Category: Weather

MIL-OSI USA: 2025 EGU Hyperwall Schedule

Source: NASA

EGU General Assembly, April 27 – May 2, 2025
Join NASA in the Exhibit Hall (Booth #204) for Hyperwall Storytelling by NASA experts. Full Hyperwall Agenda below.

MONDAY, APRIL 28

10:15 – 10:30 AM —— PACE —— Ivona Cetinic
3:45 – 4:00 PM —— Science Explorer (SciX): Accelerating the Discovery of NASA Science —— Mike Kurtz
4:00 – 4:15 PM —— Juno’s Extended Vision in its Extended Mission —— Glenn Orton
6:05 – 6:20 PM —— Getting the Big Picture with Global Precipitation —— George Huffman
6:20 – 6:35 PM —— Exploring Europa with Europa Clipper —— Jonathan Lunine

TUESDAY, APRIL 29

10:15 – 10:30 AM —— Science Explorer (SciX): Accelerating the Discovery of NASA Science —— Jennifer Lynn Bartlett
10:30 – 10:45 AM —— From ESTO to PACE, A CubeSat’s Journey to Space —— Brent McBride
12:30 – 2:00 PM —— Ask Me Anything with NASA Scientists —— Informal Office Hours
3:45 – 4:00 PM —— Exoplanets (Virtual) —— Jonathan H. Jiang
4:00 – 4:15 PM —— Scattering of Realistic Hydrometeors for Precipitation Remote Sensing ——Kwo-Sen Kuo
6:05 – 6:20 PM —— Space Weather Center of Excellence CLEAR: All-CLEAR SEP Forecast —— Lulu Zhao

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30

10:15 – 10:30 AM —— SPEXone on PACE: First year in Orbit —— Otto Hasekamp
12:30 – 2:00 PM —— Ask Me Anything with NASA Scientists —— Informal Office Hours
3:45 – 4:00 PM —— Science Explorer (SciX): Accelerating the Discovery of NASA Science —— Jennifer Lynn Bartlett
4:00 – 4:15 PM —— Scattering of Realistic Hydrometeors for Precipitation Remote Sensing ——Kwo-Sen Kuo
6:05 – 6:20 PM —— Ship Tracks Tell the Story of Climate Forcing by Aerosols through Clouds —Tianle Yuan
6:20 – 6:35 PM —— The Excitement of Mars Exploration —— Jonathan Lunine
6:35 – 6:50 PM —— Using NASA Earth Observations for Disaster Response —— Kristen Okorn

THURSDAY, MAY 1

10:15 – 10:30 AM —— Getting the Big Picture with Global Precipitation —— George Huffman
3:45 – 4:00 PM —— PACE —— Morgaine McKibben
4:00 – 4:15 PM —— Using AI to Model Global Clouds Better Than Current GCRMs —— Tianle Yuan
6:05 – 6:20 PM —— Science Explorer (SciX): Accelerating the Discovery of NASA Science —— Mike Kurtz

MIL OSI USA News –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Potential threats to the Tagliamento River’s ecosystem – E-000543/2025(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
1. The Commission does not undertake impact assessments of plans and projects on the environment, as Member States are primarily responsible to ensure implementation and enforcement of EU environmental law. According to information provided by the Italian authorities, the construction of a weir-bridge in Pinzano for the creation of a detention basin is a measure aimed at mitigating flood risk in Italy’s Flood Risk Management Plan (FRMP). Following technical assessments and studies carried out by competent authorities and discussions with stakeholders , a set of interventions was identified to achieve the mitigation effect proposed by this measure[1]. The possible environmental impacts resulting from the measure are reported in the first FRMP, which underwent a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)[2]. The measure is also included in the current FRMP. Having been the subject of an SEA already, the assessment of actual impacts requires a more defined project design of the interventions, to be evaluated through an Environmental Impact Assessment[3] and the appropriate assessment required under Articles 6(3) and 6(4) of the Habitats Directive[4]. It must also be assessed whether these interventions would have an adverse effect on the status of the body of water concerned, and, if so, whether they would be covered by a derogation under Article 4(7) of the Water Framework Directive[5].

2. Based on the information above, the Commission has no evidence that the measure infringes EU law. In its role as guardian of the Treaties, the Commission will continue monitoring the situation and may decide to take appropriate action.

[1] The set of interventions includes: i) a weir with an in-line detention basin in the river reach crossed by the Dignano bridge; ii) a weir with an off-line detention basin, close to the Madrisio bridge, and iii) adjustments to enhance and/or retrofit levees, overflow channels, and the drainage network. The residual risk would be managed through the two non-structural measures: i) the Citizen Observatory (Osservatorio dei Cittadini) and ii) the update of Civil Protection Plans.

[2] Directive 2001/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 June 2001 on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment, OJ L 197, 21.7.2001, p. 30-37.

[3] Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment, OJ L 026 28.1.2012, p. 1.

[4] Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, OJ L 206 22.7.1992, p. 7.

[5] Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy, OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1.
Last updated: 24 April 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Virginia Army National Guard aircrews recognized for Hurricane Helene rescues

Source: US National Guard (video statements)

Virginia Army National Guard aviators and Chesterfield County Fire and Emergency Medical Service rescue technicians rescued multiple individuals from floodwaters in Virginia brought on by Hurricane Helene in October 2024. The aviators and rescue technicians, who make up the Virginia Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team, were recognized for their efforts and awarded the Virginia National Guard Bronze Star medal. Va. HART trains quarterly to ensure readiness for both elements to respond to flooding and other emergencies. This marked the first major real-world rescues the team has made since the partnership began in 2011. (Video courtesy of Chesterfield Fire and EMS, edited by Staff Sgt. Amber Peck)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHNXiioB4Ms

MIL OSI Video –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh hails a decade of Panchayati Raj Reforms under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership on Panchayati Raj Diwas, in Bihar

Source: Government of India

Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh hails a decade of Panchayati Raj Reforms under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership on Panchayati Raj Diwas, in Bihar

Finance Commission Grants for Gram Panchayats increased sevenfold in the last 10 years; Panchayat Representatives being trained in Premier Institutions: Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh

Centre Awards Six Panchayats, Three Institutions; Women Sarpanches of Motipur ( Bihar) , Dawwa S (Maharashtra) & Hatbadra (Odisha) Lead the Spotlight

Posted On: 24 APR 2025 6:45PM by PIB Delhi

On the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day, 24th April 2025, a historic event was organized at Lohna Uttar Gram Panchayat in Madhubani District of Bihar in the august presence of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The national commemoration was marked by vibrant participation from elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), beneficiaries of several government schemes, and local residents. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, on this occasion launched/ laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects amounting to over Rs.13,480 crores. These initiatives spanned across key sectors including housing, rural development, power, transportation, and connectivity. In his address, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the Government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening grassroots democracy and empowering Panchayats as the driving force behind rural transformation. Addressing from the soil of a Gram Panchayat, Shri Modi underlined the spirit of Gram Swaraj and the role of Panchayats in building a developed and inclusive India.

Union Minister of Panchayati Raj, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, in his address highlighted the transformation witnessed by Panchayats across India over the past decade. He emphasized how digital tools such as eGramSwaraj have empowered local self-governments, enhancing efficiency, transparency, and ease of living in rural India. The Union Minister underlined the significant increase in financial devolution to PRIs that is nearly seven times more compared to the 13th Finance Commission in the last ten years.

“A truly developed India cannot be imagined until its villages and Panchayats are fully developed,” stated Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh. The event was also graced by Bihar Governor Shri Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister of Bihar Shri Nitish Kumar, and several Union Ministers, public representatives and senior officials, including Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj.

In his address, Union Minister of Panchayati Raj outlined the transformative progress made under the leadership of the Prime Minister in empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions over the last decade. He highlighted a seven-fold increase in fund devolution to Panchayats, advancements like the e-Gram Swaraj portal for enhanced transparency, weather forecasting at the Panchayat level, and leadership development through training at prestigious institutions like IIMs. The Union Minister emphasized the special focus on strengthening women’s leadership in Panchayats through targeted skill development initiatives. Shri Singh said that Prime Minister’s decision to address the nation from a Gram Panchayat underscores the government’s commitment to grassroots democracy. He called the national celebration at Lohna Uttar a historic moment in India’s journey towards a self-reliant, inclusive, and sustainable rural governance system – a solid foundation for a truly Viksit Bharat.

A major highlight of the event was the conferring of the Climate Action Special Panchayat Award (CASPA), Atma Nirbhar Panchayat Special Award (ANPSA), and Panchayat Kshamta Nirman Sarvottam Sansthan Puraskar (PKNSSP), recognizing exemplary contributions in Climate Action (CASPA), Self-Reliance (ANPSA), and Capacity Building (PKNSSP). A total of six Gram Panchayats and three institutions from eight States were felicitated. Notably, three award-winning Panchayats – Motipur (Bihar), Dawwa S (Maharashtra), and Hatbadra (Odisha) are headed by women Sarpanches, exemplifying the role of women leadership in driving local development.

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Aditi Agrawal

(Release ID: 2124144) Visitor Counter : 24

Read this release in: Hindi

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Launching the Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan
Source: US State of New York

overnor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of the New York State Adaptation and Resilience Plan to establish a statewide framework to align ongoing State climate adaptation planning and implementation efforts throughout New York communities. Over the course of the next year, this initiative will equip State and local partners with shared direction and foster collaboration across every region of the State, ensuring New Yorkers are better equipped and prepared for the devastating storms that cause more than $1 billion in damages for New York annually.

“As Governor, I have made major investments to prepare local leaders and protect communities across New York from the increasingly severe weather events that have cost us billions of dollars in damages and routinely threaten our safety,” Governor Hochul said. “By developing this statewide initiative to guide our ongoing climate resiliency efforts, we are solidifying a commitment to a safe, affordable and sustainable future that all New Yorkers need and deserve.”

The plan will create a collective vision, principles, planning resources and a gap analysis of existing State agency initiatives, which include a wide array of project types, such as: shoreline restoration, the relocation of critical infrastructure to reduce flood risk, the relocation and raising of flood-prone roadways, and right-sizing dams, bridges and culverts. The coordination initiative for this plan is being led by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Department of State (DOS), Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), in partnership with other State agencies.

As part of the first phase of the plan, the State will host a series of webinars in summer 2025. This initial outreach will be followed by more comprehensive engagement opportunities throughout the development of the plan, including additional in-person and virtual events and direct engagement with local governments and key stakeholders such as community-based organizations. Additional information, as well as upcoming opportunities to get involved, will be shared on the plan’s website.

Recognizing the need for innovative and cross-sector partnerships, the plan will create a unified adaptation and resilience strategy that builds upon and strengthens existing efforts while identifying new options for taking action. New York State will continue to advance investments and initiatives to support local planning and implementation of climate adaptation and resilience actions. Resources immediately available include:
- Funding through the Climate Smart Communities Grant Program, Green Resiliency Grant Program, Resilient Watershed Grants and other Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act-supported programs;
- Targeted climate research through the New York State Climate Impacts Assessment;
- Supporting local and regional planning through programs such as the Smart Growth Countywide Resiliency Planning program, Local Waterfront Revitalization Program and Coastal Lakeshore Economy and Resiliency programs;
- Hazard-focused statewide planning such as the implementation of the Extreme Heat Action Plan.
Additional resources and funding opportunities to support state and local adaptation and resilience are available here and through the Environmental Bond Act Funding Finder.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “New Yorkers know all too well how flooding and severe weather driven by climate change can wreak havoc on our communities and the environment. At Governor Hochul’s direction, we are taking action to make sure our communities and natural resources are resilient now and in the future. DEC is proud to lead this multi-agency effort to build, collaborate, and streamline New York State’s collective efforts on adaptation and resilience to ensure our state, communities, and partners are armed with the tools and resources needed to adapt to and prepare for the many impacts of climate change.”

New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, “This comprehensive resiliency plan is yet another example of Governor Hochul’s commitment to protecting lives, properties, businesses and infrastructure from the ravages of climate change. The Department of State stands ready and eager to contribute to this statewide effort to ensure that all corners of the State are prepared for and resilient against a rapidly changing climate.”

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “Over the last year alone, we’ve seen the toll that weather events like flooding and tornadoes can take on communities. By bringing together multiple State agencies to collaborate on methods to mitigate the impacts of climate change, we are taking a proactive approach to address Governor Hochul’s focus on prevention and resiliency. Investing in this work now will help the residents of New York respond and recover quickly and efficiently from storms.”

NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “Governor Hochul’s leadership on protecting New Yorkers from the impacts of rising temperatures and extreme weather events is evident through this multi-agency planning process that will advance statewide efforts. NYSERDA looks forward to engaging in this highly collaborative undertaking, which provides for the most efficient and coordinated use of State resources to meet future challenges in a strategic, sustainable way.”

As part of the 2025 State of the State address, Governor Kathy Hochul also announced a historic $1 billion Sustainable Future Program, a critical investment designed to rapidly generate thousands of jobs, slash energy bills for households and cut harmful pollution.

New York State’s Climate Agenda 
New York State’s climate agenda calls for an affordable and just transition to a clean energy economy that creates family-sustaining jobs, promotes economic growth through green investments and directs a minimum of 35 percent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities. New York is advancing a suite of efforts to achieve an emissions-free economy by 2050, including in the energy, buildings, transportation and waste sectors.

MIL OSI USA News –
April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Tillis Introduces Legislation to Help Small Businesses Affected by Helene

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis recently introduced the Helene Recovery Small Business Act and the Loans in Our Neighborhoods (LIONs) Act of 2025, legislation that would provide much-needed relief to small businesses as they work to recover from the devastation of Helene.
“Western North Carolina’s small businesses are still reeling from the devastation of Helene, and we have a responsibility to help them rebuild stronger than before,” said Senator Tillis. “These commonsense bills give business owners the tools they need, including greater access to capital and critical disaster aid, which will help them recover and grow. I’m proud to introduce these critical bills to cut red tape and deliver real relief to those who need it most.”
Background:
The Helene Small Business Recovery Act would waive the duplication-of-benefits prohibition that currently prevents small businesses that receive SBA disaster loans from also accessing Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds. This change would ensure that businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene can access the full range of federal aid needed to rebuild and recover.
The LIONs Act amends the Small Business Act by increasing the maximum gross loan amount for section 7(a) loans. The LIONs Act seeks to raise the limit from $5,000,000 to $10,000,000, providing more significant financial support to small businesses. The bill also includes a 75% guaranteed rate on loans of up to $10 million, providing a guarantee from the SBA and making the program more attractive for lenders.
Full text of the Helene Recovery Small Business Act is available HERE and the LIONs Act HERE.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – EIB criticises green reporting rules under Taxonomy Regulation – E-000151/2025(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
It is a key priority for the Commission to simplify rules and reduce the reporting burdens for undertakings, including financial institutions financial institutions.

On 26 February 2025, the Commission presented an omnibus package[1] aiming at simplification in relation to sustainability reporting.

The omnibus proposals delay by two years the reporting for companies that should have done so in 2026 or later and introduce a reduction in the scope of reporting under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)[2] to large companies[3] with more than 1000 employees.

This entails a change of scope of reporting under Taxonomy regulation[4], which is aligned with the CSRD. In addition, the proposal will make Taxonomy reporting voluntary for companies in scope with a turnover below EUR 450 million.

In parallel, the Commission also published for public feedback proposed changes to the Taxonomy Disclosures Delegated Act[5] significantly simplifying reporting requirements and introducing materiality thresholds, and changes to Climate and Environmental Delegated Acts[6].

As regards the green asset ratio, it is proposed to allow financial institutions to exclude from the indicators’ denominators the exposures that relate to undertakings with less than 1000 employees, which will not be obliged to report on EU Taxonomy information as per the Omnibus proposal.

In addition, the Omnibus package will protect companies out of the scope of the requirements, including SMEs, from excessive sustainability information requests that they receive when they are included in the value chains of larger companies or from financial institutions ( trickle-down effect ).

[1] https://commission.europa.eu/publications/omnibus-i_en

[2] Directive (EU) 2022/2464 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2022 amending Regulation (EU) No 537/2014, Directive 2004/109/EC, Directive 2006/43/EC and Directive 2013/34/EU, as regards corporate sustainability reporting, OJ L 322, 16.12.2022, p. 15.

[3] Large companies are defined in the Accounting Directive as companies that exceed at least two of the three following criteria: balance sheet of EUR 25 million, turnover of EUR 50 million and 250 employees.

[4] Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2020 on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment, and amending Regulation (EU) .2019/2088, OJ L 198, 22.6.2020, p. 13.

[5] Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2178 of 6 July 2021 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council by specifying the content and presentation of information to be disclosed by undertakings subject to Articles 19a or 29a of Directive 2013/34/EU concerning environmentally sustainable economic activities, and specifying the methodology to comply with that disclosure obligation, OJ L 443 10.12.2021, p. 9.

[6] Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2139 of 4 June 2021 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council by establishing the technical screening criteria for determining the conditions under which an economic activity qualifies as contributing substantially to climate change mitigation or climate change adaptation and for determining whether that economic activity causes no significant harm to any of the other environmental objectives (OJ L 442, 9.12.2021, p. 1) and 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council by establishing the technical screening criteria for determining the conditions under which an economic activity qualifies as contributing substantially to the sustainable use and protection of water and marine resources, to the transition to a circular economy, to pollution prevention and control, or to the protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems and for determining whether that economic activity causes no significant harm to any of the other environmental objectives and amending Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2178 as regards specific public disclosures for those economic activities (OJ L 2023/2486, 21.11.2023).
Last updated: 24 April 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Need to strengthen the resilience of electric vehicle batteries and charging infrastructure in EU tourist destinations – E-000007/2025(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
Low temperatures affect the range of electrified vehicles, as a consequence of a reduced efficiency of the battery and also due to the additional energy consumption from auxiliaries (e.g. thermal comfort systems).

To be able to quantify and assess the corresponding impact, the Commission has chaired a United Nations (UN) task force developing a harmonised test procedure for the accurate determination of the electric range in low temperature conditions.

This procedure has been introduced as a new annex to UN Global Technical Regulation (GTR) No 15[1] and will be transposed into the Euro 7[2] implementing legislation.

It is expected that improved consumer information will support the adoption of enhanced battery technology. In parallel, battery research and innovation on new, more robust battery generations is being undertaken in the co-programmed partnership BATT4EU under Horizon Europe[3].

Regarding the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure, Regulation (EU) 2023/1804[4] sets mandatory targets for recharging infrastructure for Member States in relation to the electric fleet size and along the trans-European transport (TEN-T) road network.

The regulation does not define specific rules or targets on a regional or local level where Member States or regional authorities are better placed to determine expected demand and the need for recharging points at specific locations.

The Commission supports the deployment of recharging infrastructure through various programmes, such as the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Facility (AFIF)[5] and the Recovery and Resilience Facility[6] and is preparing for the Social Climate Fund[7] and the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan[8] with additional funds.

[1] The Worldwide harmonised Light vehicles Test Procedures (WLTP) https://unece.org/transport/documents/2021/01/standards/addendum-15-united-nations-global-technical-regulation-no-15

[2] Regulation (EU) 2024/1257 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 April 2024 on type-approval of motor vehicles and engines and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles, with respect to their emissions and battery durability (Euro 7) (OJ L, 2024/1257, 8.5.2024), ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1257/oj

[3] https://bepassociation.eu/

[4] Regulation (EU) 2023/1804 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 September 2023 on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure, and repealing Directive 2014/94/EU, OJ L 234, 22.9.2023, p. 1-47.

[5] https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/funding-opportunities/calls-proposals/cef-transport-alternative-fuels-infrastructure-facility-afif-call-proposal_en

[6] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02021R0241-20240301

[7] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02023R0955-20240630

[8] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52025DC0045
Last updated: 24 April 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: The first 100 days of a growing global health and humanitarian emergency News Apr 24, 2025

Source: Doctors Without Borders –

Three months since the Trump administration first suspended all international assistance pending review, the US has terminated much of its funding for global health and humanitarian programs, dismantled the federal government architecture for oversight of these activities, and fired many of the key staff responsible for implementation.

Patients around the world are scrambling to understand how they can continue treatment, medical providers are struggling to maintain essential services, and aid groups are sounding the alarm about exploding needs in countries with existing emergencies.

US assistance has been a lifeline for millions of people–while yanking this support will lead to more preventable deaths and untold suffering around the world. We can’t accept this dangerous new normal.
Avril Benoît, CEO of MSF USA

“These sudden cuts by the Trump administration are a human-made disaster for the millions of people struggling to survive amid wars, disease outbreaks, and other emergencies,” said Avril Benoît, CEO of Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in the United States. “We are an emergency response organization, but we have never seen anything like this massive disruption to global health and humanitarian programs. The risks are catastrophic, especially since people who rely on foreign assistance are already among the most vulnerable in the world.”

“It all started three weeks ago, when I took [my son] to a doctor in the village and he gave him medicine to stop the diarrhea, yet his condition didn’t improve,” says Rawda, whose son Mohammed was finally referred to a field hospital for treatment. | Yemen 2024 © Mario Fawaz/MSF

People are already feeling the consequences of US aid cuts

The US has long been the leading supporter of global health and humanitarian programs, responsible for around 40 percent of all related funding. These US investments have helped improve the health and well-being of communities around the globe—and totaled less than 1 percent of the annual federal budget.

Abruptly ending this huge proportion of support is already having devastating consequences for people who rely on aid, including those at risk of malnutrition and infectious diseases, and those who are trapped in humanitarian crises around the world. These major cuts to US funding and staffing are part of a broader policy agenda that has far-reaching impacts for people whose access to care is already limited by persecution and discrimination, such as refugees and migrants, civilians caught in conflict, LGBTQI+ people, and anyone who can become pregnant.

We can’t accept this dangerous new normal. We urge the administration and Congress to maintain commitments to support critical global health and humanitarian aid.
Avril Benoît, CEO of MSF USA

The status of even the much-reduced number of remaining US-funded programs is highly uncertain. The administration now plans to extend the initial 90-day review period for foreign aid, which was due to conclude on April 20, by an additional 30 days, according to an internal email from the State Department obtained by the media.

MSF does not accept US government funding, so we are not directly affected by these sweeping changes to international assistance as most other aid organizations are. We remain committed to providing medical care and humanitarian support in more than 70 countries across the world. However, no organization can do this work alone. We work closely with other health and humanitarian organizations to deliver vital services, and many of our activities involve programs that have been disrupted due to funding cuts. It will be much more difficult and costly to provide care when so many ministries of health have been affected globally and there are fewer community partners overall. We will also be facing fewer places to refer patients for specialized services, as well as shortages and stockouts due to hamstrung supply chains.

Six-month-old Sohaib, who suffers from malnutrition and chickenpox, and his mother traveled four hours from their village to Herat Regional Hospital for care. | Afghanistan 2024 © Mahab Azizi

Amid ongoing chaos and confusion, our teams are already witnessing some of the life-threatening consequences of the administration’s actions to date. Most recently, the US administration canceled nearly all humanitarian assistance programs in Yemen and Afghanistan, two countries facing some of the most severe humanitarian needs in the world. After years of conflict and compounding crises, an estimated 19.5 million people in Yemen—over half the population—are dependent on aid. The decision to punish civilian populations caught in these two conflicts undermines the principles of humanitarian assistance.

Across the world, MSF teams have witnessed US-funded organizations reducing or canceling other vital activities–including vaccination campaigns, protection and care for people caught in areas of conflict, sexual and reproductive health services, the provision of clean water, and adequate sanitation services.

“It’s shocking to see the US abandon its leadership role in advancing global health and humanitarian efforts,” Benoît said. “US assistance has been a lifeline for millions of people–while yanking this support will lead to more preventable deaths and untold suffering around the world. We can’t accept this dangerous new normal. We urge the administration and Congress to maintain commitments to support critical global health and humanitarian aid.”

An MSF team member disinfects people entering and exiting MSF’s cholera treatment center with chlorinated water, reducing the risk of spreading cholera through contaminated soil. | South Sudan 2024 © Paula Casado Aguirregabiria

Snapshot: How US aid cuts are impacting people worldwide

Malnutrition

US funding cuts are severely impacting people in areas of Somalia affected by chronic drought, food insecurity, and displacement due to conflict. In the Baidoa and Mudug regions, the scaling down of operations by aid organizations—driven by US funding cuts and a broader lack of humanitarian aid—is making a shortage of health services and nutrition programs even more critical. For example, the closure of maternal and child health clinics and a therapeutic feeding center in Baidoa cut off monthly care to hundreds of malnourished children. MSF nutrition programs in Baidoa have reported an increase in severe acute malnutrition admissions since the funding cuts. The MSF-supported Bay Regional Hospital has received patients traveling as far as 120 miles for care due to facility closures elsewhere.

HIV

Cuts to PEPFAR and USAID have led to suspensions and closures of HIV programs in countries including South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe—threatening the lives of people receiving antiretroviral (ARV) therapy. South Africa’s pioneering Treatment Action Campaign—which helped transform the country’s response to HIV/AIDS—has had to drastically reduce its community-led monitoring system that helps ensure that people stay on treatment. The monitoring is now only happening at a small scale at clinics.

In MSF’s program in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, there has been a 70 percent increase in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) tablet distribution from January to March compared to the previous quarter, as well as an increase of 30 percent in consultations for health services, including for HIV—highlighting the growing demand as USAID funding cuts reduce access to other HIV prevention services.

Inside the pediatric ward at MSF’s cholera treatment center in Assosa. | South Sudan 2024 © Paula Casado Aguirregabiria

Outbreaks

In the border regions across South Sudan and Ethiopia, MSF teams are responding to a rampant cholera outbreak amid escalating violence—while other organizations have scaled down their presence. According to our teams, a number of organizations, including Save the Children, have suspended mobile clinic activities in South Sudan’s Akobo County due to US aid cuts. Save the Children reported earlier this month that at least five children and three adults with cholera died while making the long, hot trek to seek treatment in this part of South Sudan. With the withdrawal of these organizations, local health authorities are now facing significant limitations in their ability to respond effectively to the outbreak. MSF has warned that the disruption of mobile services, combined with the reduced capacity of other actors to support oral vaccination campaigns, increases the risk of preventable deaths and the continued spread of this highly infectious disease.

MSF Japan General Director Shinjiro Murata speaks with a Rohingya family with the help of a medical interpreter after an MSF health promotion session for Rohingya women in Cox’s Bazar. | Bangladesh 2022 © Elizabeth Costa/MSF

Sexual and reproductive health care

MSF teams in more than 20 countries have reported concerns with disrupted or suspended sexual and reproductive health (SRH) programs, which MSF relies on for referrals for medical emergencies, supplies, and technical partnerships. These include contexts with already high levels of maternal and infant mortality. In Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh—home to one of the world’s largest refugee camps—MSF teams report that other implementers are not able to provide SRH supplies, like emergency birth kits and contraceptives. Referrals for medical emergencies, like post-abortion care, have also been disrupted, increasing urgent needs for SRH care in the region.

Migration

Essential protection services—including shelters for women and children, legal aid, and support for survivors of violence—have been shuttered or severely reduced as needs increase due to changes in US immigration policy. For patients and MSF teams in areas like Danlí, San Pedro Sula, Tapachula, and Mexico City, referral networks have all but disappeared. This has left many migrants without safe places to sleep, access to food, or legal and psychosocial support.

Access to clean water

In the initial weeks following the aid freeze, our teams saw several organizations stop the distribution of drinking water for displaced people in conflict-affected areas, including in Sudan’s Darfur region, Ethiopia’s Tigray region, and Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince.

In response to the crisis in Port-au-Prince, in March, MSF stepped in to run a water distribution system via tanker trucks to provide for more than 13,000 people living in four camps for communities displaced by violent clashes between armed groups and police. This was in addition to our regular activities focused on providing medical care for victims of violence. Ensuring access to clean drinking water is essential for health and preventing the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera.

André Keli and Stallone Deke, MSF logistician and driver in Kisangani, ensure the final packaging of vaccines before they are loaded for shipment to Bondo, Bas-Uélé. | DR Congo 2021 © Pacom Bagula/MSF

Vaccination

The reported decision by the US to cut funding to Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, could have disastrous consequences for children across the globe. The organization estimated that the loss of US support is projected to deny approximately 75 million children routine vaccinations in the next five years, with more than 1.2 million children potentially dying as a result. Worldwide, more than half of the vaccines MSF uses come from local ministries of health and are procured through Gavi. We could see the impacts in places like the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where MSF vaccinates more children than anywhere else in the world. In 2023 alone, MSF vaccinated more than 2 million people in DRC against diseases like measles and cholera.

Narges Naderi, an MSF pharmacist, reviews a child patient’s prescription in the pediatric pharmacy at Mazar-i-Sharif Regional Hospital. | Afghanistan 2024 © Tasal Allahyar

Mental health

In Ethiopia’s Kule refugee camp, where MSF teams run a health center for more than 50,000 South Sudanese refugees, a US-funded organization abruptly halted mental health and social services for survivors of sexual violence and withdrew their staff. MSF teams provide other medical care but cannot currently cover the mental health and social services these patients need.

Non-communicable diseases

In Zimbabwe, US funding cuts have forced a local provider to stop its community outreach activities to identify women to be screened for cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in Zimbabwe, even though it is preventable. Many women and girls—especially in rural areas—cannot afford or do not have access to diagnosis and treatment, which makes outreach, screening, and prevention activities vital.

We speak out. Get updates.

MIL OSI NGO –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Leading the Nation in Environmental Protection
Source: US State of New York

n celebration of Earth Week, Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that, since 2020, New York has dedicated nearly $125 million to on-farm projects that conserve natural resources, combat climate change, and protect soil and water quality. The projects have been awarded to more than 6,500 farms in every corner of New York through the Department of Agriculture and Markets’ Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program, Agricultural NonPoint Source Abatement and Control (Ag NonPoint) program, and Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) program. Together, through the implementation of the best practices that these projects support, they have reduced 661,633 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to removing more than 154,000 cars off the road for one year.

“New York State has long been a trailblazer in combating climate change, and we continue to lead the nation in environmental protection,” Governor Hochul said. “Protecting our state’s farms and ensuring our farmers have the resources they need to mitigate the effects of climate change is critical to not only protecting our environment, but also maintaining the economic viability of the state’s agricultural industry for generations to come. This milestone is a terrific testament to the progress we’ve made to create a cleaner, greener, more resilient New York.”

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “New York State continues to lead the nation in the work that we as a state are doing to protect our natural resources and combat climate change. Agriculture is proud to be at the table in these discussions and implementing critical best management practices on the farm that are helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, capture and sequester carbon, and protect our soil and water quality. It is amazing all that can be accomplished when we work together, and under the leadership of our governor and in partnership with our SWCD, our farmers have made tangible progress in our fight against climate change.”

New York Department of Environmental Conservation Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “Supporting New York’s farmers helps improve water and air quality for the benefit of all. We applaud the farmers who implement these important projects and thank the Department of Agriculture and Markets for funding these environmentally sustainable programs. This milestone investment signifies Governor Hochul’s continued commitment to the agriculture industry and our environment to advance a greener future for all New Yorkers.”

New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee Chair Matt Brower said, “These numbers are really impressive. We are fortunate that the State is able to provide the financial resources to help fund these practices and we are also fortunate to have the valuable staff at the local Soil and Water Conservation Districts to help the landowners install these practices. It is amazing what this partnership has accomplished over the years in terms of environmental protection and improvement.”

Over the last five years, this investment in on-farm best management practices, such as nutrient management through manure storage, vegetative buffers along streams, conservation cover crops, water management, and more, through the State’s programs, has resulted in the following accomplishments statewide:
- 445 acres of wetland restoration to protect wildlife habitat, floodplains, and ecosystem services that directly benefit downstream water quality.
- 169 waste storage facilities to support manure management and implement sustainable nutrient application plans to farm fields.
- 380 acres of riparian herbaceous and forest buffer established to protect waterways from erosion, filter water quality pollutants, and lower temperatures of surface water bodies.
- 10,000 acres of residue and tillage management via mulch till, no till, strip till or direct seeding to control soil erosion, reduce run-off, and enhance soil health
- 87,930 acres of cover crop planted to improve soil health, reduce erosion, and sequester carbon.
- 9,734 feet of streambank and shoreline protection and 80 stream crossings to stabilize and revegetate areas prone to flood damage and reduce livestock access to water resources.
- 29,080 feet of irrigation pipeline to support irrigation water management systems that control the rate, amount, placement, and timing of irrigation water to ensure efficient use of water and control runoff.
These projects were completed by the State’s County SWCD (SWCD) with participating farmers and landowners. County SWCD will use the AEM framework to assist farmers through planning and implementation to make science-based and cost-effective decisions and to apply for funding through the State’s agricultural environmental programming. As a result, farmers can meet business goals while conserving the State’s natural resources.

New York Association of Conservation Districts Executive Director Blanche Hurlbutt said, “Earth Day is an important reminder to us all to take care of our Mother Earth. SWCD through-out New York hosts tree sales and will encourage folks to plant a tree during this time of year. It is also important to protect New York’s soil and water by learning about ways to keep and protect them. This is another way of education that is provided by the SWCD.”

New York Association of Conservation Districts President Sam Casella said, “As we celebrate Earth Week, it is an excellent opportunity to thank the Governor for her steadfast and continuing support of New York State’s Soil and Water Districts in so many ways; both financially and legislatively. Both are crucial for our States Districts and our dedicated District employees to continue their vitally important work to protect and preserve the New York State’s invaluable natural resources, now and for future generations. As I travel the country on behalf of New York Association of Conservation Districts, I have seen firsthand the collective efforts under the leadership of the Governor, NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets and other key agencies that have made New York State a true leader in Conservation work. Now more than ever, New York’s residents are fortunate to have that commitment, dedication and vision. We should thank them all as we celebrate Earth Week.”

Conservation District Employees Association President Caitlin Stewart said, “New York State’s SWCD are the boots on the ground for natural resource management. From projects that protect farmland, forests, and watersheds to place-based education, and from climate resiliency to invasive species prevention, SWCD programs and services benefit students, producers, landowners, and municipalities. Our expert employees truly make Earth Day every day!”

State Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “New York farmers are an example for the country, showing how vital good environmental stewardship is to growing our food, keeping our land and water healthy, and making measurable progress in fighting the climate crisis through agriculture. Despite federal rollbacks in farmer support, we will continue to fight for New York’s small family farmers by investing in the support they need to make their operations resilient and protect our food supply for future generations.”

State Senator Pete Harckham said, “New York’s agricultural sector and family farms have withstood countless climate crisis related challenges over the years, but to maintain the vitality and capacity of this crucial part of the state’s economy we must continue to offer as much support as possible. The success of the climate resilient farming grants program has benefited the statewide farm community and our environment significantly while decreasing greenhouse gas emissions—a real win-win. In this time of reduced federal support across the board, it makes sense for the governor and state legislature to remain committed to this grant program.”

Assemblymember Donna Lupardo said, “Earth Week is the perfect time to highlight New York’s efforts to address climate change through our many agricultural initiatives. 6,500 New York farms have already received support for soil health practices, climate resiliency, nutrient management, and other vital conservation measures. This work is more important now than ever due to changing attitudes about climate coming from the nation’s capital. I’d like to thank the Governor, the Department, and my colleagues from across the state, for their ongoing commitment to these critically important investments.”

Throughout the year, SWCD will also host and participate in public education and outreach events to celebrate the environment, bring awareness to important natural resource issues and highlight the techniques and technologies used to implement conservation practices. To find a County District and learn more about their unique programs, visit the Soil and Water Conservation District Office page on the Department of Agriculture website.

Administered by the Department and the New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee, the Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control Program is a cost-share grant program that provides funding to address and prevent potential water quality issues that stem from farming activities. Financial and technical assistance supports the planning and implementation of on-farm projects with the goal of improving water quality in New York’s waterways. The program seeks to support New York’s diverse agricultural businesses in their efforts to implement best management practice systems that improve water quality and environmental stewardship.

The goal of the CRF Program is to reduce the impact of agriculture on climate change (mitigation) and to increase the resiliency of New York State farms in the face of a changing climate (adaptation). Program grant funds are available for projects that reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration in soils and vegetation, in addition to enhancing the on-farm adaptation and resilience to projected climate conditions due to heavy storm events, rainfall, and drought.

To learn more about the State’s funding opportunities in this area, visit the Soil and Water Conservation Committee page on the Department of Agriculture website.

MIL OSI USA News –
April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Griffith Announces Nearly $6 Million to Virginia for Helene Relief

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded three Hurricane Helene-related grants to the Commonwealth of Virginia. The grants will help the Washington County Service Authority repair and replace waterline that serves Washington County and the Town of Damascus, Virginia. The grants are as follows:

$3,830,750.25 – “Route 58/91 to Straight Branch Phase 1”

$1,015,542.63 – “Taylors Valley to Reservation Spring Phase 2”

$1,096,216.77 – “Straight Branch to Taylors Valley Phase 3”

Total: $5,942,509.65

U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“The Town of Damascus was severely impacted by Hurricane Helene. The damage was so devastating that even Vice President JD Vance revisited Damascus with Governor Youngkin as one of his first official public appearances after being sworn into office.

“These grants for more than $5.9 million help Damascus replace the entire 36,319 feet of damaged waterline impacted by Helene.

“I will continue to advocate for Southwest Virginia as our communities seek federal assistance and resources for their recovery efforts.”

BACKGROUND

FEMA funds are obligated to the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Commonwealth will be responsible for providing the funds to the sub-recipients.

Funds from these grants will help secure contracts to furnish and install iron pipe as well as support repair design.

In January, Rep. Griffith announced $46.67 million in Helene relief to Virginia from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

This funding is supported by the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2025. Congressman Griffith voted in support of this legislation in December of 2024.

In late September, the Ninth District faced one of the most catastrophic natural events in recent memory. Storm conditions from Hurricane Helene battered Southwest and Southside Virginia, destroying houses and causing thousands of people to lose power. Rainfall exceeded 12 inches in some areas and with the water from North Carolina flowing north, it created an historic flood crest on the New River, from Grayson to Giles at the West Virginia border.

Immediately, Rep. Griffith began surveying and assessing storm damage in Helene’s aftermath. On the day after the storm, Rep. Griffith traveled to Damascus in Washington County, along with Governor Youngkin, to thank our first responders and to get a first-hand look at the damage there. Immediately following that, Rep. Griffith went to Independence in Grayson County to assess damage.

Over the course of the next few days and weeks, Rep. Griffith made additional visits to Independence, Fries, Radford, Giles County, Montgomery County, Pulaski County, Lee County and Russell County, among others.

Rep. Griffith penned a letter, alongside U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, supporting Governor Youngkin’s request for President Biden to approve Virginia’s Federal Emergency Declaration. After President Biden’s approval, the two U.S. Senators and Rep. Griffith moved by writing President Biden, requesting his support of Governor Youngkin’s expedited Major Disaster Declaration. This attempt was also successful.

Nearly every locality in Virginia’s Ninth District has been approved for either individual assistance or public assistance. Rep. Griffith visited the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center and met with National FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, who provided updates on recovery efforts throughout Southwest Virginia.

Rep. Griffith was an original co-sponsor of two bills that were introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in the 118^th Congress.

The Disaster Recovery and Resilience Act would have cut bureaucratic red tape and expedite the mobilization of disaster recovery resources to an area affected by a “major disaster” as declared by the President of the United States.

The Helene Recovery Support Act would have authorized the delivery of $15 billion to provide additional resources for disaster relief and help small businesses in their recovery efforts.

Rep. Griffith joined a bipartisan, bicameral group of colleagues in sending a letter to President Biden requesting the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) send an immediate supplemental appropriation request to Congress to support communities that were devastated after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Support helps B.C. tree-fruit growers protect orchards, businesses

Source: Government of Canada regional news

B.C.’s tree-fruit growers are working on new projects to help protect their harvests from extreme weather and ensure there is a sustainable supply of local cherries, peaches, apples and other tree fruits this year and in future years.

“Earlier this spring, I visited the Okanagan to meet with growers. Many of them spoke about the challenge of a changing climate that has impacted their livelihoods and affected local food security,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food. “Extreme weather events are a major concern, and this investment will help farmers install much-needed equipment to protect their orchards and the delicious, quality fruit British Columbians rely on and enjoy.”

The $5-million Tree Fruit Climate Resiliency program is supporting 67 projects in the Okanagan and the Kootenay regions. Tree-fruit growers are using the funding to buy equipment such as wind machines, energy-efficient heaters and cooling systems to protect orchards from extreme cold and heat. One grower is purchasing hail netting to keep fruit trees and crops safe from damage.

“Working together with the B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association and the B.C. Cherry Association has been crucial in developing a robust response to support our province’s dedicated tree-fruit growers. They have faced numerous challenges over the past few years,” said Harwinder Sandhu, parliamentary secretary for agriculture and MLA for Vernon-Lumby. “I know from my visits to orchards and meetings with growers how much these projects can help, and I am excited to see growers using this technology to protect their crops and increase production of the renowned Okanagan fruit that B.C. takes pride in.”

These projects will protect nearly 360 hectares (887 acres) of orchards in B.C., helping mitigate extreme weather effects on the tree-fruit sector. The projects will be complete by March 2027.

“The B.C. Cherry Association was very pleased to see the high uptake by industry in this program. After five consecutive years of extreme climate events, we needed to take a proactive approach,” said Sukhpaul Bal, president, B.C. Cherry Association. “The Tree Fruit Climate Resiliency program allows growers to make investments in their farms to better protect against future events, and we look forward to building on the success of the program to ensure the long-term sustainability of the cherry sector.”

The Tree Fruit Climate Resiliency program was developed with input from the B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association and the B.C. Cherry Association as part of government’s efforts to help tree-fruit growers through challenges.

“We are grateful to the government for their support through this program. The overwhelming response, with the program being oversubscribed within just 20 hours, clearly demonstrates the significant need within our industry,” said Deep Brar, vice-president, B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association, and a tree-fruit grower. “We sincerely appreciate the efforts in supporting the tree-fruit industry, and as we move forward, we hope for even more support to continue addressing the challenges we face and to ensure the sustainability and growth of our sector.”

Learn More:

To learn more about the opening of the Tree Fruit Climate Resiliency program, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025AF0002-000049

A backgrounder follows.

MIL OSI Canada News –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Illinois Man Sentenced to 16 Years in Federal Prison for Armed Robberies

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on April 23, 2025, Jamal White (age 34) was sentenced to 16 years in federal prison for his role in five armed robberies in southeastern Wisconsin.

According to court records, White robbed five commercial businesses between May 19 and May 21, 2023. During each robbery, White brandished a firearm and demanded money from the store cashiers. White robbed a West Allis Speedway gas station, a West Allis BP gas station, a Milwaukee Walgreens, a Greenfield Speedway gas station, and a Kenosha Kwik Trip. At his sentencing hearing, Chief United States District Judge Pamela Pepper also considered White’s role in two uncharged robberies in northern Illinois on May 21, 2023, which occurred at a Waukegan Walgreens and a Chicago Walgreens. At the time of the robberies, White was on parole with the Illinois Department of Corrections after serving approximately six years in Illinois state prison for armed robbery. White also had outstanding warrants for armed robbery in Indiana. Following his term of imprisonment, White will spend three years on supervised release. He was also ordered to pay restitution.

This case was investigated by the FBI’s Milwaukee Area Violent Crimes Task Force, Milwaukee Police Department, Greenfield Police Department, West Allis Police Department, Kenosha Police Department, Waukegan Police Department, and Chicago Police Department.

It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Abbey M. Marzick and Michael C. Schindhelm.

# # # # #

For additional information contact:

Public Information Officer Kenneth Gales

(414) 297‑1700

MIL Security OSI –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: ESET to Present on Ransomware Gangs and Threat Groups at RSAC 2025
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SAN DIEGO, April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ESET, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions, today announced its participation in the upcoming RSAC ™ Conference in San Francisco from April 28-May 1, 2025. On May 1 at 9:40am PT, ESET Malware Researcher Robert Lipovský will lead a session titled, “Typhoons? Bears? Ransomware Gangs? Threats That Keep Defenders Up at Night.” The session will examine the latest tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) of leading threat groups—including Salt Typhoon’s telco attacks, Russian campaigns by Sandworm and Gamaredon targeting Signal, and RansomHub’s use of EDR killers—exploring what unites them, how they innovate, and what defenders should watch for next.

At the event, which brings together IT experts from around the world, ESET will also host a range of live demos, expert talks and giveaways at Booth N-5245.

“RSAC is an essential meeting place for the global cybersecurity community. It presents an opportunity to connect with partners, engage with prospective customers and share insights that drive stronger defenses,” said Ryan Grant, VP of Sales and Marketing at ESET North America. “As threat actors grow more coordinated and creative, it’s critical for defenders to understand not just who these groups are, but how they operate. Attendees at Robert Lipovský’s session will get a rare, technical look into the latest campaigns from some of the most notorious threat groups—helping security teams anticipate what’s coming next and better protect their organizations.”

Visitors to ESET’s booth will hear about AI-native prevention for future threats and enjoy presentations from ESET and its partners at the booth including “Accelerating on silicon: ESET running on Intel^® Core™ Ultra processors,” “MDR: tales from the frontline,” “Preventing advanced ransomware with Stellar Cyber and ESET,” “FamousSparrow: A suspicious hotel guest,” and more.

Visitors who schedule a demo will have the opportunity to participate in an exclusive book signing with Richard Stiennon, Chief Research Analyst for IT-Harvest, the firm he founded in 2005 to cover the 4,150+ vendors that make up the IT security industry. He is the author of Surviving Cyberwar (Government Institutes, 2010) and Washington Post best-seller There Will Be Cyberwar.

Additional demos at the booth include:
- ESET PROTECT – Experience ESET’s MDR service in action. Witness firsthand how swiftly ESET PROTECT identifies and mitigates complex cyber threats, from ransomware to more sophisticated attacks, ensuring your digital environment remains secure.
- ESET Threat Intelligence – Explore the newly launched ESET Threat Intelligence portal, featuring the innovative generative AI Advisor, and learn how ESET Threat Intelligence feeds and premium APT reports help fortify your defenses.
- MSP Program – Learn about ESET’s flexible and profitable model, which features tier-based volume pricing and real-time license usage tracking for efficiency in security management, optimizing resource allocation and elevating service quality. Whether MSPs serve a few clients or manage a large portfolio, ESET solutions support their growth.
For more information on ESET’s presence at RSAC ™ and after-show happy hours & events, visit RSAC 2025 ESET.

About ESET

ESET^® provides cutting-edge digital security to prevent attacks before they happen. By combining the power of AI and human expertise, ESET stays ahead of emerging global cyberthreats, both known and unknown— securing businesses, critical infrastructure, and individuals. Whether it’s endpoint, cloud, or mobile protection, our AI-native, cloud-first solutions and services remain highly effective and easy to use. ESET technology includes robust detection and response, ultra-secure encryption, and multifactor authentication. With 24/7 real-time defense and strong local support, we keep users safe and businesses running without interruption. The ever-evolving digital landscape demands a progressive approach to security: ESET is committed to world-class research and powerful threat intelligence, backed by R&D centers and a strong global partner network. For more information, visit www.eset.com or follow our social media, podcasts and blogs.

The MIL Network –
April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Major carbon capture project to deliver jobs and growth
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

Press release

Major carbon capture project to deliver jobs and growth

Thousands of jobs created as major carbon capture and storage network is ready for construction – boosting energy security and the government’s Plan for Change.
Plan for Change delivers 2,000 skilled jobs to build major carbon capture network driving growth and reducing emissions in industrial heartlands

clean energy to be hardwired into national planning rules to attract investment, give certainty and boost mission to become a clean energy superpower

comes as UK-led Global Clean Power Alliance announces its next mission to diversify clean energy supply chains by unblocking bottlenecks and boosting global manufacturing capacity

British families and businesses will be more energy secure as a major carbon capture and storage network is now ready for construction – supporting 2,000 jobs through the Plan for Change.

Launching this new industry for Britain provides a major boost for heavy industry – part of the government’s commitment to backing British manufacturing.

Energy company Eni have today (24 April 2025) finalised a major deal with government which will see them award around £2 billion in supply chain contracts for their Liverpool Bay Carbon Capture and Storage Project, spanning North Wales and the North West of England.

Today’s deal delivers on a commitment made by the Prime Minister and Energy Secretary in October, to develop a world leading carbon capture industry – backed by £21.7 billion – reigniting industrial heartlands across the country and kickstarting growth in manufacturing communities.

This announcement comes as the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) awards three carbon storage permits to Eni for its Liverpool Bay CCS project.

It will create a network of clean infrastructure, decarbonising industries like energy from waste, hydrogen and cement production – whilst backing highly skilled jobs in construction and enabling future generation of low carbon power.

Alongside this, the government has set out further planning reforms to provide certainty and clarity for developers on the importance of clean power projects, such as solar, onshore and offshore wind and nuclear, when making decisions on energy infrastructure of critical national priority. 

Previously where policy, legislation and guidance left room for doubt, planners and decision-takers have adopted a cautious approach to consenting clean energy infrastructure, leading to lengthy paperwork and red tape blocking decisions, hindering Britain’s energy security.

Changes will streamline the planning system and get Britain building by giving developers clarity on what is needed for their clean power project to succeed. By putting clean power by 2030 at the heart of planning policy, the government is backing industry, removing delays and getting clean energy projects built quicker.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

Our Plan for Change is working – we said we’d deliver jobs and growth through carbon capture technology, and now we have. Shovels ready for the ground, supporting over 2,000 new jobs and supporting thousands more, transforming the lives of hard-working people.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

Today we keep our promise to launch a whole new clean energy industry for our country – carbon capture and storage – to deliver thousands of highly skilled jobs and revitalise our industrial communities.

We are making the UK energy secure and backing our engineers, electricians and welders so we can protect families and businesses and drive jobs through our Plan for Change.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:

We promised to revitalise our nation’s industrial heartlands, create good jobs, make Britain a clean energy superpower and grow our economy to put more money in working people’s pockets.

This deal is another example of us delivering on those promises with thousands of new jobs created, our energy security strengthened, and our industries decarbonised with a game-changing technology – our Plan for Change in action.

Eni CEO Claudio Descalzi said:

The strategic agreement with the UK government paves the way for the industrial-scale development of CCS, a sector in which the United Kingdom reaffirms its leadership thanks to the promotion of a regulatory framework that aims to strengthen the development of CCS and make it fully competitive in the market.

Eni has established itself as a leading operator in the UK thanks to its key role in CO2 transport and storage activities as the leader of the HyNet Consortium, which will become one of the first low-carbon clusters in the world.

Stuart Payne, Chief Executive of the North Sea Transition Authority, said:

We have taken another major step on the way to turning this country’s ambitions for carbon storage into reality. It’s been a collaborative mission and demonstrates the way that we must all work together in unlocking the UK’s vast potential to tackle climate change and deliver energy security.

The Prime Minister confirmed the deal today in a speech at the Future of Energy Security Summit – hosted by the UK government and International Energy Agency. Ministers and business leaders from around the world gathered in London, including the President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen, as countries take action to protect themselves from future energy shocks in these unstable times.

At the summit the government also established a new mission focused on strengthening global supply chains through the UK-led Global Clean Power Alliance (GCPA). The GCPA will bring together the Global North and South – drawing on and sharing the UK’s world-leading experience of pursuing Clean Power by 2030 to speed up the global clean energy transition.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

This week’s Summit is a critical opportunity to make progress on international energy security.

We’re working with partners through our Global Clean Power Alliance (GCPA) to accelerate global clean energy, which promises to bring growth, jobs and lower bills to the UK. As the Prime Minister has set out today, the GCPA will next focus on assuring reliable, low-cost clean energy supply chains. In a more uncertain world, cooperation across the Global North and South will be essential to deliver this.

The supply chain mission will bring countries together to diversify clean energy supply chains, drive investment into renewables and address bottlenecks. Working with other countries will not only help to secure and diversify clean energy of the future, but provide new growth opportunities across our countries and relevant supply chains; from critical mineral processing to strengthening manufacturing and industrial partnerships.

The rapid drop in the price of renewables is driving strong growth in clean energy around the world. In 2024, 80% of growth in global electricity generation was provided by renewables and nuclear. The UK alone has already attracted £43.7 billion of private sector investment announcements in clean energy since July.

Notes to editors

CCUS is a proven technology that captures carbon dioxide emissions before they reach the atmosphere – storing them safely and permanently deep beneath the seabed and preventing their contribution to the climate crisis.

Today’s announcement delivers on the commitment made by the Prime Minster in October where £21.7 billion was allocated to kickstart the UK’s carbon capture industry. The signing of contracts for Hynet means the UK’s second carbon capture network is now shovel ready.

The Climate Change Committee describes CCUS as a “necessity, not an option” to achieving net zero by 2050.

Eni is the operator of the Transport and Storage network of Hynet, through its Liverpool Bay CCS project, which will transport captured CO2 from industrial sites and bury it deep beneath the seabed.

It means that now both government-backed carbon capture projects have reached final investment decisions, after the East Coast Cluster in Teesside reached the same milestone in December.

The consultations on the National Policy Statements for energy will run from 24 April to 29 May.

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Published 24 April 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Alaska, rich in petroleum, faces an energy shortage

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Brett Watson, Assistant Professor of Applied and Natural Resource Economics, University of Alaska Anchorage

The Trans-Alaska Pipeline crosses underneath the Dalton Highway, carrying crude oil from the North Slope to a port in Valdez. Lance King/Getty Images

In the state with the fourth-largest proven reserves of oil and gas in the U.S., there is a looming energy shortage.

Above the Arctic Circle, oil producers on Alaska’s North Slope send an average of 465,000 barrels of crude oil south each day for shipping to refineries and users around the country and the world.

But in south-central Alaska – Anchorage and the surrounding region, home to 63% of the state’s population – utility companies are warning they may not have enough natural gas from current sources to keep the power and heat on without interruption.

As a professor at the University of Alaska Anchorage who studies the economics of natural resources, I can see this apparent contradiction has a straightforward cause but no simple solution.

Oil facilities in Prudhoe Bay on the North Slope, photographed March 28, 2002.
Simon Bruty/Anychance/Getty Images

Declining oil production

The North Slope region once produced nearly 2 million barrels of oil per day at its peak in the 1980s. Every barrel is transported via the 800-mile Trans-Alaska Pipeline System to the port of Valdez, where it is loaded onto tanker ships.

The state government collects significant taxes and royalties on oil production. For decades, oil revenue allowed the state to fund all government spending without imposing broad-based income, sales or property taxes. At the height of the oil boom, there was so much money that Alaska established a wealth fund, now valued at over US$80 billion, and began distributing dividends to every resident.

But the Trans-Alaska Pipeline is designed to carry oil, not natural gas. A state law prevents producers from burning off excess gas, or flaring, as happens in many fields. With nowhere to send it, gas extracted from Alaska’s oil fields is reinjected into the ground to boost well pressure and push more oil out.

Significant natural gas potential

Alaska’s gas reserves are significant. State estimates suggest the North Slope has about 35 trillion cubic feet of proven reserves. That’s almost as much natural gas as the U.S. as a whole produced in 2023.

But that is just the beginning: The North Slope also has the potential for another 200 trillion cubic feet that remains undiscovered. And improving technologies and techniques may be able to extract another 590 trillion cubic feet, according to the Alaska Gasline Development Corp., a company owned by the state of Alaska that is trying develop a project to extract and sell the state’s natural gas.

As oil production declines and prices remain uncertain, selling gas could provide a different stream of revenue for the state, potentially providing billions of dollars.

The 800-mile problem

For decades, there have been numerous proposals to develop Alaska’s gas. State agencies and the petroleum industry have collectively spent hundreds of millions of dollars on this effort.

The concept that’s closest to reality is Alaska Gasline Development Corp.’s proposal to build a plant on the North Slope to remove gas impurities, a liquefaction plant near Anchorage that could export 20 million tons of liquefied gas each year – around a trillion cubic feet – and an 807-mile pipeline to connect the two.

The cost is expected to be significant: The corporation’s own estimate is that it would cost $44 billion. But that number was developed before the construction sector saw significant inflation in 2022. An engineering study due for release in late 2025 will provide a more updated figure. Alaskans remember that the Trans-Alaska Pipeline ended up costing 25% more than projected.

Since his first day in office, President Donald Trump has touted this pipeline as part of efforts to expand the nation’s production of fossil fuels. He told a joint session of Congress it was a near-ready project, with Japan and South Korea ready to invest “trillions of dollars each.” In February 2025, he stood alongside Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to announce a “joint venture” to develop the pipeline project, but no specific details have been announced.

Winter in Alaska means deep cold and lots of snow.
AP Photo/Mark Thiessen

2 expensive options

There is a growing need to address Alaska’s domestic energy shortfall.

South-central Alaska relies on natural gas for more than 70% of its electric and heating needs. But the gas reserves closest to Anchorage, in the Cook Inlet, which have provided energy to the area since the 1960s, are dwindling, and prices are rising. In 2005, wholesale gas prices were $3.75 per 1,000 cubic feet of natural gas. By 2024, the price had more than doubled, to $8.75. By contrast, the rest of the U.S. has seen natural gas prices cut in half over that period, thanks in part to horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking.

In 2022, Hilcorp, the company responsible for roughly 85% of the Cook Inlet gas production, reported that by 2027 it might not be able to supply enough gas for utilities that serve the region.

Solutions other than the pipeline are also slow and expensive. Local utilities estimate that improving energy efficiency and developing renewable power could reduce gas demand by around 10% over the next several years and by as much as 15% after a decade. But retrofitting the area’s aging and energy-inefficient homes will not be fast or cheap.

More than just economics

What remains for Alaska are two main options: get gas from the North Slope to Anchorage, or import liquefied gas from the global market.

Building the pipeline could both meet the needs of Alaska’s people and bring in money from global sales – though how much revenue depends on how global gas markets change over time and how competitive Alaska gas prices would be relative to other suppliers.

Any delays from financial, legal, technical or environmental challenges would balloon costs. But if it succeeded, Anchorage-area customers could see prices drop as low as $2.23 per 1,000 cubic feet – a 75% drop from current prices and 40% lower than in 2005. The savings could significantly bolster the region’s economy.

Importing is a costly option. A study commissioned by the Alaska Legislature found that imported gas would cost $13.72 per 1,000 cubic feet. That’s 60% more than current prices and especially burdensome for Alaska families and businesses, which already pay far higher energy bills than typical American customers.

Beyond the economic questions, there’s something symbolic at stake: the state’s identity. Could a state synonymous with energy production become an energy importer? Many Alaskans see the prospect as an embarrassing paradox – akin to Hawaii importing pineapples or New Mexico importing green chiles.

Independence and globalization

Alaska is not alone in grappling with the tension between energy self-sufficiency and economic efficiency.

Across the U.S., states rich in resources have wrestled with the question of whether to prioritize local production or integrate into global markets. Texas produces more oil than any other state, yet it continues to import crude oil due to mismatches between its production and refining capacity.

Shaped by globalization, few regions can truly isolate themselves from market forces. Energy production and consumption are increasingly interconnected, meaning pursuit of local self-sufficiency comes at a steep economic cost. That’s the question facing Alaska: whether to invest in domestic infrastructure to maintain energy independence, or embrace the flexibility – and potentially lower cost – of global markets.

Brett Watson receives funding from First National Bank Alaska to conduct research on the Alaska economy, including energy issues. He has previously received funding from Power the Future for work on Alaska mineral issues.

– ref. Alaska, rich in petroleum, faces an energy shortage – https://theconversation.com/alaska-rich-in-petroleum-faces-an-energy-shortage-254903

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: 24 April 2025 News release WHO calls for revitalized efforts to end malaria

Source: World Health Organisation

On World Malaria Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for revitalized efforts at all levels, from global policy to community action, to accelerate progress towards malaria elimination.

In the late 1990s, world leaders laid the foundation for remarkable progress in global malaria control, including preventing more than 2 billion cases of malaria and nearly 13 million deaths since 2000.

To date, WHO has certified 45 countries and 1 territory as malaria-free, and many countries with a low burden of malaria continue to move steadily towards the goal of elimination. Of the remaining 83 malaria-endemic countries, 25 reported fewer than 10 cases of the disease in 2023.

However, as history has shown, these gains are fragile.

“The history of malaria teaches us a harsh lesson: when we divert our attention, the disease resurges, taking its greatest toll on the most vulnerable,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “But the same history also shows us what’s possible: with strong political commitment, sustained investment, multisectoral action and community engagement, malaria can be defeated.”

Investments in new interventions drive progress

Years of investment in the development and deployment of new malaria vaccines and next-generation tools to prevent and control malaria are paying off.

On World Malaria Day, Mali will join 19 other African countries in introducing malaria vaccines—a vital step towards protecting young children from one of the continent’s most deadly diseases. The large-scale rollout of malaria vaccines in Africa is expected to save tens of thousands of young lives every year.

Meanwhile, the expanded use of a new generation of insecticide-treated nets is poised to lower the disease burden. According to the latest World malaria report, these new nets—which have greater impact against malaria than the standard pyrethroid-only nets—accounted for nearly 80% of all nets delivered in sub-Saharan Africa in 2023, up from 59% the previous year.

Progress against malaria under threat

Despite significant gains, malaria remains a major public health challenge, with nearly 600 000 lives lost to the disease in 2023 alone. The African Region is hardest hit, shouldering an estimated 95% of the malaria burden each year.

In many areas, progress has been hampered by fragile health systems and rising threats such as drug and insecticide resistance. Many at-risk groups continue to miss out on the services they need to prevent, detect and treat malaria. Climate change, conflict, poverty and population displacement are compounding these challenges.

WHO recently warned that the 2025 funding cuts could further derail progress in many endemic countries, putting millions of additional lives at risk. Of the 64 WHO Country Offices in malaria-endemic countries that took part in a recent WHO stock take assessment, more than half reported moderate or severe disruptions to malaria services.

Renewed call to protect hard-won gains

World Malaria Day 2025 – under the theme, “Malaria ends with us: reinvest, reimagine, reignite” – is calling for stepped up political and financial commitment to protect the hard-won gains against malaria.

To reinvest, WHO joins partners and civil society in calling on malaria-endemic countries to boost domestic spending, particularly in primary health care, so that all at-risk populations can access the services they need to prevent, detect and treat malaria. The successful replenishments of the Global Fund and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, are also critical to financing malaria programmes and interventions, and accelerating progress towards the targets set in the WHO Global technical strategy for malaria 2016-2030.

Addressing current challenges in global malaria control will also require a reimagined response through innovative tools, strategies and partnerships. New and more effective antimalarial drugs are needed, as all well as advancements in service delivery, diagnostics, insecticides, vaccines and vector control methods.

More countries are making malaria control and elimination a national priority, including through the Yaoundé Declaration, signed in March 2024 by African Ministers of Health from 11 high burden countries.

“Ministers committed to strengthening their health systems, stepping up domestic resources, enhancing multisectoral action and ensuring a robust accountability mechanism,” notes Dr Daniel Ngamije, Director of the WHO Global Malaria Programme. “This is the kind of leadership the world must rally behind.”

Reigniting commitment at all levels – from communities and frontline health workers to governments, researchers, the private sector innovators and donors – will be critical to curbing and, ultimately, ending malaria.

Notes to the editor:

For more information on the WHO World Malaria Day campaign, visit: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-malaria-day/2025

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 25, 2025

MIL-OSI: HomeTrust Bancshares, Inc. Announces Financial Results for the First Quarter of the Year Ending December 31, 2025 and Declaration of a Quarterly Dividend

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

ASHEVILLE, N.C., April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HomeTrust Bancshares, Inc. (NYSE: HTB) (“Company”), the holding company of HomeTrust Bank (“Bank”), today announced preliminary net income for the first quarter of the year ending December 31, 2025 and approval of its quarterly cash dividend.

For the quarter ended March 31, 2025 compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2024:

net income was $14.5 million compared to $14.2 million;
diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) was $0.84 compared to $0.83;
annualized return on assets (“ROA”) was 1.33% compared to 1.27%;
annualized return on equity (“ROE”) was 10.52% compared to 10.32%;
net interest margin was 4.18% compared to 4.09%;
provision for credit losses was $1.5 million compared to a benefit of $855,000;
quarterly cash dividends continued at $0.12 per share totaling $2.1 million for both periods; and
14,800 shares of Company common stock were repurchased during the quarter at an average price of $33.64 compared to none in the prior quarter.

The Company also announced today that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.12 per common share payable on May 29, 2025 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 15, 2025.

“We are pleased to report another quarter of strong financial results,” said Hunter Westbrook, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our top quartile net interest margin expanded to 4.18% as the reduction in our funding costs outpaced a slight decline in our asset yields. This improvement reflects our focus on financial performance rather than loan growth for the sake of growth.

“During the first quarter, we transitioned our common stock listing to the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker ‘HTB’, which we believe will provide greater exposure for our Company and long-term value for our stockholders. We also announced the sale of our two branches and exit from Knoxville, Tennessee, which will tighten our geographic footprint, improve our branch efficiencies, and allow us to better allocate capital to support long-term growth in other core markets.

“In response to the recent turbulence in the economic environment, we currently do not anticipate a significant impact upon our business, but we are committed to working with our customers to provide the banking support that may be needed. As in past periods of uncertainty, we are confident that the resilience of our balance sheet and customers, coupled with our conservative approach to risk management, will position HomeTrust to succeed.”

WEBSITE: WWW.HTB.COM

Comparison of Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024
Net Income. Net income totaled $14.5 million, or $0.84 per diluted share, for the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to $14.2 million, or $0.83 per diluted share, for the three months ended December 31, 2024, an increase of $331,000, or 2.3%. Results for the three months ended March 31, 2025 benefited from a $3.0 million decrease in noninterest expense, partially offset by a $2.4 million increase in the provision for credit losses. Details of the changes in the various components of net income are further discussed below.

Net Interest Income. The following table presents the distribution of average assets, liabilities and equity, as well as interest income earned on average interest-earning assets and interest expense paid on average interest-bearing liabilities. All average balances are daily average balances. Nonaccruing loans have been included in the table as loans carrying a zero yield.

	Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2025					December 31, 2024
(Dollars in thousands)	Average Balance Outstanding		Interest Earned / Paid		Yield / Rate	Average Balance Outstanding		Interest Earned / Paid		Yield / Rate
Assets
Interest-earning assets
Loans receivable⁽¹⁾	$	3,802,003	$	58,613	6.25%	$	3,890,775	$	62,224	6.36%
Debt securities available for sale		152,659		1,787	4.75		147,023		1,621	4.39
Other interest-earning assets⁽²⁾		206,242		3,235	6.36		160,064		2,353	5.85
Total interest-earning assets		4,160,904		63,635	6.20		4,197,862		66,198	6.27
Other assets		266,141					263,750
Total assets	$	4,427,045				$	4,461,612
Liabilities and equity
Interest-bearing liabilities
Interest-bearing checking accounts	$	573,316	$	1,324	0.94%	$	559,033	$	1,271	0.90%
Money market accounts		1,345,575		9,177	2.77		1,343,609		10,038	2.97
Savings accounts		183,354		38	0.08		180,546		40	0.09
Certificate accounts		951,715		9,824	4.19		1,005,914		11,225	4.44
Total interest-bearing deposits		3,053,960		20,363	2.70		3,089,102		22,574	2.91
Junior subordinated debt		10,129		205	8.21		10,104		223	8.87
Borrowings		12,301		160	5.28		14,689		196	5.31
Total interest-bearing liabilities		3,076,390		20,728	2.73		3,113,895		22,993	2.94
Noninterest-bearing deposits		719,522					731,745
Other liabilities		70,821					68,261
Total liabilities		3,866,733					3,913,901
Stockholders’ equity		560,312					547,711
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	4,427,045				$	4,461,612
Net earning assets	$	1,084,514				$	1,083,967
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities		135.25%					134.81%
Non-tax-equivalent
Net interest income			$	42,907				$	43,205
Interest rate spread					3.47%					3.33%
Net interest margin⁽³⁾					4.18%					4.09%
Tax-equivalent⁽⁴⁾
Net interest income			$	43,325				$	43,594
Interest rate spread					3.51%					3.37%
Net interest margin⁽³⁾					4.22%					4.13%

(1)  Average loans receivable balances include loans held for sale and nonaccruing loans.
(2)  Average other interest-earning assets consist of FRB stock, FHLB stock, SBIC investments and deposits in other banks.
(3)  Net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
(4)  Tax-equivalent results include adjustments to interest income of $418 and $389 for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively, calculated based on a combined federal and state tax rate of 24%.

Total interest and dividend income for the three months ended March 31, 2025 decreased $2.6 million, or 3.9%, compared to the three months ended December 31, 2024, which was driven by a $3.6 million, or 5.8%, decrease in loan interest income primarily due to a decline in the average balance, a decrease in accretion income on acquired loans of $881,000, or 73.3%, and fewer days in the current quarter. In addition, income on SBIC investments increased $452,000, or 54.0%, due to investment appreciation.

Total interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2025 decreased $2.3 million, or 9.9%, compared to the three months ended December 31, 2024. The decrease was the result of a decline in the average balance of certificate accounts, specifically brokered deposits, a decline in the average cost of funds across funding categories, and fewer days in the current quarter.

The following table shows the effects that changes in average balances (volume), including the difference in the number of days in the periods compared, and average interest rates (rate) had on the interest earned on interest-earning assets and interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities:

	Increase / (Decrease) Due to				Total Increase / (Decrease)
(Dollars in thousands)	Volume		Rate		Total Increase / (Decrease)
Interest-earning assets
Loans receivable	$	(2,559)	$	(1,052)	$	(3,611)
Debt securities available for sale		27		139		166
Other interest-earning assets		616		266		882
Total interest-earning assets		(1,916)		(647)		(2,563)
Interest-bearing liabilities
Interest-bearing checking accounts		7		46		53
Money market accounts		(164)		(697)		(861)
Savings accounts		—		(2)		(2)
Certificate accounts		(796)		(605)		(1,401)
Junior subordinated debt		(3)		(15)		(18)
Borrowings		(35)		(1)		(36)
Total interest-bearing liabilities		(991)		(1,274)		(2,265)
Decrease in net interest income					$	(298)

Provision for Credit Losses. The provision for credit losses is the amount of expense that, based on our judgment, is required to maintain the allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) at an appropriate level under the current expected credit losses model.

The following table presents a breakdown of the components of the provision (benefit) for credit losses:

	Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	March 31, 2025		December 31, 2024		$ Change		% Change
Provision (benefit) for credit losses
Loans	$	800	$	(975)	$	1,775	182%
Off-balance-sheet credit exposure		740		120		620	517
Total provision (benefit) for credit losses	$	1,540	$	(855)	$	2,395	280%

For the quarter ended March 31, 2025, the “loans” portion of the provision for credit losses was the result of the following, offset by net charge-offs of $1.3 million during the quarter:

$0.6 million benefit driven by changes in the loan mix.
The slight improvement in the projected economic forecast, specifically the national unemployment rate, was offset by changes in qualitative adjustments. Of note, we retained the $2.2 million qualitative allocation for the potential impact of Hurricane Helene upon our loan portfolio established in the quarter ended September 30, 2024.
$0.1 million increase in specific reserves on individually evaluated loans.

For the quarter ended December 31, 2024, the “loans” portion of the provision (benefit) for credit losses was the result of the following, offset by net charge-offs of $1.9 million during the quarter:

$1.3 million benefit driven by changes in the loan mix and a $50.6 million decrease in the loan portfolio.
$0.7 million benefit due to changes in the projected economic forecast, specifically the national unemployment rate, and changes in qualitative adjustments. Of note, we retained the $2.2 million qualitative allocation for the potential impact of Hurricane Helene upon our loan portfolio established in the prior quarter.
$0.9 million decrease in specific reserves on individually evaluated credits.

For the quarter ended March 31, 2025, the amount recorded for off-balance-sheet credit exposure was the result of an increase in the balance of loan commitments and changes in the loan mix and projected economic forecast as outlined above. For the quarter ended December 31, 2024, the amount recorded for off-balance-sheet credit exposure was the result of a decrease in the balance of loan commitments and changes in the loan mix and projected economic forecast as outlined above.

Noninterest Income. Noninterest income for the three months ended March 31, 2025 decreased $216,000, or 2.6%, when compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2024. Changes in the components of noninterest income are discussed below:

	Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	March 31, 2025		December 31, 2024		$ Change		% Change
Noninterest income
Service charges and fees on deposit accounts	$	2,244	$	2,326	$	(82)	(4)%
Loan income and fees		721		728		(7)	(1)
Gain on sale of loans held for sale		1,908		1,068		840	79
Bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”) income		842		842		—	—
Operating lease income		1,379		2,259		(880)	(39)
Other		933		1,020		(87)	(9)
Total noninterest income	$	8,027	$	8,243	$	(216)	(3)%

Gain on sale of loans held for sale: The increase was primarily driven by HELOCs sold during the period. There were $89.4 million of HELOCs originated for sale which were sold during the current quarter with gains of $1.1 million compared to no sales in the prior quarter. There were $18.8 million of residential mortgage loans sold for a gain of $473,000 during the current quarter compared to $23.8 million sold with gains of $269,000 in the prior quarter. There were $4.6 million in sales of the guaranteed portion of SBA commercial loans with gains of $366,000 for the current quarter compared to $10.2 million sold and gains of $733,000 for the prior quarter. Our hedging of mandatory commitments on the residential mortgage loan pipeline resulted in a gain of $13,000 for the current quarter compared to a gain of $66,000 for the prior quarter.
Operating lease income: The decrease was primarily the result of a $306,000 increase in losses incurred on the sale of, and a $529,000 increase in the valuation allowance against, previously leased equipment.

Noninterest Expense. Noninterest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2025 decreased $3.0 million, or 9.0%, when compared to the three months ended December 31, 2024. Changes in the components of noninterest expense are discussed below:

	Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	March 31, 2025		December 31, 2024		$ Change		% Change
Noninterest expense
Salaries and employee benefits	$	17,699	$	17,234	$	465	3%
Occupancy expense, net		2,511		2,476		35	1
Computer services		2,805		3,110		(305)	(10)
Operating lease depreciation expense		1,868		2,068		(200)	(10)
Telephone, postage and supplies		546		541		5	1
Marketing and advertising		452		234		218	93
Deposit insurance premiums		511		556		(45)	(8)
Core deposit intangible amortization		515		567		(52)	(9)
Contract renewal consulting fee		—		2,965		(2,965)	(100)
Other		4,054		4,258		(204)	(5)
Total noninterest expense	$	30,961	$	34,009	$	(3,048)	(9)%

Computer services: As noted below, in the prior quarter we finalized the multiyear renewal of our largest core processing contract. The decrease in expense quarter-over-quarter is a reflection of the improved vendor pricing negotiated through this effort.
Marketing and advertising: The increase in expense was the result of a reduction in advertising in the prior quarter due to the election and holiday season.
Contract renewal consulting fee: In the prior quarter we paid a fee to a consultant to negotiate the multiyear renewal of our largest core processing contract, with no similar fee in the current quarter.

Income Taxes. The amount of income tax expense is influenced by the amount of pre-tax income, tax-exempt income, changes in the statutory rate and the effect of changes in valuation allowances maintained against deferred tax benefits. The effective tax rates for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 were 21.1% and 22.3%, respectively.

Balance Sheet Review
Total assets decreased by $37.4 million to $4.6 billion and total liabilities decreased by $51.1 million to $4.0 billion, respectively, at March 31, 2025 as compared to December 31, 2024. These changes can be traced to the use of loan sale proceeds and a $61.5 million increase in customer deposits to pay down brokered deposits by $104.3 million and borrowings by $11.0 million.

Stockholders’ equity increased $13.7 million to $565.4 million at March 31, 2025 as compared to December 31, 2024. Activity within stockholders’ equity included $14.5 million in net income and $1.0 million in stock-based compensation and stock option exercises, partially offset by $2.1 million in cash dividends declared and $498,000 in stock repurchases. In addition, accumulated other comprehensive income improved primarily due to a $1.1 million reduction of the unrealized loss on available for sale securities as a result of a decrease in market interest rates.

As of March 31, 2025, the Bank was considered “well capitalized” in accordance with its regulatory capital guidelines and exceeded all regulatory capital requirements.

Asset Quality
The ACL on loans was $44.7 million, or 1.23% of total loans, at March 31, 2025 compared to $45.3 million, or 1.24% of total loans, at December 31, 2024. The drivers of this change are discussed in the “Comparison of Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 – Provision for Credit Losses” section above.

Net loan charge-offs totaled $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to $1.9 million and $2.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024, respectively. Annualized net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans were 0.14% for the three months ended March 31, 2025 as compared to 0.19% and 0.24% for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024, respectively.

Nonperforming assets, made up of nonaccrual loans and repossessed assets, decreased by $753,000, or 2.6%, to $28.0 million, or 0.61% of total assets, at March 31, 2025 compared to $28.8 million, or 0.63% of total assets, at December 31, 2024. Owner occupied commercial real estate (“CRE”) made up the largest portion of nonperforming assets at $8.6 million and $8.5 million, respectively, at these same dates. One relationship made up $5.0 million of the totals at both dates but no loss is anticipated. In addition, equipment finance loans made up $5.1 million and $4.7 million, respectively, at these same dates, concentrated in the transportation sector. The ratio of nonperforming loans to total loans was 0.74% at March 31, 2025 compared to 0.76% at December 31, 2024.

The ratio of classified assets to total assets decreased to 0.85% at March 31, 2025 from 1.06% at December 31, 2024 as classified assets decreased $10.0 million, or 20.5%, to $38.8 million at March 31, 2025 compared to $48.8 million at December 31, 2024. The largest portfolios of classified assets at March 31, 2025 included $12.9 million of owner-occupied CRE loans, $6.6 million of 1-4 family residential real estate loans, $5.4 million of equipment finance loans, $4.2 million of commercial and industrial loans, $4.2 million of HELOCs, and $3.8 million of non-owner occupied CRE loans.

Lastly, in an effort to assist customers in their post-Hurricane Helene recovery and clean-up efforts, in the prior quarter we granted payment deferrals of up to six months to provide short-term relief to impacted customers. The outstanding balance of these deferrals declined from $136.0 million at December 31, 2024 to $109.9 million at March 31, 2025 and $68.4 million at April 21, 2025. The Company retained the prior quarter $2.2 million ACL allocation for the potential impact of the storm on this portion of our loan portfolio. To date, no charge-offs have been recognized which were directly related to Hurricane Helene.

About HomeTrust Bancshares, Inc.
HomeTrust Bancshares, Inc. is the holding company for the Bank. As of March 31, 2025, the Company had assets of $4.6 billion. The Bank, founded in 1926, is a North Carolina state chartered, community-focused financial institution committed to providing value added relationship banking with over 30 locations as well as online/mobile channels. Locations include: North Carolina (the Asheville metropolitan area, the “Piedmont” region, Charlotte and Raleigh/Cary), South Carolina (Greenville and Charleston), East Tennessee (Kingsport/Johnson City, Knoxville and Morristown), Southwest Virginia (the Roanoke Valley) and Georgia (Greater Atlanta).

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact, but instead are based on certain assumptions including statements with respect to the Company’s beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, assumptions and statements about future economic performance and projections of financial items. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated or implied by forward-looking statements. The factors that could result in material differentiation include, but are not limited to, natural disasters, including the effects of Hurricane Helene; expected revenues, cost savings, synergies and other benefits from merger and acquisition activities might not be realized to the extent anticipated, within the anticipated time frames, or at all, costs or difficulties relating to integration matters, including but not limited to customer and employee retention, might be greater than expected, and goodwill impairment charges might be incurred; increased competitive pressures among financial services companies; changes in the interest rate environment; changes in general economic conditions, both nationally and in our market areas; legislative and regulatory changes; and the effects of inflation, a potential recession, and other factors described in the Company’s latest Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other documents filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission – which are available on the Company’s website at www.htb.com and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Any of the forward-looking statements that the Company makes in this press release or in the documents the Company files with or furnishes to the SEC are based upon management’s beliefs and assumptions at the time they are made and may turn out to be wrong because of inaccurate assumptions, the factors described above or other factors that management cannot foresee. The Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)	March 31, 2025		December 31, 2024⁽¹⁾		September 30, 2024		June 30, 2024		March 31, 2024
Assets
Cash	$	14,303	$	18,778	$	18,980	$	18,382	$	16,134
Interest-bearing deposits		285,522		260,441		274,497		275,808		364,359
Cash and cash equivalents		299,825		279,219		293,477		294,190		380,493
Certificates of deposit in other banks		25,806		28,538		29,290		32,131		33,625
Debt securities available for sale, at fair value		150,577		152,011		140,552		134,135		120,807
FHLB and FRB stock		13,602		13,630		18,384		19,637		13,691
SBIC investments, at cost		17,746		15,117		15,489		15,462		14,568
Loans held for sale, at fair value		2,175		4,144		2,968		1,614		2,764
Loans held for sale, at the lower of cost or fair value		151,164		202,018		189,722		224,976		220,699
Total loans, net of deferred loan fees and costs		3,648,609		3,648,299		3,698,892		3,701,454		3,648,152
Allowance for credit losses – loans		(44,742)		(45,285)		(48,131)		(49,223)		(47,502)
Loans, net		3,603,867		3,603,014		3,650,761		3,652,231		3,600,650
Premises and equipment held for sale, at the lower of cost or fair value		8,240		616		616		616		616
Premises and equipment, net		62,347		69,872		69,603		69,880		70,588
Accrued interest receivable		18,269		18,336		17,523		18,412		16,944
Deferred income taxes, net		9,288		10,735		10,100		10,512		11,222
BOLI		91,715		90,868		90,021		89,176		88,369
Goodwill		34,111		34,111		34,111		34,111		34,111
Core deposit intangibles, net		6,080		6,595		7,162		7,730		8,297
Other assets		63,248		66,606		68,130		66,051		67,183
Total assets	$	4,558,060	$	4,595,430	$	4,637,293	$	4,670,864	$	4,684,011
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Liabilities
Deposits	$	3,736,360	$	3,779,203	$	3,761,588	$	3,707,779	$	3,799,807
Junior subordinated debt		10,145		10,120		10,096		10,070		10,045
Borrowings		177,000		188,000		260,013		364,513		291,513
Other liabilities		69,106		66,349		65,592		64,874		69,473
Total liabilities		3,992,611		4,043,672		4,097,289		4,147,236		4,170,838
Stockholders’ equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, none issued or outstanding		—		—		—		—		—
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 60,000,000 shares authorized⁽²⁾		176		175		175		175		175
Additional paid in capital		176,682		176,693		175,495		172,907		172,919
Retained earnings		393,026		380,541		368,383		357,147		346,598
Unearned Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) shares		(3,835)		(3,966)		(4,099)		(4,232)		(4,364)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		(600)		(1,685)		50		(2,369)		(2,155)
Total stockholders’ equity		565,449		551,758		540,004		523,628		513,173
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	4,558,060	$	4,595,430	$	4,637,293	$	4,670,864	$	4,684,011

(1) Derived from audited financial statements.
(2) Shares of common stock issued and outstanding were 17,552,626 at March 31, 2025; 17,527,709 at December 31, 2024; 17,514,922 at September 30, 2024; 17,437,326 at June 30, 2024; and 17,444,787 at March 31, 2024.

Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	March 31, 2025		December 31, 2024
Interest and dividend income
Loans	$	58,613	$	62,224
Debt securities available for sale		1,787		1,621
Other investments and interest-bearing deposits		3,235		2,353
Total interest and dividend income		63,635		66,198
Interest expense
Deposits		20,363		22,574
Junior subordinated debt		205		223
Borrowings		160		196
Total interest expense		20,728		22,993
Net interest income		42,907		43,205
Provision (benefit) for credit losses		1,540		(855)
Net interest income after provision (benefit) for credit losses		41,367		44,060
Noninterest income
Service charges and fees on deposit accounts		2,244		2,326
Loan income and fees		721		728
Gain on sale of loans held for sale		1,908		1,068
BOLI income		842		842
Operating lease income		1,379		2,259
Other		933		1,020
Total noninterest income		8,027		8,243
Noninterest expense
Salaries and employee benefits		17,699		17,234
Occupancy expense, net		2,511		2,476
Computer services		2,805		3,110
Operating lease depreciation expense		1,868		2,068
Telephone, postage and supplies		546		541
Marketing and advertising		452		234
Deposit insurance premiums		511		556
Core deposit intangible amortization		515		567
Contract renewal consulting fee		—		2,965
Other		4,054		4,258
Total noninterest expense		30,961		34,009
Income before income taxes		18,433		18,294
Income tax expense		3,894		4,086
Net income	$	14,539	$	14,208

Per Share Data

	Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2025		December 31, 2024
Net income per common share⁽¹⁾
Basic	$	0.84	$	0.83
Diluted	$	0.84	$	0.83
Average shares outstanding
Basic		17,011,359		16,983,751
Diluted		17,113,424		17,084,943
Book value per share at end of period	$	32.21	$	31.48
Tangible book value per share at end of period⁽²⁾	$	30.00	$	29.24
Cash dividends declared per common share	$	0.12	$	0.12
Total shares outstanding at end of period		17,552,626		17,527,709

(1) Basic and diluted net income per common share have been prepared in accordance with the two-class method.
(2) See Non-GAAP reconciliations below for adjustments.

Selected Financial Ratios and Other Data

	Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2025	December 31, 2024
Performance ratios⁽¹⁾
Return on assets (ratio of net income to average total assets)	1.33%	1.27%
Return on equity (ratio of net income to average equity)	10.52	10.32
Yield on earning assets	6.20	6.27
Rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities	2.73	2.94
Average interest rate spread	3.47	3.33
Net interest margin⁽²⁾	4.18	4.09
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities	135.25	134.81
Noninterest expense to average total assets	2.84	3.03
Efficiency ratio	60.79	66.10
Efficiency ratio – adjusted⁽³⁾	60.29	59.89

(1)  Ratios are annualized where appropriate.
(2)  Net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
(3)  See Non-GAAP reconciliations below for adjustments.

	At or For the Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2025	December 31, 2024	September 30, 2024	June 30, 2024	March 31, 2024
Asset quality ratios
Nonperforming assets to total assets⁽¹⁾	0.61%	0.63%	0.64%	0.54%	0.43%
Nonperforming loans to total loans⁽¹⁾	0.74	0.76	0.78	0.68	0.55
Total classified assets to total assets	0.85	1.06	0.99	0.91	0.80
Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans⁽¹⁾	165.96	163.68	166.51	194.80	235.18
Allowance for credit losses to total loans	1.23	1.24	1.30	1.33	1.30
Net charge-offs to average loans (annualized)	0.14	0.19	0.42	0.27	0.24
Capital ratios
Equity to total assets at end of period	12.41%	12.01%	11.64%	11.21%	10.96%
Tangible equity to total tangible assets⁽²⁾	11.65	11.25	10.88	10.44	10.18
Average equity to average assets	12.66	12.28	12.02	11.78	11.51

(1) Nonperforming assets include nonaccruing loans and repossessed assets. There were no accruing loans more than 90 days past due at the dates indicated. At March 31, 2025, $7.5 million, or 27.9%, of nonaccruing loans were current on their loan payments as of that date.
(2) See Non-GAAP reconciliations below for adjustments.

Loans

(Dollars in thousands)	March 31, 2025		December 31, 2024		September 30, 2024		June 30, 2024		March 31, 2024
Commercial real estate
Construction and land development	$	247,539	$	274,356	$	300,905	$	316,050	$	304,727
Commercial real estate – owner occupied		570,150		545,490		544,689		545,631		532,547
Commercial real estate – non-owner occupied		867,711		866,094		881,340		892,653		881,143
Multifamily		118,094		120,425		114,155		92,292		89,692
Total commercial real estate		1,803,494		1,806,365		1,841,089		1,846,626		1,808,109
Commercial
Commercial and industrial		349,085		316,159		286,809		266,136		243,732
Equipment finance		380,166		406,400		443,033		461,010		462,649
Municipal leases		163,554		165,984		158,560		152,509		151,894
Total commercial		892,805		888,543		888,402		879,655		858,275
Residential real estate
Construction and land development		56,858		53,683		63,016		70,679		85,840
One-to-four family		631,537		630,391		627,845		621,196		605,570
HELOCs		199,747		195,288		194,909		188,465		184,274
Total residential real estate		888,142		879,362		885,770		880,340		875,684
Consumer		64,168		74,029		83,631		94,833		106,084
Total loans, net of deferred loan fees and costs		3,648,609		3,648,299		3,698,892		3,701,454		3,648,152
Allowance for credit losses – loans		(44,742)		(45,285)		(48,131)		(49,223)		(47,502)
Loans, net	$	3,603,867	$	3,603,014	$	3,650,761	$	3,652,231	$	3,600,650

Deposits

(Dollars in thousands)	March 31, 2025		December 31, 2024		September 30, 2024		June 30, 2024		March 31, 2024
Core deposits
Noninterest-bearing accounts	$	721,814	$	680,926	$	684,501	$	683,346	$	773,901
NOW accounts		573,745		575,238		534,517		561,789		600,561
Money market accounts		1,357,961		1,341,995		1,345,289		1,311,940		1,308,467
Savings accounts		184,396		181,317		179,762		185,499		191,302
Total core deposits		2,837,916		2,779,476		2,744,069		2,742,574		2,874,231
Certificates of deposit		898,444		999,727		1,017,519		965,205		925,576
Total	$	3,736,360	$	3,779,203	$	3,761,588	$	3,707,779	$	3,799,807

Non-GAAP Reconciliations
In addition to results presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles utilized in the United States (“GAAP”), this earnings release contains certain non-GAAP financial measures, which include: the efficiency ratio, tangible book value, tangible book value per share and the tangible equity to tangible assets ratio. The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures and ratios as presented are useful for both investors and management to understand the effects of certain items and provide an alternative view of its performance over time and in comparison to its competitors. These non-GAAP measures have inherent limitations, are not required to be uniformly applied and are not audited. They should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for total stockholders’ equity or operating results determined in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

Set forth below is a reconciliation to GAAP of the Company’s efficiency ratio:

	Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	March 31, 2025		December 31, 2024
Noninterest expense	$	30,961	$	34,009
Less: contract renewal consulting fee		—		2,965
Noninterest expense – adjusted	$	30,961	$	31,044

Net interest income	$	42,907	$	43,205
Plus: tax-equivalent adjustment		418		389
Plus: noninterest income		8,027		8,243
Net interest income plus noninterest income – adjusted	$	51,352	$	51,837

Efficiency ratio		60.79%			66.10%
Efficiency ratio – adjusted		60.29%			59.89%

Set forth below is a reconciliation to GAAP of tangible book value and tangible book value per share:

	As of
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)	March 31, 2025		December 31, 2024		September 30, 2024		June 30, 2024		March 31, 2024
Total stockholders’ equity	$	565,449	$	551,758	$	540,004	$	523,628	$	513,173
Less: goodwill, core deposit intangibles, net of taxes		38,793		39,189		39,626		40,063		40,500
Tangible book value	$	526,656	$	512,569	$	500,378	$	483,565	$	472,673
Common shares outstanding		17,552,626		17,527,709		17,514,922		17,437,326		17,444,787
Book value per share	$	32.21	$	31.48	$	30.83	$	30.03	$	29.42
Tangible book value per share	$	30.00	$	29.24	$	28.57	$	27.73	$	27.10

Set forth below is a reconciliation to GAAP of tangible equity to tangible assets:

	As of
(Dollars in thousands)	March 31, 2025		December 31, 2024		September 30, 2024		June 30, 2024		March 31, 2024
Tangible equity⁽¹⁾	$	526,656	$	512,569	$	500,378	$	483,565	$	472,673
Total assets		4,558,060		4,595,430		4,637,293		4,670,864		4,684,011
Less: goodwill, core deposit intangibles, net of taxes		38,793		39,189		39,626		40,063		40,500
Total tangible assets	$	4,519,267	$	4,556,241	$	4,597,667	$	4,630,801	$	4,643,511

Tangible equity to tangible assets

11.65%

11.25%

10.88%

10.44%

10.18%

(1) Tangible equity (or tangible book value) is equal to total stockholders’ equity less goodwill and core deposit intangibles, net of related deferred tax liabilities.

The MIL Network –

April 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Economics: Press Release of the 33rd Meeting of ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council

Source: ASEAN

KUCHING, Sarawak, Malaysia, 24 April 2025 – The 33rd Meeting of ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council successfully concluded today. “As the ASCC Blueprint 2025 draws near to its conclusion, the ASCC has taken proactive steps in future-proofing its post-2025 future with the ASCC Strategic Plan, which presents a holistic strategy and measures anchored on sectoral priorities and people’s aspirations.” Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, delivered this optimistic message at the opening of the 33rd Meeting of ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council on 24 April, in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.

The ASCC Council Meeting brought together Ministers and representatives of ASEAN Member States to discuss the path forward for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, ensuring that it is aligned with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. The Meeting was presided over by Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the current chair of the ASCC Council. Representatives from Timor-Leste also joined the meeting as Observers.

In his opening message, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn spoke about the ASCC Strategic Plan’s emphasis on deepening engagement with partners and strengthening collaboration with other pillars to address urgent crosscutting challenges, especially in the areas of climate resilience, disaster risk reduction and management, and narrowing the development gaps.

Minister Tiong King Sing lauded the Ad Hoc Working Group and all the sectoral bodies who worked on the ASCC Strategic Plan and highlighted the need to support and sustain its implementation to achieve the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 of a resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centred ASEAN. He also reiterated Malaysia’s commitment in advancing inclusivity, creating fair opportunities for all levels of society, and ensuring that no one is left behind.

At the meeting, the ASCC Council likewise affirmed its support for key priorities under the ASCC Chairmanship of Malaysia that include the following:

(i) Cultural Heritage for Value Creation
(ii) Artificial Intelligence, Digitalisation and Green Jobs towards Future Proofing Skills and Talents for ASEAN
(iii) Healthy ASEAN Initiatives Towards a Prosperous ASEAN
(iv) Youth and Sports Potential for All to Foster Growth, Unity and Excellence
(v) Climate Action for Stewardship, Partnership and Ownership.

The ASCC Council also endorsed three outcome documents for adoption and notation at the upcoming 46th ASEAN Summit on 26 May 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, namely the ASEAN Declaration of Commitment on ASEAN Drug Security and Self-Reliance (ADSSR), Checklist for ASEAN Member State governments, labour recruiters and employers of migrant workers on fair recruitment and decent employment practices, and 33rd ASCC Council Report to the 46th ASEAN Summit, while the ASEAN Creative Economy Sustainability Framework will be endorsed via ad referendum.

The meeting concluded with the Ministers and representatives expressing their unanimous support for the ASCC Strategic Plan, and demonstrating a renewed vigour to help realise the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

Photos credit: Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture (MOTAC) of Malaysia
The post Press Release of the 33rd Meeting of ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

MIL OSI Economics –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Marina development plans received

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The invitation for the expressions of interest (EOI) for a marina development at the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter expansion area closed today, with the Development Bureau receiving eight submissions.

The organisations making the submissions include local and overseas developers, hotel/entertainment groups and marina developers/operators.

The bureau said it will consolidate and analyse the collected feedback to firm up the development parameters and requirements within this year for undertaking various technical assessments and statutory procedures.

It added that under the established approach, the development is anticipated for tendering in 2027. Alternatively, if a feasible market proposal is brought forward during the EOI exercise to speed up the process, the bureau will actively consider an earlier tender time.

An initiative for promoting yacht tourism, with plans to invite the market to construct and operate marinas at three locations, including the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter expansion area, was announced in the 2024 Policy Address.

The Government plans to seek the Legislative Council’s funding approval next year to expand the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter to increase sheltered space for public mooring under the Public Works Programme.

By seizing this opportunity, the Government hopes to utilise part of the expanded waterbody for the market to develop the marina and better leverage market forces to promote yacht tourism.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI: Diginex and Baker Tilly Singapore Announce Strategic Alliance to Deliver diginexESG Platform to Baker Tilly ’s Clients

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

LONDON, April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Diginex Limited (“Diginex”) (NASDAQ: DGNX), a leading impact technology company specializing in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) solutions, and Baker Tilly Singapore (“Baker Tilly”), a globally recognized advisory, tax, and assurance firm, today announced a strategic alliance to integrate Diginex’s innovative diginexESG platform into Baker Tilly’s client offerings. This collaboration will empower Baker Tilly’s diverse client base to streamline ESG reporting, enhance compliance, and drive sustainable growth in response to increasing global demand for transparency and accountability.

The diginexESG platform, an award-winning cloud-based solution compatible with major frameworks such as GRI, SASB, and ISSB, provides end-to-end tools for topic discovery, data collection, and collaborative report publishing. Through this alliance, Baker Tilly’s clients across industries will gain access to diginexESG’s intuitive technology, supported by Baker Tilly’s deep expertise in ESG advisory, risk management, and business strategy. The strategic relationship aims to simplify the complexities of sustainability reporting while enabling clients to meet evolving regulatory requirements and investor expectations.

“We are excited to work with Baker Tilly, a trusted leader in professional services, to bring diginexESG to their clients,” said Mark Blick, CEO of Diginex. “This alliance aligns with our mission to democratize access to advanced ESG tools, helping organizations of all sizes achieve their sustainability goals while driving measurable impact.”

Joshua Ong, Managing Partner at Baker Tilly Singapore, said, “We are committed to delivering innovative solutions that add value to our clients’ businesses, while solving challenges that they may face with fragmented systems and resources. This alliance with Diginex provides a new platform that enhances our clients’ daily operations and helps them to make informed decisions in building resilient, future-ready businesses.”

“There is growing pressure in the Asia-Pacific region for companies to produce high-quality ESG data that meets global standards,” added Tina Thomas, Head of ESG & Sustainability at Baker Tilly Singapore.

The alliance comes at a critical time as businesses face heightened scrutiny from regulators, investors, and stakeholders to demonstrate robust ESG performance. Baker Tilly’s global network, combined with Diginex’s cutting-edge technology, positions both firms to set a new standard for ESG reporting and compliance.

About Diginex Limited

Diginex Limited (Nasdaq: DGNX; ISIN KYG286871044), headquartered in London, is a sustainable RegTech business that empowers businesses and governments to streamline ESG, climate, and supply chain data collection and reporting. The Company utilizes blockchain, AI, machine learning and data analysis technology to lead change and increase transparency in corporate regulatory reporting and sustainable finance. Diginex’s products and services solutions enable companies to collect, evaluate and share sustainability data through easy-to-use software.

The award-winning diginexESG platform supports 17 global frameworks, including GRI (the “Global Reporting Initiative”), SASB (the “Sustainability Accounting Standards Board”), and TCFD (the “Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures”). Clients benefit from end-to-end support, ranging from materiality assessments and data management to stakeholder engagement, report generation and an ESG Ratings Support Service.

For more information, please visit the Company’s website: https://www.diginex.com/.

About Baker Tilly Singapore
Baker Tilly Singapore is a full-service accounting and business advisory firm that offers industry-specialised services in assurance, tax and advisory. With a focus on serving entrepreneurs, family-owned businesses, not-for-profits, and listed companies, we help our clients plan for the future. Baker Tilly Singapore is an independent member of Baker Tilly International, one of the world’s 10 largest accounting and business advisory networks.

Baker Tilly Singapore offers a full suite of ESG services, including ESG assessment, strategy development, reporting and disclosure, stakeholder engagement, risk management, sustainability certification, ESG integration in investments, as well as training and education.

For more information on Baker Tilly Singapore’s services, visit www.bakertilly.sg.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “approximates,” “believes,” “hopes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results disclosed in the Company’s filings with the SEC.

Media Contacts:

Diginex
Investor Relations
Email: ir@diginex.com

IR Contact – Europe
Anna Höffken
Phone: +49.40.609186.0
Email: diginex@kirchhoff.de

IR Contact – US
Kincade Ayers
Lambert by LLYC
Phone: +1 (616) 258-5794
Email: kincade.ayers@llyc.global

IR Contact – Asia
Shelly Cheng
Strategic Public Relations Group Ltd.
Phone: +852 2864 4857
Email: sprg_diginex@sprg.com.hk

Baker Tilly Singapore Contact
Darrick Chew
Marketing Manager
darrick.chew@bakertilly.sg

The MIL Network –

April 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Disaster Recovery Centers Reduce Hours on April 14

Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

Headline: Disaster Recovery Centers Reduce Hours on April 14

Disaster Recovery Centers Reduce Hours on April 14

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

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

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

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

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

MIL OSI USA News –

April 24, 2025
MIL-OSI: Nasdaq and AWS Unlock New Era of Growth for Global Capital Markets with Next Generation Infrastructure Solutions
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Nasdaq and AWS announce modernization blueprint to drive the benefits of cloud into local market infrastructures through flexible deployment while maintaining data sovereignty and resilience

As part of the modernization blueprint, Nasdaq is introducing a new brand for its complete suite of next generation marketplace technology solutions, Nasdaq Eqlipse, delivering cloud-ready capabilities and data intelligence across the full trade lifecycle

Nasdaq’s Nordic markets first to adopt the blueprint alongside expanded modernization partnerships with Johannesburg Stock Exchange and Mexico’s Grupo BMV

NEW YORK, SEATTLE, STOCKHOLM, JOHANNESBURG, and MEXICO CITY, April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nasdaq and Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS), an Amazon.com, Inc. company, today announced an advancement in their shared mission to modernize markets globally. Drawing on their deep experience and expertise in powering capital markets, the companies are introducing a new suite of solutions that empower market operators to enhance liquidity, facilitate capital flows, and drive growth, while upholding the highest level of performance, security and resilience.

Today, market operators navigate unique complexities, including emerging technology acceleration, highly competitive environments, regulatory standards, and constantly evolving client needs. Yet, their ability to innovate and modernize at pace requires ever greater expertise and advanced technological capabilities. To address these challenges, Nasdaq and AWS are delivering infrastructure, software, data management and services to enable market operators to overcome modernization barriers cost effectively without compromising resiliency or control.

The new blueprint, proven through Nasdaq’s successful market modernization with AWS, drives industry standards, dynamic and sustainable operations while promoting a more resilient financial ecosystem. In the long term, the blueprint can enhance investor confidence and connect capital, previously confined locally due to technological complexity, to global investment opportunities.

“Local economies flourish when capital markets are robust, and global investors can confidently channel capital across borders. Conversely, a strong global economy is reliant on local markets that are highly dynamic, where innovators can scale, and capital can seamlessly connect. Powering both creates a virtuous cycle of value creation, driving economic growth and wealth generation,” said Adena Friedman, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Nasdaq. “The unique combination of Nasdaq’s technology expertise and AWS’s advanced infrastructure enables us to solve the industry’s most complex challenges that have hampered the growth and scalability of markets around the world. By reducing complicatedness, friction, and fragmentation we are fortifying the financial system with greater connectivity and resilience and enabling a new era of economic growth and prosperity.”

“Building on our 15-year partnership, Nasdaq and AWS are furthering our shared vision to develop technology that simplifies and streamlines capital markets,” said Matt Garman, CEO at AWS. “Together, we are helping market operators provide seamless connectivity for markets and investors anywhere in the world, with a blueprint for modernization and innovation, and the ability to unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth in capital markets.”

A blueprint for the next generation of markets with resilience and optionality

The blueprint empowers market operators to execute their modernization strategies by optimizing their resource investments while focusing on operational excellence, enhancing competitive differentiation, satisfying their regulatory obligations, and driving innovation within their markets. The first three key components of the blueprint include:
- Bringing together AWS, exchange, and trading participant infrastructure in close proximity to power global capital markets: Building on AWS’s high-performing, scalable infrastructure, as well as its deep expertise in operating cloud infrastructure, Nasdaq and AWS are offering a new solution for market operators that addresses resilience, security, proximity and latency demands by positioning AWS services, exchange and trading participant systems in a common location. For the first time, global market participants will have access to industry-leading compute services from AWS in close proximity to the core exchange complex and their own co-located trading systems. In addition, AWS will provide connectivity between this infrastructure and AWS’s Global Regions via the AWS Direct Connect service and the AWS global network, to provide low-latency, high bandwidth connectivity for global applications; all while enabling operators to retain overall control of their data.
- Nasdaq Eqlipse, a next generation marketplace technology platform: Nasdaq Eqlipse seamlessly integrates client community feedback and Nasdaq’s development investments, including platform capabilities, application architecture, APIs and product integration. The solutions feature cloud-ready applications and globally standardized APIs with proven interoperability across the full trade lifecycle. Nasdaq’s marketplace technology solutions are already used by over 135 market infrastructure providers around the world for multi-asset trading, clearing, central securities depository and surveillance. Nasdaq Eqlipse will also include a new solution – Nasdaq Eqlipse Intelligence – designed to unlock the full potential of market operators’ data with modern, cloud-based data management, analytics and reporting capabilities that are specific to market operators’ workflows. These capabilities address the industry-wide opportunity to deploy AI at greater scale, recognizing its potential to transform how marketplaces operate.
- A services deployment model: The modernization blueprint brings together the expertise and experience of Nasdaq and AWS through a new services deployment model. This provides market operators with access to both companies’ deep capital markets expertise to help reduce operational heavy lifting. Ultimately the services deployment model powered by AWS is designed to help market operators reduce transformation risks, allowing them to focus technology resources toward a growth-driven capital allocation strategy. Market operators will be able to augment and accelerate their path to modernization, while improving time-to-market for new releases and enhancing overall resilience.
The blueprint delivers key benefits to market operators so that they can drive innovation; specifically:
- Accelerate and de-risk modernization strategies for market operators by delivering an agile technology stack and globally standardized services and workflows that empower the market operators to focus on attracting liquidity from global investors.
- Provide greater flexibility for both innovation and monetization for market operators by leveraging modern technology infrastructure to capitalize on the potential of AI, enhance their data and insight-based services, and develop new products and functionality to the benefit of all market participants.
- Promote transparency, enhance liquidity and protect market integrity by strengthening trading, clearing, and settlement operations and reducing barriers for local, regional and global investors with secure access.
The blueprint plans to use AWS’s global network and low-latency traffic routing to support frictionless, high-speed connections for markets and investors around the world. This connectivity will allow market participants to interact seamlessly and transparently across global exchanges with minimal latency, fostering globally inter-connected markets built on a common data lake architecture.

Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Grupo BMV and Nasdaq’s Nordic markets modernize their ecosystems

Nasdaq has expanded its modernization partnership with both Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and Mexico’s Grupo BMV. Additionally, Nasdaq’s Nordic markets have today announced their intention to modernize their infrastructure in line with the blueprint.

The JSE is collaborating with Nasdaq around the development of services for colocation, data intelligence and insights, and client interactions. The blueprint service deployment model will support the South African bourse’s technology enablement journey to modernize its technology, leverage edge computing infrastructure, explore AI to deliver innovative market solutions and drive operational efficiencies.

Leila Fourie, Group CEO of the JSE, said: “This strategic collaboration is an extension of the long-standing relationship the JSE has with Nasdaq. The market infrastructure developed in partnership with Nasdaq and AWS will open the door to greater global market interconnectivity with minimal latency, which will support increased liquidity and capital flows between the US and South African capital markets. We will be setting new standards for the industry through innovation and technology that creates value for market participants.”

Building on the market modernization efforts with Nasdaq, Grupo BMV is analyzing how it can build on its existing technology partnership across its clearing and central securities depository platforms by leveraging the services deployment model. They are also evaluating the long-term potential for cloud infrastructure in Mexico and its ability to create a robust, high-integrity ecosystem that reduces barriers to market participation, enhances operational efficiency, and accelerates the adoption of emerging technologies across the Mexican financial landscape.

Jorge Alegría, Chief Executive Officer, Grupo BMV, said: “Our post-trade technology infrastructure is undergoing a transformative evolution, with Nasdaq playing a pivotal role as our enabling partner, as we look toward the next decade. We are committed to driving innovation, enhancing operational efficiency and proactively addressing the evolving needs of our local and international customers.”

In line with the blueprint, Nasdaq plans to incorporate the managed infrastructure model within its Nordic markets. Starting with the Nordic derivatives market, Nasdaq will be able to provide additional services to clients, powered by AWS infrastructure which allows Nasdaq’s clients to rapidly scale their GPU usage within Nasdaq’s own data center in Väsby, Sweden and harness cloud services to innovate faster.

Roland Chai, President of European Market Services, Nasdaq, said: “The success of Nasdaq’s Nordic markets has demonstrated the extraordinary power of modern market infrastructure to attract international sources of capital. Incorporating AWS’s advanced cloud infrastructure is expected to elevate our markets on the global stage and help to power the next generation of growth across Europe.”

These advancements will be made in close consultation with the respective regulatory authorities and are subject to relevant approvals.

About Nasdaq

Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) is a leading global technology company serving corporate clients, investment managers, banks, brokers, and exchange operators as they navigate and interact with the global capital markets and the broader financial system. We aspire to deliver world-leading platforms that improve the liquidity, transparency, and integrity of the global economy. Our diverse offering of data, analytics, software, exchange capabilities, and client-centric services enables clients to optimize and execute their business vision with confidence. To learn more about the company, technology solutions, and career opportunities, visit us on LinkedIn, on X @Nasdaq, or at www.nasdaq.com.

About Amazon Web Services

Since 2006, Amazon Web Services has been the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud. AWS has been continually expanding its services to support virtually any workload, and it now has more than 240 fully featured services for compute, storage, databases, networking, analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), mobile, security, hybrid, media, and application development, deployment, and management from 114 Availability Zones within 36 geographic regions, with announced plans for 12 more Availability Zones and four more AWS Regions in New Zealand, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, and the AWS European Sovereign Cloud. Millions of customers—including the fastest-growing startups, largest enterprises, and leading government agencies—trust AWS to power their infrastructure, become more agile, and lower costs. To learn more about AWS, visit aws.amazon.com.

About Amazon

Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth’s Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth’s Best Employer, and Earth’s Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.

About the Johannesburg Stock Exchange

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has a well-established history of operating as a marketplace for trading financial products. It is a pioneering, globally connected exchange group that enables inclusive economic growth through trusted, world-class, socially responsible products, and services for the investor of the future. It offers secure and efficient primary and secondary capital markets across a diverse range of securities, spanning equities, derivatives, and debt markets. It prides itself on being the market of choice for local and international investors looking to gain exposure to leading capital markets on the African continent.

The JSE is currently ranked in the Top 20 largest stock exchanges in the world by market capitalization, and is the largest stock exchange in Africa, having been in operation for 137 years. As a leading global exchange, the JSE co-creates unlocks value & makes real connections happen. www.jse.co.za

About Grupo BMV

The Mexican Stock Exchange (BMV: BOLSAA) is a fully integrated group with more than 130 years of experience, enabling Mexico’s securities and derivatives markets. It consists of a network of leading companies providing services in capital markets, derivatives, debt, post-trade solutions, data and analytics, as well as a range of value-added services. For more details, visit www.bmv.com.mx.

Media Contacts

Nasdaq: Emily Pan; Emily.Pan@nasdaq.com; +1 646 637 3964
AWS: Naomi Little; njlittle@amazon.com; +1 771 233 2089
JSE: Pheliswa Mayekiso; pheliswam@jse.co.za; +27 84 4860502
Grupo BMV: Alberto Maya; amaya@grupobmv.com.mx; +52-55-5342-9000

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

Information set forth in this press release contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Nasdaq cautions readers that any forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and that actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “will” and “can” and other words and terms of similar meaning. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements related to the benefits of products and services delivered in line with the modernization blueprint, application and availability of products and services in regulated environments, and Nasdaq’s partnership with AWS. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties or other factors beyond Nasdaq’s control. These risks and uncertainties are detailed in Nasdaq’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q which are available on Nasdaq’s investor relations website at http://ir.nasdaq.com and the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Nasdaq undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

– NDAQF-

The MIL Network –
April 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Weather service warns of severe thunderstorms

Source: South Africa News Agency

Thursday, April 24, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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MIL OSI Africa –

April 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Development Bureau receives eight expression of interest submissions for developing marina in Aberdeen

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Development Bureau receives eight expression of interest submissions for developing marina in Aberdeen
The spokesperson said, “The enterprises/organisations making the submissions include local and overseas developers, hotel/entertainment groups and marina developers/operators. We will consolidate and analyse the collected feedback to firm up the development parameters and requirements for the marina within this year for undertaking various technical assessments and the necessary statutory procedures. Under the established approach, it is anticipated for tendering in 2027. If a feasible market proposal is received during the EOI exercise to speed up the process, we will actively consider an earlier tender time.”

The spokesperson added, “As the feedback involves commercially sensitive information from individual enterprises, it will not be disclosed. However, relevant views will be taken into account to establish the future tender conditions, approach and timing.”

The 2024 Policy Address announced the initiative of promoting yacht tourism, with plans to invite the market to construct and operate marinas at three locations, including the expansion area of the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter. The Government plans to seek the Legislative Council’s funding approval next year to expand the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter to increase sheltered space for public mooring under the Public Works Programme. In the meantime, the Government hopes to seize this opportunity to utilise part of the expanded waterbody for the market to develop the marina and better leverage market forces to promote yacht tourism.
Issued at HKT 18:07

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CategoriesMIL-OSI

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 24, 2025

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

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

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

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

Financial Summary

	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2025			2024		% Change
	(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

Income Statement Data
Net premiums earned	$	232,702		$	227,749			2.2	%
Investment income, net		11,984			10,972			9.2
Net investment (losses) gains		(471	)		2,113			NM²
Total revenues		245,174			241,141			1.7
Net income		25,205			5,956			323.2
Non-GAAP operating income¹		25,577			4,286			496.8
Annualized return on average equity		17.8	%		4.9	%		12.9 pts

Per Share Data
Net income – Class A (diluted)	$	0.71		$	0.18			294.4	%
Net income – Class B		0.65			0.16			306.3
Non-GAAP operating income – Class A (diluted)		0.72			0.13			453.8
Non-GAAP operating income – Class B		0.66			0.12			450.0
Book value		16.24			14.53			11.8

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

Management Commentary

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

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

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

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

Insurance Operations

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

	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2025		2024	% Change
	(dollars in thousands)

Net Premiums Earned
Commercial lines	$	136,216	$	132,092		3.1	%
Personal lines		96,486		95,657		0.9
Total net premiums earned	$	232,702	$	227,749		2.2	%

Net Premiums Written
Commercial lines:
Automobile	$	56,525	$	53,514		5.6	%
Workers’ compensation		28,754		31,074		-7.5
Commercial multi-peril		60,790		57,503		5.7
Other		14,549		13,403		8.6
Total commercial lines		160,618		155,494		3.3
Personal lines:
Automobile		55,192		61,381		-10.1
Homeowners		28,788		31,759		-9.4
Other		2,494		2,808		-11.2
Total personal lines		86,474		95,948		-9.9
Total net premiums written	$	247,092	$	251,442		-1.7	%

Net Premiums Written

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

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

Underwriting Performance

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

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
		2025		2024

GAAP Combined Ratios (Total Lines)
Loss ratio – core losses		54.4	%	58.7	%
Loss ratio – weather-related losses		3.7		4.7
Loss ratio – large fire losses		3.1		6.6
Loss ratio – net prior-year reserve development		-4.5		-3.7
Loss ratio		56.7		66.3
Expense ratio		34.6		35.7
Dividend ratio		0.3		0.4
Combined ratio		91.6	%	102.4	%

Statutory Combined Ratios
Commercial lines:
Automobile		91.4	%	99.6	%
Workers’ compensation		117.6		111.2
Commercial multi-peril		90.3		102.7
Other		80.8		82.2
Total commercial lines		94.7		101.6
Personal lines:
Automobile		85.0		99.8
Homeowners		83.8		102.9
Other		56.6		85.2
Total personal lines		83.6		100.3
Total lines		90.3	%	101.2	%

Loss Ratio

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

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

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

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

Expense Ratio

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

Investment Operations

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

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

Average investment yield		3.4	%					3.3	%
Average tax-equivalent investment yield		3.5	%					3.4	%
Average fixed-maturity duration (years)		5.2						5.2

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

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

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

Definitions of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

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

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

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

	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2025		2024	% Change
	(dollars in thousands)

Reconciliation of Net Premiums
Earned to Net Premiums Written
Net premiums earned	$	232,702	$	227,749		2.2	%
Change in net unearned premiums		14,390		23,693		-39.3
Net premiums written	$	247,092	$	251,442		-1.7	%

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

	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2025		2024		% Change
	(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

Reconciliation of Net Income
to Non-GAAP Operating Income
Net income	$	25,205	$	5,956			323.2	%
Investment losses (gains) (after tax)		372		(1,670	)		NM
Non-GAAP operating income	$	25,577	$	4,286			496.8	%

Per Share Reconciliation of Net Income
to Non-GAAP Operating Income
Net income – Class A (diluted)	$	0.71	$	0.18			294.4	%
Investment losses (gains) (after tax)		0.01		(0.05	)		NM
Non-GAAP operating income – Class A	$	0.72	$	0.13			453.8	%

Net income – Class B	$	0.65	$	0.16			306.3	%
Investment losses (gains) (after tax)		0.01		(0.04	)		NM
Non-GAAP operating income – Class B	$	0.66	$	0.12			450.0	%

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

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

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

Dividend Information

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

Pre-Recorded Webcast

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

About the Company

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

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

Safe Harbor

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

Investor Relations Contacts

Karin Daly, Vice President, The Equity Group Inc.

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

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

Financial Supplement

Donegal Group Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(unaudited; in thousands, except share data)

	Quarter Ended March 31,
		2025			2024

Net premiums earned	$	232,702		$	227,749
Investment income, net of expenses		11,984			10,972
Net investment (losses) gains		(471	)		2,113
Lease income		77			82
Installment payment fees		882			225
Total revenues		245,174			241,141

Net losses and loss expenses		132,033			150,896
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs		39,231			39,602
Other underwriting expenses		41,195			41,740
Policyholder dividends		760			1,055
Interest		333			155
Other expenses, net		461			445
Total expenses		214,013			233,893

Income before income tax expense		31,161			7,248
Income tax expense		5,956			1,292

Net income	$	25,205		$	5,956

Net income per common share:
Class A – basic	$	0.72		$	0.18
Class A – diluted	$	0.71		$	0.18
Class B – basic and diluted	$	0.65		$	0.16

Supplementary Financial Analysts’ Data

Weighted-average number of shares
outstanding:
Class A – basic		30,120,649			27,811,312
Class A – diluted		30,430,042			27,846,313
Class B – basic and diluted		5,576,775			5,576,775

Net premiums written	$	247,092		$	251,442

Book value per common share
at end of period	$	16.24		$	14.53

Annualized operating return on average equity		17.8	%		4.9	%

Donegal Group Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)

	March 31,			December 31,
		2025			2024
	(unaudited)

ASSETS
Investments:
Fixed maturities:
Held to maturity, at amortized cost	$	706,098		$	705,714
Available for sale, at fair value		640,456			617,892
Equity securities, at fair value		40,206			36,808
Short-term investments, at cost		20,622			24,558
Total investments		1,407,382			1,384,972
		64,315			52,926
Premiums receivable		193,975			181,107
Reinsurance receivable		403,382			420,742
Deferred policy acquisition costs		76,194			73,347
Prepaid reinsurance premiums		182,860			176,162
Other assets		40,169			46,776
Total assets	$	2,368,277		$	2,336,032

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities:
Losses and loss expenses	$	1,092,624		$	1,120,985
Unearned premiums		633,564			612,476
Borrowings under lines of credit		35,000			35,000
Other liabilities		22,366			21,795
Total liabilities		1,783,554			1,790,256
Stockholders’ equity:
Class A common stock		334			329
Class B common stock		56			56
Additional paid-in capital		376,864			369,680
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(21,472	)		(28,200	)
Retained earnings		270,167			245,137
Treasury stock		(41,226	)		(41,226	)
Total stockholders’ equity		584,723			545,776
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	2,368,277		$	2,336,032

The MIL Network –

April 24, 2025

MIL-OSI Video: How to Appeal a FEMA Decision

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

Flood survivors can appeal if they believe they should have received more assistance from FEMA.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXcaCnb_3R4

MIL OSI Video –

April 24, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Coventry City Council joins BCIMO’s Family Day as a leading event partner

Source: City of Coventry

Coventry City Council joins BCIMO as its Main Event Partner for its upcoming Family Day, offering local families and rail enthusiasts the chance to ride the Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR).

The partnership between BCIMO and Coventry City Council has been fundamental to forming the Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre in Dudley. This centre was established to support the development of the emerging Very Light Rail industry and innovation across the wider rail sectors. As part of this collaboration, Coventry City Council secured Government funding to help prepare the centre for its role in enabling the research and development of the CVLR vehicle.

Since 2022, the CVLR demonstrator, a battery-operated, zero-emission transport system capable of carrying up to 60 passengers (20 seated), has been tested at BCIMO’s Rail Development & Test Site. The system offers an alternative way to travel, complementing existing public transport. It is sustainable, cost-effective, and will help improve air quality while reducing congestion. It will be a hop-on-hop-off urban transport system with no overhead cables and potentially driverless in the future.

As the leading event partner, Coventry City Council will give visitors to Family Day a unique experience: ride the CVLR demonstrator along BCIMO’s whole test track, through the iconic Dudley Railway Tunnel, and around the loop. The vehicle can accommodate up to 20 passengers on this day. This will be the only time people can ride the vehicle at the Dudley site before it relocates to Coventry to run on a 220-metre section of VLR track in May and June.

Councillor Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration, and Climate Change at Coventry City Council, said: Very Light Rail is the beginning of our plans to revolutionise transport in Coventry. The Family Day in Dudley provides the first opportunity for the public to experience a ride ahead of it moving to Coventry for on-road testing. CVLR can potentially change how people move around smaller cities and towns. It’s green, has the potential to provide a hop-on, hop-off service, and it’s a fraction of the price of conventional tram systems, thanks to our very clever track. It’s great that people can ride on it and experience it in Dudley, where it has been shuttling up and down as part of testing and soon in our city centre.

Neil Fulton, CEO of BCIMO, added: We are incredibly proud of our long-standing partnership with Coventry City Council. Their early support was crucial in helping us develop the facilities that have enabled the programme team to test and advance their Very Light Rail system. As the Main Event Partner for Family Day, we’re excited to offer the public this exclusive opportunity to experience the CVLR demonstrator firsthand, showcasing the exciting potential of sustainable transport for the future.

To learn more about the event, buy tickets, or get involved in other ways, please visit the BCIMO Family Day website page.

Published: Thursday, 24th April 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

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

Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

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

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

.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Forecast Discussion

ZCZC SPCSWOD48 ALL
ACUS48 KWNS 240847
SPC AC 240847

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

Valid 271200Z – 021200Z

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

..Leitman.. 04/24/2025

CLICK TO GET WUUS48 PTSD48 PRODUCT

MIL OSI USA News –

April 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SPC – No MDs are in effect as of Thu Apr 24 10:02:02 UTC 2025

Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Current Mesoscale DiscussionsUpdated: Thu Apr 24 10:16:03 UTC 2025 No Mesoscale Discussions are currently in effect.

Notice: The responsibility for Heavy Rain Mesoscale Discussions has been transferred to the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) on April 9, 2013. Click here for the Service Change Notice.
Archived Convective ProductsTo view convective products for a previous day, type in the date you wish to retrieve (e.g. 20040529 for May 29, 2004). Data available since January 1, 2004.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 24, 2025

Category: Weather

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