Category: KB

MIL-OSI USA: Scott Celebrates $1 Million In Grant Funding for Security for Nonprofits Across Virginia’s 3rd Congressional District

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

Headline: Scott Celebrates $1 Million In Grant Funding for Security for Nonprofits Across Virginia’s 3rd Congressional District

NEWPORT NEWS, VA – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) celebrated $1,098,795 in grant funding being awarded to nonprofits in Virginia’s Third Congressional District. This funding was awarded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) through federal funds for the Fiscal Year 2024 Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). This funding provides support for planning, training, target hardening, and physical security enhancements to eligible nonprofit organizations.

“We all have a right to feel safe as we go through our daily routines,” said Congressman Scott. “Unfortunately, there has been a rise in hate crimes and incidents of domestic terrorism. This grant funding will be put to use by a number of religious and nonprofit organizations in my district to ensure the safety and security of their staff, congregants and visitors. I will continue my work to keep our communities safe.”

List of recipients in Virginia’s Third Congressional District:

$150,000 for Congregation Beth El (Norfolk, VA)
$60,570 for Denbigh Baptist Church, Inc (Newport News, VA)
$105,730 for First Baptist Church of Norfolk, Inc (Norfolk, VA)
$150,000 for Gethsemane Baptist Church (Newport News, VA)
$27,100 for Greater Faith Hampton (Hampton, VA)
$150,000 for Grove Baptist Church (Portsmouth, VA)
$44,507 for Ohef Sholom Temple (Norfolk, VA)
$150,000 for Restore, Church Inc (Portsmouth, VA)
$110,888 for Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church (Norfolk, VA)
$150,000 for Water Edge Church, Newport News Campus (Newport News, VA)

More information on the Nonprofit Security Grant Program can be found by CLICKING HERE.

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MIL-OSI USA: IAM Union Makes Final Push in Battleground States Ahead of 2024 Election

Source: US GOIAM Union

WASHINGTON, Oct. 29, 2024—Brian Bryant, International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), today issued a statement on the IAM’s extensive political mobilization efforts in battleground states, emphasizing the critical role of union volunteers in getting out the vote for pro-worker candidates:

“As the nation’s largest aerospace, airline, transportation, and defense labor union, the IAM is committed to electing candidates who prioritize the needs of working families. Our union has already knocked on thousands of doors across key battleground states. From worksite visits to door-to-door efforts, IAM members are bringing our message directly to voters about what’s at stake this Election Day.

“IAM members will continue to participate in phone banks, labor walks, and other grassroots efforts in coordination with national AFL-CIO political program activities, engaging voters in key states leading up to the election on Nov. 5.

“Our members are fighting to protect good jobs, pensions, Social Security, and the fundamental right to organize. This election is about electing leaders who will advocate for these priorities. The IAM fully supports Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz for President and Vice President of the United States. Vice President Harris has been a proven champion for working families, driving initiatives like the American Rescue Plan and the CHIPS Act, which directly supported IAM jobs. Her running mate, Gov. Walz, a former union member, has an outstanding record of pro-worker legislation in Minnesota.

“IAM members will continue their door-to-door efforts over the final weekend, emphasizing the choice between continuing the progress made by the Biden-Harris administration or risking setbacks under former President Donald Trump’s policies.

“Under Trump, our members experienced the of at least 48 IAM-represented facilities and the loss of tens of thousands of IAM jobs. His failure to protect workers during the COVID-19 crisis and government shutdown had devastating consequences.

“This election is about rejecting policies that foster division and insecurity. With our members’ dedication and collective strength, we’re committed to building a more just and equitable future for America’s working families.”

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries.

goIAM.org | @MachinistsUnion

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MIL-OSI Australia: NSW Government reaches pay agreement for 50,000 health workers

Source: New South Wales Premiere

Published: 30 October 2024

Released by: Minister for Health, Minister for Industrial Relations

The NSW Government has reached an agreement with the Health Services Union (HSU) to increase wages and deliver benefits from salary packaging for more than 50,000 health workers across the state.

The agreement covers a range of professions including allied health roles, hospital cleaners, scientists, security officers, patient transport officers and more.

Under the Government’s new Fair Pay and Bargaining Policy, the NSW Government and the HSU have agreed to a one year pay increase of 3.5 per cent plus 0.5 per cent in superannuation.

The agreement will also provide 100 per cent salary packaging, delivering a key election commitment.

This will increase the share of salary packaging benefits for eligible workers from 70 per cent to 100 per cent with effect from 1 July 2024.

Under current salary packaging arrangements, the resulting tax savings are split between health workers and NSW Health.

Cost of living protection has also been agreed with a $1,000, one-off cost of living payment if the 12-month annual average Sydney Consumer Price Index rate exceeds 4.0 per cent in the year to the March quarter of 2025.

The agreement also includes award reform that commits all parties to working together to create modern, fit for purpose awards.

This includes a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that commits to working cooperatively to achieve a 3-year wage agreement on the expiry of the 1-year award.

This deal forms part of the Government’s comprehensive plan to deliver the long-term repair of healthcare across NSW.

It follows a 4.5 per cent pay rise delivered last year, which was the highest in more than a decade.

After 12 years of neglect and a lack of investment in our health system, the Minns Labor Government is rebuilding this essential service by investing in the workers that deliver them.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The NSW Government is pleased to announce an agreement has been reached for a salary increase for more than 50,000 public health workers including Aboriginal Health Workers, dental officers, psychologists, security officers, patient support assistants, hospital cleaners, cooks, technicians, interpreters and administration staff.

“The NSW Government and the HSU have agreed to work together to identify system changes, productivity outcomes, benefits from award reform and savings.

“This has been a collaborative approach, which builds on the 4-year agreement reached with paramedics late last year.

“The agreement delivers on a key election commitment to deliver 100 per cent salary packaging and abolish the wages cap.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis:

“The Minns Labor Government continues the work of rebuilding the state’s essential services and the industrial relations system.

“That work started with scrapping the Liberals and Nationals wages cap and introducing a new bargaining framework.

“We were elected on a mandate to fix the recruitment and retention crisis in essential services and that is what we are doing.”

Quotes attributable to HSU Secretary Gerard Hayes:

“This is a generational advance for 50,000 health workers who have earned every cent of this pay rise. The reform to salary packaging will be life-changing for hard working people on modest incomes.

“Health workers deserve 100 per cent of their salary packaging tax benefits and this shows the strength of a union that stands together to get things done.

“After years of neglect in a struggling workforce, we demanded the government do better and secured a deal that finally recognises health workers. We pay tribute to the Government for honouring its commitment.”

MIL-OSI Australia: Health and Safety Representatives to help make a difference

Source: New South Wales Premiere

Published: 30 October 2024

Released by: Minister for Work Health and Safety

SafeWork NSW is due to launch three powerful videos about the importance of Health and Safety Representatives (HSR) and workplace safety, at their one-day free HSR refresher training session on Wednesday 30 October 2024.

The videos highlight the critical role HSRs play in fostering a safe working environment. In one segment, Laura Anderson, an intensive care nurse at Shoalhaven Hospital, recalls the shock of hearing her colleague scream during an avoidable patient attack.

As a proud HSR, Laura reflects, “I do find it very rewarding. The staff are very thankful.” She also emphasises the importance of translating safety into action, stating, “If we are keeping our colleagues safe, that in turn keeps the patients safe.”

HSRs play a pivotal role in gathering information and resolving health and safety issues for their work group.

SafeWork NSW is partnering with Unions NSW to deliver the full-day event in Surry Hills where a range of initiatives will provide more clarity on HSR roles and their powers under Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws. The event will include:

Sessions with the Minister of Work Health Safety Sophie Cotsis, Assistant Secretary of Unions NSW Thomas Costa and SafeWork NSW A/Deputy Secretary Trent Curtin
An explanation of the WHS legislation, and how it applies to elected HSR roles
A presentation from Debra Pascall from the Family and Injured Workers Support and Advisory Group discussing her son Ben’s story, who died in a workplace-related incident
Information about powers under the WHS legislation to issue Provisional Improvement Notices (PINs) and how to direct unsafe work to cease
The ability to network with fellow HSRs and share experiences
The latest updates and insights on workplace consultation and safety standards.

The initiative will also cover essential topics including the management of psychosocial hazards such as bullying, excessive workloads, violence and the prevention of sexual harassment.

HSRs can register for the event here: www.safework.nsw.gov.au/events/safework-events/hsr-forum

Further information about HSRs can be found here: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/safety-starts-here/consultation-at-work/health-and-safety-representatives

You can view the three-case study promotional video here: HSR forum promotional video

This event follows the highly successful Regional Workplace Consultation and HSR forums held earlier this year which attracted over 600 attendees across nine locations. Participants benefited from 230 evaluations, 320 psychosocial workshops, and 280 high risk harm workshops.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis

“The day-long event reinforces the important role of health and safety representatives and will help participants receive the latest information from SafeWork NSW to help them meet their obligations and network with other HSRs.”

“The videos show how Health and Safety Representatives play a critical role in identifying and resolving workplace risks on behalf of their work group, a process which creates open and positive safety cultures.

“I commend the HSRs in the case studies for standing up, speaking out and advocating for workers. Every worker has the right to return home safely at the end of every workday.”

NSW Premier’s Prizes for Science & Engineering | Chief Scientist

MIL-OSI Australia: Internationally renowned mental health researcher Professor Helen Christensen AO named NSW Scientist of the Year

Source: New South Wales Premiere

Published: 30 October 2024

Released by: The Premier, Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology

Scientia Professor Helen Christensen AO from UNSW Sydney and the Black Dog Institute is being recognised as the NSW Scientist of the Year in the 2024 Premier’s Prizes for Science & Engineering.

Professor Christensen is one of 10 exceptional researchers, innovators, and educators being honoured at the Premier’s Prizes for Science & Engineering, held at Government House in Sydney tonight.

Professor Christensen’s selection as Scientist of the Year is in recognition of her pioneering work in digital mental health research, which has significantly influenced mental health care practice both in Australia and internationally.

In 2000, she developed the digital intervention program, MoodGYM, to reduce depression in young people, which has been used by millions of people across more than 160 countries.

She served as the Executive Director and Chief Scientist at the Black Dog Institute from 2011 to 2021, while her work creating a model of suicide prevention has been incorporated into national and state suicide prevention plans.

She will receive a trophy and $60,000 in prize money.

Nine category winners are also being announced tonight, each receiving a trophy and $5,000 in prize money:

Excellence in Mathematics, Earth Sciences, Chemistry or Physics
Professor Susan Coppersmith, UNSW Sydney
Excellence in Biological Sciences (Ecological, environmental, agricultural and organismal) Distinguished Professor Ian Paulsen, Macquarie University
Excellence in Medical Biological Sciences (Cell and molecular, medical, veterinary and genetics)
Professor Stuart Tangye, Garvan Institute of Medical Research
Excellence in Engineering or Information and Communications Technologies
Distinguished Professor Willy Susilo, University of Wollongong
NSW Early Career Researcher of the Year (Biological Sciences)
Dr Ira Deveson, Garvan Institute of Medical Research
NSW Early Career Researcher of the Year (Physical Sciences) –
Dr. Jiayan Liao, University of Technology Sydney
Leadership in Innovation in NSW
Distinguished Professor Karu Esselle, University of Technology Sydney
Innovation in NSW Public Sector Science and Engineering
Dr Annette Cowie, NSW Department of Primary Industries and University of New England
Innovation in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics Teaching in NSW
Jodie Attenborough, Tottenham Central School

Full details of all winners can be found at:

Premier Chris Minns said:

“These awards are about recognising and thanking our state’s most outstanding scientists, engineers, and teachers.

“Professor Christensen’s work has helped millions of people worldwide.

“Her online self-help courses to help address common mental health disorders have been pioneering.

“Mental health support is vital for so many people. Professor Christensen has improved support for people in NSW, and people around the world.

“Mental health is one of the pressing challenges of our time, and Professor Christensen’s innovations have made an important impact.”

Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Tonight is the NSW Government’s chance to recognise some of the leaders from NSW’s world-class research and innovation community.

“We celebrate not only research excellence, but visionary work that is driving the establishment of new high-tech companies to tackle some of our state’s most difficult problems.”

NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer Hugh Durrant-Whyte said:

“Tonight, we celebrate leading thinkers in areas as diverse as quantum physics, synthetic biology, immunology, cybersecurity and satellite telecommunications.

“We acknowledge the work of established senior academics as well as lauding the contributions of our best early career researchers.

“My congratulations to everyone honoured tonight, and especially to 2024 Scientist of the Year, Professor Helen Christensen, for her profound impact in the critically important area of mental health.”

2024 NSW Scientist of the Year Professor Helen Christensen said:

“I’m deeply honoured to receive this award from the NSW Government.

“It’s exciting to see this recognition for scientific work in mental health—an issue now seen globally as the leading health concern, even surpassing cancer, obesity and COVID.

“Mental health science has the power to transform lives. We’re at a tipping point, where advancements in genetics, AI, and software engineering, are reshaping our understanding of mental illness, the impact of societal factors, and how technology delivers proven treatments to those who need them.”

MIL-OSI Australia: New partnership a boost for First Nations tourism

Source: Minister for Trade

Today the Albanese Labor Government is announcing a historic new Partnership to support greater participation and economic opportunities for First Nations people and businesses in Australia’s tourism industry.

The First Nations Visitor Economy Partnership, comprising First Nations tourism industry representatives from every state and territory, will provide leadership and guidance on respectfully embedding Australia’s rich cultural heritage in our tourism offerings.

Importantly, the Partnership will be tasked with investigating and establishing a permanent First Nations national tourism peak body which will provide guidance and strategic support to grow this critical sector.

The Partnership will be funded for an initial two years through the National Indigenous Australians Agency’s Indigenous Advancement Strategy.

First Nations industry representatives co-designed the Partnership in collaboration with the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA), Tourism Australia and state and territory governments.

The Albanese Labor Government understands the importance of First Nations tourism in Australia and has been investing to increase economic opportunities for First Nations people in this sector.

This includes the Indigenous Tourism Fund which is supporting First Nations people in the travel and tourism industry through grants, mentoring and co-investment in strategic projects.

The First Nations Tourism Mentoring Program is connecting businesses with skilled, experienced and culturally respectful tourism industry specialists who are providing one-on-one guidance, advice and support.

These programs build on support provided by state and territory governments, such as Tourism Northern Territory’s Aboriginal Tourism Development Support Grant Program, which is co-funded by the Australian Government and helps to develop Aboriginal cultural tourism experiences and tourism product.

Quotes attributable to Senator the Hon Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism:

“First Nations tourism offers an important avenue for First Nations people to stay on country, preserve their culture and knowledge while providing economic opportunities.

“I recently had the privilege of attending the graduation of the National Indigenous Training Academy’s class of 2024 on Anangu country who expressed to me the importance of this industry and their excitement of sharing their culture with visitors. With graduates like these, alongside the support of this new national body, the future is very bright for First Nations tourism in Australia.

“We know that domestic and international visitors are increasingly seeking unique First Nations experiences as part of their travels.

“This presents great opportunities for First Nations tourism and job creation in Australia’s regions and First Nations communities.”

Quotes attributable to Senator the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy, Minister for Indigenous Australians:

“First Nations tourism provides opportunities to share the world’s oldest living culture with travellers from around the world, while empowering First Nations people through employment and business prospects.

“The First Nations Visitor Economy Partnership will advocate for the sector and
support the growth of First Nations tourism businesses to provide unique experiences for domestic and international visitors, driving more economic activity in the regions and local communities.

“The First Nations Visitor Economy Partnership demonstrates the Albanese Government’s commitment to working with First Nations people and in partnership with state and territory governments to advance self-determination and economic empowerment.

“The First Nations tourism sector has been calling for support to establish a national peak tourism body and the Albanese Government has listened.”

MIL-OSI Security: Montgomery County Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Fentanyl And Firearm Offenses

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Possessed more than 900 pills purporting to be Oxycodone Hydrochloride in his home, with the intent to distribute them.

Greenbelt, Maryland – Today, the Honorable Lydia K. Griggsby sentenced Darnell Palmer, 23, Germantown, Maryland, to 84 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty verdict with Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Washington Division, and Chief Marc R. Yamada, Montgomery County Police Department.

According to the guilty plea, in April 2022, law enforcement received information that Palmer was distributing fentanyl in Montgomery County, Maryland. Law Enforcement officers observed Palmer selling 10 round blue pills purporting to be Oxycodone Hydrochloride, and actually contained fentanyl, to an individual in front of Palmer’s residence. On June 1, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Palmer’s residence.

In Palmer’s bedroom, law enforcement located approximately 918 fentanyl pills (appearing as Oxycodone Hydrochloride ), distributed within several zip-top bags; a plastic bag containing three bags of marijuana and a black digital scale; a loaded Glock 27 handgun; four firearm magazines, including an empty Glock magazine; a clear magazine containing six rounds of ammunition; a loaded drum magazine; and a packaged Glock magazine; and approximately $3,611 in U.S. currency, among other items. Palmer possessed the fentanyl pills with the intent to distribute them. The 928 fentanyl pills recovered in the investigation weighed more than 100 grams. The pills Palmer distributed, and that were seized from his bedroom, purported to be Oxycodone Hydrochloride in that they were small light blue pills stamped with “M” and “30” to match legitimate Oxycodone Hydrochloride 30 milligram pills when in fact, they contained fentanyl instead of Oxycodone Hydrochloride.

U.S. Attorney Barron commended the DEA and the Montgomery County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Wright and Christopher Sarma, who prosecuted the federal case.

For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

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MIL-OSI Security: Alabama Man Sentenced for Threatening Fulton County Sheriff and District Attorney

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

ATLANTA – Arthur Ray Hanson, II has been sentenced to federal prison for transmitting interstate threats to injure Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Labat and Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis because of their connections to the Fulton County, Georgia investigation and prosecution of former President Donald Trump.

“Public servants have a responsibility to enforce our criminal laws, and anyone who threatens to harm or intimidate them will face the consequences of their actions,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “We are grateful to our law enforcement partners who diligently worked to ensure public officials are free to perform their essential work without the threat of physical attack.”

“Threats against public servants are not only illegal, but also a threat against our democratic process,” said Sean Burke, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI’s mission is to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution. We take this responsibility very seriously and seek to punish those who engage in this type of criminal behavior, and to send the message that such conduct will not be tolerated.”

According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges, and other information presented in court: On August 6, 2023, Hanson called the Fulton County Government customer service line twice and left two voicemails—the first for Sheriff Labat and the second for District Attorney Willis. During both calls, Hanson threatened violence against these officials.

In his message for Sheriff Labat, Hanson made statements that included the following:

“If you think you gonna take a mugshot of my President Trump and it’s gonna be okay, you gonna find out that after you take that mugshot, some bad [expletive]’s gonna happen to you;”
“If you take a mugshot of the President and you’re the reason it happened, some bad [expletive]’s gonna happen to you;”
“I’m warning you right now before you [expletive] up your life and get hurt real bad;” and
“Whether you got a [expletive] badge or not ain’t gonna help you none;” and “you gonna get [expletive]ed up you keep [expletive]ing with my President.”

In Hanson’s message for District Attorney Willis, he made statements that included the following:

“Watch it when you’re going to the car at night, when you’re going into your house, watch everywhere that you’re going;”
“I would be very afraid if I were you because you can’t be around people all the time that are going to protect you;”
“There’s gonna be moments when you’re gonna be vulnerable;”
“When you charge Trump on that fourth indictment, anytime you’re alone, be looking over your shoulder;” and
“What you put out there, [expletive], comes back at you ten times harder, and don’t ever forget it.”

Arthur Ray Hanson, II, 59, of Huntsville, Alabama, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge U.S. District Judge J. P. Boulee to one year, nine months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $7,500 fine. Hanson was convicted on these charges on July 3, 2024, after he pleaded guilty to one count of transmitting interstate threats.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bret R. Hobson and Brent Alan Gray prosecuted the case.

For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

MIL-OSI Security: Mansfield Tax Preparer Sentenced to More Than 15 Years After Touting False Credentials

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

A would-be lawyer who falsely inflated dozens of client tax returns was sentenced Tuesday to more than 15 years in federal prison for tax fraud, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

John Anthony Castro, 40, owner of the virtual tax preparation business Castro & Company, was indicted in January. Following a five-day bench trial before Senior U.S. District Judge Terry R Means, he was convicted on all 33 counts of assisting in the preparation of a fraudulent return and was immediately taken into custody. Judge Means sentenced him Thursday to 188 months in prison and ordered him to pay $277,243 in restitution.

“Far from an ‘international tax expert,’ this defendant was an international fraudster, plain and simple,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton. “Not only did he defraud the U.S. government, he bullied and berated clients who dared question his methods. Today’s sentencing should send a message to tax preparers nationwide: Lie on clients’ returns at your own peril.”

“Mr. Castro prepared and filed completely fraudulent and fabricated tax returns for one reason: greed,” stated Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan, IRS Criminal Investigation, Newark Field Office. “Today’s sentence highlights IRS-CI’s diligence in rooting out dishonest tax return preparers whose only motive is to cheat the system and make themselves richer in the process.”

According to evidence presented in court, Mr. Castro – who had graduated law school but repeatedly failed the bar exam – held himself out as an “international tax expert” and “federal practitioner.” (He also falsely claimed to be a graduate of West Point.)

He was successful at marketing to clients around the world, claiming to be an expert on certain tax issues related to Australian ex-pats, among other things. Between 2017 and 2019, he filed more than 1,900 tax returns on behalf of individuals from all over the world.

As part of his pitch, Mr. Castro promised his clients a significantly higher refund than they would receive from other preparers, claiming he knew how to identify and claim deductions that others did not. He added there was no risk, as he would simply split the additional refund amount with them to account for his fee. He would not share the tax return with clients before filing, but would instead simply inform them of the amount of the anticipated refund.

On many occasions, he filed tax returns on behalf of clients without their permission or knowledge. In other instances, he claimed deductions that had no basis in fact. For example, for one client, who made approximately $103,000 in income, Mr. Castro claimed over $90,000 in deductions related to unreimbursed employee expenses.

Mr. Castro claimed deductions based on extreme and unsupported legal theories, including deductions such as (1) those for any expense related to preventing an illness qualified as an “impairment related work expense,” (2) those for expenses related to commuting to and from work, (3) the full value of one’s mortgage and utilities as long as the taxpayer had some type of Schedule C business to claim, (4) those related to dry-cleaning for work clothes, and (5) the full value of one’s cell phone bill even when their employer provided them with a work phone. For example, with respect to one client, Mr. Castro deducted over $26,000 in expenses that he claimed related to a nascent cupcake business that had generated only $250 in revenue.

According to trial testimony, in February 2018, an undercover IRS – CI agent contacted Mr. Castro for assistance. The agent asked to meet with Mr. Castro in person, but Mr. Castro’s office told him that in-person meetings required a $5,000 retainer. They spoke via email instead.

On February 13, 2018, the undercover agent submitted a W2 and a Form 1098-T showing wages of $142,217. About two weeks later, one of Mr. Castro’s employees called the agent to discuss deductions, noting that Mr. Castro would make any decisions regarding what items would be included on the tax filing.

The agent denied having any unreimbursed employee expenses, charitable contributions, or other items that could lead to deductions.

On March 12, 2018, Mr. Castro sent the undercover agent his tax analysis. He said that if the agent used another preparer, he would receive a refund of $373, but that if he used Mr. Castro, he would receive a refund of $6,007. Mr. Castro would take half, netting him $3,008. The analysis said the return would include $29,339 in deductions but did not specify which deductions would be used.

Two days later, Mr. Castro filed the agent’s return, which claimed $29,339 in fraudulent deductions, including $2,400 in employee expenses, and 28,600 in other expenses that the undercover agent had never discussed with Mr. Castro or his employees.

According to evidence presented at trial, Mr. Castro engaged in a similar pattern with his other clients. When the victim-taxpayers learned what Mr. Castro had done, many of them demanded copies of their tax returns. Mr. Castro refused to engage in conversation and even delayed providing returns for months at a time. Mr. Castro often acted in a highly vindictive manner when questioned or challenged by clients or others, often berating individuals in emails, threatening legal actions, or by filing amended tax returns, without clients’ permission or knowledge, that removed all deductions, causing the taxpayer-victim to then owe the IRS tens of thousands of dollars.

During the trial, Mr. Castro took the stand in his own defense, and upon cross-examination, admitted that his positions were extreme, outlandish, and not supported by the law. He also admitted to a bevy of prior falsifications and vindictive actions.

Many of the victim-taxpayers have since been audited and/or filed amended returns, causing them significant financial hardship.

IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys P.J. Meitl and Nancy Larson are prosecuting the case.

MIL-OSI Security: Turtle Creek Man Indicted on 18 Counts of Violent Robberies of Multiple Businesses, Carjackings, and Firearms Offenses

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of Hobbs Act robbery, carjacking, and firearms violations, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

The 18-count Indictment named Jamal Martel Brooks, 33, as the sole defendant. Brooks was previously prosecuted and convicted in the Western District of Pennsylvania in 2019 for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and sentenced to 17 months of incarceration.

According to the Indictment, from January 3, 2023, to January 2, 2024, Brooks committed numerous violent crimes, including robberies of multiple businesses in the greater Pittsburgh area and two carjackings. Brooks is alleged to have brandished and possessed a firearm in connection with each of these crimes.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of not less than seven years and up to life in prison for each count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and the sentence on each such count must be imposed consecutively to any other sentence. Due to the number of robberies alleged to have been committed by Brooks, he is facing a maximum total sentence of not less than 63 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $4.5 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Brooks also is currently facing charges in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas in relation to his alleged shooting of a Monroeville Police Sergeant on January 3, 2024.

Assistant United States Attorneys Douglas C. Maloney and DeMarr W. Moulton are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Allegheny County Police Department, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Monroeville Police Department, and Robinson Township Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Coast Guard, Canadian forces, and international partners wrap-up Operation North Pacific Guard 2024 

Source: United States Coast Guard

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 10/29/2024 05:15 PM EDT

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 17th District Alaska
Contact: 17th District Public Affairs
Office: (907) 463-2065
After Hours: (907) 463-2065
17th District online newsroom

10/29/2024 04:55 PM EDT

U.S. Coast Guard, Canadian forces, and international partners wrap-up Operation North Pacific Guard 2024 

MIL-OSI: Northeast Bank Reports First Quarter Results and Declares Dividend

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

PORTLAND, Maine, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Northeast Bank (the “Bank”) (NASDAQ: NBN), a Maine-based full-service bank, today reported net income of $17.1 million, or $2.11 per diluted common share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to net income of $15.2 million, or $2.01 per diluted common share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.

The Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.01 per share, payable on November 26, 2024, to shareholders of record as of November 12, 2024.

“With $859.8 million of loan generation from our National Lending Division, we had our second largest quarterly loan volume in the Bank’s history, consisting of $732.9 million of purchases and $126.9 million of originations,” said Rick Wayne, Chief Executive Officer. “Our National Lending Division portfolio grew by $742.2 million, or 27.6%, over June 30, 2024. Our small balance SBA 7(a) program with Newity LLC as our loan service provider has gained real traction. For the quarter, we originated $82.4 million, compared to $40.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 and $9.7 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. During the current quarter we sold $63.1 million of the guaranteed portion of our SBA loans, compared with $26.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 and $5.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. We are reporting earnings of $2.11 per diluted common share, a return on average equity of 17.5%, and a return on average assets of 2.1%.”

As of September 30, 2024, total assets were $3.94 billion, an increase of $807.7 million, or 25.8%, from total assets of $3.13 billion as of June 30, 2024.

1. The following table highlights the changes in the loan portfolio, including loans held for sale, for the three months ended September 30, 2024:

	Loan Portfolio Changes
	September 30, 2024 Balance		June 30, 2024 Balance		Change ($)			Change (%)
	(Dollars in thousands)
National Lending Purchased	$	2,420,883	$	1,708,551	$	712,332		41.69	%
National Lending Originated		1,011,374		981,497		29,877		3.04	%
SBA National		66,919		48,405		18,514		38.25	%
Community Banking		21,426		22,704		(1,278	)	(5.63	%)
Total	$	3,520,602	$	2,761,157	$	759,445		27.50	%

Loans generated by the Bank’s National Lending Division for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 totaled $859.8 million, which consisted of $732.9 million of purchased loans at an average price of 90.7% of unpaid principal balance, and $126.9 million of originated loans.

An overview of the Bank’s National Lending Division portfolio follows:

	National Lending Portfolio
	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2024									2023
	Purchased			Originated			Total			Purchased			Originated			Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
Loans purchased or originated during the period:
Unpaid principal balance	$	807,733		$	126,893		$	934,626		$	63,695		$	68,042		$	131,737
Initial net investment basis (1)		732,893			126,893			859,786			52,346			68,042			120,388

Loan returns during the period:
Yield		8.83	%		9.31	%		9.00	%		8.99	%		10.03	%		9.40	%
Total Return on Purchased Loans (2)		8.84	%		N/A			8.84	%		9.04	%		N/A			9.04	%

Total loans as of period end:
Unpaid principal balance	$	2,644,390		$	1,011,374		$	3,655,764		$	1,693,627		$	958,232		$	2,651,859
Net investment basis		2,420,883			1,011,374			3,432,257			1,516,379			958,232			2,474,611

^{(1) Initial net investment basis on purchased loans is the initial amortized cost basis net of initial allowance for credit losses (credit mark).}
^{(2) The total return on purchased loans represents scheduled accretion, accelerated accretion, gains (losses) on real estate owned, release of allowance for credit losses on purchased loans, and other noninterest income recorded during the period divided by the average invested balance on an annualized basis. The total return on purchased loans does not include the effect of purchased loan charge-offs or recoveries during the period. Total return on purchased loans is considered a non-GAAP financial measure. See reconciliation in below table entitled “Total Return on Purchased Loans.”}

2. Deposits increased by $785.5 million, or 33.6%, from June 30, 2024. The increase was primarily attributable to increases in time deposits of $785.4 million, or 60.1%. The significant drivers in the change in time deposits were the increase in brokered time deposits, which increased by $712.6 million, and Community Banking Division time deposits, which increased by $52.9 million compared to June 30, 2024.

3. Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances decreased by $6.1 million, or 1.8%, from June 30, 2024. The decrease was attributable to net paydowns on amortizing advances.

4. Shareholders’ equity increased by $15.9 million, or 4.2%, from June 30, 2024, primarily due to net income of $17.1 million and stock-based compensation of $1.8 million, partially offset by the cancelation of restricted stock to cover tax obligations on restricted stock vests, which had a $3.2 million impact on shareholders’ equity.

Net income increased by $1.9 million to $17.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to net income of $15.2 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.

1. Net interest and dividend income before provision for credit losses increased by $1.9 million to $39.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to $37.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. The increase was primarily due to the following:

An increase in interest income earned on loans of $6.2 million, primarily due to higher average balances in the National Lending Division purchased and Small Business Administration (“SBA”) portfolios and higher rates earned on the SBA portfolio;
An increase in interest income earned on short-term investments of $821 thousand, due to higher average balances and higher rates earned; and
A decrease in FHLB borrowings interest expense of $2.1 million, primarily due to lower average balances; partially offset by,
An increase in deposit interest expense of $7.3 million, primarily due to higher average balances as well as higher rates in interest-bearing deposits.

The following table summarizes interest income and related yields recognized on the loan portfolios:

	Interest Income and Yield on Loans
	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2024						2023
	Average		Interest				Average		Interest
	Balance (1)		Income		Yield		Balance (1)		Income		Yield
	(Dollars in thousands)
Community Banking	$	22,409	$	370	6.55	%	$	27,149	$	438	6.42	%
SBA National		59,745		2,419	16.06	%		26,257		786	11.91	%
National Lending:
Originated		997,397		23,408	9.31	%		960,629		24,219	10.03	%
Purchased		1,758,801		39,141	8.83	%		1,489,394		33,671	8.99	%
Total National Lending		2,756,198		62,549	9.00	%		2,450,023		57,890	9.40	%
Total	$	2,838,352	$	65,338	9.13	%	$	2,503,429		59,114	9.39	%

^{(1) Includes loans held for sale.}

The components of total income on purchased loans are set forth in the table below entitled “Total Return on Purchased Loans.” When compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2023, transactional income decreased by $776 thousand for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, and regularly scheduled interest and accretion increased by $6.1 million primarily due to the increase in average balances. The total return on purchased loans for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 was 8.8%, a decrease from 9.0% for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. The following table details the total return on purchased loans:

	Total Return on Purchased Loans
	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2024				2023
	Income		Return (1)		Income		Return (1)
	(Dollars in thousands)
Regularly scheduled interest and accretion	$	37,160	8.38	%	$	31,030	8.29	%
Transactional income:
Release of allowance for credit losses on purchased loans		64	0.01	%		180	0.05	%
Accelerated accretion and loan fees		1,981	0.45	%		2,641	0.70	%
Total transactional income		2,045	0.46	%		2,821	0.75	%
Total	$	39,205	8.84	%	$	33,851	9.04	%

^{(1) The total return on purchased loans represents scheduled accretion, accelerated accretion, and gains (losses) on real estate owned, and release of allowance for credit losses on purchased loans recorded during the period divided by the average invested balance on an annualized basis. The total return does not include the effect of purchased loan charge-offs or recoveries in the quarter. Total return is considered a non-GAAP financial measure.}

2. Provision for credit losses increased by $232 thousand to $422 thousand for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to $190 thousand in the quarter ended September 30, 2023. The increase was primarily related to the increase in originated loans during the quarter ended September 30, 2024.

3. Noninterest income increased by $3.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2023, primarily due to an increase in gain on sale of SBA loans of $3.1 million, due to the sale of $63.1 million in SBA loans during the quarter ended September 30, 2024 as compared to the sale of $5.3 million during the quarter ended September 30, 2023.

4. Noninterest expense increased by $2.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2023, primarily due to the following:

An increase in salaries and employee benefits expense of $1.5 million, primarily due to increases in regular and stock compensation expense; and
An increase in loan expense of $643 thousand primarily related to increased expenses in connection with the origination of SBA 7(a) loans.

5. Income tax expense increased by $754 thousand to $7.9 million, or an effective tax rate of 31.6%, for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to $7.2 million, or an effective tax rate of 32.0%, for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. The decrease in effective tax rate is primarily due a $243 thousand increase in tax benefit on the vest of restricted stock and exercise of stock options during the quarter ended September 30, 2024 as compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2023.

As of September 30, 2024, nonperforming assets totaled $37.2 million, or 0.94% of total assets, compared to $28.3 million, or 0.90% of total assets, as of June 30, 2024. The increase is primarily related to four National Lending loans placed on non-accrual, which are individually evaluated in the allowance for credit losses and are well-collateralized.

As of September 30, 2024, past due loans totaled $31.3 million, or 0.89% of total loans, compared to past due loans totaling $26.3 million, or 0.95% of total loans, as of June 30, 2024.

As of September 30, 2024, the Bank’s Tier 1 leverage capital ratio was 12.1%, compared to 12.3% at June 30, 2024, and the Total risk-based capital ratio was 12.7% at September 30, 2024, compared to 14.8% at June 30, 2024. The Total risk-based capital ratio decreased primarily due to the increase in risk-weighted assets from significant loan growth during the quarter ended September 30, 2024.

Investor Call Information
Rick Wayne, Chief Executive Officer, Richard Cohen, Chief Financial Officer, and Pat Dignan, Chief Operating Officer of Northeast Bank, will host a conference call to discuss first quarter earnings and business outlook at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, October 30^th. To access the conference call by phone, please go to this link (Phone Registration), and you will be provided with dial in details. The call will be available via live webcast, which can be viewed by accessing the Bank’s website at www.northeastbank.com and clicking on the About Us – Investor Relations section. To listen to the webcast, attendees are encouraged to visit the website at least fifteen minutes early to register, download and install any necessary audio software. Please note there will also be a slide presentation that will accompany the webcast. For those who cannot listen to the live broadcast, a replay will be available online for one year at www.northeastbank.com.

About Northeast Bank
Northeast Bank (NASDAQ: NBN) is a full-service bank headquartered in Portland, Maine. We offer personal and business banking services to the Maine market via seven branches. Our National Lending Division purchases and originates commercial loans on a nationwide basis. ableBanking, a division of Northeast Bank, offers online savings products to consumers nationwide. Information regarding Northeast Bank can be found at www.northeastbank.com.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In addition to results presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), this press release contains certain non-GAAP financial measures, including tangible common shareholders’ equity, tangible book value per share, total return on purchased loans, and efficiency ratio. The Bank’s management believes that the supplemental non-GAAP information is utilized by regulators and market analysts to evaluate a company’s financial condition and therefore, such information is useful to investors. These disclosures should not be viewed as a substitute for financial results determined in accordance with GAAP, nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies. Because non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized, it may not be possible to compare these financial measures with other companies’ non-GAAP financial measures having the same or similar names.

Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We may also make forward-looking statements in other documents we file with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”), in our annual reports to our shareholders, in press releases and other written materials, and in oral statements made by our officers, directors or employees. You can identify forward-looking statements by the use of the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “assume,” “outlook,” “will,” “should,” and other expressions that predict or indicate future events and trends and which do not relate to historical matters. Although the Bank believes that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable estimates and assumptions, they are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, contingencies, and other factors. You should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. You should exercise caution in interpreting and relying on forward-looking statements because they are subject to significant risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Bank’s control. The Bank’s actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by such the forward-looking statements as a result of, among other factors, changes in employment levels, general business and economic conditions on a national basis and in the local markets in which the Bank operates; changes in customer behavior due to changing business and economic conditions (including inflation and concerns about liquidity) or legislative or regulatory initiatives; the possibility that future credits losses are higher than currently expected due to changes in economic assumptions, customer behavior or adverse economic developments; turbulence in the capital and debt markets; changes in interest rates and real estate values; competitive pressures from other financial institutions; changes in loan defaults and charge-off rates; changes in the value of securities and other assets, adequacy of credit loss reserves, or deposit levels necessitating increased borrowing to fund loans and investments; changing government regulation; operational risks including, but not limited to, cybersecurity, fraud, natural disasters, climate change and future pandemics; the risk that the Bank may not be successful in the implementation of its business strategy; the risk that intangibles recorded in the Bank’s financial statements will become impaired; changes in assumptions used in making such forward-looking statements; and the other risks and uncertainties detailed in the Bank’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and updated by our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings submitted to the FDIC. These statements speak only as of the date of this release and the Bank does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this communication or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

NBN-F


NORTHEAST BANK
BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
	September 30, 2024		June 30, 2024

Assets
Cash and due from banks	$	768	$	2,711
Short-term investments		316,519		239,447
Total cash and cash equivalents		317,287		242,158


Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value		36,836		48,978
Equity securities, at fair value		7,269		7,013
Total investment securities		44,105		55,991

SBA loans held for sale		17,639		14,506

Loans:
Commercial real estate		2,715,536		2,028,280
Commercial and industrial		681,118		618,846
Residential real estate		106,075		99,234
Consumer		234		291
Total loans		3,502,963		2,746,651
Less: Allowance for credit losses		43,640		26,709
Loans, net		3,459,323		2,719,942


Premises and equipment, net		26,452		27,144
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost		15,499		15,751
Loan servicing rights, net		926		984
Bank-owned life insurance		18,954		18,830
Accrued interest receivable		17,294		15,163
Other assets		22,419		21,734
Total assets	$	3,939,898	$	3,132,203

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Deposits:
Demand	$	149,669	$	146,727
Savings and interest checking		752,806		732,029
Money market		130,878		154,504
Time		2,091,561		1,306,203
Total deposits		3,124,914		2,339,463

Federal Home Loan Bank and other advances		339,073		345,190
Lease liability		19,870		20,252
Other liabilities		63,484		50,664
Total liabilities		3,547,341		2,755,569

Commitments and contingencies		–		–


Shareholders’ equity
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized; no shares
issued and outstanding at September 30 and June 30, 2024		–		–
Voting common stock, $1.00 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized;
8,212,026 and 8,127,690 shares issued and outstanding at
September 30 and June 30, 2024, respectively		8,212		8,128
Non-voting common stock, $1.00 par value, 3,000,000 shares authorized;
No shares issued and outstanding at September 30 and June 30, 2024		–		–
Additional paid-in capital		63,318		64,762
Retained earnings		320,955		303,927
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		72		(183	)
Total shareholders’ equity		392,557		376,634
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	3,939,898	$	3,132,203


NORTHEAST BANK
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2024		2023
Interest and dividend income:
Interest and fees on loans	$	65,338	$	59,114
Interest on available-for-sale securities		595		483
Other interest and dividend income		3,921		3,100
Total interest and dividend income		69,854		62,697

Interest expense:
Deposits		26,590		19,257
Federal Home Loan Bank and other advances		4,030		6,145
Obligation under capital lease agreements		234		171
Total interest expense		30,854		25,573
Net interest and dividend income before provision for credit losses		39,000		37,124
Provision for credit losses		422		190
Net interest and dividend income after provision for credit losses		38,578		36,934

Noninterest income:
Fees for other services to customers		443		407
Gain on sales of SBA loans		3,331		251
Net unrealized gain (loss) on equity securities		189		(157	)
Loss on real estate owned, other repossessed collateral and premises and equipment, net		–		–
Bank-owned life insurance income		124		115
Correspondent fee income		30		92
Other noninterest income		2		71
Total noninterest income		4,119		779

Noninterest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits		11,183		9,721
Occupancy and equipment expense		1,078		1,105
Professional fees		753		781
Data processing fees		1,487		1,100
Marketing expense		136		261
Loan acquisition and collection expense		1,293		650
FDIC insurance expense		331		357
Other noninterest expense		1,424		1,414
Total noninterest expense		17,685		15,389
Income before income tax expense		25,012		22,324
Income tax expense		7,906		7,152
Net income	$	17,106	$	15,172


Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic		7,886,148		7,479,837
Diluted		8,108,688		7,554,314

Earnings per common share:
Basic	$	2.17	$	2.03
Diluted		2.11		2.01

Cash dividends declared per common share	$	0.01	$	0.01


NORTHEAST BANK
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND ANNUALIZED YIELDS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2024						2023
			Interest		Average				Interest		Average
	Average		Income/		Yield/		Average		Income/		Yield/
	Balance		Expense		Rate		Balance		Expense		Rate
Assets:
Interest-earning assets:
Investment securities	$	55,413	$	595	4.26	%	$	60,173	$	483	3.19	%
Loans (1) (2) (3)		2,838,352		65,338	9.13	%		2,503,429		59,114	9.39	%
Federal Home Loan Bank stock		16,465		330	7.95	%		22,357		413	7.35	%
Short-term investments (4)		245,542		3,591	5.80	%		201,803		2,687	5.30	%
Total interest-earning assets		3,155,772		69,854	8.78	%		2,787,762		62,697	8.95	%
Cash and due from banks		2,112						2,492
Other non-interest earning assets		94,071						56,263
Total assets	$	3,251,955					$	2,846,517

Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity:
Interest-bearing liabilities:
NOW accounts	$	563,730	$	6,380	4.49	%	$	487,445	$	5,145	4.20	%
Money market accounts		148,687		1,267	3.38	%		258,296		2,133	3.29	%
Savings accounts		178,581		1,557	3.46	%		90,997		560	2.45	%
Time deposits		1,389,832		17,386	4.96	%		977,220		11,419	4.65	%
Total interest-bearing deposits		2,280,830		26,590	4.63	%		1,813,958		19,257	4.22	%
Federal Home Loan Bank advances		362,594		4,030	4.41	%		510,514		6,145	4.79	%
Lease liability		20,018		234	4.64	%		21,776		171	3.12	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities		2,663,442		30,854	4.60	%		2,346,248		25,573	4.34	%

Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
Demand deposits and escrow accounts		175,161						169,338
Other liabilities		26,175						25,065
Total liabilities		2,864,778						2,540,651
Shareholders’ equity		387,177						305,866
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	3,251,955					$	2,846,517

Net interest income			$	39,000					$	37,124

Interest rate spread					4.18	%					4.61	%
Net interest margin (5)					4.90	%					5.30	%

Cost of funds (6)					4.31	%					4.04	%

(1) Interest income and yield are stated on a fully tax-equivalent basis using the statutory tax rate.
(2) Includes loans held for sale.
(3) Nonaccrual loans are included in the computation of average, but unpaid interest has not been included for purposes of determining interest income.
(4) Short-term investments include FHLB overnight deposits and other interest-bearing deposits.
(5) Net interest margin is calculated as net interest income divided by total interest-earning assets.
(6) Cost of funds is calculated as total interest expense divided by total interest-bearing liabilities plus demand deposits and escrow accounts.


NORTHEAST BANK
SELECTED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS AND OTHER DATA
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
	Three Months Ended
	September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023			September 30, 2023
Net interest income	$	39,000		$	37,935		$	36,512		$	37,000		$	37,124
Provision for credit losses		422			547			596			436			190
Noninterest income		4,119			2,092			1,542			1,466			779
Noninterest expense		17,685			17,079			16,429			15,669			15,389
Net income		17,106			15,140			13,865			14,054			15,172

Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic		7,886,148			7,765,868			7,509,320			7,505,109			7,479,837
Diluted		8,108,688			7,910,692			7,595,124			7,590,913			7,554,315
Earnings per common share:
Basic	$	2.17		$	1.95		$	1.85		$	1.87		$	2.03
Diluted		2.11			1.91			1.83			1.85			2.01

Dividends declared per common share	$	0.01		$	0.01		$	0.01		$	0.01		$	0.01

Return on average assets		2.09	%		1.99	%		1.87	%		1.93	%		2.12	%
Return on average equity		17.53	%		16.56	%		16.45	%		17.35	%		19.73	%
Net interest rate spread (1)		4.18	%		4.41	%		4.27	%		4.49	%		4.61	%
Net interest margin (2)		4.90	%		5.13	%		5.01	%		5.20	%		5.30	%
Efficiency ratio (non-GAAP) (3)		41.01	%		42.67	%		43.17	%		40.73	%		40.60	%
Noninterest expense to average total assets		2.16	%		2.24	%		2.21	%		2.15	%		2.15	%
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities		118.48	%		118.78	%		119.28	%		118.52	%		118.82	%

	As of:
	September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023			September 30, 2023
Nonperforming loans:
Originated portfolio:
Residential real estate	$	3,976		$	2,502		$	2,573		$	2,582		$	289
Commercial real estate		4,682			1,407			2,075			2,075			1,973
Commercial and industrial		6,684			6,520			6,928			6,950			584
Consumer		–			–			–			–			–
Total originated portfolio		15,342			10,429			11,576			11,607			2,846
Total purchased portfolio		21,830			17,832			16,370			19,165			14,603
Total nonperforming loans		37,172			28,261			27,946			30,772			17,449
Real estate owned and other repossessed collateral, net		–			–			–			–			–
Total nonperforming assets	$	37,172		$	28,261		$	27,946		$	30,772		$	17,449

Past due loans to total loans		0.89	%		0.95	%		1.13	%		1.22	%		1.01	%
Nonperforming loans to total loans		1.06	%		1.02	%		1.05	%		1.18	%		0.69	%
Nonperforming assets to total assets		0.94	%		0.90	%		0.93	%		1.04	%		0.61	%
Allowance for credit losses to total loans		1.25	%		0.97	%		0.98	%		1.06	%		1.00	%
Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans		117.40	%		94.51	%		92.83	%		89.67	%		145.01	%
Net charge-offs (recoveries)	$	1,604		$	1,347		$	2,225		$	995		$	1,536
Commercial real estate loans to total capital (4)		604.38	%		482.13	%		509.08	%		544.34	%		546.91	%
Net loans to deposits		110.70	%		116.88	%		118.15	%		121.31	%		127.24	%
Purchased loans to total loans		69.11	%		61.88	%		60.99	%		63.07	%		59.98	%
Equity to total assets		9.96	%		12.02	%		11.73	%		11.03	%		10.83	%
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio		11.45	%		13.84	%		13.24	%		12.63	%		12.45	%
Total risk-based capital ratio		12.70	%		14.82	%		14.22	%		13.71	%		13.46	%
Tier 1 leverage capital ratio		12.06	%		12.30	%		11.79	%		11.28	%		10.95	%

Total shareholders’ equity	$	392,557		$	376,634		$	351,913		$	327,540		$	311,569
Less: Preferred stock		–			–			–			–			–
Common shareholders’ equity		392,557			376,634			351,913			327,540			311,569
Less: Intangible assets (5)		–			–			–			–			–
Tangible common shareholders’ equity (non-GAAP)	$	392,557		$	376,634		$	351,913		$	327,540		$	311,569

Common shares outstanding		8,212,026			8,127,690			7,977,690			7,804,052			7,796,691
Book value per common share	$	47.80		$	46.34		$	44.11		$	41.97		$	39.96
Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP) (6)		47.80			46.34			44.11			41.97			39.96

(1) The net interest rate spread represents the difference between the weighted-average yield on interest-earning assets and the weighted-average cost of interest-bearing liabilities for the period.
(2) The net interest margin represents net interest income as a percent of average interest-earning assets for the period.
(3) The efficiency ratio represents noninterest expense divided by the sum of net interest income (before the credit loss provision) plus noninterest income.
(4) For purposes of calculating this ratio, commercial real estate includes all non-owner occupied commercial real estate loans defined as such by regulatory guidance, including all land development and construction loans.
(5) Includes the loan servicing rights asset.
(6) Tangible book value per share represents total shareholders’ equity less the sum of preferred stock and intangible assets divided by common shares outstanding.

For More Information:
Richard Cohen, Chief Financial Officer
Northeast Bank, 27 Pearl Street, Portland, Maine 04101
207.786.3245 ext. 3249
www.northeastbank.com

MIL-OSI: Provident Financial Services, Inc. Reports Third Quarter Earnings and Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

ISELIN, N.J., Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Provident Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE:PFS) (the “Company”) reported net income of $46.4 million, or $0.36 per basic and diluted share for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to a net loss of $11.5 million, or $0.11 per basic and diluted share, for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and net income of $28.5 million, or $0.38 per basic and diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2023. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, net income totaled $67.0 million, or $0.65 per basic and diluted share, compared to $101.1 million, or $1.35 per basic and diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

The Company’s earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 reflected the impact of the May 16, 2024 merger with Lakeland Bancorp, Inc. (“Lakeland”), which added $10.91 billion to total assets, $7.91 billion to loans, and $8.62 billion to deposits, net of purchase accounting adjustments. The merger with Lakeland significantly impacted provisions for credit losses in the trailing quarter due to the initial CECL provisions recorded on acquired loans. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 also included other transaction costs related to the merger with Lakeland, totaling $15.6 million and $36.7 million, respectively, compared with transaction costs totaling $2.3 million and $5.3 million for the respective 2023 periods. Additionally, the Company realized a $2.8 million loss related to the sale of subordinated debt issued by Lakeland from the Provident investment portfolio, during the nine months ended September 30, 2024.

Anthony J. Labozzetta, President and Chief Executive Officer commented, “We achieved solid performance this quarter, and we are optimistic that our results will continue to improve as we further realize the synergies of the merger. Provident generated strong earnings and core metrics, aided by robust performance in our fee-based businesses. We continue to expand our operations prudently and believe we are well-positioned for even greater success as market conditions improve.”

Regarding the Company’s merger with Lakeland, Mr. Labozzetta added, “We are proud to announce that, with the conversion of our core system in early September, our merger is complete and we are a unified organization. Our cultures are combining well and we are already experiencing the benefits of cost savings and enhanced revenue opportunities. We are grateful to the many team members whose hard work allowed for a smooth conversion and the retention of almost all legacy Lakeland customers.”

Performance Highlights for the Third Quarter of 2024

Net interest income increased $42.2 million to $183.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, from $141.5 million for the trailing quarter primarily due to the full quarter impact of net assets acquired from Lakeland, including the accretion of purchase accounting adjustments and four basis points of core margin expansion.
The net interest margin increased ten basis points to 3.31% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, from 3.21% for the trailing quarter. The weighted average yield on interest-earning assets for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 increased 17 basis points to 5.84%, compared to the trailing quarter, while the weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 increased ten basis points to 3.19%, compared to the trailing quarter. The increases in the yields and costs on interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities were primarily due to a full quarter of accretion of purchase accounting adjustments related to the Lakeland merger, which contributed approximately 53 basis points to the net interest margin in the current quarter.
Non-interest income increased $4.6 million to $26.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, from $22.3 million for the trailing quarter, while non-interest expense increased $20.6 million to $136.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $115.4 million for the trailing quarter. The increases in both non-interest income and non-interest expense were reflective of a full quarter of combined operations with Lakeland.
Wealth management and insurance agency income increased 9.0% and 12.6%, respectively, versus the same period in 2023. The increase in wealth management income was primarily due to an increase in the average market value of assets under management during the period, while the increase in insurance agency income was largely due to an increase in business activity.
Adjusting for transaction costs related to the merger with Lakeland, net of tax, the Company’s annualized adjusted returns on average assets, average equity and average tangible equity(1) were 0.95%, 8.62% and 14.53% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to 0.06%, 0.53% and 2.01% for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. A reconciliation between GAAP and the above non-GAAP ratios are shown on page 13 of the earnings release.
The Company’s annualized adjusted pre-tax, pre-provision returns on average assets, average equity and average tangible equity⁽²⁾ were 1.48%, 13.48% and 19.77% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to 1.47%, 13.26% and 19.21% for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. A reconciliation between GAAP and the above non-GAAP ratios are shown on page 14 of the earnings release.
As of September 30, 2024, the Company’s loan pipeline, consisting of work-in-process and loans approved pending closing, totaled $1.98 billion, with a weighted average interest rate of 7.18%, compared to $1.67 billion, with a weighted average interest rate of 7.53%, as of June 30, 2024.
The Company recorded a $9.6 million provision for credit losses on loans for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to a $66.1 million provision for the trailing quarter. The provision for credit losses on loans in the quarter was primarily attributable to specific reserves required on individually analyzed loans, combined with some economic forecast deterioration. The allowance for credit losses as a percentage of loans increased to 1.02% as of September 30, 2024, from 1.00% as of June 30, 2024.
As of September 30, 2024, CRE loans related to office properties totaled $921.1 million, compared to $953.5 million as of June 30, 2024. CRE loans secured by office properties constitutes only 4.9% of total loans and have an average loan size of $1.9 million, with just seven relationships greater than $10.0 million. There were four loans totaling $9.2 million on non-accrual as of September 30, 2024, however we do not expect to incur losses on any of these loans.
As of September 30, 2024, multi-family CRE loans secured by New York City properties totaled $226.6 million, compared to $227.7 million as of June 30, 2024. This portfolio constitutes only 1.2% of total loans and has an average loan size of $2.6 million. Loans that are collateralized by rent stabilized apartments comprise less than 0.80% of the total loan portfolio and are all performing.
Non-performing loans to total loans as of September 30, 2024 increased to 0.47%, compared to 0.36% as of June 30, 2024, while non-performing assets to total assets as of September 30, 2024 increased to 0.41%, compared to 0.33% as of June 30, 2024. The increase in non-performing loans, compared to the prior quarter was primarily attributable to one commercial real estate credit secured by an industrial property which has a loan-to-value ratio of approximately 39%. We anticipate a near-term resolution of this credit with no expected loss. For the three months ended September 30, 2024, net charge-offs totaled $6.8 million, or an annualized 14 basis points of average loans. Of this total, $6.4 million was attributable to one previously identified commercial relationship that had a $4.4 million specific reserve as of June 30, 2024. This credit is expected to be fully resolved in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Declaration of Quarterly Dividend

The Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.24 per common share payable on November 29, 2024 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 15, 2024.

Results of Operations

Three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2024

For the three months ended September 30, 2024, the Company reported net income of $46.4 million, or $0.36 per basic and diluted share, compared to a net loss of $11.5 million, or $0.11 per basic and diluted share, for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The Company’s earnings for the prior quarter were impacted by an initial CECL provision for credit losses on loans and commitments to extend credit of $65.2 million recorded as part of the Lakeland merger in accordance with GAAP requirements for accounting for business combinations. The results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2024 included transaction costs related to the merger with Lakeland totaling $15.6 million, compared with transaction costs totaling $18.9 million in the trailing quarter. Additionally, the Company realized a $2.8 million loss in the trailing quarter related to the sale from the Provident investment portfolio of subordinated debt issued by Lakeland.

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

Net interest income increased $42.2 million to $183.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, from $141.5 million for the trailing quarter. Net interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was favorably impacted by a full quarter of combined operations with Lakeland and accretion of purchase accounting adjustments, compared to a 45 days impact in the prior quarter.

The Company’s net interest margin increased ten basis points to 3.31% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, from 3.21% for the trailing quarter. Accretion of purchase accounting adjustments related to the Lakeland merger contributed 53 basis points to the net interest margin in the current quarter. The current net interest margin reflects a full quarter of the acquisition of Lakeland’s interest-bearing assets and liabilities, the prior quarter sale of $554.2 million of securities acquired from Lakeland and the repayment of overnight borrowings as well as the prior quarter issuance of subordinated debt.

The weighted average yield on interest-earning assets for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 increased 17 basis points to 5.84%, compared to the trailing quarter. The weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 increased ten basis points from the trailing quarter, to 3.19%. The average cost of interest-bearing deposits for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 increased 12 basis points to 2.96%, compared to 2.84% for the trailing quarter. The average cost of total deposits, including non-interest-bearing deposits, was 2.36% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to 2.27% for the trailing quarter. The average cost of borrowed funds for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 was 3.73%, compared to 3.83% for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. All yields and costs reflect a full quarter of combined operations with Lakeland.

Provision for Credit Losses on Loans

For the quarter ended September 30, 2024, the Company recorded a $9.6 million provision for credit losses on loans, compared with a provision for credit losses on loans of $66.1 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. The provision for credit losses on loans in the quarter was primarily attributable to specific reserves required on individually analyzed loans, combined with some economic forecast deterioration, while the provision for credit losses on loans in the prior quarter was primarily attributable to an initial CECL provision for credit losses of $60.1 million, recorded as part of the Lakeland merger in accordance with GAAP requirements for accounting for business combinations. For the three months ended September 30, 2024, net charge-offs totaled $6.8 million, or an annualized 14 basis points of average loans.

Non-Interest Income and Expense

For the three months ended September 30, 2024, non-interest income totaled $26.9 million, an increase of $4.6 million, compared to the trailing quarter. Net gain on securities transactions increased $3.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the trailing quarter, primarily due to a $2.8 million loss realized on the sale from the Provident investment portfolio of subordinated debt issued by Lakeland in the prior quarter. Fee income increased $1.1 million to $9.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the trailing quarter, primarily due to increases in deposit and debit card related fee income. The increases in fee income are primarily attributable to the addition of the Lakeland customer base. BOLI income increased $1.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the trailing quarter, primarily due to an increase in benefit claims recognized. Partially offsetting these increases in non-interest income, insurance agency income decreased $857,000 to $3.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the trailing quarter, due to a seasonal decrease in business activity in the current quarter, while wealth management income decreased $149,000 to $7.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the trailing quarter, mainly due to a seasonal decrease in tax preparation fees, partially offset by an increase in the average market value of assets under management during the period.

Non-interest expense totaled $136.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of $20.6 million, compared to $115.4 million for the trailing quarter. Compensation and benefits expense increased $8.6 million to $63.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $54.9 million for the trailing quarter. The increase in compensation and benefits expense was primarily attributable to a full quarter of combined operations with Lakeland, compared to 45 days in the prior quarter. Amortization of intangibles increased $5.7 million to $12.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $6.5 million for the trailing quarter, largely due to a full quarter of core deposit intangible amortization related to Lakeland. Other operating expenses increased $4.5 million to $15.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $11.3 million for the trailing quarter, primarily due to increases in professional service expenses. Data processing expense increased $2.0 million to $10.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $8.4 million for the trailing quarter, primarily due a full quarter of combined operations with Lakeland, while net occupancy expense increased $1.6 million to $12.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $11.1 million for the trailing quarter, primarily due to increases in maintenance and depreciation expenses from the addition of Lakeland. Additionally, FDIC insurance increased $1.1 million to $4.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, primarily resulting from the impact of the Lakeland merger. Partially offsetting these increases, merger-related expenses decreased $3.3 million to $15.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the trailing quarter.

The Company’s annualized adjusted non-interest expense as a percentage of average assets⁽⁵⁾ declined to 1.98% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to 2.02% for the trailing quarter. The efficiency ratio (adjusted non-interest expense divided by the sum of net interest income and non-interest income)⁽⁶⁾ improved to 57.20% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 57.86% for the trailing quarter.

Income Tax Expense/Benefit

For the three months ended September 30, 2024, the Company’s income tax expense was $18.9 million, compared to an income tax benefit of $9.8 million for the trailing quarter. The increase in tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared with the trailing quarter was largely due to an increase in taxable income in the current quarter as a result of the Lakeland merger and a $5.3 million tax benefit realized in the trailing quarter related to the revaluation of deferred tax assets to reflect the imposition by the State of New Jersey of a 2.5% Corporate Transit Fee, effective January 1, 2024.

Three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023

For the three months ended September 30, 2024, the Company reported net income of $46.4 million, or $0.36 per basic and diluted share, compared to net income of $28.5 million, or $0.38 per basic and diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The Company’s earnings for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 reflected the impact of the May 16, 2024 merger with Lakeland. The results of operations included transaction costs related to the merger with Lakeland totaling $15.6 million and $2.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

Net interest income increased $87.5 million to $183.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, from $96.2 million for same period in 2023. Net interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was favorably impacted by the net assets acquired from Lakeland, combined with favorable repricing of adjustable rate loans, higher market rates on new loan originations and the originations of higher-yielding loans, partially offset by unfavorable repricing of both deposits and borrowings.

The Company’s net interest margin increased 35 basis points to 3.31% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, from 2.96% for the same period last year. Accretion of purchase accounting adjustments related to the Lakeland merger contributed 53 basis points to the net interest margin in the current quarter. The current quarter net interest margin reflects the acquisition of Lakeland’s interest bearing assets and liabilities, the prior quarter sale of $554.2 million of securities acquired from Lakeland and the repayment of overnight borrowings as well as the prior quarter issuance of subordinated debt.

The weighted average yield on interest-earning assets for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 increased 95 basis points to 5.84%, compared to 4.89% for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. The weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities increased 69 basis points for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 to 3.19%, compared to 2.50% for the third quarter of 2023. The average cost of interest-bearing deposits for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 was 2.96%, compared to 2.22% for the same period last year. Average non-interest-bearing demand deposits increased $1.51 billion to $3.74 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to $2.23 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. The average cost of total deposits, including non-interest-bearing deposits, was 2.36% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared with 1.74% for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. The average cost of borrowed funds for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 was 3.73%, compared to 3.74% for the same period last year.

Provision for Credit Losses on Loans

For the quarter ended September 30, 2024, the Company recorded a $9.6 million provision for credit losses on loans, compared with an $11.0 million provision for credit losses on loans for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. The provision for credit losses on loans in the current quarter was primarily attributable to specific reserves required on individually analyzed loans, combined with some economic forecast deterioration. For the three months ended September 30, 2024, net charge-offs totaled $6.8 million, or an annualized 14 basis points of average loans.

Non-Interest Income and Expense

Non-interest income totaled $26.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, an increase of $7.5 million, compared to the same period in 2023. Fee income increased $3.7 million to $9.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the prior year quarter, primarily due to increases in deposit fee income, debit card related fee income and loan related fee income, resulting from the Lakeland merger. BOLI income increased $2.5 million to $4.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the prior year quarter, primarily due to an increase in benefit claims recognized, combined with an increase in income related to the addition of Lakeland’s BOLI. Wealth management fees increased $628,000 to $7.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2023, mainly due to an increase in the average market value of assets under management during the period, while insurance agency income increased $407,000 to $3.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2023, largely due to an increase in business activity. Additionally, other income increased $339,000 to $1.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2023, primarily due to increases in gains on the sale of SBA and mortgage loans.

For the three months ended September 30, 2024, non-interest expense totaled $136.0 million, an increase of $70.4 million, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. Compensation and benefits expense increased $27.8 million to $63.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $35.7 million for the same period in 2023. The increase in compensation and benefits expense was primarily attributable to the addition of Lakeland. Additionally, merger-related expenses increased $13.3 million to $15.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. Amortization of intangibles increased $11.5 million to $12.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $720,000 for the same period in 2023, largely due to core deposit intangible amortization related to Lakeland in the current quarter. Data processing expenses increased $5.2 million to $10.5 million for three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $5.3 million for the same period in 2023, primarily due to additional software and hardware expenses needed for the addition of Lakeland. Net occupancy expense increased $4.7 million to $12.8 million for three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $8.1 million for the same period in 2023, primarily due to an increase in depreciation and maintenance expenses due to the addition of Lakeland. Other operating expenses increased $5.0 million to $15.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $10.7 million for the same period in 2023, primarily due to increases in professional service expenses, while FDIC insurance increased $2.6 million to $4.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, primarily due to the addition of Lakeland.

The Company’s annualized adjusted non-interest expense as a percentage of average assets⁽⁵⁾ was 1.98% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to 1.80% for the same period in 2023. The efficiency ratio (adjusted non-interest expense divided by the sum of net interest income and non-interest income)⁽⁶⁾ was 57.20% for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to 54.81% for the same respective period in 2023.

Income Tax Expense

For the three months ended September 30, 2024, the Company’s income tax expense was $18.9 million with an effective tax rate of 28.9%, compared with an income tax expense of $8.8 million with an effective tax rate of 23.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared with the same period last year was largely due to an increase in taxable income in the quarter, as a result of the Lakeland merger and the imposition by the State of New Jersey of a 2.5% Corporate Transit Fee in the prior quarter.

Nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, net income totaled $67.0 million, or $0.65 per basic and diluted share, compared to net income of $101.1 million, or $1.35 per basic and diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The Company’s earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 were impacted by an initial CECL provision for credit losses on loans and commitments to extend credit of $60.1 million recorded as part of the Lakeland merger in accordance with GAAP requirements for accounting for business combinations. Transaction costs related to our merger with Lakeland totaled $36.7 million and $5.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Additionally, the Company realized a $2.8 million loss related to the sale from the Provident investment portfolio of subordinated debt issued by Lakeland, during the nine months ended September 30, 2024.

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

Net interest income increased $115.2 million to $418.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, from $303.7 million for same period in 2023. Net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was favorably impacted by the net assets acquired from Lakeland, combined with the favorable repricing of adjustable rate loans, higher market rates on new loan originations and the originations of higher-yielding loans, partially offset by the unfavorable repricing of both deposits and borrowings.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, our net interest margin decreased one basis point to 3.18%, compared to 3.19% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The weighted average yield on interest earning assets increased 85 basis points to 5.61% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 4.76% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, while the weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities increased 99 basis points to 3.06% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 2.07% for the same period last year. The average cost of interest-bearing deposits increased 102 basis points to 2.84% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 1.82% for the same period last year. Average non-interest-bearing demand deposits increased $514.3 million to $2.90 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared with $2.38 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The average cost of total deposits, including non-interest-bearing deposits, was 2.27% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared with 1.40% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The average cost of borrowings for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was 3.73%, compared to 3.29% for the same period last year.

Provision for Credit Losses on Loans

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company recorded a $75.9 million provision for credit losses on loans, compared with a provision for credit losses on loans of $27.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increased provision for credit losses on loans for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was primarily attributable to an initial CECL provision for credit losses on loans of $60.1 million recorded as part of the Lakeland merger in accordance with GAAP requirements for accounting for business combinations, partially offset by an improved economic forecast for the current nine-month period within our CECL model, compared to the same period last year. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, net charge-offs totaled $9.1 million or an annualized eight basis points of average loans.

Non-Interest Income and Expense

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, non-interest income totaled $69.9 million, an increase of $9.1 million compared to the same period in 2023. Fee income increased $6.1 million to $24.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to increases in deposit fee income, debit and credit card related fee income and loan related fee income resulting from the Lakeland merger. BOLI income increased $4.6 million to $9.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to an increase in benefit claims recognized, combined with an increase in income related to the addition of Lakeland’s BOLI, while wealth management income increased $2.1 million to $22.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, mainly due to an increase in the average market value of assets under management during the period. Additionally, insurance agency income increased $1.7 million to $12.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $11.2 million for the same period in 2023, largely due to increases in contingent commissions, retention revenue and new business activity. Partially offsetting these increases in non-interest income, net gains on securities transactions decreased $3.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, primarily due to a $2.8 million loss related to the sale from the Provident investment portfolio of subordinated debt issued by Lakeland. Other income decreased $2.4 million to $3.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $5.7 million for the same period in 2023, primarily due to a $2.0 million gain from the sale of a foreclosed commercial property recorded in the prior year, combined with a decrease in gains on sales of SBA loans.

Non-interest expense totaled $323.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of $123.7 million, compared to $199.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Compensation and benefits expense increased $48.7 million to $158.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $109.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in compensation and benefits expense was primarily attributable to the addition of Lakeland. Merger-related expenses increased $31.3 million to $36.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $5.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Amortization of intangibles increased $17.2 million to $19.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $2.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, largely due to core deposit intangible amortization related to Lakeland. Data processing expense increased $9.2 million to $25.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $16.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, primarily due to additional software and hardware expenses needed for the addition of Lakeland, while net occupancy expense increased $8.0 million to $32.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to increases in depreciation and maintenance expense related to the addition of Lakeland. Other operating expenses increased $5.6 million to $37.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $31.8 million for the same period in 2023, primarily due to increases in professional service expenses, while FDIC insurance increased $3.9 million to $9.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, primarily due to the addition of Lakeland.

Income Tax Expense
For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company’s income tax expense was $19.9 million with an effective tax rate of 22.9%, compared with $34.9 million with an effective tax rate of 25.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease in tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared with the same period last year was largely due to a $5.8 million tax benefit related to the revaluation of deferred tax assets to reflect the imposition by the State of New Jersey of a 2.5% Corporate Transit Fee, effective January 1, 2024, combined with a decrease in taxable income as a result of the initial CECL provision for credit losses on loans of $60.1 million recorded in accordance with GAAP requirements for accounting for business combinations and additional expenses from the Lakeland merger.

Asset Quality

The Company’s total non-performing loans as of September 30, 2024 were $89.9 million, or 0.47% of total loans, compared to $67.9 million, or 0.36% of total loans as of June 30, 2024 and $49.6 million, or 0.46% of total loans as of December 31, 2023. The $22.1 million increase in non-performing loans as of September 30, 2024, compared to the trailing quarter, consisted of a $10.4 million increase in non-performing commercial mortgage loans, an $8.9 million increase in non-performing commercial loans, a $1.5 million increase in non-performing construction loans, a $764,000 increase in non-performing residential mortgage loans, a $302,000 increase in non-performing multi-family loans and a $289,000 increase in non-performing consumer loans. As of September 30, 2024, impaired loans totaled $74.0 million with related specific reserves of $7.2 million, compared with impaired loans totaling $54.6 million with related specific reserves of $7.7 million as of June 30, 2024. As of December 31, 2023, impaired loans totaled $42.8 million with related specific reserves of $2.4 million.

As of September 30, 2024, the Company’s allowance for credit losses related to the loan portfolio was 1.02% of total loans, compared to 1.00% and 0.99% as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. The allowance for credit losses increased $84.0 million to $191.2 million as of September 30, 2024, from $107.2 million as of December 31, 2023. The increase in the allowance for credit losses on loans as of September 30, 2024 compared to December 31, 2023 was due to a $75.9 million provision for credit losses, which included an initial CECL provision of $60.1 million on loans acquired from Lakeland, and a $17.2 million allowance recorded through goodwill related to Purchased Credit Deteriorated loans acquired from Lakeland, partially offset by net charge-offs of $9.1 million.

The following table sets forth accruing past due loans and non-accrual loans on the dates indicated, as well as delinquency statistics and certain asset quality ratios.

	September 30, 2024				June 30, 2024				December 31, 2023
	Number of Loans	Principal Balance of Loans			Number of Loans	Principal Balance of Loans			Number of Loans	Principal Balance of Loans
	(Dollars in thousands)
Accruing past due loans:
30 to 59 days past due:
Commercial mortgage loans	2	$	430		3	$	1,707		1	$	825
Multi-family mortgage loans	—		—		—		—		1		3,815
Construction loans	—		—		—		—		—		—
Residential mortgage loans	23		5,020		9		1,714		13		3,429
Total mortgage loans	25		5,450		12		3,421		15		8,069
Commercial loans	14		1,952		20		3,444		6		998
Consumer loans	53		4,073		38		2,891		31		875
Total 30 to 59 days past due	92	$	11,475		70	$	9,756		52	$	9,942

60 to 89 days past due:
Commercial mortgage loans	1	$	641		3	$	1,231		—	$	—
Multi-family mortgage loans	—		—		—		—		1		1,635
Construction loans	—		—		—		—		—		—
Residential mortgage loans	11		1,991		10		2,193		8		1,208
Total mortgage loans	12		2,632		13		3,424		9		2,843
Commercial loans	9		1,240		6		1,146		3		198
Consumer loans	10		606		9		648		5		275
Total 60 to 89 days past due	31		4,478		28		5,218		17		3,316
Total accruing past due loans	123	$	15,953		98	$	14,974		69	$	13,258

Non-accrual:
Commercial mortgage loans	17	$	13,969		10	$	3,588		7	$	5,151
Multi-family mortgage loans	6		7,578		5		7,276		1		744
Construction loans	2		13,151		1		11,698		1		771
Residential mortgage loans	24		5,211		20		4,447		7		853
Total mortgage loans	49		39,909		36		27,009		16		7,519
Commercial loans	69		48,592		58		39,715		26		41,487
Consumer loans	32		1,433		24		1,144		10		633
Total non-accrual loans	150	$	89,934		118	$	67,868		52	$	49,639

Non-performing loans to total loans			0.47	%			0.36	%			0.46	%
Allowance for loan losses to total non-performing loans			217.09	%			277.50	%			215.96	%
Allowance for loan losses to total loans			1.02	%			1.00	%			0.99	%

As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company held foreclosed assets of $9.8 million and $11.7 million, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, there were three properties sold with an aggregate carrying value of $532,000 and one write-down of a foreclosed commercial property of $1.3 million. Foreclosed assets as of September 30, 2024 consisted primarily of commercial real estate. Total non-performing assets as of September 30, 2024 increased $36.6 million to $97.9 million, or 0.41% of total assets, from $61.3 million, or 0.43% of total assets as of December 31, 2023.

Balance Sheet Summary

Total assets as of September 30, 2024 were $24.04 billion, a $9.83 billion increase from December 31, 2023. The increase in total assets was primarily due to the addition of Lakeland.

The Company’s loans held for investment portfolio totaled $18.79 billion as of September 30, 2024 and $10.87 billion as of December 31, 2023. The loan portfolio consisted of the following:

	September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			December 31, 2023
	(Dollars in thousands)
Mortgage loans:
Commercial	$	7,342,456		$	7,337,742		$	4,512,411
Multi-family		3,226,918			3,189,808			1,812,500
Construction		873,509			970,244			653,246
Residential		2,032,671			2,024,027			1,164,956
Total mortgage loans		13,475,554			13,521,821			8,143,113
Commercial loans		4,710,601			4,617,232			2,440,621
Consumer loans		623,709			626,016			299,164
Total gross loans		18,809,864			18,765,069			10,882,898
Premiums on purchased loans		1,362			1,410			1,474
Net deferred fees and unearned discounts		(16,617	)		(7,149	)		(12,456	)
Total loans	$	18,794,609		$	18,759,330		$	10,871,916

As part of the merger with Lakeland, we acquired $7.91 billion in loans, net of purchase accounting adjustments. Compared to the prior quarter, during the three months ended September 30, 2024, the loan portfolio had net increases of $93.4 million of commercial loans, $37.1 million of multi-family loans, $8.6 million of residential mortgage loans, and $4.7 million of commercial mortgage loans, partially offset by net decreases of $96.7 million of construction loans and $2.3 million of consumer loans. Commercial loans, consisting of commercial real estate, multi-family, commercial and construction loans, represented 85.9% of the loan portfolio as of September 30, 2024, compared to 86.5% as of December 31, 2023.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, loan funding, including advances on lines of credit, totaled $2.78 billion, compared with $2.53 billion for the same period in 2023.

As of September 30, 2024, the Company’s unfunded loan commitments totaled $2.97 billion, including commitments of $1.84 billion in commercial loans, $231.0 million in construction loans and $225.7 million in commercial mortgage loans. Unfunded loan commitments as of December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023 were $2.09 billion and $2.18 billion, respectively.

The loan pipeline, consisting of work-in-process and loans approved pending closing, totaled $1.98 billion as of September 30, 2024, compared to $1.09 billion and $1.70 billion as of December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023, respectively.

Total investment securities were $3.17 billion as of September 30, 2024, a $1.04 billion increase from December 31, 2023. This increase was primarily due to the addition of Lakeland.

Total deposits increased $8.08 billion during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, to $18.38 billion, due primarily to the addition of Lakeland. Total savings and demand deposit accounts increased $6.02 billion to $15.22 billion as of September 30, 2024, while total time deposits increased $2.06 billion to $3.16 billion as of September 30, 2024. The increase in savings and demand deposits was largely attributable to a $2.92 billion increase in interest bearing demand deposits, a $1.58 billion increase in non-interest bearing demand deposits, a $1.03 billion increase in money market deposits and a $495.5 million increase in savings deposits. The increase in time deposits consisted of a $2.01 billion increase in retail time deposits and a $46.5 million increase in brokered time deposits.

Borrowed funds increased $244.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, to $2.21 billion. The increase in deposits and borrowings was largely due to the addition of Lakeland. Borrowed funds represented 9.2% of total assets as of September 30, 2024, a decrease from 13.9% as of December 31, 2023.

Stockholders’ equity increased $930.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, to $2.62 billion, primarily due to common stock issued for the purchase of Lakeland, net income earned for the period and an improvement in unrealized losses on available for sale debt securities, partially offset by cash dividends paid to stockholders. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, common stock repurchases totaled 1,969 shares at an average cost of $16.36 per share and 88,821 shares at an average cost of $14.87 per share, respectively, all of which were made in connection with withholding to cover income taxes on the vesting of stock-based compensation. As of September 30, 2024, approximately 1.0 million shares remained eligible for repurchase under the current stock repurchase authorization. Book value per share and tangible book value per share(1) as of September 30, 2024 were $20.09 and $13.66, respectively, compared with $22.38 and $16.32, respectively, as of December 31, 2023.

About the Company

Provident Financial Services, Inc. is the holding company for Provident Bank, a community-oriented bank offering “commitment you can count on” since 1839. Provident Bank provides a comprehensive array of financial products and services through its network of branches throughout New Jersey, Bucks, Lehigh and Northampton counties in Pennsylvania, as well as Orange, Queens and Nassau Counties in New York. Provident Bank also provides fiduciary and wealth management services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Beacon Trust Company and insurance services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Provident Protection Plus, Inc.

Post Earnings Conference Call

Representatives of the Company will hold a conference call for investors on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the Company’s financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. The call may be accessed by dialing 1-888-412-4131 (United States Toll Free) and 1-646-960-0134 (United States Local). Speakers will need to enter conference ID code (3610756) before being met by a live operator. Internet access to the call is also available (listen only) at provident.bank by going to Investor Relations and clicking on “Webcast.”

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements contained herein are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements may be identified by reference to a future period or periods, or by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as “may,” “will,” “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “continue,” or similar terms or variations on those terms, or the negative of those terms. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those set forth in Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as supplemented by its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, and those related to the economic environment, particularly in the market areas in which the Company operates, inflation and unemployment, competitive products and pricing, real estate values, fiscal and monetary policies of the U.S. Government, the effects of any turmoil or negative news in the banking industry, changes in accounting policies and practices that may be adopted by the regulatory agencies and the accounting standards setters, changes in government regulations affecting financial institutions, including regulatory fees and capital requirements, changes in prevailing interest rates, potential goodwill impairment, acquisitions and the integration of acquired businesses, credit risk management, asset-liability management, the financial and securities markets, the availability of and costs associated with sources of liquidity, any failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the merger transaction when expected or at all; the possibility that the transaction may be more expensive to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected conditions, factors or events, potential adverse reactions or changes to business, employee, customer and/or counterparty relationships, including those resulting from the completion of the merger and integration of the companies; and the impact of a potential shutdown of the federal government.

The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date they are made. The Company advises readers that the factors listed above could affect the Company’s financial performance and could cause the Company’s actual results for future periods to differ materially from any opinions or statements expressed with respect to future periods in any current statements. The Company does not assume any duty, and does not undertake, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this statement.

Footnotes

⁽¹⁾ Annualized adjusted return on average assets, average equity and average tangible equity, annualized adjusted pre-tax pre-provision return on average assets, average equity and average tangible equity, tangible book value per share, annualized adjusted non-interest expense as a percentage of average assets and the efficiency ratio are non-GAAP financial measures. Please refer to the Notes following the Consolidated Financial Highlights which contain the reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures and the associated calculations.


PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Financial Highlights
(Dollars in Thousands, except share data) (Unaudited)

	At or for the Three Months Ended									At or for the Nine Months Ended
	September 30,			June 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
		2024			2024			2023			2024			2023
Statement of Income
Net interest income	$	183,701		$	141,506		$	96,236		$	418,877		$	303,666
Provision for credit losses		9,299			69,705			12,541			78,684			29,031
Non-interest income		26,855			22,275			19,320			69,937			60,861
Non-interest expense		136,002			115,394			65,625			323,224			199,485
Income (loss) before income tax expense		65,255			(21,318	)		37,390			86,906			136,011
Net income (loss)		46,405			(11,485	)		28,547			67,001			101,086
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.36		$	(0.11	)	$	0.38		$	0.65		$	1.35
Interest rate spread		2.65	%		2.58	%		2.39	%		2.55	%		2.69	%
Net interest margin		3.31	%		3.21	%		2.96	%		3.18	%		3.19	%

Profitability
Annualized return on average assets		0.76	%	(0.24		)%		0.81	%		0.47	%		0.98	%
Annualized adjusted return on average assets ⁽¹⁾		0.95	%	0.06		%		0.86	%		0.66	%		1.02	%
Annualized return on average equity		6.94	%	(2.17		)%		6.84	%		4.14	%		8.22	%
Annualized adjusted return on average equity ⁽¹⁾		8.62	%	0.53		%		7.30	%		5.83	%		8.59	%
Annualized return on average tangible equity ⁽⁴⁾		12.06	%	(3.15		)%		9.47	%		7.13	%		11.40	%
Annualized adjusted return on average tangible equity ⁽¹⁾		14.53	%		2.01	%		10.24	%		9.56	%		12.07	%
Annualized adjusted non-interest expense to average assets ⁽⁴⁾		1.98	%		2.02	%		1.80	%		1.99	%		1.87	%
Efficiency ratio ⁽⁶⁾		57.20	%		57.86	%		54.81	%		58.27	%		53.26	%

Asset Quality
Non-accrual loans				$	67,868					$	89,934		$	39,529
90+ and still accruing					—						—			—
Non-performing loans					67,868						88,061			39,529
Foreclosed assets					11,119						9,801			16,487
Non-performing assets					78,987						97,862			56,016
Non-performing loans to total loans					0.36	%					0.47	%		0.37	%
Non-performing assets to total assets					0.33	%					0.41	%		0.40	%
Allowance for loan losses				$	188,331					$	191,175		$	107,563
Allowance for loan losses to total non-performing loans					277.50	%					217.09	%		272.11	%
Allowance for loan losses to total loans					1.00	%					1.02	%		1.01	%
Net loan charge-offs	$	6,756		$	1,340		$	5,510		$	9,067		$	7,266
Annualized net loan charge-offs to average total loans		0.14	%		0.04	%		0.21	%		0.08	%		0.09	%

Average Balance Sheet Data
Assets	$	24,248,038		$	19,197,041		$	13,976,610		$	19,198,113		$	13,848,351
Loans, net		18,531,939			14,649,413			10,470,843			14,631,071			10,269,022
Earning assets		21,809,226			17,385,819			12,735,938			17,305,446			12,574,437
Core deposits		15,394,715			12,257,244			9,212,202			12,271,839			9,408,156
Borrowings		2,125,149			2,158,193			1,780,655			2,074,958			1,556,619
Interest-bearing liabilities		17,304,569			13,856,039			9,826,064			13,757,895			9,554,204
Stockholders’ equity		2,660,470			2,127,469			1,654,920			2,163,856			1,645,093
Average yield on interest-earning assets		5.84	%		5.67	%		4.89	%		5.61	%		4.76	%
Average cost of interest-bearing liabilities		3.19	%		3.09	%		2.50	%		3.06	%		2.07	%

Notes and Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Financial Measures
(Dollars in Thousands, except share data)

The Company has presented the following non-GAAP (U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) financial measures because it believes that these measures provide useful and comparative information to assess trends in the Company’s results of operations and financial condition. Presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is consistent with how the Company evaluates its performance internally and these non-GAAP financial measures are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies in the Company’s industry. Investors should recognize that the Company’s presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures might not be comparable to similarly-titled measures of other companies. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered a substitute for GAAP basis measures and the Company strongly encourages a review of its condensed consolidated financial statements in their entirety.


(1) Annualized Adjusted Return on Average Assets, Equity and Tangible Equity
	Three Months Ended									Nine Months Ended
	September 30,			June 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
		2024			2024			2023			2024			2023
Net Income	$	46,405		$	(11,485	)	$	28,547		$	67,001		$	101,086
Merger-related transaction costs		15,567			18,915			2,289			36,684			5,349
Less: income tax expense		(4,306	)		(4,625	)		(486	)		(9,274	)		(1,015	)
Annualized adjusted net income	$	57,666		$	2,805		$	30,350		$	94,411		$	105,420
Less: Amortization of Intangibles (net of tax)	$	8,551		$	4,532		$	503		$	13,577		$	1,560
Annualized adjusted net income for annualized adjusted return on average tangible equity	$	66,217		$	7,337		$	30,853		$	107,988		$	106,980

Annualized Adjusted Return on Average Assets		0.95	%		0.06	%		0.86	%		0.66	%		1.02	%
Annualized Adjusted Return on Average Equity		8.62	%		0.53	%		7.30	%		5.83	%		8.59	%
Annualized Adjusted Return on Average Tangible Equity		14.53	%		2.01	%		10.24	%		9.56	%		12.07	%

(2) Annualized adjusted pre-tax, pre-provision (“PTPP”) returns on average assets, average equity and average tangible equity
	Three Months Ended									Nine Months Ended
	September 30,			June 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
		2024			2024			2023			2024			2023
Net income (loss)	$	46,405		$	(11,485	)	$	28,547		$	67,001		$	101,086
Adjustments to net income (loss):
Provision for credit losses		9,299			69,705			12,541			78,684			29,031
Net loss on Lakeland bond sale		—			2,839			—			—			—
Merger-related transaction costs		15,567			18,915			2,289			36,684			5,349
Income tax expense (benefit)		18,850			(9,833	)		8,843			19,905			34,925
PTPP income	$	90,121		$	70,141		$	52,220		$	202,274		$	170,391

Annualized PTPP income	$	358,525		$	282,106		$	207,177		$	270,191		$	227,812
Average assets	$	24,248,038		$	19,197,041		$	13,976,610		$	19,198,113		$	13,848,351
Average equity	$	2,660,470		$	2,127,469		$	1,654,920		$	2,163,856		$	1,645,093
Average tangible equity	$	1,813,327		$	1,468,630		$	1,195,787		$	1,508,594		$	1,185,222

Annualized PTPP return on average assets		1.48	%		1.47	%		1.48	%		1.41	%		1.65	%
Annualized PTPP return on average equity		13.48	%		13.26	%		12.52	%		12.49	%		13.85	%
Annualized PTPP return on average tangible equity		19.77	%		19.21	%		17.33	%		17.91	%		19.22	%

(3) Book and Tangible Book Value per Share
							September 30,			June 30,			December 31,
								2024			2024			2023
Total stockholders’ equity							$	2,621,058		$	2,555,646		$	1,690,596
Less: total intangible assets								839,223			851,507			457,942
Total tangible stockholders’ equity							$	1,781,835		$	1,704,139		$	1,232,654

Shares outstanding								130,448,599			130,380,393			75,537,186

Book value per share (total stockholders’ equity/shares outstanding)							$	20.09		$	19.60		$	22.38
Tangible book value per share (total tangible stockholders’ equity/shares outstanding)							$	13.66		$	13.07		$	16.32

(4) Annualized Return on Average Tangible Equity
	Three Months Ended									Nine Months Ended
	September 30,			June 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
		2024			2024			2023			2024			2023
Total average stockholders’ equity	$	2,660,470		$	2,127,469		$	1,654,920		$	2,163,856		$	1,645,093
Less: total average intangible assets		847,143			658,839			459,133			655,262			459,871
Total average tangible stockholders’ equity	$	1,813,327		$	1,468,630		$	1,195,787		$	1,508,594		$	1,185,222

Net income (loss)	$	46,405		$	(11,485	)	$	28,547		$	67,001		$	101,086
Less: Amortization of Intangibles, net of tax		8,551			4,532			503			13,577			1,560
Total net income (loss)	$	54,956		$	(6,953	)	$	29,050		$	80,578		$	102,646

Annualized return on average tangible equity (net income/total average tangible stockholders’ equity)		12.06	%	(1.90) %				9.64	%		7.13	%		11.58	%

(5) Annualized Adjusted Non-Interest Expense to Average Assets
	Three Months Ended									Nine Months Ended
	September 30,			June 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
		2024			2024			2023			2024			2023
Reported non-interest expense	$	136,002		$	115,394		$	65,625		$	323,224		$	199,485
Adjustments to non-interest expense:
Merger-related transaction costs		15,567			18,915			2,289			36,684			5,349
Adjusted non-interest expense	$	120,435		$	96,479		$	63,336		$	286,540		$	194,136

Annualized adjusted non-interest expense	$	479,122		$	388,036		$	251,279		$	382,751		$	259,559

Average assets	$	24,248,038		$	19,197,041		$	13,976,610		$	19,198,113		$	13,848,351

Annualized adjusted non-interest expense/average assets		1.98	%		2.02	%		1.80	%		1.99	%		1.87	%

(6) Efficiency Ratio Calculation
	Three Months Ended									Nine Months Ended
	September 30,			June 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
		2024			2024			2023			2024			2023
Net interest income	$	183,701		$	141,506		$	96,236		$	418,877		$	303,666
Reported non-interest income		26,855			22,275			19,320			69,937			60,861
Adjustments to non-interest income:
Net (gain) loss on securities transactions		(2	)		2,973			13			2,972			(37	)
Adjusted non-interest income		26,853			25,248			19,333			72,909			60,824
Total income	$	210,554		$	166,754		$	115,569		$	491,786		$	364,490

Adjusted non-interest expense	$	120,435		$	96,479		$	63,336		$	286,540		$	194,136

Efficiency ratio (adjusted non-interest expense/income)		57.20	%		57.86	%		54.80	%		58.27	%		53.26	%

PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
September 30, 2024 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2023
(Dollars in Thousands)

Assets	September 30, 2024			December 31, 2023
Cash and due from banks	$	244,064		$	180,241
Short-term investments		25			14
Total cash and cash equivalents		244,089			180,255
Available for sale debt securities, at fair value		2,725,110			1,690,112
Held to maturity debt securities, net of allowance (fair value of $322,427 as of September 30, 2024 (unaudited) and $352,601 as of December 31, 2023)		332,021			363,080
Equity securities, at fair value		20,044			1,270
Federal Home Loan Bank stock		96,219			79,217
Loans held for sale		5,757			1,785
Loans held for investment		18,794,609			10,871,916
Less allowance for credit losses		191,175			107,200
Net loans		18,609,191			10,766,501
Foreclosed assets, net		9,801			11,651
Banking premises and equipment, net		124,955			70,998
Accrued interest receivable		89,866			58,966
Intangible assets		839,223			457,942
Bank-owned life insurance		403,648			243,050
Other assets		548,348			287,768
Total assets	$	24,042,515		$	14,210,810

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Deposits:
Demand deposits	$	13,548,480		$	8,020,889
Savings deposits		1,671,209			1,175,683
Certificates of deposit of $250,000 or more		800,005			218,549
Other time deposits		2,356,491			877,393
Total deposits		18,376,185			10,292,514
Mortgage escrow deposits		48,007			36,838
Borrowed funds		2,214,512			1,970,033
Subordinated debentures		414,184			10,695
Other liabilities		368,569			210,134
Total liabilities		21,421,457			12,520,214

Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, none issued		—			—
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 137,565,966 shares issued and 130,448,599 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2024 and 75,537,186 outstanding as of December 31, 2023.		1,376			832
Additional paid-in capital		1,871,343			989,058
Retained earnings		972,997			974,542
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(93,049	)		(141,115	)
Treasury stock		(129,148	)		(127,825	)
Unallocated common stock held by the Employee Stock Ownership Plan		(2,461	)		(4,896	)
Common Stock acquired by the Directors’ Deferred Fee Plan		(2,247	)		(2,694	)
Deferred Compensation – Directors’ Deferred Fee Plan		2,247			2,694
Total stockholders’ equity		2,621,058			1,690,596
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	24,042,515		$	14,210,810

PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Income
Three months ended September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 (Unaudited)
(Dollars in Thousands, except per share data)

	Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
	September 30,		June 30,			September 30,		September 30,			September 30,
		2024		2024			2023		2024			2023
Interest and dividend income:
Real estate secured loans	$	197,857	$	156,318		$	104,540	$	461,632		$	299,830
Commercial loans		81,183		58,532			33,806		175,815			93,915
Consumer loans		12,947		8,351			4,746		25,820			13,419
Available for sale debt securities, equity securities and Federal Home Loan Bank stock		25,974		20,394			11,886		58,698			34,748
Held to maturity debt securities		2,136		2,357			2,334		6,761			7,059
Deposits, federal funds sold and other short-term investments		2,425		1,859			885		5,466			2,678
Total interest income		322,522		247,811			158,197		734,192			451,649

Interest expense:
Deposits		110,009		81,058			44,923		243,602			108,880
Borrowed funds		19,923		20,566			16,765		57,871			38,329
Subordinated debt		8,889		4,681			273		13,842			774
Total interest expense		138,821		106,305			61,961		315,315			147,983
Net interest income		183,701		141,506			96,236		418,877			303,666
Provision charge for credit losses		9,299		69,705			12,541		78,684			29,031
Net interest income after provision for credit losses		174,402		71,801			83,695		340,193			274,635

Non-interest income:
Fees		9,816		8,699			6,132		24,426			18,294
Wealth management income		7,620		7,769			6,992		22,878			20,826
Insurance agency income		3,631		4,488			3,224		12,912			11,175
Bank-owned life insurance		4,308		3,323			1,820		9,448			4,838
Net gain (loss) on securities transactions		2		(2,973	)		13		(2,972	)		37
Other income		1,478		969			1,139		3,245			5,691
Total non-interest income		26,855		22,275			19,320		69,937			60,861

Non-interest expense:
Compensation and employee benefits		63,468		54,888			35,702		158,404			109,724
Net occupancy expense		12,790		11,142			8,113		32,452			24,474
Data processing expense		10,481		8,433			5,312		25,698			16,536
FDIC Insurance		4,180		3,100			1,628		9,553			5,688
Amortization of intangibles		12,231		6,483			720		19,420			2,231
Advertising and promotion expense		1,524		1,171			1,133		3,661			3,722
Merger-related expenses		15,567		18,915			2,289		36,684			5,349
Other operating expenses		15,761		11,262			10,728		37,352			31,761
Total non-interest expense		136,002		115,394			65,625		323,224			199,485
Income (loss) before income tax expense		65,255		(21,318	)		37,390		86,906			136,011
Income tax expense (benefit)		18,850		(9,833	)		8,843		19,905			34,925
Net income (loss)	$	46,405	$	(11,485	)	$	28,547	$	67,001		$	101,086

Basic earnings per share	$	0.36	$	(0.11	)	$	0.38	$	0.65		$	1.35
Average basic shares outstanding		129,941,845		102,957,521			74,909,083		102,819,042			74,793,530

Diluted earnings per share	$	0.36	$	(0.11	)	$	0.38	$	0.65		$	1.35
Average diluted shares outstanding		130,004,870		102,957,521			74,914,205		102,845,261			74,816,606

PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Net Interest Margin Analysis
Quarterly Average Balances
(Dollars in Thousands) (Unaudited)
	September 30, 2024						June 30, 2024						September 30, 2023
	Average Balance		Interest		Average Yield/Cost		Average Balance		Interest		Average Yield/Cost		Average Balance		Interest		Average Yield/Cost
Interest-Earning Assets:
Deposits	$	179,313	$	2,425	5.38	%	$	40,228	$	1,859	5.38	%	$	74,183	$	884	4.73	%
Federal funds sold and other short-term investments		—		—	—	%		0		—	—	%		57		1	4.00	%
Available for sale debt securities		2,644,262		24,884	3.72	%		2,244,725		17,647	3.14	%		1,724,833		10,127	2.35	%
Held to maturity debt securities, net ⁽¹⁾		342,217		2,136	2.50	%		352,216		2,357	2.68	%		373,681		2,334	2.50	%
Equity securities, at fair value		19,654		—	—	%		10,373		—	—	%		1,068		—	—	%
Federal Home Loan Bank stock		91,841		1,090	4.75	%		88,864		2,747	12.36	%		91,273		1,759	7.71	%
Net loans: ⁽²⁾
Total mortgage loans		13,363,265		197,857	5.83	%		10,674,109		156,318	5.81	%		7,881,193		104,540	5.21	%
Total commercial loans		4,546,088		81,183	7.05	%		3,514,602		58,532	6.62	%		2,289,267		33,806	5.81	%
Total consumer loans		622,586		12,947	8.27	%		460,702		8,351	7.29	%		300,383		4,746	6.27	%
Total net loans		18,531,939		291,987	6.21	%		14,649,413		223,201	6.05	%		10,470,843		143,092	5.37	%
Total interest-earning assets	$	21,809,226	$	322,522	5.84	%	$	17,385,819	$	247,811	5.67	%	$	12,735,938	$	158,197	4.89	%

Non-Interest Earning Assets:
Cash and due from banks		341,505						37,621						82,522
Other assets		2,097,307						1,773,601						1,158,150
Total assets	$	24,248,038					$	19,197,041					$	13,976,610

Interest-Bearing Liabilities:
Demand deposits	$	9,942,053	$	74,864	3.00	%	$	7,935,543	$	58,179	2.95	%	$	5,741,052	$	35,290	2.44	%
Savings deposits		1,711,502		1,006	0.23	%		1,454,784		832	0.23	%		1,240,951		592	0.19	%
Time deposits		3,112,598		34,139	4.36	%		2,086,433		22,047	4.25	%		1,052,793		9,041	3.41	%
Total deposits		14,766,153		110,009	2.96	%		11,476,760		81,058	2.84	%		8,034,796		44,923	2.22	%

Borrowed funds		2,125,149		19,923	3.73	%		2,158,193		20,566	3.83	%		1,780,655		16,765	3.74	%
Subordinated debentures		413,267		8,889	8.56	%		221,086		4,681	8.52	%		10,613		273	10.24	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities		17,304,569		138,821	3.19	%		13,856,039		106,305	3.09	%		9,826,064		61,961	2.50	%

Non-Interest Bearing Liabilities:
Non-interest bearing deposits		3,741,160						2,866,917						2,230,199
Other non-interest bearing liabilities		541,839						346,616						265,427
Total non-interest bearing liabilities		4,282,999						3,213,533						2,495,626
Total liabilities		21,587,568						17,069,572						12,321,690
Stockholders’ equity		2,660,470						2,127,469						1,654,920
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	24,248,038					$	19,197,041					$	13,976,610

Net interest income			$	183,701					$	141,506					$	96,236

Net interest rate spread					2.65	%					2.58	%					2.39	%
Net interest-earning assets	$	4,504,657					$	3,529,780					$	2,909,874

Net interest margin ⁽³⁾					3.31	%					3.21	%					2.96	%

Ratio of interest-earning assets to total interest-bearing liabilities	1.26x						1.25x						1.30x


(1	)	Average outstanding balance amounts shown are amortized cost, net of allowance for credit losses.
(2	)	Average outstanding balances are net of the allowance for loan losses, deferred loan fees and expenses, loan premiums and discounts and include non-accrual loans.
(3	)	Annualized net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.

The following table summarizes the quarterly net interest margin for the previous five quarters.
	9/30/24		6/30/24		3/31/24		12/31/23		9/30/23
	3rd Qtr.		2nd Qtr.		1st Qtr.		4th Qtr.		3rd Qtr.
Interest-Earning Assets:
Securities	3.69	%	3.40	%	2.87	%	2.79	%	2.67	%
Net loans	6.21	%	6.05	%	5.51	%	5.50	%	5.37	%
Total interest-earning assets	5.84	%	5.67	%	5.06	%	5.04	%	4.89	%

Interest-Bearing Liabilities:
Total deposits	2.96	%	2.84	%	2.60	%	2.47	%	2.22	%
Total borrowings	3.73	%	3.83	%	3.60	%	3.71	%	3.74	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities	3.19	%	3.09	%	2.80	%	2.71	%	2.50	%

Interest rate spread	2.65	%	2.58	%	2.26	%	2.33	%	2.39	%
Net interest margin	3.31	%	3.21	%	2.87	%	2.92	%	2.96	%

Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities	1.26x		1.25x		1.28x		1.28x		1.30x

PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Net Interest Margin Analysis
Average Year to Date Balances
(Dollars in Thousands) (Unaudited)

	September 30, 2024						September 30, 2023
	Average				Average		Average				Average
	Balance		Interest		Yield/Cost		Balance		Interest		Yield/Cost
Interest-Earning Assets:
Deposits	$	39,280	$	5,466	5.38	%	$	69,696	$	2,676	5.13	%
Federal funds sold and other short term investments		—		—	—	%		58		2	5.34	%
Available for sale debt securities		2,189,671		52,553	3.19	%		1,777,861		30,819	2.31	%
Held to maturity debt securities, net ⁽¹⁾		350,529		6,761	2.57	%		379,144		7,059	2.48	%
Equity securities, at fair value		10,050		—	—	%		1,022		—	—	%
Federal Home Loan Bank stock		84,845		6,145	9.66	%		77,634		3,929	6.75	%
Net loans: ⁽²⁾
Total mortgage loans		10,682,974		461,632	5.70	%		7,740,591		299,830	5.12	%
Total commercial loans		3,487,600		175,815	6.69	%		2,225,725		93,915	5.60	%
Total consumer loans		460,497		25,820	7.49	%		302,706		13,419	5.93	%
Total net loans		14,631,071		663,267	5.99	%		10,269,022		407,164	5.25	%
Total interest-earning assets	$	17,305,446	$	734,192	5.61	%	$	12,574,437	$	451,649	4.76	%

Non-Interest Earning Assets:
Cash and due from banks		229,336						121,801
Other assets		1,663,331						1,152,113
Total assets	$	19,198,113					$	13,848,351

Interest-Bearing Liabilities:
Demand deposits	$	7,931,251	$	174,609	2.94	%	$	5,710,855	$	85,822	2.01	%
Savings deposits		1,444,135		2,476	0.23	%		1,315,157		1,582	0.16	%
Time deposits		2,091,806		66,517	4.25	%		961,010		21,476	2.99	%
Total deposits		11,467,192		243,602	2.84	%		7,987,022		108,880	1.82	%
Borrowed funds		2,074,958		57,871	3.73	%		1,556,619		38,329	3.29	%
Subordinated debentures		215,745		13,842	8.57	%		10,563		774	9.80	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities	$	13,757,895	$	315,315	3.06	%	$	9,554,204	$	147,983	2.07	%

Non-Interest Bearing Liabilities:
Non-interest bearing deposits		2,896,453						2,382,144
Other non-interest bearing liabilities		379,909						266,910
Total non-interest bearing liabilities		3,276,362						2,649,054
Total liabilities		17,034,257						12,203,258
Stockholders’ equity		2,163,856						1,645,093
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	19,198,113					$	13,848,351

Net interest income			$	418,877					$	303,666

Net interest rate spread					2.55	%					2.69	%
Net interest-earning assets	$	3,547,551					$	3,020,233

Net interest margin ⁽³⁾					3.18	%					3.19	%

Ratio of interest-earning assets to total interest-bearing liabilities	1.26x						1.32x


(1) Average outstanding balance amounts shown are amortized cost, net of allowance for credit losses.
(2) Average outstanding balance are net of the allowance for loan losses, deferred loan fees and expenses, loan premium and discounts and include non-accrual loans.
(3) Annualized net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.

The following table summarizes the year-to-date net interest margin for the previous three years.

	Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2024		September 30, 2023		September 23, 2022
Interest-Earning Assets:
Securities	3.33	%	2.57	%	1.72	%
Net loans	5.99	%	5.25	%	4.01	%
Total interest-earning assets	5.61	%	4.76	%	3.51	%

Interest-Bearing Liabilities:
Total deposits	2.84	%	1.82	%	0.33	%
Total borrowings	3.73	%	3.29	%	0.97	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities	3.06	%	2.07	%	0.38	%

Interest rate spread	2.55	%	2.69	%	3.13	%
Net interest margin	3.18	%	3.19	%	3.24	%

Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities	1.26x		1.32x		1.38x

SOURCE: Provident Financial Services, Inc.

CONTACT: Investor Relations, 1-732-590-9300 Web Site: http://www.Provident.Bank

MIL-OSI: TMT Acquisition Corp Shareholders Approve Business Combination with eLong Power Holding Limited

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

New York, NY, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TMT Acquisition Corp (Nasdaq: TMTCU, TMTC, and TMTCR) (“TMTC”), a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company, announced at its extraordinary general meeting earlier today, October 29, 2024, that its shareholders voted to approve the previously announced business combination with eLong Power Holding Limited (“eLong Power”), a provider of high power battery technologies for commercial and specialty vehicles and energy storage systems.

The transaction has been unanimously approved by the Board of Directors of TMT and eLong Power. Subject to certain contractual as well as customary closing conditions, the business combination is expected to close in the coming weeks. As part of the consummation of the business combination, the newly combined public company is expected to trade on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “ELPW”.

The business combination is expected to provide eLong Power with access to the U.S. public equity markets, thereby accelerating its business expansion and bolstering eLong Power’s position to explore additional growth and value- creating opportunities.

Advisors

The Crone Law Group P.C. is acting as U.S. legal advisor to TMTC. Ogier Global is acting as the Cayman Islands legal advisor to TMTC. Graubard Miller is acting as U.S. legal advisor to eLong Power, Harneys is acting as Cayman Islands legal advisor to eLong Power and Han Kun Law Offices is acting as China legal advisor to eLong Power.

About eLong Power

eLong Power Holding Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted company, is committed to the research and development, manufacturing, sales and service of high-power lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and construction machinery, as well as large-capacity, long-cycle lithium-ion batteries for energy storage systems. eLong Power is led by Ms. Xiaodan Liu, eLong Power’s Chairwoman and CEO.

eLong Power has a comprehensive product and technology system that includes battery cells, modules, system integration, and battery management system development, based on high-power lithium-ion batteries and battery system products for long-cycle energy storage devices. eLong Power offers advanced energy applications and full life cycle services. Its product portfolio includes products utilizing lithium manganese oxide and lithium iron phosphate, among others, to meet the needs of high-power applications and energy storage applications in various scenarios.

About TMT Acquisition Corp

TMT Acquisition Corp is a blank check company, also commonly referred to as a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization, or similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities. TMTC is led by Dajiang (“DJ”) Guo, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Jichuan Yang, Chief Financial Officer, who are growth-oriented executives with a long track record of value creation across industries.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements regarding the benefits of the transaction, the anticipated timing of the transaction, the products offered by eLong Power and the markets in which it operates, and eLong Power’s projected future results. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this document, including, but not limited to: the risk that the transaction may not be completed by TMTC’s business combination deadline; the failure to satisfy one or more of the conditions to the consummation of the transaction; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the business combination agreement; the effect of the announcement or pendency of the transaction on eLong Power’s business relationships, performance, and business generally; risks that the proposed business combination disrupts current plans or operations of eLong Power; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against eLong Power or TMTC related to the business combination agreement or the proposed business combination; the ability of eLong Power to have its securities listed on Nasdaq commencing on the closing of the transaction and maintain such listing thereafter; after the closing of the transaction, the price of eLong Power Inc.’s securities may be volatile due to a variety of factors, including changes in the competitive and highly regulated industries in which eLong Power Inc. will operate, variations in performance across competitors, changes in laws and regulations affecting eLong Power Inc.’s business and changes in its capital structure; the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations after the completion of the proposed business combination, and identify and realize additional opportunities provided by the business combination; its need for substantial additional funds; the parties’ dependence on third-party suppliers; risks relating to the results of research and development activities, market and other conditions; its ability to attract, integrate, and retain key personnel; risks related to its growth strategy; patent and intellectual property matters; and the parties’ ability to obtain, perform under and maintain financing and strategic agreements and relationships. Accordingly, these forward-looking statements do not constitute guarantees of future performance, and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Risks regarding TMTC’s and eLong Power’s business are described in detail in TMTC’s and eLong Power’s SEC filings which are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, including in eLong Power’s registration statement on Form F-4 (File No. 333-280512) and TMTC’s registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-259879), filed with the SEC and updated by TMTC’s and eLong Power’s subsequent filings with the SEC. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and TMTC expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations or any changes in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.

eLong Power Investor Contact:
Shilin Xun
Email: xunshilin@elongpower.com

TMTC Contact:
Dajiang Guo
Email: dguo@tmtacquisitioncorp.com
347-627-0058

MIL-OSI: Stifel Declares Quarterly Common Stock Cash Dividend and Declares Preferred Stock Cash Dividend

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

ST. LOUIS, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend on shares of its common stock of $0.42 per share, payable December 16, 2024, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 2, 2024.

The Board of Directors also declared a quarterly cash dividend on the outstanding shares of its 6.25% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B (the “Series B Preferred Stock”), 6.125% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series C (the “Series C Preferred Stock”), and 4.50% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series D (the “Series D Preferred Stock”). The declared cash dividend on the Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock, and Series D Preferred Stock is for the period from September 17, 2024, up to, but excluding, December 16, 2024. The declared cash dividend equated to approximately $0.390625 per depositary share, or $390.625 per share of the Series B Preferred Stock outstanding. The declared cash dividend equated to approximately $0.3828125 per depositary share, or $382.8125 per share of the Series C Preferred Stock outstanding. The declared cash dividend equated to approximately $0.281250 per depositary share, or $281.250 per share of the Series D Preferred Stock outstanding. The cash dividends are payable on December 16, 2024 to shareholders of record on December 2, 2024.

The Company’s Series B Preferred Stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “SF PrB”, the Company’s Series C Preferred Stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “SF PrC”, and the Company’s Series D Preferred Stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “SF PrD.”

Stifel Company Information
Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) is a financial services holding company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, that conducts its banking, securities, and financial services business through several wholly owned subsidiaries. Stifel’s broker-dealer clients are served in the United States through Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, including its Eaton Partners and Miller Buckfire business divisions; Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.; and Stifel Independent Advisors, LLC; in Canada through Stifel Nicolaus Canada Inc.; and in the United Kingdom and Europe through Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited. The Company’s broker-dealer affiliates provide securities brokerage, investment banking, trading, investment advisory, and related financial services to individual investors, professional money managers, businesses, and municipalities. Stifel Bank and Stifel Bank & Trust offer a full range of consumer and commercial lending solutions. Stifel Trust Company, N.A. and Stifel Trust Company Delaware, N.A. offer trust and related services. To learn more about Stifel, please visit the Company’s website at www.stifel.com. For global disclosures, please visit https://www.stifel.com/investor-relations/press-releases.

Stifel Investor Relations Contact
Joel Jeffrey, Senior Vice President
(212) 271-3610 direct
investorrelations@stifel.com

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cb0194a8-ecb8-463e-a4d4-8c335a88fed6

MIL-OSI: RWA Inc. Unveils The RWA Hub: A Social Mining Platform Dedicated to Growth and Community Building

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

ROAD TOWN, British Virgin Islands, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RWA Inc., a leader in the tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs), is excited to announce the launch of its latest product, The RWA Hub. This platform serves as a center for fostering knowledge, sharing, collaboration, and engagement for investors, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts interested in real-world asset tokenization.

The RWA Hub provides a centralized space for users to stay informed about the latest developments, events, and opportunities within the RWA ecosystem. With a focus on building an active and engaged community, the hub encourages conversations, insights, and updates on the RWA Inc. ecosystem through incentive campaigns and Initial Labour Offerings.

What the RWA Hub Offers:

Community Engagement and Discussions: The RWA Hub features interactive forums where users can exchange ideas, ask questions, and share experiences. This space encourages dialogue between all users in the RWA Inc. Ecosystem, fostering a collaborative environment where participants can learn from one another and explore new opportunities in the tokenization space.
Exclusive Campaigns and Opportunities: The Hub hosts exclusive campaigns that are not available on other RWA Inc. platforms. These unique opportunities, tailored to active community members, include special token offerings, promotions, and engagement rewards that enrich the overall experience for users who actively participate in the RWA Hub.
Active Membership and Engagement: The RWA Hub already boasts an active membership, with participants regularly engaging in discussions, contributing to forums, and taking part in events. These continued contributions create long-term value for the RWA Inc. ecosystem, and members are rewarded for their dedication and active participation in our community.

Building a Community

The RWA Hub plays an important role in supporting the company’s mission to democratize access to real-world asset investment opportunities by providing a space where community members can connect and share knowledge. It serves as a platform for users to engage with each other and stay updated on trends in the tokenization space.

“The RWA Hub is a center for discussion, collaboration and engagement within our community – it’s a cornerstone for building lasting relationships with our users. We have designed it to reward those who engage and contribute towards the long-term growth of the RWA Inc. ecosystem. Their insights, participation, and dedication help drive us forward, and strengthen our community.” – Kevin Yunai, CEO & founder at RWA Inc.

Tokenization: A Growing Market Opportunity

The global tokenization market is experiencing rapid growth, with the potential to unlock trillions of dollars in traditionally illiquid assets. By fractionalizing high-value assets, RWA Inc. expands market reach and unlocks liquidity, making this market accessible to a broader group of investors. RWA Inc. is set to lead this space through innovative technology, strong leadership, and a dedicated community. The RWA Hub plays an important role in creating a long-standing, engaged community to ensure the longevity of our platform. We believe our success is directly tied to the growth and active involvement of our community. Through their support, we aim to solidify our position as a flagship brand for RWA tokenization.

About RWA Inc.

RWA Inc. delivers end-to-end real-world asset (RWA) tokenization via an advanced multi-asset platform, including tokenization as a service, a launchpad, and a marketplace. With a short-term focus on startup utility tokens for our go-to-market strategy, our primary emphasis is on strategically expanding into startup equity tokens, real estate, collectibles, and other asset classes. Our comprehensive services enhance liquidity, broaden market reach, support business development, and create new avenues for value creation, aligning with market demands.

Join our community today! – community.rwa.inc.

Contact Details:
Kevin Yunai
Founder and CEO
kevin@rwa.inc

Disclaimer: This content is provided by “RWA”. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/85a2b193-aeb6-4b1a-8add-8412116d2c46

MIL-OSI: Enstar Announces Changes to Executive Leadership Team

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

• Appoints Paul Brockman as Chief Commercial Officer

• Names Adrian Thornycroft as Chief Administrative Officer from May 2025

HAMILTON, Bermuda, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enstar Group Limited (“Enstar”) (Nasdaq: ESGR), today announces changes to its executive leadership team in connection with the upcoming retirement of Orla Gregory, President, at the end the year, and the expanding role of Enstar in the insurance industry.

Paul Brockman has been appointed as Chief Commercial Officer with immediate effect. Paul has been with Enstar since 2012, most recently in the role of Group Chief Operating Officer. This newly created role reflects the continued expansion of the scope of solutions Enstar can bring to the global insurance industry. Paul has over three decades of experience across the legacy and (re)insurance sectors. His new responsibilities will include corporate development, serving as one of the primary liaisons to the insurance market, engaging with industry leaders, and optimising market opportunities.

Adrian Thornycroft will join as Chief Administrative Officer in May 2025. Adrian will be based in Bermuda and will assume a number of responsibilities from Orla as well as take a leading role with respect to change strategy. Adrian has extensive operational and leadership experience, having successfully delivered significant business and change programmes at companies such as Brit, Lloyd’s, and MS Amlin.

The remaining responsibilities under the role of the outgoing President will be assumed by the wider leadership team.

Dominic Silvester, Enstar CEO, said:

“With Paul’s depth of legacy expertise and his versatile, wide-ranging experience, we are confident Paul will continue to make a significant impact as we continue to maintain and expand our industry relationships and drive forward our reputation as the leading provider of legacy solutions.

Adrian’s skillset and expertise aligns perfectly with Enstar’s strategic direction with regard to our operating platform at an important juncture and will further strengthen Enstar’s leadership team.”

About Enstar
Enstar is a NASDAQ-listed leading global insurance group that offers capital release solutions through its network of group companies in Bermuda, the United States, the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, Australia and other international locations. A market leader in completing legacy acquisitions, Enstar has acquired over 117 companies and portfolios since its formation. For further information about Enstar, see www.enstargroup.com.

Cautionary Statement
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that include words such as “estimate,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “seek,” “may,” “will” and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature identify forward-looking statements for purposes of the federal securities laws or otherwise. These statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company and its management team. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those related to the satisfaction of any post-closing regulatory requirements.

Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements, in addition to those identified above, include: (i) the completion of the proposed transaction on the anticipated terms and timing, (ii) the satisfaction of other conditions to the completion of the proposed transaction, including obtaining required shareholder and regulatory approvals; (iii) the risk that the Company’s stock price may fluctuate during the pendency of the proposed transaction and may decline if the proposed transaction is not completed; (iv) potential litigation relating to the proposed transaction that could be instituted against the Company or its directors, managers or officers, including the effects of any outcomes related thereto; (v) the risk that disruptions from the proposed transaction (including the ability of certain customers to terminate or amend contracts upon a change of control) will harm the Company’s business, including current plans and operations, including during the pendency of the proposed transaction; (vi) the ability of the Company to retain and hire key personnel; (vii) the diversion of management’s time and attention from ordinary course business operations to completion of the proposed transaction and integration matters; (viii) potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships resulting from the announcement or completion of the proposed transaction; (ix) legislative, regulatory and economic developments; (x) potential business uncertainty, including changes to existing business relationships, during the pendency of the proposed transaction that could affect the Company’s financial performance; (xi) certain restrictions during the pendency of the proposed transaction that may impact the Company’s ability to pursue certain business opportunities or strategic transactions; (xii) unpredictability and severity of catastrophic events, including but not limited to acts of terrorism, outbreaks of war or hostilities or global pandemics, as well as management’s response to any of the aforementioned factors; (xiii) the possibility that the proposed transaction may be more expensive to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events; (xiv) unexpected costs, liabilities or delays associated with the transaction; (xv) the response of competitors to the transaction; (xvi) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the proposed transaction, including in circumstances requiring the Company to pay a termination fee; (xvii) those risks and uncertainties set forth under the headings “Forward Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as such risk factors may be amended, supplemented or superseded from time to time by other reports filed by the Company with the SEC from time to time, which are available via the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov; and (xviii) those risks described in the Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on October 11, 2024 and available from the sources indicated below.

These risks, as well as other risks associated with the proposed transaction, are more fully discussed in the Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on October 11, 2024 in connection with the proposed transaction. There can be no assurance that the proposed transaction will be completed, or if it is completed, that it will close within the anticipated time period. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any written or oral forward-looking statements or publicly announce any updates or revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein, or to reflect any change in its expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions, circumstances or assumptions underlying such statements, except as required by law. If one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, our actual results may vary materially from what we may have expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. We caution that you should not place undue reliance on any of our forward-looking statements. You should specifically consider the factors identified in this communication that could cause actual results to differ. Furthermore, new risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict those events or how they may affect the Company.

Contact:

For Enstar:
For Investors: Matthew Kirk (investor.relations@enstargroup.com)
For Media: Jenna Kerr (communications@enstargroup.com)

MIL-OSI Economics: Zambia: African Development Bank’s Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa approves $8 million for development of 25 MW Solar Plant

Source: African Development Bank Group

The African Development Bank Group’s Board of Directors has approved an $8 million concessional loan to support the construction of a 25MW Solar Photovoltaic power plant in Zambia. The financing for the Ilute Plant will be sourced from the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), a multi-donor Special Fund managed by the Bank. Ilute is expected to advance Zambia’s sustainable development and help the country unlock its renewable energy potential.

The venture has faced rising costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges. Serengeti Energy Ltd and Western Solar Power Ltd are leading the plant development in Zambia’s Sesheke District. Competitively selected by GreenCo Power Services Ltd (GreenCo), this project will serve as a pilot for GreenCo’s energy aggregator model under the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (ZESCO) open grid access framework. Acting as an intermediary off-taker, GreenCo will purchase the generated electricity through a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement and sell it to the Southern African Power Pool Day-Ahead Market.

“We are delighted to support the Ilute Solar PV project – which will be the first project to use Africa GreenCo as an intermediate off-taker. SEFA’s support has been instrumental in bridging the financing gap and will pave the way for future projects that contribute to Southern Africa’s energy transition,” said Dr Daniel Schroth, African Development Bank Director for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency.

Anton-Louis Olivier, CEO of Serengeti Energy, acknowledged SEFA’s support. He said, “We appreciate the support from the African Development Bank Group and SEFA in helping us move the Ilute 25MW Solar PV project forward. This loan addresses the financial challenges we’ve faced due to the pandemic and rising costs. The Ilute project is a testament to innovative collaboration and serves as a pioneering model for future renewable energy initiatives in Zambia as well as the wider region.” Serengeti Energy is a leading renewable independent power producer specialising in the development, construction, and operation of utility-scale renewable energy plants tailored to the needs of both public and private off-takers.

ABOUT SEFA

SEFA is a multi-donor Special Fund that provides catalytic finance to unlock private sector investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency. SEFA offers technical assistance and concessional finance instruments to remove market barriers, build a more robust pipeline of projects and improve the risk-return profile of individual investments. The Fund’s overarching goal is to contribute to universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy services for all in Africa, in line with the New Deal on Energy for Africa and Sustainable Development Goal 7.

MIL OSI Economics –

MIL-OSI Global: New insights from Shakespeare’s England reveal striking parallels to contemporary climate change

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Madeline Bassnett, Professor of Early Modern English Literature, Western University

Unprecedented storms and devastating drought. Flash floods and wildfires ignited by the air’s dry heat. This is the experience for many in our modern world. But it was also the experience for those living amid England’s Little Ice Age.

The Little Ice Age is a period from around 1300 to 1850, when global temperatures dropped significantly. While the exact cause of this phenonemon is unknown, theories range from volcanic eruptions to European colonization of the Americas.

Our research into England’s Little Ice Age during the 16th and 17th centuries has unearthed more than 1,800 unique pieces of weather observations, hidden in documents like diaries and letters. Local and national chronicles embedded reports of extreme weather among accounts of war and monarchs. Extreme weather pamphlets publicized tragic effects of earthquakes, floods and storms, much like our media today.

Our team has created an open access database called the Weather Extremes in England’s Little Ice Age 1500-1700. This database visually maps both extreme and temperate weather in the age of Shakespeare and can help to advance modern climate science.

More fundamentally, these experiential accounts provide a fascinating window into a world not too different from our own. While the causes of the climate change of today are well known, and likely different from that of the Little Ice Age, the experiences of living through both events are at times eerily similar. Understanding these past experiences can help us to better understand our present day and to develop more robust policies in the here and now.

Frosts and freezes

Frost fairs on the River Thames have become a familiar cultural reference point for England’s Little Ice Age. Our data shows that the river froze over a mere four times in the 16th century — in 1516, 1537, 1564 and 1590 — and there were only intermittent observations of unusual cold or snow.

The 17th century was markedly different. Reports of cold came thick and fast, with the exception of a few years between 1620 and 1643.

Title page from The Great Frost: ‘Cold doings in London, except it be at the lotterie. With newes out of the country. A familiar talk betwene a country-man and a citizen touching this terrible frost and the great lotterie, and the effects of them.’ Printed at London: For Henry Gosson, 1608. Attributed to Thomas Dekker.
(Houghton Library, Harvard University)

This was the century of frost fairs on the Thames. With the first 17th century fair in 1608, these events were celebrated by English playwright Thomas Dekker in his pamphlet The Great Frost.

Drinking, barbering and games were on display as London’s citizens marvelled at the novelty of entertainment on the ice. The freezes were frequent enough to become an institution.

By the winter of 1683-1684, the frost fair had become a city within a city, expanding across the ice with avenues of booths, bear and bull-baiting rings and boats-turned-chariots pulled by enterprising watermen across the now solid river.

But these iconic events were just one aspect of Little Ice Age weather in England.

Storms and floods

In the 16th century, severe rain storms were far more common than cold snaps.

On Oct. 5, 1570, “a terrible tempest of wind and raine” caused flooding from Lincolnshire to London as rivers overflowed their banks, drowning towns, fields, crops and cattle. Storm surges inundated the coastline.

Four years later, towns from Newport to St. Ives suffered “raging floods,” and a “giant sea fish” (whale) washed up in the Thames from a massive surge up river. In May 1594, “soddane showres of haile [and] raine” destroyed houses, iron mills, crops and cattle in Sussex and Surrey. September of that year saw another deluge, with bridges taken down in Cambridge and Ware.

This all changed in the 17th century, following the Great Flood that struck Bristol and surrounding areas in 1607. Extreme cold spells then became more frequent, and major storm events were less common. The winter of 1612-1613 saw a number of violent storms recorded in the pamphlet Wonders of this Windie Winter, with livestock lost from Newcastle to Dover and bodies from shipwrecks washing aground in the Thames.

In the next 40 years, though, only the years of 1626 and 1637 contain reports of significant storm events causing loss of life or livestock. Instead of extreme storms, this century was marked more by regular but moderate rainfall, consistent with colder, wetter conditions normally associated with the Little Ice Age.

Fire and heat

If colder, wetter weather was a new normal for 17th century Britons, the hot, dry spring of 1666 caught Londoners unprepared. The Great Fire of London was one of the worst disasters of the age, and diarist John Evelyn recounts that “the heate … had even ignited the aire,” a comment reminiscent of descriptions of wildfire spread today.

Yet periods of extreme heat were surprisingly frequent during the previous century, especially in the England that Shakespeare knew. More than a dozen droughts were recorded across England in the 16th century, usually broken by extreme storms or floods. It never rained, it seems, but it poured. The Thames dried up completely in 1592.

As Thomas Short wrote in his Chronological History of English Weather, “an excessive drought, great death of cattle from want of water; springs and brooks were dried up; horsemen could ride the Thames.” Locals went into the mud to retrieve items long lost to the river.

Shakespeare’s hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon was nearly destroyed by fire twice, in 1594 and 1595, due to severe drought and heat. The warning signs were there for Londoners to beware of hot spells in the next century, but frost fairs and wet weather may have bred complacency.

Lessons for today

The Weather Extremes in England’s Little Ice Age 1500-1700 database is revealing a picture of the world of Shakespeare and early modern England that upends a simplified picture of the Little Ice Age. More than just a world of frosts and freezes, the English Little Ice Age could be known as well as an age of fire and rain.

The documents in our database are the reports of people who lived in a climatically changing world and saw its shifts firsthand. It shows how important weather crowd-sourcing can be, even centuries later. Contemporary projects like the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network, or the Northern Tornadoes Project, continue in the spirit of this work.

But our data could also provide insight into today’s extreme weather. Historical flooding patterns might provide reference points to better manage and understand the unstable weather experienced in the British Isles today.

Madeline Bassnett has received funding from SSHRC for the Weather Extremes in England’s Little Ice Age 1500-1700 project.

Laurie Johnson 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. New insights from Shakespeare’s England reveal striking parallels to contemporary climate change – https://theconversation.com/new-insights-from-shakespeares-england-reveal-striking-parallels-to-contemporary-climate-change-240755

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

MIL-OSI USA: Bean Presses USPS Inspector General to Resolve NE Florida Mail Delivery Problems

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Aaron Bean Florida (4th District)

WASHINGTON—Today, in response to resident and industry complaints regarding late or lost mail, U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) demanded USPS Inspector General Tammy Hull and the Office of Inspector General (OIG) audit and investigate the Regional Processing and Distribution Center (RPDC) in Jacksonville, FL.

Congressman Bean was joined by Buddy Carter (GA-01), Mike Waltz (FL-06), John Rutherford (FL-05), and Kat Cammack (FL-03) in requesting specific answers and solutions to the months-long delays and mail delivery inconsistences families, seniors, and businesses continue to face in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia.

Upon issuance of the letter, Congressman Bean said, “Since January, I’ve had many constituents reach out with concerns regarding delivery delays and lost mail. We all rely on the USPS for timely delivery of mail and packages, and I understand it’s not just a service, it’s a critical resource. That’s why I’m pushing the USPS Inspector General for answers and solutions, not excuses.”

In the letter, the lawmakers wrote: “As members of Congress, it is our responsibility to conduct oversight and ensure the USPS is serving the people effectively. Therefore, we request the USPS Office of Inspector General to thoroughly audit and investigate the postal situation in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. Specifically, we request to know the reason for the delays, how the transition to the Jacksonville RPDC has been implemented, and actions that can be taken to restore confidence in the postal services in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia.”

Read the full letter to USPS Inspector General Hull HERE.

BACKGROUND

Congressman Bean has repeatedly implored the USPS to address ongoing performance issues. Most recently, Congressman Bean joined his colleagues in calling for transparency and operational improvements at the Jacksonville distribution center. Click HERE to view the letter.

###

MIL-OSI USA: $82M Goes to WA Ports for Clean Infrastructure Investments to Increase Capacity, Bolster Competitiveness, & Create New Jobs

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

10.29.24

$82M Goes to WA Ports for Clean Infrastructure Investments to Increase Capacity, Bolster Competitiveness, & Create New Jobs

$63.8M to Port of Anacortes & $9.4M to Port of Port Angeles, plus planning grants for Anacortes, Seattle, Bellingham, Seaport Alliance from EPA’s new Clean Ports Program

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (D, WA-02), and U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (D, WA-06) announced six grants to help ports in the State of Washington invest in critical infrastructure upgrades. The competitive grants were awarded by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Ports Program, one of many important infrastructure upgrades and carbon reduction initiatives that the lawmakers supported in the historic Inflation Reduction Act.

The Port of Anacortes is receiving $63.8 million to fund a major conversion of port equipment to battery electric power and $1.3 million for additional planning work.

“This major federal investment will enable the Port of Anacortes to electrify its operations and bring in much-needed new cargo handling equipment that will help the Port expand. Boosting the Port’s efficiency and capacity will create 50 new high-paying jobs, introduce more apprenticeships, and maintain payrolls for over 1,000 locals currently employed by the Port and its tenants,” said Sen. Cantwell.

“The Port of Anacortes is an important part of Washington state’s maritime infrastructure and a huge mover for Skagit County’s economy—these federal resources will help ensure the Port can more quickly implement its zero-emissions strategy while creating local jobs,” said Sen. Murray. “I was proud to help pass the Inflation Reduction Act and help secure a landmark investment in building a stronger, clean energy economy—it’s good to see federal dollars come back to Anacortes. As Senate Appropriations Chair, I will continue to fight for investments that fuel our clean energy transition while strengthening our economy.”

“You cannot have a big-league economy with little league infrastructure,” said Rep. Larsen, the lead Democrat on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. “Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, the Port of Anacortes has the funding it needs to electrify cargo handling operations on the Guemes Channel waterfront and reduce emissions. Congress must continue to make bold, long-term investments in Northwest Washington ports to create more jobs and build a cleaner and greener future.”

With the funds, the Port of Anacortes will buy a range of new battery electric equipment including five tow tractors, 16 forklifts, six marine travel lifts/cranes, five boom/aerial lifts, two material handlers, and seven vessels. This will improve community engagement, grow workforce opportunities, and increase access to quality jobs, while lowering local air pollution. The Port is contributing $10,312,006 towards the project.

The Port of Port Angeles is receiving $9.4 million to purchase all-electric, zero emissions cargo handling equipment and enhance shore power offerings.

“The Port of Port Angeles links the forest products industry with customers across the globe. Investing in new shore power and electric equipment will reduce costs for the Port, its tenants, and forest products businesses that support more than 1,500 jobs on the Olympic Peninsula,” said Sen. Cantwell.

“From replacing equipment fueled by diesel to building out new charging and grid infrastructure—this federal funding will help Port Angeles reduce emissions, create more jobs, and compete in the 21^st century,” said Sen. Murray. “I was proud to help pass the Inflation Reduction Act and help secure a landmark investment in building a stronger, clean energy economy—it’s good to see federal dollars come back to the Olympic Peninsula. As Senate Appropriations Chair, I will continue to fight for investments that fuel our clean energy transition while strengthening our economy.”

“Our ports are amazing engines of economic growth and opportunity,” said Rep. Kilmer. “That’s why this investment from the EPA is such a big deal, especially for folks on the Olympic Peninsula. Thanks to funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, we are taking major steps toward improved safety, decreased costs, and reduced emissions at the Port of Port Angeles, without the costs falling solely on the backs of local taxpayers. As a Port Angeles native, I’m proud to have supported this important project and look forward to a bright future for the port and for workers in our community.”

With the funds, the Port of Port Angeles will buy a variety of new zero emissions equipment including a reachstacker for handling heavy cargo, a conveyor for handling bulk cargo, and clean forklifts for handling lighter cargo. This investment will replace existing diesel equipment. The Port will also enhance their shore power offerings, upgrading the electrical service cabinets and buying mobile shore power cable management units.

In addition, the EPA awarded three planning grants under the Clean Ports Program. The Northwest Seaport Alliance received $3 million, the Port of Seattle received $2.9 million, and the Port of Bellingham received $1.5 million.

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 created and provided $3 billion in funding for the Clean Ports Program to jumpstart investments in zero-emission port equipment and infrastructure, as well as improve climate and air quality planning at U.S. ports. The goals of the Clean Ports Program are to:

Build a foundation for the port sector to transition over time to fully zero-emissions operations, positioning ports to serve as a catalyst for transformational change across the freight sector.
Reduce diesel pollution (criteria pollutants, GHGs, and air toxics) in near-port communities.
Help ensure that meaningful community engagement and emissions reduction planning are port industry standard practices.

Sen. Cantwell advocated for creation of EPA’s Clean Ports Program as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, and has consistently championed investments in Washington’s ports. Along with securing the Water Resources Development Act in the 2023 NDAA, Sen. Cantwell also successfully fought to include the 2019 legislation that reauthorized U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration’s Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), which she co-authored. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Sen. Cantwell worked to include a record $2.25 billion for the PIDP in the Biden-Harris Infrastructure Law. In September 2021, Sen. Cantwell led a letter calling to boost funding for the PIDP program to help address the ongoing issues with port congestion. Subsequently, in 2022, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) awarded $71.4 million in PIDP funding to five ports in Washington state.

As then Assistant Majority Leader, Sen. Murray helped ensure passage of the Inflation Reduction Act and worked to help establish EPA’s Clean Ports Program. As Senate Appropriations Chair, in Fiscal Year 2024, Sen. Murray secured $9.29 billion in essential funding for EPA’s critical responsibilities to protect our environment and public health. Under tough fiscal constraints, Sen. Murray provided modest increases across all EPA programs in the face of drastic cuts proposed by House Republicans—ensuring EPA could keep researchers, scientists, and other specialists on the job to safeguard our environment and make today’s awards possible.

Sen. Murray has been a champion of Washington state’s ports, from making sure ports were eligible for the RAISE (originally TIGER) grant program she created as Chair of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee in 2009. The RAISE program Sen. Murray established marked the first time port authorities were eligible to apply for competitive federal grants. As a senior member—and now Chair—of the appropriations committee, Sen. Murray helped create and fund PIDP; the competitive grant program was established in the Fiscal Year 2019 transportation appropriations bill, which was enacted in February 2019. Since then, Sen. Murray has played a key role in securing more than $1.2 billion funding for PIDP in annual appropriations bills since its inception. Sen. Murray also fought to make sure the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law included $2.25 billion over five years for PIDP.

MIL-OSI USA: Bennet, Hickenlooper, Neguse, Pettersen, Polis Welcome $129 Million for Rail Projects in Colorado

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Colorado Michael Bennet

Photos from Press Conference HERE

Denver — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, U.S. Representatives Joe Neguse and Brittany Pettersen, and Governor Jared Polis welcomed over $129.5 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for four Colorado rail projects. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Colorado State University (CSU) Pueblo, San Luis Central Railroad, and OmniTRAX will all receive funding as part of DOT’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure & Safety Improvements Grant Program, funded in part through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The leaders held a press conference on Tuesday in Westminster, Colorado, to celebrate this announcement.

“Colorado’s railways are vital to connect our communities and get resources to markets across the country. That’s why I ensured the U.S. Department of Transportation understood how critical this funding is for our state’s transportation infrastructure,” said Bennet. “I’m glad to have helped secure these investments in our railways’ safety, efficiency, and reliability across the state. ”

“From freight in the San Luis Valley to passengers on the Front Range and beyond with CSU Pueblo’s research, rail isn’t just a part of our past, it’s a big part of our future, too,” said Hickenlooper. “That’s the case we made to Secretary Buttigieg for this funding and this is just the start.”

“After years of working to secure federal support for the Front Range Passenger Rail Project, I am excited to see the Department of Transportation heed our calls and commit to modernizing Colorado’s passenger rail system—not just for communities along the Front Range but for residents throughout the entire state. This is a once-in-a-generation investment in our passenger rail infrastructure, creating countless new opportunities for communities to connect, grow, and thrive—and we will continue to work together to ensure this momentum leads to lasting benefits for all Coloradans,” said Neguse.

“Today, I am incredibly grateful to see this federal funding coming to Colorado to strengthen our railway systems, enhance safety, and modernize our infrastructure,” said Pettersen. “After a train derailment in Boulder injured workers and put our communities at risk, I supported funding to reinforce public safety and restore trust in Colorado’s rail infrastructure. I’m pleased to see these federal dollars coming to our state to help ensure we have safe, reliable infrastructure for generations to come.”

“Today’s grant will make freight rail traffic in some of our busiest growing communities safer quickly while providing critical building blocks for Passenger Rail. This major funding will help achieve important priorities like complying with longstanding federal standards and improving the safety of rail crossings, which can be the sites of dangerous incidents. With more than $66 million in federal support from the Biden-Harris administration, the future of Colorado’s rail network is a clear priority for the federal government, as it should be. We thank Senators Hickenlooper and Bennet, Congressman Neguse and Congresswoman Pettersen, and our communities for their support of this important project,” said Polis.

This funding includes:

$66.4 million for CDOT to modernize Front Range rail. This investment will help CDOT design, install, and test train operation and safety improvements, including Positive Train Control (PTC) and railroad crossings;
$50.5 million for OmniTRAX transportation safety and employment. This investment will help design and construct replacement railroad ties across Omnitrax short lines;
$11.6 million for CSU Pueblo to research renewable energy for rail vehicles. This investment will aid research and development of alternative fuel rail transportation, including safety experiments on the use of CH2/CNG-powered rail cars at the facility; and
$1 million for San Luis Central Railroad to replace wooden ties. This investment will help replace deteriorated cross and switch ties to ensure safety along the SLC corridor.

“Southern Colorado often represents a hard-working spirit leveraging the opportunity of innovation. This Department of Transportation CRISI grant emboldens that spirit, enabling CSU Pueblo, in partnership with the Southern Colorado Transportation Technology Center (SCITT), to contribute to the future of rail transportation through critical safety research in hydrogen and natural gas technologies. I am particularly proud of how this project will partner with our Engineering program at CSU Pueblo, utilizing the expertise here to create new pathways for our students and local workforce. This grant is more than research – it’s a valuable investment into Southern Colorado,” said Armando Valdez, President, CSU Pueblo.

“TIES2 will be transformative for the communities served by Great Western Railway of Colorado and the regions served by OmniTRAX railroads in Georgia, Alabama, and Washington state,” said David Arganbright, Senior Vice President, OmniTRAX. “OmniTRAX is proud to call Colorado home, and we are tremendously appreciative of all the work that Sen. Hickenlooper has done in Congress to champion Colorado’s railways and deliver the critical infrastructure investments that strengthen our nation’s supply chains.”

Earlier this year, Bennet, Hickenlooper, Neguse and Pettersen urged the DOT to fund CDOT’s project along the Front Range.

MIL-OSI USA: Bennet, Hickenlooper, Colleagues Urge Federal Court to Protect Access to Emergency Abortions

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Colorado Michael Bennet

Denver — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, alongside 258 members of Congress, submitted an amicus brief to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit calling on the court to require Medicare-funded hospitals to provide life-saving care that may include abortion care. The court is considering Moyle v. United States and Idaho v. United States which concern the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), a federal law that requires hospitals that receive Medicare funding to provide necessary “stabilizing treatment” to patients experiencing medical emergencies, which can include abortion care.

““[T]he 99th Congress passed EMTALA to ensure that every person who visits a Medicare-funded hospital with an ‘emergency medical condition’ is offered stabilizing treatment,” wrote Bennet, Hickenlooper, and the lawmakers.

After the Dobbs v. Jackson decision in 2022, Idaho passed a law making it a felony for a doctor to terminate a patient’s pregnancy unless it is “necessary” to prevent the patient’s death. The U.S. Department of Justice sued Idaho, arguing that the state’s law is preempted by EMTALA in those circumstances in which abortion may not be necessary to prevent imminent death, but still constitutes the necessary stabilizing treatment for a patient’s emergency medical condition. The district court agreed; however, Idaho appealed that ruling to the Supreme Court.

In their brief, the lawmakers ask the Ninth Circuit to uphold the district court’s ruling. They argue that the congressional intent, text, and history of EMTALA make clear that covered hospitals must provide abortion care when it’s necessary to stabilize a patient’s emergency medical condition, and that EMTALA preempts Idaho’s abortion ban in emergency situations that present a serious threat to a patient’s health.

“Congress chose broad language for that mandate, requiring hospitals that participate in the Medicare program to provide ‘such treatment as may be required to stabilize the medical condition.’… That text—untouched by Congress for the past three decades—makes clear that in situations in which a doctor determines that abortion constitutes the ‘[n]ecessary stabilizing treatment’ for a pregnant patient, federal law requires the hospital to offer it,” continued the lawmakers.

In March, Bennet and 257 of his colleagues filed an amicus brief asking the U.S. Supreme Court to affirm the district court decision. In June, the Supreme Court sent the case back to the Ninth Circuit Court and reinstated the district court’s injunction.

The full text of the amicus brief is available HERE.

MIL-OSI Canada: Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific) returns from Multinational Mine Warfare Exercise

Source: Government of Canada News (2)

Members of the Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific) (FDU(P)) have returned to Victoria, B.C., after participating in Multinational Mine Warfare Exercise 24 (MN-MIWEX 24), hosted by the Republic of Korea Navy from October 14-25, 2024, off the coast of Busan, South Korea.

October 29, 2024 – Esquimalt, B.C. – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Members of the Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific) (FDU(P)) have returned to Victoria, B.C., after participating in Multinational Mine Warfare Exercise 24 (MN-MIWEX 24), hosted by the Republic of Korea Navy from October 14-25, 2024, off the coast of Busan, South Korea.

Eleven members from FDU(P), alongside two support staff, participated in the exercise aboard the Republic of Korea Ship (ROKS) Cheon Wang Bong, focusing on mine countermeasures and promoting collective deterrence. During the exercise, the teams conducted drills aimed at detecting and neutralizing mines to establish safe navigation routes, enhancing interoperability among participating nations and improving understanding of the mine warfare environment in the Korean theatre of operations.

Nations participating alongside FDU(P) on ROKS Cheon Wang Bong included the United States Navy, Royal Australian Navy, and the Philippine Navy. In total, 19 nations took part in MN-MIWEX 24, with dive teams operating on multiple ships throughout. The exercise also included a mine countermeasures symposium held prior to sailing.

This year, MN-MIWEX 24 was conducted under Operation HORIZON, Canada’s mission to enhance peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. This initiative expands the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) opportunities to collaborate closely with partners and allies in the region, allowing Canada to play a more active role in strengthening regional security.

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

MIL OSI Canada News –

Image supplied by: Suze Harris. Image credit: Angus McIntosh

MIL-OSI New Zealand: Meet the Whitebait | Conservation blog

Source: Department of Conservation

Freshwater Ranger Suze Harris is based in Hokitika and studies migratory galaxiids on the West Coast. Here she explains a summary of what whitebait grow up into, and what habitats you can find them in.

There are 5 whitebait species in the Galaxiidae family (excluding smelt/cucumber fish, which are not a true galaxiid). Each have their own habitat preferences and unique behaviours! They do not have scales and tend to be nocturnal to feed on aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates while avoiding predation by bigger fish.

Īnanga (Galaxias maculatus)

The most famous of the whitebait species, making up 90% of any whitebait fritter (depending on the river). Highly fecund (produce a lot of eggs) and live close to the coast. They are weak swimmers and cannot climb, so they stick to slow-moving waters such as wetlands, swamps and lowland streams. Their greatest threats are fish passage barriers (such as overhanging, perched culverts or structures with high velocities running through them), habitat loss, and introduced species. Īnanga spawn in autumn on spring tides on the sides of creeks and rivers. Generally, they live 1-2 years, some spawn twice. Like the rest of the whitebait species, they can live a lot longer in captivity.

Giant kōkopu (Galaxias argentus)

Image supplied by: Suze Harris. Image credit: Angus McIntosh

Giants are the largest of the whitebait species, with the record length being 450mm, and were the first Galaxiidae to be described in 1789. The golden spots are very distinctive, and its colour pattern inspired the generic name of Galaxias to the whitebait family – referring to the profusion of stars in the galaxy. They are territorial in nature, usually lurking in slow-flowing waters in lowland runs and pools, and feast on large insects like cicadas and wēta. Their spawning ecology is still being unravelled by ecologists, a recent study suggests there are freshwater migrations to and from their domain to spawn.

Eggs are deposited in floods during autumn on the banks of dense canopy cover. They usually run later in the whitebait season. Because they require instream cover with overhanging vegetation, they are disappearing from the east coasts of both islands. Some can live beyond 20 years, up to 40 years in captivity.

Banded kōkopu (Galaxias fasciatus)

Image supplied by: Suze Harris. Image credit: Alfonso Siciliano

Bandeds are common throughout the coast, and are the smallest in the whitebait stage, often golden in colour. They are difficult to differentiate from the other kōkopu when they are young, but the key feature in larger fish are stripes connect over their backs, which is easiest to see towards their tail. They rely on terrestrial insects and are sensitive to intensive land development and sedimentation, hence why they are less common on the east coasts of both islands. They are happy in any type of forests, including pine, beech, and rainforests.

Shortjaw kōkopu (Galaxias postvectis)

Image supplied by: Suze Harris. Image credit: Angus McIntosh

The rarest of the whitebait species, shortjaws are named due to their overbite. They do not have distinct markings other than a black patch behind their gill plate, a blue-green eye, and a dark fringe on their fins. Territorial in nature, they like rocky streams with stable pools to live out their adult lives, likely ranging between 7-15 years. Little is known about these fish due to their solitary nature, but like the other kōkopu species, they spawn in autumn floods on the banks of streams, eggs develop in moist leaf litter and get carried away by floods out to sea. They tend to not coincide with beech forests, so are very rare south of Ōkārito.

Smoothwater River is the furthest southern record on the West Coast, and none have ever been recorded in Fiordland. They are now thought to be extinct from Canterbury. The West Coast is the densest area for shortjaws nationally due to habitat availability and decent water quality.

Kōaro (Galaxias brevipinnis)

Image supplied by: Suze Harris. Image credit: Angus McIntosh

Also called climbing galaxias, Kōaro are the best climbers of the galaxiid family. They have elongated bodies with similar golden markings to a leopard. Their enlarged pectoral fins are ribbed, helping them climb any wet vertical surface. They can be found at the headwaters of rivers such as the Arahura and the Haast, even in the heart of the Southern Alps, which makes their larval migration out to sea incredible. There are lake-locked populations in NZ, including Lake Wānaka. They like rocky, tumbling streams and can be seen “moon bathing” on top of wet rocks in streams at night, which is likely a tactic to avoid tuna (eel) predation.

Whitebait season

Remember if you’re unsure of what the whitebait fishing regs are or would like to know more about the whitebait fishery go to our DOC website Whitebaiting: Things to do (doc.govt.nz). If you’re wanting to speak to one of our local rangers, please contact your local DOC office for more information or email whitebait@doc.govt.nz

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

MIL-OSI New Zealand: Historic redress inequities finally resolved for Lake Alice Unit survivors

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is addressing historic redress inequities for some survivors abused at the Lake Alice Child and Adolescent Unit.

In 2001, the Crown reached a $6.5 million group settlement with 95 survivors subjected to abuse at the Lake Alice Unit. Law firm Grant Cameron & Associates (now GCA Lawyers) represented the group and deducted an estimated $2.6 million in legal fees from the total settlement before individual payments were made.

This resulted in survivors receiving, on average, an estimated $41,000, after approximately $27,000 was deducted in legal fees. Subsequently, further claimants received an average of $70,000 due to the Crown meeting legal costs.

“This inequitable treatment has been a historic injustice for over 20 years. As a society we should have done better. This Government is determined to do better,” Lead Coordination Minister Erica Stanford says.

“This decision directly relates to recommendation 18 of the Royal Commission’s final report. It recommended an independent person be appointed to review settlements, however Cabinet agreed this was an unnecessary step. The facts of this matter are clear and it was important to us that survivors be reimbursed as quickly as possible.”

Survivors can lodge a claim with the Ministry of Health claims service for reimbursement until 30 June 2025. Payments will be made on an ex-gratia basis, meaning they will not be treated as income for tax or benefit purposes.

$2.6 million will address the parity issue, cover Ministry of Health administration of the claims process, as well as meet the costs of additional claims that have been made recently for historic abuse at Lake Alice.

“Since July, we have acknowledged some children and young people experienced torture at the Lake Alice Unit and set up urgent financial assistance to those who are terminally ill.

“While we can never fully make redress for or right the harm survivors experienced, the Government is continuing to respond to the Royal Commission’s final report with the respect and care it deserves,” Ms Stanford says.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Labrador Announces New Internet Crimes Against Children Partnership with Canyon County Sheriff and Nampa Police Department

Source: US State of Idaho

[BOISE] – Attorney General Raúl Labrador announced today a new partnership between Canyon County and the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force led by his office. Canyon County Commissioners, in coordination with Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue, passed a resolution to join the ICAC Task Force and provide a full-time affiliate investigator.
In addition, the City of Nampa Police Department will also be joining the ICAC Task Force with a full-time affiliate investigator, bringing the total full-time agency participants to eleven.
“We are profoundly grateful for this new partnership with Sheriff Kieran Donahue, Nampa Police Chief Joe Huff, and Canyon County Commissioners Van Beek, Holton and Brooks,” said Attorney General Labrador. “Each agency adds needed capacity in our ability to protect children across Idaho from abuse and exploitation and helps keep these dangerous predators out of our community. We could not do this vital work without our dedicated local partners.”
“The Canyon County Sheriff’s Office is proud to join this partnership to protect Idaho children from dangerous predators who use the internet and other technology to exploit and abuse them,” said Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue. “Children are some of the most vulnerable people in our society, and we must make every effort to protect them. I’m thankful to Attorney General Labrador and the ICAC Task Force for this new partnership that will undoubtedly help keep Canyon County children safer from internet predators.”
“Teamwork is essential for making our communities safer,” said Nampa Police Chief Joe Huff. “It is vital that we work together to protect our most vulnerable population and ensure that child predators are removed from our streets. This commitment is crucial for creating truly safe communities.”
The Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is one of sixty-one ICAC Task Forces in the Country. It is a multi-jurisdictional coalition of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies that investigate and prosecute individuals who use the internet or other technology to criminally exploit children. The Idaho ICAC Task Force is comprised of 25 full-time personnel including 11 full-time ICAC affiliate investigators and over 150+ part-time affiliate investigators statewide.
So far in 2024, the ICAC Task Force has received 2,475 cyber-tips for investigation from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. On average, the ICAC Task Force is making one arrest every week across Idaho.
Both the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Nampa Police Department ICAC investigator positions are anticipated to begin on November 4th.
Parents, educators, and law enforcement officials can find more information and helpful resources at the ICAC website, ICACIdaho.org.

MIL-OSI Australia: Government and philanthropy partner to empower communities

Source: Ministers for Social Services

30 October 2024

Joint with:

The Hon Dr Jim Chalmers MP
Treasurer
Member for Rankin

The Hon Amanda Rishworth MP
Minister for Social Services
Member for Kingston

The Albanese Labor Government is co-investing alongside philanthropy to develop a national, independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting the needs and aspirations of local communities and addressing entrenched disadvantage.

Our Government recognises that there are disadvantaged communities right around Australia where a national approach on its own will never be enough.

This is about listening to and empowering local leaders, working with communities and designing services in a way that meets their bespoke needs.

That’s why the Government is investing $19.3 million over five years to establish Partnerships for Local Action and Community Empowerment (PLACE).

This funding will be matched by five philanthropy partners: Minderoo Foundation, Paul Ramsay Foundation, the Ian Potter Foundation, the Bryan Foundation and the Dusseldorp Forum.

PLACE will act as a one-stop shop to identify, support and enhance place-based programs in areas like the early years, youth development, health, education, employment and youth justice.

PLACE will focus on strengthening the capacity of communities to design and deliver these programs, promote evidence sharing, and improve data governance across place-based initiatives.

Hundreds of communities and thousands of Australians are expected to be helped by PLACE’s work in its first five years.

Place-based approaches involve government partnering with local communities to develop collaborative, long-term solutions to complex social problems tailored to individual community needs.

Place-based programs in Burnie, Tasmania have helped increase year 12 completion from 56 per cent in 2011 to 86 per cent in 2020, and helped reduce unemployment stemming from youth education and employment connection.

Place-based work in Logan, Queensland over the past decade has helped child vulnerability fall significantly – from about 37 per cent of kids not doing as well as we would like in 2009 down to 29 per cent in the last Australian Early Development Census.

PLACE will provide the forum and practical tools to replicate the successes of these initiatives in more communities and to enhance existing initiatives.

This is the next step in the Albanese Government’s efforts to address complex social problems through place-based approaches, building on the $200 million Targeting Entrenched Disadvantage package in the 2023-24 Budget.

This is all about ensuring no Australian is left behind or held back because of where they grew up.

More information on PLACE can be found on the Department of Social Services website.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth:

“Our Government is pleased to be part of this unique partnership with philanthropy to help empower communities and the people who live in them.

The need for PLACE emerged from community, which called out the fragmented nature and widespread gaps in local capability of place-based work and the lack of shared learning and best practice solutions to make progress locally.

I’m excited to see what comes out of PLACE to help those communities and Australians experiencing disadvantage that need it most to thrive.”

Quotes attributable to Treasurer Jim Chalmers:

“This is a passion of ours because too many kids in communities like mine are trapped in the cycle of intergenerational disadvantage.

The best way to solve issues communities face is by listening to them, developing solutions led by local people.

Place-based support has and can have a profound impact, and now more Australian communities will benefit from these kinds of initiatives.”

Quotes attributable to CEO of the Paul Ramsay Foundation Professor Kristy Muir:

“Place-based approaches recognise that local knowledge and experience are essential for creating thriving communities.

PLACE will be a valuable mechanism for bringing together expertise and resources so we can achieve more through place-based projects, supporting programs and practitioners to create stronger outcomes for local communities. Philanthropy is proud to be partnering with government to help bring PLACE to life.”

MIL-OSI Security: Three Men Arrested in Connection with Methamphetamine Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

TUCSON, Ariz. – Jose Gracia-Vega, 28, of Tucson, was arrested on October 17, 2024, by members of the Arizona Strike Force for Possession with Intent to Distribute 27 Pounds of Methamphetamine and was charged by criminal complaint on October 18, 2024. Ulises Yescas-Garcia, 23, of Tucson, and Sebastian Higuera-Fuentes, 22, of Nogales, Sonora, Mexico were also arrested for their involvement in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and the distribution of methamphetamine in Tucson beginning in February of this year. Yescas-Garcia and Higuera-Fuentes were both charged earlier by indictment.

On October 2, 2024, Yescas-Garcia and Higuera-Fuentes were charged in a seven-count indictment with Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Distribution of Methamphetamine, and Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Methamphetamine in United States District Court, case CR-24-6720-TUC-RCC. The indictment alleges that they conspired with one another and others to distribute large amounts of methamphetamine in Tucson beginning in February 2024, and distributed that methamphetamine on at least six occasions during the time of the conspiracy.

On October 17, 2024, Gracia-Vega was arrested after being found in possession of approximately 27 pounds of methamphetamine destined for sale in Tucson. According to the complaint, Gracia-Vega met with Higuera-Fuentes that morning and provided him methamphetamine for later distribution. Higuera-Fuentes and Yescas-Garcia were arrested that same day on the charges set forth in the October 2nd indictment.

This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force operation. The OCDETF Strike Force Initiative identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Marana Police Department, the Pima County Sheriff’s Office, and the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Petermann, District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution.

CASE NUMBER: CR-24-6720-TUC-RCC
24-mj-9730-N/A-EJM
RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-146_Gracia-Vega, Yescas-Garcia, Higuera-Fuentes

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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.