NewzIntel.com

Category: Law

  • MIL-OSI Security: Honduran Citizen Indicted for Illegal Firearm Possession, Possession with Intent to Distribute Narcotics, and Possession of Firearm to Further Drug Trafficking Crime

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that JUAN JOSUE CUEVAR-ALVARADO (“CUEVAR-ALVARADO “), 20, a native of Honduras, was indicted in a three-count superseding indictment on April 24, 2025, for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5)(A) (Count 1), possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D) (Count 2); and possession of a firearm, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i) (Count 3).

    According to the superseding indictment, on or about September 15, 2023, CUEVAR-ALVARADO, an alien present illegally in the United States, was found in possession of a .22 caliber revolver and a nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol, as well as  a quantity of marijuana.

    As to Count 1, CUEVAR-ALVARADO faces up to 15 years in prison, up to 3 years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine.  As to Count 2, he faces up to 5 years in prison, up to 3 years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine.  As to Count 3, he faces a prison term of 5 years consecutive to any other prison term he receives, up to 3years of supervised release, and up to a fine of $250,000.  Each count also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. The defendant also faces deportation to his home country of Honduras after serving any prison sentence.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of United States Department of Homeland Security and the Kenner Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Spiro G. Latsis and Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit are in charge of the prosecution.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America,  a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    *       *      *

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Homewood Finance Director Sentenced for Embezzling Nearly $950,000

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The former finance director for the City of Homewood has been sentenced for embezzling nearly $950,000 from Homewood’s coffers, announced United States Attorney Prim F. Escalona.

    U.S. District Court Judge Anna M. Manasco sentenced Robert Winston Burgett, 64, of Hueytown, to 37 months in prison. In October 2024, Burgett pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud.

    According to the information and plea agreement, Burgett worked for the City of Homewood as its finance director. Between at least May 2023 and about March 2024, Burgett used that position to embezzle almost $950,000 from City of Homewood bank accounts. 

    Burgett concealed his conduct by first moving the City’s funds into a commercial bank account he controlled before transferring the funds into his personal account. Burgett also altered City bank account statements and made false journal entries in City accounting records. Burgett ultimately used the embezzled funds for personal purposes.

    The FBI and the Homewood Police Department investigated the case with assistance from the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts. Assistant U.S. Attorney J.B. Ward prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lapwai Man Sentenced to 19 Years in Prison for Murder

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    COEUR D’ALENE – William Oliver Eyle, 21, of Lapwai, was sentenced to 19 years in federal prison for second degree murder, Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott announced today.

    According to court records, on May 12, 2023, Eyle murdered Elias Albert Spencer on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation.  There was no fight or disagreement between the two individuals. Eyle’s car broke down in front of Elias’ home and when Elias went to see what was going on, Eyle shot him five times.  Elias’ family found his body on the sidewalk in front of the home. According to the statements from the sentencing, Eyle fled the area, destroyed evidence and remained a fugitive for months.  He was finally located by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Marshals Service toward the end of November 2023.  Eyle was 19 years at the time he murdered Elias.

    Eyle pleaded guilty to second degree murder on January 29, 2025. United States District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford also ordered Eyle to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence.  Eyle’s mother, Jacinta Wheeler, pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony and was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison on November 14, 2024, due to her failure to report the murder and her advice to Eyle to flee.

    “The murder of Elias Albert Spencer was a senseless act of violence.”  Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott said.  “My heart goes out to Elias’ family, whose strength and resolve during this tragedy has been inspiring.  While this sentence cannot bring Elias back, hopefully it provides them some measure of closure, while also preventing future acts of violence by this defendant for a lengthy time.”

    “William Eyle’s actions profoundly impacted not only the victim’s family but the community’s sense of safety,” said Special Agent in Charge Mehtab Syed of the Salt Lake City FBI.  “While nothing will bring their loved one back, we hope the sentence provides some sense of justice to Elias Spencer’s family and friends.  The FBI is committed to working with our partners to solve MMIP cases and ensure safety on reservations.”

    Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott commended the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Nez Perce Tribal Police, which led to the charges.  Assistants U.S. Attorneys Traci Whelan and Adam Johnson prosecuted the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Paterson Man with Multiple Felony Convictions Admits to Illegally Possessing Firearms, Ammunition, Fentanyl, And Cocaine

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

    NEWARK, N.J. – A Paterson, New Jersey man admitted to illegally possessing two firearms and ammunition, possessing fentanyl and cocaine with intent to distribute, and distributing cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Alina Habba.

    Lamont Baker, 33, of Paterson, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi in Newark federal court to four counts of a Superseding Indictment charging him with one count of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, one count of possession of fentanyl and cocaine with intent to distribute, and two counts of distribution of cocaine.

    According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

    On September 14, 2022 and September 20, 2022, law enforcement conducted controlled purchases of cocaine from Baker.  On those dates, Baker traveled from his residence to a predetermined location to sell cocaine.

    On September 29, 2022, law enforcement searched Baker’s residence and car, and recovered two firearms (including one with a defaced serial number), ammunition (including hollow point rounds), fentanyl, and cocaine, along with several hundred dollars in U.S. currency and materials used to package, store, and transport drugs for distribution.  In 2008, Baker was convicted for his participation in a robbery and in 2021, he was convicted of aggravated assault with a firearm.

    The count of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  Each count of possession of fentanyl and cocaine with intent to distribute, and distribution of cocaine, carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.  Sentencing is scheduled for September 17, 2025.

    U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks Jr. for the investigation leading to the guilty plea.

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

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Specht of the Special Prosecutions Division.

                                                               ###

    Defense counsel: Christopher Adams, Newark, N.J.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Business First Bancshares, Inc. Appoints Alejandro M. Sanchez to its Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BATON ROUGE, La., April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Business First Bancshares Inc. (Nasdaq: BFST), the holding company for b1BANK, has announced the appointment of Alejandro M. Sanchez to the Business First Bancshares, Inc. Board of Directors and b1BANK Board of Directors, effective March 27, 2025.

    Sanchez is the president and CEO of Salva Financial Group of Florida, a consulting group advising financial institutions on strategic planning, regulatory compliance and crisis management. He also serves as an executive advisor to Nasdaq and holds board positions with Popular, Inc. (Nasdaq: BPOP), the holding company for Popular Bank and Republic Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: RBCAA), the holding company for Republic Bank & Trust, contributing expertise in governance, risk management and audit oversight.

    Sanchez led the Florida Bankers Association as president and CEO from 1998 to 2023, advocating for the state’s banking industry. He was nominated by President George W. Bush as one of three Presidential appointees for the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board from 2002 to 2010 and was invited by President Obama to serve an additional two years.

    “Alex’s deep experience guiding financial institutions through complex regulatory environments and strategic transformations aligns closely with our growth strategy and governance objectives,” said Jude Melville, chairman and CEO of b1BANK. “His leadership and seasoned perspective will help us thoughtfully navigate opportunities and challenges, enhancing our capacity to serve our clients and communities effectively.”

    “It is an honor to join the Business First Bancshares board,” said Sanchez. “I look forward to contributing to the company’s strategic vision and ongoing success.”

    Sanchez holds a Doctorate from the University of Iowa College of Law and a Bachelor of Science from Troy University. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1976 to 1981.

    About Business First Bancshares Inc.

    As of March 31, 2025, Business First Bancshares, Inc., (Nasdaq: BFST) through its banking subsidiary b1BANK, has $7.8 billion in assets, $7.1 billion in assets under management through b1BANK’s affiliate Smith Shellnut Wilson, LLC (SSW) (excludes $0.9 billion of b1BANK assets managed by SSW) and operates Banking Centers and Loan Production Offices in markets across Louisiana and Texas providing commercial and personal banking products and services. b1BANK is a 2024 Mastercard “Innovation Award” winner and multiyear winner of American Banker Magazine’s “Best Banks to Work For.” Visit b1BANK.com for more information.

    Media Contact: Misty Albrecht
    b1BANK
    225.286.7879
    Misty.Albrecht@b1BANK.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1b9e3cc0-4786-4497-9e7c-ce188ece6be6

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Tenney’s Bill to Rename Post Office for Fallen Officer Mazurkiewicz Advances from Committee Markup

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22)

    Washington, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today announced her bill to rename the post office facility located at 80 Prospect Street in Avon, New York, in honor of fallen Police Officer Anthony Mazurkiewicz has passed the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee’s markup.

    This legislation was supported by nearly the entire New York Congressional Delegation, including Representatives Joseph Morelle (NY-25), Nick LaLota (NY-1), Andrew Garbarino (NY-2), Thomas Suozzi (NY-3), Laura Gillen (NY-4), Gregory Meeks (NY-5), Grace Meng (NY-6), Nydia Velazquez (NY-7), Yvette Clarke (NY-9), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Jerry Nadler (NY-12), Adriano Espillat (NY-13), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), George Latimer (NY-16), Michael Lawler (NY-17), Patrick Ryan (NY-18), Josh Riley (NY-19), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Elise Stefanik (NY-21), John Mannion (NY-22), Nicholas Langworthy (NY-23), and Tim Kennedy (NY-26).

    Officer Mazurkiewicz, a native of Avon, New York, began his law enforcement career in 1988 as a Jail Deputy with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department before joining the Rochester Police Department in 1993. He served in the Clinton and Goodman Sections as a Patrol Officer and moved to the Tactical Unit in 2002. Throughout his career, he earned numerous honors, including the Life Saving Award, Officer of the Month, 17 Excellent Police Service Awards, and 32 Chief’s Letters of Commendation. Tragically, Officer Mazurkiewicz was killed in the line of duty in July 2022. He is survived by his wife, four children, three grandchildren, parents, brother, and sister.

    “Officer Mazurkiewicz was an American hero who dedicated 35 years of his life to upholding justice and the rule of law until he was tragically killed in the line of duty while serving our community. Renaming the Avon Post Office in his honor will not fill the gaping hole left in our community and his family’s hearts, but it will serve as a lasting tribute to his service and legacy. We are thrilled that this legislation has passed the Oversight Committee Markup and look forward to its consideration on the House Floor,” said Congresswoman Tenney. 

    “My husband exemplified the true meaning of public service, dedicating his life each day to protecting his community. We are deeply grateful to see this legislation move forward and sincerely thank Congresswoman Tenney for her leadership. Having the post office where our Tony grew up named in his honor will be a deeply meaningful tribute for our family,” said the wife of Officer Mazurkiewicz, Lynn Mazurkiewicz.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 04/30/2025 Blackburn Launches Inquiry with Tech Companies on Efforts to Protect Kids Online Following Decline in Reports to CyberTipline

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) sent letters to Google, Microsoft, Discord, and X regarding the puzzling and alarming decrease in reports of child sexual abuse material, online enticement, and child sex trafficking submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s (NCMEC) CyberTipline in 2024.

    Last year, Senator Blackburn’s REPORT Act was signed into law, requiring platforms to submit reports of online enticement and child sex trafficking to the CyberTipline. These reports are crucial to law enforcement’s investigations of online child exploitation.  

    Reported Incidents of Suspected Child Exploitation by Several Tech Companies Have Notably and Concerningly Dropped

    “The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s (NCMEC) CyberTipline is the preeminent online mechanism for members of the public and electronic service providers to report incidents of suspected child exploitation. The CyberTipline has received hundreds of millions of reports of online child sexual exploitation, and federal law requires online platforms to report known incidents of child sexual abuse material (child pornography), online enticement and child sex trafficking to NCMEC. Despite this important legal obligation, there has been a notable drop in reports to the CyberTipline from several platforms.”

    Blackburn’s REPORT Act Requires Online Platforms to Report Instances of Child Sex Trafficking

    “Last year, my bipartisan legislation—the Revising Existing Procedures on Reporting via Technology (REPORT) Act… was signed into law. This critical bill supports NCMEC in its core mission to protect our children online and assists law enforcement in their investigative efforts. Importantly, the law closed a gap in federal child exploitation laws by mandating that online platforms—including yours—report instances of child sex trafficking and enticement, which was not previously required under federal law. To ensure compliance with this requirement, the REPORT Act also increases the maximum fines for providers who knowingly and willfully fail to submit these reports to NCMEC.”

    Tech Companies Must Fulfill Legal Obligation to Report Heinous Crimes Against Children

    “Despite these requirements, recent testimony by NCMEC’s President and CEO to the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism and data provided by NCMEC indicates that there has been a sharp decline in the number of reports that Google, [Discord, Microsoft, and X have] submitted to the CyberTipline since the passage of the REPORT Act… This notable decrease in reports to NCMEC is both puzzling and deeply troubling. It is crucial that your company fulfill its legal obligations to report these heinous crimes that occur on your platform. Our children deserve nothing less.”

    Click here to read the letter to Google.

    Click here to read the letter to Microsoft.

    Click here to read the letter to Discord.

    Click here to read the letter to X.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy, Blumenthal champion bipartisan bill to protect animals, penalize abusers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON – Sens. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today reintroduced the Better Collaboration, Accountability, and Regulatory Enforcement (CARE) for Animals Act to protect livestock and other animals from abuse by strengthening law enforcement’s ability to penalize abusers.

    “Far too often, researchers, breeders and dealers who mistreat animals get away with their crimes. I’m proud to help introduce the Better CARE for Animals Act to make sure law enforcement has the authority to rescue innocent creatures from dangerous environments and punish people who have a hand in the mishandling of animals,” said Kennedy. 

    “Our bipartisan, bicameral measure protects animals from mistreatment and neglect by holding bad actors accountable for their abuse. Civil penalties and suspensions of abusers’ licenses will go a long way in strengthening Animal Welfare Act enforcement and keeping vulnerable animals out of harm’s way,” said Blumenthal.

    The Better CARE for Animals Act would:

    • Strengthen the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) ability to enforce the Animal Welfare Act by clarifying that the DOJ has the same authority that the U.S. Department of Agriculture wields under the Animal Welfare Act, including the ability to seek license suspensions, revocations and civil penalties.
    • Expand on the Animal Welfare Act by granting the DOJ forfeiture authority to seize and remove animals experiencing harmful treatment.

    Reps. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.), Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), Guy Reschenthaler (R-Pa.) and Sharice Davids (D-Kan.) introduced the companion bill in the House of Representatives. 

    “I’m proud to support the bipartisan and bicameral Better CARE for Animals Act which will hold abusers accountable for their mistreatment of innocent animals. Millions of animals have already suffered, and we must ensure the U.S. Department of Justice has the tools it needs to crack down on those responsible—to protect the welfare of animals and prevent future abuse,” said Malliotakis.

    “The Better CARE for Animals Act provides the Justice Department with the necessary authority to combat animal abuse, making them an equal partner to the USDA. As co-chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, I am proud to join my colleagues in improving enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act,” said Quigley.

    “The Better CARE for Animals Act provides for important animal protections, encourages stronger collaboration between departments, and empowers our law enforcement to combat abusers. As a member of the Animal Protection Caucus, I’m proud to support this legislation and advocate for the better treatment of innocent animals,” said Reschenthaler.

    “No animal should suffer because bad actors know they can get away with it. I’m proud to help introduce this bipartisan bill to ensure stronger enforcement and greater accountability for those who abuse animals. The Better CARE for Animals Act gives us the tools we need to support more humane treatment across the country,” said Davids. 

    The Humane World Action Fund supports the Better CARE for Animals Act. 

    “For too long, derelict dog breeders, subpar research facilities, and roadside zoos that make a mockery of animals have put profits over animals’ care and wellbeing by exploiting holes in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s enforcement of the law. The reintroduction of the Better CARE for Animals Act will give the Department of Justice tools to crack down on scofflaws harming animals and provide USDA better support. No animal deserves to be sacrificed due to a critical lack of enforcement. We call on Congress to pass the bill now to create a new era of better care for animals,” said Sara Amundson, president of the Humane World Action Fund.

    Full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Screen Australia empowers 100+ distinctive Australian narratives

    Source: AMP Limited

    01 05 2025 – Media release

    All The Boys Are Here writer/director Goran Stolevski and It’s All Going Very Well No Problems At All writer/director/producer/star Tilda Cobham-Hervey (Tilda photo credit Matt Loxton).  
    Screen Australia has today announced a significant investment for local scripted projects, reflecting the agency’s commitment to rich Australian narrative content and meaningful creator pathways.
    Across feature film, television and online, $7.6 million has been shared across more than 100 projects, contributing a substantial amount to the overall direct production and development funding provided in the 24/25 financial year so far. The mix of projects showcases a wide range of themes and formats, speaking to the evolving scripted landscape and highlighting the importance of reaching Australian audiences where they are watching.
    Among the projects is the debut feature film from writer/director/producer/star Tilda Cobham-Hervey set in an aged care home, It’s All Going Very Well No Problems At All; animated children’s series Jidoo & Ibis, about the relationship between a grumpy Grandpa and Australia’s beloved bin chicken; comedy series for TikTok CEEBS about two friends on a mission to save their local youth centre from imminent closure; and a series inspired by a true story, DIVA, about 21-year-old Elly who balances his strict, religious Samoan life with ambitions of becoming a professional wrestler in drag.
    Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough said, “Screen Australia is uniquely positioned to support a thriving pipeline of Australian stories that connect with audiences across multiple platforms and genres. This funding reflects our commitment to both emerging and established creatives, reinforcing the strength and diversity of our industry.”
    “Demand on Screen Australia funding remains high, and our recent survey was a reminder of the value that the sector places on our direct funding. In an ever-changing landscape, one thing remains constant – Australian screen storytelling is a vital cultural force that continues to resonate with audiences here at home and across the world. We’re proud to back this extensive collection of distinct and ambitious projects,” said Gough.
    Screen Australia has also supported 11 major television series for production to be announced in coming months, sharing in $12 million of direct funding and with a total production value of over $117 million. The agency has recently supported Stan Original Series’ He Had it Coming and comedy-horror Gnomes. Also recently announced is Bus Stop Films’ first feature film Boss Cat, beginning production in June and starring Olivia Hargroder, Penny Downie and Julia Savage.
    The supported projects include:

    It’s All Going Very Well No Problems At All: This drama is the debut feature film from writer/director Tilda Cobham-Hervey (A Field Guide to Being a 12 Year Old Girl, I am Woman) and is produced by Liam Heyen (Jimpa, Latecomers), Dev Patel (Lion, Monkey Man), Jomon Thomas (Hotel Mumbai, Monkey Man) and Cobham-Hervey, with Natalya Pavchinskaya and Cyna Strachan executive producing. The film follows Audrey (Cobham-Hervey), a young artist teetering on the edge of a quiet collapse, who finds solace and understanding through a profound connection with Harold, an elderly resident at the care home where she works. Major production investment from Screen Australia and S’ya Concept in association with the South Australian Film Corporation, with support from the Adelaide Film Festival Investment Fund. Local distribution by Kismet. The film is a Mad Ones and Minor Realm production.
    Jidoo & Ibis: Inspired by the real-life shenanigans between the creator’s father and the hungry bin chickens who flock to his garden, Jidoo & Ibis is from writer/producer Wendy Hanna (Beep & Mort) with writers Michael Drake (Beep & Mort) and Clare Madsen (Little J & Big Cuz). It is a 40-part animated series in development for young pre-schoolers about unexpected problems and unexpected friendships – told through the relationship between grumpy Grandpa Jidoo and an all too familiar larrikin, Ibis.
    CEEBS: This 18-part comedy for TikTok is from director Harry Lloyd (Rock Island Mysteries) and writers Betiel Beyin and Leigh Lule, some of the team behind Turn up the Volume. Nikki Tran (Girl, Interpreted) and Amie Batalibasi (Blackbird) are producing. CEEBS follows recent high-school graduates, Zion and Ruby, as they run for ‘Youth President’ to save their local youth centre from imminent closure – all while trying to ensure their lifelong friendship doesn’t get caught in the crossfire. It has received principal production funding from Screen Australia in association with VicScreen.
    DIVA: Inspired by a true story, DIVA is created by producer Jessica Magro (Bad Ancestors) and executive producer Jason Dewhurst, working alongside producer Lauren Brown (Thou Shalt Not Steal) and writer Nick Coyle (Bump, It’s Fine, I’m Fine). It is also executive produced by Charlie Aspinwall and Daley Pearson. This eight-part series in development from Ludo Studio and Purple Carrot Entertainment follows 21-year-old Elly as he attempts to balance his strict, religious Samoan life and his secret queer identity as a professional wrestler in drag.
    Dreamboat: A feature comedy in development celebrating the enduring power of BFFs, second chances, and embracing life’s next chapter, from writer Joan Sauers (Ladies in Black, Wakefield), producers Courtney Botfield and Kate Riedl, script editor Megan Simpson Huberman and script consultant Zoë Coombs Marr. In Dreamboat, Suzy’s plans for a cruisy retirement are capsized when best friend, Val, takes her on a cruise to Antarctica.
    All The Boys Are Here: From Causeway Films (Talk to Me), this queer romance feature film is created by writer/director Goran Stolevski (Of An Age, You Won’t Be Alone) and produced by Kristina Ceyton and Samantha Jennings of Talk to Me. It is about a New York novelist who, while attending a family funeral in Vienna, discovers a German relative’s illicit queer love affair with a Jewish man during WW2 – sending him on a journey through the past that changes his future. It has received major production investment from Screen Australia in association with the Polish Film Institute, with Maslow Entertainment distributing and New Europe Film Sales and Charades managing international sales.
    A Model Family: A 10-part comedy in development for the whole family from some of the team behind The Disposables, including creator/writers Keir Wilkins and Sonia Whiteman, creator/writer/producer Renny Wijeyamohan, creator/producer/executive producer Karen Radzyner, producer Linda Micsko (The Office Australia) and executive producer Oliver Lawrance, with Guy Edmonds (Spooky Files) and Emmanuelle Mattana (Fwends) attached as writers. In A Model Family, five ultra-lifelike AIs have escaped from a secret research facility in the Australian countryside and must pass for a human ‘nuclear’ family to survive.
    Fear is the Rider: This horror-thriller is from the team behind The Forgiven, including writer/director/producer John Michael McDonagh, producers Elizabeth Eves, Kate Glover, Nick Gordon and Trevor Matthews, and executive producer Natalie Coleman. In Fear is the Rider, a lone woman searching for her missing mother is pursued into the Australian Outback by a terrifying family of cannibalistic serial killers, with only an ex-con and a young girl willing to help her. Major production investment from Screen Australia and financed with support from Screen NSW’s Made in NSW Fund. Local distribution by Umbrella Entertainment, with international sales by Film Constellation and CAA.
    After All: From writer/director/producer Jess Murray (Moments of Clarity) and writers Tom Ward and Declan O’Byrne-Inglis, After All is a six-part comedic adult YouTube animation set against a post-apocalyptic wasteland. After living in a bunker for most of their lives, mutant filmmakers Flynn and Marshall venture out to make “the best movie ever made”, but quickly realise that stardom is not as important as friendship. It has received principal production funding from Screen Australia and financed with assistance from Screen Tasmania.
    Bluebottle: A thriller-comedy feature film from director Jim Weir and writer/director Jack Clark of Birdeater, producers Gal Greenspan (Moja Vesna), Rachel Forbes (Strange Creatures) and Ryan Bartecki (The Novice), and executive producers Joel Edgerton (Boy Swallows Universe), Ari Harrison (Lesbian Space Princess, The Moogai) and Jane Badler. During the final night of ‘Schoolies’ in an isolated coastal town, three local dropouts battle three handsome older men for the affection of three private school girls – tackling social issues of class, consent and identity. Major production investment from Screen Australia, with Co Created Media co-financing and Umbrella Entertainment distributing locally.

    CEEBS
    For the list of announced projects funded across the Narrative Content Department this financial year, visit:

    For more information about Screen Australia funding and to apply, click here.
    Download PDF
    Media enquiries
    Maddie Walsh | Publicist
    + 61 2 8113 5915  | [email protected]
    Jessica Parry | Senior Publicist (Mon, Tue, Thu)
    + 61 428 767 836  | [email protected]
    All other general/non-media enquiries
    Sydney + 61 2 8113 5800  |  Melbourne + 61 3 8682 1900 | [email protected]

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Kingsmill report cannot be the end

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Statement by Cusher Councillor and TUV party Chairman Keith Ratcliffe

    “The findings of the Police Ombudsman’s report into the Kingsmill Massacre have laid bare fundamental and deeply troubling failings in the original investigation. The report makes it clear that the resources allocated to the case were wholly insufficient. It identifies a failure to arrest and interview key suspects, and a failure to pursue clear ballistic links that might have brought justice much closer.

    “These are not minor oversights. They raise serious and unavoidable questions about the decisions made at the time—questions that should have been asked decades ago, and which now demand answers.

    “But amidst the investigative failures, we must keep our focus on one unchanging truth: it was not the security services or the state that committed this atrocity. It was a gang of cowardly Provisional IRA terrorists — driven by bloodlust and by a deep, unrestrained hatred for their Protestant neighbours.

    “The report also firmly puts to rest any suggestion of collusion. And tellingly, the one group that has contributed nothing to the investigation — at any stage and on any level — are Republicans. Even now, they continue to maintain the fiction that this was not an IRA massacre, despite the mountain of evidence proving otherwise.

    “Yet it is Sinn Féin, the political wing of the very movement that committed these murders, who presume to lecture the rest of us on truth and justice.

    “It is a mark of how far we have strayed from moral clarity that Northern Ireland has a First Minister who cannot even bring herself to condemn the IRA’s campaign of terror. More than that — she has publicly glorified it, as recently as this past Easter.

    “How can anyone who justifies such acts — who believes they were “necessary” — be considered fit for public office, let alone the highest office in our land?

    “This report must not mark the end of the matter. It should ignite a renewed focus on accountability. If failings occurred at the time — and clearly they did — then what can now be done to bring justice and closure for the families?

    “Are any of those who should have been questioned still alive? What about the leadership of the IRA who presided over and sanctioned this slaughter? Will they finally be held to account?

    “These questions are obvious —yet they are rarely asked. Too often, we have been conditioned by the so-called “process” to accept that justice for victims of republican violence is simply off the table.

    “That must change.

    “It is the moral duty of any society to pursue justice — not selectively, not politically, but consistently. And that duty remains unfinished.

    “My thoughts remain with all those affected by the horror that unfolded at Kingsmill in 1976. Your pain has never been forgotten. Your questions remain valid. And your demand for truth and justice must never be silenced.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Landmark Bancorp, Inc. Announces Growth in First Quarter 2025 Net Earnings of 43.2%. Declares Cash Dividend of $0.21 per Share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Manhattan, KS, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Landmark Bancorp, Inc. (“Landmark”; Nasdaq: LARK) reported diluted earnings per share of $0.81 for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $0.57 per share in the fourth quarter of 2024 and $0.48 per share in the same quarter last year. Net income for the first quarter totaled $4.7 million, compared to $3.3 million in the prior quarter and $2.8 million in the first quarter of 2024. For the three months ended March 31, 2025, the return on average assets was 1.21%, the return on average equity was 13.71% and the efficiency ratio(1) was 64.1%.

    First Quarter 2025 Performance Highlights

    • Loan growth totaled $22.6 million or an annualized increase of 8.7% over the prior quarter.
    • Net interest margin improved 25 basis points to 3.76% compared to 3.51% in prior quarter.
    • Deposits increased $42.3 million, or 3.3%, from the same quarter last year and $7.1 million, or 2.2%, from prior quarter.
    • Other borrowed funds decreased $11.8 million compared to the prior quarter.
    • Non-interest expenses declined $1.1 million compared to the prior quarter.
    • Credit quality remained stable with net charge-offs totaling $23,000 in the first quarter.
    • Ratio of equity to assets increased to 9.04% this quarter.

    In making this announcement, Abby Wendel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Landmark, commented, “I am pleased to report strong growth in net income this quarter driven by growth in net interest income, lower expenses and excellent credit quality. We continued to experience solid loan demand in the first quarter 2025, especially for commercial real estate and residential mortgage loans. In the first quarter 2025, total gross loans increased by $22.6 million or 8.7% (annualized) with growth in most loan categories. Total deposits also increased in the first quarter by $7.1 million, exceeding the typical seasonal decline in money market and interest checking accounts. Over the last two quarters, deposits have increased over $60 million. Other borrowed funds declined by $11.8 million, which reduced interest expense and improved our net interest margin. Growth in our balance sheet, plus the shift in our funding position led to net interest income growth of 22.1% over the previous year and net interest margin expansion of 25 basis points to 3.76%. Non-interest expense also declined this quarter by $1.1 million compared to the prior quarter. Credit quality remained solid overall with minimal net charge-offs, and no provision for credit losses was taken this quarter. These strong results are a tribute to the associates who work hard every day to make Landmark the bank of choice for our customers and stockholders.”

    Landmark’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.21 per share, to be paid June 4, 2025, to common stockholders of record as of the close of business on May 21, 2025.

    Management will host a conference call to discuss the Company’s financial results at 9:30 a.m. (Central time) on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Investors may participate via telephone by dialing (833) 470-1428 and using access code 866149. A replay of the call will be available through May 8, 2025, by dialing (866) 813-9403 and using access code 282640.

    Net Interest Income

    Net interest income in the first quarter of 2025 amounted to $13.1 million representing an increase of $720,000, or 5.8%, compared to the previous quarter. The increase in net interest income resulted from a combination of both higher interest income on loans and lower interest expense on deposits and other borrowed funds (FHLB, repurchase agreements and other debt). Net interest margin increased to 3.76% during the first quarter from 3.51% during the prior quarter. Compared to the previous quarter, interest income on loans increased $440,000 to $16.4 million due to higher average balances combined with higher yields on loans. Average loan balances increased $38.4 million, while the average tax-equivalent yield on the loan portfolio increased 6 basis points to 6.34%. Interest on investment securities declined slightly due to lower balances, partially offset by higher earning rates. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, interest on deposits decreased $114,000, or 2.1%, due to lower rates as average interest-bearing deposit balances increased by $34.8 million. Interest on other borrowed funds declined by $216,000, due to lower rates and average balances. The average rate on interest-bearing deposits decreased 8 basis points to 2.17% while the average rate on other borrowed funds decreased 15 basis points to 5.09% in the first quarter.

    Non-Interest Income

    Non-interest income totaled $3.4 million for the first quarter of 2025, a decrease of $13,000 from the previous quarter. The decrease in non-interest income during the first quarter of 2025 was primarily due to a $704,000 decline in bank owned life insurance income relating to one-time benefits recorded in the fourth quarter, coupled with a $322,000 decline in fees and service charges relating to lower deposit related fee income, partially due to fewer days in the quarter. Partially offsetting those declines was a $1.0 million loss on the sales of lower yielding investment securities in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to a loss of only $2,000 in the first quarter of 2025.

    (1) Non-GAAP financial measure. See the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of this press release for a reconciliation.

    Non-Interest Expense

    During the first quarter of 2025, non-interest expense totaled $10.8 million, a decrease of $1.1 million compared to the prior quarter. The decrease in non-interest expense was primarily due to decreases of $350,000 in other non-interest expense, $298,000 in occupancy and equipment and $298,000 in professional fees. The decreases in other non-interest expenses and occupancy and equipment were primarily related to branch closures in 2024 and associated cost savings in 2025. The decrease in professional fees this quarter was primarily due to higher consulting costs in the prior quarter related to several initiatives.

    Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

    Landmark recorded income tax expense of $1.0 million in the first quarter of 2025 compared to an income tax benefit of $886,000 in the fourth quarter of 2024. The effective tax rate was 17.8% in the first quarter of 2025. The fourth quarter of 2024 included the recognition of $1.0 million of previously unrecognized tax benefits, which significantly reduced the effective tax rate.

    Balance Sheet Highlights

    As of March 31, 2025, gross loans totaled $1.1 billion, an increase of $22.6 million, or 8.7% annualized since December 31, 2024. During the quarter, loan growth was primarily comprised of commercial real estate (growth of $14.4 million), one-to-four family residential real estate (growth of $3.4 million) and construction and land loans (growth of $3.3 million). Investment securities decreased $16.5 million during the first quarter of 2025 mainly due to maturities. Pre-tax unrealized net losses on the investment securities portfolio decreased from $20.9 million at December 31, 2024, to $17.1 million at March 31, 2025, mainly due to lower market rates for these securities at March 31, 2025.

    Period end deposit balances increased $7.1 million to $1.3 billion at March 31, 2025. The increase in deposits was driven by increases in non-interest-bearing demand deposits (increase of $16.9 million), certificates of deposit (increase of $10.0 million) and savings (increase of $3.7 million), partially offset by a decline in money market and checking accounts (decrease of $23.5 million). The decrease in money market and checking accounts was mainly driven by a seasonal decline in public fund deposit account balances. Total borrowings decreased $11.8 million during the first quarter 2025. At March 31, 2025, the loan to deposits ratio was 79.5% compared to 78.2% in the prior quarter.

    Stockholders’ equity increased to $142.7 million (book value of $24.69 per share) as of March 31, 2025, from $136.2 million (book value of $23.59 per share) as of December 31, 2024. The increase in stockholders’ equity was due mainly to a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive losses (lower unrealized net losses on investment securities) along with net earnings from the quarter. The ratio of equity to total assets increased to 9.04% on March 31, 2025, from 8.65% on December 31, 2024.

    The allowance for credit losses totaled $12.8 million, or 1.19% of total gross loans on March 31, 2025, compared to $12.8 million, or 1.22% of total gross loans on December 31, 2024. Net loan charge-offs totaled $23,000 in the first quarter of 2025, compared to $219,000 during the fourth quarter of 2024. No provision for credit losses on loans was recorded in the first quarter of 2025 compared to a provision of $1.5 million recorded in the fourth quarter of 2024.

    Non-performing loans totaled $13.3 million, or 1.24% of gross loans, at March 31, 2025, compared to $13.1 million, or 1.25% of gross loans, at December 31, 2024. Loans 30-89 days delinquent totaled $10.0 million, or 0.93% of gross loans, as of March 31, 2025, compared to $6.2 million, or 0.59% of gross loans, as of December 31, 2024.

    About Landmark

    Landmark Bancorp, Inc., the holding company for Landmark National Bank, is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “LARK.” Headquartered in Manhattan, Kansas, Landmark National Bank is a community banking organization dedicated to providing quality financial and banking services. Landmark National Bank has 29 locations in 23 communities across Kansas: Manhattan (2), Auburn, Dodge City (2), Fort Scott (2), Garden City, Great Bend (2), Hoisington, Iola, Junction City, La Crosse, Lawrence (2), Lenexa, Louisburg, Mound City, Osage City, Osawatomie, Overland Park, Paola, Pittsburg, Prairie Village, Topeka (2), Wamego and Wellsville, Kansas. Visit www.banklandmark.com for more information.

    Contact:
    Mark A. Herpich
    Chief Financial Officer
    (785) 565-2000
     

    Special Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of Landmark. Forward-looking statements, which may be based upon beliefs, expectations and assumptions of our management and on information currently available to management, are generally identifiable by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should” or other similar expressions. Additionally, all statements in this press release, including forward-looking statements, speak only as of the date they are made, and Landmark undertakes no obligation to update any statement in light of new information or future events. A number of factors, many of which are beyond our ability to control or predict, could cause actual results to differ materially from those in our forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others, the following: (i) the strength of the local, state, national and international economies and financial markets, including the effects of inflationary pressures and future monetary policies of the Federal Reserve in response thereto; (ii) changes in local, state and federal laws, regulations and governmental policies concerning the Company’s general business, including changes in interpretation or prioritization of such laws, regulations and policies; (iii) changes in interest rates and prepayment rates of our assets; (iv) increased competition in the financial services sector and the inability to attract new customers, including from non-bank competitors such as credit unions and “fintech” companies; (v) timely development and acceptance of new products and services; (vi) changes in technology and the ability to develop and maintain secure and reliable electronic systems; (vii) our risk management framework; (viii) interruptions in information technology and telecommunications systems and third-party services; (ix) effects on the U.S. economy resulting from the threat or implementation of, or changes to, existing policies and executive orders, including tariffs, immigration policy, regulatory and other governmental agencies, foreign policy and tax regulations; (x) the economic effects of severe weather, natural disasters, widespread disease or pandemics, or other external events; (xi) the loss of key executives or employees; (xii) changes in consumer spending; (xiii) integration of acquired businesses; (xiv) the commencement, cost and outcome of litigation and other legal proceedings and regulatory actions against us or to which the Company may become subject; (xv) changes in accounting policies and practices, such as the implementation of the current expected credit losses accounting standard; (xvi) the economic impact of past and any future terrorist attacks, acts of war, including ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, or threats thereof, and the response of the United States to any such threats and attacks; (xvii) the ability to manage credit risk, forecast loan losses and maintain an adequate allowance for loan losses; (xviii) fluctuations in the value of securities held in our securities portfolio; (xix) concentrations within our loan portfolio, concentration large loans to certain borrowers, and large deposits from certain clients (including commercial real estate loans); (xx) the concentration of large deposits from certain clients who have balances above current FDIC insurance limits and may withdraw deposits to diversify their exposure; (xxi) the level of non-performing assets on our balance sheets; (xxii) the ability to raise additional capital; (xxiii) the occurrence of fraudulent activity, breaches or failures of our or our third-party vendors’ information security controls or cybersecurity-related incidents, including as a result of sophisticated attacks using artificial intelligence and similar tools or as a result of insider fraud; (xxiv) declines in real estate values; (xxv) the effects of fraud on the part of our employees, customers, vendors or counterparties; (xxvi) the Company’s success at managing and responding to the risks involved in the foregoing items; and (xxvii) any other risks described in the “Risk Factors” sections of reports filed by Landmark with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Additional information concerning Landmark and its business, including additional risk factors that could materially affect Landmark’s financial results, is included in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    LANDMARK BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES  
    Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)  
                                   
    (Dollars in thousands)   March 31,     December 31,     September 30,     June 30,     March 31,  
        2025     2024     2024     2024     2024  
    Assets                              
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 21,881     $ 20,275     $ 21,211     $ 23,889     $ 16,468  
    Interest-bearing deposits at other banks     3,973       4,110       4,363       4,881       4,920  
    Investment securities available-for-sale, at fair value:                                        
    U.S. treasury securities     58,424       64,458       83,753       89,325       93,683  
    Municipal obligations, tax exempt     101,812       107,128       112,126       114,047       118,445  
    Municipal obligations, taxable     70,614       71,715       75,129       74,588       75,371  
    Agency mortgage-backed securities     125,142       129,211       140,004       142,499       149,777  
    Total investment securities available-for-sale     355,992       372,512       411,012       420,459       437,276  
    Investment securities held-to-maturity     3,701       3,672       3,643       3,613       3,584  
    Bank stocks, at cost     6,225       6,618       7,894       9,647       7,850  
    Loans:                                        
    One-to-four family residential real estate     355,632       352,209       344,380       332,090       312,833  
    Construction and land     28,645       25,328       23,454       30,480       24,823  
    Commercial real estate     359,579       345,159       324,016       318,850       323,397  
    Commercial     190,881       192,325       181,652       178,876       181,945  
    Agriculture     101,808       100,562       91,986       84,523       86,808  
    Municipal     7,082       7,091       7,098       6,556       5,690  
    Consumer     31,297       29,679       29,263       29,200       28,544  
    Total gross loans     1,074,924       1,052,353       1,001,849       980,575       964,040  
    Net deferred loan (fees) costs and loans in process     (426 )     (307 )     (63 )     (583 )     (578 )
    Allowance for credit losses     (12,802 )     (12,825 )     (11,544 )     (10,903 )     (10,851 )
    Loans, net     1,061,696       1,039,221       990,242       969,089       952,611  
    Loans held for sale, at fair value     2,997       3,420       3,250       2,513       2,697  
    Bank owned life insurance     39,329       39,056       39,176       38,826       38,578  
    Premises and equipment, net     19,886       20,220       20,976       20,986       20,696  
    Goodwill     32,377       32,377       32,377       32,377       32,377  
    Other intangible assets, net     2,426       2,578       2,729       2,900       3,071  
    Mortgage servicing rights     3,045       3,061       3,041       2,997       2,977  
    Real estate owned, net     167       167       428       428       428  
    Other assets     24,894       26,855       23,309       28,149       29,684  
    Total assets   $ 1,578,589     $ 1,574,142     $ 1,563,651     $ 1,560,754     $ 1,553,217  
                                             
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity                                        
    Liabilities:                                        
    Deposits:                                        
    Non-interest-bearing demand     368,480       351,595       360,188       360,631       364,386  
    Money market and checking     613,459       636,963       565,629       546,385       583,315  
    Savings     149,223       145,514       145,825       150,996       154,000  
    Certificates of deposit     204,660       194,694       203,860       192,470       191,823  
    Total deposits     1,335,822       1,328,766       1,275,502       1,250,482       1,293,524  
    FHLB and other borrowings     48,767       53,046       92,050       131,330       74,716  
    Subordinated debentures     21,651       21,651       21,651       21,651       21,651  
    Repurchase agreements     6,256       13,808       9,528       8,745       15,895  
    Accrued interest and other liabilities     23,442       20,656       25,229       20,292       20,760  
    Total liabilities     1,435,938       1,437,927       1,423,960       1,432,500       1,426,546  
    Stockholders’ equity:                                        
    Common stock     58       58       55       55       55  
    Additional paid-in capital     95,148       95,051       89,532       89,469       89,364  
    Retained earnings     60,422       56,934       60,549       57,774       55,912  
    Treasury stock, at cost     –       –       (396 )     (330 )     (249 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (12,977 )     (15,828 )     (10,049 )     (18,714 )     (18,411 )
    Total stockholders’ equity     142,651       136,215       139,691       128,254       126,671  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 1,578,589     $ 1,574,142     $ 1,563,651     $ 1,560,754     $ 1,553,217  
    LANDMARK BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES  
    Consolidated Statements of Earnings (unaudited)  
       
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)   Three months ended,  
        March 31,     December 31,     March 31,  
        2025     2024     2024  
    Interest income:                        
    Loans   $ 16,395     $ 15,955     $ 14,490  
    Investment securities:                        
    Taxable     2,180       2,210       2,428  
    Tax-exempt     719       738       764  
    Interest-bearing deposits at banks     48       49       63  
    Total interest income     19,342       18,952       17,745  
    Interest expense:                        
    Deposits     5,236       5,350       5,457  
    FHLB and other borrowings     565       737       1,022  
    Subordinated debentures     357       389       412  
    Repurchase agreements     65       77       107  
    Total interest expense     6,223       6,553       6,998  
    Net interest income     13,119       12,399       10,747  
    Provision for credit losses     –       1,500       300  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses     13,119       10,899       10,447  
    Non-interest income:                        
    Fees and service charges     2,388       2,710       2,461  
    Gains on sales of loans, net     562       522       512  
    Bank owned life insurance     272       976       245  
    Losses on sales of investment securities, net     (2 )     (1,031 )     –  
    Other     138       194       182  
    Total non-interest income     3,358       3,371       3,400  
    Non-interest expense:                        
    Compensation and benefits     6,154       6,264       5,532  
    Occupancy and equipment     1,252       1,550       1,390  
    Data processing     396       452       481  
    Amortization of mortgage servicing rights and other intangibles     239       240       412  
    Professional fees     745       1,043       647  
    Valuation allowance on real estate held for sale     –       –       129  
    Other     1,975       2,325       1,960  
    Total non-interest expense     10,761       11,874       10,551  
    Earnings before income taxes     5,716       2,396       3,296  
    Income tax expense (benefit)     1,015       (886 )     518  
    Net earnings   $ 4,701     $ 3,282     $ 2,778  
                             
    Net earnings per share (1)                        
     Basic   $ 0.81     $ 0.57     $ 0.48  
     Diluted     0.81       0.57       0.48  
    Dividends per share (1)     0.21       0.20       0.20  
    Shares outstanding at end of period (1)     5,778,610       5,775,198       5,747,560  
    Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic (1)     5,777,593       5,775,227       5,743,452  
    Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted (1)     5,814,650       5,789,764       5,748,595  
                             
    Tax equivalent net interest income   $ 13,291     $ 12,574     $ 10,925  
                             
    (1) Share and per share values at or for the periods ended March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2024 have been adjusted to give effect to the 5% stock dividend paid during December 2024.
    LANDMARK BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Select Ratios and Other Data (unaudited)
                 
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)   As of or for the
    three months ended,
        March 31,   December 31,   March 31,
        2025   2024   2024
    Performance ratios:                        
    Return on average assets (1)     1.21 %     0.83 %     0.72 %
    Return on average equity (1)     13.71 %     9.54 %     8.88 %
    Net interest margin (1)(2)     3.76 %     3.51 %     3.12 %
    Effective tax rate     17.8 %     -37.0 %     15.7 %
    Efficiency ratio (3)     64.1 %     70.8 %     72.1 %
    Non-interest income to total income (3)     20.4 %     25.0 %     24.1 %
                             
    Average balances:                        
    Investment securities   $ 377,845     $ 409,648     $ 456,933  
    Loans     1,048,585       1,010,153       945,737  
    Assets     1,574,295       1,568,821       1,555,662  
    Interest-bearing deposits     979,787       944,969       935,417  
    FHLB and other borrowings     48,428       57,507       72,618  
    Subordinated debentures     21,651       21,651       21,651  
    Repurchase agreements     8,634       12,212       14,371  
    Stockholders’ equity   $ 139,068     $ 136,933     $ 125,846  
                             
    Average tax equivalent yield/cost (1):                        
    Investment securities     3.29 %     3.03 %     2.96 %
    Loans     6.34 %     6.28 %     6.16 %
    Total interest-bearing assets     5.53 %     5.34 %     5.11 %
    Interest-bearing deposits     2.17 %     2.25 %     2.35 %
    FHLB and other borrowings     4.73 %     5.10 %     5.66 %
    Subordinated debentures     6.69 %     7.15 %     7.65 %
    Repurchase agreements     3.05 %     2.51 %     2.99 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     2.38 %     2.52 %     2.70 %
                             
    Capital ratios:                        
    Equity to total assets     9.04 %     8.65 %     8.16 %
    Tangible equity to tangible assets (3)     6.99 %     6.58 %     6.01 %
    Book value per share   $ 24.69     $ 23.59     $ 22.04  
    Tangible book value per share (3)   $ 18.66     $ 17.53     $ 15.87  
                             
    Rollforward of allowance for credit losses (loans):                        
    Beginning balance   $ 12,825     $ 11,544     $ 10,608  
    Charge-offs     (108 )     (246 )     (141 )
    Recoveries     85       27       134  
    Provision for credit losses for loans     —       1,500       250  
    Ending balance   $ 12,802     $ 12,825     $ 10,851  
                             
    Allowance for unfunded loan commitments   $ 150     $ 150     $ 300  
                             
    Non-performing assets:                        
    Non-accrual loans   $ 13,280     $ 13,115     $ 3,621  
    Accruing loans over 90 days past due     —       —       —  
    Real estate owned     167       167       428  
     Total non-performing assets   $ 13,447     $ 13,282     $ 4,049  
                             
    Loans 30-89 days delinquent   $ 9,977     $ 6,201     $ 4,064  
                             
    Other ratios:                        
    Loans to deposits     79.48 %     78.21 %     73.64 %
    Loans 30-89 days delinquent and still accruing to gross loans outstanding     0.93 %     0.59 %     0.42 %
    Total non-performing loans to gross loans outstanding     1.24 %     1.25 %     0.38 %
    Total non-performing assets to total assets     0.85 %     0.84 %     0.26 %
    Allowance for credit losses to gross loans outstanding     1.19 %     1.22 %     1.13 %
    Allowance for credit losses to total non-performing loans     96.40 %     97.79 %     299.67 %
    Net loan charge-offs to average loans (1)     0.01 %     0.09 %     0.00 %
                             
    (1) Information is annualized.  
    (2) Net interest margin is presented on a fully tax equivalent basis, using a 21% federal tax rate.
    (3) Non-GAAP financial measures. See the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of this press release for a reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP equivalent.
    LANDMARK BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Non-GAAP Finacials Measures (unaudited)
                 
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)   As of or for the
    three months ended,
        March 31,   December 31,   March 31,
        2025   2024   2024
                 
    Non-GAAP financial ratio reconciliation:                        
    Total non-interest expense   $ 10,761     $ 11,874     $ 10,551  
    Less: foreclosure and real estate owned expense     (50 )     (13 )     (50 )
    Less: amortization of other intangibles     (152 )     (151 )     (170 )
    Less: valuation allowance on real estate held for sale     —       —       (129 )
    Adjusted non-interest expense (A)     10,559       11,710       10,202  
                             
    Net interest income (B)     13,119       12,399       10,747  
                             
    Non-interest income     3,358       3,371       3,400  
    Less: losses on sales of investment securities, net     2       1,031       —  
    Less: gains on sales of premises and equipment and foreclosed assets     —       (273 )     9  
    Adjusted non-interest income (C)   $ 3,360     $ 4,129     $ 3,409  
                             
    Efficiency ratio (A/(B+C))     64.1 %     70.8 %     72.1 %
    Non-interest income to total income (C/(B+C))     20.4 %     25.0 %     24.1 %
                             
    Total stockholders’ equity   $ 142,651     $ 136,215     $ 126,671  
    Less: goodwill and other intangible assets     (34,803 )     (34,955 )     (35,448 )
    Tangible equity (D)   $ 107,848     $ 101,260     $ 91,223  
                             
    Total assets   $ 1,578,589     $ 1,574,142     $ 1,553,217  
    Less: goodwill and other intangible assets     (34,803 )     (34,955 )     (35,448 )
    Tangible assets (E)   $ 1,543,786     $ 1,539,187     $ 1,517,769  
                             
    Tangible equity to tangible assets (D/E)     6.99 %     6.58 %     6.01 %
                             
    Shares outstanding at end of period (F)     5,778,610       5,775,198       5,747,560  
                             
    Tangible book value per share (D/F)   $ 18.66     $ 17.53     $ 15.87  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo, Risch and Colleagues Introduce Bill to Stand Up for Israel at the UN

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Mike Lee (R-Utah), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Dave McCormick (R-Pennsylvania), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), John Boozman (R-Arkansas), Marsha Blackburn (R- Tennessee), Josh Hawley (R-Missouri), John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Ashley Moody (R- Florida) and Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), today introduced the Stand with Israel Act that would cut off U.S. funding to United Nations (UN) agencies that expel, downgrade, suspend or otherwise restrict the participation of the State of Israel.

    “America unequivocally backs Israel, our strongest ally in the Middle East, in its right to defend itself against terrorist attacks and ensure the security of its citizens.  This Act will hold the United Nations accountable for antisemitic attempts to restrict Israeli participation in UN agencies as the Trump Administration works to achieve regional stability and peace,” said Senator Crapo.

    Senator Crapo is a staunch ally of Israel who recently joined in introducing the Israel Security Assistance Act, co-sponsored a resolution asserting Israel’s right to self-defense and supported a resolution to strengthen the economic ties between Israel and the United States.

    “Israel is one of America’s greatest allies, and under President Trump’s Administration, we will no longer tolerate—much less fund—the blatant antisemitism at the United Nations.  This bill will send a clear message to the UN and any other antisemitic international organizations: if you want America’s money, you’ll need to respect our Israeli friends,” said Chairman Risch.  “America will always stand with Israel.”

    Background on the Stand with Israel Act:

    • The Stand with Israel Act would cut off U.S. funding to UN agencies that expel, downgrade, suspend or otherwise restrict the participation of the State of Israel.  The bill is modeled after the current prohibition of funding to any UN entities that elevate the status of the Palestinian Authority to a member state.

    The bill text can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Louisiana Man Sentenced to 97 Months in Prison for Traveling to New Jersey to Engage in Sexual Activity with Minor

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TRENTON, N.J. – A Louisiana man was sentenced today to 97 months in prison for traveling to New Jersey for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct with a minor, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.

    Spencer W. Caudle, 36, of Prairieville, Louisiana, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court to an information charging him with travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.

    According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

    In or around April 2023, Caudle began interacting on online social media applications with the then-14-year-old victim. Caudle’s communications with the victim were sexual in nature despite the victim informing Caudle of the victim’s minor status.  Caudle even expressed nervousness about being on the show “To Catch a Predator,” but continued informing the victim of his desire to have sex with the victim.  On May 26, 2023, Caudle drove from Louisiana to meet and have sex with the victim in Toms River, New Jersey the following day. On May 27, 2023, Caudle, in fact, committed sexual acts on the victim.  Later that night, Caudle left New Jersey to drive back to Louisiana.

    Local law enforcement became aware of Caudle’s prohibited sexual activity with the victim and began an investigation.  In June 2023, an undercover law enforcement officer assumed the victim’s online and cellular presence and communicated with Caudle.  During these conversations, Caudle confirmed his prior sexual acts with the victim and expressed a desire for further sexual activity.  While communicating with the undercover officer, Caudle made plans to return to New Jersey to commit additional sexual acts on the victim.  On June 16, 2023, Caudle flew from Louisiana to New Jersey, and law enforcement arrested him upon his arrival at the Newark Liberty International Airport.

    U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel; the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer; and the Toms River Police Department, under the direction of Police Chief Peter Sundack, with the investigation.

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

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard G. Shephard of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton. 

                                                                                                                ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: School official pleads guilty in $2.9M Scheme to defraud veterans’ education programs

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The career services manager for a Virginia school offering job training programs to veterans pled guilty today to wire fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of nearly $3 million.

    According to court documents, Jeffrey Williams, 37, of Alexandria, used false records to defraud the VA of millions of dollars from approximately July 2022 to May 2024. During that time, the defendant was a career services manager at an educational institution offering veterans educational programs in cyber that could be paid for by the VA. As part of the scheme, Williams created fraudulent employment offer letters, falsified certifications, and forged veterans’ signatures to make it appear as if veterans had attained the meaningful employment needed for the educational institution to receive tuition payments from the government. Williams caused the submission of hundreds of false documents to the VA, claiming approximately $2.9 million in fraudulent tuition payments for at least 189 veterans.

    Williams is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 17 and faces up to 20 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The VA Office of Inspector General is investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Harvey for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Lauren Archer of the Justice Department’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.   

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-122.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hardin woman arraigned on charges for sex trafficking a minor

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BILLINGS – A Hardin woman accused of sex trafficking a minor appeared today for arraignment, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

    The defendant, Veronica Clarice Baker, 29, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging her with one count of sex trafficking of a minor. If convicted of the crime charged in the indictment, Baker faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a maximum term of life, a $250,000 fine, and five years to lifetime supervised release.

    U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy Cavan presided. Baker was detained pending further proceedings.

    The indictment alleges that in or before August 2022, in Billings, the defendant knowingly recruited, enticed, harbored, transported, provided, obtained, advertised, maintained, patronized, and solicited, by any means an individual, Jane Doe 1, knowing and in reckless disregard that Jane Doe 1 was under the age of 18, to engage in a commercial sex act.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno Baucus is prosecuting the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.

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

    The charging document is merely an accusation and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    PACER case reference. 25-43.

    The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Eight-time illegal reentry felon imprisoned for unlawfully reentering U.S. again

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HOUSTON – A 30-year-old Mexican citizen with a felony criminal history has been sentenced for illegally reentering the United States after eight previous removals, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Julio Cesar Corona-Corona pleaded guilty Oct. 7, 2024.

    U.S. District Judge Yvonne Ho has now ordered Corona-Corona to serve 37 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to again face removal proceedings following his imprisonment.

    At the hearing, the court heard how Corona-Corona was arrested in 2022 for smuggling aliens after he fled from police in a vehicle carrying eight others, creating dangerous conditions for the vehicle occupants as well as the community. In handing down the sentence, Judge Ho noted Corona-Corona’s motivation to come to the United States, be it for work or family residing here – is not unique. The court added that, despite prior court warnings not to do so, Corona-Corona was determined to unlawfully reenter the United States, as evidenced by his repeated encounters with immigration authorities. Corona-Corona also received a three-year-term of supervised released to commence after completion of his prison sentence as an added deterrent to unlawful reentry into the United States. 

    Corona-Corona has felony convictions for illegal reentry as well as human smuggling. He was first removed from the United States Jan. 25, 2014, and returned illegally eight times between 2014 and April 2020. In fact, authorities had removed him six times alone between 2017-2018.

    Corona-Corona will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

    “What those outside our country need to understand is that despite what they may have heard in the past, our immigration laws are being strictly enforced,” said Ganjei. “If somebody breaks our laws by sneaking across the border, they are going to be prosecuted, jailed, and then deported. The sooner that message spreads, the better it will be for everyone.”

    Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Houston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie Wirsing prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 04.30.2025 Sens. Cruz, Ossoff Introduce Bill to Extend Civil Rights Cold Case Review Board Term

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), a member of the Judiciary Committee, and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) introduced The Civil Rights Cold Cases Records Collection Reauthorization Act. This bill would extend the term of the Civil Rights Cold Case Review Board by four years. The board is tasked with investigating criminal investigations from the Civil Rights Era, led by a panel of private citizens appointed by the President.
    Sen. Cruz said, “Civil Rights cold case victims and their families deserve justice. Giving the review board more time to investigate these unsolved cases is essential to delivering long-overdue accountability. I urge my colleagues to move quickly to pass this bill so the review board can continue its work.”
    Sen. Ossoff said, “For too long, families of Civil Rights cold case victims have waited for answers and justice. Our bipartisan bill is an opportunity to pursue justice and truth on behalf of those who were killed. There’s no expiration date on justice; that’s why this effort must continue.”
    Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.-12), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.-01), and Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.-17).
    Read the full text of the bill here.
    BACKGROUND
    In 2019, Sen. Cruz and former Democrat Sen. Doug Jones of Alabama wrote and passed into law a bill, requiring federal agencies to turn over any remaining cold case records to the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Review Board, established by the National Archives and Records Administration, to help shed light on these unsolved cases.
    In 2022, Sens. Cruz and Ossoff wrote and passed into law the Civil Rights Cold Case Investigations Support Act of 2022, which extended the board.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fischer, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Stand Up for Israel at United Nations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer
    Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) joined Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), in introducing the Stand with Israel Act to cut off U.S. funding to United Nations agencies that expel, downgrade, suspend, or otherwise restrict the participation of the State of Israel.“Despite receiving billions of dollars every year from the United States, the United Nations has allowed antisemitism to spread unchecked within its ranks. The Stand with Israel Act reaffirms America’s commitment to Israel, holds the United Nations accountable, and sends a clear message to Israel’s adversaries: standing against Israel means standing against the United States,” said Fischer.“Israel is one of America’s greatest allies, and under President Trump’s Administration, we will no longer tolerate—much less fund—the blatant antisemitism at the United Nations. This bill will send a clear message to the UN and any other antisemitic international organizations: if you want America’s money, you’ll need to respect our Israeli friends. America will always stand with Israel,” said Risch.Background on the Stand with Israel Act:
    The Stand with Israel Act would cut off U.S. funding to UN agencies that expel, downgrade, suspend, or otherwise restrict the participation of the State of Israel. The bill is modeled after the current prohibition of funding to any UN entities that elevate the status of the Palestinian Authority to a member state.
    Bill text of the Stand with Israel Act can be found here.
    Joining Fischer and Risch in introducing the Stand with Israel Act are Senators Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Shelly Moore Capito (R-W. Va.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Justice (R-W. Va.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and Ashley Moody (R-Fla.).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican citizen sentenced for illegally reentering the country for third time

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 42-year-old man from Aldamas, Tamaulipas, Mexico, has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of illegal reentry into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Alfredo Balderas-Rivera pleaded guilty Aug. 29, 2024.

    U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera has now ordered Balderas-Rivera to serve 50 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is again expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. At the hearing, Balderas-Rivera also admitted he violated his supervised release for his original offense of illegal reentry. In handing down the sentence, the court noted his prior criminal record and that there is no excuse or reasoning to enter the United States illegally.

    Balderas-Rivera has a conviction for illegal reentry. He was first removed in 2016 with a subsequent removal in 2018 and 2023.

    Authorities found Balderas-Rivera in Cameron County March 30, 2024. He had been in custody for allegedly committing fraud  and assault bodily injury.

    Balderas-Rivera admitted he was a citizen of Mexico who had entered the United States illegally in March 2024. He had no immigration documents to be legally present or remain in the United States.

    Balderas-Rivera has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

    Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Coronado prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Stay well this summer

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Staying well-hydrated is essential in hot weather.

    In brief:

    • Hot weather can bring a range of health concerns.
    • There are ways to prepare and protect yourself against getting sick.
    • Read on for advice on health issues commonly experienced in summer.

    From sunburn to salmonella, hot weather can present a range of health concerns.

    Seek medical help if you or someone you know becomes unwell.

    Beat the heat

    Signs of heat exhaustion include nausea and vomiting, dizziness, fainting, and headaches.

    In extreme heat, be sure to do the following.

    • Wear sunscreen and a hat.
    • Plan your day around the heat. Stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm.
    • Drink plenty of water. Talk to your GP about how much water you should drink in hot weather if they normally limit your fluid intake.
    • Pack a drink bottle. Remember there are water refill stations in public places like shopping centres and parks.
    • Go somewhere where there is air conditioning. If it’s too hot at home, ACT libraries are a great place to stay cool while also keeping young ones entertained. You could also consider shopping centres or museums.
    • Check in with friends and family.

    Who is at higher risk?

    Some people are at higher risk of heat-related illness. These include babies, young children, those who are older, pregnant or have medical conditions and people who work outdoors. Don’t forget to look out for your pets too.

    If you’re at higher risk, talk to your GP about how to prepare for extreme heat.

    Find more tips on the ACT Health website.

    Keep aware of air quality

    In the warmer months, air quality can decrease due to bushfire and grassfire smoke, dust storms and elevated pollen levels.

    Some people are more sensitive to dust and smoke, including:

    • people with a heart or lung condition
    • people with diabetes
    • babies and children
    • older people
    • pregnant people.

    Prepare by chatting to your GP. Make sure your prescription medicines are up to date and to have an action plan in case your symptoms flare up.

    Stay indoors and close your doors and windows during periods of poor air quality.

    Take note of prescribed burns

    It’s worth noting the ACT Government conducts several prescribed burns each year to manage fire risk across the region. Plan ahead and find out when prescribed burns are happening in your area. Check the ESA website to see a list of active incidents. And if you see a fire unattended, call triple-zero (000).

    You can check Canberra’s current air quality on the ACT Health website.

    You can also monitor pollen levels by downloading the free AirRater app or by visiting the Canberra Pollen Count and Forecast Service website.

    Be aware of thunderstorm asthma

    If you have asthma, or even hay fever, you’re probably aware of thunderstorm asthma.

    While rare, it can sudden, serious and even life-threatening. Thunderstorms can cause some people to develop severe asthma symptoms very quickly.

    To be as prepared as possible, ensure your hay fever and /or asthma action plan is up to date. If you have asthma or have had it in the past, always carry a reliever (puffer).

    Protect against mosquito bites

    To protect yourself against mozzie bites and reduce the risk of exposure to the diseases they may carry:

    • cover up with a light-coloured, loose-fitting long-sleeved shirt, long pants and covered shoes when outside
    • apply mosquito repellent and reapply it regularly
    • take special care during peak mosquito biting hours (in the ACT most mosquitoes become active at dawn and dusk, and into the evening)
    • remove potential mosquito breeding sites from around the home
    • use flyscreens on windows and doors.

    Learn more about mosquito risk and prevention.

    Be mindful of food preparation and storage safety

    The risk of food poisoning is higher in summer. Many Canberrans entertain outdoors, attend barbecues away from home and enjoy festive leftovers.

    Bacteria in food multiply faster in warm environments. Refrigerating and disposing of food appropriately is important to reduce the chance of becoming unwell.

    Christmas ham, for example, lasts up to 14 days (depending on how you store it). It also takes up precious room in your fridge, so be sure to bin it once it’s past its prime.

    Prevent illness by keeping hands and utensils clean, cooking foods, like meats, thoroughly and discarding food that has been left out for more than four hours.

    View the ACT Health’s Food safety in hot weather web page for more details.

    Check recreational water quality

    It’s important to check the conditions of recreational waterways before swimming or playing in lakes and ponds.

    Microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, parasites and algae are often found in waterways.

    If you or your family drink water in recreational waterways while swimming or camping, for example, you can become sick.

    The most common illness from poor water quality is gastroenteritis.

    More information

    Visit the ACT Government website for health advice during spring and summer.

    If you feel unwell, or are concerned about your health, see your GP, visit a Walk-in Centre or consult another healthcare professional.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Cherokee, Iowa, Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Roger Strickland, age 62, from Cherokee, Iowa, pled guilty on April 25, 2025, to two counts of possession of child pornography in federal court in Sioux City, Iowa. 

    Evidence at the plea hearing showed that from June 2022, through May 2023, Strickland received and possessed child pornography.  Agents searched Strickland’s home on May 25, 2023, and seized several pieces of evidence.  Agents asked to speak to whomever at the home was downloading child pornography and Strickland replied, “It’s me.”  Then, while agents were awaiting results of the forensic analysis of Strickland’s electronic devices, law enforcement was again notified Strickland was receiving and possessing child pornography.  Strickland admitted that between August 2023, through February 2024, Strickland received and possessed more child pornography despite knowing he was actively being investigated.  In total, over 225 videos and 8,000 images of child pornography were discovered on his electronic devices.  Strickland further admitted that the images and videos involved material portraying sadistic or masochistic conduct as well as prepubescent children, infants, and toddlers.  

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.  For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”

    Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Strickland remains in custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.  On each count, Strickland faces a possible maximum sentence of not more than 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.

    The case was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the Cherokee Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit.

    Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.

    The case file number is CR24-4067.  Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Teacher Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of Student

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

      Samantha Meyer-Davis, 32, from Rutland, Iowa, pled guilty in federal court April 30, 2025, to sexual exploitation of a child.

    At the plea hearing, Meyer-Davis admitted that from May 2022, through November 2023, she was engaged in sexually exploiting a student as well as disseminating and exhibiting obscene materials to the victim.  Meyer-Davis was a middle school teacher at the time of the incidents and met with school administrators on several occasions and denied any inappropriate relationship.  Administrators reminded Meyer-Davis of her professional and ethical obligations to her students and encouraged her to cease and desist any inappropriate relationship with the student.  When interviewed by law enforcement, Meyer-Davis continued to deny any inappropriate relationship until she was confronted with photographic evidence of her kissing the student who was in a state of undress.  Evidence further showed that Meyer-Davis and the victim exchanged over 130 photographs, and over 60 videos related to and depicting child pornography, including materials that portrayed sadistic and masochistic conduct.    

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006, by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.  For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”

    Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Meyer-Davis remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Meyer-Davis faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.

    The case was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa Special Enforcement Operations Bureau, and the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit.  

    Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.  The case file number is 24-3028.  Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fort Hall Man Sentenced to 100 Months in Federal Prison for Fentanyl Distribution

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    POCATELLO – Creston Dale Kindness, 42, of Fort Hall, was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott announced today. 

    According to court records, on January 21, 2024, officers observed Kindness driving at a high rate of speed. A lengthy pursuit followed, and the vehicle stopped when it became stuck in the snow. Officers arrested Kindness and took him to jail. At the jail, a sheriff’s deputy observed Kindness make a video call to a female friend. Kindness told the friend that he threw a bag with her name on it out of the car window during the pursuit. Kindness gave her the location and told her to go get the bag. Officers responded and found the bag. The bag contained a large amount of cash and 350 grams of fentanyl pills.

    Kindness pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl on June 24, 2024. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered Kindness to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence. 

    Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott commended the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office, the Bingham, Blackfoot, Shelley Investigation Unit, the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office, the Fort Hall Police Department, and the Idaho State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Haycock prosecuted the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mason City Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Cleon Mitchell, Jr., 46, from Mason City, Iowa, pled guilty April 30, 2025, in federal court in Sioux City to possession of child pornography.

    At the plea hearing, Mitchell admitted that from August 2022, through April 2024, he used the Kik and Snapchat applications to receive and possess visual depictions of child pornography which involved a prepubescent minor or minor under the age of 12.  Snapchat reported Mitchell’s account to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children who in turn reported the information to law enforcement.  Law enforcement connected the account back to Mitchell and obtained a search warrant for his home and electronics.  During the execution of the search warrant, Mitchell admitted he had received and possessed child pornography, and it would be located on his phone.  Forensic analysis of his electronics showed that Mitchell possessed 30 videos and 50 images of child pornography including materials that portrayed sadistic or masochistic conduct as well as prepubescent children and toddlers.    

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006, by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.  For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”

    Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared.  Mitchell, Jr. remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.  Mitchell, Jr. faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.

    The case was investigated by the Mason City Police Department and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit.  

    Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.  The case file number is 24-3038.  Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: BATON ROUGE MAN SENTENCING TO 57 MONTHS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Acting United States Attorney April M. Leon announced that U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced James S. Burland, age 70, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to 57 months in federal prison following his conviction for possession of child pornography. Burland must serve five years of supervised release upon completing his term of imprisonment. The Court also ordered Burland to pay a $5,000 special assessment pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act and ordered him to register as a sex offender upon his release.

    In announcing the sentence, the Court described Burland’s possession of 565 images of child pornography, to include images that depicted prepubescent minors and minors under the age of 12, as serious and troubling conduct.

    According to admissions made during his plea, on November 11, 2022, Burland uploaded a file containing an image of child pornography to his internet-based cloud storage account. A subsequent investigation identified that between that date and April 9, 2024, Burland possessed at least 173 additional files containing images of child pornography in his internet-based cloud storage account and on some of his personal computers and storage devices.

    This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, Office of the Attorney General, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul L. Pugliese.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ukrainian Men Charged with Illegal Entry

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that Mykhailo Ivanchyn, age 21, and Ihor Zelskyi, age 27, of the Ukraine, have been charged by criminal complaint with illegally entering the United States.

    On April 29, 2025, Ivanchyn and Zelskyi appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle, who ordered that they be held in custody pending their detention hearings.  Ivanchyn’s detention hearing is scheduled for May 2, 2025.  Zelskyi’s detention hearing is scheduled for May 5, 2025.

    According to court records, at approximately 12:30 a.m. on April 28, 2025, United States Border Patrol agents were alerted of at least two individuals wearing backpacks and walking south near the international border between the United States and Canada along the Sutton River in Franklin County, Vermont. Border Patrol agents responded and apprehended Ivanchyn and Zelskyi, who were wearing backpacks and water waders. Neither defendant had legal status in the United States or authorization to reside in the United States.

    The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that Ivanchyn and Zelskyi are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The defendants face up to 6 months’ imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

    Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the United States Border Patrol.

    The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Cate. Ivanchyn is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Barclay Johnson.  Zelskyi is represented by Rick Bothfeld, Esq.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Columbia Financial, Inc. Announces Financial Results for the First Quarter Ended March 31, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FAIR LAWN, N.J., April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Columbia Financial, Inc. (the “Company”) (NASDAQ: CLBK), the mid-tier holding company for Columbia Bank (“Columbia”), reported net income of $8.9 million, or $0.09 per basic and diluted share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, as compared to a net loss of $1.2 million, or $0.01 per basic and diluted share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. Earnings for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 reflected higher net interest income due to both an increase in interest income and a decrease in interest expense, lower provision for credit losses and a decrease in non-interest expense, partially offset by higher income tax expense.

    Mr. Thomas J. Kemly, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented: “During the first quarter of 2025, the Company was able to increase earnings, expand our net interest margin and reduce overall funding costs mainly due to a balance sheet repositioning strategy implemented in the fourth quarter of 2024. We also experienced solid loan growth and an increase in deposits while reducing our overall operating costs. It continues to be challenging to operate in such a volatile economic environment, but we are focused on managing the balance sheet mix and controlling operating expenses while remaining committed to investments in talent and systems that will support future growth.”

    Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 and March 31, 2024

    Net income of $8.9 million was recorded for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, an increase of $10.1 million, compared to a net loss of $1.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. The increase in net income was primarily attributable to an $8.1 million increase in net interest income, a $2.3 million decrease in provision for credit losses and a $1.8 million decrease in non-interest expense, partially offset by a $3.2 million increase in income tax expense.

    Net interest income was $50.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, an increase of $8.1 million, or 19.3%, from $42.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. The increase in net interest income was primarily attributable to a $3.5 million increase in interest income and a $4.6 million decrease in interest expense on deposits and borrowings. The increase in interest income was primarily due to an increase in the average balance of loans coupled with an increase in average yields on loans and securities. During the fourth quarter of 2024 the Company implemented a balance sheet repositioning transaction which resulted in an increase in the average yield on securities and a decrease in the cost of borrowings, which had a notable impact on net interest income for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. The 100 basis point decrease in market interest rates during the last four months of 2024 contributed to a decrease in interest expense on borrowings during the quarter ended March 31, 2025. Prepayment penalties, which are included in interest income on loans, totaled $257,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to $268,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2024.

    The average yield on loans for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 increased 10 basis points to 4.89%, as compared to 4.79% for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. Interest income on loans increased due to an increase in both the average balance and yield on loans. The average yield on securities for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 increased 80 basis points to 3.45%, as compared to 2.65% for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. This was a result of lower yielding securities sold as part of the balance sheet repositioning transaction implemented in the fourth quarter of 2024, being replaced with higher yielding securities purchased in 2024 and the quarter ended March 31, 2025. The average yield on other interest-earning assets for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 decreased 31 basis points to 5.75%, as compared to 6.06% for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, due to a decrease in average interest rates received on cash balances, and a decrease in the dividend rate received on Federal Home Loan Bank stock.

    Total interest expense was $61.8 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, a decrease of $4.6 million, or 6.9%, from $66.4 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. The decrease in interest expense was primarily attributable to a 1 basis point decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing deposits along with a 54 basis point decrease in the average cost of borrowings, coupled with a decrease in the average balance of borrowings, partially offset by an increase in the average balance of interest-bearing deposits. Interest expense on deposits increased $1.7 million, or 3.6%, and interest expense on borrowings decreased $6.3 million, or 35.1%.

    The Company’s net interest margin for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 increased 36 basis points to 2.11%, when compared to 1.75% for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. The net interest margin increased for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 due to an increase in the average yield on interest-earning assets coupled with a decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities. The weighted average yield on interest-earning assets increased 19 basis points to 4.69% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 as compared to 4.50% for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. The average cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased 17 basis points to 3.21% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 as compared to 3.38% for the quarter ended March 31, 2024.

    The provision for credit losses for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was $2.9 million, a decrease of $2.3 million, from $5.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. The decrease in provision for credit losses during the quarter was primarily due to a decrease in net charge-offs, which totaled $857,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 as compared to $5.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024.

    Non-interest income was $8.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, an increase of $1.0 million, or 13.7%, from $7.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. The increase was primarily attributable to the loss on securities transactions of $1.3 million included in the 2024 period, and an increase of $475,000 in fees related to commercial account treasury services.

    Non-interest expense was $43.8 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, a decrease of $1.8 million, or 4.0%, from $45.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in professional fees of $2.1 million, as legal, regulatory and compliance-related costs decreased in the 2025 period, and a decrease in federal deposit insurance premiums of $475,000.

    Income tax expense was $3.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, an increase of $3.2 million, as compared to an income tax benefit of $129,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, mainly due to an increase in pre-tax income. The Company’s effective tax rate was 25.9% and 10.0% for the quarters ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The effective tax rate for the 2024 period was primarily impacted by permanent income tax differences.

    Balance Sheet Summary

    Total assets increased $132.4 million, or 1.3%, to $10.6 billion at March 31, 2025 as compared to $10.5 billion at December 31, 2024. The increase in total assets was primarily attributable to an increase in debt securities available for sale of $51.4 million, and an increase in loans receivable, net, of $108.3 million, partially offset by a decrease in cash and cash equivalents of $33.1 million.

    Cash and cash equivalents decreased $33.1 million, or 11.5%, to $256.1 million at March 31, 2025 from $289.2 million at December 31, 2024. The decrease was primarily attributable to purchases of securities of $84.7 million, and origination of loans receivable, partially offset by proceeds from principal repayments on securities of $41.2 million, and repayments on loans receivable.

    Debt securities available for sale increased $51.4 million, or 5.0%, to $1.1 billion at March 31, 2025 from $1.0 billion at December 31, 2024. The increase was attributable to purchases of securities of $64.8 million, consisting primarily of U.S. government obligations and mortgage-backed securities, and a decrease in the gross unrealized loss on securities of $15.9 million, partially offset by repayments on securities of $29.1 million, and a partial call of a security of $756,000.

    Loans receivable, net, increased $108.3 million, or 1.4%, to $8.0 billion at March 31, 2025 from $7.9 billion at December 31, 2024. Multifamily loans and commercial real estate loans increased $107.2 million and $89.5 million, respectively, partially offset by decreases in one-to-four family real estate loans, construction loans, commercial business loans, and home equity loans and advances of $34.4 million, $36.5 million, $8.0 million, and $5.6 million, respectively. The allowance for credit losses for loans increased $2.1 million to $62.0 million at March 31, 2025 from $60.0 million at December 31, 2024, primarily due to an increase in the outstanding balance of loans.

    Total liabilities increased $112.4 million, or 1.2%, to $9.5 billion at March 31, 2025 from $9.4 billion at December 31, 2024. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in total deposits of $98.8 million, or 1.2%, and an increase in borrowings of $27.0 million, or 2.5%, partially offset by a decrease in other liabilities of $15.2 million. The increase in total deposits consisted of increases in non-interest-bearing demand deposits, money market accounts and certificates of deposit of $52.2 million, $92.0 million, and $41.3 million, respectively, partially offset by decreases in interest-bearing demand deposits and savings and club accounts of $85.9 million and $788,000, respectively. The $27.0 million increase in borrowings was driven by a net increase in short-term borrowings of $67.0 million, coupled with new long-term borrowings of $20.0 million, partially offset by repayments of $60.0 million in maturing long-term borrowings.

    Total stockholders’ equity increased $20.0 million, or 1.8%, with a balance of $1.1 billion at both March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024. The increase in total stockholders’ equity was primarily attributable to net income of $8.9 million, and an increase of $9.3 million in other comprehensive income, which includes changes in unrealized losses on debt securities available for sale and unrealized gains on swap contracts, net of taxes, included in other comprehensive income.

    Asset Quality

    The Company’s non-performing loans at March 31, 2025 totaled $24.9 million, or 0.31% of total gross loans, as compared to $21.7 million, or 0.28% of total gross loans, at December 31, 2024. The $3.2 million increase in non-performing loans was primarily attributable to a $5.9 million construction loan designated as non-performing during the 2025 period, an increase in non-performing one-to-four family real estate loans of $835,000, and an increase in non-performing commercial real estate loans of $452,000, partially offset by a decrease in non-performing commercial business loans of $4.4 million. The $5.9 million non-performing construction loan represents the construction of a mixed use five-story building with both commercial space and apartments. The increase in non-performing one-to-four family real estate loans was due to an increase in the number of loans from 32 non-performing loans at December 31, 2024 to 38 loans at March 31, 2025. The increase in non-performing commercial real estate loans was due to an increase in the number of loans from four non-performing loans at December 31, 2024 to seven loans at March 31, 2025. The decrease in non-performing commercial business loans was primarily attributable to one loan with an outstanding balance of $4.3 million which was paid in full during the 2025 period. Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets totaled 0.25% at March 31, 2025, as compared to 0.22% at December 31, 2024.

    For the quarter ended March 31, 2025, net charge-offs totaled approximately $857,000, as compared to $5.0 million in net charge-offs recorded for the quarter ended March 31, 2024.

    The Company’s allowance for credit losses on loans was $62.0 million, or 0.78% of total gross loans, at March 31, 2025, compared to $60.0 million, or 0.76% of total gross loans, at December 31, 2024. The increase in the allowance for credit losses for loans was primarily due to an increase in the outstanding balance of loans.

    Additional Liquidity, Loan, and Deposit Information

    The Company services a diverse retail and commercial deposit base through its 69 branches. With over 207,000 accounts, the average deposit account balance was approximately $40,000 at March 31, 2025.

    Deposit balances are summarized as follows:

      At March 31, 2025   At December 31, 2024
      Balance   Weighted
    Average
    Rate    		   Balance   Weighted
    Average
    Rate
      (Dollars in thousands)
                   
    Non-interest-bearing demand $ 1,490,243   — %   $ 1,438,030   — %
    Interest-bearing demand   1,935,384   2.08       2,021,312   2.19  
    Money market accounts   1,333,668   2.84       1,241,691   2.82  
    Savings and club deposits   651,713   0.70       652,501   0.75  
    Certificates of deposit   2,783,927   4.08       2,742,615   4.24  
    Total deposits $ 8,194,935   2.40 %   $ 8,096,149   2.47 %
                           

    The Company continues to maintain strong liquidity and capital positions. The Company had no outstanding borrowings from the Federal Reserve Discount Window at March 31, 2025. As of March 31, 2025, the Company had immediate access to approximately $2.8 billion of funding, with additional unpledged loan collateral of approximately $2.2 billion.

    At March 31, 2025, the Company’s non-performing commercial real estate loans totaled $3.4 million, or 0.04%, of total loans receivable.

    The following table presents multifamily real estate, owner occupied commercial real estate, and the components of investor owned commercial real estate loans included in the real estate loan portfolio.

      At March 31, 2025
      (Dollars in thousands)
      Balance   % of Gross Loans   Weighted Average
    Loan to Value Ratio    		   Weighted
    Average
    Debt Service
    Coverage    		  
    Multifamily Real Estate $ 1,567,862   19.6 %   58.0 %   1.58 x
                     
    Owner Occupied Commercial Real Estate $ 689,509   8.6 %   53.7 %   2.23 x
                     
    Investor Owned Commercial Real Estate:                
    Retail / Shopping centers $ 518,841   6.5 %   53.4 %   1.50 x
    Mixed Use   220,391   2.8     58.0     1.57  
    Industrial / Warehouse   423,634   5.3     54.8     1.65  
    Non-Medical Office   189,617   2.4     51.1     1.65  
    Medical Office   118,547   1.5     60.0     1.46  
    Single Purpose   95,041   1.2     54.8     3.14  
    Other   173,849   2.2     51.3     1.75  
    Total $ 1,739,920   21.9 %   54.4 %   1.67 x
                     
    Total Multifamily and Commercial Real Estate Loans $ 3,997,291   50.1 %   55.7 %   1.73 x
                           

    As of March 31, 2025, the Company had less than $1.0 million in loan exposure to office or rent stabilized multifamily loans in New York City.

    About Columbia Financial, Inc.

    The consolidated financial results include the accounts of Columbia Financial, Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiary Columbia Bank (the “Bank”) and the Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiaries. Columbia Financial, Inc. is a Delaware corporation organized as Columbia Bank’s mid-tier stock holding company. Columbia Financial, Inc. is a majority-owned subsidiary of Columbia Bank, MHC. Columbia Bank is a federally chartered savings bank headquartered in Fair Lawn, New Jersey that operates 69 full-service banking offices and offers traditional financial services to consumers and businesses in its market area.

    Forward Looking Statements

    Certain statements herein constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act and are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may be identified by words such as “believes,” “will,” “would,” “expects,” “projects,” “may,” “could,” “developments,” “strategic,” “launching,” “opportunities,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “plans,” “targets” and similar expressions. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the Company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements as a result of numerous factors. Factors that could cause such differences to exist include, but are not limited to, adverse conditions in the capital and debt markets and the impact of such conditions on the Company’s business activities; changes in interest rates, higher inflation and their impact on national and local economic conditions; changes in monetary and fiscal policies of the U.S. Treasury, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and other governmental entities; the impact of tariffs, sanctions and other trade policies of the United States and its global trading counterparts; the impact of legal, judicial and regulatory proceedings or investigations, competitive pressures from other financial institutions; the effects of general economic conditions on a national basis or in the local markets in which the Company operates, including changes that adversely affect a borrowers’ ability to service and repay the Company’s loans; the effect of acts of terrorism, war or pandemics, including on our credit quality and business operations, as well as its impact on general economic and financial market conditions; changes in the value of securities in the Company’s portfolio; changes in loan default and charge-off rates; fluctuations in real estate values; the adequacy of loan loss reserves; decreases in deposit levels necessitating increased borrowing to fund loans and securities; legislative changes and changes in government regulation; changes in accounting standards and practices; the risk that goodwill and intangibles recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial statements will become impaired; cyber-attacks, computer viruses and other technological risks that may breach the security of our systems and allow unauthorized access to confidential information; the inability of third party service providers to perform; demand for loans in the Company’s market area; the Company’s ability to attract and maintain deposits and effectively manage liquidity; risks related to the implementation of acquisitions, dispositions, and restructurings; the successful implementation of our December 2024 balance sheet repositioning transaction; the risk that the Company may not be successful in the implementation of its business strategy, or its integration of acquired financial institutions and businesses, and changes in assumptions used in making such forward-looking statements which 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 and those set forth in the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, all as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which are available at the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. Should one or more of these risks materialize or should underlying beliefs or assumptions prove incorrect, the Company’s actual results could differ materially from those discussed. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. The Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect changes in underlying assumptions or factors, new information, future events or other changes, except as required by law.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Reported amounts are presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). This press release also contains certain supplemental non-GAAP information that the Company’s management uses in its analysis of the Company’s financial results. Specifically, the Company provides measures based on what it believes are its operating earnings on a consistent basis and excludes material non-routine operating items which affect the GAAP reporting of results of operations. The Company’s management believes that providing this information to analysts and investors allows them to better understand and evaluate the Company’s core financial results for the periods presented. 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.

    The Company also provides measurements and ratios based on tangible stockholders’ equity. These measures are commonly utilized by regulators and market analysts to evaluate a company’s financial condition and, therefore, the Company’s management believes that such information is useful to investors.

    A reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures are included at the end of this press release. See “Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.

     
    COLUMBIA FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
    (In thousands)
     
      March 31,   December 31,
      2025   2024
    Assets (Unaudited)    
    Cash and due from banks $ 255,978     $ 289,113  
    Short-term investments   111       110  
    Total cash and cash equivalents   256,089       289,223  
           
    Debt securities available for sale, at fair value   1,077,331       1,025,946  
    Debt securities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value of $364,428, and $350,153 at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively)   400,975       392,840  
    Equity securities, at fair value   6,981       6,673  
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock   61,628       60,387  
           
    Loans receivable   8,027,308       7,916,928  
    Less: allowance for credit losses   62,034       59,958  
    Loans receivable, net   7,965,274       7,856,970  
           
    Accrued interest receivable   41,902       40,383  
    Office properties and equipment, net   82,592       81,772  
    Bank-owned life insurance   276,767       274,908  
    Goodwill and intangible assets   120,487       121,008  
    Other real estate owned   1,334       1,334  
    Other assets   316,490       324,049  
    Total assets $ 10,607,850     $ 10,475,493  
           
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity      
    Liabilities:      
    Deposits $ 8,194,935     $ 8,096,149  
    Borrowings   1,107,588       1,080,600  
    Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance   47,275       45,453  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities   157,709       172,915  
    Total liabilities   9,507,507       9,395,117  
           
    Stockholders’ equity:      
    Total stockholders’ equity   1,100,343       1,080,376  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 10,607,850     $ 10,475,493  
     
    COLUMBIA FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)
    (In thousands, except per share data)
     
      Three Months Ended
    March 31,
      2025   2024
    Interest income: (Unaudited)
    Loans receivable $ 95,110     $ 92,949  
    Debt securities available for sale and equity securities   9,742       7,785  
    Debt securities held to maturity   2,811       2,369  
    Federal funds and interest-earning deposits   2,858       3,563  
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock dividends   1,642       1,961  
    Total interest income   112,163       108,627  
    Interest expense:      
    Deposits   50,145       48,418  
    Borrowings   11,693       18,009  
    Total interest expense   61,838       66,427  
           
    Net interest income   50,325       42,200  
           
    Provision for credit losses   2,933       5,278  
           
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   47,392       36,922  
           
    Non-interest income:      
    Demand deposit account fees   1,888       1,413  
    Bank-owned life insurance   1,859       1,780  
    Title insurance fees   646       503  
    Loan fees and service charges   1,056       961  
    Loss on securities transactions   —       (1,256 )
    Change in fair value of equity securities   308       351  
    Gain on sale of loans   515       185  
    Other non-interest income   2,199       3,515  
    Total non-interest income   8,471       7,452  
           
    Non-interest expense:      
    Compensation and employee benefits   28,583       27,513  
    Occupancy   6,185       5,973  
    Federal deposit insurance premiums   1,880       2,355  
    Advertising   531       626  
    Professional fees   2,515       4,634  
    Data processing and software expenses   4,061       3,967  
    Merger-related expenses   —       22  
    Other non-interest expense, net   90       568  
    Total non-interest expense   43,845       45,658  
           
    Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)   12,018       (1,284 )
           
    Income tax expense (benefit)   3,118       (129 )
           
    Net income (loss) $ 8,900     $ (1,155 )
           
    Earnings (loss) per share-basic $ 0.09     $ (0.01 )
    Earnings (loss) per share-diluted $ 0.09     $ (0.01 )
    Weighted average shares outstanding-basic   101,816,716       101,746,740  
    Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted   101,816,716       101,988,425  
     
    COLUMBIA FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Average Balances/Yields
     
      For the Three Months Ended March 31,
        2025       2024  
      Average
    Balance    		   Interest
    and
    Dividends    		   Yield / Cost   Average
    Balance    		   Interest
    and
    Dividends    		   Yield / Cost
      (Dollars in thousands)
    Interest-earnings assets:                      
    Loans $ 7,894,561     $ 95,110   4.89 %   $ 7,802,865     $ 92,949   4.79 %
    Securities   1,477,537       12,553   3.45 %     1,543,734       10,154   2.65 %
    Other interest-earning assets   317,433       4,500   5.75 %     366,343       5,524   6.06 %
    Total interest-earning assets   9,689,531       112,163   4.69 %     9,712,942       108,627   4.50 %
    Non-interest-earning assets   873,451               855,618          
    Total assets $ 10,562,982             $ 10,568,560          
                           
    Interest-bearing liabilities:                      
    Interest-bearing demand $ 2,060,528     $ 13,172   2.59 %   $ 1,998,749     $ 13,384   2.69 %
    Money market accounts   1,282,241       7,606   2.41 %     1,234,943       8,769   2.86 %
    Savings and club deposits   649,257       1,108   0.69 %     688,535       1,236   0.72 %
    Certificates of deposit   2,756,895       28,259   4.16 %     2,516,323       25,029   4.00 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits   6,748,921       50,145   3.01 %     6,438,550       48,418   3.02 %
    FHLB advances   1,060,911       11,554   4.42 %     1,447,143       17,847   4.96 %
    Junior subordinated debentures   7,040       139   8.01 %     7,018       162   9.28 %
    Total borrowings   1,067,951       11,693   4.44 %     1,454,161       18,009   4.98 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   7,816,872     $ 61,838   3.21 %     7,892,711     $ 66,427   3.38 %
                           
    Non-interest-bearing liabilities:                      
    Non-interest-bearing deposits   1,432,837               1,392,274          
    Other non-interest-bearing liabilities   222,604               240,798          
    Total liabilities   9,472,313               9,525,783          
    Total stockholders’ equity   1,090,669               1,042,777          
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 10,562,982             $ 10,568,560          
                           
    Net interest income     $ 50,325           $ 42,200    
    Interest rate spread         1.48 %           1.12 %
    Net interest-earning assets $ 1,872,659             $ 1,820,231          
    Net interest margin         2.11 %           1.75 %
    Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities   123.96 %             123.06 %        
     
    COLUMBIA FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Components of Net Interest Rate Spread and Margin
     
      Average Yields/Costs by Quarter
      March 31,
    2025    		   December 31,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024    		   March 31,
    2024
    Yield on interest-earning assets:                  
    Loans 4.89 %   4.88 %   5.00 %   4.93 %   4.79 %
    Securities 3.45     2.99     2.90     2.89     2.65  
    Other interest-earning assets 5.75     6.00     6.72     6.30     6.06  
    Total interest-earning assets 4.69 %   4.61 %   4.70 %   4.64 %   4.50 %
                       
    Cost of interest-bearing liabilities:                  
    Total interest-bearing deposits 3.01 %   3.13 %   3.21 %   3.14 %   3.02 %
    Total borrowings 4.44     4.65     4.87     4.92     4.98  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities 3.21 %   3.38 %   3.52 %   3.49 %   3.38 %
                       
    Interest rate spread 1.48 %   1.23 %   1.18 %   1.15 %   1.12 %
    Net interest margin 2.11 %   1.88 %   1.84 %   1.81 %   1.75 %
                       
    Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities 123.96 %   124.02 %   123.06 %   123.03 %   123.06 %
     
    COLUMBIA FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Selected Financial Highlights
       
      March 31,
    2025    		   December 31,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024    		   March 31,
    2024
    SELECTED FINANCIAL RATIOS (1):                  
    Return on average assets 0.34 %   (0.79 )%   0.23 %   0.17 %   (0.04 )%
    Core return on average assets 0.35 %   0.42 %   0.23 %   0.20 %   0.02 %
    Return on average equity 3.31 %   (7.86 )%   2.32 %   1.77 %   (0.45 )%
    Core return on average equity 3.37 %   4.09 %   2.29 %   2.06 %   0.18 %
    Core return on average tangible equity 3.78 %   4.74 %   2.58 %   2.34 %   0.20 %
    Interest rate spread 1.48 %   1.23 %   1.18 %   1.15 %   1.12 %
    Net interest margin 2.11 %   1.88 %   1.84 %   1.81 %   1.75 %
    Non-interest income to average assets 0.33 %   (0.88 )%   0.33 %   0.35 %   0.28 %
    Non-interest expense to average assets 1.68 %   1.73 %   1.60 %   1.74 %   1.74 %
    Efficiency ratio 74.57 %   205.17 %   78.95 %   86.83 %   91.96 %
    Core efficiency ratio 74.20 %   73.68 %   79.14 %   85.34 %   88.39 %
    Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities 123.96 %   124.02 %   123.06 %   123.03 %   123.06 %
    Net charge-offs to average outstanding loans 0.04 %   0.07 %   0.14 %   0.03 %   0.26 %
                       
    (1) Ratios are annualized when appropriate.
       
    ASSET QUALITY DATA:  
      March 31,
    2025    		   December 31,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024    		   March 31,
    2024
      (Dollars in thousands)
                       
    Non-accrual loans $ 24,856     $ 21,701     $ 28,014     $ 25,281     $ 22,935  
    90+ and still accruing   —       —       —       —       —  
    Non-performing loans   24,856       21,701       28,014       25,281       22,935  
    Real estate owned   1,334       1,334       1,974       1,974       —  
    Total non-performing assets $ 26,190     $ 23,035     $ 29,988     $ 27,255     $ 22,935  
                       
    Non-performing loans to total gross loans   0.31 %     0.28 %     0.36 %     0.33 %     0.30 %
    Non-performing assets to total assets   0.25 %     0.22 %     0.28 %     0.25 %     0.22 %
    Allowance for credit losses on loans (“ACL”) $ 62,034     $ 59,958     $ 58,495     $ 57,062     $ 55,401  
    ACL to total non-performing loans   249.57 %     276.29 %     208.81 %     225.71 %     241.56 %
    ACL to gross loans   0.78 %     0.76 %     0.75 %     0.73 %     0.71 %
       
    LOAN DATA:  
      March 31,
    2025    		   December 31,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024    		   March 31,
    2024
      (In thousands)
    Real estate loans:          
    One-to-four family $ 2,676,566     $ 2,710,937     $ 2,737,190     $ 2,764,177     $ 2,778,932  
    Multifamily   1,567,862       1,460,641       1,399,000       1,409,316       1,429,369  
    Commercial real estate   2,429,429       2,339,883       2,312,759       2,316,252       2,318,178  
    Construction   437,081       473,573       510,439       462,880       437,566  
    Commercial business loans   614,049       622,000       586,447       554,768       538,260  
    Consumer loans:                  
    Home equity loans and advances   253,439       259,009       261,041       260,427       260,786  
    Other consumer loans   2,547       3,404       2,877       2,689       2,601  
    Total gross loans   7,980,973       7,869,447       7,809,753       7,770,509       7,765,692  
    Purchased credit deteriorated loans   10,395       11,686       11,795       12,150       14,945  
    Net deferred loan costs, fees and purchased premiums and discounts   35,940       35,795       35,642       36,352       34,992  
    Allowance for credit losses   (62,034 )     (59,958 )     (58,495 )     (57,062 )     (55,401 )
    Loans receivable, net $ 7,965,274     $ 7,856,970     $ 7,798,695     $ 7,761,949     $ 7,760,228  
           
    CAPITAL RATIOS:      
      March 31,   December 31,
      2025 (1)   2024 
    Company:      
    Total capital (to risk-weighted assets) 14.12 %   14.20 %
    Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets) 13.30 %   13.40 %
    Common equity tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets) 13.21 %   13.31 %
    Tier 1 capital (to adjusted total assets) 10.29 %   10.02 %
           
    Columbia Bank:      
    Total capital (to risk-weighted assets) 14.37 %   14.41 %
    Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets) 13.51 %   13.56 %
    Common equity tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets) 13.51 %   13.56 %
    Tier 1 capital (to adjusted total assets) 9.88 %   9.64 %
           
    (1) Estimated ratios at March 31, 2025      
     
    Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
           
    Book and Tangible Book Value per Share
      March 31,   December 31,
      2025   2024
      (Dollars in thousands)
       
    Total stockholders’ equity $ 1,100,343     $ 1,080,376  
    Less: goodwill   (110,715 )     (110,715 )
    Less: core deposit intangible   (8,443 )     (8,964 )
    Total tangible stockholders’ equity $ 981,185     $ 960,697  
           
    Shares outstanding   104,930,900       104,759,185  
           
    Book value per share $ 10.49     $ 10.31  
    Tangible book value per share $ 9.35     $ 9.17  
           
    Reconciliation of Core Net Income      
      Three Months Ended March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (In thousands)
           
    Net income (loss) $ 8,900     $ (1,155 )
    Add: loss on securities transactions, net of tax   —       1,130  
    Add: FDIC special assessment, net of tax   —       393  
    Add: severance expense, net of tax   163       67  
    Add: merger-related expenses, net of tax   —       20  
    Core net income $ 9,063     $ 455  
    Return on Average Assets      
      Three Months Ended March 31,
      2025   2024
      (Dollars in thousands)
           
    Net income (loss) $ 8,900     $ (1,155 )
           
    Average assets $ 10,562,982     $ 10,568,560  
           
    Return on average assets   0.34 %   (0.04 )%
           
    Core net income $ 9,063     $ 455  
           
    Core return on average assets   0.35 %     0.02 %
     
    Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures (continued)
           
    Return on Average Equity      
      Three Months Ended March 31,
      2025   2024
      (Dollars in thousands)
           
    Total average stockholders’ equity $ 1,090,669     $ 1,042,777  
    Add: loss on securities transactions, net of tax   —       1,130  
    Add: FDIC special assessment, net of tax   —       393  
    Add: severance expense, net of tax   163       67  
    Add: merger-related expenses, net of tax   —       20  
    Core average stockholders’ equity $ 1,090,832     $ 1,044,387  
           
    Return on average equity   3.31 %   (0.45 )%
           
    Core return on core average equity   3.37 %     0.18 %
     
    Return on Average Tangible Equity
      Three Months Ended March 31,
      2025   2024
      (Dollars in thousands)
           
    Total average stockholders’ equity $ 1,090,669     $ 1,042,777  
    Less: average goodwill   (110,715 )     (110,715 )
    Less: average core deposit intangible   (8,784 )     (10,956 )
    Total average tangible stockholders’ equity $ 971,170     $ 921,106  
           
    Core return on average tangible equity   3.78 %     0.20 %
     
    Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures (continued)
           
    Efficiency Ratios      
      Three Months Ended March 31,
      2025   2024
      (Dollars in thousands)
           
    Net interest income $ 50,325     $ 42,200  
    Non-interest income   8,471       7,452  
    Total income $ 58,796     $ 49,652  
           
    Non-interest expense $ 43,845     $ 45,658  
           
    Efficiency ratio   74.57 %     91.96 %
           
    Non-interest income $ 8,471     $ 7,452  
    Add: loss on securities transactions   —       1,256  
    Core non-interest income $ 8,471     $ 8,708  
           
    Non-interest expense $ 43,845     $ 45,658  
    Less: FDIC special assessment, net   —       (565 )
    Less: severance expense   (220 )     (74 )
    Less: merger-related expenses   —       (22 )
    Core non-interest expense $ 43,625     $ 44,997  
           
    Core efficiency ratio   74.20 %     88.39 %
                   

    Columbia Financial, Inc.
    Investor Relations Department
    (833) 550-0717

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dominican National Indicted for Fentanyl Distribution While on Supervised Release for Drug Trafficking Conviction

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Dominican national residing in Lawrence has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for allegedly distributing 1,000 fentanyl pills while on federal supervised release for a prior drug trafficking conviction involving heroin and cocaine.

    Wagner Ismael Mejia Sanchez, a/k/a “Jose F. Rosario,” a/k/a “Jose Majimbe,” 39, was indicted on one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Mejia Sanchez was previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint on April 1, 2025.

    In 2012, Mejia Sanchez was among 10 individuals charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in connection with a cocaine and heroin trafficking conspiracy. He subsequently pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy and, in 2015, was sentenced to 39 months in prison and 10 years of supervised release.

    According to the charging documents, during an investigation into a drug trafficking organization in January 2025, Mejia Sanchez was allegedly identified as a drug supplier who provided fentanyl pills to a distributor and was also observed engaging in suspected hand-to-hand drug transactions. It is alleged that law enforcement subsequently arranged for a controlled purchase from Mejia Sanchez on Feb. 19, 2025 in Lawrence, during which he allegedly distributed approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills (with a net weight of 96.2 grams) while on federal supervised release.

    The charge of distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least five and up to 20 years in prison, at least four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. Because of the prior conviction, Mejia Sanchez may face a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least eight years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $8 million. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Annapurna Balakrishna of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting this case.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

    The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jury convicts conspirator involved in transporting aliens shot en route to Houston

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HOUSTON – A 21-year-old New Orleans, Louisiana, resident has been found guilty for conspiracy to transport illegal aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Mailon Almendares-Martinez, 21, New Orleans, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to transport aliens.    

    The jury deliberated for less than an hour before returning the guilty verdict following a three-day trial.

    The jury heard how Almendares-Martinez conspired with others from Oct. 30 – Nov. 2, 2022, to transport aliens from the South Texas border to Houston.

    The jury heard testimony that Almendares-Martinez recruited friends and conspirators from New Orleans to carry out the scheme. Witnesses testified that Almendares-Martinez and others offered to pay them $1,000 to $2,000 per alien they transported.   

    Evidence revealed he had directed them as to where to pick up the aliens through WhatsApp messages and phone calls.

    After picking up the aliens near the border, the conspirators headed back to Houston. En route, individuals believed to be a part of a rival alien smuggling and transporting organization had shot at them. Two of the aliens suffered gunshot wounds to the arm and leg. One was a native of Honduras who had recently crossed the Rio Grande River and entered the United States illegally. 

    After the shooting, Almendares-Martinez told the co-conspirators to return to Houston and not seek medical attention for the two wounded aliens. 

    Co-conspirators then brought the aliens to a motel in Houston Nov. 1, 2022. The next day, the illegal aliens had escaped. Law enforcement arrived at the scene and took four people in custody, to include Jonathan Melendez-Merino, Oscar Melendez-Sosa, Cristian Mencias-Padilla and Cesar Monge-Milla.

    The defense attempted to convince the jury Almendares-Martinez was not part of the conspiracy and someone else was using his WhatsApp account to communicate with co-conspirators. They did not believe those claims and found Almendares-Martinez guilty as charged.

    “This case demonstrates—like so many cases before it—that human smuggling is an inhumane, dangerous, and sometimes fatal business,” said Ganjei. “Those that smuggle human beings for profit deserve prosecution, and those that would willingly place themselves in a situation to be smuggled need to think twice. Stay home, stay safe.”

    U.S. District Judge Kenneth Hoyt presided over trial and set sentencing for Aug. 11. At that time, Almendares-Martinez faces up to 10 years in federal prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.   

    Previously released on bond, Almendares-Martinez was taken into custody following the verdict where he will remain pending that hearing.

    Seven others, all from New Orleans, Louisiana, previously pleaded guilty in the case – Melendez-Merino, 32, Melendez-Sosa, 22, Mencias-Padilla, 21, and Monge-Milla, 25, along with Yunior Sorto-Ramirez, 23, Bayron Pineda-Alvarado, and Alan Galvez-Baquedano, 22.

    Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Houston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Day and Anthony Franklyn prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Los Angeles, multiagency case dismantles identity theft mill, organized retail scheme spanning 7 California counties

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    LOS ANGELES — Felony charges were filed April 25 against three people involved in a suspected identity theft mill, where stolen identities were used in an organized retail crime scheme. The scheme involved suspects applying for store credit cards using stolen identities and credit lines to purchase merchandise. The fraud scheme was carried out in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Alameda, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Counties. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement assisted the investigation led by the California Department of Justice based on a referral from a Signet Jeweler’s Corporate Fraud Investigator, in cooperation by Santa Maria Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol and Westminster Police department.

    “These arrests are the result of excellent collaboration between HSI, private industry, state and local law enforcement partners,” ICE Homeland Security Investigations Orange County Assistant Special Agent in Charge Christopher Bracken. “HSI will work tirelessly with our partners in California to ensure that those who commit fraud will be held accountable.”

    As a result of the investigation, a 34-count felony complaint was filed against three defendants by DOJ. The charges include organized retail theft, grand theft, and identity theft of 13 victims.

    “I am committed to using the full force of the California Department of Justice to fight organized retail crime both in the field and in the courtroom,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “This was not a one-off shoplifting offense, it was a malicious, coordinated scheme. These crimes hurt our businesses and pose a serious threat to our communities. I am thankful to Signet Jewelers as well as our local and state law enforcement partners for their collaboration in the battle against organized retail crime. We will not give up until we put a stop to this criminal activity all together.”

    From March 2023 to July 2023, the defendants fraudulently obtained over $100,000 worth of merchandise from high end retail stores and Harbor Freight retailers.

    “The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is deeply committed to tackling organized retail crime through strategic multiagency collaboration, intelligence sharing, and targeted enforcement,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Detective Division Chief Joe Mendoza. “By working closely with our local, state, and federal partners, we continue to strengthen our efforts, disrupt criminal networks, protect both businesses and our communities, while holding individuals accountable.”

    A copy of the criminal complaint in this case is available here. Photos related to this investigation can be found here, here and here.

    MIL OSI USA News –