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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI: LaunchDarkly Launches Dedicated EU Region to Support EU Data Residency and Compliance Needs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OAKLAND, Calif., Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LaunchDarkly, the platform for high-velocity engineering teams to release, monitor, and optimize great software, today announced the launch of its dedicated EU region. This strategic expansion of the LaunchDarkly platform addresses the critical data residency needs of European organizations by securely storing critical data within the European Union.

    The launch of the EU region follows LaunchDarkly’s recent participation in the EU-US Data Privacy Framework, reinforcing the company’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of data privacy and security. As organizations across Europe grapple with increasing regulatory pressures, the dedicated EU region provides a vital solution, allowing businesses to focus on innovation while managing residency and compliance needs.

    “Europe is home to some of the most exciting software innovation, so it’s no surprise that we are seeing a surge in demand for feature management, AI application oversight, and experimentation,” said Dan Rogers, CEO of LaunchDarkly. “Our new EU region responds directly to these needs, addressing crucial data residency concerns while empowering engineering teams to push boundaries with confidence.”

    Key Features of the LaunchDarkly EU Region:

    • EU Data Residency: All end-user data will be stored within the EU, giving organizations greater control and security over their sensitive information.
    • Regulatory Compliance: Keeping data in the EU can address specific regulatory challenges that certain EU industries face.
    • Security and Privacy Assurance: The LaunchDarkly EU region is backed by rigorous security protocols, including certifications like SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001, ensuring the highest levels of data protection.

    The LaunchDarkly EU region, based in Frankfurt, Germany, is designed for optimal performance, reducing latency for EU-based traffic while ensuring robust disaster recovery processes, and will include a secondary AWS EU region in Paris for backups. This infrastructure not only supports compliance but also empowers organizations to innovate, without some of the burdens of regulatory or compliance uncertainty. This is particularly important for highly-regulated industries like financial services, energy, and healthcare.

    “Data residency has long been a significant hurdle for us when it comes to scaling beyond our homegrown solutions,” said Julien Femia, Director of Engineering at Alan. “We’re excited to partner with LaunchDarkly, as their new EU region allows us to confidently embrace feature management while adhering to our data compliance needs. This marks a key step forward in accelerating our product development and delivering even more innovative healthcare solutions to our users.”

    As data residency becomes an increasingly pressing concern for European organizations, the LaunchDarkly EU region represents a pivotal step in simplifying compliance and fostering trust in cloud operations. LaunchDarkly encourages EMEA sales representatives to proactively engage with prospects and existing clients to share this crucial development and its implications for their data residency and compliance strategies.

    For more information about the LaunchDarkly EU region, visit here.

    About LaunchDarkly

    LaunchDarkly is the leading release management platform that empowers engineering teams to deliver better software, faster and with less risk. With a comprehensive suite of capabilities, the LaunchDarkly platform facilitates real-time experimentation, AI-driven solutions, and progressive delivery, ensuring new features are rolled out smoothly and efficiently. Serving over 5,500 of the world’s most innovative enterprises, including a quarter of the Fortune 500, LaunchDarkly is trusted around the globe to deliver software with speed and safety, enhancing customer experiences across industry verticals. For more information, visit www.launchdarkly.com.

    The MIL Network –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Four in Five Recent Home Buyers May Look to Refinance in the Next 12 Months to Help Alleviate Strain on Personal Finances

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A new TransUnion (NYSE: TRU) survey found that many consumers feel their existing auto and new mortgage payments are putting a strain on their household finances, and the prospect of falling interest rates has them ready to consider refinancing those loans.

    The surveys of current auto loan customers and those consumers who have taken out a mortgage in the last 24 months were conducted between September 18 and September 27, 2024. They resulted in responses from 1,002 and 1,025 auto and mortgage loan customers, respectively.

    “We surveyed this specific group of recent borrowers to better understand the drivers of refinance for both mortgages and auto loans,” said Jason Laky, executive vice president and head of financial services at TransUnion. “Millions of people financed homes and autos during this period of high interest rates, and many will look to refinance as interest rates decline.”

    TransUnion’s survey found four in five recent home buyers say their mortgage payments are straining their finances and are looking to refinance their mortgage payments in the next 12 months.

    Many Recent Home Buyers Say Their Current Mortgage Payment is a Strain on Their Personal Finances

    Opinions/Generation All Consumers Gen Z Millennials Gen X Baby Boomers
    Strongly Agree or Agree 80.1% 79.7% 88.7% 75.3% 54.9%
    Neither Agree nor Disagree 8.0% 10.6% 4.6% 9.8% 12.1%
    Disagree or Strongly Disagree 11.9% 9.7% 6.7% 14.9% 33.0%


    Percent of Recent Home Buyers Who Anticipate Refinancing Their Mortgage     in the Next Twelve Months if Rates Fall

    Opinions/Generation All Consumers Gen Z Millennials Gen X Baby Boomers
    Very Likely or
    Likely    		 80.0% 77.0% 89.6% 78.5% 46.2%
    Neither Likely nor Unlikely 7.1% 10.2% 4.2% 7.3% 13.2%
    Unlikely or Very Unlikely 12.9% 12.8% 6.2% 14.2% 40.6%

    Source: TransUnion U.S. consumer survey

    When asked the biggest factor that would ultimately drive them to pull the trigger on a refinancing decision, 70% of these recent home buyers said that a more favorable loan term would be a key driver for them. However, a nearly identical percentage said that better interest rates (67%) and a cash-out refinance (61%) would also be significant drivers, reflecting broad economic interest.

    “For many of these recent home buyers, their mortgage payment is their largest single payment each month,” said Satyan Merchant, senior vice president and mortgage and auto business leader for TransUnion. “The upside is that it is a payment that can be refinanced if the economic climate allows for it, and as interest rates begin to fall, this group of consumers should begin exploring this option. Conversely, lenders should be actively marketing to these refinance candidates, regardless of what their primary motivation to refinance may be.”

    Similar Consumer Sentiments Found When Asked About Auto Loans

    The survey also examined consumer sentiment towards their existing auto loans, payments and interest rates along with future plans regarding refinancing. Results indicated that there was a similar eagerness to refinance when interest rates eventually fall, and a similar response among consumers when asked if they feel that their current auto loan payments represent a strain on their household finances.

    When asked the extent to which they agree that their current auto loan payment represented a strain on their personal finances, 65% of respondents indicated that they agree or strongly agree with this statement as opposed to 20% who disagree or strongly disagree. Nearly the same percentage of respondents, 63%, indicated that they were likely or very likely to refinance their existing auto loans if it could save them money on their monthly payments. 52% of respondents indicated they would consider refinancing if it would save them between $50 and $149 monthly.

    The research also explored the sentiment of consumers who have already refinanced despite the relatively high interest rates. Many of these borrowers derived lower payments through longer terms.

    From this standpoint, TransUnion data shows that credit unions continue to lead the way with 67% of the refinance share in 2023. Banks had the second largest share, at 20%. These figures have remained relatively stable in recent years and underscore consumers’ favorable perception of credit unions when they begin exploring refinancing opportunities.

    “Credit unions may be able to offer their members rates and service that larger more traditional banks cannot,” said Sean Flynn, senior director of community financial institutions at TransUnion. “Credit unions should lean into this fact and leverage available tools such as trended data and advanced analytics to seek out those consumers who may be able to refinance.”

    To learn more about how TruIQ™ by TransUnion helps lenders make better, data-driven decisions faster with advanced analytics consulting services and enabling technologies, click here. To learn how TruVision™ allows lenders to use trended data to more precisely balance risk and opportunity with risk management products that identify and manage best-fit customers across the account lifecycle, click here.

    To learn more about the analysis above, click here.

    About TransUnion (NYSE: TRU)

    TransUnion is a global information and insights company with over 13,000 associates operating in more than 30 countries. We make trust possible by ensuring each person is reliably represented in the marketplace. We do this with a Tru™ picture of each person: an actionable view of consumers, stewarded with care. Through our acquisitions and technology investments we have developed innovative solutions that extend beyond our strong foundation in core credit into areas such as marketing, fraud, risk and advanced analytics. As a result, consumers and businesses can transact with confidence and achieve great things. We call this Information for Good® — and it leads to economic opportunity, great experiences and personal empowerment for millions of people around the world.
    http://www.transunion.com/business

    Contact Dave Blumberg
      TransUnion
       
    E-mail david.blumberg@transunion.com
       
    Telephone 312-972-6646

    The MIL Network –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Entrepreneurial Holidays at the State University of Management” will be held for schoolchildren

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On October 28, the Career Guidance Center launched the project “Entrepreneurial Holidays at the State University of Management”.

    The opening of the event was attended by Nikolai Mikhailov, Advisor to the Rectorate of the State University of Management, Elena Likhatskikh, Director of the Center for Career Guidance, and Andrei Kolchin, Head of the Career Guidance Department.

    During the first days of the holidays from October 28 to 30, more than 200 10th grade students from Moscow schools visited the State University of Management.

    The children learned about the basics of entrepreneurship and project activities, became familiar with modern marketing tools, learned how to create a successful business and tested their strength in the game “The World of Digital Money”.

    For two years, the State University of Management has been working with partner schools that have opened entrepreneurship classes. This academic year, there are eleven such schools.

    The work is being carried out within the framework of a grant from the Department of Education and Science of the City of Moscow.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 10/30/2024

    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 –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Behind the craze for creative cultural products

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    After a nine-day tour in north China’s Shanxi Province, one man is determined to “bring home” the grand pagodas and exquisite sculptures that took his breath away.

    “I have spent more than 1,000 yuan (140 U.S. dollars), which is about a tenth of my holiday budget, on souvenirs!” said the 30-year-old visitor surnamed Ma.

    Shanxi is renowned for its ancient architecture and is home to over 28,000 ancient structures. Its popularity has been boosted recently by the phenomenal video game “Black Myth: Wukong,” which is based on the Chinese classic novel “Journey to the West.”

    “I was fascinated by the ancient architecture, and the fridge magnets were equally amazing,” Ma said. “Each city has its unique creative cultural products. They are like miniatures of the attractions. For me, buying these keepsakes is like preserving the beauty of this trip forever.”

    Shanxi Province launched “Following Wukong to visit Shanxi” this summer, an activity that encourages tourists to “check in” at the filming locations of the video game. It is due to end on Thursday.

    Shortly after the launch, a Monkey King creative product shop opened on the business street in the heart of Taiyuan. It has since been packed with enthusiastic customers vying for products like fridge magnets, notebooks and playing cards.

    Yang Liu, with the shop, told Xinhua that their intention of opening the shop was to take a chance and promote the culture and tourism of the province. Since September 27, their sales have reached 200,000 yuan.

    Shanxi is not alone. Across China, various cultural and creative products are now sought-after mementos or gifts for friends, with their images going viral on social media: necklaces that draw inspiration from traditional brush painting in the Palace Museum; wooden combs in the shape of traditional Chinese musical instruments; vanity mirrors bearing patterns resembling the one on display in the Luoyang Museum of central China; keyboards with the colors of the famous Dunhuang murals and the nine-colored deer image…

    According to a report by Zhiyan Consulting, the market size of China’s cultural and creative products reached 16.38 billion U.S. dollars in 2023, a year-on-year increase of 13.09 percent. In 2020, the sector’s market size accounted for 10.67 percent of the global total, and by 2023 it had risen to 11.56 percent.

    One fridge magnet capturing the elaborate details of a superbly delicate empress crown from ancient China, a treasured piece from the National Museum of China (NMC), has emerged as an internet sensation and sparked a buying spree.

    Aspiring collectors even start queuing from 6 a.m. outside the museum for their chance to snag the memento. Many exchange tips on how to obtain the popular magnet on social media.

    In just three months since its launch, nearly 80,000 magnets have been sold, boosting sales of the entire series of empress crown memorabilia including key chains, furry toys and popsicles, with a total revenue exceeding 10 million yuan, even when facing production capacity constraints. The current daily production capacity for magnets has reached 3,000 units, with potential for further increase to meet growing market demand.

    Liao Fei with the management and development department of NMC disclosed that the design was inspired by social media, where they saw a lot of visitors posting photos of the empress crown.

    Head of a seven-member team, he said: “We always watch the exhibitions and search on social media to see what tourists like.”

    They are also constantly improving the products. Liao found that while there were tips on social media on how to obtain such a fridge magnet, few talked about its unique features. So they decided to make it more innovative.

    On September 27, an AR fridge magnet featuring the empress crown was released, which could be “worn” by the buyer on a mobile phone screen after a scan of the QR code. More than 2,300 such magnets were sold within two hours after its release.

    “In recent years, there has been a boom in the number of such creative products that are of use in various aspects of people’s life,” said Song Yanli, a saleswoman at the official gift shop of the Dunhuang Museum in northwest China’s Gansu Province.

    Noting that buyers today are knowledgeable enough to discern all the cultural elements adopted in the design, the 32-year-old said that they must develop more products to keep pace with public demand.

    “With the improvement of people’s living standard, the consuming behavior of youngsters is changing,” said Mao Jinhuang, a professor with the School of Economics at Lanzhou University. “They are no longer satisfied with simple material consumption but pay more attention to the purchase experience.”

    He believed that while the creative cultural products could offer emotional value to the customers, the craze for them also reflected young people’s love for and interest in Chinese traditional culture.

    According to China’s National Bureau of Statistics, the added value of cultural and related industries in 2022 stood at 5.38 trillion yuan, more than 15 fold of that in 2004, with the share of that in GDP increasing from 2.13 percent to 4.46 percent in the 18 years.

    Bu Xiting, associate researcher with the School of Cultural Industries Management at the Communication University of China, noticed that creative cultural products are becoming a new growth point of tourism consumption. “They have increased the income at tourist attractions, propelled the development of relevant industries and become a driving force to promote local economic growth.

    In the first half of this year, China’s domestic tourist trips reached 2.72 billion, with total tourism expenditure amounting to 2.7 trillion yuan, marking year-on-year increases of 14.3 percent and 19 percent, respectively.

    “With the deepened integration of creative cultural products and the tourism industry, it is expected that such products could play a more important role in boosting the high-quality development of the industry in the future,” Bu said.

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: China, Canada to increase direct flights to satisfy travel, trade demands

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, Oct. 30 — China and Canada will increase direct flights to meet demands for travel and trade between the two countries, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) said Wednesday.

    Air Canada plans to increase the frequency of its weekly round-trip flights from Vancouver to Shanghai from the current four to seven from Dec. 7 onwards, according to the CAAC.

    Furthermore, Air Canada will resume the operation of its route from Vancouver to Beijing from Jan. 15, 2025 — offering seven round-trip flights per week.

    Meanwhile, Chinese airlines are also expediting their application process for additional flights.

    The surge in direct flights between China and Canada will help satisfy personnel exchange and economic and trade demands, and promote the further recovery of their shared air transport market, the CAAC said.

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Health chief joins medical conference

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau led a delegation to attend the 2024 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Medical Products Administration Conference in Zhuhai today.

    During the conference, he introduced the latest initiatives of developing Hong Kong into an international health and medical innovation hub as put forth in the 2024 Policy Address.

    The conference is co-organised by the Guangdong Provincial Medical Products Administration, the Department of Health of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau of the Macao SAR Government.

    It serves as a platform for Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau to share their work experience in drug regulation, enhance the work mechanism for collaboration on drug and medical device regulation in the bay area, and foster the innovation development of drug and medical device regulation in the region.

    National Medical Products Administration Deputy Commissioner Zhao Junning also attended the conference.

    During the conference, representatives from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau exchanged views on the current situation of regulation over drugs and medical devices in the three places, as well as the mechanism for regulatory collaborations on drugs and medical devices in the bay area.

    They also covered bay area standards for Chinese medicines, in addition to the feasibility of streamlining the registration and approval procedures for Hong Kong and Macau-registered traditional proprietary Chinese medicines for oral use for sale on the Mainland, and had an in-depth discussion on the way forward.

    Prof Lo updated the conference attendees on the latest developments of Hong Kong’s healthcare policies put forward in the 2024 Policy Address.

    These included complementing technological innovation with institutional innovation through expediting the reform of the approval mechanism for drugs and medical devices, strengthening biomedical technology research and development and translation, and promoting the internationalisation of Chinese medicines.

    Prof Lo said the Hong Kong SAR Government is determined to develop Hong Kong into an international health and medical innovation hub, and expedite the provision of advanced diagnostic and treatment services to patients by leveraging the advantages of “one country, two systems” and Hong Kong’s healthcare professional system.

    He also noted that Hong Kong will actively integrate into the national development by dovetailing with the national initiative of fostering new quality productive forces in biomedical technology as set out in the Resolution of the Communist Party of China Central Committee on Further Deepening Reform Comprehensively to Advance Chinese Modernization and the Development Plan for Shenzhen Park of Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone.

    “The Hong Kong SAR Government will enhance Hong Kong’s clinical trial capability and facilitate the translation of innovative biomedical research results into clinical applications by rendering firm support to innovation and application of advanced biomedical technology, with a view to attracting the world’s top-notch biomedical enterprises and research and development institutions to set up operations in Hong Kong,” Prof Lo added.

    The delegation will return to Hong Kong this evening.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gross Domestic Product, Third Quarter 2024 (Advance Estimate)

    Source: US Bureau of Economic Analysis

    Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased at an annual rate of 2.8 percent in the third quarter of 2024 (table 1), according to the “advance” estimate released by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. In the second quarter, real GDP increased 3.0 percent.

    The GDP estimate released today is based on source data that are incomplete or subject to further revision by the source agency (refer to “Source Data for the Advance Estimate” on page 2). The “second” estimate for the third quarter, based on more complete source data, will be released on November 27, 2024.

    The increase in real GDP primarily reflected increases in consumer spending, exports, and federal government spending (table 2). Imports, which are a subtraction in the calculation of GDP, increased.

    The increase in consumer spending reflected increases in both goods and services. Within goods, the leading contributors were other nondurable goods (led by prescription drugs) and motor vehicles and parts. Within services, the leading contributors were health care (led by outpatient services) as well as food services and accommodations. The increase in exports primarily reflected an increase in goods (led by capital goods, excluding automotive). The increase in federal government spending was led by defense spending. The increase in imports primarily reflected an increase in goods (led by capital goods, excluding automotive).

    Compared to the second quarter, the deceleration in real GDP in the third quarter primarily reflected a downturn in private inventory investment and a larger decrease in residential fixed investment. These movements were partly offset by accelerations in exports, consumer spending, and federal government spending. Imports accelerated.

    Current‑dollar GDP increased 4.7 percent at an annual rate, or $333.2 billion, in the third quarter to a level of $29.35 trillion. In the second quarter, GDP increased 5.6 percent, or $392.6 billion (tables 1 and 3).

    The price index for gross domestic purchases increased 1.8 percent in the third quarter, compared with an increase of 2.4 percent in the second quarter (table 4). The personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index increased 1.5 percent, compared with an increase of 2.5 percent. Excluding food and energy prices, the PCE price index increased 2.2 percent, compared with an increase of 2.8 percent.

    Personal Income

    Current-dollar personal income increased $221.3 billion in the third quarter, compared with an increase of $315.7 billion in the second quarter. The increase primarily reflected an increase in compensation (table 8).

    Disposable personal income increased $166.0 billion, or 3.1 percent, in the third quarter, compared with an increase of $260.4 billion, or 5.0 percent, in the second quarter. Real disposable personal income increased 1.6 percent, compared with an increase of 2.4 percent.

    Personal saving was $1.04 trillion in the third quarter, compared with $1.13 trillion in the second quarter. The personal saving rate—personal saving as a percentage of disposable personal income—was 4.8 percent in the third quarter, compared with 5.2 percent in the second quarter.

    Source Data for the Advance Estimate

    The GDP estimate released today is based on source data that are incomplete or subject to further revision by the source agency. Information on the source data and key assumptions used in the advance estimate is provided in a Technical Note and a detailed “Key Source Data and Assumptions” file posted with the release. The “second” estimate for the third quarter, based on more complete data, will be released on November 27, 2024. For information on updates to GDP, refer to the “Additional Information” section that follows.

    *          *          *

    Next release, November 27, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. EST
    Gross Domestic Product (Second Estimate)
    Corporate Profits (Preliminary Estimate)
    Third Quarter 2024

    *          *          *

    Release Dates in 2025
    Estimate  2024 Q4 and
    Year 2024    		 2025 Q1 2025 Q2 2025 Q3
    Gross Domestic Product        
    Advance Estimate January 30, 2025 April 30, 2025 July 30, 2025 October 30, 2025
    Second Estimate February 27, 2025 May 29, 2025 August 28, 2025 November 26, 2025
    Third Estimate March 27, 2025 June 26, 2025 September 25, 2025 December 19, 2025
             
    Gross Domestic Product by Industry March 27, 2025 June 26, 2025 September 25, 2025 December 19, 2025
             
    Corporate Profits        
    Preliminary Estimate — May 29, 2025 August 28, 2025 November 26, 2025
    Revised Estimate March 27, 2025 June 26, 2025 September 25, 2025 December 19, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: MSF condemns violence against our team in Mali

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    • An MSF team, along with civilians and community health workers, were attacked on 14 October in the Segou region of Mali.
    • As a result, we had to temporarily suspend our medical activities in the commune of Nampala.
    • Discussions with stakeholders are underway to enable us to resume providing medical care as soon as possible.

    On 14 October, on the outskirts of Nampala in the Segou region of central Mali, a Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) team and community health workers were violently attacked and robbed by armed men, along with civilians. The men who carried out the attack were conducting regular military operations in the area. Our team was providing care to the community when the incident took place.

    This violence against civilians and humanitarian workers is unacceptable. MSF reiterates that all parties to the conflict must respect civilians, humanitarian staff, health facilities, and patients.

    Following this incident, we had to take the difficult decision to temporarily suspend our medical activities in the Nampala area, depriving communities of essential care. Discussions are underway with all local, regional, and national stakeholders to ensure that such violence does not occur again. This would enable us to resume providing essential care to people as soon as possible, with complete safety for our teams.
     
    MSF has been present in Nampala since 2022 and is currently the only international NGO active in the area. Our staff provide vital free medical care to communities on the outskirts, as well as to people displaced by the many military operations in the area. Years of conflict have led to high health needs in this region, and now the number of cases of malaria is rising, which can be fatal for children under five years old and pregnant women.

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    MIL OSI NGO –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: How does REACH, the EU regulation governing chemical substances, work?

    Source: The Conversation – France – By Johanna Berneron, Toxicologue reglementaire, Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire de l’alimentation, de l’environnement et du travail (Anses)

    Adopted by the European Union in 2006, the REACH regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) governs the manufacture and use of chemical substances in Europe. Despite its importance, REACH has often been criticised for being slow and complex. These concerns prompted calls for reform as part of the European Green Deal, though the European Commission ultimately postponed the revision. Various NGOs have called for this reform, and in early 2024, the French National Assembly’s European Affairs Committee reignited the conversation, with a resolution currently under review.

    Nevertheless, REACH remains an ambitious and indispensable regulation that protects human health and the environment from the hazards posed by chemical substances. While it’s not perfect, it represents progress in comparison with previous regulatory frameworks. One notable success is the ban on bisphenol A (BPA), a controversial chemical previously used in baby bottles.

    Understanding the REACH process

    REACH is straightforward if you break down its steps:

    • Substance registration: Manufacturers must submit detailed information on the chemical, toxicological and environmental properties of substances they produce or import. If no data exists, they are required to generate it. Unlike previous regulations and directives, REACH places the burden of proof on companies. To comply with the regulation, companies must identify and adequately manage the risks associated with the substances they manufacture and market in the EU. In particular, they must demonstrate how the substances can be used safely and communicate risk management measures to users.

    • Compliance checks: The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) ensures that the registration dossiers are complete and meet regulatory requirements. This is known as compliance analysis.

    • Substance evaluation: If concerns arise, a substance undergoes further evaluation to assess risks to human health and the environment. This procedure is conducted by the member states (with ANSES representing France) and enables the authorities to request additional information from industries.

    Member states, including ANSES, carry out these evaluations, focusing on national health priorities. Substances flagged for further assessment are added to the Community Rolling Action Plan (CoRAP), a three-year plan outlining substances to be evaluated by member states.

    If additional safety measures are needed, several outcomes are possible:

    • SVHC identification: Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) may require authorisation for continued use.

    • Restrictions: Can limit or ban certain uses of a substance.

    • Classification: Hazardous substances may be classified as carcinogenic, toxic to reproduction or in other such categories and must be labelled for these hazardous properties.

    Bisphenol A: a case study

    Bisphenol A (BPA) exemplifies REACH’s impact. In 2017, Germany initiated an evaluation of BPA, resulting in its classification as a reprotoxic substance under the EU’s Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) regulation. BPA was also identified as an SVHC due to its endocrine-disrupting properties, which pose risks to human health and the environment.

    Although these various management measures have faced legal challenges from industry, including through appeals, all have been upheld. They have proven effective, as highlighted by a European Environment Agency (EEA) report showing that BPA concentrations in Europeans’ urine are decreasing, in contrast to other bisphenols.

    The role of ANSES

    ANSES plays a key role in implementing the EU’s REACH regulation, supporting French authorities in managing chemical risks. Among its responsibilities, ANSES can identify a substance as an SVHC, preparing dossiers that can lead to these substances being added to Annex XIV of REACH. Once listed, the substances are restricted, and their use is only allowed if the European Commission specifically authorises it. Such authorisations are granted when it’s proven that the risks are controlled or the socioeconomic benefits outweigh them.

    Before a substance is included in Annex XIV, it must first be identified as an SVHC. This step is aimed at encouraging the gradual replacement of these hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives, protecting both human health and the environment.

    ANSES also prepares restriction dossiers, evaluating the socioeconomic impact of limiting or banning substances that pose unacceptable risks. These restrictions can apply to chemicals in their pure form, in mixtures, or within products.

    Additionally, ANSES produces harmonised classification dossiers for chemicals like carcinogens, mutagens, and reproductive and respiratory sensitizers, for instance. Once included in Annex VI of the CLP regulation, industries must label their products accordingly, alerting users – especially workers – about potential hazards and ensuring proper precautions are taken.

    Room for improvement

    Despite improvements, the REACH regulation still faces significant challenges. Many industries, and particularly smaller companies, struggle to comply due to the high cost of registration. In 2018, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) reported that 31% of chemical substances produced in or imported into the EU in quantities over 1,000 tonnes per year failed to meet REACH requirements.

    In response, ECHA has enhanced its chemical data management, but industries remain unsatisfied, accusing ECHA of pushing for classifications or requesting new tests without robust toxicological justifications. These requests often aim to address data gaps in industry-provided dossiers while minimising animal testing.

    REACH’s main limitation is its dependence on industry-submitted data to evaluate chemical risks. These data can be incomplete, outdated or missing, forcing regulators to request additional information, which delays risk assessments and decision-making.

    Consequently, the evaluation of substances and review of authorisation requests are often slow, delaying the entry of safer, innovative chemicals. Many potentially hazardous substances remain on the market without adequate regulation, a persistent concern from a public health standpoint.

    A revision of REACH is expected to streamline processes, improve efficiency and impose stricter penalties on non-compliant industries, potentially revoking their REACH registration numbers. This would prevent the sale of substances without the necessary data.

    These changes align with the European Commission’s strategy for a toxic-free environment under the European Green Deal. However, there is concern that lobbying could undermine this vital regulation, a global standard in chemical safety.

    Despite its complexities, REACH remains a critical safeguard for European public health and environmental protection.

    Johanna Berneron ne travaille pas, ne conseille pas, ne possède pas de parts, ne reçoit pas de fonds d’une organisation qui pourrait tirer profit de cet article, et n’a déclaré aucune autre affiliation que son organisme de recherche.

    – ref. How does REACH, the EU regulation governing chemical substances, work? – https://theconversation.com/how-does-reach-the-eu-regulation-governing-chemical-substances-work-241931

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Abortion and marijuana ballot measures may bring out Florida Democrats, but the GOP has 1M more active voters in the Sunshine State

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Daniel A. Smith, Professor of Political Science, University of Florida

    Could ballot initiatives bring more Democrats to the polls in Florida? Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

    The number of voters registered as Democrats has tumbled in recent years in Florida, effectively removing the Sunshine State as a battleground and placing it firmly in the red column.

    At least that’s the dominant narrative found in many media outlets. And it is true that Republican Donald Trump won the state in both 2016 and 2020.

    Still, Nikki Fried, the Florida Democratic party chair, thinks Florida Democrats are making a “clear resurgence.”

    Buoyed by broad support for two statewide initiatives on the ballot – the legalization of recreational marijuana and the establishment of a constitutional right to abortion up to viability – Fried is predicting robust turnout of Democratic voters this November despite concerns hurricanes Helene and Milton may suppress turnout.

    Fried suggests that Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Debbie Mucarsel-Powell will benefit from the two hot issues on the ballot. A ban on most abortions after six weeks went into effect in Florida on May 1, 2024, with the state Supreme Court at the same time deciding to put the issue to voters.

    The marijuana ballot measure looks likely to pass, while support for the abortion access measure is more uncertain. But the point is that these are the types of issues that bring Democrats – and unaffiliated voters – out to the polls.

    I’ve written extensively on direct democracy and Florida politics. My research shows how ballot measures can have what I call “educative effects,” not only bolstering turnout but also priming voters to choose candidates who support the same initiatives they do.

    This goes a long way to explain Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis’ efforts to thwart both measures, going so far as to use taxpayers’ dollars to oppose the abortion amendment.

    Florida’s abortion amendment needs to pass with 60% of the vote, so turnout is key.
    Rebecca Blackwell/AP Photo

    Active voters

    But Fried and the Democrats face a major hurdle – a widening voter registration gap – as Florida Republicans are quick to point out. Over the past several years, the GOP steadily narrowed the Democratic Party’s lead in voter registrations in the Sunshine State, finally surpassing Democrats’ plurality of active registered voters in 2021.

    Fried thinks the widening gap between registered Republicans and Democrats is a mirage. She claims that the Republican advantage is an artifact of a shift in state law that more aggressively reclassifies voters as being “inactive” if they don’t vote in two general election cycles or keep their information on file with local supervisors of elections.

    There is no question that the law, which went into effect in 2022, has deflated Democratic registration numbers. Here are the stats.

    According to the Florida secretary of state’s website, updated on Oct. 7, 2024, there are more than 1 million more registered Republicans (5,455,480) than Democrats (4,400,561) in Florida, followed by no party affiliation (3,584,982) and those registered with minor parties (404,890). That is, Republicans appear to account for more than 39% of registered voters in the Sunshine State, while Democrats make up less than 32%.

    However, the numbers posted on Florida’s official website, which amount to nearly 13.7 million registered voters, are misleading: They tally only active voters in the state.

    There are more than 2.5 million inactive voters on the rolls as of Aug. 1, 2024, according to my calculation of publicly available raw voter files. This brings the total number of registered voters in Florida to more than 16 million people.

    Inactive and unaffiliated voters

    Inactive registered voters have every right to cast ballots just like active voters. The main difference between the two groups is that inactive voters didn’t vote in 2020 or 2022.

    There are hundreds of thousands more inactive Democrats and unaffiliated voters than Republicans on the rolls. This is likely the result of lackluster campaigns in the state for Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden in 2020 and for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist in 2022. Uninspired Democrats and unaffiliated voters didn’t show up to the polls, particularly in 2022.

    Currently, according to the publicly available Florida voter rolls, there are over 900,000 inactive Democrats and over 921,000 inactive unaffiliated voters, compared with fewer than 643,000 inactive Republicans. So, while Republicans account for 39% of active voters, they account for only 25% of inactive voters.

    To sharpen the point: 1 in 10 Republicans are currently inactive, whereas nearly 2 in 5 of all registered Democrats and more than 1 in 5 unaffiliated voters in Florida are inactive. These inactive voters tend not to receive the same attention from parties and groups trying to mobilize registered voters to the polls.

    There’s no question that the fortunes of the Florida Democratic Party have tumbled over the past decade. Twelve years ago, just prior to the 2012 general election, Democrats accounted for 40% of all active registered voters. It’s been a sharp decline down to 32%.

    But the difference has not been made up by Republicans. From 2012 to 2024, the share of active voters registered as Republicans increased by only 3 percentage points, from 36% to 39%.

    The biggest increase in the share of active voters over the same period is with unaffiliated voters, whose share jumped 5 percentage points, from less than 21% in 2012 to 26% in 2024. These unaffiliated voters in Florida tend to be younger and Hispanic, many of whom likely have been turned off by the toxic political landscape in the state.

    But back to the November election and Fried’s prognostications.

    Will the two statewide ballot measures – Amendment 3 on recreational marijuana and Amendment 4 on reproductive rights – offset the rise in Republican voter registration in Florida? Is the sizable lead of Republican active voters a mirage, only to disappear as Election Day nears?

    It will come down to turnout and whether inactive Democratic and unaffiliated voters’ support for Amendment 3 and Amendment 4 primes them to back the Democratic ticket.

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

    – ref. Abortion and marijuana ballot measures may bring out Florida Democrats, but the GOP has 1M more active voters in the Sunshine State – https://theconversation.com/abortion-and-marijuana-ballot-measures-may-bring-out-florida-democrats-but-the-gop-has-1m-more-active-voters-in-the-sunshine-state-239538

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Video: Department of State Daily Press Briefing – October 30, 2024 – 1:15 PM

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Spokesperson Matthew Miller leads the Department Press Briefing, at the Department of State, on October 30, 2024

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/StateDept
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    Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: http://ow.ly/diiN30ro7Cw

    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
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    Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGF6n5qft9o

    MIL OSI Video –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sharing the stories and lessons of witch-hunting in Scotland The University of Aberdeen is introducing people around the world to the history of witch-hunting and the witch trials in Scotland.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    North Berwick witchesThe University of Aberdeen is introducing people around the world to the history of witch-hunting and the witch trials in Scotland.
    With wide-brimmed hats, black cats, broomsticks and crooked noses, witches in popular culture are instantly recognisable a staple of Halloween events.
    But in previous centuries changes in attitudes and approaches to magic led to suspicion and accusations which spread through Scottish communities as paranoid hunts sought to root out those thought to derive powers from the Devil.
    The University has created an online short course ‘Scottish Witch-Hunting and the Rise of a Protestant Culture 1590-1690’ which provides an opportunity for anyone with a professional or personal interest in the history of Scottish witchcraft to take an in-depth look at Scottish attitudes and approaches to magic, the preternatural and the supernatural.
    Professor Bill Naphy, Emeritus Professor of History, said: “Witches may been seen by guisers today as a bit of fun but in the middle of the 16th century, they were seen as conspirators trying to destroy society.
    “This wasn’t unique to Scotland but the ripples of panic it caused were far reaching with Scotland’s execution rate per head of population about five times the European average.
    “It means this is a really important area for study, not just in understanding about witchcraft and the brutal investigations, trials and often executions of those accused but in piecing together the wider issues and changes facing society at this time.”
    The course explores the involvement of King James VI and I who in 1591 became convinced that a group of North Berwick witches tried to kill him and his wife when their vessel was caught in storms as they attempted to travel to Denmark.
    As a result he becomes the only reigning monarch to ever serve as a judge in a witch trial and writes a book about witchcraft titled ‘Daemonologie’. This originally circulates in manuscript form and Professor Naphy says it was ‘clearly aimed at his sons so they will know when they become powerful how to find witches’ but is published widely following a panic which begins in Aberdeen in January 1597.
    Professor Naphy explains: “The North Berwick witch trials of 1591 are notorious because of the sheer number of ‘witches’, widely agreed to be around 70 most of whom were women, executed in one hunt in a small Scottish town.
    “But the lesser-known Aberdeen witch hunt in 1597 demonstrates how far panic swept across Scottish society, even prompting the demand for the publication of the King’s book.
    “City leaders in Aberdeen became convinced that they had such a serious problem on their hands that they were able to secure a five-year commission to find and try all witches in the north-east.
    “Once the idea took root that there was a witch plot or ‘cell’ the threshold for evidence necessary to prove guilt decreased and investigators become increasingly concerned with finding wider connections.
    “In Aberdeen this saw accusations levied against the Leys family and at his trail Thomas Leys confessed, undoubtedly under coercion, to having led a coven of witches in a dance at the fish cross the previous Halloween – a satanic party right in front of the tollbooth.”
    This soon led to extensive witch hunts across not only the north-east but many parts of Scotland.
    “Thomas implicated a number of women that took the commissioners from Aberdeen to the tiny village of Lumphanan in their hunt for conspiratorial cells,” Professor Naphy added.
    “In total 24 ‘witches’ were executed in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, including a significant proportion of the adult female population of Lumphanan and this little known 1597 hunt triggered panic across many regions of Scotland that resulted in many more deaths through execution.
    “This is an important period to highlight dangers of a moral panic and study of these events serves as a timely reminder that while today witches are seen as part of the fun of Halloween, we should not forget brutal treatment and execution of those accused of so-called crimes of dark magic.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Derry Halloween showcased on ITV’s This Morning

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Derry Halloween showcased on ITV’s This Morning

    30 October 2024

    Up to 900,000 viewers across GB will see the Derry Halloween festivities today (30th October) on ITV’s daytime TV show This Morning, with filming supported by Tourism Ireland.

    The segment is fronted by celebrity chef Donal Skehan, who travels along the Awakening the Walled City Trail, bringing to life the rich folklore, history, and heritage of the city’s Halloween celebrations. The segment will include spooky stories with Charlene McCrossan from McCrossan Walking Tours, an interview with Jacqueline Whoriskey, the Festival and Events Manager with Derry City and Strabane District Council, and a special appearance from the city’s very own Winifred the Witch!

     

    Alice Mansergh, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, said: “Tourism Ireland was delighted to work with Donal Skehan, bringing the magic of Derry Halloween to hundreds of thousands of GB viewers on ITV’s This Morning. Halloween is one of the world’s favourite festivals but not everyone knows that it originated on these shores around 2,000 years ago. At Tourism Ireland, we’re excited to invite visitors to experience Halloween where it all started, taking in our world-class festivals, spectacular scenery and warm hospitality.” 

    A healthy seasonal spread of overseas tourism business supports quality jobs in tourism, by creating a longer or year-round season. Tourism Ireland markets Halloween as an iconic reason to visit in autumn. Its ‘Home of Halloween’ multi-market campaign, celebrating the island of Ireland as the birthplace of Halloween around 2,000 years ago, is under way. The organisation’s aim is to raise awareness at scale and target consideration and bookings for this autumn, with Derry Halloween (the largest festival of its type in Europe), in particular, adding to the appeal of autumn scenery and heritage. Since it was launched, the campaign video has achieved results reflecting a strong audience response: 14 million views on English language YouTube; and over 100 million views across languages and channels (TV, cinema, online). Among those who’ve seen the campaign, there is now twice the level of recognition that Halloween began in Ireland and seven out of ten said they’re more likely to want to visit.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Friend of the IAM, Trailblazing Chicago Rail Leader Honored with Metra Train Car

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    On Oct. 29, 2024, former Chicago Metra Board Chair Romayne Brown, the first African-American woman to chair the board, was honored with a Metra Train Car dedicated to her tireless efforts as the Metra Board Chair. 

    During her term as chair, Brown helped lead the agency through COVID-19 challenges that became some of the most difficult times in the agency’s history. Brown has more than 31 years of operational and customer service experience at the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), finishing her career with the agency in 2010 as the vice president of rail operations, which helped her navigate the agency through countless issues. 

    “I have worked with Chair Brown over the years, and she is one of the few people I have met who has always been able to see the power of working with labor,” said IAM Local 498 Chairman David May. “She has always helped the push agency to see labor’s perspective on issues. Chair Brown has always treated the Machinists members with dignity and respect and always found time to walk the shop floors to thank Metra’s unionized workforce for their hard work and dedication to the agency. Local 498 will be forever grateful for her incredible leadership.” 

    Brown was named to the board in 2013 and then held the Vice Chair role from October 2016 to 2020. She held the Metra Board Chair position from 2020 to 2024.

    Share and Follow:

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man jailed for 22 years after detectives linked him to violent robbery in Barnet

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has been sentenced to life imprisonment after a homicide investigation identified him as one of a gang of people who carried out a violent robbery in Barnet.

    During a trial at the Old Bailey, a jury heard the group all travelled to 30-year-old Olsi Kuka’s home address in High Road, N20, shortly before 03:00hrs on 11 May 2022.

    They were split into two Mercedes cars that parked outside before the group forced entry into the flat and attacked Olsi, stabbing him numerous times.

    They then ransacked his flat, searching for drugs and money they believed Olsi had in his property.

    After the men left the flat, police and paramedics were called. Despite the efforts of emergency services, Olsi sadly died a short time later.

    A post-mortem examination concluded that the stab wounds had been caused by ‘at least’ two different knives. There were also four metal ball-bearings found in his scalp consistent with being shot by an air weapon.

    A murder investigation, led by homicide detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, used CCTV and mobile phone analysis to identify the five men involved in the attack.

    Detectives discovered that one of the cars had travelled to the address four days before on a reconnaissance trip.

    A police search dog also helped provide vital evidence to secure the conviction of a man for murder.

    Dog handler PC Neil Dobson and a police dog called Monty searched managed to find £8,000 in cash hidden in the headboard of a bed that had not been found by the group.

    Following a trial at the Old Bailey, Reuben Bernard, 19, (22.03.05) of Wootton, Northampton, was convicted of murder.

    On Tuesday, 29 October, Bernard was sentenced to life imprisonment, to serve 22 years. He was also sentenced to seven years for conspiracy to rob and three years for causing grievous bodily harm; these sentences will be served concurrently.

    Detective Chief Inspector Neil Rawlinson said: “The violence used in this attack was calculated, vicious and unrelenting.

    “The five men that have been sentenced had planned to rob Olsi and were prepared to use any force necessary in order to get what they wanted.

    “We continue to pursue lines of enquiry that may provide evidence as to the involvement of other people in this atrocious act of violence.”

    Four other men have been sentenced for their involvement. They are:

    Santana Thompson, 21 (04.02.03), of Aldriche Way was sentenced to 10 years in prison for Olsi’s manslaughter, 10 years for conspiracy to rob and one year for Section 20 wounding.

    Daige Ramsey, 25 (30.11.98) of Winchester Road, E4 was convicted of the manslaughter of Olsi Kuka and jailed for 11 years. He was also sentenced to 10 years for conspiracy to rob and 12 months for section 20 wounding.

    Ozan Seran 29 (05.06.95), of no fixed address pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to 12-and-a-half years’ imprisonment. He was also sentenced to 11-and-a-half years for conspiracy to rob and nine months for section 20 wounding.

    Bulent Bakir, 27 (05.01.97) of Old Road, Enfield, was convicted of conspiracy to rob and sentenced to six years.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dartmouth — Nova Scotia RCMP release impaired statistics for July to September 2024

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    As Nova Scotia’s provincial police, road safety is a top priority for the Nova Scotia RCMP. For the months of July, August, and September, 274 drivers in the province were charged with impaired-related offences.

    • 234 charged with Impaired Operation of a Conveyance by Alcohol
    • 12 charged with Impaired Operation of a Conveyance by Drug
    • 28 charged with Refusal of a Demand Made by a Peace Officer

    In addition to investigations that resulted in charges, a further 130 people were issued administrative driving suspensions for Operating a Conveyance While Having Consumed Alcohol.

    Failure or refusal to comply with a peace officer’s request to provide a sample for sobriety testing can result in criminal charges that have the same penalties as impaired driving. There are a range of fines and periods of driving prohibition for those convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

    Citizens are asked to call 911 immediately if they see a driver who’s driving erratically or unsafely. Here are some signs that an impaired driver might be behind the wheel:

    • Driving unreasonably fast, slow or at an inconsistent speed
    • Drifting in and out of lanes
    • Tailgating and changing lanes frequently
    • Making exceptionally wide turns
    • Changing lanes or passing without sufficient clearance
    • Overshooting or stopping well before stop signs or stop lights
    • Disregarding signals and lights
    • Approaching signals or leaving intersections too quickly or slowly
    • Driving without headlights, failing to lower high beams or leaving turn signals on

    The 911 dispatcher will ask for:

    • Your location
    • A description of the vehicle, including the licence plate number, colour, make and model
    • The direction of travel for the vehicle
    • A description of the driver if visible

    The Nova Scotia RCMP asks motorists to plan ahead and drive sober.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Fighting antibiotic resistance at the source – using machine learning to identify bacterial resistance genes and the drugs to block them

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Abdullahi Tunde Aborode, Mississippi State University

    Current methods of identifying resistance mutations in microbes can miss other ways resistance can develop. koto_feja/iStock via Getty Images Plus

    Antibiotic resistance is a growing public health problem around the world. When bacteria like E. coli no longer respond to antibiotics, infections become harder to treat.

    To develop new antibiotics, researchers typically identify the genes that make bacteria resistant. Through laboratory experiments, they observe how bacteria respond to different antibiotics and look for mutations in the genetic makeup of resistant strains that allow them to survive.

    While effective, this method can be time-consuming and may not always capture the full picture of how bacteria become resistant. For example, changes in how genes work that don’t involve mutations can still influence resistance. Bacteria can also exchange resistance genes between each other, which may not be detected if only focusing on mutations within a single strain.

    My colleagues and I developed a new approach to identify E. coli resistance genes by computer modeling, allowing us to design new compounds that can block these genes and make existing treatments more effective.

    Identifying resistance

    To predict which genes contribute to resistance, we analyzed the genomes of various E. coli strains to identify genetic patterns and markers associated with resistance. We then used machine learning algorithms trained on existing data to highlight novel genes or mutations shared across resistant strains that might contribute to resistance.

    E. coli is one of many bacterial species developing resistance to common antibiotics.
    National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases/National Institutes of Health via Flickr, CC BY-NC

    After identifying resistance genes, we designed inhibitors that specifically target and block the proteins these genes produce. By analyzing the structure of the proteins these genes code for, we were able to optimize our inhibitors to strongly bind to these specific proteins.

    To reduce the likelihood that bacteria would evolve resistance to these inhibitors, we targeted regions of their genome that code for proteins critical to their survival. By interfering with how bacteria carry out important functions, it makes it more difficult for them to develop mechanisms to compensate. We also prioritized compounds that work differently from existing antibiotics to minimize cross-resistance.

    Finally, we tested how effectively our inhibitors could overcome antibiotic resistance in E. coli. We used computer simulations to assess how strongly a number of inhibitors bind to target proteins over time. One inhibitor called hesperidin was able to strongly bind to the three genes in E. coli involved in resistance that we identified, suggesting it may be able to help combat antibiotic-resistant strains.

    A global threat

    The World Health Organization ranks antimicrobial resistance as one of the top 10 threats to global health. In 2019, bacterial antibiotic resistance killed an estimated 4.95 million people worldwide.

    By targeting the specific genes responsible for resistance to existing drugs, our approach could lead to treatments for challenging bacterial infections that are not only more effective but also less likely to contribute to further resistance. It can also help researchers keep up with bacterial threats as they evolve.

    Some microbes can transfer resistance to other microbes.

    Our predictive approach could be adapted to other bacterial strains, allowing for more personalized treatment strategies. In the future, doctors could potentially tailor antibiotic treatments based on the specific genetic makeup of the bacteria causing the infection, potentially leading to better outcomes.

    As antibiotic resistance continues to rise globally, our findings may provide a crucial tool in the fight against this threat. Further development is needed before our methods can be used in the clinic. But by staying ahead of bacterial evolution, targeted inhibitors could help preserve the efficacy of existing antibiotics and reduce the spread of resistant strains.

    Nothing to disclose.

    – ref. Fighting antibiotic resistance at the source – using machine learning to identify bacterial resistance genes and the drugs to block them – https://theconversation.com/fighting-antibiotic-resistance-at-the-source-using-machine-learning-to-identify-bacterial-resistance-genes-and-the-drugs-to-block-them-237919

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese organization expresses ‘great regret’ after EU’s Chinese EVs tariff ruling

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products on Wednesday expressed “great regret” on behalf of the Chinese automotive industry at the European Commission’s decision to impose anti-subsidy tariffs on electric vehicles originating in China. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Direct all-cargo air route links China’s Hubei, Hong Kong

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A direct all-cargo air route between Hubei Province in central China and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region was launched on Wednesday, according to SF Airlines.

    On Wednesday morning, a Boeing 737-400 freighter took off from the Ezhou Huahu International Airport in Hubei, China’s first cargo-focused airport. It is also the airport’s first all-cargo route to Hong Kong, said the cargo airline.

    Three round-trip flights are scheduled to shuttle on this route every week, providing about 100 tonnes of air transport capacity weekly.

    This direct air route will provide air express capacity to this year’s Double Eleven online shopping festival, also known as the Singles’ Day shopping festival and a Chinese version of Black Friday.

    It will help facilitate transportation of e-commerce express and enhance consumption experience for customers, said SF Airlines.

    Headquartered in Shenzhen, SF Airlines is China’s largest air cargo carrier in fleet size. To date, it has cultivated an international route network from Ezhou Huahu International Airport to totalling more than 60 destinations at home and abroad, said the cargo carrier.

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s first ‘smart factory’ for offshore oil, gas equipment fully operational

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s first intelligent manufacturing base for offshore oil and gas equipment was put into full operation on Wednesday in north China’s Tianjin Municipality.

    Covering an area of about 575,000 square meters, this base built along the coast of the Bohai Sea focuses on producing offshore oil and gas platforms and high-end offshore products such as liquefied natural gas modules, according to its constructor China Offshore Oil Engineering Company (COOEC), a subsidiary of the China National Offshore Oil Corporation.

    The base consists of four intelligent production workshops, eight production auxiliary centers, 16 final assembly stations and core facilities such as docks facilitating product transportation via large ships. There are also over 600 intelligent production machines at this base.

    Compared to the traditional manufacturing process, a series of operations such as material retrieval, pipe coiling, cutting and hydraulic bending can be achieved via a single click through an intelligent manufacturing management platform available at the Tianjin facility.

    According to Wang Lei, one of the senior executives of the Tianjin branch of COOEC, there are a variety of offshore oil and gas equipments, and in the past, producing them featured complicated manufacturing processes, and customized and non-standard requirements.

    As a result, COOEC opted to develop an intelligent manufacturing management platform to achieve intelligent production under complex conditions, said Wang. “More manufacturing processes are now achieved through the use of equipment, while only a small number of workers are needed to undertake detail adjustment tasks.”

    The base was constructed in two phases. The first phase of the project was put into use in June 2022, and delivered 35 offshore oil and gas platforms to countries such as China and Canada, with total weight exceeding 87,000 tonnes.

    In the second construction phase of this project, eight final assembly stations and an intelligent pipe production line were added, while the capacity of docks was increased.

    “Production efficiency achieved by the intelligent pipe production line has increased by about 20 percent when compared to what was possible in the first phase, and the overall production capacity of the factory has doubled through digital intelligent manufacturing and precise management,” Wang revealed.

    In 2023, China’s offshore crude oil production had exceeded 62 million tonnes, a year-on-year increase of 3.4 million tonnes — accounting for about 70 percent of China’s total crude oil production increase last year. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Professor Sir Munir Pirmohamed appointed chair of CHM for another four years as three commissioners reappointed

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The appointment will involve a time commitment of 33 days per year. Remuneration for the role will be at a rate of £500 per attendance and preparation for meetings.

    Professor Sir Munir Pirmohamed has been appointed chair of the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) for another four years, from 12 February, 2025.

    The CHM is an advisory non-departmental public body which is sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

    The CHM advises ministers on the safety, efficacy and quality of medicines.

    Three commissioners have been reappointed:

    • Professor Marc Turner and Professor Christopher Weir have been reappointed to for a further four years from 5 July, 2024.

    • Professor Poulam Patel has been reappointed for a further two years from 5 July 2024. 

    The appointments will involve a time commitment of approximately 22 days per year, including 11 meetings. Remuneration for the roles will be at a rate of £325 per meeting.

    All appointments are made in accordance with the Cabinet Office Code of Governance for Public Appointments.

    The regulation of public appointments against the requirements of this code is carried out by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

    The appointments are made on merit and political activity played no part in the decision process. However, in accordance with the code, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity (if any declared) to be made public.

    None of the appointees have declared any political activity.

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    Published 30 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: 51 killed by flash floods in eastern Spain: report

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    At least 51 people have died in flash floods in the Spanish province of Valencia as torrential rains continue to ravage the country’s eastern and southern coasts, state broadcaster TVE reported on Wednesday.

    Since the authorities declared a red alert for torrential rains on Tuesday, several people have been missing in heavy flooding that has swept away vehicles and disrupted rail services.

    Six people were reported missing in the town of Letur, close to Valencia in Albacete. In Valencia, two Civil Guard police officers and a truck driver are still being searched for.

    The Spanish government set up a crisis committee on Wednesday to assess the damage caused as rescuers continue to search for victims.

    At the opening of the Spanish Congress on Wednesday morning, Francina Armengol, the parliament speaker, called for a minute’s silence for the victims. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Endless U.S. plotting pushes Panama to seek more global cooperation, says expert

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Decades of the U.S. plotting to make profits at the price of Panama’s interests has pushed the Central American country to seek more global cooperation, a Panama-based international relations expert has said.

    Julio Yao, former foreign policy advisor to the late Panamanian leader General Omar Torrijos, recalled the history of nonstop U.S. intervention in Panama since the turn of the 20th century in a recent interview with Xinhua.

    Panama gained its independence from Spain in 1821 and from Colombia in 1903, though the latter was in essence “a deception” devised by the United States to gain control of the strategic Panama Canal, Yao said.

    “From that moment on, the United States took over the so-called Canal Zone,” starting a long string of unfortunate events for Panama, he said.

    On top of the list was the attempt to establish the failed Kellogg-Alfaro treaty in the 1920s, which was rejected because it aimed to legalize the presence of U.S. troops on Panamanian soil.

    “That treaty completely turned Panama into a U.S. military base, that is, a military springboard for the rest of Latin America,” the expert said.

    Nevertheless, unilateral interventions by the United States persisted in Panama, he said.

    For much of the 1970s, the U.S. government was “permanently” pressuring Panama to grant it protection and defense rights over the canal in perpetuity, Yao recalled.

    At the time, the career diplomat was advising Torrijos and then Foreign Minister Juan Antonio Tack in drafting treaties, such as the 1974 Tack-Kissinger Declaration, which made a point of setting a deadline on the U.S. occupation of the canal.

    “Why did we have to emphasize the fixed deadline? Because the Americans always deceived Panama with a later date and never left Panama,” Yao said.

    In September 1977, the Torrijos-Carter Treaties were signed by Torrijos and then U.S. President Jimmy Carter, establishing that the Panama Canal would be turned over to Panamanian control on Dec. 31, 1999.

    Prior to that, the U.S. “obsession” with controlling the Panama Canal occasionally turned “explosive,” Yao said.

    On Dec. 20, 1989, a date now known as the Day of National Mourning, U.S. troops invaded Panama to capture Panamanian General Manuel Noriega, later convicting him of drug trafficking and money laundering.

    To break with the past, Yao said he believes that Panama should look to more “humanist,” multilateral mechanisms such as BRICS.

    Such mechanisms have created a counterweight to hegemonic power in several aspects, said the expert.

    “The United States is really in a very ruinous position,” Yao said, noting that at such a juncture, concepts such as the Global South are relevant today since they shelve religious or political differences in favor of promoting joint development.

    The Global South is “a good concept” because it addresses many similar situations in Africa, Latin America and even the Middle East, Yao said.

    People want to emerge from underdevelopment or the lack of development, and to that end, BRICS countries have taken “the right path” towards global development, through measures that go beyond resolving local or regional issues, he said.

    “I firmly believe in BRICS and I believe very firmly in the Global South,” Yao said.

    “If you look at the new foreign policy of some African countries, they are on the right track. That is a great awakening for a region that has been very impoverished, very dominated, very interfered with, very manipulated, so I think there is reason to feel optimistic,” he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: AI Company Brand Engagement Network Announces Agreement to Acquire German Media Technology Leader Cataneo Gmbh

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    JACKSON, Wyo., Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Brand Engagement Network, Inc.(BEN) (NASDAQ: BNAI), a global leader in secure and reliable conversational AI solutions for businesses and consumers, today announced it has agreed to acquire 100% of Cataneo Gmbh (Cataneo), a privately-owned media technology company based in Munich, Germany, in a cash and stock transaction.

    Cataneo, a leader in media technology, offers an all-in-one solution for ad sales, inventory management, and campaign optimization. The company has been profitable throughout the years, with its platform helping broadcast and entertainment companies streamline operations, increase revenue, and enhance audience engagement. By integrating BEN’s advanced Generative AI, Cataneo is poised to strengthen its offerings and deliver even greater value to its brands and customers.

    Cataneo’s Mydas platform is a rapidly growing, highly sophisticated air-time sales management and ad traffic system managing over 5 billion euros in annual media spending. Supporting over 5,000 users and more than 1,000 media brands across four continents, the Mydas platform operates on a robust recurring revenue model. It offers a fully integrated, 100% SaaS cloud solution consolidating all advertising inventories into a common currency on a single platform.

    Combined Synergies Enhance Conversational Gen-AI for Global Media Brands

    “We believe the combination of BEN’s safe, intelligent, and scalable Generative AI platform, with Cataneo’s Mydas tools, can transformhow brands engage with their customers,” said Paul Chang, Chief Executive Officer of BEN. “This acquisition marks a significant step towards the future of interactive advertising, where consumers are not just marketed to, but actively engaged with, leading to more meaningful and enhanced online experiences.”

    Cataneo’s Chief Executive Officer, Renato Rocha Pinto, expressed his excitement about the partnership. He stated, “We believe combining our technologies will significantly enhance consumer engagement and substantially benefit our global clients. BEN’s AI has the capability to generate deep insights and explore innovative consumer engagement opportunities across various media outlets, extending beyond traditional platforms.”

    The acquisition underscores BEN’s commitment to strategic growth through mergers and acquisitions, enabling BEN to expand the reach of its core AI platform to over 1,000 media brands. This positions BEN to lead the next generation of conversational Gen-AI engagement, providing consumers with real-time, accurate, and helpful information across various channels, including while on the move and driving.

    While Cataneo will continue to serve its existing clients independently, the company plans to collaborate closely with BEN to integrate AI into its internal processes and provide enhanced customer tools. The combined strength of BEN’s Generative AI and Cataneo’s platform is expected to expand Cataneo’s global presence significantly.

    Transaction Details
    The total purchase price for the acquisition is $19.5 million, comprised of $9.0 million in cash and 4.2 million shares of BEN common stock at an agreed-upon value of $2.50 per share. Depending on certain conditions before closing, a portion of the shares may be converted into the right to receive up to $3.0 million in cash.   Upon closing, Cataneo will become a wholly owned subsidiary of BEN, with plans to expand operations in the U.S. and Latin America. This acquisition positions both companies for significant growth in the broadcast and agency premium advertising workflow management solutions market, a $2.0 billion segment within the broader $45 billion global media technology market. Renato Rocha Pinto will continue as Cataneo’s Chief Executive Officer after the acquisition.

    The transaction is subject to securing financing on mutually agreeable terms and obtaining customary regulatory approvals and guarantees by certain BEN shareholders. It is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2024.

    For more information about BEN’s safe, intelligent, scalable AI, please visit  www.beninc.ai. For details about Cataneo, please visit www.cataneo.tv.

    About BEN
    Brand Engagement Network is a global leader providing secure and reliable conversational AI solutions for businesses and consumers. With offices in Jackson, Wyoming, and Seoul, South Korea, BEN offers a powerful and flexible platform that enhances customer experiences, boosts productivity, and delivers business value. At the heart of BEN’s offerings are AI-powered digital assistants and lifelike avatars, providing more personal and engaging experiences through browsers, mobile applications, and even life-size kiosks. These safe, intelligent, and inherently scalable AI solutions empower businesses to efficiently serve customers using validated data delivered through SaaS, Private Cloud, and On-Premises technology. BEN’s commitment to data sovereignty ensures that consumer and business data remain private, protected, and wholly owned by the respective parties. BEN’s mission is to make AI friendly and helpful for all, ensuring more people benefit from the AI-enhanced world.

    About Cataneo
    Cataneo is a global provider of comprehensive media management solutions for linear, non-linear, and digital media, headquartered in Munich, Germany. Cataneo’s platform is highly customizable and scalable and offers end-to-end solutions for advertising sales, traffic management, and campaign optimization across multiple media channels. With over two decades of experience, Cataneo supports over 1,000 media brands across 200+ channels in 4 continents, providing cutting-edge tools for inventory management, yield optimization, and programmatic ad sales. The company’s flagship platform, MYDAS, empowers media businesses to optimize revenues and streamline operations with advanced data analytics, CRM integration, and real-time reporting. Cataneo’s mission is to bridge the gap between media buyers, sellers, and platforms, offering a unified ecosystem for seamless media transactions and enhanced audience engagement.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    Certain statements in this communication are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of federal securities laws. They are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements reflect, among other things, BEN’s current expectations, assumptions, plans, strategies, and anticipated results, including the closing and anticipated benefits of the acquisition of Cataneo (the “Cataneo Acquisition”). Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks, and changes in circumstances that may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements, which are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future performance.

    There are a number of risks, uncertainties and conditions that may cause BEN’s actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: (i) uncertainties as to the timing of the Cataneo Acquisition; (ii) the risk that the Cataneo Acquisition may not be completed on the anticipated terms in a timely manner or at all; (iii) the failure to satisfy any of the conditions to the consummation of the Cataneo Acquisition, including the ability to obtain financing to fund the Cataneo Acquisition on terms that are agreeable to the parties or at all; (iv) the possibility that any or all of the various conditions to the consummation of the Cataneo Acquisition may not be satisfied or waived, including the failure to receive any required regulatory approvals from any applicable governmental entities (or any conditions, limitations or restrictions placed on such approvals) or required major shareholder guarantees; (v) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the purchase agreement; (vi) the effect of the announcement or pendency of the transactions contemplated by the purchase agreement on BEN’s ability to retain and hire key personnel, its ability to maintain relationships with its customers, suppliers and others with whom it does business, or its operating results and business generally; (vii) risks related to diverting management’s attention from BEN’s ongoing business operations; (viii) uncertainty as to the timing of completion of the Cataneo Acquisition; (ix) risks that the benefits of the Cataneo Acquisition are not realized when and as expected; and (x) (A) the risk factors described in Part I, Item 1A of Risk Factors in BEN’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and (B) the other risk factors identified from time to time in the BEN’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Filings with the SEC are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

    Many of these circumstances are beyond BEN’s ability to control or predict. These forward-looking statements necessarily involve assumptions on BEN’s part. These forward-looking statements may include words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “should,” “may,” “will,” “might,” “could,” “would,” or similar expressions. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on BEN’s behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements that appear throughout this communication. Furthermore, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements, which are based on the information currently available to the Company and speak only as of the date they are made. BEN disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements.

    Media Contact 
    Amy Rouyer
    BEN – Safe, Intelligent, Scalable AI
    E: amy@beninc.ai
    P: 503-367-7596

    Investor Relations
    Christine Marchuska
    E: ir@beninc.ai
    P: 917-232-0852

    Source: Brand Engagement Network, Inc. (BEN)

    The MIL Network –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Red River Bancshares, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ALEXANDRIA, La., Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Red River Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”) (Nasdaq: RRBI), the holding company for Red River Bank (the “Bank”), announced today its unaudited financial results for the third quarter of 2024.

    Net income for the third quarter of 2024 was $8.8 million, or $1.27 per diluted common share (“EPS”), an increase of $767,000, or 9.6%, compared to $8.0 million, or $1.16 EPS, for the second quarter of 2024, and an increase of $733,000, or 9.1%, compared to $8.0 million, or $1.12 EPS, for the third quarter of 2023. For the third quarter of 2024, the quarterly return on assets was 1.13%, and the quarterly return on equity was 11.11%.

    Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was $24.9 million, or $3.59 EPS, a decrease of $1.7 million, or 6.2%, compared to $26.6 million, or $3.70 EPS, for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the return on assets was 1.08%, and the return on equity was 10.86%.

    Third Quarter 2024 Performance and Operational Highlights

    In the third quarter of 2024, the Company reported higher earnings, an improved net interest margin, and fairly consistent loans and deposits. We deployed excess funds into the securities portfolio and completed a significant stock repurchase. In mid-September, the target range of the federal funds rate was reduced by 50 basis points (“bps”).

    • Net income for the third quarter of 2024 was $8.8 million compared to $8.0 million for the prior quarter. Net income for the third quarter benefited from higher net interest income and an improved net interest margin fully tax equivalent (“FTE”), along with higher noninterest income.
    • Net interest income and net interest margin FTE increased for the third quarter of 2024 compared to the prior quarter. Net interest income for the third quarter of 2024 was $22.5 million compared to $21.8 million for the prior quarter. Net interest margin FTE for the third quarter of 2024 was 2.98% compared to 2.92% for the prior quarter. These increases were due to improved yields on securities and loans outpacing higher deposit rates.
    • Noninterest income totaled $5.4 million for the third quarter of 2024, an increase of $321,000, or 6.3%, compared to $5.1 million for the previous quarter. Noninterest income benefited from the receipt of a $151,000 nonrecurring loan fee.
    • As of September 30, 2024, assets were $3.10 billion, which was $53.2 million, or 1.7%, higher than June 30, 2024. The increase was mainly due to a $30.5 million increase in deposits.
    • Deposits totaled $2.75 billion as of September 30, 2024, an increase of $30.5 million, or 1.1%, compared to $2.72 billion as of June 30, 2024. In the third quarter of 2024, customer deposit balances remained consistent, with normal activity.
    • As of September 30, 2024, loans held for investment (“HFI”) were $2.06 billion, slightly higher than $2.05 billion as of June 30, 2024. In the third quarter of 2024, we closed on a high level of loan commitments, which should fund over time.
    • As of September 30, 2024, total securities were $697.7 million, which was $31.1 million, or 4.7%, higher than June 30, 2024. In the third quarter of 2024, we redeployed cash flows from lower yielding securities into higher yielding securities, as well as deployed other liquid assets into the securities portfolio.
    • As of September 30, 2024, liquid assets, which are cash and cash equivalents, were $232.6 million, and the liquid assets to assets ratio was 7.50%. We do not have any borrowings, brokered deposits, or internet-sourced deposits.
    • In the third quarter of 2024, the provision for credit losses totaled $300,000. This included $200,000 for loans and $100,000 for unfunded loan commitments.
    • As of September 30, 2024, nonperforming assets (“NPA(s)”) were $3.1 million, or 0.10% of assets, and the allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) was $21.8 million, or 1.06% of loans HFI.
    • We paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.09 per common share in the third quarter of 2024.
    • The 2024 stock repurchase program authorizes us to purchase up to $5.0 million of our outstanding shares of common stock from January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024. In the third quarter of 2024, we entered into a privately negotiated stock repurchase agreement for the repurchase of 60,000 shares at an aggregate cost of $3.0 million. In connection with this repurchase, we reduced the availability under the 2024 repurchase program by $3.0 million. We also repurchased 233 shares at an aggregate cost of $11,000 from the open market. As of September 30, 2024, the 2024 stock repurchase program had $1.2 million remaining.
    • As of September 30, 2024, capital levels were strong with a stockholders’ equity to assets ratio of 10.46%, a leverage ratio of 11.90%, and a total risk-based capital ratio of 18.07%.
    • The book value per share of common stock was $47.51 as of September 30, 2024, compared to $44.58 as of June 30, 2024. This improvement was primarily due to the decrease in the accumulated other comprehensive loss related to securities and net income added to stockholders’ equity, partially offset by stock repurchases.

    Blake Chatelain, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “We are pleased with the financial results for the third quarter of 2024. We managed continued improvement to the net interest margin FTE, higher earnings, solid asset quality, steady loan activity, and continued strong liquidity and capital.

    “Throughout the majority of the third quarter, until the Federal Reserve reduced the federal funds rate, we continued to reprice assets at a quicker pace than liabilities, which benefited net interest margin FTE and net interest income. Loan demand continued to be steady in the third quarter, despite some companies possibly placing investment decisions on hold due to the pending presidential election. We did, however, close on a significant amount of construction loan commitments, which should fund over the next year.

    “On September 18, 2024, the Federal Reserve reduced the federal funds rate by 50 bps. This marks the conclusion of one of the most aggressive interest rate tightening cycles in many years. The rapid increase in interest rates has been challenging for banks and their customers. A lower interest rate environment should spur loan demand and mortgage loan activity, as well as help moderate accumulated other comprehensive loss in stockholders’ equity related to securities. Overall, the Louisiana economy seems to be faring well, and our customers’ balance sheets and earnings appear solid.

    “Our company is well-positioned for the future, with robust capital and liquidity levels combined with a great team of community bankers. As we gain more clarity regarding future interest rates and the presidential election concludes, we remain committed to providing steady financial results for the company.”

    Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin FTE

    Net interest income and net interest margin FTE increased in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the prior quarter. These increases were due to improved yields on securities and loans outpacing higher deposit rates. After keeping the federal funds rate consistent since the third quarter of 2023, the Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) decreased the federal funds rate by 50 bps in September of 2024.

    Net interest income for the third quarter of 2024 was $22.5 million, which was $670,000, or 3.1%, higher than the second quarter of 2024, due to a $1.2 million increase in interest and dividend income, partially offset by a $550,000 increase in interest expense. The increase in interest and dividend income was due to higher interest income on loans and securities. Loan income increased $1.0 million primarily due to higher rates on new and renewed loans compared to the existing portfolio. The average rate on new and renewed loans was 7.89% for the third quarter of 2024 and 7.98% for the prior quarter. Securities income increased $266,000 due to reinvesting lower yielding securities cash flows into higher yielding securities. The increase in interest expense was primarily due to higher rates on interest-bearing transaction deposits and time deposits.

    The net interest margin FTE increased six bps to 2.98% for the third quarter of 2024, compared to 2.92% for the prior quarter. This increase was due to improved yields on securities and loans, partially offset by higher deposit costs. The yield on securities increased 15 bps due to reinvesting lower yielding securities cash flows into higher yielding securities. The yield on loans increased 11 bps due to higher rates on new and renewed loans compared to the existing portfolio. The cost of deposits increased six bps to 1.81% for the third quarter of 2024, compared to 1.75% for the previous quarter, primarily due to a nine bp increase in the rate on interest-bearing deposits during the third quarter, partially offset by our adjustment to certain transaction deposit rates late in the third quarter.

    Late in the third quarter of 2024, the target range of the federal funds rate was reduced 50 bps to 4.75%-5.00%. At that time, we adjusted rates on transaction and time deposits, and we expect to continue lowering these rates in conjunction with future federal funds rate decreases. The market’s expectation is that the FOMC will continue lowering the target federal funds rate in the fourth quarter of 2024. During the twelve months ending September 30, 2025, we anticipate receiving approximately $134.0 million in securities cash flows with an average yield of 2.86%, and we project approximately $194.2 million of fixed rate loans will mature with an average yield of 5.95%. We expect to redeploy these balances into higher yielding assets. Additionally, during the twelve months ending September 30, 2025, we expect $558.5 million of time deposits to mature with an average rate of 4.47%, which we anticipate repricing into lower cost deposits. As of September 30, 2024, floating rate loans were 14.9% of loans HFI, and floating rate transaction deposits were 7.2% of interest-bearing transaction deposits. Depending on balance sheet activity and the movement in interest rates, we expect the net interest income and net interest margin FTE to improve slightly in the fourth quarter of 2024.

    Provision for Credit Losses

    The provision for credit losses for the third quarter of 2024 totaled $300,000, which included $200,000 for loans and $100,000 for unfunded loan commitments. The provision for credit losses in the second quarter was $300,000 for loans. The provision in the second and third quarters was due to potential economic challenges resulting from the recent inflationary environment, changing monetary policy, and loan growth. In the third quarter of 2024, we had an increase in unfunded loan commitments. We will continue to evaluate future provision needs in relation to current economic situations, loan growth, trends in asset quality, forecasted information, and other conditions influencing loss expectations.

    Noninterest Income

    Noninterest income totaled $5.4 million for the third quarter of 2024, an increase of $321,000, or 6.3%, compared to $5.1 million for the previous quarter. The increase was mainly due to a gain on equity securities and increases in service charges on deposit accounts, loan and deposit income, and brokerage income, partially offset by a decrease in Small Business Investment Company (“SBIC”) income.

    Equity securities are an investment in a Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) mutual fund consisting primarily of bonds. The gain or loss on equity securities is a fair value adjustment primarily driven by changes in the interest rate environment. Due to the fluctuations in market rates between quarters, equity securities had a gain of $107,000 in the third quarter of 2024, compared to a loss of $13,000 for the previous quarter.

    Service charges on deposit accounts totaled $1.5 million for the third quarter of 2024, an increase of $119,000, or 8.7%, compared to $1.4 million for the previous quarter. This increase was mainly due to a larger number of non-sufficient fund transactions and related fee income in the third quarter of 2024.

    Loan and deposit income totaled $588,000 for the third quarter of 2024, an increase of $96,000, or 19.5%, compared to $492,000 for the previous quarter. The third quarter of 2024 benefited from the receipt of a $151,000 nonrecurring loan fee.

    Brokerage income was $987,000 for the third quarter of 2024, an increase of $94,000, or 10.5%, compared to $893,000 for the previous quarter. The higher income in the third quarter of 2024 was mainly due to increased investing activity by clients. Assets under management were $1.13 billion as of September 30, 2024.

    SBIC income for the third quarter of 2024 was $301,000, a decrease of $153,000, or 33.7%, compared to $454,000 for the previous quarter. This decrease was primarily due to lower normal income received from these partnerships in the third quarter. We expect SBIC income to be slightly higher in the fourth quarter of 2024 when compared to the third quarter.

    Operating Expenses

    Operating expenses totaled $16.8 million for the third quarter of 2024, an increase of $63,000, or 0.4%, compared to $16.7 million for the previous quarter. This increase was mainly due to higher technology expenses and other tax expenses.

    Technology expenses totaled $865,000 for the third quarter of 2024, an increase of $141,000, or 19.5%, compared to $724,000 for the previous quarter. This increase was primarily due to continued upgrades to our core banking systems and other software technology enhancements.

    Other taxes totaled $622,000 for the third quarter of 2024, an increase of $122,000, or 24.4%, compared to $500,000 for the previous quarter. The second quarter benefited from the reversal of $145,000 of stock repurchase tax expense due to finalized guidelines.

    Asset Overview

    As of September 30, 2024, assets were $3.10 billion, compared to assets of $3.05 billion as of June 30, 2024, an increase of $53.2 million, or 1.7%. In the third quarter, assets were mainly impacted by a $30.5 million, or 1.1%, increase in deposits. In the third quarter of 2024, liquid assets increased $19.6 million, or 9.2%, to $232.6 million and averaged $224.0 million for the third quarter. As of September 30, 2024, we had sufficient liquid assets available and $1.69 billion accessible from other liquidity sources. The liquid assets to assets ratio was 7.50% as of September 30, 2024. Total securities increased $31.1 million, or 4.7%, to $697.7 million in the third quarter and were 22.5% of assets as of September 30, 2024. During the third quarter, loans HFI increased $8.2 million, or 0.4%, to $2.06 billion. The loans HFI to deposits ratio was 74.84% as of September 30, 2024, compared to 75.38% as of June 30, 2024.

    Securities

    Total securities as of September 30, 2024, were $697.7 million, an increase of $31.1 million, or 4.7%, from June 30, 2024. Securities increased primarily due to $52.9 million in purchases combined with a $14.9 million reduction in net unrealized loss on securities AFS. This was partially offset by maturities and principal repayments.

    The estimated fair value of securities available for sale (“AFS”) totaled $560.6 million, net of $49.5 million of unrealized loss, as of September 30, 2024, compared to $526.9 million, net of $64.4 million of unrealized loss, as of June 30, 2024. As of September 30, 2024, the amortized cost of securities held-to-maturity (“HTM”) totaled $134.1 million compared to $136.8 million as of June 30, 2024. As of September 30, 2024, securities HTM had an unrealized loss of $17.3 million compared to $22.8 million as of June 30, 2024.

    As of September 30, 2024, equity securities, which is an investment in a CRA mutual fund consisting primarily of bonds, totaled $3.0 million compared to $2.9 million as of June 30, 2024.

    Loans

    Loans HFI as of September 30, 2024, were $2.06 billion, slightly higher than $2.05 billion as of June 30, 2024. In the third quarter of 2024, we closed on a high level of loan commitments, which, depending on customer activity, should fund over time. Unfunded loan commitments that originated in the third quarter of 2024 totaled $76.4 million.

    Loans HFI by Category
      September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024   Change from
    June 30, 2024 to
    September 30, 2024
    (dollars in thousands) Amount   Percent   Amount   Percent   $ Change   % Change
    Real estate:                      
    Commercial real estate $ 875,590   42.6%     $ 865,645   42.3%     $ 9,945     1.1%  
    One-to-four family residential   616,467   30.0%       611,904   29.9%       4,563     0.7%  
    Construction and development   141,525   6.9%       129,197   6.3%       12,328     9.5%  
    Commercial and industrial   327,069   15.9%       344,071   16.8%       (17,002)     (4.9%)  
    Tax-exempt   66,436   3.2%       67,941   3.3%       (1,505)     (2.2%)  
    Consumer   28,961   1.4%       29,132   1.4%       (171)     (0.6%)  
    Total loans HFI $ 2,056,048   100.0%     $ 2,047,890   100.0%     $ 8,158     0.4%  

    Commercial real estate (“CRE”) loans are collateralized by owner occupied and non-owner occupied properties mainly in Louisiana. Non-owner occupied office loans were $57.2 million, or 2.8% of loans HFI, as of September 30, 2024, and are primarily centered in low-rise suburban areas. The average CRE loan size was $947,000 as of September 30, 2024.

    Health care loans are our largest industry concentration and are made up of a diversified portfolio of health care providers. As of September 30, 2024, total health care loans were 8.0% of loans HFI. Within the health care sector, loans to nursing and residential care facilities were 4.4% of loans HFI, and loans to physician and dental practices were 3.4% of loans HFI. The average health care loan size was $399,000 as of September 30, 2024.

    Asset Quality and Allowance for Credit Losses

    NPAs totaled $3.1 million as of September 30, 2024, a decrease of $103,000, or 3.2%, from June 30, 2024, primarily due to changes to nonaccrual loans. The ratio of NPAs to assets was 0.10% as of September 30, 2024, and 0.11% as of June 30, 2024.

    As of September 30, 2024, the ACL was $21.8 million. The ratio of ACL to loans HFI was 1.06% as of September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024. The net charge-offs to average loans ratio was 0.00% for the third quarter of 2024 and 0.01% for the second quarter of 2024.

    Deposits

    As of September 30, 2024, deposits were $2.75 billion, an increase of $30.5 million, or 1.1%, compared to June 30, 2024. Average deposits for the third quarter of 2024 were $2.73 billion, a decrease of $5.6 million, or 0.2%, from the prior quarter. The following tables provide details on our deposit portfolio:

    Deposits by Account Type
      September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024   Change from
    June 30, 2024 to
    September 30, 2024
    (dollars in thousands) Balance   % of Total   Balance   % of Total   $ Change   % Change
    Noninterest-bearing demand deposits $ 882,394   32.1%     $ 892,942   32.9%     $ (10,548)     (1.2%)  
    Interest-bearing deposits:                      
    Interest-bearing demand deposits   163,787   6.0%       135,543   5.0%       28,244     20.8%  
    NOW accounts   379,566   13.8%       377,385   13.9%       2,181     0.6%  
    Money market accounts   551,229   20.0%       547,715   20.1%       3,514     0.6%  
    Savings accounts   166,723   6.1%       170,050   6.3%       (3,327)     (2.0%)  
    Time deposits less than or equal to $250,000   411,361   15.0%       399,981   14.7%       11,380     2.8%  
    Time deposits greater than $250,000   192,065   7.0%       193,030   7.1%       (965)     (0.5%)  
    Total interest-bearing deposits   1,864,731   67.9%       1,823,704   67.1%       41,027     2.2%  
    Total deposits $ 2,747,125   100.0%     $ 2,716,646   100.0%     $ 30,479     1.1%  
    Deposits by Customer Type
      September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024   Change from
    June 30, 2024 to
    September 30, 2024
    (dollars in thousands) Balance   % of Total   Balance   % of Total   $ Change   % Change
    Consumer $ 1,348,281   49.1%     $ 1,351,709   49.8%     $ (3,428)     (0.3%)  
    Commercial   1,191,625   43.4%       1,149,023   42.3%       42,602     3.7%  
    Public   207,219   7.5%       215,914   7.9%       (8,695)     (4.0%)  
    Total deposits $ 2,747,125   100.0%     $ 2,716,646   100.0%     $ 30,479     1.1%  
     

    In the third quarter of 2024, customer deposit balances remained consistent, with normal activity.

    The Bank has a granular, diverse deposit portfolio with customers in a variety of industries throughout Louisiana. As of September 30, 2024, the average deposit account size was approximately $27,000.

    As of September 30, 2024, our estimated uninsured deposits, which are the portion of deposit accounts that exceed the FDIC insurance limit (currently $250,000), were approximately $832.2 million, or 30.3% of total deposits. This amount was estimated based on the same methodologies and assumptions used for regulatory reporting purposes. Also, as of September 30, 2024, our estimated uninsured deposits, excluding collateralized public entity deposits, were approximately $674.8 million, or 24.6% of total deposits. Our cash and cash equivalents of $232.6 million, combined with our available borrowing capacity of $1.69 billion, equaled 231.3% of our estimated uninsured deposits and 285.2% of our estimated uninsured deposits, excluding collateralized public entity deposits.

    Stockholders’ Equity

    Total stockholders’ equity as of September 30, 2024, was $324.3 million compared to $307.0 million as of June 30, 2024. The $17.3 million, or 5.6%, increase in stockholders’ equity during the third quarter of 2024 was attributable to a $12.1 million, net of tax, market adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive loss related to securities, $8.8 million of net income, and $92,000 of stock compensation, partially offset by the repurchase of 60,233 shares of common stock for $3.0 million and $615,000 in cash dividends. We paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.09 per share on September 19, 2024.

    Non-GAAP Disclosure

    Our accounting and reporting policies conform to United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and the prevailing practices in the banking industry. Certain financial measures used by management to evaluate our operating performance are discussed as supplemental non-GAAP performance measures. In accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) rules, we classify a financial measure as being a non-GAAP financial measure if that financial measure excludes or includes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have the effect of excluding or including amounts, that are included or excluded, as the case may be, in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP as in effect from time to time in the U.S.

    Management and the board of directors review tangible book value per share, tangible common equity to tangible assets, and realized book value per share as part of managing operating performance. However, these non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the most directly comparable or other financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. Moreover, the manner in which we calculate the non-GAAP financial measures that are discussed may differ from that of other companies’ reporting measures with similar names. It is important to understand how such other banking organizations calculate and name their financial measures similar to the non-GAAP financial measures discussed by us when comparing such non-GAAP financial measures.

    A reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to the comparable GAAP financial measures is included within the following financial statement tables.

    About Red River Bancshares, Inc.

    Red River Bancshares, Inc. is the bank holding company for Red River Bank, a Louisiana state-chartered bank established in 1999 that provides a fully integrated suite of banking products and services tailored to the needs of commercial and retail customers. Red River Bank operates from a network of 28 banking centers throughout Louisiana and one combined loan and deposit production office in New Orleans, Louisiana. Banking centers are located in the following Louisiana markets: Central, which includes the Alexandria metropolitan statistical area (“MSA”); Northwest, which includes the Shreveport-Bossier City MSA; Capital, which includes the Baton Rouge MSA; Southwest, which includes the Lake Charles MSA; the Northshore, which includes Covington; Acadiana, which includes the Lafayette MSA; and New Orleans.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Statements in this news release regarding our expectations and beliefs about our future financial performance and financial condition, as well as trends in our business and markets, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements often include words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “project,” “outlook,” or words of similar meaning, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” or “may.” The forward-looking statements in this news release are based on current information and on assumptions that we make about future events and circumstances that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that are often difficult to predict and beyond our control. As a result of those risks and uncertainties, our actual financial results in the future could differ, possibly materially, from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release and could cause us to make changes to our future plans. Additional information regarding these and other risks and uncertainties to which our business and future financial performance are subject is contained in the section titled “Risk Factors” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and in other documents that we file with the SEC from time to time. In addition, our actual financial results in the future may differ from those currently expected due to additional risks and uncertainties of which we are not currently aware or which we do not currently view as, but in the future may become, material to our business or operating results. Due to these and other possible uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this news release or to make predictions based solely on historical financial performance. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law. All forward-looking statements, express or implied, included in this news release are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

    Contact:
    Isabel V. Carriere, CPA, CGMA
    Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Assistant Corporate Secretary
    318-561-4023
    icarriere@redriverbank.net

    FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (UNAUDITED)
     
        As of and for the
    Three Months Ended    		   As of and for the
    Nine Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)   September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2023    		   September 30,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2023
    Net Income   $ 8,754     $ 7,987     $ 8,021     $ 24,929     $ 26,587  
                         
    Per Common Share Data:                    
    Earnings per share, basic   $ 1.28     $ 1.16     $ 1.12     $ 3.60     $ 3.70  
    Earnings per share, diluted   $ 1.27     $ 1.16     $ 1.12     $ 3.59     $ 3.70  
    Book value per share   $ 47.51     $ 44.58     $ 39.43     $ 47.51     $ 39.43  
    Tangible book value per share (1)   $ 47.28     $ 44.35     $ 39.21     $ 47.28     $ 39.21  
    Realized book value per share (1)   $ 54.78     $ 53.54     $ 50.27     $ 54.78     $ 50.27  
    Cash dividends per share   $ 0.09     $ 0.09     $ 0.08     $ 0.27     $ 0.24  
    Shares outstanding     6,826,120       6,886,928       7,150,685       6,826,120       7,150,685  
    Weighted average shares outstanding, basic     6,851,223       6,896,030       7,168,413       6,932,137       7,176,219  
    Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted     6,867,474       6,914,140       7,180,084       6,949,196       7,188,371  
                         
    Summary Performance Ratios:                    
    Return on average assets     1.13%       1.05%       1.05%       1.08%       1.18%  
    Return on average equity     11.11%       10.69%       11.15%       10.86%       12.71%  
    Net interest margin     2.93%       2.87%       2.74%       2.87%       2.91%  
    Net interest margin FTE     2.98%       2.92%       2.78%       2.92%       2.94%  
    Efficiency ratio     60.09%       62.07%       61.70%       60.84%       59.02%  
    Loans HFI to deposits ratio     74.84%       75.38%       70.60%       74.84%       70.60%  
    Noninterest-bearing deposits to deposits ratio     32.12%       32.87%       35.22%       32.12%       35.22%  
    Noninterest income to average assets     0.70%       0.67%       0.73%       0.67%       0.71%  
    Operating expense to average assets     2.17%       2.19%       2.13%       2.14%       2.12%  
                         
    Summary Credit Quality Ratios:                    
    NPAs to assets     0.10%       0.11%       0.07%       0.10%       0.07%  
    Nonperforming loans to loans HFI     0.15%       0.16%       0.10%       0.15%       0.10%  
    ACL to loans HFI     1.06%       1.06%       1.09%       1.06%       1.09%  
    Net charge-offs to average loans     0.00%       0.01%       0.00%       0.02%       0.01%  
                         
    Capital Ratios:                    
    Stockholders’ equity to assets     10.46%       10.07%       9.20%       10.46%       9.20%  
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets(1)     10.41%       10.02%       9.15%       10.41%       9.15%  
    Total risk-based capital to risk-weighted assets     18.07%       18.01%       18.35%       18.07%       18.35%  
    Tier 1 risk-based capital to risk-weighted assets     17.05%       16.99%       17.31%       17.05%       17.31%  
    Common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets     17.05%       16.99%       17.31%       17.05%       17.31%  
    Tier 1 risk-based capital to average assets     11.90%       11.74%       11.56%       11.90%       11.56%  

    (1)  Non-GAAP financial measure. Calculations of this measure and reconciliations to GAAP are included in the schedules accompanying this release.

    RED RIVER BANCSHARES, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
     
    (in thousands) September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024    		   March 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023    		   September 30,
    2023
    ASSETS                  
    Cash and due from banks $ 39,664     $ 35,035     $ 19,401     $ 53,062     $ 42,413  
    Interest-bearing deposits in other banks   192,983       178,038       210,404       252,364       279,786  
    Securities available-for-sale, at fair value   560,555       526,890       545,967       570,092       529,046  
    Securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost   134,145       136,824       139,328       141,236       143,420  
    Equity securities, at fair value   3,028       2,921       2,934       2,965       2,833  
    Nonmarketable equity securities   2,305       2,283       2,261       2,239       2,190  
    Loans held for sale   1,805       3,878       1,653       1,306       2,348  
    Loans held for investment   2,056,048       2,047,890       2,038,072       1,992,858       1,948,606  
    Allowance for credit losses   (21,757)       (21,627)       (21,564)       (21,336)       (21,183)  
    Premises and equipment, net   57,661       57,910       57,539       57,088       56,466  
    Accrued interest receivable   9,465       9,570       9,995       9,945       8,778  
    Bank-owned life insurance   30,164       29,947       29,731       29,529       29,332  
    Intangible assets   1,546       1,546       1,546       1,546       1,546  
    Right-of-use assets   2,853       2,973       3,091       3,629       3,757  
    Other assets   31,285       34,450       32,940       32,287       36,815  
    Total Assets $ 3,101,750     $ 3,048,528     $ 3,073,298     $ 3,128,810     $ 3,066,153  
                       
    LIABILITIES                  
    Noninterest-bearing deposits $ 882,394     $ 892,942     $ 895,439     $ 916,456     $ 972,155  
    Interest-bearing deposits   1,864,731       1,823,704       1,850,452       1,885,432       1,787,738  
    Total Deposits   2,747,125       2,716,646       2,745,891       2,801,888       2,759,893  
    Accrued interest payable   11,751       8,747       8,959       8,000       6,800  
    Lease liabilities   2,982       3,100       3,215       3,767       3,892  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities   15,574       13,045       15,919       11,304       13,617  
    Total Liabilities   2,777,432       2,741,538       2,773,984       2,824,959       2,784,202  
    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES   —       —       —       —       —  
    STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                  
    Preferred stock, no par value   —       —       —       —       —  
    Common stock, no par value   41,402       44,413       45,177       55,136       58,031  
    Additional paid-in capital   2,682       2,590       2,485       2,407       2,327  
    Retained earnings   329,858       321,719       314,352       306,802       299,079  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)   (49,624)       (61,732)       (62,700)       (60,494)       (77,486)  
    Total Stockholders’ Equity   324,318       306,990       299,314       303,851       281,951  
    Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity $ 3,101,750     $ 3,048,528     $ 3,073,298     $ 3,128,810     $ 3,066,153  
    RED RIVER BANCSHARES, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
                         
        For the Three Months Ended   For the Nine
    Months Ended
    (in thousands)   September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2023    		   September 30,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2023
    INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME                                    
    Interest and fees on loans   $ 27,909   $ 26,882     $ 23,925     $ 80,684   $ 68,541  
    Interest on securities     4,334     4,068       3,404       12,465     10,635  
    Interest on federal funds sold     —     —       —       —     886  
    Interest on deposits in other banks     2,630     2,709       2,950       8,378     6,359  
    Dividends on stock     28     22       45       73     106  
    Total Interest and Dividend Income     34,901     33,681       30,324       101,600     86,527  
    INTEREST EXPENSE                    
    Interest on deposits     12,444     11,894       9,562       35,993     21,319  
    Interest on other borrowed funds     —     —       37       —     64  
    Total Interest Expense     12,444     11,894       9,599       35,993     21,383  
    Net Interest Income     22,457     21,787       20,725       65,607     65,144  
    Provision for credit losses     300     300       185       900     485  
    Net Interest Income After Provision for Credit Losses     22,157     21,487       20,540       64,707     64,659  
    NONINTEREST INCOME                    
    Service charges on deposit accounts     1,486     1,367       1,489       4,223     4,317  
    Debit card income, net     905     949       830       2,875     2,687  
    Mortgage loan income     732     650       604       1,838     1,524  
    Brokerage income     987     893       1,029       2,867     2,759  
    Loan and deposit income     588     492       571       1,572     1,566  
    Bank-owned life insurance income     217     216       191       635     557  
    Gain (Loss) on equity securities     107     (13)       (113)       63     (145)  
    SBIC income     301     454       920       1,107     2,479  
    Other income (loss)     96     90       60       266     184  
    Total Noninterest Income     5,419     5,098       5,581       15,446     15,928  
    OPERATING EXPENSES                    
    Personnel expenses     9,700     9,603       9,461       28,854     28,008  
    Occupancy and equipment expenses     1,661     1,698       1,663       4,975     4,933  
    Technology expenses     865     724       675       2,298     2,066  
    Advertising     317     408       331       1,061     955  
    Other business development expenses     521     593       522       1,589     1,451  
    Data processing expense     652     651       651       1,650     1,689  
    Other taxes     622     500       664       1,859     2,042  
    Loan and deposit expenses     294     309       238       561     728  
    Legal and professional expenses     653     729       616       2,000     1,714  
    Regulatory assessment expenses     421     401       419       1,226     1,223  
    Other operating expenses     1,046     1,073       990       3,241     3,041  
    Total Operating Expenses     16,752     16,689       16,230       49,314     47,850  
    Income Before Income Tax Expense     10,824     9,896       9,891       30,839     32,737  
    Income tax expense     2,070     1,909       1,870       5,910     6,150  
    Net Income   $ 8,754   $ 7,987     $ 8,021     $ 24,929   $ 26,587  
    RED RIVER BANCSHARES, INC.
    NET INTEREST INCOME AND NET INTEREST MARGIN (UNAUDITED)
     
      For the Three Months Ended
      September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024
    (dollars in thousands) Average Balance Outstanding   Interest
    Income/
    Expense    		   Average
    Yield/
    Rate    		   Average Balance Outstanding   Interest
    Income/
    Expense    		   Average
    Yield/
    Rate
    Assets                      
    Interest-earning assets:                      
    Loans(1,2) $ 2,054,451     $ 27,909   5.32%     $ 2,042,602     $ 26,882   5.21%  
    Securities – taxable   545,171       3,344   2.45%       546,466       3,069   2.25%  
    Securities – tax-exempt   191,285       990   2.07%       193,954       999   2.06%  
    Interest-bearing deposits in other banks   194,229       2,630   5.36%       199,668       2,709   5.43%  
    Nonmarketable equity securities   2,284       28   4.85%       2,262       22   3.96%  
    Total interest-earning assets   2,987,420     $ 34,901   4.59%       2,984,952     $ 33,681   4.48%  
    Allowance for credit losses   (21,702)               (21,653)          
    Noninterest-earning assets   104,599               96,631          
    Total assets $ 3,070,317             $ 3,059,930          
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity                      
    Interest-bearing liabilities:                      
    Interest-bearing transaction deposits $ 1,230,487     $ 6,042   1.95%     $ 1,230,474     $ 5,701   1.86%  
    Time deposits   597,286       6,402   4.26%       595,120       6,193   4.19%  
    Total interest-bearing deposits   1,827,773       12,444   2.71%       1,825,594       11,894   2.62%  
    Other borrowings   —       —   —%       1       —   5.78%  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   1,827,773     $ 12,444   2.71%       1,825,595     $ 11,894   2.62%  
    Noninterest-bearing liabilities:                      
    Noninterest-bearing deposits   901,192               908,930          
    Accrued interest and other liabilities   28,006               24,868          
    Total noninterest-bearing liabilities   929,198               933,798          
    Stockholders’ equity   313,346               300,537          
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 3,070,317             $ 3,059,930          
    Net interest income     $ 22,457           $ 21,787    
    Net interest spread         1.88%             1.86%  
    Net interest margin         2.93%             2.87%  
    Net interest margin FTE(3)         2.98%             2.92%  
    Cost of deposits         1.81%             1.75%  
    Cost of funds         1.66%             1.60%  

    (1)  Includes average outstanding balances of loans held for sale of $3.0 million and $3.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024, respectively.
    (2)  Nonaccrual loans are included as loans carrying a zero yield.
    (3)  Net interest margin FTE includes an FTE adjustment using a 21.0% federal income tax rate on tax-exempt securities and tax-exempt loans.

    RED RIVER BANCSHARES, INC.
    NET INTEREST INCOME AND NET INTEREST MARGIN (UNAUDITED)
     
      For the Nine Months Ended
      September 30, 2024   September 30, 2023
    (dollars in thousands) Average Balance Outstanding   Interest
    Income/
    Expense    		   Average
    Yield/
    Rate    		   Average Balance Outstanding   Interest
    Income/
    Expense    		   Average
    Yield/
    Rate
    Assets                      
    Interest-earning assets:                      
    Loans(1,2) $ 2,037,435     $ 80,684   5.21%     $ 1,933,226     $ 68,541   4.68%  
    Securities – taxable   553,714       9,461   2.28%       618,345       7,535   1.63%  
    Securities – tax-exempt   194,341       3,004   2.06%       203,748       3,100   2.03%  
    Federal funds sold   —       —   —%       24,861       886   4.70%  
    Interest-bearing deposits in other banks   206,023       8,378   5.40%       167,210       6,359   5.05%  
    Nonmarketable equity securities   2,262       73   4.27%       3,744       106   3.76%  
    Total interest-earning assets   2,993,775     $ 101,600   4.47%       2,951,134     $ 86,527   3.88%  
    Allowance for credit losses   (21,586)               (20,920)          
    Noninterest-earning assets   100,586               88,527          
    Total assets $ 3,072,775             $ 3,018,741          
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity                      
    Interest-bearing liabilities:                      
    Interest-bearing transaction deposits $ 1,240,737     $ 17,424   1.88%     $ 1,259,198     $ 12,126   1.29%  
    Time deposits   591,771       18,569   4.19%       441,442       9,193   2.78%  
    Total interest-bearing deposits   1,832,508       35,993   2.62%       1,700,640       21,319   1.68%  
    Other borrowings   —       —   —%       1,539       64   5.49%  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   1,832,508     $ 35,993   2.62%       1,702,179     $ 21,383   1.68%  
    Noninterest-bearing liabilities:                      
    Noninterest-bearing deposits   907,722               1,016,034          
    Accrued interest and other liabilities   25,983               20,951          
    Total noninterest-bearing liabilities   933,705               1,036,985          
    Stockholders’ equity   306,562               279,577          
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 3,072,775             $ 3,018,741          
    Net interest income     $ 65,607           $ 65,144    
    Net interest spread         1.85%             2.20%  
    Net interest margin         2.87%             2.91%  
    Net interest margin FTE(3)         2.92%             2.94%  
    Cost of deposits         1.75%             1.05%  
    Cost of funds         1.61%             0.97%  

    (1)  Includes average outstanding balances of loans held for sale of $2.7 million and $2.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
    (2)  Nonaccrual loans are included as loans carrying a zero yield.
    (3)  Net interest margin FTE includes an FTE adjustment using a 21.0% federal income tax rate on tax-exempt securities and tax-exempt loans.

    RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (UNAUDITED)
     
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data) September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2023
    Tangible common equity          
    Total stockholders’ equity $ 324,318     $ 306,990     $ 281,951  
    Adjustments:          
    Intangible assets   (1,546)       (1,546)       (1,546)  
    Total tangible common equity (non-GAAP) $ 322,772     $ 305,444     $ 280,405  
    Realized common equity          
    Total stockholders’ equity $ 324,318     $ 306,990     $ 281,951  
    Adjustments:          
    Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss   49,624       61,732       77,486  
    Total realized common equity (non-GAAP) $ 373,942     $ 368,722     $ 359,437  
    Common shares outstanding   6,826,120       6,886,928       7,150,685  
    Book value per share $ 47.51     $ 44.58     $ 39.43  
    Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP) $ 47.28     $ 44.35     $ 39.21  
    Realized book value per share (non-GAAP) $ 54.78     $ 53.54     $ 50.27  
               
    Tangible assets          
    Total assets $ 3,101,750     $ 3,048,528     $ 3,066,153  
    Adjustments:          
    Intangible assets   (1,546)       (1,546)       (1,546)  
    Total tangible assets (non-GAAP) $ 3,100,204     $ 3,046,982     $ 3,064,607  
    Total stockholders’ equity to assets   10.46%       10.07%       9.20%  
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets (non-GAAP)   10.41%       10.02%       9.15%  

    The MIL Network –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Pakistan condemns Israeli ban on UNRWA operations

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Pakistan strongly condemned the latest Israeli attempt to dismantle the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), said a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday evening.

    The ministry said that the latest step is yet another violation of international law and the UN Charter by Israel.

    “Preventing UNRWA from carrying out its vital tasks is a manifestation of Israel’s systematic campaign to deny the much-needed humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people,” added the ministry.

    According to the ministry, Pakistan urged the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to hold Israel accountable and to protect UNRWA’s work under UN General Assembly Resolution 302 (IV) of 1949.

    The statement emphasized that Israel’s actions represent a calculated effort to deny essential aid to the Palestinian population, especially those in Gaza.

    In light of the humanitarian crisis, Pakistan also reiterated its call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and for uninterrupted humanitarian assistance to relieve the suffering of people.

    Earlier on Monday, the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, passed a law prohibiting the UNRWA from operating in Israel.

    Israel’s state-owned Kan TV News reported that the new law, which received support from 92 out of 120 parliament members, passed despite opposition from the United States and several European countries.

    The law stipulates that the UNRWA will not operate any representation, provide services, or conduct any activities, directly or indirectly, within Israeli territory. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Tatyana Golikova: More than 30 thousand primary healthcare facilities will be modernized in 2025–2030

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Tatyana Golikova at the plenary session “From N.A. Semashko to the present day”

    October 30, 2024

    Tatyana Golikova at the plenary session “From N.A. Semashko to the present day”

    October 30, 2024

    Tatyana Golikova at the plenary session “From N.A. Semashko to the present day”

    October 30, 2024

    Tatyana Golikova at the plenary session “From N.A. Semashko to the present day”

    October 30, 2024

    Tatyana Golikova at the plenary session “From N.A. Semashko to the present day”

    October 30, 2024

    Russian President Vladimir Putin opened the plenary session of the 3rd National Congress with International Participation “National Healthcare”

    October 30, 2024

    At the end of the plenary session, the winners of the All-Russian competition of young leaders – healthcare organizers were awarded

    October 30, 2024

    Previous news Next news

    Tatyana Golikova at the plenary session “From N.A. Semashko to the present day”

    The central event of the third national congress with international participation “National Healthcare” took place in the Great Hall of the State Kremlin Palace – the plenary session “From N.A. Semashko to the Present Day”, dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the birth of the outstanding scientist and physician.

    The plenary session of the third national congress with international participation “National Healthcare” was opened by the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin.

    The moderator of the plenary session was Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova. The event was attended by Minister of Health Mikhail Murashko, Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov, Head of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing Anna Popova, Governor of the Orenburg Region Denis Pasler, and TV presenter of the Russia 24 TV channel Alexandra Suvorova.

    The plenary session included a discussion of key areas of development and achievements of the Russian healthcare system through the prism of the merits of the outstanding Soviet healthcare organizer N.A. Semashko: development of human health; accessibility of medical care regardless of place of residence; unity of prevention and treatment; public involvement in the implementation of state policy in the field of healthcare; ensuring sanitary well-being; healthcare management from a scientific point of view; provision of affordable healthy food for everyone and modern affordable medical products.

    “The peculiarity of this congress was its dedication to one of the significant organizers, the first People’s Commissar of Health Nikolai Aleksandrovich Semashko, who laid the foundations of the world’s first state health care system and formed a hierarchical state centralized model with a district principle of providing primary health care, which was subsequently implemented in many countries of the world – Great Britain, Norway, France, Sweden, Denmark, Italy and others. We carried the main principles of Semashko’s system through the years and laid them at the foundation of our Russian health care system,” emphasized Tatyana Golikova.

    The state character of the Russian healthcare system, its free nature and accessibility for citizens, has been preserved.

    “Every year, the state’s expenses on paying for medical care alone increase and by the end of 2023 amounted to 4 trillion rubles. Over the past five years, compared to 2018, expenses on paying for medical care have increased by 1.5 trillion rubles. And by the end of 2024, such expenses are preliminarily estimated at 4.5 trillion rubles,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

    Currently, medical care is provided by 7 thousand state and municipal medical organizations, including more than 300 federal ones.

    The federal law “On the Fundamentals of Health Protection of Citizens in the Russian Federation” establishes an approach to the formation of human health from birth and throughout the entire period of his life.

    The entire population of our country is attached to medical organizations. And at least 118 million people use their capabilities annually, including almost 31 million children. Medical organizations annually perform more than 1 billion cases of medical care.

    As Tatyana Golikova noted, in order to implement the main principle of Soviet medicine – disease prevention and prophylaxis – since 2024, the volume of medical care provided in outpatient settings has been increased, and dispensary observation at the workplace has been introduced. “But so far only 36 regions of our country have taken advantage of this opportunity. I ask all regions to more actively implement this approach to dispensary observation,” the Deputy Prime Minister said. She emphasized that the principle of accessibility of medical care at the place of residence, work or study is the main one in Russian legislation.

    Accessibility of medical care and its provision itself are impossible without medical personnel. “Until 2023, we noted a decrease in the number of doctors. Therefore, a whole range of measures was implemented at the federal level, which allowed us, by the end of 2023, for the first time in the last five years, to stop this decline and increase the number of doctors by 7.5 thousand people without taking into account new regions,” Tatyana Golikova emphasized.

    Developing and continuing the foundations laid by Nikolai Aleksandrovich Semashko, the primary health care system is being actively modernized, which in 1978 was recognized by the World Health Organization as the best in the world, which was recorded in a specially adopted declaration. Therefore, the federal project for the modernization of the primary health care system is the most resource-intensive project of the new national project “Long and Active Life”.

    “Over the past three years, we have already modernized over 18,000 healthcare facilities, which affected over 24 million of our citizens. By the end of 2025, within the framework of current regional programs, we will modernize almost 2,000 more facilities. The plans for 2025-2030 include over 30,000 more facilities, where over 80 million residents of the country receive medical care, including those living in rural areas, urban-type settlements and small towns,” noted Tatyana Golikova.

    The priority of prevention in health protection has been established by law, the unity of prevention and treatment has been regulated. Almost 5 thousand medical prevention departments and health centers have been opened in its development. 35.5 million people have applied to these departments for training in the principles of a healthy lifestyle. Another 9 million people have been trained in so-called schools.

    The population is provided with medical examinations and preventive check-ups.

    Since 2024, as part of the Year of the Family, a medical examination to assess reproductive health has been introduced for the first time. Over 3 million men and women of reproductive age have already been examined. In 11% of cases, diseases that negatively affect reproductive function were detected. Additional examination and treatment of such patients is being carried out.

    “We have preserved and strengthened the state system of ensuring sanitary well-being and social hygiene, the foundations of which were laid by Nikolai Aleksandrovich. We have launched a new federal project, “Sanitary Shield of the Country”. We have formed a single centralized system for responding to possible infectious threats. As a result, we have ensured a multiple reduction in infectious diseases. Last year alone, such a reduction was 30%. More than 17 million cases of infectious pathology were prevented,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.

    Since 2019, a separate project aimed at promoting healthy eating has been implemented within the framework of the national project “Demography”. The project’s activities have already covered more than 40 million people.

    Research for the development of medical science is conducted by over 400 scientific, medical and educational organizations. These organizations perform almost 5.5 thousand studies for medicine. 120 billion rubles have been allocated from various sources for these purposes.

    “We have created conditions for the development of the medical and pharmaceutical industries. In 2023 alone, Russian medical products worth over 1 trillion rubles were produced,” said Tatyana Golikova.

    The participants of the discussion presented information in the format of “was – became – will be” on each thematic area of the session: since the time of N.A. Semashko, achievements of the present time and what will be implemented in the future, in focus on the advantages of the Soviet and Russian health care system and the replication of the Soviet experience of building a health care system in other countries.

    The final plenary session included an award ceremony for the winners of the All-Russian Competition of Young Leaders – Healthcare Organizers. The competition was held by the Central Research Institute of Healthcare and Informatics with the support of the Ministry of Healthcare. The award ceremony was held by Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova and Minister of Healthcare Mikhail Murashko.

    The plenary session ended with an opera ball featuring artists from the Helikon Opera musical theatre.

    The third national congress with international participation “National Healthcare” was held with the support of the Russian Government. The event was organized by the Ministry of Healthcare and the Roscongress Foundation. The organizational partner of the event was the Central Research Institute for Healthcare Organization and Informatization of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russia.

    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 –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Denis Manturov held a meeting with the Governor of Omsk Region Vitaly Khotsenko

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Denis Manturov held a meeting with the Governor of Omsk Region Vitaly Khotsenko

    First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov met with the Governor of Omsk Region Vitaly Khotsenko, with whom he discussed issues of industrial development in the region.

    In particular, the head of the region told Denis Manturov about the progress of the project to build a branch of the CITO high-tech prosthetics center in Omsk. Assistance here will be provided, in particular, to wounded SVO participants.

    In addition, the meeting discussed an important project of the Titan Group of Companies for the region. Last year, the company began implementing a large-scale investment project to create a new EP-600 olefin complex in Omsk, which will create up to a thousand additional jobs in the region, as well as increase tax revenues to the budget and create a raw material base for industrialists and consumer goods manufacturers. The total volume of expected investments in the project is over 500 billion rubles.

    The meeting also discussed a project to organize serial production of promising small-sized turbojet engines based on the branch of JSC UEC – the Omsk Engine-Building Association named after P.I. Baranov.

    Vitaly Khotsenko thanked the First Deputy Prime Minister for assistance in regularly updating the vehicle fleets of schools and hospitals in the region as per the instructions of Russian President Vladimir Putin. In recent years, 342 school buses and 176 ambulances have arrived in Omsk Oblast. Denis Manturov expressed his readiness to continue to provide support to the region in this matter.

    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 –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ghost forests: Learn more as Halloween sneaks up!

    Source: US Geological Survey

    These eerie forests, filled with standing dead trees, tell a story on the effects of sea level rise and extreme flooding. And scientists with the USGS are investigating!

    When coastal forests are inundated with salt water or frequently flooded, trees can be stressed to levels they can’t withstand. If trees don’t survive, coastal forests can transform into different types of settings such as marshes or open water, creating ghost forests and leaving behind remnants of the ecosystems that once were.

    What the USGS knows…

    Coastal ghost forests typically occur in low-lying areas, and USGS scientists are studying how and where these shifts are happening across the nation. The USGS and partners are also working to forecast what areas might be impacted in the future, considering various sea level rise scenarios. 

    Changes can lead to potentially positive or negative impacts. Healthy coastal forests provide numerous benefits such as supporting wildlife habitat, filtering pollutants and offering flood protection along coastlines, while marshes also provide species habitat, improve water quality and absorb floodwaters, among many other purposes.

    A ghost forest stands in Goose Creek State Park in North Carolina. This is an example of a freshwater forested wetland that is transitioning to open water. Photograph by Melinda Martinez, USGS.

    USGS science can be used by decisionmakers such as land and wildlife managers as they consider the costs and benefits of conservation and restoration.

    An example: The Chesapeake Bay

    The eastern U.S. is a particular concern, as these transitions are taking place up and down the Atlantic coast. The USGS has projects in several areas, including, for example, ongoing research in the Delmarva Peninsula within the Chesapeake Bay. This region consists of several low sloped landscapes, which allows for rapid change to occur.

    Drilling into the trees

    Here’s where it gets even more interesting! The USGS and partners recently drilled into trees to see what’s inside. Why? To understand the role of ghost forests in greenhouse gas fluxes.

    Trees are known to naturally absorb and release gases, but there’s limited research on whether and how that process changes when coastal forests die. A recent study finds that standing dead trees in ghost forests have tiny organisms that actually convert methane, a potent greenhouse gas, to carbon dioxide, which is less potent.

    This insight is another piece of the puzzle as officials consider the trade-offs for how to manage these landscapes.

    The USGS is a coauthor on that study, which was led by Hollins University. 

    Share the tale

    Don’t forget to share what you learned with friends! Do they know ghost forests are real?

    Ghost forest on the Delmarva Penninsula. Photograph by Kyle Derby, USGS.
    A ghost forest stands in Goose Creek State Park in North Carolina. This is an example of a freshwater forested wetland that is transitioning to open water. Photograph by Melinda Martinez, USGS.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Time to freak out? How the existential terror of hurricanes can fuel climate change denial

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jamie Goldenberg, Professor of Psychology and Area Director, Cognitive, Neuroscience and Social Psychology, University of South Florida

    Hurricane Milton flooded parts of the Tampa Bay region just days after Hurricane Helene made landfall nearby. Bryan R. Smithy/AFP via Getty Images

    As TVs across Florida broadcast the all-too-familiar images of a powerful hurricane headed for the coast in early October 2024, people whose homes had been damaged less than two weeks earlier by Hurricane Helene watched anxiously. Hurricane Milton was rapidly intensifying into a dangerous storm, fueled by the Gulf of Mexico’s record-breaking temperatures.

    Many residents scrambled to evacuate, clogging roads away from the region. Officials urged those near the coast who ignored evacuation warnings to scrawl their names on their arms with indelible ink so their corpses could be identified.

    The two hurricanes were among the most destructive in recent memory. They are also stark reminders of the increasingly extreme weather events that scientists have long warned would be the consequence of human-driven climate change.

    Still, many people deny that climate change is a worsening threat, or that it exists at all. As its impacts grow more visible and destructive, how is this possible?

    Views of Hurricane Milton’s damage across Florida.

    One answer lies in a unique facet of human psychology – specifically, in how people manage the fear aroused by existential threats. For many people, denying the existence of a climate crisis is not only convenient, but may feel psychologically necessary.

    Terror management theory

    The Pulitzer Prize-winning anthropologist Ernest Becker put it this way: “The idea of death, the fear of it, haunts the human animal like nothing else … to overcome it by denying it in some way is the final destiny for man.”

    In plain terms, he was saying that most people struggle to accept their mortality and take pains to distort their perception of reality to avoid confronting it.

    In the 1980s, social psychologists developed “terror management theory,” showing the lengths people go to deny death. Hundreds of experiments have tested its implications. In a common method, participants reflect on their own death, while control groups consider less threatening topics, like dental pain. The key question: What does death awareness do to people?

    After writing about death, people tend to quickly move on, pushing thoughts of it from consciousness with distractions, rationalizations and other tactics. Health care professionals see this every day. For example, people often dodge screenings and diagnostic tests to avoid the frightening possibility of discovering cancer.

    Skidmore College psychologist Sheldon Solomon discusses Ernest Becker’s ‘The Denial of Death’ and terror management theory in the context of humanity’s history of brutal behavior.

    But here’s the rub: Terror management theory suggests that when people are not thinking about death, it nevertheless holds influence. The unconscious mind lingers on the problem even after people have used strategies to quiet the fear by pushing it from awareness.

    Social psychology experiments show that people often cope with the specter of death by attaching themselves to cultural ideologies, such as religious, political or even sports fandom. These worldviews imbue life with meaning, values and purpose. And that can ease the terror of mortality by connecting people to an enduring and comforting web of ideas and beliefs that transcend one’s own existence.

    When people are made aware of death, those systems of meaning become even more critical to their psychological functioning. Existential threats make us cling even tighter to the meaning systems that sustain us.

    Climate denial as a defense mechanism

    Much like a terror management lab experiment – or the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic – natural disasters like hurricanes Helene and Milton trigger death anxiety.

    Rising sea levels, warming oceans and intensifying storms – all tied to global warming fueled by human actions – represent an existential threat.

    From our perspective, it is not surprising that climate-related disasters disappear from the public consciousness almost as soon as they have passed. Google Trends data exemplifies this: Incoming storms instigated an uptick in searches for “climate change” and “global warming” in the days before Hurricane Helene made landfall on Sept. 25, 2024, and Hurricane Milton on Oct. 9, 2024. Then those searches quickly declined as people shifted their focus away from the threat.

    Unfortunately, climate change isn’t going away, no matter how hard anyone tries to deny it.

    While climate denial allows people to protect themselves from feelings of distress, terror management theory suggests that denying death is just the tip of the iceberg. For some people, accepting the reality of climate change would necessitate reevaluating their ideologies.

    Terror management theory predicts that individuals whose ideologies conflict with environmental concerns may ironically double down on those beliefs to psychologically manage the existential threat posed by climate-related disasters. It’s similar to how mortality reminders can lead people to engage in risky behavior, such as smoking or tanning. Hurricanes may reinforce denial and commitment to a worldview that rejects climate change.

    A path forward: Building new worldviews

    Although denial may be a natural psychological response to existential threats, the U.S. may be getting to a point where even deniers can’t ignore the existential threat associated with climate change.

    Again and again, Americans are gobsmacked by the devastation – from hurricanes to severe flooding, wildfires and more.

    A terror management analysis suggests that overcoming this crisis requires weaving a solutions-focused narrative into the ideologies that people rely on for comfort. As psychologists who work on terror management, we believe the fight against climate change should be framed not as an apocalyptic battle that humanity is destined to lose, but as a moral and practical challenge that humanity can collectively overcome.

    Tampa, Florida, meteorologist Denis Phillips had the right idea as the two hurricanes headed for his community: His fact-based social media updates eschew partisan critique, encourage neighbors to support one another and emphasize preparedness and resilience in the face of incoming storms.

    As Milton approached, Phillips told residents to remember his Rule #7: Don’t freak out. That doesn’t mean do nothing – it means evaluate risks without letting emotion interfere, and take action.

    Shifting the narrative from helplessness to collective empowerment and action can help people confront climate change without triggering the existential anxieties that lead to denial – offering a vision for a future that is both secure and personally meaningful.

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

    – ref. Time to freak out? How the existential terror of hurricanes can fuel climate change denial – https://theconversation.com/time-to-freak-out-how-the-existential-terror-of-hurricanes-can-fuel-climate-change-denial-242390

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    January 25, 2025
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