NewzIntel.com

Category: Natural Disasters

  • MIL-OSI Security: Memphis Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Possession of a Machinegun and Possession of 121 Grams of Fentanyl with the Intent to Distribute

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

    Memphis, TN – Christopher Young, aka Christopher Minnis, 35, has been sentenced to 132 months in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release for possession of a machinegun, possession of 121 grams of Fentanyl with the intent to distribute, and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.  Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., Interim United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.

    According to the information presented in court, on December 9, 2021, officers with the Memphis Police Department observed the defendant near Cottonwood Road and Cherry Road driving erratically in a Black Chevrolet Corvette with fraudulent tags that had expired on October 14, 2021. When Young parked the car, the officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but Young fled on foot. Police gave chase, and Young was apprehended in his neighbor’s back yard. At the time of his arrest, Young had 121.81 grams of Fentanyl and a Glock 9mm caliber pistol with an extended magazine in his possession. The Glock also had an attached Machinegun Conversion Device (commonly referred to as a “switch”), which made the gun fully automatic. The gun was loaded with 1 round in the chamber and 23 rounds in the extended magazine.

    On January 6, 2025, Young pled guilty before United States District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker.  Young was sentenced on April 10, 2025 to 132 months in federal prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    Assistant United States Attorney Raney Irwin prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.  The Memphis Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated this case.

    ###

    For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mississippi Man Guilty of Possession of Machine Guns

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JAMES HARRIS (“HARRIS”), age 33, of Mississippi, pled guilty on April 23, 2025, before United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance, to being in possession of machine guns, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(o)() and 924(a)(2), announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.

    According to court documents, special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) identified individuals involved in trafficking firearms in New Orleans.  Between September 2023 and November 2023, agents communicated with HARRIS about purchasing machine guns and firearms.  On November 15, 2023, HARRIS sold machine guns and firearms to undercover ATF agents in the eastern District of Louisiana.

    HARRIS is scheduled for sentencing on August 13, 2025.  HARRIS faces up to ten (10) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three (3) years of supervised release following imprisonment and, a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

    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).

    The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  The prosecution is being handed by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Disaster Recovery Centers Reduce Hours on April 14

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Disaster Recovery Centers Reduce Hours on April 14

    Disaster Recovery Centers Reduce Hours on April 14

    LOS ANGELES–Beginning Monday, April 14, Los Angeles County Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) will have reduced hours
    New hours for the DRCs will be as follows:Monday – Friday, 9 am–6 pm
    PTSaturday, 9 am–4 pm
    PTDRCs will remain closed on Sundays
    Visitors can meet in person with FEMA representatives at both DRC locations to receive updates on existing applications
    Representatives from local, state and other federal agencies are also available for additional assistance at these sites
    DRCs are located at:

    UCLA Research Park West 10850 West Pico Blvd
    Los Angeles, CA90064

    Altadena Disaster Recovery Center 540 West Woodbury Rd Altadena, CA 91001All

    Disaster Recovery Centers are physically accessible to people with disabilities and those with access and functional needs
    They are equipped with assistive technology and other resources to help ensure all applicants can access resources
    Visiting a DRC is just one way to receive assistance
    You can also update your application online at DisasterAssistance
    gov or by using the FEMA app
    You may also call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362
    Follow FEMA online, on X @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol, on FEMA’s Facebook page or Espanol page and at FEMA’s YouTube account
    For preparedness information follow the Ready Campaign on X at @Ready
    gov, on Instagram @Ready
    gov or on the Ready Facebook page California is committed to supporting residents impacted by the Los Angeles Hurricane-Force Firestorm as they navigate the recovery process
    Visit CA gov/LAFires for up-to-date information on disaster recovery programs, important deadlines, and how to apply for assistance

    alberto
    pillot
    Wed, 04/23/2025 – 20:26

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Marquette National Corporation Declares a Dividend of $0.31 per Share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Marquette National Corporation (OTCQX: MNAT) today announced that its Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.31 per share. The dividend will be payable on July 1, 2025 to shareholders of record on June 20, 2025. As of March 31, 2025, Marquette had 4,367,449 shares issued and outstanding.

    Marquette National Corporation is a diversified bank holding company with total assets of $2.2 billion. The Company’s banking subsidiary, Marquette Bank, is a full-service, community bank that serves the financial needs of communities in Chicagoland, offering an extensive line of financial solutions, including retail banking, real estate lending, trust, insurance, investments, wealth management and business banking to consumers and commercial customers. Marquette Bank has 20 branches located in: Chicago, Bolingbrook, Bridgeview, Evergreen Park, Hickory Hills, Lemont, New Lenox, Oak Forest, Oak Lawn, Orland Park, Summit and Tinley Park, Illinois. For more information visit: https://emarquettebank.com

    Special Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements. 
    This document contains, and future oral and written statements of the Company and its management may contain, forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of the Company. Forward-looking statements, which may be based upon beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the Company’s management and on information currently available to management, are generally identifiable by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “bode”, “predict,” “suggest,” “project”, “appear,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” ”annualize,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “likely,” “might,” “potential,” “continue,” “annualized,” “target,” “outlook,” as well as the negative forms of those words, or other similar expressions. Additionally, all statements in this document, including forward-looking statements, speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any statement in light of new information or future events.
    A number of factors, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to control or predict, could cause actual results to differ materially from those in its forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to: (i) the strength of the local, state, national and international economies and financial markets (including effects of inflationary pressures and supply chain constraints); (ii) effects on the U.S. economy resulting from the implementation of policies proposed by the new presidential administration, including tariffs, mass deportations and tax regulations; (iii) the economic impact of any future terrorist threats and attacks, widespread disease or pandemics, acts of war or threats thereof (including the Russian invasion of Ukraine and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East), or other adverse events that could cause economic deterioration or instability in credit markets, and the response of the local, state and national governments to any such adverse external events; (iv) new or revised accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by state and federal regulatory agencies, the Financial Accounting Standards Board or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; (v) changes in local, state and federal laws, regulations and governmental policies concerning the Company’s general business and any changes in response to the bank failures in 2023; (vi) the imposition of tariffs or other governmental policies impacting the value of products produced by the Company’s commercial borrowers; (vii) increased competition in the financial services sector, including from non-bank competitors such as credit unions and fintech companies, and the inability to attract new customers; (viii) changes in technology and the ability to develop and maintain secure and reliable electronic systems; (ix) unexpected results of acquisitions which may include failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisitions and the possibility that transaction costs may be greater than anticipated; (x) the loss of key executives and employees, talent shortages and employee turnover; (xi) changes in consumer spending; (xii) unexpected outcomes and costs of existing or new litigation or other legal proceedings and regulatory actions involving the Company; (xiii) the economic impact on the Company and its customers of climate change, natural disasters and exceptional weather occurrences such as tornadoes, floods and blizzards; (xiv) fluctuations in the value of securities held in our securities portfolio, including as a result of changes in interest rates; (xv) credit risk and risks from concentrations (by type of borrower, geographic area, collateral and industry) within our loan portfolio and large loans to certain borrowers (including CRE loans); (xvi) the overall health of the local and national real estate market; (xvii) the ability to maintain an adequate level of allowance for credit losses on loans; (xviii) the concentration of large deposits from certain clients who have balances above current FDIC insurance limits and who may withdraw deposits to diversify their exposure; (xix) the ability to successfully manage liquidity risk, which may increase dependence on non-core funding sources such as brokered deposits, and may negatively impact the Company’s cost of funds; (xx) the level of non-performing assets on our balance sheets; (xxi) interruptions involving our information technology and communications systems or third-party servicers; (xxii) the occurrence of fraudulent activity, breaches or failures of 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; (xxiii) changes in the interest rates and repayment rates of the Company’s assets; (xxiv) the effectiveness of the Company’s risk management framework, and (xxv) the ability of the Company to manage the risks associated with the foregoing as well as anticipated. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements.

    For more information:
    Patrick Hunt
    EVP & CFO
    708-364-9019
    phunt@emarquettebank.com

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Services continue following second fire incident at Tembisa Hospital

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, has reassured the public that services will continue despite a second fire incident at the main outpatient department at the Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital in Gauteng.

    According to the National Department of Health, firefighters from Ekurhuleni’s Fire Department responded quickly to Wednesday morning’s incident. 

    They extinguished the fire, and by 8am yesterday, smoke had been cleared from the main outpatient department area using positive pressure ventilation.

    “It is important to indicate that the main outpatient department was already cordoned off and the power supply was isolated after the first fire incident reported on Saturday afternoon, therefore, it was not operating, and there were no patients in the area at the time of the incident,” the department explained. 

    However, the smoke spread to the Eye Clinic and the nearby pharmacy, impacting areas that had initially been cleared from Saturday’s fire. 

    This included the surgical outpatient department, medical outpatient department, family medicine, and the administration block, which were intended to serve as alternative accident and emergency service areas.

    According to the department, these areas are currently undergoing a re-clearing process that includes air quality assessments and the issuance of new electrical certificates of compliance to ensure they are available for full use.

    Currently, the cause of the fire incidents in both the outpatient department and the accident and emergency unit is still under investigation by various law enforcement teams and regulatory bodies.

    “The department appeals for calmness and patience during this time. As things stand, all patients receiving care at the hospital are safe. There is a business continuity plan to enable the department to continue rendering health services.

    “Arrangements have been made to ensure that all patients can continue to access the much-needed healthcare services with minimal interruptions,” Phaahla said on Wednesday, reassuring the community. 

    The department has announced that the hospital is currently diverting ambulances for emergencies. 

    While walk-in patients can still receive care, they are encouraged to visit their local clinics first for healthcare needs and only come to the hospital if they have been referred.

    “In addition, the critical services are continuing in designated areas or departments within the hospital.”

    A help desk has been established to provide information and assist patients and members of the public on-site. 

    Family members of patients admitted to the hospital can visit them during regular visiting hours from 2 pm and 4 pm, using Gate 4.
    The Deputy Minister has urged various organisations interested in conducting oversight visits at the hospital to allow investigators and relevant governance structures to carry out their work according to their mandates.

    Regular updates will be provided through public platforms and existing governance structures. – SAnews.gov.za
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Weather service warns of severe thunderstorms

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Thursday, April 24, 2025

    The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of scattered to widespread showers and thundershowers over most parts of Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo, but isolated over the eastern parts of Limpopo.

    This is due to a cut-off low pressure system that is situated over the central interior of the country.

    “A cut-off low pressure system is situated over the central interior of the country, resulting in scattered to widespread showers and thundershowers over most parts of Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo, but isolated over the eastern parts of Limpopo. Some of these thunderstorms have the possibility to become severe and cause flooding, large amounts of small hail and excessive lightning,” SAWS said on Thursday.

    In addition, daytime temperatures are expected to drop significantly across most parts of the country from Wednesday, with a gradual recovery from Friday onwards.

    The South African Weather Service will continue to monitor any further developments relating to the weather systems and will issue subsequent updates, as required. 

    Intermediate updates may be followed on X (@SAWeatherServic), Facebook (South African Weather Service) or other SAWS-supported social media platforms. –SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Operation Vala Umgodi nets 369 suspects

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Thursday, April 24, 2025

    A total of 369 suspects have been arrested during the South African Police Service’s nationwide Operation Vala Umgodi, which targets illegal mining.

    The suspects, of different nationalities, were arrested for illegal mining-related offences and other crimes such as murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of explosives and possession of suspected stolen property. 

    During Operation Vala Umgodi in the Northern Cape, 21 unpolished diamonds were seized in Kleinsee on 15 April, leading to the arrest of four suspects. Within days, the team seized 39 more unpolished diamonds and arrested five suspects on the R355 enroute to Port Nolloth on 21 April.

    Other items seized during Operation Vala Umgodi in the past week include five unlicensed firearms; 34 rounds of ammunition, and 15 vehicles including sedans, bakkies, trucks and trailers.

    Highlights of Operation Vala Umgodi in the past week include:

    • Free State: The Operation Vala Umgodi team in the province arrested 14 undocumented persons around Allenridge Rock Dam, Meloding Calaria location and Rathaba Hostel. More than 400 kilograms of gold bearing material and illicit gold processing equipment were seized.
    • Gauteng: On 19 April, the team in the province carried out an intelligence driven operation at the N12 informal settlement, Crystal Park. The operation resulted in the arrest of 15 illegal miners, various illegal mining equipment were seized, including ‘phendukas’ (used to refine and extract gold from ore) and gas cylinders.
    • Limpopo: Ten suspects were apprehended on charges of illegal mining and contravention of the Immigration Act on 18 April. Two of these suspects were nabbed for illegal processing of precious minerals in the Giyani policing area.    
    • Mpumalanga: A total of 27 suspects were apprehended in Barberton on 20 April 2025. One suspect was found in possession of explosives and another one was found in possession of ammunition.
    • North West: 104 undocumented foreign nationals were arrested and a variety of illegal mining equipment were also seized. The suspects were nabbed between 10 and 16 April in the Bojanala sub-district 1 and 2 (Brits and Rustenburg areas).

    “While progress is being made, continued vigilance and action are necessary to completely disrupt illegal mining networks. Public cooperation is vital in this regard, and all South Africans are encouraged to report illegal mining activities,” the South African Police Service said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SA, Lesotho sign agreement towards Mohokare/Caledon River weirs

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a new framework for cooperation in water resource development along the Mohokare/Caledon River.

    Signed on Wednesday in Maseru, Lesotho, the agreement outlines joint efforts for the proposed construction of two weirs on the Mohokare/ Caledon River, and to ensure efficient management and sustainable development of the water resources.

    Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, and Lesotho’s Minister of Natural Resources, Mohlomi Moleko, signed the agreement during the 2nd Session of the Bi-National Commission (BNC), co-chaired by Lesotho’s Prime Minister, Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

    The framework will enable the Lesotho Government to access the South African side of the river to construct the weirs under its Market Driven Irrigated Horticulture (MDIH) Project for the development of irrigation infrastructure on identified irrigatable sites on the Mohokare river.

    The Mohokare river begins in the Maloti Mountains of northern Lesotho and flows towards the southwestern direction. The river forms a large part of Lesotho’s north-western border with South Africa.

    After leaving Lesotho, it then becomes the Caledon and continues through the Free State province of South Africa. It is a tributary to the Orange River on the southern edge of the Free State.

    The Department of Water and Sanitation highlighted that the construction of weirs will run across the river to South Africa. The weirs will allow for the storage of water to provide Lesotho year-round irrigation, even during the dry seasons when water levels in the river are low.

    “The Lesotho MDIH schemes require a total of around 6.35 million cubic metres per annum (m3/a) on average of additional water but could increase to 9.79 million m3/a in a dry year for the 1 580 hectares (ha) in the simulated schemes.

    “For South Africa, the construction of the abstraction weirs will assist in reducing sedimentation which is a major concern in the Caledon River. The weirs will also be used for water quantity measuring as well as flood tracing purposes on the Caledon River,” the department said.

    The objectives of the 2nd Session of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) were to foster strong political and bilateral relations between the two countries; deepen economic cooperation taking into consideration the regional value chains and to review the implementation of the outcomes of the BNC inaugural session taken two years ago; and to agree on newly identified priority areas for mutual benefit.

    The BNC expressed satisfaction at the existing cooperation between the two countries in the fields of water, and energy and emphasised the significance of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), as a sustainable source of water for both countries and a catalyst for economic and infrastructure development.

    While welcoming Phase II of the LHWP, which is currently in implementation, the BNC underscored the need for its timeous execution within the allocated resources. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Vaal Dam’s third sluice gate reopened

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Vaal Dam’s third sluice gate has been reopened amid high inflows due to the continued heavy rainfall in the upper catchment.

    The third sluice gate was reopened on Wednesday at 4pm to manage water outflows at the dam, which operated with two sluice gates since last week, 16 April 2025.

    The Department of Water and Sanitation said the opening of the third sluice gate will increase the outflow from 299.59 cubic metres per second (m3/s) to an estimated 400 m3/s.

    “The current water inflow is estimated at 943 m3/s and the water level at the dam is at 108.4% as of midday [Wednesday]. There is a possibility that another sluice gate will be opened tomorrow [Thursday] should the inflows continue to increase,” the department said in a statement.

    The department has also increased water outflows at Bloemhof Dam, from 500 m3/s to 650 m3/s at 10am, and to 800 m3/s at 12pm on Wednesday, in anticipation of the measured incoming flows upstream.

    The adjustments were necessary to manage the continuous rising inflows and safe operation of the dam, which was at 106.71%.

    As of Wednesday afternoon, the inflows into the dam were estimated at 640 m3/s, and the department said the inflows were likely to increase over the next 24 hours, with potential plans to further increase releases on Thursday morning.

    “All the sluice gates remain closed at Grootdraai Dam, and the storage capacity is still at 104.92%, with inflows of 32.44 m³/s. The controlled water releases at both the dams have led to overtopping of riverbanks downstream, resulting in flooding that has affected settlements that are in the lower-lying areas within the 1 in 100-year floodline.

    “People living within the floodline of the Vaal River downstream of the Vaal and Bloemhof Dams, and have evacuated, should continue to avoid the flooded areas as the river catchment remains oversaturated,” the department said.

    With more rainfall predicted in the Upper Vaal Catchment, the department said it will continue to monitor inflow water levels in the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS), to ensure that necessary precautions are in place in line with dam safety standards and hydrological monitoring systems to safeguard infrastructure and attenuate any flood conditions.

    Sluice gates are opened for controlled water releases when dams breach the full capacity mark, to prevent the water resource infrastructure from failing as it may lead to a dam bursting and causing a disaster of unimaginable magnitude.

    “The department implements these necessary controlled water releases at the dams as part of dam safety precautions to safeguard the infrastructure and protect human life.” – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launches development works worth over Rs 13,480 crore in Madhubani, Bihar marking National Panchayati Raj Day

    Source: Government of India

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launches development works worth over Rs 13,480 crore in Madhubani, Bihar marking National Panchayati Raj Day

    In the last decade, several measures have been taken to empower Panchayats, Panchayats have been strengthened through technology: PM

    The rural economy has gained new momentum in the last decade: PM

    The past decade has been the decade of India’s infrastructure: PM

    Makhana is a superfood for the country and the world today, but in Mithila it is a part of the culture,source for prosperity here: PM

    The willpower of 140 crore Indians will now break the back of the perpetrators of terror: PM

    Terrorism will not go unpunished, Every effort will be made to ensure that justice is done, The entire nation is firm in this resolve: PM

    Posted On: 24 APR 2025 2:11PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated, laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation multiple development projects worth over Rs 13,480 crore in Madhubani, Bihar today on the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day. The Prime Minister appealed to everyone at the event to observe silence and pray for the departed souls in the Pahalgam attacks on 22 April 2025. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, he said that on the occasion of Panchayati Raj Day, the entire nation is connected with Mithila and Bihar. He remarked that projects worth thousands of crores of rupees, aimed at Bihar’s development, have been inaugurated and foundations laid for, emphasising that these initiatives in electricity, railways, and infrastructure will create new employment opportunities in Bihar. He paid tributes to the great poet and national icon, Ramdhari Singh Dinkar Ji, on his death anniversary. 

    Remarking that Bihar is the land where Mahatma Gandhi expanded the mantra of Satyagraha, Shri Modi highlighted Mahatma Gandhi’s firm belief that India’s rapid development is only possible when its villages are strong. He emphasized that the concept of Panchayati Raj was rooted in this sentiment. “Over the past decade, continuous steps have been taken to empower Panchayats. Technology has played a significant role in strengthening Panchayats, with over 2 lakh Gram Panchayats connected to the internet in the last decade”, he added. Shri Modi pointed out that more than 5.5 lakh Common Service Centers have been established in villages, underlining that the digitalization of Panchayats has brought additional benefits, such as easy access to documents like birth and death certificates, and landholding certificates. He remarked that while the nation received a new Parliament building after decades of independence, 30,000 new Panchayat Bhawans have also been constructed across the country. He also highlighted that ensuring adequate funds for Panchayats has been a priority for the government. “Over the past decade, Panchayats have received more than ₹2 lakh crore, all of which has been utilized for the development of villages”, he said.

    Highlighting that one of the major issues faced by Gram Panchayats has been related to land disputes, the Prime Minister mentioned the frequent disagreements over which land is residential, agricultural, Panchayat-owned, or government-owned. He emphasized that to address this issue, the digitization of land records is being undertaken, which has helped resolve unnecessary disputes effectively.

    Shri Modi underscored that Panchayats have strengthened social participation, remarking that Bihar was the first state in the country to provide 50% reservation for women in Panchayats. He emphasized that today, a significant number of women from economically weaker sections, Dalits, Mahadalits, backward, and extremely backward communities are serving as public representatives in Bihar, describing it as true social justice and genuine social participation. He underlined that democracy thrives and becomes stronger with greater participation. Reflecting this vision, Shri Modi noted that a law providing 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies has also been enacted. He remarked that this will benefit women across all states, giving our sisters and daughters greater representation.

    Emphasising that the government is working in mission mode to increase women’s income and create new opportunities for employment and self-employment, Shri Modi highlighted the transformative impact of the ‘Jeevika Didi’ program in Bihar, which has changed the lives of many women. He remarked that today, self-help groups of women in Bihar have been provided financial assistance of approximately ₹1,000 crore, noting that this will further strengthen the economic empowerment of women and contribute to the goal of creating 3 crore Lakhpati Didis across the country. He highlighted that the rural economy has gained new momentum over the past decade. He pointed out that villages have seen the construction of houses for the poor, roads, gas connections, water connections, and toilets, bringing lakhs of crores of rupees to rural areas. The Prime Minister remarked that new employment opportunities have been created, benefiting laborers, farmers, vehicle operators, and shopkeepers, providing them with new avenues for income. He emphasized that this has particularly benefited communities that have been deprived for generations. He cited the example of the PM Awas Yojana, which aims to ensure that no family in the country remains homeless and that everyone has a permanent roof over their heads. He noted that over the past decade, more than 4 crore permanent houses have been constructed under this scheme. He highlighted that in Bihar alone, 57 lakh poor families have received permanent houses. He remarked that these houses have been provided to families from economically weaker sections, Dalits, and backward and extremely backward communities like Pasmanda families. Shri Modi announced that in the coming years, 3 crore more permanent houses will be provided to the poor. He noted that today, approximately 1.5 lakh families in Bihar are moving into their new permanent homes. He said that across the country, 15 lakh poor families have been issued approval letters for the construction of new houses, including 3.5 lakh beneficiaries from Bihar. He highlighted that today, financial assistance has been sent to approximately 10 lakh poor families for their permanent houses, including 80,000 rural families and 1 lakh urban families from Bihar.

    “The past decade has been a decade of infrastructure development for India”, said the Prime Minister, highlighting that this modern infrastructure is strengthening the foundation of a developed India. He noted that for the first time, over 12 crore rural families have received tap water connections in their homes, underlining that more than 2.5 crore households have been electrified, and those who never imagined cooking on gas stoves have now received gas cylinders. “Even in challenging regions like Ladakh and Siachen, where providing basic facilities is difficult, 4G and 5G mobile connections have now been established, reflecting the nation’s current priorities”, he pointed out. The Prime Minister highlighted advancements in healthcare, noting that institutions like AIIMS were once limited to major cities like Delhi. He announced that AIIMS is now being established in Darbhanga, and the number of medical colleges in the country has nearly doubled in the past decade and mentioned the construction of a new medical college in Jhanjharpur. He emphasized that to ensure quality healthcare in villages, over 1.5 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been established across the country, including more than 10,000 in Bihar. He remarked that Jan Aushadhi Kendras have become a significant relief for the poor and middle class, offering medicines at an 80% discount. He noted that Bihar now has over 800 Jan Aushadhi Kendras, saving its people ₹2,000 crore in medical expenses. The Prime Minister highlighted that under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, lakhs of families in Bihar have received free treatment, resulting in savings of thousands of crores of rupees for these families.

    “India is rapidly advancing its connectivity through infrastructure like railways, roads, and airports”, highlighted Shri Modi, noting that metro projects are underway in Patna, and over two dozen cities across the country are now connected with metro facilities. He announced the launch of the ‘Namo Bharat Rapid Rail’ service between Patna and Jaynagar, which will significantly reduce travel time between the two locations, and emphasized that this development will benefit lakhs of people from Samastipur, Darbhanga, Madhubani, and Begusarai.

    The Prime Minister also mentioned the inauguration and launch of multiple new railway lines in Bihar, highlighting the commencement of the modern Amrit Bharat train service between Saharsa and Mumbai, which will greatly benefit the labor families. He remarked that the government is modernizing several railway stations in Bihar, including Madhubani and Jhanjharpur. He emphasized that air connectivity in Mithila and Bihar has improved significantly with Darbhanga Airport, and the expansion of Patna Airport is underway. “These development projects are creating new employment opportunities in Bihar”, he added.

    “Farmers are the backbone of the rural economy, the stronger this backbone, the stronger the villages, and consequently, the nation”, said Shri Modi. He highlighted the persistent challenges of floods in the Mithila and Kosi regions, noting that the government is set to invest ₹11,000 crore to mitigate the impact of floods in Bihar. He said that this investment will facilitate the construction of dams on rivers such as Bagmati, Dhar, Budhi Gandak, and Kosi, adding that canals will be developed, ensuring irrigation arrangements through river water. “This initiative will not only reduce flood-related issues but will also ensure adequate water supply reaches every farmer’s field”, he added.

    “Makhana, a cultural staple of Mithila, has now gained global recognition as a superfood”, highlighted Shri Modi, mentioning that makhana has been granted a GI tag, officially certifying it as a product of this region. He added that the Makhana Research Centre has been accorded national status. He also highlighted the Budget announcement of the Makhana Board, which is expected to transform the fortunes of makhana farmers, emphasising that Bihar’s makhana will now reach international markets as a superfood. He noted that the National Institute of Food Technology and Management is being established in Bihar, which will support the youth in setting up small enterprises related to food processing. He further emphasized that Bihar is making consistent progress in fisheries along with agriculture, highlighting that fishermen now have access to the benefits of the Kisan Credit Card, providing advantages to numerous families involved in fisheries. He remarked that under the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, projects worth hundreds of crores have been executed in Bihar.

    Expressing deep sorrow over the brutal killing of innocent civilians by terrorists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, Shri Modi remarked that the entire nation is distressed and stands in solidarity with the grieving families. He assured that every effort is being made by the government to ensure the speedy recovery of those undergoing treatment. He highlighted the profound loss suffered by families, where some lost their sons, brothers, or life partners, noting that the victims came from diverse linguistic and regional backgrounds—some spoke Bengali, Kannada, Marathi, Odia, Gujarati, and some were from Bihar. Underlining that from Kargil to Kanyakumari, the grief and outrage over this attack are shared equally across the nation, Shri Modi remarked that this attack was not just on unarmed tourists but was a brazen assault on the soul of India. “The terrorists responsible for this attack, along with those who conspired it, will face punishment beyond their imagination”, he declared in unequivocal terms, asserting that the time has come to eliminate the remaining strongholds of terrorism. “The willpower of 140 crore Indians will now break the backbone of the perpetrators of terror”, he stressed.

    The Prime Minister declared from the soil of Bihar that India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist, their handlers, and their backers, emphasising that India will pursue them to the ends of the earth. “India’s spirit will never be broken by terrorism and terrorism will not go unpunished. Every effort will be made to ensure justice is served and the entire nation is firm in this resolve against terrorism”, he stressed. He further stated that everyone who believes in humanity stands with India during these times. He expressed his gratitude to the people and leaders of various countries who have supported India in these moments.

    “Peace and security are the most critical prerequisites for rapid development”, said Shri Modi, remarking that a developed Bihar is essential for a developed India. He concluded by highlighting that efforts are being made to ensure development in Bihar and to extend the benefits of progress to every section and every region of the state. He expressed gratitude to everyone for joining the program on the occasion of Panchayati Raj Day.

    The Governor of Bihar, Shri Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar, Union Ministers Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Shri Jitan Ram Manji, Shri Giriraj Singh, Shri Chirag Paswan, Shri Nityanand Rai, Shri Ram Nath Thakur, Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary were present among other dignitaries at the event.

    Background 

    Prime Minister participated in the National Panchayati Raj Day programme in Madhubani, Bihar. He also presented National Panchayat Awards, recognizing and incentivizing best-performing Panchayats on the occasion. 

    Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of an LPG bottling plant with rail unloading facility at Hathua in Gopalganj District of Bihar worth around Rs 340 crore. This will help in streamlining the supply chain and improving efficiency of bulk LPG transportation.

    Boosting power infrastructure in the region, Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for projects worth over Rs 1,170 crore and also inaugurated multiple projects worth over Rs 5,030 crore in the power sector in Bihar under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme. 

    In line with his commitment to boost rail connectivity across the nation, Prime Minister flagged off Amrit Bharat express between Saharsa and Mumbai, Namo Bharat Rapid rail between Jaynagar and Patna and trains between Pipra and Saharsa and Saharsa and Samastipur. He also inaugurated the Supaul Pipra rail line, Hasanpur Bithan Rail line and two 2-lane Rail over bridges at Chapra and Bagaha. He dedicated to the nation the Khagaria-Alauli Rail line. These projects will improve connectivity and lead to overall socio-economic development of the region.

    Prime Minister distributed benefits of around Rs 930 crore under Community Investment Fund to over 2 lakh SHGs from Bihar under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY- NRLM).

    Prime Minister handed over sanction letters to 15 lakh new beneficiaries of PMAY-Gramin and released instalments to 10 lakh PMAY-G beneficiaries from across the country. He also handed over keys to some beneficiaries marking the Grih Pravesh of 1 lakh PMAY-G and 54,000 PMAY-U houses in Bihar.

     

     

    ***

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2124029) Visitor Counter : 85

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Development Bureau receives eight expression of interest submissions for developing marina in Aberdeen

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Development Bureau receives eight expression of interest submissions for developing marina in Aberdeen 
    The spokesperson said, “The enterprises/organisations making the submissions include local and overseas developers, hotel/entertainment groups and marina developers/operators. We will consolidate and analyse the collected feedback to firm up the development parameters and requirements for the marina within this year for undertaking various technical assessments and the necessary statutory procedures. Under the established approach, it is anticipated for tendering in 2027. If a feasible market proposal is received during the EOI exercise to speed up the process, we will actively consider an earlier tender time.”
     
    The spokesperson added, “As the feedback involves commercially sensitive information from individual enterprises, it will not be disclosed. However, relevant views will be taken into account to establish the future tender conditions, approach and timing.”
     
    The 2024 Policy Address announced the initiative of promoting yacht tourism, with plans to invite the market to construct and operate marinas at three locations, including the expansion area of the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter. The Government plans to seek the Legislative Council’s funding approval next year to expand the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter to increase sheltered space for public mooring under the Public Works Programme. In the meantime, the Government hopes to seize this opportunity to utilise part of the expanded waterbody for the market to develop the marina and better leverage market forces to promote yacht tourism. 
    Issued at HKT 18:07

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Donegal Group Inc. Announces First Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MARIETTA, Pa., April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Donegal Group Inc. (NASDAQ: DGICA) and (NASDAQ: DGICB) today reported its financial results for the first quarter of 2025.

    Significant Items for First Quarter of 2025 (all comparisons to first quarter of 2024):

    • Net premiums earned increased 2.2% to $232.7 million
    • Combined ratio of 91.6%, compared to 102.4%
    • Net income of $25.2 million, or $0.71 per diluted Class A share, compared to $6.0 million, or $0.18 per diluted Class A share
    • Net investment losses (after tax) of $0.4 million, or 1 cent per diluted Class A share, compared to net investment gains (after tax) of $1.7 million, or 5 cents per diluted Class A share, are included in net income
    • Annualized return on average equity of 17.8%, compared to 4.9%
    • Book value per share of $16.24 at March 31, 2025, compared to $14.53 at March 31, 2024

    Financial Summary

      Three Months Ended March 31,
        2025       2024     % Change
      (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
               
    Income Statement Data          
    Net premiums earned $ 232,702     $ 227,749       2.2 %
    Investment income, net   11,984       10,972       9.2  
    Net investment (losses) gains   (471 )     2,113       NM2  
    Total revenues   245,174       241,141       1.7  
    Net income   25,205       5,956       323.2  
    Non-GAAP operating income1   25,577       4,286       496.8  
    Annualized return on average equity   17.8 %     4.9 %     12.9 pts  
                   
    Per Share Data          
    Net income – Class A (diluted) $ 0.71     $ 0.18       294.4 %
    Net income – Class B   0.65       0.16       306.3  
    Non-GAAP operating income – Class A (diluted)   0.72       0.13       453.8  
    Non-GAAP operating income – Class B   0.66       0.12       450.0  
    Book value   16.24       14.53       11.8  
               
     

    1The “Definitions of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of this release defines and reconciles data that we prepare on an accounting basis other than U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).
    2Not meaningful.

    Management Commentary

    Kevin G. Burke, President and Chief Executive Officer of Donegal Group Inc., stated, “We are pleased that positive momentum, which began to emerge in the second half of 2024, continued into the first quarter of 2025 with our achievement of record earnings for the second straight quarter. We believe this accomplishment reflects the deliberate actions and strong operational discipline of our team in prioritizing sustained profitability while pursuing targeted premium growth.

    “Net premiums earned rose by 2.2% to $232.7 million, while net premiums written1 declined modestly by 1.7% compared to the prior-year quarter, with that decline primarily due to lower new business volume and planned attrition, offset partially by solid premium rate increases and strong retention of desired risks. We achieved a combined ratio of 91.6% for the first quarter of 2025, marking significant improvement over the 102.4% combined ratio for the prior-year quarter. We attribute the improvement to core loss ratio decreases that resulted from the strategic initiatives and profit improvement plans we implemented over the past several years, coupled with lower-than-average weather-related and large fire losses and a higher level of favorable development of reserves related to prior accident years.

    “In our commercial lines business, we are actively promoting our small commercial products and capabilities while actively seeking to grow our middle market business segment. In our personal lines business, our strategic focus remains on maintaining profitability through rate adequacy. Our personal lines growth in the first quarter of 2025 was constrained by two intentional strategies. We limited new business volume and continued the non-renewal of a legacy Maryland book of business. We are taking proactive steps to stabilize personal lines premium level as the year progresses, and we will continue to emphasize higher levels of profitable growth in commercial lines that we believe will lead to long-term success.”

    Mr. Burke concluded, “We believe we are well positioned to navigate the evolving insurance landscape, as we continue to enhance and refine our systems and operational capabilities. We are confident in our ability to achieve sustainable excellent financial performance and capitalize on future growth opportunities that will further enhance shareholder value over time.”

    Insurance Operations

    Donegal Group is an insurance holding company whose insurance subsidiaries and affiliates offer property and casualty lines of insurance in three Mid-Atlantic states (Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania), five Southern states (Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia), eight Midwestern states (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin) and five Southwestern states (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas and Utah). Donegal Mutual Insurance Company and the insurance subsidiaries of Donegal Group conduct business together as the Donegal Insurance Group.

      Three Months Ended March 31,
        2025       2024     % Change
      (dollars in thousands)
               
    Net Premiums Earned          
    Commercial lines $ 136,216     $ 132,092       3.1 %
    Personal lines   96,486       95,657       0.9  
    Total net premiums earned $ 232,702     $ 227,749       2.2 %
               
    Net Premiums Written          
    Commercial lines:          
    Automobile $ 56,525     $ 53,514       5.6 %
    Workers’ compensation   28,754       31,074       -7.5  
    Commercial multi-peril   60,790       57,503       5.7  
    Other   14,549       13,403       8.6  
    Total commercial lines   160,618       155,494       3.3  
    Personal lines:          
    Automobile   55,192       61,381       -10.1  
    Homeowners   28,788       31,759       -9.4  
    Other   2,494       2,808       -11.2  
    Total personal lines   86,474       95,948       -9.9  
    Total net premiums written $ 247,092     $ 251,442       -1.7 %
               
     

    Net Premiums Written

    The 1.7% decrease in net premiums written for the first quarter of 2025 compared to the first quarter of 2024, as shown in the table above, represents the net combination of a 3.3% increase in commercial lines net premiums written and a 9.9% decrease in personal lines net premiums written. The $4.4 million decrease in net premiums written for the first quarter of 2025 compared to the first quarter of 2024 included:

    • Commercial Lines: $5.1 million increase that we attribute primarily to solid retention and a continuation of renewal premium increases in lines other than workers’ compensation, offset partially by lower new business writings.
    • Personal Lines: $9.5 million decrease that we attribute primarily to planned attrition due to lower new business writings and non-renewal actions, offset partially by a continuation of renewal premium rate increases and solid retention.

    Underwriting Performance

    We evaluate the performance of our commercial lines and personal lines segments primarily based upon the underwriting results of our insurance subsidiaries as determined under statutory accounting practices. The following table presents comparative details with respect to the GAAP and statutory combined ratios1 for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024:

      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
           
    GAAP Combined Ratios (Total Lines)      
    Loss ratio – core losses   54.4 %     58.7 %
    Loss ratio – weather-related losses   3.7       4.7  
    Loss ratio – large fire losses   3.1       6.6  
    Loss ratio – net prior-year reserve development   -4.5       -3.7  
    Loss ratio   56.7       66.3  
    Expense ratio   34.6       35.7  
    Dividend ratio   0.3       0.4  
    Combined ratio   91.6 %     102.4 %
           
    Statutory Combined Ratios      
    Commercial lines:      
    Automobile   91.4 %     99.6 %
    Workers’ compensation   117.6       111.2  
    Commercial multi-peril   90.3       102.7  
    Other   80.8       82.2  
    Total commercial lines   94.7       101.6  
    Personal lines:      
    Automobile   85.0       99.8  
    Homeowners   83.8       102.9  
    Other   56.6       85.2  
    Total personal lines   83.6       100.3  
    Total lines   90.3 %     101.2 %
           
     

     

    Loss Ratio

    For the first quarter of 2025, the loss ratio decreased to 56.7%, compared to 66.3% for the first quarter of 2024. The core loss ratio, which excludes weather-related losses, large fire losses and net favorable development of reserves for losses incurred in prior accident years, was 54.2% for the first quarter of 2025, compared to 58.7% for the first quarter of 2024. For the commercial lines segment, the core loss ratio of 58.3% for the first quarter of 2025 decreased modestly from 59.0% for the first quarter of 2024, primarily as the result of ongoing premium rate increases in all lines except workers’ compensation and reduced exposures in underperforming states and classes of business. For the personal lines segment, the core loss ratio of 48.7% for the first quarter of 2025 decreased significantly from 58.1% for the first quarter of 2024, due largely to the favorable impact of ongoing premium rate increases on net premiums earned for that segment. While we did not see a material impact in the first quarter of 2025, we are monitoring the impact of tariffs and other inflationary factors, which may result in increases in loss costs in future quarters.

    Weather-related losses were $8.6 million, or 3.7 percentage points of the loss ratio, for the first quarter of 2025, compared to $10.8 million, or 4.7 percentage points of the loss ratio, for the first quarter of 2024. The weather-related loss ratio for the first quarter of 2025 was modestly lower than our previous five-year first-quarter average of 4.6 percentage points of the loss ratio.

    Large fire losses, which we define as individual fire losses in excess of $50,000, for the first quarter of 2025 were $7.7 million, or 3.3 percentage points of the loss ratio. That amount was substantially lower than the large fire losses of $15.0 million, or 6.6 percentage points of the loss ratio, for the first quarter of 2024. We primarily attribute the decrease to lower loss frequency and severity compared to the prior-year quarter. We experienced a $5.3 million decrease in commercial property fire losses and a $2.0 million decrease in homeowner fire losses.

    Net favorable development of reserves for losses incurred in prior accident years of $10.5 million decreased the loss ratio for the first quarter of 2025 by 4.5 percentage points, compared to $8.4 million that decreased the loss ratio for the first quarter of 2024 by 3.7 percentage points. Our insurance subsidiaries experienced favorable development primarily in the personal automobile, commercial automobile and commercial multi-peril lines of business, offset partially by modest unfavorable development in workers’ compensation for the first quarter of 2025.

    Expense Ratio

    The expense ratio was 34.6% for the first quarter of 2025, compared to 35.7% for the first quarter of 2024. The decrease in the expense ratio primarily reflected the favorable impact of ongoing expense management initiatives, offset partially by higher underwriting-based incentive costs for agents and employees. The impact from costs that Donegal Mutual Insurance Company allocated to our insurance subsidiaries related to its ongoing systems modernization project peaked at approximately 1.3 percentage points of the full year 2024 expense ratio, and we expect that impact to subside gradually over the next several years. Allocated costs related to that project represented approximately 1.2 percentage points of the expense ratio for the first quarter of 2025, and we expect the full year 2025 expense ratio impact will be approximately 1.0 percentage point.

    Investment Operations

    Donegal Group’s investment strategy is to generate an appropriate amount of after-tax income on its invested assets while minimizing credit risk through investment in high-quality securities. As a result, we had invested 95.7% of our consolidated investment portfolio in diversified, highly rated and marketable fixed-maturity securities at March 31, 2025.

      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024
      Amount   %   Amount   %
      (dollars in thousands)
    Fixed maturities, at carrying value:              
    U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S.              
    government corporations and agencies $ 176,090       12.5 %   $ 170,423       12.3 %
    Obligations of states and political subdivisions   412,304       29.3       409,560       29.6  
    Corporate securities   442,275       31.4       440,552       31.8  
    Mortgage-backed securities   317,236       22.5       304,459       22.0  
    Allowance for expected credit losses   (1,351 )     -0.1       (1,388 )     -0.1  
    Total fixed maturities   1,346,554       95.6       1,323,606       95.6  
    Equity securities, at fair value   40,206       2.9       36,808       2.6  
    Short-term investments, at cost   20,622       1.5       24,558       1.8  
    Total investments $ 1,407,382       100.0 %   $ 1,384,972       100.0 %
                   
    Average investment yield   3.4 %         3.3 %    
    Average tax-equivalent investment yield   3.5 %         3.4 %    
    Average fixed-maturity duration (years)   5.2           5.2      
                   
     

    Net investment income of $12.0 million for the first quarter of 2025 increased 9.2% compared to $11.0 million for the first quarter of 2024. The increase in net investment income reflected an increase in average investment yield and higher average invested assets relative to the prior-year first quarter.

    Net investment losses were $0.5 million for the first quarter of 2025, compared to net investment gains of $2.1 million for the first quarter of 2024. We attribute the losses to the decrease in the market value of the equity securities we held at March 31, 2025.

    Our book value per share was $16.24 at March 31, 2025, compared to $15.36 at December 31, 2024, with the increase partially related to net income, as well as $6.7 million of after-tax unrealized gains within our available-for-sale fixed-maturity portfolio during 2025 that increased our book value by $0.19 per share. Consistent with our historical practice, we did not declare any cash dividends in the first quarter of 2025 or 2024.

    Definitions of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    We prepare our consolidated financial statements on the basis of GAAP. Our insurance subsidiaries also prepare financial statements based on statutory accounting principles state insurance regulators prescribe or permit (“SAP”). In addition to using GAAP-based performance measurements, we also utilize certain non-GAAP financial measures that we believe provide value in managing our business and for comparison to the financial results of our peers. These non-GAAP measures are net premiums written, operating income or loss and statutory combined ratio.

    Net premiums written and operating income or loss are non-GAAP financial measures investors in insurance companies commonly use. We define net premiums written as the amount of full-term premiums our insurance subsidiaries record for policies effective within a given period less premiums our insurance subsidiaries cede to reinsurers. We define operating income or loss as net income or loss excluding after-tax net investment gains or losses, after-tax restructuring charges and other significant non-recurring items. Because our calculation of operating income or loss may differ from similar measures other companies use, investors should exercise caution when comparing our measure of operating income or loss to the measure of other companies.

    The following table provides a reconciliation of net premiums earned to net premiums written for the periods indicated:

      Three Months Ended March 31,
        2025       2024     % Change
      (dollars in thousands)
               
    Reconciliation of Net Premiums          
    Earned to Net Premiums Written          
    Net premiums earned $ 232,702     $ 227,749       2.2 %
    Change in net unearned premiums   14,390       23,693       -39.3  
    Net premiums written $ 247,092     $ 251,442       -1.7 %
               
     

    The following table provides a reconciliation of net income to operating income for the periods indicated:

      Three Months Ended March 31,
        2025       2024     % Change
      (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
               
    Reconciliation of Net Income          
    to Non-GAAP Operating Income              
    Net income $ 25,205     $ 5,956       323.2 %
    Investment losses (gains) (after tax)   372       (1,670 )     NM  
    Non-GAAP operating income $ 25,577     $ 4,286       496.8 %
                   
    Per Share Reconciliation of Net Income              
    to Non-GAAP Operating Income              
    Net income – Class A (diluted) $ 0.71     $ 0.18       294.4 %
    Investment losses (gains) (after tax)   0.01       (0.05 )     NM  
    Non-GAAP operating income – Class A $ 0.72     $ 0.13       453.8 %
                   
    Net income – Class B $ 0.65     $ 0.16       306.3 %
    Investment losses (gains) (after tax)   0.01       (0.04 )     NM  
    Non-GAAP operating income – Class B $ 0.66     $ 0.12       450.0 %
                   
               

    The statutory combined ratio is a non-GAAP standard measurement of underwriting profitability that is based upon amounts determined under SAP. The statutory combined ratio is the sum of:

    • the statutory loss ratio, which is the ratio of calendar-year incurred losses and loss expenses, excluding anticipated salvage and subrogation recoveries, to premiums earned;
    • the statutory expense ratio, which is the ratio of expenses incurred for net commissions, premium taxes and underwriting expenses to premiums written; and
    • the statutory dividend ratio, which is the ratio of dividends to holders of workers’ compensation policies to premiums earned.

    The statutory combined ratio does not reflect investment income, federal income taxes or other non-operating income or expense. A statutory combined ratio of less than 100% generally indicates underwriting profitability.

    Dividend Information

    On April 17, 2025, we declared regular quarterly cash dividends of $0.1825 per share for our Class A common stock and $0.165 per share for our Class B common stock, which are payable on May 15, 2025 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on May 1, 2025.

    Pre-Recorded Webcast

    At approximately 8:30 am EST on Thursday, April 24, 2025, we will make available in the Investors section of our website a pre-recorded audio webcast featuring management commentary on our quarterly results and general business updates. You may listen to the pre-recorded webcast by accessing the link on our website at http://investors.donegalgroup.com. A supplemental investor presentation is also available via our website.

    About the Company

    Donegal Group Inc. is an insurance holding company whose insurance subsidiaries and affiliates offer property and casualty lines of insurance in certain Mid-Atlantic, Midwestern, Southern and Southwestern states. Donegal Mutual Insurance Company and the insurance subsidiaries of Donegal Group Inc. conduct business together as the Donegal Insurance Group. The Donegal Insurance Group has an A.M. Best rating of A (Excellent).

    The Class A common stock and Class B common stock of Donegal Group Inc. trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbols DGICA and DGICB, respectively. We are focused on several primary strategies, including achieving sustained excellent financial performance, strategically modernizing our operations and processes to transform our business, capitalizing on opportunities to grow profitably and providing superior experiences to our agents, policyholders and employees.

    Safe Harbor

    We base all statements contained in this release that are not historic facts on our current expectations. Such statements are forward-looking in nature (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) and necessarily involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements we make may be identified by our use of words such as “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “estimate” and similar expressions. Our actual results could vary materially from our forward-looking statements. The factors that could cause our actual results to vary materially from the forward-looking statements we have previously made include, but are not limited to, adverse litigation and other trends that could increase our loss costs (including social inflation, labor shortages and escalating medical, automobile and property repair costs, including due to tariffs), adverse and catastrophic weather events (including from changing climate conditions), our ability to maintain profitable operations (including our ability to underwrite risks effectively and charge adequate premium rates), the adequacy of the loss and loss expense reserves of our insurance subsidiaries, the availability and successful operation of the information technology systems our insurance subsidiaries utilize, the successful development of new information technology systems to allow our insurance subsidiaries to compete effectively, business and economic conditions in the areas in which we and our insurance subsidiaries operate, interest rates, competition from various insurance and other financial businesses, terrorism, the availability and cost of reinsurance, legal and judicial developments, changes in regulatory requirements, our ability to attract and retain independent insurance agents, changes in our A.M. Best rating and the other risks that we describe from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We disclaim any obligation to update such statements or to announce publicly the results of any revisions that we may make to any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

    Investor Relations Contacts

    Karin Daly, Vice President, The Equity Group Inc.

    Phone: (212) 836-9623
    E-mail: kdaly@equityny.com

    Jeffrey D. Miller, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
    Phone: (717) 426-1931
    E-mail: investors@donegalgroup.com

    Financial Supplement

    Donegal Group Inc.
    Consolidated Statements of Income
    (unaudited; in thousands, except share data)
           
      Quarter Ended March 31,
        2025       2024  
           
    Net premiums earned $ 232,702     $ 227,749  
    Investment income, net of expenses   11,984       10,972  
    Net investment (losses) gains   (471 )     2,113  
    Lease income   77       82  
    Installment payment fees   882       225  
    Total revenues   245,174       241,141  
           
    Net losses and loss expenses   132,033       150,896  
    Amortization of deferred acquisition costs   39,231       39,602  
    Other underwriting expenses   41,195       41,740  
    Policyholder dividends   760       1,055  
    Interest   333       155  
    Other expenses, net   461       445  
    Total expenses   214,013       233,893  
           
    Income before income tax expense   31,161       7,248  
    Income tax expense   5,956       1,292  
           
    Net income $ 25,205     $ 5,956  
           
    Net income per common share:      
    Class A – basic $ 0.72     $ 0.18  
    Class A – diluted $ 0.71     $ 0.18  
    Class B – basic and diluted $ 0.65     $ 0.16  
           
    Supplementary Financial Analysts’ Data      
           
    Weighted-average number of shares      
    outstanding:      
    Class A – basic   30,120,649       27,811,312  
    Class A – diluted   30,430,042       27,846,313  
    Class B – basic and diluted   5,576,775       5,576,775  
           
    Net premiums written $ 247,092     $ 251,442  
           
    Book value per common share      
    at end of period $ 16.24     $ 14.53  
           
    Annualized operating return on average equity   17.8 %     4.9 %
    Donegal Group Inc.
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (in thousands)
           
      March 31,   December 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)    
           
    ASSETS
    Investments:      
    Fixed maturities:      
    Held to maturity, at amortized cost $ 706,098     $ 705,714  
    Available for sale, at fair value   640,456       617,892  
    Equity securities, at fair value   40,206       36,808  
    Short-term investments, at cost   20,622       24,558  
    Total investments   1,407,382       1,384,972  
        64,315       52,926  
    Premiums receivable   193,975       181,107  
    Reinsurance receivable   403,382       420,742  
    Deferred policy acquisition costs   76,194       73,347  
    Prepaid reinsurance premiums   182,860       176,162  
    Other assets   40,169       46,776  
    Total assets $ 2,368,277     $ 2,336,032  
           
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    Liabilities:      
    Losses and loss expenses $ 1,092,624     $ 1,120,985  
    Unearned premiums   633,564       612,476  
    Borrowings under lines of credit   35,000       35,000  
    Other liabilities   22,366       21,795  
    Total liabilities   1,783,554       1,790,256  
    Stockholders’ equity:      
    Class A common stock   334       329  
    Class B common stock   56       56  
    Additional paid-in capital   376,864       369,680  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (21,472 )     (28,200 )
    Retained earnings   270,167       245,137  
    Treasury stock   (41,226 )     (41,226 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   584,723       545,776  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 2,368,277     $ 2,336,032  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: FEMA Application Deadline Extended

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Kentucky flood survivors whose home or property was damaged by the February floods have until May 25, 2025, to apply for FEMA assistance.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XTcaeD3mCI

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Assistance for Private Roads and Bridges

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    If you own a private road, bridge or driveway that was damaged by the February storms and you can’t get to your home, FEMA may be able to help repair or replace them.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4yjhw6Pk68

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Tips for Separating Debris After a Flood

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    It’s not uncommon for debris to land on your property after a flood. Here are a few tips on how to separate the debris.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQ0jpo8ZODE

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: FEMA May Assist with Furnace and HVAC Units

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    If water got into your home during the February floods in Kentucky, it’s possible your furnace or HVAC may have been impacted, so we encourage you to turn them on and make sure they are in good working order.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtKWifC8PCQ

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI: Amalgamated Financial Corp. Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results; $446 Million Total Deposit Growth; Strong Margin at 3.55%

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Amalgamated Financial Corp. (the “Company” or “Amalgamated”) (Nasdaq: AMAL), the holding company for Amalgamated Bank (the “Bank”), today announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    First Quarter 2025 Highlights (on a linked quarter basis)

    • Net income of $25.0 million, or $0.81 per diluted share, compared to $24.5 million, or $0.79 per diluted share.
    • Core net income1 of $27.1 million, or $0.88 per diluted share, compared to $28.0 million, or $0.90 per diluted share.

           Deposits and Liquidity

    • On-balance sheet deposits increased $231.5 million, or 3.2%, to $7.4 billion.
    • Off-balance sheet deposits were $214.5 million at the end of the quarter, comprised of mainly not-for-profit deposits and some political deposits.
    • Including deposits held off-balance sheet, total deposits increased $445.9 million, or 6.2%, to $7.6 billion.
    • Political deposits increased $102.7 million, or 11%, to $1.1 billion, which includes both on and off-balance sheet deposits.
    • Average cost of deposits, excluding Brokered CDs and off-balance sheet deposits, increased 7 basis points to 159 basis points, where non-interest-bearing deposits comprised 39% of total deposits.
    • Cash and borrowing capacity totaled $3.3 billion (immediately available) plus unpledged securities (two-day availability) of $301.0 million for total liquidity within two-days of $3.6 billion.
    • Total two-day liquidity is 94% of total uninsured deposits, and 164% of uninsured non-super core deposits1.

          Assets and Margin

    • Net interest margin decreased 4 basis points to 3.55%, as expected.
    • Net interest income decreased by $2.5 million, or 3.4%, to $70.6 million, as expected.
    • Net loans receivable increased $7.0 million, or 0.2%, to $4.6 billion.
    • Net loans in growth mode (commercial and industrial, commercial real estate, and multifamily) increased $25.8 million or 0.9%.
    • Total PACE assessments grew $3.2 million, or 0.3%, to $1.2 billion.
    • The multifamily and commercial real estate loan portfolios totaled $1.8 billion and had a concentration of 199% to total risk based capital.

           Capital and Returns

    • Tier 1 leverage ratio of 9.22%, increased by 22 basis points, and Common Equity Tier 1 ratio of 14.27%.
    • Tangible common equity1 ratio increased to 8.73%, representing a tenth consecutive quarter of improvement.
    • Tangible book value per share1 increased $0.91, or 4.0%, to $23.51, and has increased $6.18, or 35.7% since September 2021.
    • Core return on average tangible common equity1 of 15.54% and core return on average assets1 of 1.33%.

    Share Repurchase

    • Repurchased approximately 105,000 shares, or $3.5 million of common stock, through March 31, 2025.
    • On March 10, 2025, a new $40 million share repurchase program was approved, under which approximately 75,000 shares have been repurchased from April 1 through April 22, 2025.

    Priscilla Sims Brown, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “All of our key earnings metrics came in strong and as expected, showing again that at Amalgamated, we do what we say we will. Our balance sheet boasts a low-risk asset profile including low commercial real-estate lending concentration, high levels of immediate and two-day liquidity, and return metrics near the top of our peer stack.”

    First Quarter Earnings

    Net income was $25.0 million, or $0.81 per diluted share, compared to $24.5 million, or $0.79 per diluted share, for the prior quarter. The $0.5 million increase during the quarter was primarily driven by a $3.1 million decrease in provision for credit losses, as well as a $0.8 million net valuation gain on residential loans sold during the quarter, compared to a $4.1 million reduction in fair value on residential loans moved to held for sale in the previous quarter. This was offset by an expected $2.5 million decrease in net interest income, an expected $1.9 million decrease in non-core income from solar tax equity investments, an expected $1.3 million decrease in non-core ICS One-Way Sell fee income from off-balance sheet deposits, and a $1.1 million increase in income tax expense.

    Core net income1 was $27.1 million, or $0.88 per diluted share, compared to $28.0 million, or $0.90 per diluted share, for the prior quarter. Excluded from core net income for the quarter, pre-tax, was $2.9 million of accelerated depreciation from solar tax equity investments, a $0.8 million net valuation gain from residential loans sold during the quarter, and $0.7 million of losses on the sale of securities. Excluded from core net income for the fourth quarter of 2024, pre-tax, was a $4.1 million reduction in fair value on a pool of lower yielding performing residential loans moved to held for sale, $1.3 million of ICS One-Way Sell fee income, $1.0 million of losses on the sale of securities, and $0.9 million of accelerated depreciation from solar tax equity investments.

    Net interest income was $70.6 million, compared to $73.1 million for the prior quarter. This decrease was expected as interest bearing off-balance sheet deposits moved back on balance sheet towards the end of the fourth quarter to replace largely non-interest bearing deposit outflow related to the election cycle conclusion and the full effect of interest rate resets from the prior quarter were recognized. Loan interest income and loan yields remained flat mainly as a $75.5 million increase in average loan balances was offset by paydowns on shorter-term high yielding commercial & industrial loans and a shorter day count in the quarter. Interest income on securities decreased $1.8 million driven by a decrease in the average balance of securities of $92.8 million. Interest expense on total interest-bearing deposits increased $0.3 million driven by an increase in the average balance of total interest-bearing deposits of $272.3 million partially offset by a 9 basis point decrease in cost. Additionally, while the average balance of borrowings increased $35.6 million, all short-term borrowings utilized at year-end were paid off over the course of the quarter. Remaining borrowings now substantially consist of lower-cost subordinated debt priced at 3.25% with a fixed rate maturity in November 2026.

    Net interest margin was 3.55%, an expected decrease of 4 basis points from 3.59% in the prior quarter. The decrease is largely due to a higher average balance of interest-bearing deposits as noted above, a $338.2 million decrease in non-interest bearing deposits, as well as a higher cost of funds. Prepayment penalties had no impact on net interest margin in the current quarter, compared to a one basis point impact in the prior quarter.

    Provision for credit losses totaled an expense of $0.6 million, compared to an expense of $3.7 million in the prior quarter. The expense in the first quarter was primarily driven by charge-offs on the consumer solar and small business portfolios, as well as increases in reserves for one leveraged commercial and industrial loan, offset by improvements in macro-economic forecasts used in the CECL model, primarily related to the consumer solar loan portfolio, which can be volatile.

    Non-interest income was $6.4 million, compared to $4.8 million in the prior quarter. Excluding all non-core income adjustments noted above, core non-interest income1 was $9.1 million, compared to $9.5 million in the prior quarter. The decrease was primarily related to lower commercial banking fees, offset by modestly higher income from Trust fees.

    Non-interest expense was $41.7 million, an increase of $0.5 million from the prior quarter. Core non-interest expense1 was $41.5 million, an increase of $0.4 million from the prior quarter. This was mainly driven by a $2.1 million increase in professional fees related to expected increases in digital transformation deployment and partnership costs to evaluate growth requirements and other advisory services. This increase is mainly offset by a $1.4 million decrease in compensation and employee benefits expense.

    Provision for income tax expense was $9.7 million, compared to $8.6 million for the prior quarter. The effective tax rate was 28.0%, compared to 25.9% in the prior quarter. The increase in the tax rate was the result of a higher annual effective tax rate for 2025, in addition to discrete tax items related to a city and state tax examination which led to a net increase in tax provision in the current quarter, as well as additional discrete items in the prior quarter which resulted in a tax benefit. Excluding these discrete items, the tax rate would have been 27.0%, compared to 26.6% in the prior quarter.

    Balance Sheet Quarterly Summary

    Total assets were $8.3 billion at March 31, 2025, compared to $8.3 billion at December 31, 2024, keeping the balance sheet neutral. Notable changes within individual balance sheet line items include a $65.1 million increase in securities and a $17.9 million increase in resell agreements to solidify net interest income, as well as a $7.0 million increase in net loans receivable. On the liabilities side, on-balance sheet deposits increased by $231.5 million while borrowings decreased by $244.7 million. Off-balance sheet deposits increased to $214.5 million in the quarter.

    Total net loans receivable at March 31, 2025 were $4.6 billion, an increase of $7.0 million, or 0.2% for the quarter. The increase in loans is primarily driven by a $20.3 million increase in multifamily loans, and a $7.8 million increase in commercial and industrial loans, offset by a $2.4 million decrease in commercial real estate loans, a $8.9 million decrease in consumer solar loans, and a $9.8 million decrease in residential loans. During the quarter, criticized or classified loans decreased $12.0 million, largely related to payoffs of three delinquent commercial and industrial loans totaling $10.1 million, the upgrade of one $1.4 million commercial & industrial loan, charge-offs of small business loans totaling $0.8 million, and a decrease of $4.5 million in residential and consumer substandard loans. This was offset by the downgrade of one $4.2 million commercial & industrial loan to special mention, and additional downgrades of small business loans totaling $1.0 million.

    Total on-balance sheet deposits at March 31, 2025 were $7.4 billion, an increase of $231.5 million, or 3.2%, during the quarter. Including accounts currently held off-balance sheet, deposits held by politically active customers, such as campaigns, PACs, advocacy-based organizations, and state and national party committees were $1.1 billion as of March 31, 2025, an increase of $102.7 million during the quarter. Non-interest-bearing deposits represented 39% of average total deposits and 39% of ending total deposits for the quarter, contributing to an average cost of total deposits of 159 basis points. Super-core deposits1 totaled approximately $4.0 billion, had a weighted average life of 18 years, and comprised 54% of total deposits, excluding Brokered CDs. Total uninsured deposits were $3.9 billion, comprising 52% of total deposits.

    Nonperforming assets totaled $33.9 million, or 0.41% of period-end total assets at March 31, 2025, an increase of $8.0 million, compared with $25.9 million, or 0.31% on a linked quarter basis. The increase in nonperforming assets was primarily driven by an $11.8 million increase in commercial & industrial non-accrual loans, including one $8.3 million commercial & industrial loan that was placed on non-accrual in the quarter. This was offset by the sale of $3.9 million in nonperforming residential loans that were reported as held-for-sale in the prior quarter.

    During the quarter, the allowance for credit losses on loans decreased $2.4 million to $57.7 million. The ratio of allowance to total loans was 1.23%, a decrease of 6 basis points from 1.29% in the fourth quarter of 2024. The decrease was primarily the result of improvements in the macroeconomic forecasts used in the CECL model, mainly related to the consumer solar loan portfolio, which can be volatile, offset by charge-offs on consumer solar and small business portfolios, as well as increases in reserves for one legacy leveraged commercial and industrial loan.

    Capital Quarterly Summary

    As of March 31, 2025, the Common Equity Tier 1 Capital ratio was 14.27%, the Total Risk-Based Capital ratio was 16.61%, and the Tier 1 Leverage Capital ratio was 9.22%, compared to 13.90%, 16.26% and 9.00%, respectively, as of December 31, 2024. Stockholders’ equity at March 31, 2025 was $736.0 million, an increase of $28.3 million during the quarter. The increase in stockholders’ equity was primarily driven by $25.0 million of net income for the quarter and a $11.3 million improvement in accumulated other comprehensive loss due to the tax-effected mark-to-market on available for sale securities, offset by $4.3 million in dividends paid at $0.14 per outstanding share.

    Tangible book value per share1 was $23.51 as of March 31, 2025 compared to $22.60 as of December 31, 2024. Tangible common equity1 improved to 8.73% of tangible assets, compared to 8.41% as of December 31, 2024.

    Conference Call

    As previously announced, Amalgamated Financial Corp. will host a conference call to discuss its first quarter 2025 results today, April 24, 2025 at 11:00am (Eastern Time). The conference call can be accessed by dialing 1-877-407-9716 (domestic) or 1-201-493-6779 (international) and asking for the Amalgamated Financial Corp. First Quarter 2025 Earnings Call. A telephonic replay will be available approximately two hours after the call and can be accessed by dialing 1-844-512-2921, or for international callers 1-412-317-6671 and providing the access code 13752421. The telephonic replay will be available until May 1, 2025.

    Interested investors and other parties may also listen to a simultaneous webcast of the conference call by logging onto the investor relations section of the Company’s website at https://ir.amalgamatedbank.com/. The online replay will remain available for a limited time beginning immediately following the call.

    The presentation materials for the call can be accessed on the investor relations section of the Company’s website at https://ir.amalgamatedbank.com/.

    About Amalgamated Financial Corp.

    Amalgamated Financial Corp. is a Delaware public benefit corporation and a bank holding company engaged in commercial banking and financial services through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Amalgamated Bank. Amalgamated Bank is a New York-based full-service commercial bank and a chartered trust company with a combined network of five branches across New York City, Washington D.C., and San Francisco, and a commercial office in Boston. Amalgamated Bank was formed in 1923 as Amalgamated Bank of New York by the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America, one of the country’s oldest labor unions. Amalgamated Bank provides commercial banking and trust services nationally and offers a full range of products and services to both commercial and retail customers. Amalgamated Bank is a proud member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values and is a certified B Corporation®. As of March 31, 2025, total assets were $8.3 billion, total net loans were $4.6 billion, and total deposits were $7.4 billion. Additionally, as of March 31, 2025, the trust business held $35.7 billion in assets under custody and $14.2 billion in assets under management.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    This release (and the accompanying financial information and tables) refer to certain non-GAAP financial measures including, without limitation, “Core operating revenue,” “Core non-interest expense,” “Core non-interest income,” “Core net income,” “Tangible common equity,” “Average tangible common equity,” “Core return on average assets,” “Core return on average tangible common equity,” and “Core efficiency ratio.”

    Management utilizes this information to compare operating performance for March 31, 2025 versus certain periods in 2024 and to prepare internal projections. The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures facilitate making period-to-period comparisons and are meaningful indications of operating performance. In addition, because intangible assets such as goodwill and other discrete items unrelated to core business, which are excluded, vary extensively from company to company, the Company believe that the presentation of this information allows investors to more easily compare results to those of other companies.

    The presentation of non-GAAP financial information, however, is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for GAAP financial measures. The Company strongly encourage readers to review the GAAP financial measures included in this release and not to place undue reliance upon any single financial measure. In addition, because non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized, it may not be possible to compare the non-GAAP financial measures presented in this release with other companies’ non-GAAP financial measures having the same or similar names. Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial disclosures to comparable GAAP measures found in this release are set forth in the final pages of this release and also may be viewed on the Company’s website, amalgamatedbank.com.

    Terminology

    Certain terms used in this release are defined as follows:

    “Core efficiency ratio” is defined as “Core non-interest expense” divided by “Core operating revenue.” The Company believes the most directly comparable performance ratio derived from GAAP financial measures is an efficiency ratio calculated by dividing total non-interest expense by the sum of net interest income and total non-interest income.

    “Core net income” is defined as net income after tax excluding gains and losses on sales of securities, ICS One-Way Sell fee income, changes in fair value on loans held-for-sale, gains on the sale of owned property, costs related to branch closures, restructuring/severance costs, acquisition costs, tax credits and accelerated depreciation on solar equity investments, and taxes on notable pre-tax items. The Company believes the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is net income.

    “Core non-interest expense” is defined as total non-interest expense excluding costs related to branch closures, and restructuring/severance. The Company believes the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is total non-interest expense.

    “Core non-interest income” is defined as total non-interest income excluding gains and losses on sales of securities, ICS One-Way Sell fee income, changes in fair value on loans held-for-sale, gains on the sale of owned property, and tax credits and accelerated depreciation on solar equity investments. The Company believes the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is non-interest income.

    “Core operating revenue” is defined as total net interest income plus “core non-interest income”. The Company believes the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is the total of net interest income and non-interest income.

    “Core return on average assets” is defined as “Core net income” divided by average total assets. The Company believes the most directly comparable performance ratio derived from GAAP financial measures is return on average assets calculated by dividing net income by average total assets.

    “Core return on average tangible common equity” is defined as “Core net income” divided by average “tangible common equity.” The Company believes the most directly comparable performance ratio derived from GAAP financial measures is return on average equity calculated by dividing net income by average total stockholders’ equity.

    “Super-core deposits” are defined as total deposits from commercial and consumer customers, with a relationship length of greater than 5 years. The Company believes the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is total deposits.

    “Tangible assets” are defined as total assets excluding, as applicable, goodwill and core deposit intangibles. The Company believes the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is total assets.

    “Tangible common equity”, and “Tangible book value” are defined as stockholders’ equity excluding, as applicable, minority interests, goodwill and core deposit intangibles. The Company believes that the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is total stockholders’ equity.

    “Traditional securities portfolio” is defined as total investment securities excluding PACE assessments. The Company believes the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is total investment securities.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Statements included in this release that are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as, forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified through the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “anticipate,” “aspire,” “should,” “would,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “continue,” “in the future,” “may” and “intend,” as well as other similar words and expressions of the future. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, any or all of which could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:

    1. uncertain conditions in the banking industry and in national, regional and local economies in core markets, which may have an adverse impact on business, operations and financial performance;
    2. deterioration in the financial condition of borrowers resulting in significant increases in credit losses and provisions for those losses;
    3. deposit outflows and subsequent declines in liquidity caused by factors that could include lack of confidence in the banking system, a deterioration in market conditions or the financial condition of depositors;
    4. changes in deposits, including an increase in uninsured deposits;
    5. ability to maintain sufficient liquidity to meet deposit and debt obligations as they come due, which may require that the Company sell investment securities at a loss, negatively impacting net income, earnings and capital;
    6. unfavorable conditions in the capital markets, which may cause declines in stock price and the value of investments;
    7. negative economic and political conditions that adversely affect the general economy, housing prices, the real estate market, the job market, consumer confidence, the financial condition of borrowers and consumer spending habits, which may affect, among other things, the level of non-performing assets, charge-offs and provision expense;
    8. fluctuations or unanticipated changes in the interest rate environment including changes in net interest margin or changes in the yield curve that affect investments, loans or deposits;
    9. the general decline in the real estate and lending markets, particularly in commercial real estate in the Company’s market areas, and the effects of the enactment of or changes to rent-control and other similar regulations on multi-family housing;
    10. potential implementation by the current presidential administration of a regulatory reform agenda that is significantly different from that of the prior presidential administration, impacting the rule making, supervision, examination and enforcement of the banking regulation agencies;
    11. changes in U.S. trade policies and other global political factors beyond the Company’s control, including the imposition of tariffs, which raise economic uncertainty, potentially leading to slower growth and a decrease in loan demand;
    12. the outcome of legal or regulatory proceedings that may be instituted against us;
    13. inability to achieve organic loan and deposit growth and the composition of that growth;
    14. composition of the Company’s loan portfolio, including any concentration in industries or sectors that may experience unanticipated or anticipated adverse conditions greater than other industries or sectors in the national or local economies in which the Company operates;
    15. inaccuracy of the assumptions and estimates the Company makes and policies that the Company implements in establishing the allowance for credit losses;
    16. changes in loan underwriting, credit review or loss reserve policies associated with economic conditions, examination conclusions, or regulatory developments;
    17. any matter that would cause the Company to conclude that there was impairment of any asset, including intangible assets;
    18. limitations on the ability to declare and pay dividends;
    19. the impact of competition with other financial institutions, including pricing pressures and the resulting impact on results, including as a result of compression to net interest margin;
    20. increased competition for experienced members of the workforce including executives in the banking industry;
    21. a failure in or breach of operational or security systems or infrastructure, or those of third party vendors or other service providers, including as a result of unauthorized access, computer viruses, phishing schemes, spam attacks, human error, natural disasters, power loss and other security breaches;
    22. increased regulatory scrutiny and exposure from the use of “big data” techniques, machine learning, and artificial intelligence;
    23. a downgrade in the Company’s credit rating;
    24. “greenwashing claims” against the Company and environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) products and increased scrutiny and political opposition to ESG and diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”) practices;
    25. any unanticipated or greater than anticipated adverse conditions (including the possibility of earthquakes, wildfires, and other natural disasters) affecting the markets in which the Company operates;
    26. physical and transitional risks related to climate change as they impact the business and the businesses that the Company finances;
    27. future repurchase of the Company’s shares through the Company’s common stock repurchase program; and
    28. descriptions of assumptions underlying or relating to any of the foregoing.

    Additional factors which could affect the forward-looking statements can be found in the Company’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC and available on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov/. The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this release, which speak only as of the date hereof, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

    Investor Contact:
    Jamie Lillis
    Solebury Strategic Communications
    shareholderrelations@amalgamatedbank.com
    800-895-4172

    Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,   December 31,   March 31,
    ($ in thousands)   2025       2024       2024  
    INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME          
    Loans $ 57,843     $ 58,024     $ 51,952  
    Securities   41,653       43,448       42,390  
    Interest-bearing deposits in banks   1,194       1,113       2,592  
    Total interest and dividend income   100,690       102,585       96,934  
    INTEREST EXPENSE          
    Deposits   28,917       28,582       25,891  
    Borrowed funds   1,196       908       3,006  
    Total interest expense   30,113       29,490       28,897  
    NET INTEREST INCOME   70,577       73,095       68,037  
    Provision for credit losses   596       3,686       1,588  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   69,981       69,409       66,449  
    NON-INTEREST INCOME          
    Trust Department fees   4,191       3,971       3,854  
    Service charges on deposit accounts   3,438       5,337       6,136  
    Bank-owned life insurance income   626       661       609  
    Losses on sale of securities   (680 )     (1,003 )     (2,774 )
    Gain (loss) on sale of loans and changes in fair value on loans held-for-sale, net   832       (4,090 )     47  
    Equity method investments income (loss)   (2,508 )     (529 )     2,072  
    Other income   507       442       285  
    Total non-interest income   6,406       4,789       10,229  
    NON-INTEREST EXPENSE          
    Compensation and employee benefits   23,314       24,691       22,273  
    Occupancy and depreciation   3,293       3,376       2,904  
    Professional fees   4,739       2,674       2,376  
    Technology   5,619       5,299       4,629  
    Office maintenance and depreciation   629       578       663  
    Amortization of intangible assets   144       183       183  
    Advertising and promotion   51       314       1,219  
    Federal deposit insurance premiums   900       715       1,050  
    Other expense   2,961       3,313       2,855  
    Total non-interest expense   41,650       41,143       38,152  
    Income before income taxes   34,737       33,055       38,526  
    Income tax expense   9,709       8,564       11,277  
    Net income $ 25,028     $ 24,491     $ 27,249  
    Earnings per common share – basic $ 0.82     $ 0.80     $ 0.89  
    Earnings per common share – diluted $ 0.81     $ 0.79     $ 0.89  
    Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
    ($ in thousands) March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
    Assets (unaudited)       (unaudited)
    Cash and due from banks $ 4,196     $ 4,042     $ 3,830  
    Interest-bearing deposits in banks   61,518       56,707       151,374  
    Total cash and cash equivalents   65,714       60,749       155,204  
    Securities:          
    Available for sale, at fair value          
    Traditional securities   1,546,127       1,477,047       1,445,793  
    Property Assessed Clean Energy (“PACE”) assessments   161,147       152,011       82,258  
        1,707,274       1,629,058       1,528,051  
    Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost:          
    Traditional securities, net of allowance for credit losses of $47, $49, and $53, respectively   535,065       542,246       616,172  
    PACE assessments, net of allowance for credit losses of $654, $655, and $657, respectively   1,038,052       1,043,959       1,057,790  
        1,573,117       1,586,205       1,673,962  
               
    Loans held for sale   3,667       37,593       2,137  
    Loans receivable, net of deferred loan origination costs   4,677,506       4,672,924       4,423,780  
    Allowance for credit losses   (57,676 )     (60,086 )     (64,400 )
    Loans receivable, net   4,619,830       4,612,838       4,359,380  
               
    Resell agreements   41,651       23,741       131,242  
    Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLBNY”) stock, at cost   4,679       15,693       4,603  
    Accrued interest receivable   55,092       61,172       53,436  
    Premises and equipment, net   7,366       6,386       7,128  
    Bank-owned life insurance   108,652       108,026       106,137  
    Right-of-use lease asset   12,477       14,231       19,797  
    Deferred tax asset, net   33,799       42,437       49,171  
    Goodwill   12,936       12,936       12,936  
    Intangible assets, net   1,343       1,487       2,034  
    Equity method investments   5,639       8,482       14,801  
    Other assets   31,991       35,858       16,663  
    Total assets $ 8,285,227     $ 8,256,892     $ 8,136,682  
    Liabilities          
    Deposits $ 7,412,072     $ 7,180,605     $ 7,305,765  
    Borrowings   69,676       314,409       139,705  
    Operating leases   17,190       19,734       27,250  
    Other liabilities   50,293       34,490       47,024  
    Total liabilities   7,549,231       7,549,238       7,519,744  
    Stockholders’ equity          
    Common stock, par value $0.01 per share   309       308       307  
    Additional paid-in capital   288,539       288,656       287,198  
    Retained earnings   500,783       480,144       412,190  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes   (47,308 )     (58,637 )     (78,872 )
    Treasury stock, at cost   (6,327 )     (2,817 )     (4,018 )
    Total Amalgamated Financial Corp. stockholders’ equity   735,996       707,654       616,805  
    Noncontrolling interests   —       —       133  
    Total stockholders’ equity   735,996       707,654       616,938  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 8,285,227     $ 8,256,892     $ 8,136,682  
               
    Select Financial Data
      As of and for the
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,   December 31,   March 31,
    (Shares in thousands)   2025     2024     2024
    Selected Financial Ratios and Other Data:          
    Earnings per share          
    Basic $ 0.82   $ 0.80   $ 0.89
    Diluted   0.81     0.79     0.89
    Core net income (non-GAAP)          
    Basic $ 0.88   $ 0.91   $ 0.84
    Diluted   0.88     0.90     0.83
    Book value per common share (excluding minority interest) $ 23.98   $ 23.07   $ 20.22
    Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP) $ 23.51   $ 22.60   $ 19.73
    Common shares outstanding, par value $0.01 per share(1)   30,697     30,671     30,510
    Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic   30,682     30,677     30,476
    Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted   30,946     30,976     30,737
               
    (1) 70,000,000 shares authorized; 30,940,480, 30,809,484, and 30,736,141 shares issued for the periods ended March 31, 2025, December 31, 2024, and March 31, 2024 respectively, and 30,696,940, 30,670,982, and 30,510,393 shares outstanding for the periods ended March 31, 2025, December 31, 2024, and March 31, 2024, respectively.
    Select Financial Data
      As of and for the   As of and for the
      Three Months Ended   Three Months Ended
      March 31,   December
    31,    		   March 31,   March 31,
      2025     2024     2024     2025     2024  
    Selected Performance Metrics:                  
    Return on average assets 1.22 %   1.17 %   1.36 %   1.22 %   1.36 %
    Core return on average assets (non-GAAP) 1.33 %   1.34 %   1.27 %   1.33 %   1.27 %
    Return on average equity 14.05 %   13.83 %   18.24 %   14.05 %   18.24 %
    Core return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP) 15.54 %   16.13 %   17.59 %   15.54 %   17.59 %
    Average equity to average assets 8.71 %   8.48 %   7.44 %   8.71 %   7.44 %
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets (non-GAAP) 8.73 %   8.41 %   7.41 %   8.73 %   7.41 %
    Loan yield 5.00 %   5.00 %   4.76 %   5.00 %   4.76 %
    Securities yield 5.15 %   5.12 %   5.21 %   5.15 %   5.21 %
    Deposit cost 1.59 %   1.53 %   1.46 %   1.59 %   1.46 %
    Net interest margin 3.55 %   3.59 %   3.49 %   3.55 %   3.49 %
    Efficiency ratio(1) 54.10 %   52.83 %   48.75 %   54.10 %   48.75 %
    Core efficiency ratio (non-GAAP) 52.11 %   49.82 %   50.40 %   52.11 %   50.40 %
                       
    Asset Quality Ratios:                  
    Nonaccrual loans to total loans 0.70 %   0.45 %   0.75 %   0.70 %   0.75 %
    Nonperforming assets to total assets 0.41 %   0.31 %   0.42 %   0.41 %   0.42 %
    Allowance for credit losses on loans to nonaccrual loans 175.07 %   286.00 %   195.04 %   175.07 %   195.04 %
    Allowance for credit losses on loans to total loans 1.23 %   1.29 %   1.46 %   1.23 %   1.46 %
    Annualized net charge-offs to average loans 0.22 %   0.36 %   0.20 %   0.22 %   0.20 %
                       
    Capital Ratios:                  
    Tier 1 leverage capital ratio 9.22 %   9.00 %   8.29 %   9.22 %   8.29 %
    Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio 14.27 %   13.90 %   13.68 %   14.27 %   13.68 %
    Total risk-based capital ratio 16.61 %   16.26 %   16.35 %   16.61 %   16.35 %
    Common equity tier 1 capital ratio 14.27 %   13.90 %   13.68 %   14.27 %   13.68 %
                       
    (1)Efficiency ratio is calculated by dividing total non-interest expense by the sum of net interest income and total non-interest income
    Loan and PACE Assessments Portfolio Composition
    (In thousands) At March 31, 2025   At December 31, 2024   At March 31, 2024
      Amount   % of total   Amount   % of total   Amount   % of total
    Commercial portfolio:                      
    Commercial and industrial $ 1,183,297     25.3 %   $ 1,175,490     25.2 %   $ 1,014,084     22.9 %
    Multifamily   1,371,950     29.3 %     1,351,604     28.9 %     1,175,467     26.6 %
    Commercial real estate   409,004     8.7 %     411,387     8.8 %     353,598     8.0 %
    Construction and land development   20,690     0.4 %     20,683     0.4 %     23,266     0.5 %
    Total commercial portfolio   2,984,941     63.8 %     2,959,164     63.3 %     2,566,415     58.0 %
                           
    Retail portfolio:                      
    Residential real estate lending   1,303,856     27.9 %     1,313,617     28.1 %     1,419,321     32.1 %
    Consumer solar   356,601     7.6 %     365,516     7.8 %     398,501     9.0 %
    Consumer and other   32,108     0.7 %     34,627     0.8 %     39,543     0.9 %
    Total retail portfolio   1,692,565     36.2 %     1,713,760     36.7 %     1,857,365     42.0 %
    Total loans held for investment   4,677,506     100.0 %     4,672,924     100.0 %     4,423,780     100.0 %
                           
    Allowance for credit losses   (57,676 )         (60,086 )         (64,400 )    
    Loans receivable, net $ 4,619,830         $ 4,612,838         $ 4,359,380      
                           
    PACE assessments:                      
    Available for sale, at fair value                      
    Residential PACE assessments   161,147     13.4 %     152,011     12.7 %     82,258     7.2 %
                           
    Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost                      
    Commercial PACE assessments   271,200     22.6 %     268,692     22.5 %     256,661     22.5 %
    Residential PACE assessments   767,507     64.0 %     775,922     64.8 %     801,786     70.3 %
    Total Held-to-maturity PACE assessments   1,038,707     86.6 %     1,044,614     87.3 %     1,058,447     92.8 %
    Total PACE assessments   1,199,854     100.0 %     1,196,625     100.0 %     1,140,705     100.0 %
                           
    Allowance for credit losses   (654 )         (655 )         (657 )    
    Total PACE assessments, net $ 1,199,200         $ 1,195,970         $ 1,140,048      
                           
                           
    Loans receivable, net and total PACE assessments, net as a % of Deposits   78.5 %         80.9 %         75.3 %    
    Loans receivable, net and total PACE assessments, net as a % of Deposits excluding Brokered CDs   78.5 %         80.9 %         77.0 %    
    Net Interest Income Analysis
      Three Months Ended
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
    (In thousands) Average
    Balance    		 Income / Expense Yield /
    Rate    		   Average
    Balance    		 Income / Expense Yield /
    Rate    		   Average
    Balance    		 Income / Expense Yield /
    Rate
                                       
    Interest-earning assets:                                  
    Interest-bearing deposits in banks $ 121,321   $ 1,194   3.99 %   $ 105,958   $ 1,113   4.18 %   $ 205,369   $ 2,592   5.08 %
    Securities(1)   3,220,590     40,867   5.15 %     3,313,349     42,632   5.12 %     3,170,356     41,064   5.21 %
    Resell agreements   30,169     786   10.57 %     50,938     816   6.37 %     79,011     1,326   6.75 %
    Loans receivable, net(2)   4,695,264     57,843   5.00 %     4,619,723     58,024   5.00 %     4,390,489     51,952   4.76 %
    Total interest-earning assets   8,067,344     100,690   5.06 %     8,089,968     102,585   5.04 %     7,845,225     96,934   4.97 %
    Non-interest-earning assets:                                  
    Cash and due from banks   5,045             6,291             5,068        
    Other assets   220,589             214,868             226,270        
    Total assets $ 8,292,978           $ 8,311,127           $ 8,076,563        
                                       
    Interest-bearing liabilities:                                  
    Savings, NOW and money market deposits $ 4,242,786   $ 26,806   2.56 %   $ 3,971,128   $ 26,329   2.64 %   $ 3,591,551   $ 21,872   2.45 %
    Time deposits   232,683     2,111   3.68 %     220,205     2,085   3.77 %     188,045     1,576   3.37 %
    Brokered CDs   —     —   0.00 %     11,822     169   5.69 %     190,240     2,443   5.16 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits   4,475,469     28,917   2.62 %     4,203,155     28,583   2.71 %     3,969,836     25,891   2.62 %
    Borrowings   134,340     1,196   3.61 %     98,768     908   3.66 %     288,093     3,006   4.20 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   4,609,809     30,113   2.65 %     4,301,923     29,491   2.73 %     4,257,929     28,897   2.73 %
    Non-interest-bearing liabilities:                                  
    Demand and transaction deposits   2,901,061             3,239,251             3,138,238        
    Other liabilities   59,728             65,580             79,637        
    Total liabilities   7,570,598             7,606,754             7,475,804        
    Stockholders’ equity   722,380             704,373             600,759        
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 8,292,978           $ 8,311,127           $ 8,076,563        
                                       
    Net interest income / interest rate spread     $ 70,577   2.41 %       $ 73,094   2.31 %       $ 68,037   2.24 %
    Net interest-earning assets / net interest margin $ 3,457,535       3.55 %   $ 3,788,045       3.59 %   $ 3,587,296       3.49 %
                                       
    Total deposits excluding Brokered CDs / total cost of deposits excluding Brokered CDs $ 7,376,530       1.59 %   $ 7,430,584       1.52 %   $ 6,917,834       1.36 %
    Total deposits / total cost of deposits $ 7,376,530       1.59 %   $ 7,442,406       1.53 %   $ 7,108,074       1.46 %
    Total funding / total cost of funds $ 7,510,870       1.63 %   $ 7,541,174       1.56 %   $ 7,396,167       1.57 %

    (1) Includes Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) stock in the average balance, and dividend income on FHLB stock in interest income.
    (2) Includes prepayment penalty interest income in 1Q2025, 4Q2024, or 1Q2024 of $0, $121, and $18, respectively (in thousands).

    Deposit Portfolio Composition
      Three Months Ended
    (In thousands) March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
      Ending
    Balance    		   Average
    Balance    		   Ending
    Balance    		   Average
    Balance    		   Ending
    Balance    		   Average
    Balance
    Non-interest-bearing demand deposit accounts $ 2,895,757   $ 2,901,061   $ 2,868,506   $ 3,239,251   $ 3,182,047   $ 3,138,238
    NOW accounts   187,078     177,827     179,765     174,963     200,900     197,659
    Money market deposit accounts   3,772,423     3,739,548     3,564,423     3,471,242     3,222,271     3,051,670
    Savings accounts   330,410     325,411     328,696     324,922     341,054     342,222
    Time deposits   226,404     232,683     239,215     220,205     197,265     188,045
    Brokered certificates of deposit (“CDs”)   —     —     —     11,822     162,228     190,240
    Total deposits $ 7,412,072   $ 7,376,530   $ 7,180,605   $ 7,442,405   $ 7,305,765   $ 7,108,074
                           
    Total deposits excluding Brokered CDs $ 7,412,072   $ 7,376,530   $ 7,180,605   $ 7,430,583   $ 7,143,537   $ 6,917,834
      Three Months Ended
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
    (In thousands) Average
    Rate
    Paid    (1)    		   Cost of
    Funds    		   Average
    Rate
    Paid    (1)    		   Cost of
    Funds    		   Average
    Rate
    Paid    (1)    		   Cost of
    Funds
                           
    Non-interest bearing demand deposit accounts 0.00 %   0.00 %   0.00 %   0.00 %   0.00 %   0.00 %
    NOW accounts 0.72 %   0.70 %   0.72 %   0.81 %   1.05 %   1.03 %
    Money market deposit accounts 2.73 %   2.76 %   2.67 %   2.85 %   2.96 %   2.67 %
    Savings accounts 1.28 %   1.28 %   1.32 %   1.37 %   1.34 %   1.29 %
    Time deposits 3.52 %   3.68 %   3.54 %   3.77 %   3.44 %   3.37 %
    Brokered CDs — %   — %   — %   5.69 %   4.99 %   5.16 %
    Total deposits 1.57 %   1.59 %   1.52 %   1.53 %   1.60 %   1.46 %
                           
    Interest-bearing deposits excluding Brokered CDs 2.58 %   2.62 %   2.54 %   2.70 %   2.75 %   2.50 %

    (1) Average rate paid is calculated as the weighted average of spot rates on deposit accounts. Off-balance sheet deposits are excluded from all calculations shown.

    Asset Quality
    (In thousands) March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
    Loans 90 days past due and accruing $ —   $ —   $ —
    Nonaccrual loans held for sale   989     4,853     989
    Nonaccrual loans – Commercial   27,872     16,041     24,228
    Nonaccrual loans – Retail   5,072     4,968     8,791
    Nonaccrual securities   7     8     31
    Total nonperforming assets $ 33,940   $ 25,870   $ 34,039
               
    Nonaccrual loans:          
    Commercial and industrial $ 12,786   $ 872   $ 8,750
    Commercial real estate   3,979     4,062     4,354
    Construction and land development   11,107     11,107     11,124
    Total commercial portfolio   27,872     16,041     24,228
               
    Residential real estate lending   1,375     1,771     4,763
    Consumer solar   3,479     2,827     3,852
    Consumer and other   218     370     176
    Total retail portfolio   5,072     4,968     8,791
    Total nonaccrual loans $ 32,944   $ 21,009   $ 33,019
               
    Credit Quality
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
    ($ in thousands)          
    Criticized and classified loans          
    Commercial and industrial $ 55,157   $ 62,614   $ 62,242
    Multifamily   8,540     8,573     10,274
    Commercial real estate   3,979     4,062     8,475
    Construction and land development   11,107     11,107     11,124
    Residential real estate lending   1,375     6,387     4,763
    Consumer solar   3,479     2,827     3,852
    Consumer and other   218     370     176
    Total loans $ 83,855   $ 95,940   $ 100,906
    Criticized and classified loans to total loans          
    Commercial and industrial 1.18 %   1.34 %   1.41 %
    Multifamily 0.18 %   0.18 %   0.23 %
    Commercial real estate 0.09 %   0.09 %   0.19 %
    Construction and land development 0.24 %   0.24 %   0.25 %
    Residential real estate lending 0.03 %   0.14 %   0.11 %
    Consumer solar 0.07 %   0.06 %   0.09 %
    Consumer and other — %   0.01 %   0.01 %
    Total loans 1.79 %   2.06 %   2.29 %
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
      Annualized
    net charge-
    offs
    (recoveries)
    to average
    loans    		   ACL to total portfolio balance   Annualized
    net charge-
    offs
    (recoveries)
    to average
    loans    		   ACL to total portfolio balance   Annualized
    net charge-
    offs
    (recoveries)
    to average
    loans    		   ACL to total portfolio
    balance
    Commercial and industrial 0.28 %   1.29 %   0.53 %   1.15 %   0.16 %   1.58 %
    Multifamily — %   0.23 %   0.15 %   0.21 %   — %   0.38 %
    Commercial real estate — %   0.39 %   — %   0.39 %   — %   0.40 %
    Construction and land development — %   6.05 %   (7.19) %   6.06 %   — %   3.67 %
    Residential real estate lending — %   0.73 %   0.28 %   0.71 %   — %   0.87 %
    Consumer solar 1.90 %   7.01 %   1.71 %   7.96 %   1.67 %   6.72 %
    Consumer and other 0.70 %   5.67 %   0.86 %   6.83 %   0.86 %   6.36 %
    Total loans 0.22 %   1.23 %   0.36 %   1.29 %   0.20 %   1.46 %
    Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    The information provided below presents a reconciliation of each of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly
    comparable GAAP financial measure.
      As of and for the
      Three Months Ended
    (in thousands) March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2024
    Core operating revenue          
    Net Interest Income (GAAP) $ 70,577     $ 73,095     $ 68,037  
    Non-interest income (GAAP)   6,406       4,789       10,229  
    Add: Securities loss   680       1,003       2,774  
    Less: ICS One-Way Sell Fee Income(1)   (9 )     (1,347 )     (2,903 )
    Less: Changes in fair value of loans held-for-sale(6)   (837 )     4,117       —  
    Add: Tax (credits) depreciation on solar investments(3)   2,868       920       (1,808 )
    Core operating revenue (non-GAAP) $ 79,685     $ 82,577     $ 76,329  
               
    Core non-interest expense          
    Non-interest expense (GAAP) $ 41,650     $ 41,143     $ 38,152  
    Add: Gain on settlement of lease termination(4)   —       —       499  
    Less: Severance costs(5)   (125 )     (1 )     (184 )
    Core non-interest expense (non-GAAP) $ 41,525     $ 41,142     $ 38,467  
               
    Core net income          
    Net Income (GAAP) $ 25,028     $ 24,491     $ 27,249  
    Add: Securities loss   680       1,003       2,774  
    Less: ICS One-Way Sell Fee Income(1)   (9 )     (1,347 )     (2,903 )
    Less: Changes in fair value of loans held-for-sale(6)   (837 )     4,117       —  
    Less: Gain on settlement of lease termination(4)   —       —       (499 )
    Add: Severance costs(5)   125       1       184  
    Add: Tax (credits) depreciation on solar investments(3)   2,868       920       (1,808 )
    Less: Tax on notable items   (731 )     (1,217 )     607  
    Core net income (non-GAAP) $ 27,124     $ 27,968     $ 25,604  
               
    Tangible common equity          
    Stockholders’ equity (GAAP) $ 735,996     $ 707,654     $ 616,938  
    Less: Minority interest   —       —       (133 )
    Less: Goodwill   (12,936 )     (12,936 )     (12,936 )
    Less: Core deposit intangible   (1,343 )     (1,487 )     (2,034 )
    Tangible common equity (non-GAAP) $ 721,717     $ 693,231     $ 601,835  
               
    Average tangible common equity          
    Average stockholders’ equity (GAAP) $ 722,380     $ 704,373     $ 600,759  
    Less: Minority interest   —       (132 )     (133 )
    Less: Goodwill   (12,936 )     (12,936 )     (12,936 )
    Less: Core deposit intangible   (1,413 )     (1,575 )     (2,123 )
    Average tangible common equity (non-GAAP) $ 708,031     $ 689,730     $ 585,567  

    (1) Included in service charges on deposit accounts in the Consolidated Statements of Income
    (2) Included in other income in the Consolidated Statements of Income
    (3) Included in equity method investments income in the Consolidated Statements of Income
    (4) Included in occupancy and depreciation in the Consolidated Statements of Income
    (5) Included in compensation and employee benefits in the Consolidated Statements of Income
    (6) Included in changes in fair value of loans held-for-sale in the Consolidated Statements of Income

    1 Definitions are presented under “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”. Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable GAAP measure are set forth on the last page of the financial information accompanying this press release and may also be found on the Company’s website, www.amalgamatedbank.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Apr 24, 2025 Day 4-8 Severe Weather Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Day 4-8 Severe Weather Outlook Issued on Apr 24, 2025

    Updated: Thu Apr 24 08:49:02 UTC 2025

     .

    D4
    Sun, Apr 27, 2025 – Mon, Apr 28, 2025
    D7
    Wed, Apr 30, 2025 – Thu, May 01, 2025

    D5
    Mon, Apr 28, 2025 – Tue, Apr 29, 2025
    D8
    Thu, May 01, 2025 – Fri, May 02, 2025

    D6
    Tue, Apr 29, 2025 – Wed, Apr 30, 2025
    (All days are valid from 12 UTC – 12 UTC the following day)

    Note: A severe weather area depicted in the Day 4-8 period indicates 15%, 30% or higher probability for severe thunderstorms within 25 miles of any point.

    PREDICTABILITY TOO LOW is used to indicate severe storms may be possible based on some model scenarios. However, the location or occurrence of severe storms are in doubt due to: 1) large differences in the deterministic model solutions, 2) large spread in the ensemble guidance, and/or 3) minimal run-to-run continuity.

    POTENTIAL TOO LOW means the threat for a regional area of organized severe storms appears unlikely (i.e., less than 15%) for the forecast day.

     Forecast Discussion

    ZCZC SPCSWOD48 ALL
    ACUS48 KWNS 240847
    SPC AC 240847

    Day 4-8 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0347 AM CDT Thu Apr 24 2025

    Valid 271200Z – 021200Z

    …DISCUSSION…
    …Day 4/Sun – Great Plains…

    An upper trough over the southwestern U.S. early Sunday will develop
    east, becoming oriented from the central Rockies to the Lower CO
    Valley by Monday morning. As the trough develops east, a band of
    enhanced southwesterly mid/upper flow will overspread NM northeast
    to the Dakotas. A lee surface cyclone will deepen over western
    SD/NE, eventually shifting east into eastern SD by early Monday.
    Southerly low-level flow will transport Gulf moisture northward
    across the Plains as a dryline sharpens over western portions of the
    Plains. An EML should limit diurnal thunderstorm activity, though an
    isolated supercell can not be ruled out somewhere along the dryline
    from western SD southward into west TX. As a 50-60 kt low-level jet
    develops overnight, elevated convection may develop near the surface
    low over parts of SD/ND. This activity could pose a risk for hail,
    but uncertainty precludes 15 percent probabilities at this time.

    …Day 5/Mon – Southern Plains to Upper Midwest…

    A shortwave trough embedded within the larger-scale western U.S.
    upper trough will eject from the central Rockies to the Upper
    Midwest on Monday. The southern branch of the western upper trough
    will stall over the Four Corners vicinity, but a broad swath of
    50-80 kt 500 mb southwesterly flow will extend from the southern
    Plains to the upper Great Lakes. A surface low will shift east
    across the Upper MS Valley, with a trailing cold front moving across
    the northern/central Plains into WI/IA during the afternoon and
    overnight hours. A dryline also will extend southwest from
    northeast/central KS into western OK/northwest TX.

    Rich Gulf moisture will be transported northward on increasing
    southerly low-level flow ahead of the aforementioned surface
    features. Moderate to strong destabilization is forecast from OK
    northeast into IA and adjacent parts of southern MN/southwest WI.
    Supercell wind profiles amid this very moist/unstable airmass will
    support an all-hazards severe risk. The greatest risk should be
    centered on IA and adjacent areas from extreme northeast KS into
    southeast MN/southwest WI, where an intense low-level jet is
    expected to develop by late afternoon/early evening.

    With southwest extent across eastern KS into OK, and northwest TX,
    convective coverage is less certain as capping my limit severe
    thunderstorm development. Current model trends hanging back the
    southern branch of the upper trough also suggests large-scale ascent
    will be weaker across the region, resulting in a more difficult time
    overcoming capping. Higher probabilities may be needed in subsequent
    outlooks if trends suggest capping will be less of a hindrance.

    …Day 6/Tue – North TX into southern Lower MI and OH…

    Severe potential will continue into Tuesday, especially from the
    Mid-MS Valley into Lower MI/OH where the surface cold front is
    expected to continue pushing east/southeast through the period.
    While the upper shortwave trough over the Great Lakes will deamplify
    through the day, enhanced southwesterly flow atop the frontal
    boundary and a moist/unstable airmass should continue to support
    severe thunderstorm organization in the form of clusters and line
    segments.

    With southwest extent into AR/eastern OK/north TX, large-scale
    ascent will become weaker. However, persistent warm advection in the
    vicinity of a stalled boundary, and potential secondary surface low
    development should foster strong/severe thunderstorm activity.

    …Days 7-8/Wed-Thu… OK/TX into the Lower MS Valley…

    Forecast guidance shows the southwestern U.S. upper trough ejecting
    across the southern Plains and Lower MS Valley by the end of the
    forecast period. This could bring severe thunderstorm potential to
    these regions (OK/TX on Wed, ArkLaTex/Lower MS Valley on Thu).
    However, several periods of thunderstorm activity leading into
    Wednesday and large surface pattern differences among medium range
    guidance precludes introduction of severe probabilities at this
    time.

    ..Leitman.. 04/24/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS48 PTSD48 PRODUCT

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Apr 24, 2025 0730 UTC Day 3 Severe Thunderstorm Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

     For best viewing experience, please enable browser JavaScript support.

    Apr 24, 2025 0730 UTC Day 3 Severe Thunderstorm Outlook

    Updated: Thu Apr 24 06:58:25 UTC 2025 (Print Version |   |  )

    Probabilistic to Categorical Outlook Conversion Table

     Forecast Discussion

    SPC AC 240658

    Day 3 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0158 AM CDT Thu Apr 24 2025

    Valid 261200Z – 271200Z

    …THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS EASTERN
    NEW MEXICO INTO WESTERN TEXAS…

    …SUMMARY…
    Isolated strong to severe thunderstorms are possible on Saturday
    across portions of eastern New Mexico into western Texas.

    …Southern High Plains…

    An upper ridge will remain centered over the Great Plains on
    Saturday. However, an upper trough will shift east into the
    Southwestern U.S., and southwesterly flow aloft will increase across
    the southern Rockies/High Plains vicinity by late afternoon into the
    overnight hours. At the surface, a stalled front from east-central
    NM into central OK will lift northward through the day and
    south/southeasterly low-level flow will transport upper 50s to low
    60s F dewpoints northward across the High Plains. Midlevel lapse
    rates will steepen through the day, and a corridor of weak to
    moderate instability is expected along a sharpening dryline across
    eastern NM into western TX.

    Some forecast guidance has quite a bit of ongoing convection
    Saturday morning, which lends to uncertainty regarding severe
    potential. Nevertheless, the overall environment will support severe
    thunderstorms capable of producing large hail and damaging gusts.
    While coverage and location is uncertain, highest confidence in a
    few supercells is across eastern NM and perhaps into adjacent west
    TX.

    ..Leitman.. 04/24/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS03 PTSDY3 PRODUCT

    NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 3 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 1930Z

    Top/Latest Day 1 Outlook/Today’s Outlooks/Forecast Products/Home

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Apr 24, 2025 0600 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

     For best viewing experience, please enable browser JavaScript support.

    Apr 24, 2025 0600 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook

    Updated: Thu Apr 24 05:20:13 UTC 2025 (Print Version |   |  )

    Probabilistic to Categorical Outlook Conversion Table

     Forecast Discussion

    SPC AC 240520

    Day 2 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1220 AM CDT Thu Apr 24 2025

    Valid 251200Z – 261200Z

    …THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS EXTREME
    EASTERN NEW MEXICO…NORTHWEST TEXAS AND PORTIONS OF
    SOUTHWEST/CENTRAL OKLAHOMA…

    …SUMMARY…
    Isolated severe thunderstorms are possible across parts of Oklahoma,
    northwest Texas, and extreme eastern New Mexico Friday afternoon and
    evening.

    …Southern Plains…

    An upper ridge will build over the Plains on Friday. Despite the
    building ridge, midlevel temperatures will remain somewhat cool (-10
    to -14 C at 500 mb) and weak shortwave impulse is expected to
    meander through the upper ridge during the afternoon/evening. At the
    surface, a cold front will sag southward across KS into
    northern/central OK and the TX Panhandle by 00-03z. A dryline also
    will extend southward across southwest TX. Some forecast guidance
    suggests remnant convection from the Day 1/Thu period could be
    ongoing across parts of eastern OK/KS Friday morning. This is
    uncertain, but if this occurs, an outflow boundary may also extend
    across portions of OK. Modest boundary layer moisture beneath steep
    midlevel lapse rates will support moderate instability, especially
    where stronger heating occurs. The aforementioned surface boundaries
    will serve as foci for potential thunderstorm development during the
    afternoon/evening. Elongated hodographs and effective shear near 30
    kt suggests any storms that develop could produce large hail. Where
    stronger heating occurs, steep low-level lapse rates also could
    support sporadic strong gusts.

    …OH Valley…

    An upper shortwave trough will develop east across southeast Canada
    and the Great Lakes vicinity on Friday. Stronger westerly flow aloft
    will largely remain over the Great Lakes and Canada and lag behind a
    surface cold front. This surface cold front is forecast to move
    across the Ohio Valley during the afternoon and evening. Modest
    boundary layer moisture ahead of the front will support modest
    destabilization. However, vertical shear is expected to remain
    fairly weak. Scattered thunderstorms are expected, and a few
    stronger cells could produce locally gusty winds or perhaps small
    hail. Overall severe potential is expected to remain limited.

    ..Leitman.. 04/24/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS02 PTSDY2 PRODUCT

    NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 2 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 1730Z

    Top/Latest Day 1 Outlook/Today’s Outlooks/Forecast Products/Home

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Beating malaria: what can be done with shrinking funds and rising threats

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Taneshka Kruger, UP ISMC: Project Manager and Coordinator, University of Pretoria

    Healthcare in Africa faces a perfect storm: high rates of infectious diseases like malaria and HIV, a rise in non-communicable diseases, and dwindling foreign aid.

    In 2021, nearly half of the sub-Saharan African countries relied on external financing for more than a third of their health expenditure. But donor fatigue and competing global priorities, such as climate change and geopolitical instability, have placed malaria control programmes under immense pressure. These funding gaps now threaten hard-won progress and ultimately malaria eradication.

    The continent’s healthcare funding crisis isn’t new. But its consequences are becoming more severe. As financial contributions shrink, Africa’s ability to respond to deadly diseases like malaria is being tested like never before.

    Malaria remains one of the world’s most pressing public health threats. According to the World Health Organization there were an estimated 263 million malaria cases and 597,000 deaths globally in 2023 – an increase of 11 million cases from the previous year.

    The WHO African region bore the brunt, with 94% of cases and 95% of deaths. It is now estimated that a child under the age of five dies roughly every 90 seconds due to malaria.

    Yet, malaria control efforts since 2000 have averted over 2 billion cases and saved nearly 13 million lives globally. Breakthroughs in diagnostics, treatment and prevention have been critical to this progress. They include insecticide-treated nets, rapid diagnostic tests, artemisinin-based combination therapies (drug combinations to prevent resistance) and malaria vaccines.

    Since 2017, the progress has been flat. If the funding gap widens, the risk is not just stagnation; it’s backsliding. Several emerging threats such as climate change and funding shortfalls could undo the gains of the early 2000s to mid-2010s.

    New challenges

    Resistance to drugs and insecticides, and strains of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum that standard diagnostics can’t detect, have emerged as challenges. There have also been changes in mosquito behaviour, with vectors increasingly biting outdoors, making bed nets less effective.

    Climate change is shifting malaria transmission patterns. And the invasive Asian mosquito species Anopheles stephensi is spreading across Africa, particularly in urban areas.

    Add to this the persistent issue of cross-border transmission, and growing funding shortfalls and aid cuts, and it’s clear that the fight against malaria is at a critical point.

    As the world observes World Malaria Day 2025 under the theme “Malaria ends with us: reinvest, reimagine, reignite”, the call to action is urgent. Africa must lead the charge against malaria through renewed investment, bold innovation, and revitalised political will.

    Reinvest: Prevention is the most cost-effective intervention

    We – researchers, policymakers, health workers and communities – need to think smarter about funding. The economic logic of prevention is simple. It’s far cheaper to prevent malaria than to treat it. The total cost of procuring and delivering long-lasting insecticidal nets typically ranges between US$4 and US$7 each and the nets protect families for years. In contrast, treating a single case of severe malaria may cost hundreds of dollars and involve hospitalisation.

    In high-burden countries, malaria can consume up to 40% of public health spending.

    In Tanzania, for instance, malaria contributes to 30% of the country’s total disease burden. The broader economic toll – lost productivity, work and school absenteeism, and healthcare costs – is staggering. Prevention through long-lasting insecticidal nets, chemoprevention and health education isn’t only humane; it’s fiscally responsible.

    Reimagine: New tools, local solutions

    We cannot fight tomorrow’s malaria with yesterday’s tools. Resistance, climate-driven shifts in transmission, and urbanisation are changing malaria’s patterns.

    This is why re-imagining our approach is urgent.

    African countries must scale up innovations like the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine and next-generation mosquito nets. But more importantly, they must build their own capacity to develop, test and produce these tools.

    This requires investing in research and development, regional regulatory harmonisation, and local manufacturing.

    There is also a need to build leadership capacity within malaria control programmes to manage this adaptive disease with agility and evidence-based decision-making.

    Reignite: Community and collaboration matters

    Reigniting the malaria fight means shifting power to those on the frontlines. Community health workers remain one of Africa’s greatest untapped resources. Already delivering malaria testing, treatment and health education in remote areas, they can also be trained to manage other health challenges.

    Integrating malaria prevention into broader community health services makes sense. It builds resilience, reduces duplication, and ensures continuity even when external funding fluctuates.

    Every malaria intervention delivered by a trusted, local health worker is a step towards community ownership of health.

    Strengthened collaboration between partners, governments, cross-border nations, and local communities is also needed.

    The cost of inaction is unaffordable

    Africa’s malaria challenge is part of a deeper health systems crisis. By 2030, the continent will require an additional US$371 billion annually to deliver basic primary healthcare – about US$58 per person.

    For malaria in 2023 alone, US$8.3 billion was required to meet global control and elimination targets, yet only US$4 billion was mobilised. This gap has grown consistently, increasing from US$2.6 billion in 2019 to US$4.3 billion in 2023.

    The shortfall has led to major gaps in the coverage of essential malaria interventions.

    The solution does not lie in simply spending more, but in spending smarter by focusing on prevention, building local innovation, and strengthening primary healthcare systems.

    The responsibility is collective. African governments must invest boldly and reform policies to prioritise prevention.

    Global partners must support without dominating. And communities must be empowered to take ownership of their health.

    – Beating malaria: what can be done with shrinking funds and rising threats
    – https://theconversation.com/beating-malaria-what-can-be-done-with-shrinking-funds-and-rising-threats-255126

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: On-call firefighter recruits officially welcomed into the States of Jersey Fire & Rescue Service in a pass-out parade24 April 2025 ​Eleven new on-call firefighter recruits were officially welcomed into the States of Jersey Fire & Rescue Service over the Easter Weekend, with a pass-out parade. Their families and friends joined… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    24 April 2025

    ​Eleven new on-call firefighter recruits were officially welcomed into the States of Jersey Fire & Rescue Service over the Easter Weekend, with a pass-out parade. 

    Their families and friends joined them for the ceremony where Area Commander Lee Drawbridge presented the firefighters with certificates.

    Their loved ones were also able to witness some of the life-saving emergency work they’ll be undertaking in their new role, with an RTC casualty extrication demonstration.

    Following a successful recruitment campaign and subsequent training programme, the new firefighters are joining crews based at either the Western or Town stations.

    These successful candidates will play a part in strengthening and protecting our community – and in the Island’s response to emergencies.

    Deputy Chief Fire Officer Bryn Coleman said: “We are delighted to welcome these 11 enthusiastic individuals into the Fire and Rescue Service family.

    “Our on-call firefighters are a vital element to the island’s resilience and these new recruits go a long way towards bolstering our resilience within the States of Jersey Fire and Rescue Service.

    “Both our stations rely on on-call firefighters to ensure we can respond effectively to emergencies, and we are grateful for their dedication in helping make our Island home that little bit safer.

    “We are also grateful to their families and loved ones who were able to join us for their pass-out parade.

    “As emergency responders, having that support at home makes all the difference.”

    The States of Jersey Fire & Rescue Service on-call firefighters are often permanently employed by other organisations but provide an on-call service to the fire service when their pager alerts them. Just like full-time firefighters, on-call firefighters are trained to deal with a wide range of situations and incidents.

    They are required to respond to emergencies every four days if working from St Helier, or alternate evenings if working from Western Station in St Brelade. 

    The challenging role of a firefighter means it suits people who work well in a team; people with a positive, professional approach; and people who recognise the value of rules and procedures but who are also innovative and can challenge appropriately. 

    Firefighters also need to deal sensitively with members of the public in difficult and emotional situations and the ability to deliver under pressure, often with great courage and in distressing circumstances. 

    ​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: First Responders – Auckland Hillside Road recycling plant fire update #2

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews have contained a large fire in an Auckland recycling plant to the building. 
    The officer in charge, Assistant Commander Barry Thomas says crews are now continuing to work on extinguishing the fire within the building.
    “Sixteen fire trucks, four ladder trucks, four specialist appliances and twelve support vehicles  from across Auckland and from Hamilton, plus around 90 personnel are responding.” he says.
    “There are lithium-ion batteries in the fire inside the plant and the fire continues to produce toxic smoke. 
    “We sent out an emergency message alert around six thirty this evening with instructions for nearby public,” Barry Thomas says.
    “We continue to urge people living nearby to stay inside and keep their windows closed. There is no immediate need to evacuate unless advised to do so.
    “Roads remain closed in the area. Please stay away so our crews can get on with the job of extinguishing the fire.” 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: First Responders – Large fire at recycling plant in Wairau Valley Auckland

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Fire and Emergency New Zealand was alerted to a well involved fire at a recycling plant on Hillside Road in Wairau Valley Auckland at 17.24 this evening.
    It is understood there are batteries on fire inside the factory and the fire is producing large amounts of smoke..
    The fire is now at Alert Level 5. Multiple fire crews from across Auckland are responding.
    We ask people in the area to stay inside and close windows due to the smoke. There is no immediate need to evacuate unless advised to do so.
    Roads have been closed in the area. Please stay away so our crews can get on with the job of extinguishing the fire.  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Membership of the Building Control Independent Panel

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Membership of the Building Control Independent Panel

    The government has announced the appointment of five members to the Building Control Independent Panel.

    Today (24 April), the government has announced the appointment of five members to the Building Control Independent Panel.

    This delivers on a Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendation, accepted by the government, to set up a panel to carry out a review of whether to change the way in which building control is delivered in England. 

    The panel will be chaired by Dame Judith Hackitt, whose leadership of the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety has already helped to shape vital reforms across the sector. An engineer by profession, Dame Judith currently serves as an adviser on building standards to both the UK and Australian Governments and is a member of the International Building Quality Council (IBQC).  She will be joined by four experts with extensive experience in the regulation and use of the building control sector: Elaine Bailey, Ken Rivers, Rt Hon Nick Raynsford and Dr David Snowball. 

    The panel members’ collective expertise will support a thorough and independent review of the current building control model, including on the Inquiry’s recommendations to consider the issue of commercial incentives from the system and exploring alternative options and approaches. The panel is expected to provide a report to the government this autumn.

    Minister for Building Safety, Alex Norris MP, said:  

    “The appointment of this independent panel is a significant step in our response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. We need a building control system that puts safety first and supports our plans to accelerate remediation. It must also help to deliver 1.5 million safe, high-quality homes over this Parliament, and be equipped to meet the demands of a modern construction sector.   

    “Their work will play a vital role in shaping a safer, more accountable building industry, and I look forward to receiving the panel’s recommendations as they take this important work forward.”

    The Chair for the Building Control Independent Panel, Dame Judith Hackitt said:  

    “The panel stands ready to get to work on this important review.  We will work at speed but we come at this issue with an open mind and a determination to further raise standards”. 

    Background on the Building Control system   

    The building control system is there primarily to oversee key safety standards set in legislation and ensure that buildings are checked and safe in areas such as fire and structural safety. Following concerns raised by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, especially around conflicts of interest in the system, a new panel has been appointed to look at whether changes are required.    

    Notes to Editors  

    • The establishment of the panel was announced in the Government’s response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry on February 26, 2025.  

    • The Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended that the Government establish an independent panel to consider whether to remove commercial interest from building control and whether to move to a national authority decision model.  

    • The panel’s role is advisory and independent.  The aim is a report to Government in the autumn with a response before the end of the year.  

    • Further updates, including the panel’s Terms of Reference, will be published on GOV.UK shortly.  

    Panel members:

    Elaine Bailey  

    Elaine Bailey is a member of the Industry Safety Steering Group and was formerly the CEO of Hyde Housing (2014-2019). Elaine holds several non-executive directorships, including at MJ Gleeson plc, a house builder operating in the North and Midlands; McCarthy&Stone Shared Ownership (MCSSO), a For Profit Registered Provider of older persons’ housing with a strategic partnership with Homes England; and Andium Housing, Jersey’s largest provider of sub-market value homes for rent and purchase.  

    Ken Rivers  

    Ken is a non-executive director at the HSE, alongside his role as a member of the Industrial Safety Steering Group. Prior to that he chaired the Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations Strategic Forum and led the tripartite group since its inception, bringing industry and regulators together to identify and address important matters of managing major hazard in the UK. He spent 38 years of his career working at Shell, through various different positions and was President of the Institution of Chemical Engineers.  

    Rt Hon Nick Raynsford MP  

    Nick Raynsford was a Labour MP for 24 years. During this time he held positions as Minister of State for Housing and Planning, Minister for Construction, Minister for London and Minister of State for Local and Regional Government. The latter included responsibility for the Fire and Rescue Service. Since then he has had a number of advisory and non-executive roles in the private, voluntary and public sectors. This included chairing CICAIR (CIC Approved Inspectors Register), the organisation responsible until April 2024 for registering private sector Building Control bodies. Nick is a member of the New Towns Taskforce, working with MHCLG.   

    Dr. David Snowball  

    David spent his working career in the Health and Safety Executive, joining as a Factory Inspector in 1984 and retiring 35 years later. He held senior posts in operational divisions overseeing HSE intervention and enforcement and was also responsible, as Director Regulation, for the quality of operational work. He spent 15 months as Acting Chief Executive before his retirement. He now sits on the Industry Safety Steering Group alongside Dame Judith and is a non-executive director at the Gangmaster and Labour Abuse Authority (Feb 2022- present).

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Beating malaria: what can be done with shrinking funds and rising threats

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Taneshka Kruger, UP ISMC: Project Manager and Coordinator, University of Pretoria

    Healthcare in Africa faces a perfect storm: high rates of infectious diseases like malaria and HIV, a rise in non-communicable diseases, and dwindling foreign aid.

    In 2021, nearly half of the sub-Saharan African countries relied on external financing for more than a third of their health expenditure. But donor fatigue and competing global priorities, such as climate change and geopolitical instability, have placed malaria control programmes under immense pressure. These funding gaps now threaten hard-won progress and ultimately malaria eradication.

    The continent’s healthcare funding crisis isn’t new. But its consequences are becoming more severe. As financial contributions shrink, Africa’s ability to respond to deadly diseases like malaria is being tested like never before.

    Malaria remains one of the world’s most pressing public health threats. According to the World Health Organization there were an estimated 263 million malaria cases and 597,000 deaths globally in 2023 – an increase of 11 million cases from the previous year.

    The WHO African region bore the brunt, with 94% of cases and 95% of deaths. It is now estimated that a child under the age of five dies roughly every 90 seconds due to malaria.

    Yet, malaria control efforts since 2000 have averted over 2 billion cases and saved nearly 13 million lives globally. Breakthroughs in diagnostics, treatment and prevention have been critical to this progress. They include insecticide-treated nets, rapid diagnostic tests, artemisinin-based combination therapies (drug combinations to prevent resistance) and malaria vaccines.

    Since 2017, the progress has been flat. If the funding gap widens, the risk is not just stagnation; it’s backsliding. Several emerging threats such as climate change and funding shortfalls could undo the gains of the early 2000s to mid-2010s.

    New challenges

    Resistance to drugs and insecticides, and strains of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum that standard
    diagnostics can’t detect, have emerged as challenges. There have also been changes in mosquito behaviour, with vectors increasingly biting outdoors, making bed nets less effective.

    Climate change is shifting malaria transmission patterns. And the invasive Asian mosquito species Anopheles stephensi is spreading across Africa, particularly in urban areas.

    Add to this the persistent issue of cross-border transmission, and growing funding shortfalls and aid cuts, and it’s clear that the fight against malaria is at a critical point.

    As the world observes World Malaria Day 2025 under the theme “Malaria ends with us: reinvest, reimagine, reignite”, the call to action is urgent. Africa must lead the charge against malaria through renewed investment, bold innovation, and revitalised political will.

    Reinvest: Prevention is the most cost-effective intervention

    We – researchers, policymakers, health workers and communities – need to think smarter about funding. The economic logic of prevention is simple. It’s far cheaper to prevent malaria than to treat it. The total cost of procuring and delivering long-lasting insecticidal nets typically ranges between US$4 and US$7 each and the nets protect families for years. In contrast, treating a single case of severe malaria may cost hundreds of dollars and involve hospitalisation.

    In high-burden countries, malaria can consume up to 40% of public health spending.

    In Tanzania, for instance, malaria contributes to 30% of the country’s total disease burden. The broader economic toll – lost productivity, work and school absenteeism, and healthcare costs – is staggering. Prevention through long-lasting insecticidal nets, chemoprevention and health education isn’t only humane; it’s fiscally responsible.

    Reimagine: New tools, local solutions

    We cannot fight tomorrow’s malaria with yesterday’s tools. Resistance, climate-driven shifts in transmission, and urbanisation are changing malaria’s patterns.

    This is why re-imagining our approach is urgent.

    African countries must scale up innovations like the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine and next-generation mosquito nets. But more importantly, they must build their own capacity to develop, test and produce these tools.

    This requires investing in research and development, regional regulatory harmonisation, and local manufacturing.

    There is also a need to build leadership capacity within malaria control programmes to manage this adaptive disease with agility and evidence-based decision-making.

    Reignite: Community and collaboration matters

    Reigniting the malaria fight means shifting power to those on the frontlines. Community health workers remain one of Africa’s greatest untapped resources. Already delivering malaria testing, treatment and health education in remote areas, they can also be trained to manage other health challenges.

    Integrating malaria prevention into broader community health services makes sense. It builds resilience, reduces duplication, and ensures continuity even when external funding fluctuates.

    Every malaria intervention delivered by a trusted, local health worker is a step towards community ownership of health.

    Strengthened collaboration between partners, governments, cross-border nations, and local communities is also needed.

    The cost of inaction is unaffordable

    Africa’s malaria challenge is part of a deeper health systems crisis. By 2030, the continent will require an additional US$371 billion annually to deliver basic primary healthcare – about US$58 per person.

    For malaria in 2023 alone, US$8.3 billion was required to meet global control and elimination targets, yet only US$4 billion was mobilised. This gap has grown consistently, increasing from US$2.6 billion in 2019 to US$4.3 billion in 2023.

    The shortfall has led to major gaps in the coverage of essential malaria interventions.

    The solution does not lie in simply spending more, but in spending smarter by focusing on prevention, building local innovation, and strengthening primary healthcare systems.

    The responsibility is collective. African governments must invest boldly and reform policies to prioritise prevention.

    Global partners must support without dominating. And communities must be empowered to take ownership of their health.

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

    – ref. Beating malaria: what can be done with shrinking funds and rising threats – https://theconversation.com/beating-malaria-what-can-be-done-with-shrinking-funds-and-rising-threats-255126

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Russia’s missile attacks against Ukrainian civilians over Easter demonstrate its attitude towards peace: UK statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Speech

    Russia’s missile attacks against Ukrainian civilians over Easter demonstrate its attitude towards peace: UK statement to the OSCE

    Ambassador Holland condemns Russia’s missile attacks against civilians in Sumy and Kharkiv over Easter and President Putin’s transparently cynical attempts to portray Russia as the party of peace.

    Thank you, Mister Chair.  The United Kingdom is grateful to Finland for convening this Special Permanent Council.  It was only 16 days ago that you were last compelled to call an extraordinary meeting of the Council after a Russian missile killed 20 people, including nine children, in Kryvyi Rih.  It was the largest number of children killed in a single strike since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, according to the UN.

    Last week was one of major religious festivals where communities around the globe came together in the spirit of peace and goodwill. But while Christians around the world were marking the beginning of Holy Week, a Russian ballistic missile struck the centre of Sumy.  34 people were killed, including two children.  A further 117 were injured.  Some of the victims were heading to church for a Palm Sunday service.

    On Good Friday another Russian ballistic missile struck Kharkiv using a cluster munition.  One person was killed and at least 60 were injured.  On the same day, a drone attack on Sumy killed another civilian and destroyed a bakery preparing traditional Easter ‘paska’ bread.

    Mister Chair, our thoughts are with all the victims and their loved ones at this tragic time.

    Russia’s response to the widespread condemnation in this Council – and at the UN – following their attack on Sumy was to resort to their familiar playbook of disinformation and distortion in an attempt to justify the unjustifiable.  We can expect to see a similar tactic on this occasion.

    Through these barbaric attacks, Russia has shown that its cruelty knows no bounds and that it is not serious about peace. President Putin’s so-called “Easter truce” was a stunt, violated repeatedly by his own forces.  A day later – Easter Monday – a further five civilians reportedly lost their lives following Russian attacks, laying bare the Kremlin’s transparently cynical attempt to portray themselves as the party of peace.  Similar attacks have continued since, including yesterday against Kyiv, in which nine civilians were reportedly killed, and 70 more injured.

    If Russia was serious about peace, it would agree to an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire, just as Ukraine did, more than 40 days ago.  If it was serious about peace, it would stop these senseless attacks on civilians.  If it was serious about peace, it would honour the commitments it has made.

    Russia’s continued attacks against Ukraine are another stark reminder that President Putin has not abandoned his goal of subjugating Ukraine.  For this reason, the UK, alongside our partners and allies, will continue to provide Ukraine with the military support it needs to defend its citizens. And we stand ready to apply further pressure on Russia to hinder its ability to wage this war of aggression.

    Thank you, Mister Chair.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 April 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK and Ukraine deepen community ties as part of 100 Year Partnership

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK and Ukraine deepen community ties as part of 100 Year Partnership

    Thousands of school children across the UK and Ukraine have applied to take part in a landmark 100 Year Partnership programme between the two countries.

    • UK and Ukrainian schools flood applications for 100 Year Partnership programme as Prime Minister invites children to No10 to celebrate close links
    • Prime Minister says “partnership will deliver brighter futures for children in both countries”
    • Schools from Wales and Warwickshire to visit Downing Street tomorrow (Friday 25 April) to write to partnered schools in Ukraine
    • Comes as Ukraine launches a new stamp to mark special friendship between the two countries

    Thousands of school children across the UK and Ukraine have applied to take part in a landmark 100 Year Partnership programme between the two countries, further cementing the unbreakable ties between the two countries.

    Following the launch of the UK-Ukraine 100 Year Partnership in January, more than 750 schools from across the UK and Ukraine applied to take part in the programme, fostering classroom friendships, cultural understanding and inspiring future generations of world leaders, diplomats and business leaders.

    Thirty schools, including Number 219 School in Kyiv and All Saints Catholic Primary School in Anfield, who the Prime Minister joined a lesson between during his visit to Ukraine in January, have piloted the hugely successful programme.

    A further 70 are being paired in the coming days, while the remainder will be supported through the British Council’s UK-Ukraine School Partnerships programme until further spots become available.

    Children from several schools participating in the 100 Year Partnership school twinning programme will visit Downing Street tomorrow (Friday 25 April). The children, from YGG Pontybrenin, St Marie’s Catholic Primary School & Nursery and English Martyrs Catholic Primary School, will write letters to exchange with partnered schools in Ukraine, many of whom have spent hours attending school in bunkers during Russian drone and missile attacks.

    The children will also mark the launch of a new commemorative stamp, designed by both the UK and Ukrainian governments, which will be entered into circulation by the Ukrainian postal service Ukrposhta from the end of this month.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    The unbreakable bond between the UK and Ukraine is often best reflected in the friendships formed among our children. These young minds are the architects of our future and security, fostering connections that transcend borders and cultures, and this partnership will deliver brighter futures for children in both countries.

    Our support is not only about providing military assistance, which remains crucial in ensuring Ukraine’s ability to defend itself, but also about standing by Ukraine for generations to come, as it seeks a just and lasting peace.

    That’s why our support matters not only now, but for our future, as all ages stand up for the values we hold dear, which are fundamental to our national security and Plan for Change.

    This unique initiative supports schools to build lasting international partnerships, and explore reading as a tool to expand horizons, build confidence, and boost mental wellbeing.

    In Kyiv, the British Embassy’s Chargée d’affaires, Charlotte Surun, attended the official launch ceremony of the new limited-edition stamp at the headquarters of the Ukrainian Post Office.

    The launch was attended by children from Kyiv School Number 219 which the Prime Minister visited in January. The children wrote messages on postcards to the students at their twinned school, Liverpool All Saints, as well as messages to the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary.

    Head of UK Schools at the British Council Shannon West said: 

    Creating opportunities for young people has been at the heart of the work of the British Council for the last 90 years.

    We are delighted to be working with so many schools on this programme, which will give young people the international outlook and skills to thrive in our global society and strengthen ties between the UK and Ukraine.

    The unbreakable bonds between the UK and Ukraine have been formalised through the landmark new 100 Year Partnership between the two countries, broadening and deepening the relationship across defence and non-military areas and enabling closer community links, such as this initiative.

    Supporting Ukraine to defend itself from Russia’s barbaric invasion and rebuild a prosperous, sovereign future, is vital to this government’s foundation of security and our Plan for Change.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “The fundamental principle of scientific knowledge is honesty.”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    Daria Mazur wanted to study science since she was 13, when she realized in seventh grade that she was good at physics. In an interview with the Young Scientists of the Higher School of Economics project, she talked about theoretical research on the double electric layer, speed reading, and the MGMT song “Little Dark Age.”

    Why I started doing science

    I was a very unpopular child at school, no one really made friends with me, I existed on my own. And so, when physics started in the seventh grade and I started doing well, I found an outlet in it. Since the seventh grade, that is, since I was 13, I wanted to do science, and only science. I have never doubted it and since then I have been following my own path.

    For a long time I didn’t understand what scientific direction to choose. I knew it would be technical sciences, but I didn’t understand which ones. That’s why I enrolled in applied mathematics. There’s a lot of freedom there: you can do development, or fundamental research.

    In my third year, I met my academic supervisor. Yuri Alekseevich Budkov, and since then I have been engaged in science continuously, already in a specific direction – physical chemistry. This is a science in which chemical phenomena are explained with the help of physics. That is, it is physics and chemistry in one bottle.

    What am I studying?

    Double electric layer. This is a structure that forms at the metal-electrolyte boundary. It consists of a dense layer and a diffuse layer of ions. In a first approximation, the double layer can be represented as a flat capacitor with a capacitance C, which can store energy by accumulating a charge. Double electric layer is the main technology used in supercapacitors. These are new modern energy storage devices. Existing classical double layer models do not take into account many physical factors that prevent the application of these models to real physical and chemical systems, so there is a need to create new theoretical models that would allow for the correct assessment of, for example, the capacity of the double layer, since it is quite difficult to measure it experimentally.

    My first scientific work…

    …happened in the third year. During industrial practice, and then in my bachelor’s thesis, we studied a porous carbon material of the CMK-3 type: we estimated its differential electrical capacity and elastic deformation, then we compared our developed model with the experiment, and obtained good agreement.

    In the next work, already a master’s thesis, we came up with another model of the double electric layer. If earlier we did not take into account the influence of the solvent, that is, our permittivity was constant, then the next time we used an explicit polar solvent – water. This means that an equation was solved for the permittivity, and it changed with the distance from the electrode.

    We approximated the experimental data on differential electric capacity using our model. In it, we took into account all modern aspects of the theory of the double electric layer. For example, the hydrate radius, specific interactions, dielectric decrement, the effect of excluded volume. And based on the obtained parameters, we predicted the differential electric capacity for other concentrations.

    We also found out the influence of specific interactions on the differential electric capacity. Specific interactions are either repulsion or attraction of the hydrated ion and water. We found out that when the specific interactions change from repulsion to attraction, the peak of differential electric capacity decreases. This result was obtained for the first time.

    What I am proud of

    My bachelor’s and master’s degrees, because they resulted in publications in scientific journals – Europhysics Letters and ChemPhysChem respectively. In the second publication, devoted to the modeling of the double electric layer within the framework of the self-consistent field theory at the metal-electrolyte interface, I am listed as the first author for the first time in my scientific career.

    I am very proud of myself – that despite all the trials and difficulties that I had to overcome, I still retained the desire to do science and achieved results that are significant for me. I am very persistent.

    I have been living on my own since I was 18, and I had to work a lot during my entire bachelor’s degree. The first two years were especially hard because I had to combine studying with a hard, low-paying job. It got easier in my third year because Covid started. Everything was closed, there was no work, but I was paid a small salary. In addition, in my third year, I received my first money for science. This raised my morale. And I didn’t have to study in person: until the end of my fourth year, I studied completely online.

    I am currently studying on a single track “Master’s degree – postgraduate study”, and I am paid a stipend. In addition, I work as a research intern at the Laboratory of Computational Physics of MIEM HSE and teach physics in the educational programs “Applied Mathematics” and “Informatics and Computer Engineering”.

    What I dream about

    I don’t really believe in dreams. For me, it’s something unrealistic and unrealistic – like riding a unicorn. I believe in setting goals and achieving them. Actually, that’s how it works out for me in life. But if you really need a dream, then have a funny one. I want no scientist to have to write reports according to GOST.

    What is my goal?

    Defend a PhD dissertation.

    I would like to defend my thesis in physical chemistry, not applied mathematics. I am still working on it, because studying chemistry is very difficult. There is a lot of new knowledge, especially in quantum chemistry and physical chemistry. But I try to constantly learn something new. For example, I recently went to Veliky Novgorod for a workshop on quantum chemistry, where I built my first molecules.

    Science is a system of values that can help you live a good life.

    I believe that the fundamental principle of scientific knowledge is honesty.

    Few people can live without love. It doesn’t matter what kind – romantic, friendly, family. For me, science is love. Every person lives for happiness. Jung, I think, also wrote that happiness is the highest value. And in order for me to be happy, I need to study science.

    If I hadn’t become a scientist

    It’s hard for me to imagine myself as anything other than a scientist. But if I had to choose, I’d probably become a doctor. I really like helping people, and I also like chemistry. Or I could become a chemical engineer, for example, in pharmaceuticals.

    Who would I like to meet?

    With Marie Skłodowska-Curie. She is the first woman to win the Nobel Prize. And the first person in history to receive two Nobel Prizes – in physics and chemistry. I would like to know the secrets of her ability to work. She had a rather difficult life, especially at the beginning of her career. I would like to know how it affected her, what her strength is. She impresses me so much that I visited her grave in Paris, and I always have a book with her biography at home.

    How my typical day is structured

    I wake up not very early, walk the dog. And then I go to work. My working day usually lasts at least 10 hours. In particular, I devote a lot of time to preparing for seminar classes. We need to publish a scientific article soon, and the calculations for it take a lot of time. They have to be done 10-15 times, double-checking every letter in the code, because if you make a mistake somewhere, the results will be non-physical or illogical.

    Do I get burnout?

    Yes, and often, but I don’t fight it. I have too many obligations. It’s gotten a little easier lately because I turned to my supervisor for help: he gives me the opportunity to rest. Although I don’t really believe in rest. I believe that you need to work constantly and that work is the meaning of life.

    What conferences have I attended?

    Recently I went to the Chinese city of Qingdao. I wanted to limit myself to a poster, but I was invited to give an oral report. For the first time I did it in English. It was so scary that the paper in my hands was visibly shaking. But everything went well. After the presentation, Chinese colleagues came up to me and asked questions.

    I was also in Portugal, in Costa da Caparica, at a small conference of a small scientific community. It was very warm. I have amazing memories of it. On the last evening, the organizers brought a big cauldron, poured moonshine into it, set it on fire, stirred it and read a spell in Gallic. It was against witches, evil spirits and simply for happiness. You drink a glass and become a happy person for a year.

    What else am I passionate about?

    Now I spend a lot of time studying theoretical chemistry. I also take speed reading courses. I read with a metronome and have already become faster – two touches of the line with my gaze are enough for me.

    I’m also studying French. So far, quite unsuccessfully – I speak with an accent and forget that I can’t pronounce the endings. Again, this is connected with my dream of living and studying in Paris.

    What was the last thing I read?

    “It’s Me, Eddie” by Eduard Limonov. I really like Limonov – his ambiguity. I accidentally bought his book “Taming the Tiger in Paris”. I periodically buy a huge number of books and do not read them, because there is no time. But Limonov immediately captivated me. It is very difficult for me to read a lot, because my attention floats, and I swallowed “Taming the Tiger” in two days. I liked the style so much that now I am reading a book on theoretical chemistry, which is written in a style similar to Limonov’s. The author of this book is Denis Tikhonov, a fairly well-known scientist, the founder of the public “Theoretical Chemistry” on VKontakte. There is also a chat for chemists, mainly quantum chemists. I am a member of it, read articles that colleagues send there, reasoning. I do not understand anything, but I hope that one day I will.

    Advice to a young scientist

    You need to find yourself not just a scientific supervisor, but a teacher who will pass on to you not only his scientific knowledge, but also the values that he shares, knowledge about life and will be able to support you morally. Everything depends on the scientific supervisor: where you publish, what and how you do, what conferences you attend. Of course, you also have to be persistent. For example, all the foreign conferences that I attended, I found myself, applied for them and paid for them.

    Also, don’t be afraid to promote yourself wherever you can. Don’t be afraid to seek out scholarships, opportunities, conferences – anything that will help you in your scientific career.

    Favorite place in Moscow

    The “World of Vinyl” store in Kitay-gorod. I love vinyl, I have a very large collection of records. It is very diverse – from Vivaldi to “Ranetki”. I love going to this store and usually do not leave without buying anything. Everything I buy, I then regularly listen to, except for the special edition of Radiohead’s “OK Computer”, which I feel sorry to unpack.

    Lately I’ve been listening to Ariana Grande’s album “Eternal Sunshine” and the band MGMT. They have a song called “Little Dark Age”. It’s a little mainstream, but I still like it.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Threatening diversity, threatening growth: the business effects of Trump’s anti-DEI and anti-trans agendas

    Source: The Conversation – France – By Matteo Winkler, Professeur associé en droit et fiscalité, HEC Paris Business School

    Recent months have seen a dramatic shift in US policies on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). These changes carry deep economic consequences. President Donald Trump’s executive orders aim to ban DEI initiatives in federal agencies and contractors, and private companies have felt pressure to weaken or drop their DEI programmes. Trump has framed what was once a corporate safeguard against discrimination as “illegal and immoral”, marking a stark reversal in legal and business norms. Federal judges have blocked some of Trump’s orders, or elements of them, and some legal processes are ongoing.

    Transgender rights have become a lightning rod in this shifting landscape. The barrage of federal directives seeks to challenge – or outright eliminate – protections in areas ranging from health care to education to the military. Beyond the immediate harm to trans individuals, these policies pose threats to multinational companies that have long defended inclusive workplace values. Their leaders must now navigate a cultural minefield where staying silent risks public backlash, while openly supporting trans employees can invite legal and political complications. The business repercussions of this moral issue could affect everything from brand reputation to talent retention.


    A weekly e-mail in English featuring expertise from scholars and researchers. It provides an introduction to the diversity of research coming out of the continent and considers some of the key issues facing European countries. Get the newsletter!

    The economic imperative of DEI initiatives

    There is a growing ensemble of research suggesting that DEI policies are not just nice-to-have but a corporate imperative. This year, the World Economic Forum reported that organizations that include DEI in their core business strategies improve performance, innovation and employee satisfaction. These findings are in line with other studies, which have consistently demonstrated that inclusive workplaces not only attract top talent but perform better financially and have higher returns on assets and net income.

    With regard to people identifying as LGBTI+, a 2024 report by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development highlighted that inclusive policies enable LGBTI+ individuals to achieve their full employment and productivity potential, benefiting both their well-being and society at large. Moreover, according to Open for Business, a think tank whose mission is making a case for LGBTQ+ inclusion in private and public settings, companies with “larger LGBTQ+ workforce benefit from diverse perspectives but also foster environments where innovation and productivity thrive”. It has also been found that human rights violations against LGBTI+ people diminish economic output at the micro level, suggesting that inclusive societies are more likely to experience robust economic growth.



    À lire aussi :
    Business schools are facing challenges to their diversity commitments. They must reinforce them to train leaders effectively

    Research has also shown that trans-inclusive business practices have long been associated with innovation, employee satisfaction and market competitiveness. Companies that provide gender-neutral bathroom access, introduce the inclusive use of pronouns and support employees’ gender transitions have been proven to foster relational authenticity in the workplace.

    Discrimination and exclusion, by contrast, not only harm individuals but also impede economic growth by limiting the available talent pool and reducing overall productivity. In September 2024, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) reported that “laws and policies designed to restrict or prevent access or supports for transgender and nonbinary people” endanger LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies, leading to increased fear, lack of safety and a rise in anti-LGBTQ+ violence. More generally, these laws and policies can also deter businesses from investing in regions perceived as discriminatory. Also in September, the Movement Advancement Project identified that the lack of legal protection against discrimination contributes to economic instability for LGBTQ+ families, which can lead to wage gaps, job insecurity and reduced access to benefits, ultimately contributing to reduced consumer spending and lower economic participation.

    Language targeting trans rights and visibility

    Despite the benefits of DEI initiatives, the current US administration has sought to enact several policies aimed at dismantling them, resulting in organizations, both public and private, to suspend funding for DEI and outreach programmes. In Trump’s executive orders, anything – policy, programme or initiative – related to or benefitting trans people in access to healthcare, academic research, scientific inquiry, school policies, personal safety, participation in sports, and military service is now rejected as “gender ideology extremism”.

    Targeting sports, education and the military is functional to an ideological battle aimed at erasing spaces where trans people are most vulnerable. These spaces are also formative arenas in shaping national identity and the public perception of DEI initiatives. When they become politicized, they can also affect how businesses frame their values, manage risks and engage with their different stakeholders.



    À lire aussi :
    Anti-DEI guidance from Trump administration misinterprets the law and guts educators’ free speech rights

    The anti-trans executive orders begin by redefining the term “sex” for interpretations of federal law. According to the text of “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to Federal Government”, a person is either male or female, which is determined by their reproductive cells at conception – a definition in which biology takes precedence over individual rights and legal protections. “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” weaponizes this “biological truth” by threatening to cut off federal funds to schools that allow trans athletes to participate in them. “Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness” equates being transgender with medical or physical incapacity despite no evidence suggesting that trans service members negatively impact military readiness. “Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling” seeks to prevent schools from teaching about gender identity, which would strip trans youth of critical support systems. And “Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation” describes gender-affirming healthcare as “destructive”.

    The ripple effects of this anti-trans rhetoric extend into the private sector, compelling businesses to reevaluate their DEI strategies in fear of backlash or scrutiny. Even before the last US presidential election, companies such as Ford, Harley-Davidson and Lowe’s withdrew their participation in the Corporate Equality Index, a national benchmarking tool on corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality. In the wake of Trump’s anti-DEI and anti-trans orders, organizers of various Pride events in the US and Canada learned that some corporations, including longtime sponsors, had decided not to fund them. And according to the New York Times, some companies erased language and terms related to DEI from annual reports filed this year, including Dow Chemical, whose reference to LGBTQ+ employee resource groups disappeared from its public documents.

    Navigating between inclusive values and anti-DEI pressure

    Three patterns seem to be emerging on how companies are navigating the tension between values that are inclusive of LGBTI+ people and the growing pressure to scrub DEI commitments within the US context. For the moment, these patterns do not reflect formalized strategies but adaptive responses to an environment that has grown in complexity in a very short time. Some corporate actions reflect deliberate strategy aimed at protecting global consistency, while others appear more reactive, shaped by local market pressures.

    The first pattern involves establishing a sort of internal firewall between US and international operations. Banco Santander provides a clear example of this approach. Thus far, it has maintained global DEI commitments such as tying executive bonuses to increased gender equality in leadership. This group stated that such targets would not be applied to countries where governmental policies target DEI. In this pattern, DEI programmes are maintained abroad but are dismantled in the US to minimize political exposure in the latter.

    The second approach, observed at accounting firm Deloitte, is a cultural split between US operations and those overseas: while entities under the same global brand may still share data, practices, or strategic frameworks internally, they now adopt publicly distinct positions on DEI. Deloitte UK has remained vocal on its DEI commitments, highlighting the cultural and political fault lines that multinationals must now navigate.

    The third approach is a retraction of DEI altogether. Target offers a striking example. In 2023, under increased political and consumer pressure, the company rolled back some of its LGBTQ+ inclusion efforts by reducing the number of Pride-related items for sale. In 2025, four days after Trump’s inauguration, Target announced it would “end its three-year DEI goals”, cease reporting to the Corporate Equality Index and “end a program focused on carrying more products from Black- or minority-owned businesses”, as reported by CNBC. The moves resulted in considerable public criticism, and more notably, coincided with a marked drop in foot traffic – “nearly 5 million fewer visits” over a four-week period – revealing reputational and financial risks associated with the abandoning of DEI policies. By contrast, bulk retailer Costco, which said three days after the inauguration that its shareholders voted against a proposal seen as unfriendly to the company’s DEI programmes, “saw nearly 7.7 million more visits” during that same stretch.



    À lire aussi :
    A boycott campaign fuels tension between Black shoppers and Black-owned brands – evoking the long struggle for ‘consumer citizenship’

    In light of the evidence, it is clear that undermining DEI initiatives poses substantial risks – not just to human dignity, but to economic competitiveness. Businesses and policymakers must recognize that DEI is not merely a social or ethical imperative but a core strategy for growth and innovation. By fostering environments where all individuals can thrive, we unlock the full potential of our workforce and ensure sustainable economic growth.

    Conversely, discriminatory policies contribute to social instability, brain drain and economic stagnation. In the United States, the rollback of DEI initiatives and the marginalization of transgender individuals threaten to erode the nation’s ability to uphold human rights and maintain business competitiveness. History demonstrates that exclusionary policies ultimately harm societies rather than strengthen them. The question remains whether the US can afford to sacrifice social stability and economic growth in pursuit of ideological battles. The evidence suggests that it cannot.

    Matteo Winkler is a member of the Open for Business Academic Committee. He has received funding from the HEC Foundation.

    Marcelle Laliberté is a member of Women in Aerospace Europe and HEC We&Men, and a contributor to the UN`s High Advisory Board on Governing AI for Humanity.

    – ref. Threatening diversity, threatening growth: the business effects of Trump’s anti-DEI and anti-trans agendas – https://theconversation.com/threatening-diversity-threatening-growth-the-business-effects-of-trumps-anti-dei-and-anti-trans-agendas-255040

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –