@mexc.com

Source

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

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

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/df3f59f6-e809-44c6-9d85-ed6dcee42d2c

The MIL Network –
April 28, 2025
MIL-OSI: Synaptics Unveils First Veros™ Wi-Fi 7 Family Tailored for the IoT
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SAN JOSE, Calif., April 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Synaptics^® Incorporated (Nasdaq: SYNA) announced it has extended its Veros wireless portfolio with its first family of Wi-Fi^® 7 systems-on-chips (SoCs) tailored for the Internet of Things (IoT). Comprising the SYN4390 and SYN4384, the scalable offering supports bandwidths up to 320 MHz to deliver 5.8 Gbps peak speed and low latency. The triple-combo SoCs integrate Wi-Fi 7 with Bluetooth^® 6.0 and Zigbee/Thread, support Matter, and are designed to minimize system cost and power consumption. They target IoT applications requiring reliable performance-over-range for enhanced user experiences across use cases that include 8K video streaming, interactive gaming, security monitoring, immersive AR/VR, and home and automotive entertainment.

Wi-Fi 7’s multi-link operation (MLO) allows the devices to send and receive a data stream using multiple frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz) simultaneously in support of low latency, reliable connections, and high throughput for real-time applications like video calls and gaming. Synaptics’ architecture provides a power-efficient, cost-effective way to deliver the benefits of MLO.

“Growing adoption of Wi-Fi 7 in wireless networking infrastructure has created an opportunity to address a massive and diverse array of Wi-Fi 7-enabled IoT end-user devices by extending our Veros portfolio,” said Venkat Kodavati, SVP and GM of Wireless Products at Synaptics. “We are bringing the benefits of Wi-Fi 7 in a versatile solution for high-performance, low-power IoT devices. Combined with the ease of integration with our Astra AI-Native compute platform, we expect that developers will have an efficient solution for implementing next-generation connected and AI-enriched IoT products with features such as Wi-Fi Sensing.”

ABI Research forecasts annual shipments of Wi-Fi 7 chipsets to reach more than 2 billion by 2029, achieving a CAGR of 56% between 2024 and 2029.¹

“Wi-Fi 7 is ushering in a new era of more enriching and sophisticated use cases for connected devices thanks to its channel bandwidth, throughput, and latency improvements,” said Andrew Zignani, Senior Research Director, ABI Research. “However, the requirements for implementation vary by product type, and edge IoT introduces challenges that differ from PCs or infrastructure applications. Synaptics’ diverse Wi-Fi 7 solutions are tailored to address these unique needs, including low power, support for multiple connectivity protocols, and AI. These will be critical in enabling Wi-Fi 7’s expansion across multiple IoT segments, reaching billions of annual device shipments over the next few years.”

Wi-Fi 7 family highlights
The Wi-Fi 7 IoT family’s support of Matter and its triple combo design provides the interoperability required to allow the devices to serve as versatile home hubs that can operate across Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee/Thread networks in heterogeneous wireless environments. Features support²:
- Peak speed of up to 5.8 Gbps, using 2×2 + 2×2 MLO, 320 MHz channel bandwidth, and 4K QAM
- Integrated RF front-end and power management IC (PMIC) that contribute to reduced system cost and power consumption
- Dual-core Bluetooth 6.0 for LE Audio, Channel Sounding, and LE Long Range
- Matter and an integrated 802.15.4 radio capable of enabling Zigbee and Thread networking³
- Integrated Arm cores and memory to enable offloading of networking functions from the host processor to help reduce system power consumption⁴
Availability
The SYN4390 is available now for sale, and the SYN4384 is available now in limited quantities for evaluation. For more:

About Synaptics Incorporated
Synaptics (Nasdaq: SYNA) is driving innovation in AI at the Edge, bringing AI closer to end users and transforming how we engage with intelligent connected devices, whether at home, at work, or on the move. As a go-to partner for forward-thinking product innovators, Synaptics powers the future with its cutting-edge Synaptics Astra™ AI-Native embedded compute, Veros™ wireless connectivity, and multimodal sensing solutions. We’re making the digital experience smarter, faster, more intuitive, secure, and seamless. From touch, display, and biometrics to AI-driven wireless connectivity, video, vision, audio, speech, and security processing, Synaptics is the force behind the next generation of technology enhancing how we live, work, and play. Follow Synaptics on LinkedIn, X, and Facebook, or visit www.synaptics.com. 

Forward-Looking Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including those relating to the Company’s focus on its extended Veros wireless portfolio with its first family of Wi-Fi^® 7 systems-on-chips (SoCs) tailored for the Internet of Things (IoT), customer adoption of these products, and/or performance as intended These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, effects of geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing, delays in or cost increases related to completing development, engineering and manufacturing of these products, changes in customer order patterns, supply chain delays or volatility for critical components, changes in tax rates or tax regulations, such as increased tariffs, and various other factors beyond our control. These risks and uncertainties also include such additional risk factors as are discussed in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made, except as required by law.

Synaptics and the Synaptics logo are trademarks of Synaptics in the United States and/or other countries. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

Media Contact

Synaptics Incorporated
Patrick Mannion
patrick.mannion@synaptics.com

¹ Source: ABI Research Article: Wireless Connectivity Technology Segmentation and Addressable Markets by Andrew Zignani (published January 27, 2025) ©2025 Allied Business Intelligence, Inc.
² Actual performance may vary based on deployment environment and device configuration
³ Certification status may vary by implementation
⁴ Power savings may vary based on system design and workload

The MIL Network –
April 28, 2025

MIL-OSI: NBPE Announces Audited 2024 Results and 31 March 2025 Est. NAV

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO AUSTRALIA, CANADA, ITALY, DENMARK, JAPAN, THE UNITED STATES, OR TO ANY NATIONAL OF SUCH JURISDICTIONS

St Peter Port, Guernsey 28 April 2025

NB Private Equity Partners (NBPE), the $1.3bn FTSE 250 listed private equity investment company managed by Neuberger Berman, today releases its 2024 Annual Financial Report and 31 March 2025 Monthly NAV Update.

Audited Annual Results Highlights (31 December 2024)

NAV per share of $27.53 (£21.98)
1.5% NAV TR in the 12 months to 31 December 2024, driven by an increase in private valuations, offset by quoted holdings and FX
Private portfolio value increased 6.9% in 2024 on a constant currency basis
Strong portfolio company operating performance: LTM revenue and EBITDA growth of 8.0% and 13.1%, respectively, during 2024¹
$179 million of proceeds from realisations received during 2024
Well positioned to take advantage of investment opportunities – $283 million of cash and undrawn credit line available
$0.94 per share of dividends paid during 2024

As of 31 December 2024	2024	3 years	5 years	10 years
NAV TR (USD)* Annualised	1.5%	(4.0%) (1.3%)	68.8% 11.0%	166.2% 10.3%
MSCI World TR (USD)* Annualised	19.2%	22.0% 6.9%	73.9% 11.7%	171.9% 10.5%

Share price TR (GBP)* Annualised	(1.1%)	(2.3%) (0.8%)	62.1% 10.1%	231.2% 12.7%
FTSE All-Share TR (GBP)* Annualised	9.5%	18.5% 5.8%	26.5% 4.8%	81.9% 6.2%

*Reflects cumulative returns over the time periods shown and are not annualised.

Peter Von Lehe, Managing Director and Head of Investment Solutions & Strategy at Neuberger Berman commented:

“NBPE ended 2024 with net assets of $1.3 billion, reflecting a NAV per share of $27.53 and a total NAV return of 1.5% for the year. This performance was driven by the strong operating performance of our private investment portfolio, which grew in value by 6.9% on a constant currency basis. However, these gains were partially offset by the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations and public holdings. Despite a more challenging environment for private equity exits, NBPE delivered solid realisations in 2024, generating $179 million in proceeds – equivalent to 14% of the portfolio’s opening fair value.

NBPE ended the year in a strong financial position with $283 million of available liquidity and an investment level of 102%, which is at the lower end of the long-term target investment level range of 100-110%.”

Paul Daggett, Managing Director of Neuberger Berman, continued:

“Overall, the underlying portfolio of private companies continued to perform well, reporting a weighted average LTM revenue and EBITDA growth¹ of 8.0% and 13.1%, respectively. It is encouraging to see that the four new investments made in 2024 are off to a good start, being valued at a 1.1x gross multiple of capital and generating a 22% IRR on a combined basis as of 31 December 2024.

Despite recent market volatility and uncertainty, we remain confident that NBPE is well-positioned to perform across a range of economic scenarios. The portfolio remains well-diversified across our two key themes, and we believe it is well-positioned to continue to deliver growth over the long term.”

The Company’s 2024 Annual Report and a video from Neuberger Berman to accompany the results are available to view at: https://www.nbprivateequitypartners.com/

Portfolio Update to 31 March 2025

NAV TR increase of 0.4% YTD 2025

31 March 2025 NAV per share of $27.17 (£21.05)
YTD NAV driven by positive FX adjustments, offset by declines in quoted holdings
31 March 2025 monthly NAV estimate does not include any Q1 2025 private company valuations

Realisations from the portfolio in 2025

$47 million of proceeds received in the first three months of 2025
- Realisations to date driven by full exits of USI and Kyobo Life Insurance, partial realisations of Tendam, Qpark, Clearent, and Osaic, as well as full and partial realisations of certain quoted holdings and income investments
A further ~$20 million of proceeds is expected in the coming months from pending transactions

Robust liquidity – well positioned to take advantage of opportunities

$283 million of available liquidity ($73 million cash/liquid investments and $210 million of credit line)

2025 Share Buybacks

Through 25 April 2025, NBPE has repurchased approximately 624k shares for $12.3 million at a weighted average discount of 29%, resulting in a NAV accretion of approximately $0.10 per share

Portfolio Valuation
The fair value of NBPE’s portfolio as of 31 March 2025 was based on the following information:

6% of the portfolio was valued as of 31 March 2025
- 6% in public securities

94% of the portfolio was valued as of 31 December 2024
- 93% in private direct investments
- 1% in private fund investments

For further information, please contact:

NBPE Investor Relations +44 20 3214 9002
Luke Mason NBPrivateMarketsIR@nb.com

Kaso Legg Communications +44 (0)20 3882 6644
Charles Gorman nbpe@kl-communications.com
Luke Dampier
Charlotte Francis

Supplementary Information (as at 31 March 2025)

Company Name	Vintage	Lead Sponsor	Sector	Fair Value ($m)	% of FV
Action	2020	3i	Consumer	76.8	6.1%
Osaic	2019	Reverence Capital	Financial Services	63.5	5.0%
Solenis	2021	Platinum Equity	Industrials	60.5	4.8%
BeyondTrust	2018	Francisco Partners	Technology / IT	50.1	4.0%
Monroe Engineering	2021	AEA Investors	Industrials	42.6	3.4%
Business Services Company*	2017	Not Disclosed	Business Services	40.1	3.2%
Branded Cities Network	2017	Shamrock Capital	Communications / Media	38.9	3.1%
GFL (NYSE: GFL)	2018	BC Partners	Business Services	38.5	3.0%
Mariner	2024	Leonard Green & Partners	Financial Services	33.7	2.7%
True Potential	2022	Cinven	Financial Services	33.5	2.6%
FDH Aero	2024	Audax Group	Industrials	32.9	2.6%
Marquee Brands	2014	Neuberger Berman	Consumer	31.8	2.5%
Staples	2017	Sycamore Partners	Business Services	29.7	2.3%
Auctane	2021	Thoma Bravo	Technology / IT	28.7	2.3%
Fortna	2017	THL	Industrials	28.7	2.3%
Viant	2018	JLL Partners	Healthcare	27.1	2.1%
Stubhub	2020	Neuberger Berman	Consumer	26.4	2.1%
Benecon	2024	TA Associates	Healthcare	25.5	2.0%
Agiliti	2019	THL	Healthcare	25.3	2.0%
Engineering	2020	NB Renaissance / Bain Capital	Technology / IT	25.0	2.0%
Solace Systems	2016	Bridge Growth Partners	Technology / IT	24.5	1.9%
Addison Group	2021	Trilantic Capital Partners	Business Services	23.8	1.9%
Kroll	2020	Further Global / Stone Point	Financial Services	23.7	1.9%
Exact	2019	KKR	Technology / IT	22.2	1.8%
CH Guenther	2021	Pritzker Private Capital	Consumer	22.0	1.7%
Excelitas	2022	AEA Investors	Industrials	21.9	1.7%
Bylight	2017	Sagewind Partners	Technology / IT	19.9	1.6%
Real Page	2021	Thoma Bravo	Technology / IT	18.5	1.5%
AutoStore (OB.AUTO)	2019	THL	Industrials	18.2	1.4%
Constellation Automotive	2019	TDR Capital	Business Services	18.2	1.4%
Total Top 30 Investments				$972.3	76.9%

*Undisclosed company due to confidentiality provisions.

Geography	% of Portfolio
North America	77%
Europe	22%
Asia / Rest of World	1%
Total Portfolio	100%

Industry	% of Portfolio
Tech, Media & Telecom	23%
Consumer / E-commerce	21%
Industrials / Industrial Technology	18%
Financial Services	13%
Business Services	12%
Healthcare	8%
Other	4%
Energy	1%
Total Portfolio	100%

Vintage Year	% of Portfolio
2016 & Earlier	10%
2017	16%
2018	14%
2019	14%
2020	13%
2021	18%
2022	5%
2023	2%
2024	8%
Total Portfolio	100%

About NB Private Equity Partners Limited
NBPE invests in direct private equity investments alongside market leading private equity firms globally. NB Alternatives Advisers LLC (the “Investment Manager”), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Neuberger Berman Group LLC, is responsible for sourcing, execution and management of NBPE. The vast majority of direct investments are made with no management fee / no carried interest payable to third-party GPs, offering greater fee efficiency than other listed private equity companies. NBPE seeks capital appreciation through growth in net asset value over time while paying a bi-annual dividend.

LEI number: 213800UJH93NH8IOFQ77

About Neuberger Berman
Neuberger Berman is an employee-owned, private, independent investment manager founded in 1939 with over 2,800 employees in 26 countries. The firm manages $515 billion of equities, fixed income, private equity, real estate and hedge fund portfolios for global institutions, advisors and individuals. Neuberger Berman’s investment philosophy is founded on active management, fundamental research and engaged ownership. Neuberger Berman has been named by Pensions & Investments as the #1 or #2 Best Place to Work in Money Management for each of the last eleven years (firms with more than 1,000 employees). Visit www.nb.com for more information. Data as of March 31, 2025.

This press release appears as a matter of record only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase any security.

NBPE is established as a closed-end investment company domiciled in Guernsey. NBPE has received the necessary consent of the Guernsey Financial Services Commission. The value of investments may fluctuate. Results achieved in the past are no guarantee of future results. This document is not intended to constitute legal, tax or accounting advice or investment recommendations. Prospective investors are advised to seek expert legal, financial, tax and other professional advice before making any investment decision. Statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are based on current expectations, estimates, projections, opinions and beliefs of NBPE’s investment manager. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, and undue reliance should not be placed thereon. Additionally, this document contains “forward-looking statements.” Actual events or results or the actual performance of NBPE may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such targets or forward-looking statements.

Attachments

The MIL Network –

April 28, 2025

MIL-Evening Report: What political ads are Australians seeing online? Astroturfing, fake grassroots groups, and outright falsehoods

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Daniel Angus, Professor of Digital Communication, Director of QUT Digital Media Research Centre, Queensland University of Technology

In the lead-up to the 2025 Australian federal election, political advertising is seemingly everywhere.

We’ve been mapping the often invisible world of digital political advertising across Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

We’ve done this thanks to a panel of ordinary Australians who agreed to download an ad tracking app developed through the Australian Internet Observatory.

We’re also tracking larger trends in political ad spending, message type and tone, and reach via the PoliDashboard tool. This open source tool aggregates transparency data from Meta (including Facebook and Instagram) which we use to identify patterns and items of concern.

While the major parties are spending heavily and are highly visible in the feeds of our participants, it is the prevalence of third-party political advertising that is most striking. We’ve observed a notable trend: for every ad from a registered political party, there is roughly one ad from a third-party entity.

Astroturfing and the illusion of grassroots support

One of the most concerning trends we’re seeing is a rise in astroturfing. This refers to masking the sponsors of a message to make it appear as though it originates from ordinary citizens or grassroots organisations.

Astroturfing ads do often adhere to the formal disclosure requirements set out by the Australian Electoral Commission. However, these disclosures don’t meaningfully inform the public on who is behind these misleading ads.

Authorisation typically only includes the name and address of an intermediary. This may be a deliberately opaque shell entity set up just in time for an election.

A key example seen by participants in our study involves the pro-gas advocacy group Australians for Natural Gas.

It presents itself as a grassroots movement, but an ABC investigation revealed this group is working with Freshwater Strategy – the Coalition’s internal pollster. Emails obtained by the ABC show Freshwater Strategy is “helping orchestrate a campaign to boost public support for the gas industry ahead of the federal election”.

Other examples we’ve encountered in our monitoring include groups with benign-sounding names like Mums for Nuclear and Australians for Prosperity. These labels and the ads they are running suggest grassroots concern, but they obscure the deeper agendas behind them.

In the case of Australians for Prosperity, an ABC analysis revealed backing from wealthy donors, former conservative MPs and coal interests.

The battle over energy

Nowhere is this more evident than in messaging around energy policy, especially nuclear power and gas.

In recent months, both major parties and a swathe of third-party advertisers have run targeted online campaigns focused on the costs and benefits of different energy futures. These ads play to deeply felt concerns about cost of living, action on climate change, and national sovereignty.

Yet many of these messages, particularly those that promote gas and nuclear, come from organisations with opaque funding and undeclared political affiliations or connections. Voters may see a slick Facebook ad or a sponsored TikTok explainer without any idea who paid for it, or why.

And with no obligation to be truthful, much of this content may be deeply misleading. It muddies public understanding at a critical moment for climate action.

Truth not required

Truth in political advertising isn’t legally required in all of Australia. While businesses can’t mislead consumers under consumer law, political parties and third-party campaigners are exempt from those same standards.

This means misleading or outright false claims – about opponents, policies or the state of the economy – can be repeated and amplified without consequence, provided they’re framed as political opinion.

Despite calls for reform from politicians, experts and civil society groups, federal legislation continues to lag behind community expectations.

South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory do have truth in political advertising laws, but there is still no national standard.

In the digital advertising environment, where ads are fast, fleeting, and often tailored to individuals, the absence of such independent scrutiny allows misinformation to flourish unchecked.

Most people are seeing very little – or so it seems

Paradoxically, our data shows the majority of participants are seeing very few political ads. Of the total ads seen, less than 2% pertained to political topics or the election specifically.

This is partly a result of how the advertising products offered by platforms like Meta and TikTok allow ads to be targeted to specific demographics, locations or interests. This means even two people in the same household may have entirely different ad experiences.

But it’s also a reminder social media ads are just the tip of the iceberg. Much political persuasion online happens outside paid ad campaigns – via influencer content, YouTube recommendations, algorithmic amplification, mainstream media coverage and more.

Because platforms and publishers aren’t required to share this broader content with researchers or the public, we can’t easily track it – although we are trying.

We need meaningful observability

If democracy is to thrive in a digital age, we need to be able to independently observe online political communication, including advertising.

Existing measures like campaign finance disclosures and transparency tools provided by platforms will never be enough. They don’t include user experiences or track patterns across populations and over time. This inevitably means some advertising activity flies under the radar.

We lack robust tools to understand and analyse our current fragmented information landscape.

Where platforms don’t provide meaningful data access to researchers and the public, tools like the Ad Observatory and PoliDashboard offer valuable glimpses into a fragmented information landscape, while remaining incomplete.

However, tools on their own are not enough. We also need to be willing to call out and act when politicians mislead the public.

Acknowlegement: The Australian Ad Observatory is a team effort. The authors wish to acknowledge the contribution of Jean Burgess, Nicholas Carah, Alfie Chadwick, Kyle Herbertson, Tina Kang, Khanh Luong, Abdul Karim Obeid, Lina Przhedetsky, and Dan Tran.

Daniel Angus receives funding from Australian Research Council through Linkage Project ‘Young Australians and the Promotion of Alcohol on Social Media’. He is a Chief Investigator with the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision Making & Society.

Christine Parker receives funding from the Australian Research Council through the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society.

Giselle Newton received funding from the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education for the project ‘How alcohol and gambling companies target people most at risk with marketing for addictive products on Facebook’.

Mark Andrejevic receives funding from the Australian Research Council through the Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision Making and Society and through the Discovery Program.

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

– ref. What political ads are Australians seeing online? Astroturfing, fake grassroots groups, and outright falsehoods – https://theconversation.com/what-political-ads-are-australians-seeing-online-astroturfing-fake-grassroots-groups-and-outright-falsehoods-255225

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

April 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Empowering Future Digital Leaders: 3rd ASEAN-China Youth Exchange Visit Strengthens Regional Cooperation and Youth Engagement in ICT Development

Source: ASEAN

Organised from 23 to 25 April 2025 in Siem Reap, Cambodia, the 3rd ASEAN-China Youth Exchange Visit brought together 133 delegates from ASEAN Member States, Timor-Leste, and China to advance youth capacity and engagement on ICT development, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and strengthening a future ready ASEAN youth.

The post Empowering Future Digital Leaders: 3rd ASEAN-China Youth Exchange Visit Strengthens Regional Cooperation and Youth Engagement in ICT Development appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

MIL OSI Economics –

April 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ9: Students’ use of mobile phones in school

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

LCQ9: Students’ use of mobile phones in school
Question:

It has been reported that, starting from this school year, middle schools in a number of districts in France have launched an experimental project to prohibit students from using mobile phones in school, requiring them to hand over their phones upon arrival at school. The objective of the project concerned is to reduce the use of mobile phones by students, so as to avoid affecting their physical and mental development. In addition, it is learnt that different states of the United States also have similar requirements. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) whether it has grasped the existing rules and arrangements of primary and secondary schools across the territory in respect of students bringing mobile phones to school, e.g. allowing students to keep the mobile phones in their own custody after switching them off, having schools keep the mobile phones under their custody and store in lockers, or completely prohibiting the bringing of mobile phones;

(2) whether the authorities have provided guidelines to assist schools in drawing up a “code of conduct for bringing mobile phones” and setting out specific regulations and penalties, so as to ensure that students are not allowed to use mobile phones in school, thereby avoiding problems such as impeding the lesson progress and affecting the learning atmosphere and classroom order;

(3) whether it had, in the past three years, gained an understanding of the various problems arising from students bringing mobile phones to school, such as the pecuniary losses resulting from the loss of mobile phones; if so, how the schools addressed such problems; and

(4) whether the authorities will make reference to the practices in other regions and formulate measures or policies to regulate students’ use of mobile phones in school; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

President,

In accordance with the Education Ordinance (Cap. 279), the management committee or incorporated management committee of a school shall be responsible for ensuring that the school is managed satisfactorily and the education of the pupils is promoted in a proper manner. For implementation, schools should lay down school rules to specify the basic requirements on the behaviour of students in the school, thus cultivating a safe, healthy and orderly learning environment for the students.

Our consolidated reply to the four parts of the question is as follows:

The School Administration Guide issued by the Education Bureau (EDB) sets out clearly the general principles that schools may refer to when formulating and enforcing their school rules. Schools should collect and consider the views of teachers, parents and students when drawing up their school rules. Through discussion and communication, schools should help students apprehend the meaning of the school rules as well as reach a common understanding and consensus, and review the school rules periodically. Schools should enforce the school rules in a lawful, sensible and reasonable manner while ensuring fairness and consistency in application. Due regard should be paid to students’ dignity, individual differences and their rights to education. In this connection, when schools formulate rules in relation to students taking mobile phones to or using mobile phones at schools, they should make reference to the relevant guidelines and legislations and consider their own circumstances. While paying concern to students’ learning and classroom discipline, schools should also take into account the genuine needs of students and parents so as to make appropriate school-based arrangements. In addition, the EDB has suggested ways of handling students who play games on smartphones during lessons in the Case Study Kit on Managing Students’ Behavioural Problems for schools’ reference.

Furthermore, facing the challenges brought by emerging information and communication technologies, the EDB attaches importance to nurturing students’ information literacy and provides the “Information Literacy for Hong Kong Students” Learning Framework to strengthen the relevant information literacy learning elements in primary and secondary curricula, so as to foster students’ ability and attitude to use information and communication technology effectively and ethically in their learning and daily lives, so that they can use the Internet and electronic devices properly and healthily.

Formulation and enforcement of school rules fall within a school’s daily operation and internal affairs. It is in general handled directly and professionally by a school according to the school context. Schools are not required to submit details of day-to-day case handling (such as cases of individual students losing mobile phones at school) to the EDB. Hence, the EDB does not have the particular information.

The EDB has been maintaining close communication and exchanging views with school sponsoring bodies and the education sector regarding the professional aspects of school administration and management. The prevailing school-based approach to handle student mobile phone use at schools follows the principles outlined in the School Administration Guide. It effectively meets the operational needs of schools while also enables schools to follow the established school administrative framework for good school governance. The EDB will continue to support the operation of schools and will provide appropriate advice and assistance when necessary.
Issued at HKT 11:10

NNNN

CategoriesMIL-OSI

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Text of the Vice-President’s address to the Faculty and Students of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University in Coimbatore (Excerpts)

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 27 APR 2025 2:11PM by PIB Delhi

Good afternoon, all of you.

Distinguished audience, faculty and students. Fostering agri-education, innovation, entrepreneurship for Viksit Bharat. The theme could not have been more appropriate, more timely and the theme is at the right place. This is need of our times, this is priority for the country because passage of Viksit Bharat is through the farmlands and the farmlands have to be nurtured by such institutes like yours.

Attainment of Viksit Bharat has to be navigated carefully by institutions like yours. It is a privilege to be at this university, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. It has made seminal contributions to India’s food security. We have traversed from food scarcity to food being in plenty. You have affected agrarian development and served the broader cause of rural transformation, but I have a special reason to come to this place. One of the towering giants of agro-sector, one of the proudest sons of Bharat happens to be your alumnus.

I am referring to Bharat Ratna, Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan. Nationally and globally known as Dr. M. S. Swaminathan. He is having a rare distinction of being recipient of all the four civilian awards including the highest one. Dr. Swaminathan received Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan and then rightly became Bharat Ratna.

It was my good fortune when I announced this in Rajya Sabha to the thunderous applause of all the members that Dr. Swaminathan who has played pivotal, transformative, game-changing role in agro-sector has been awarded Bharat Ratna. I hope and I am sure my hope is well-founded, you will keep his legacy aframed. You will promote his legacy, you will put his legacy on a higher gradient so that we can face the challenges the farmer faces.

Agro-sector has enormous potential that still remains to be tapped and that must begin in institutions like yours. Why I say so, let me reflect on our nation for a moment. Bharat is world’s oldest civilisation, a peace-loving nation where inclusivity and freedom of expression and thought are our legacy.

Traverse history for thousands of years and you will find in our civilisation inclusivity and freedom of expression thrived and blossomed and were respected. In present times, the quotient and gradient of expression and inclusivity is comparably the highest in the world. Look around, there is no other country like Bharat which can demonstrate inclusivity and freedom of expression but we as citizens of this great nation, the largest democracy, the oldest democracy, the most vibrant democracy need to be extremely watchful, mindful and cognisant that freedom of expression and inclusivity must turn out to be our national assets and they should be.

It is duty of every citizen to bear in mind, particularly at a time when the nation is witnessing unstoppable exponential economic rise, extraordinary growth in infrastructure, technological penetration reaching to the last mile and the international repute of the nation and its leader, the Prime Minister is highest ever. We as citizens therefore have a great role to contribute to sustain this rise of the nation. This is right time for every citizen to fully become aware and also take advantage of ecosystem of hope and possibility.

Boys and girls and distinguished audience, I appeal to you to take a firm resolve that nation first will be our motto. Our unflinching commitment to nation and ever guiding star. No interest can be higher than that of the nation. India our Bharat has always been land of agriculture. Its heart pulsates in villages. It is lifeline of employment and economy. It is final strength of the nation in every sense of the term and let me remember in this sacred land, the role of the farmer was taken to a high level by great poet, saint Thiruvalluvar, commonly known as Valluvar and this great poet, this great saint praised the farmers and said, ‘farmers are the cornerstone of humanity and agriculture as foremost craft’. He was right, he should be our beacon for enlightenment that farmer is ‘Annadata’, farmer is our ‘Bhagyavidhaata’.

The nation has made huge progress, remarkable progress over the decades. There was a time of food deficiency, there was a time when we used to import wheat from United States of America. I am sure seniors would know ‘PL 480’ but we have become self-sufficient in food. 46% of our population supports this and now a word of caution for you. The sector contributes only 16% to the GDP. Institutions like yours have to carry ahead legacy of Dr. M. S. Swaminathan to ensure there is quantum leap in contribution of this sector to our GDP.

You will be happy to know, India is now exporter of agriculture produce, with agri-food products forming approximately over 11% of our total exports but you have to script a new chapter. You have to write it differently. It is time that our national agriculture agenda must move from food security, which was prime importance and national priority at one point of time, because we had food scarcity. So our concern was food security but now time has changed. We must move from food security to farmer prosperity. Farmer has to be prosperous and this script has to evolve from institutions like yours.

Therefore, I appeal to you and also compliment simultaneously for doing much in this direction. The gap between lab and land must not get bridged. It must be seamless connect. Lab and land must be together and for this, over 730 Krishi Vigyan Kendra must be vibrant centres of interaction with farmers to educate the farmers. But you have to be pipeline, you have to be supportive to those Krishi Vigyan Kendra. You must connect with Krishi Vigyan Kendra surround and also Indian Council of Agriculture Research has over 150 institutions focussing on every aspect of agronomy.

It was soothing for me and my wife to see your exhibition. Your remarkable contribution I could see but that has to be shared extensively. All stakeholders must work in unison for the same purpose being on the same page. Therefore, road ahead has to be evolved by you and that first and foremost has to be through your curriculum. I must compliment that you have evolved curriculum, different from others, which is making a difference. But now this change in curriculum must align to make farmer an entrepreneur.

You must persuade the farmer to rise above just being producer. You must have courses, formal and informal, whereby farmers, their children, get attracted to farming as marketeers, as value adders and you will be happy to know big change is taking place. But my confidence is optimal, because institutions like yours have the capacity and potential to be crucibles of change for our agro-farm sector.

Innovation and research initiatives must be evaluated as to what impact they have on the farmer. Are they having ground impact? And therefore, research has to be a priority. Research must be based on need. Research must serve a cause which you identify. I would urge that research must be supported, apart from government, at central then state, but also by industry, trade, business and commerce. Have courses for it. I am sure you will make some success.

Look at the situation we see in the country. When there is production in plenty of perishable goods, the challenge is right on the wall. What does the farmer do? The product, let’s say tomato, can’t last for long. Therefore, institutions like yours must transform perishable goods into self-stable, high-quality products. We can multiply profitability. We can also create employment and cater to both domestic and global markets. If you have courses, there can be transformative industrial mechanisms on wheels. This can be addressed for a great, positive result. Therefore, agri-entrepreneurship needs to be given a great flip.

There are 6,000 agri-startups, but for a country of 1.4 billion, a country that has 100 million farming communities farmlands, this is not the right number. The government has taken many initiatives. People have to be aware about them. Make them aware about them. Farmer Producer Organization (FPO), I studied it in great depth. There is a budgetary allocation of 1 lakh crore. This can fund various activities to enhance and strengthen infrastructure for the farmer.

The government has started innovative schemes, PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi. It is not freebie, it is distinct from freebie. It is doing justice to a sector that is our lifeline. This is a direct transfer to the farmer. United States of America helps its farmers massively, but it has only one motto. It will directly help the farmer. There will be no intervening situation. In our country also, there is a massive subsidy for fertiliser. Institutions like yours must think that if subsidy that is given by the government to fertiliser sector for the benefit of farmer, if it goes directly to the farmer, every farmer would be getting every year around 35,000 rupees. You must do a study on this.

There has to be market linkage. The government has done much by national agriculture market mission but I want, as a son of the farmer, that the farmer must step out of the farmland. Farmer must involve himself or herself for marketing of his and her produce. Farmer should not just be a producer and forget about it. That would mean he will painstakingly, tirelessly raise a produce and will sell it at a time when it is ripe for market without holding it. He doesn’t gain much financially. You have to empower the farmer by generating awareness, by telling them government cooperative system is very robust. For the first time we have a cooperative Minister. Cooperatives find a place in our constitution. Therefore, what we need is farmer traders, we need farmer entrepreneurs.

Boys and girls and distinguished faculty, you can change that mindset so that a farmer transforms himself from producer to value adder, starting some industry which is based on his produce. If you just look around, farm produce market is gigantic, when value is added to farm produce, industries thrive. Corporates can play bigger role, more and more corporates are entering into agronomy.

I would urge them to share their profits with the farmer. To connect with the farmer, to give back to the farm sector. The connect must be genuine, lasting. I urge the corporates to invest in research and development. Particularly with keeping in mind that value addition must happen at the farmland for the local populace.

We were self-sustaining units thousands of years ago. Why not now? The populace will have quality produce. In conclusion, I must say that I have no doubt and there is no other option also. Agriculture has to play a vital role, if India has to become a 30 trillion economy in 2047, the income has to go eightfold. This is possible, this is achievable.

Our last decade development has shown to the world, India is capable of negotiating developmental journey unknown to history in recent times. Therefore, institutions like this will lead agri-revolution. India’s destiny is rooted in the fertility of our fields, the resilience of our farmers, and the innovation crucibles which institutions like this will make available.

I appeal to those who are involved with this sector to dream big, plan big, have large scale, and achieve it. We have a role model in our Prime Minister, he thinks very big. Toilet for every home. He thinks much bigger, gas connection in every home, Internet connection in every home. Just imagine how things have transformed. I, being a member of Parliament in 1989, a Minister in 1990, I know the difference, the difference is beyond imagination.

I see now all around development I never conceived, never dreamt. Therefore, I carry great hope, optimism, and confidence that institutions like yours will bring about the change the farm sector needs, the country deserves, and the world must acknowledge it because if India gains, the world benefits – ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’.

Thank you so much.

****

JK/RC/SM

(Release ID: 2124707) Visitor Counter : 76

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “Smart Parent Net” Recommendation: (Video)24 個品格優點 (Chinese version only); ‘e-Generation Joyful Internet Surfing’ Parent Seminar (5): Know more about Myopia Management under e-Learning & Recognising Online Pitfalls

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

IT in Education Section of EDB, Hong Kong Education City and Committee on Home-School Co-operation will co-organise ‘e-Generation Joyful Internet Surfing’ Parent Seminar (5): Know more about Myopia Management under e-Learning & Recognising Online Pitfalls. The seminar will be held on 8 June 2024 from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm in webinar mode. Cantonese and English sessions will be arranged. Registration is now open (application deadline: 8 June 2024 11:00 am). A resident optometrist from the Optometry Clinic of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University will provide parents with knowledge about protection of vision and offer them methods to prevent myopia in children and reduce its progression, allowing children to maintain ocular health in their daily lives and studies. A senior inspector of police from the Cyber Security Division of the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau (CSTCB) of the Hong Kong Police Force will share with parents strategies to prevent their children from falling prey to cyber pitfalls, and help parents to enhance children’s awareness of digital safety and prevent them from becoming victims of cyber traps. Parents are cordially invited to join the seminar. For details, please refer to the website (https://www.hkedcity.net/eventcalendar/event/66389267cc9f93d2758c0156).

For enquiries, please contact HKEdCity at 2624 1000 or email to info@hkedcity.net.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “Embracing the e+ Internet Generation Parent Seminar (3): Together in Spine Health Awareness of Online Pitfalls”; “Smart Parent Net” Recommendation: 創意不是天賦︰家長如何啟動孩子創意Mode?(Chinese version only)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region 3

The Education Bureau, Hong Kong Education City, and Committee on Home-School Co-operation will co-organise the “Embracing the e+ Internet Generation Parent Seminar (3): Together in Spine Health Awareness of Online Pitfalls”. The seminar will be held on 21 February 2025 from 8:00 pm to 9:30 pm in webinar mode. Registration is now open (application deadline: 20 February 2025 5:00 pm). An Associate Professor from the School of Chinese Medicine at the CUHK will guide parents on how to check their children’s scoliosis and provide spinal care tips for daily life and online learning. A Senior Inspector from Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of Hong Kong Police Force will present real-life cases of online pitfalls encountered by students and offer practical advice on safeguarding children from these dangers. Parents are cordially invited to join the seminar. For details, please refer to the website (https://www.hkedcity.net/eventcalendar/event/6796dd260646124d1bbefcac).

For enquiries, please contact HKEdCity at 2624 1078 or email to carman@hkecl.net / info@hkedcity.net.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 27, 2025

Category: Internet

PM to participate in YUGM Conclave on 29th AprilIn line with Prime Minister’s vision of a self-reliant and innovation-led India, key projects related to Innovation will be initiated during the Conclave

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The battle over energy

Truth not required

Most people are seeing very little – or so it seems

We need meaningful observability

PM to participate in YUGM Conclave on 29th April

In line with Prime Minister’s vision of a self-reliant and innovation-led India, key projects related to Innovation will be initiated during the Conclave