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MIL-OSI: Global AI Spotlight: DataGlobal Hub Assembles Hundreds of Industry Leaders for GDAI 2025, The Largest Global Virtual AI & Data Conference
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

PHOENIX, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DataGlobal Hub, a fast-growing global media platform at the forefront of Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) news and insights, is proud to officially unveil the top speakers for Global Data & AI Virtual Tech Conference (GDAI 2025), a highly anticipated global summit convening the brightest minds in technology, innovation, and data leadership.

GDAI 2025 is scheduled for August 22nd to 24th, 2025, with the theme, “AI, Data, and the Future of Innovation,” bringing together thought leaders, professionals, and trailblazing creators from around the world to spotlight emerging technologies, transformative enterprise strategies, and the societal shifts shaping tomorrow’s workplace.

One Global Conversation: Three Tracks

GDAI 2025 will deliver practical value through three tailored conference tracks that reflect the evolving realities of data, business, and human potential:
- AI and Data Innovation: Uncover the latest breakthroughs in tech—from advanced large language models and automation to the exciting frontier of generative AI.
- Enterprise Data Strategy & Leadership: Delve into essential topics such as data governance, ROI, ethics, and data monetization, empowering you to lead with confidence in the digital age.
- The Future of Work & AI in Society: Engage with thought leaders on the evolving landscape of work, the impact of AI regulation, and the creative shifts driving today’s job market.
What to Expect at GDAI 2025
- Visionary Keynotes: Hear from AI pioneers, business executives, and future-thinkers on the possibilities ahead
- Breakout Panels & Fireside Chats: Candid conversations and debates on real-world challenges and emerging trends
- Live Demos & Product Showcases: Get front-row access to the tools, platforms, and AI systems shaping the next decade
- Hands-On Masterclasses: Expert-led workshops with real applications and live feedback
- Global Networking & VIP Sessions: Curated virtual spaces to connect, collaborate, and grow
Introducing conference speakers

GDAI 2025 is a global platform for possibility.

With over 100 top speakers expected, GDAI 2025 will feature dynamic keynotes, powerful panel discussions, and interactive tools designed to transform your thinking. Some of our speakers include industry leaders from top organizations like OpenAI, MetaAI, Nvidia, CNN, NBC and more
- Vijaykumar Jangamashetti: Senior Google Cloud Consulting Architect, Trusted Advisor, Keynote Speaker & Research Scholar. 38k+ LinkedIn Followers
- Sheena Yap Chan: Wall Street Journal & Publishers Weekly Bestselling Author, Keynote Speaker, featured on FOX, NBC News, MindValley, Manila Times, delivered speeches for NASA, Live Nation, UKG. 31k+ LinkedIn Followers
- Brenton House: 519k+ Youtube Subscribers, Principal Cybersecurity & AI Advisor, IBM WebMethods, Keynote Speaker, LinkedIn TopVoice, 22k+ LinkedIn Followers
- Shikhar Kwatra: Youngest Indian Master Inventor, Partner Solutions Architect at OpenAI, 500+ Patents. Former Senior AI/ML Partner Solutions Architect AWS, Former Data & AI Architect IBM, Author, Einstein Visa Green Card Recipient, 27k+ LinkedIn Followers
- Chris McGraw: National Director for Permanent Placement Practice, Lorien, Cybersecurity & Cloud Infrastructure Expert, Speaker.
- Pamela Paterson: Two Times International Best-Selling Author, Keynote Speaker, Business Systems Analyst, Project Manager. Pamela has worked with over 100 organizations globally and authored 10 books
- Erich Archer: Emmy-Award Winning Producer, Founder, CGA Creative, AI Media Strategist & Storytelling Consultant. 15k+ LinkedIn Followers.
- Khuyen Tran: Founder of CodeCut, Senior Developer Advocate at Nixtla, Ex-Senior Data Engineer at Accenture, Ex Technical Writer at NVIDIA. 109K+ LinkedIn Followers
- Joe Perez: Amazon Best-Selling Author, Keynote Speaker, Executive Board Member, Digital Directors Network. 19K+ LinkedIn Followers
- Queen Smith: Vice President & Enterprise Coach, Citibank, Founder & CEO AgileCentric, Former Senior Consultant, Deloitte
- Jarrett Albritton: VP of Strategy at WriteSea, Ex Senior Enterprise Account Executive at IBM, Featured on Nasdaq, Conference Speaker, Soken at DIVERSITECH, AfroTech. 16K+ LinkedIn Followers
- Sneha Singla: Director of Software Engineering at Salesforce. 4K+ LinkedIn Followers
- Vishal Ganagarapu: Executive Director, Finance Data & Analytics at Mizhuo Financial Group, Fmr VP, Finance Data Architecture & Transformation at Goldman Sachs, Fmr Pricing Transformation Consultant at Dell Technologies
- Mary Grygleski: Director of Emerging Technologies at Callibrity, TEDx Speaker, President of Chicago Java Users Group, Chicago Chapter Organizer- Gen AI Collective, Chicago Chapter Co-Lead-AICamp, Fmr Senior Developer Advocate at DataStax
- Einat Orr: CEO & Co-Founder of LakeFS, Forbes Business Council Member. 19K+ LinkedIn Followers
- Ritesh Modi: Principal AI Engineer at Microsoft, Best-Selling Author of 10 books, Public Speaker. 12K+ LinkedIn Followers
- Arthur Kaza: Head of Tech Academy & Data Science at AKIENI, Google Developer Expert-AI, AI Research Scientist at Woxsen University 21K+ LinkedIn Followers
- Isaac Agya Koomson: Founder & CEO of KIA-START UP CONSULT
- Shankar Narayanan SGS: Principal Architect at Microsoft, Author, Top 10% of programmers on HackerEarth, ONCON ICON TOP 10 DATA & ANALYTICS PROFESSIONAL 2024, Snowflake Data Superhero, 8K+ LinkedIn Followers
- Kamal Gupta: CNN’s Ex-Senior Staff Software Engineer, Software Development Engineer at Amazon.
- Jayita Bhattacharyya: Data Scientist at Deloitte, Ex-Application Developer at IBM, Software Engineer, Hackathon Wizard, Spoken at NVIDIA AI Inference Day by Collabnix, Codebasics AI & Data Fest 2025, FOSS United Hyderabad 2025, GDG Durgapur Developer Summit 2024. 13K+ LinikedIn Followers
- Siddharth Parakh: Director of Engineering at Medable, Ex-Software Development Manager III at Amazon, IEEE Sr Member and member of IEEE Computer Society, Author of 5+ books on Technology by Manning Publication, Judged Multiple Awards such as Globee, Business Intelligence etc…
- Enudeme Jonathan: CEO & Founder of Zummit Africa, Co-Founder of Data Rango, Board Member International Law Association of Nigeria (ILA)- Committee on AI and Technology Law. Featured on Business Insider, Yahoo Finance and Arise News.
- Vivekanandan Srinivasan: Senior Manager-GenAI Enablement at Verizon, Ex-BI Solutions Architect at Lumel, Top 1 percentile globally in Kaggle Kernels.
- Ayoade Adegbite; Specialized Data Analytics Mentor at CareerFouny, Analytics Engineer, Ex-Data Analyst Engineer at WirePick.
- Felipe Cabrini: Senior Software Architect & Specialist, Cloud Architect at Pagseguro Pagbank, JAVA Instructor at FIAP, Sao Paulo
- Roisin Benett: Chief AI Officer, Founder & CEO MarketingMentors, Perplexity AI Business Fellow. Empowering Small Businesses to Grow Smarter with AI. 11K+ LinkedIn Followers
- Etibar Aliyev: Team Lead – AI at Google, AI Expert & Leader Advisor at Packt, Member of Leaders Excellence at Harvard Square, AI Frontier Network, International Association of Algorithmic Auditors (IAAA), AI Consultant at AI IXX, AI Advisor at AlphaSense. 12K+ LinkedIn Followers.
- Fatima-Bint Ibrahim: Bayobab Core Network Engineer, Organizer of Ghana Data Science Summit(IndabaX Ghana), Ex-Huawei Associate Core Network Engineer, Python Ghana Co-Lead User Groups, AI & ML Researcher.
- Partha Pritam Deka: Senior Staff Engineer & Data Science Leader at Intel, Fmr Staff Data Scientist at General Electrics, Ex-Data Engineer at Cisco, Best-Selling Machine Learning Book Author, NeurIPS/ICML Reviewer, Keynote Speaker, CSCMP Innovation Award – AI Solution.
- Mikhail Lvovskii: Founder & Principal Consultant at BonaMente, Chief Transformational Officer at Guidi Consulting, 12K+ LinkedIn Followers
- Rahul PrasadFounder of RSTech Softwares, Public Speaker, Strategist.
- Ferry Haris: CEO of FEHA & CyberSecurity Advocate.
- Pooja RayChaudhuri: Software Engineer at C3 AI, Ex-Software Engineer at TikTok.
- Samantha St-Louis(Allegrini): CEO & Technical Trainer at CloudFirst AI, CEO & Founder, AI Strategist at BeBaby, AI Engineer & Cloud Solutions Architect at Smarter Consulting, Public Speaker & Technical Writer
- Knut Relbe-Moe: Chief Technology Officer at Dapt AS, Product Manager & Founder of DocsNode, Partner Relationship Manager at Lightning Tools, Microsoft MVP, Public Speaker.
- Edward Morgan: “Founder & CTO at Gordian Knot, Ex-Associate Director of Engineering at Chewy, C100 Award Recipient, Recognized by the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.”
- “Madhuri Koripalli: Software Engineer II at Microsoft, Ex-Senior Software Engineer Specialist at DELL EMC, Ex-Software Engineer at Verizon, Ex-Web Application Developer at TESLA
- Alison Cossette: Data Science Strategist, Founder of Partrun Inc, Developer Advocate at Neo4j specializing in Graph Data Science. 6K+ LinkedIn Followers
- Aquayemi-Claude Akinsanya: CEO & Founder of Garnetts Clothing Brand & Range, Public Relations Volunteer at United Nations, Inclusion Thematic Lead at The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, Regional & Country Representative of Global Network of Persons with Disabilities, Author, Environment Advocate, Ex-Jury Judge Panel Member of the Telly Awards. 5K+ LinkedIn Followers
- Chinazor Vivian Kalu: UK Black Tech Resident Technologist, Senior Programme Manager at Niyo Group, Nominee 2023 50 Most Influential Women in UK Tech Award, Women in Data Science Ambassador at Stanford UniversityWorld’s Top 100 Chief Data Officers (2023, 2024), Top 100 Data Influencers (2024), and Top 40 Chief AI/Analytics Officers, Chief Hat at Data Hat AI, Ex-Chief Data Officer at OneFootball. 9K+ LinkedIn Followers
- Rishi Nareshbhai Lad:
- Kshitij Kumar: Principal Integration Engineer at ModernaTx, Inc, Recipient of Titan Business Technology Award for excellence in integration engineering, and the Globee Award for technological innovation in healthcare,
- Barkha Herman: Founder of WiTVoices, South Florida Women in Technology, Ex-Developer Advocate at StarTree, Speaker, Technologist, Podcaster
- Bhaskar Goyal: Software Engineer III at Google, Ex-Software Engineer II at Goldman Sachs, Expedia Group, AI & ML Specialist. Recipient of the IEEE Richard E. Merwin Award
- Alfred Ojukwu: Senior Virtualization Specialist at Microsoft, Ex-chair of Blacks at Microsoft(BAM) worldwide 9K+ Followers on LinkedIn
- Olubayo Adekanmbi: Founder & CEO Data Science Nigeria, CEO & CO-Founder EqualyzAI
- Paula García Esteban: Top Voice LinkedIn Data Visualization, Data Visualization & AI Specialist, ML Instructor at LinkedIn Learning, 14K+ LinkedIn Followers
- Lianne Potter: Award-Winning Digital and Cyber Anthropologist, Cybersecurity Operations and Technology Leader, Podcast Host, Author, Keynote Speaker. 15K+ LinkedIn Followers
- Sharanya Vasudev Prasad: Cybersecurity, Networking and AI Product Manager at Cisco
- Tarun Parmar: Principal Software Engineer at Skyworks Solutions, Ex-Senior Data Engineer at Tesla, Ex-Senior Engineer- Data Scientist at Samsung
- Matthew Livesey: Principal, Lead Engineering & Analytics DK at ADC Consulting, Ex-Data Solutions Cloud Lead at Danske Bank
- Aldan Creo: Technology Research Specialist at Accenture Lab, Grand Prize Winner, HackUPC(Biggest Hackathon in Europe) May 2024, Recipient of the Fulbright Foreign Student Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the Institute of International Education- July 2024.
- Angus Allan: “Senior Product Leader at CreateFuture, Governance Group Member of the Scottish AI Alliance, Keynote Speaker Featured on Forbes, WIRED, ITPro, LeadDev, Digital Leaders’ 2024 “”AI Experts of the Year”
- Andrew Park: Founder of Edensoft Labs, VP- Software Engineering at G3 Technologies Inc
- David Melamed: CTO & Co-Founder of Jit, Ex-Snr Tech Lead, CloudSecurity CTO Office at Cisco
- Naveen Reddy Dendi: META’s Software Engineering Manager, Ex-Netflix Engineering Leader, Ex-Coinbase Engineering Manager, Ex-Facebook Software Engineer, Ex-Amazon Software Engineer.
- Victor Agboli: PhD Researcher at the University of Florida, Public Health Data Scientist, Ex-Research Analyst at Bamboo. 5K+ LinkedIn Followers.
- Vaishnavi Gudur: Senior Software Engineer at Microsoft, Ambassador of AI Frontier, Peer Reviewer.
- Samuel Iheagwam: Senior Data Developer & DataBase Administrator at Qore Technologies
- Er. Ms. Kritika: Gold & Silver Medallist, International Olympiad of Mathematics, Young Engineer Award 2024, Best researcher Award (2024) and the Young Researcher Award 2023, Cybersecurity Researcher, Author
- Hridesh Sharma: Software Engineer at Brudite Private Limited, Principal Solution Architect, AWS & Python Specialist
- Emmanuel Boniface: Machine Learning Mentor at Aifinite Learning, Machine Learning Researcher at University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Founder & President of Algorithmic Explorers
- Simon Müller: Managing Director & CTO at watxx, Co-Founder of triebwerk, Lecturer at IU University of Applied Sciences
- Mary Njoki Waweru; AI Trainer, Specialist & Strategist
- Taeyang Kim: Machine Learning Engineer, Pattern Inc
- Savi Grover: NBC’s Software Quality Assurance Engineer, Ex-Ford Senior Software Quality Engineer.
- Shari Oswald: Microsoft 365 Solutions Architect & Consultant, LinkedIn Author & Instructor
- Kayode Makinde: AI Researcher, Data Scientist
- Shahzeb Akhtar: Director of IP Strategy & Technology at UnitedLex
Be Part of the Future; Join the Movement

GDAI 2025 invites organizations, researchers, students, AI practitioners, and data enthusiasts to contribute to this global dialogue by registering for the conference.

Scholarship Award

Jori Glover is one of our outstanding scholarship recipients, she’s the nation’s top-ranked track and field hurdler and a D1. Jori is also a celebrated Hackathon champion, blending athletic excellence with emerging tech leadership. She was awarded our prestigious tech scholarships at the University of Southern California (USC), where she plans to pursue a major in Robotics and Gaming starting in 2026 as part of the Class of 2030.

About DataGlobal Hub

DataGlobal Hub is a global media organization dedicated to advancing data literacy and AI awareness through compelling content, thought leadership, and world-class events. Our mission is to empower individuals and organizations to thrive in an AI-driven world by connecting them with the right tools, stories, and communities.

Call to Action

We invite speakers, organizations, students, enthusiasts, and professionals to be part of this global conversation.
- Want to partner with us? Apply here: https://dataglobalhub.org/events/gdai/partnership
- Registration: Secure your spot now: https://dataglobalhub.org/events/gdai/register
Learn More About DataGlobal Hub:

Website: https://dataglobalhub.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dataglobalhub?igsh=YzljYTk1ODg3Zg==

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dataglobal-hub/

X (Twitter) : https://x.com/DataGlobalHub

Media Contact

Company Name: DataGlobal Hub

Website: https://www.dataglobalhub.org/

Contact Person: Mojeed Abisiga, CEO

Email: abisigadamilola@gmail.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5e28b935-621c-4851-ab49-5e358cd6edca

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cf8c05a0-628c-4563-8296-8874c14a1ea6

The MIL Network –
June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Togo: African Development Bank strengthens partnership with civil society

Source: African Development Bank Group
The African Development Bank held its first-ever Civil Society Open Day in Lomé, Togo, on 3 June. The event brought together representatives from the Togolese government, around 30 national and international civil society organisations (CSOs), and Bank staff — all committed to strengthening development partnerships…

MIL OSI Economics –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: The field officer and the farmer: how African Fertilizer Financing Mechanism-backed investments foster enduring partnerships

Source: African Development Bank Group
That smile — the one that starts deep within and lights up when something good is happening — is instantly recognizable. That distinctive smile graced Mama Naumi Kamau’s face as she stood in her maize field in Nakuru, Kenya on a November morning. The ears of maize were plump white grains, glowing.

MIL OSI Economics –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: IDEV Highlights Role of Evaluation in Unlocking Africa’s Financial Capital at AfDB 2025 Annual Meetings

Source: African Development Bank Group

(L-R) Rufus N. Darkortey, Executive Director at the African Development Bank representing The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Sudan, alongside Neil Cole, Financing Manager for South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Project Management Unit, Office of the President, Guillaume Le Bris, Head of Infrastructure and Energy, ILX Fund Management, Karen Rot-Münstermann, Evaluator General at African Development Bank Group, Adesoji Adelaja, John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor in Land Policy, Michigan State University and Global Fellow, Woodrow Wilson Center, David Kevin (DKL) Lumbila, Division Manager at the African Development Bank, Dr. Eric Kehinde Ogunleye as Director of African Development Institute, African Development Bank, during AM2025: Harnessing Africa’s Financial Capital.

Independent evaluations are essential to unlocking Africa’s domestic financial capital and driving reforms that deliver real development impact. This was the central message from a side event organized by the Independent Development Evaluation (IDEV) function of the African Development Bank Group, held during the Bank’s 2025 Annual Meetings in Abidjan.

The event, titled “Harnessing Africa’s Financial Capital for Development: Evidence from Independent Evaluations,” brought together evaluators, policymakers, economists, finance professionals, and private sector actors to explore how evaluation findings can strengthen resource mobilization, public financial management, and the efficient use of capital.

Opening the session, Karen Rot-Münstermann, Evaluator General of the Bank, emphasized the urgency of tapping Africa’s vast domestic capital in light of declining foreign aid and investment flows. Drawing from the Bank’s 2025 African Economic Outlook, she cited an annual loss of around $600 billion due to illicit financial flows and inefficiencies, while underscoring Africa’s potential to mobilize and retain up to about $1.43 trillion annually through better policies. “There is money in Africa,” she said, quoting AfDB Vice President and Chief Economist, Professor Kevin Urama. “It’s about mobilizing and valorizing it.”

Madhusoodhanan Mampuzhasseril, Division Manager at IDEV, presented key findings from three recent evaluations: a synthesis on public financial management, an impact evaluation of a public finance modernization project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and an evaluation of the Bank’s use of its public-private partnership mechanism. These findings emphasized the need for robust legal frameworks, effective IT systems, strong coordination mechanisms, and adaptation to local contexts.

A panel discussion moderated by Dr. Eric Ogunleye, Director of the Bank’s African Development Institute, featured diverse perspectives.

Rufus N. Darkortey, Executive Director at the Bank, illustrated how evaluation has driven impactful reforms in his constituency including The Gambia and Liberia, where it supported reforms that doubled the tax-to-GDP ratio and improved fiscal management. “All of that would not have been possible if evaluation had not been playing a driving role,” he emphasized.

Neil Cole, representing South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Unit, emphasized that resource mobilization must be matched with effective absorption and alignment with national priorities. “Evaluation helps us detect capacity gaps before we act,” he noted, calling for reforms grounded in evidence and institutional realities.

Representing the private sector, Guillaume Le Bris of the ILX Fund emphasized that pension-backed investments rely on credible data and institutional trust. “Evaluation is essential to de-risking investment and aligning capital with development outcomes,” he said. ILX, which has mobilized over $1.7 billion from Dutch and Danish pension funds, co-invests exclusively with multilateral development banks in emerging markets. Le Bris noted that robust evaluation systems are essential to attracting and retaining large-scale private capital.

Kevin Lumbila, Division Manager in the Bank’s Governance and Economic Reforms Department, shared results from a public finance modernization project in the DRC where integrated financial systems, new tax offices, and improved working conditions for staff led to better service delivery and a 10 percent average annual increase in revenue in participating provinces. “When citizens saw improvements like roads and waste collection, their willingness to pay taxes grew,” he explained. These outcomes, later captured in IDEV’s evaluation, demonstrate the power of adaptive, context-aware design in driving reform.

Prof. Soji Adelaja of Michigan State University, emphasized that evaluation must be embedded from the design stage, enabling meaningful adaptation. “You can’t evaluate what you didn’t set up to learn from,” he said, describing evaluation as not only a tool for accountability but also a strategic instrument for storytelling that builds public trust and boosts both public and private financing.

Panelists discussed the role of civil society and high-net-worth individuals in financing development. Prof Adelaja pointed to Nigeria’s successful raising of $340 million in a single day from private citizens, citing trust and transparency as key enablers.

Closing the session, Dr. Ogunleye urged stronger domestic resource mobilization and institutional capacity, noting that no country has developed solely on external aid. “Evaluation is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Smarter policies, better implementation, and fairer outcomes all begin with evidence,” he stressed.

The session made a compelling case for elevating evaluation as a central pillar in Africa’s financial reform agenda. It reaffirmed IDEV’s commitment to connecting evaluation with action that enhances Africa’s financial resilience and development effectiveness.

MIL OSI Economics –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Senegal and Kenya Top African Development Bank’s Electricity Regulatory Index, as Regulators Drive Tangible Reforms
Source: African Development Bank Group

Kenya and Senegal have claimed the top spots in the African Development Bank’s 2024 Electricity Regulatory Index (ERI), demonstrating exceptional progress in power sector governance and regulatory outcomes. The comprehensive assessment, officially unveiled today at the Africa Energy Forum in Cape Town, evaluates regulatory frameworks across 43 African countries.

Uganda, Liberia and Niger round out the top five performers, with Niger registering one of the biggest gains, underlining the strong impact of sustained reforms and political commitment to power sector development.

The ERI evaluates three dimensions—Regulatory Governance, Regulatory Substance, and Regulatory Outcomes (ROI). Notably, the ROI, which tracks service delivery and utility performance, recorded the most substantial improvement across the continent.

Key findings from the 2024 ERI:
- Kenya and Senegal led with a score of 0.892, reflecting standout progress in tariff reform, regulatory outcomes, and utility performance.
- A remarkable 41 out of 43 participating countries achieved RGI scores above 0.5, representing a significant increase from 24 countries in 2022.
- Countries scoring below 0.500 reduced significantly from 19 in 2022 to just 6 in 2024.
- Even the lowest-performing country tripled its score—from about 0.10 to 0.33.
- The ROI surged from roughly 0.40 in 2022 to 0.62 in 2024, showing that reforms are delivering tangible service improvements on the ground.
Now in its seventh edition, the ERI shows strong momentum toward more effective, transparent, and impactful regulation, with real-world results beginning to emerge.

“The 2024 ERI shows that Africa’s regulators are stepping up. We are now seeing stronger institutions delivering real results for utilities and consumers. This shift is critical if we are to achieve Mission 300 and connect 300 million people to electricity by 2030,” says Dr. Kevin Kariuki, AfDB Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth.

For the first time, the 2024 ERI also assessed regional regulatory bodies, recognizing their growing role in harmonizing technical standards and enabling cross-border electricity trade.

As the backbone of Mission 300, ERI continues to inform the design and implementation of national energy compacts—currently active in 12 countries, with another 20 in development.

Bridging the Gap – Addressing Ongoing Challenges

While celebrating regulatory progress, the report calls for greater focus on regulatory independence, the financial viability of utilities, and the integration of off-grid and mini-grid systems into national frameworks. The ERI underscores that regulation must translate into better access, affordability, and reliability, especially for underserved rural populations.

The report outlines priority areas for enhancing regulatory effectiveness:
- Strengthening regulatory independence
- Enhancing accountability mechanisms
- Promoting transparency and predictability
- Improving stakeholder participation
- Deepening economic regulation and advancing cost-reflective tariff methodologies.
“The ERI 2024 tells a hopeful story. African countries are not just passing laws—they are implementing them. Regulators are transforming from administrative bodies into strategic institutions with measurable influence. However, challenges related to independence, financing, and enforcement persist,” said Wale Shonibare, Director for Energy Financial Solutions, Policy and Regulation at the Bank Group.

Launched in 2018, the ERI is a diagnostic and policy tool used by governments, regulators, and development partners to identify gaps, track progress, and prioritize reform efforts. The 2024 edition incorporates extensive feedback from utilities, regulators, and regional energy bodies.

The full ERI 2024 report will be available here.
MIL OSI Economics –
June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Energy Sector – Johan Castberg producing at full capacity – Equinor

Source: Equinor

20 JUNE 2025 – The first cargo from Johan Castberg was loaded by the tanker Bodil Knutsen on 25 May, shipping around 700,000 barrels to Spain

Only three months after coming on stream Johan Castberg is producing at peak capacity of 220,000 barrels of oil per day. This increases energy deliveries from the Barents Sea by 150%.

The early operation phase has gone according to plan, the field reaching plateau production on 17 June. Seventeen of a total of 30 wells have been completed. The wells that have come on stream are producing as expected.

“Johan Castberg represents a gamechanger for the importance of the Barents Sea for Norway’s future as an energy nation. Every three to four days, tank loads now depart from Johan Castberg, each of them worth around half a billion Norwegian kroner. The field will remain on stream for at least 30 years, delivering stable energy to Europe, generating high value for Norway, and ripple effects and jobs in Northern Norway,” says Kjetil Hove, Equinor’s executive vice president for Exploration & Production Norway.

The new production vessel (FPSO) came on stream on 31 March, opening a new area for production in the Barents Sea. The first cargo was loaded by the tanker Bodil Knutsen on 25 May, shipping around 700,000 barrels to Spain. Almost all oil from the NCS is currently delivered to Europe.

“The Johan Castberg volume base initially estimated at 450-650 million barrels, our ambition is to increase the reserves by between 250-550 million barrels. We are already planning six new wells to extend plateau production. The Isflak project will be a rapid field development with an investment decision at the end of the year and start-up in 2028. In addition, we will drill one or two exploration wells annually near Johan Castberg,” Hove adds.

New exploration targets have been matured in the Johan Castberg area. Going forward, two rigs will be drilling new exploration wells in the areas around Johan Castberg and Goliat. They will also drill production wells for the fields.

MIL OSI – Submitted News –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China to boost quality, efficiency in investment cooperation with Russia: vice premier

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

China to boost quality, efficiency in investment cooperation with Russia: vice premier

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov on the sidelines of the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg, Russia, June 20, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

ST. PETERSBURG, June 20 — Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang said here Friday that China is willing to work with Russia to continuously enhance the quality and efficiency in investment cooperation, providing more momentum for the two countries’ respective development and revitalization.

Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov on the sidelines of the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

Ding said that under the strategic guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, China-Russia investment cooperation has been going deeper and more solid, achieving a series of new results and bringing tangible benefits to the two countries and peoples.

China and Russia show their respective characteristics in industrial development, with substantial potential and broad prospects for investment cooperation, he said, noting that China stands ready to work with Russia to foster a more stable, fair and transparent business environment, further encourage enterprise investment cooperation, and stimulate the vitality of local investment collaboration.

For his part, Manturov said Russia will make joint efforts with China to make full use of the Russia-China Investment Cooperation Committee, advance practical cooperation and safeguard common interests.

MIL OSI China News –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Chinese vice premier calls for championing humanity’s common values, promoting multipolar world

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

Chinese vice premier calls for championing humanity’s common values, promoting multipolar world

ST. PETERSBURG, June 20 — Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on Friday called for championing humanity’s common values, and promoting an equal and orderly multipolar world as well as universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.

Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when delivering a speech titled “Championing Humanity’s Common Values and Promoting a Multipolar World” at the plenary session of the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

Ding said that a decade ago, Chinese President Xi Jinping noted in his speech at the General Debate of the 70th Session of the UN General Assembly that peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom are the common values of all mankind and the lofty goals of the United Nations.

The important proposition transcends differences among different countries, ethnic groups, social systems and ideologies, drawing a value-based concentric circle for building a community with a shared future for mankind, and has received extensive support and positive responses from the international community, he added.

At present, global changes unseen in a century are accelerating, multiple risks are intertwined, and humanity is confronted with many common challenges, said Ding, calling for reviewing President Xi’s important speech to steer the world toward a bright future of peace, security, prosperity and progress.

The Chinese vice premier put forward a four-point proposal.

First, uphold the concept of global governance featuring extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits. Promote equal rights, opportunities, and rules for all nations, and safeguard UN authority and international fairness.

Second, jointly build an open and pluralistic world economy. Take concrete steps to safeguard the multilateral trading system and international economic order, expand and fairly share the “pie” of economic globalization, and create more opportunities for Global South countries.

Third, advocate exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations. Respect the diversity of human civilizations, support all nations in exploring their own paths to realizing values, and oppose any “new Cold War” or ideological confrontation.

Fourth, safeguard global peace and development by building trust, settling conflicts, and enhancing security through dialogue, passing the torch of peace to future generations for lasting stability and common prosperity.

Ding stated that China and Russia are true friends who share weal and woe, and good partners for mutual success. Last month, President Xi paid a state visit to Russia and attended the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War, he said, adding that the two heads of state agreed to further consolidate political mutual trust, strengthen strategic coordination, and jointly deliver a resounding stance for upholding the outcomes of World War II and international fairness and justice.

China is willing to work with Russia to elevate the China-Russia relationship to greater heights, broaden its dimensions, and strengthen its resilience, expand high-quality mutually beneficial cooperation, so as to better benefit the two peoples, said Ding, urging the two countries to strengthen coordination and collaboration on multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, and make greater contributions to building a more just, equitable, and prosperous multipolar world.

Ding said that despite the increasing impact of external shocks, China’s economy has continued to show a positive trend, demonstrating robust vitality and resilience to the world.

China will expeditiously implement more proactive and effective macro policies, focus on stabilizing employment, enterprises, markets and expectations, and use the certainty of high-quality development to counter the uncertainties of the rapidly changing external environment, he said.

No matter how the external environment changes, China’s door to opening up will only swing wider open, said Ding, adding that enterprises from all countries are sincerely welcome to invest and start businesses in China, actively participate in the process of Chinese modernization, and share China’s development opportunities.

In the interactive session after the address, Ding responded to questions from the plenary session moderator on major-country relations and China-Russia cooperation in education and technology.

On the sidelines of the forum, Ding met respectively with Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, Russian oil company Rosneft’s chief executive Igor Sechin, and Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller.

The two sides agreed to fully leverage the roles of the China-Russia Investment Cooperation Committee, the China-Russia Energy Cooperation Committee and the China-Russia Energy Business Forum, promote the high-quality development of investment and energy cooperation, and provide more impetus for the development of bilateral relations.

Ding also had brief and friendly conversations respectively with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, National Security Advisor of Bahrain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile.

MIL OSI China News –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal house fire, Marton

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has been found deceased following a house fire in Marton this morning.

Emergency services were called to the Calico Line property, between Bredins Line and Nga Tawa Road, about 6:10am, and found the house fully ablaze.

Sadly, one person was found deceased at the property.

A scene guard has been put in place and Police and Fire and Emergency New Zealand investigators are carrying out a scene examination. The cause of the fire is still to be determined.

At this time, no further details are available.

ENDS.

Issued by Police Media

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Marshall County Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Child Pornography Charge

Source: US FBI

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Ryan Bobby Schnettler, 34, of Benwood, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 120 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Schnettler was on supervised release for a prior child pornography charge. U.S. Probation conducted home inspections and found three undocumented phones. A search of the phones uncovered hundreds of images of child pornography and evidence of chats with underage females. Schnettler admitted that he portrayed himself as a 17-year-old within teen chat and kid chat room websites. Schnettler has prior convictions of second-degree sexual assault, failure to register as a sex offender, and possession of child pornography

Schnettler will serve 10 years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Conklin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Probation Office investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

MIL Security OSI –

June 21, 2025

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Supporting people with learning disabilities

Source: Scottish Government

Funding allocated to projects working to enhance equality.

People with learning disabilities are being supported to fulfil their potential through new funding awards totalling almost £1.6 million.

The Learning Disability Support Fund is allocated to community projects working directly with people with learning disabilities to provide opportunities and build a more inclusive society.

The fund will run for 30 months from October 2025, with a total of £325,000 available for the first year and £650,000 in each of the following two years. Recipients of the first round are receiving grants of between £75,000 and £250.000. The charity get2gether is among the successful applicants and has been awarded £108,244 to support its work arranging social activities for people with learning disabilities in safe and friendly locations in Scotland.

Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing Tom Arthur said:

“We want to create a society where people with learning disabilities can live fulfilling, independent and active lives and this funding will support the important work of get2gether and many other organisations which are working so hard to do just that.

“The grants will be used to provide people with education and information on matters such as accessing health services and developing safe relationships.

“In developing the fund, we have taken into account the views expressed by people with learning disabilities in recent consultation and research and we will work closely with the third sector to ensure it makes a real difference.”

Director at get2gether Mojca Becaj said:

“For a small charity like get2gether, the Scottish Government funding through the Learning Disability Support Fund is truly transformational.

“It will enable us to continue creating safe, inclusive spaces where people with learning disabilities can build friendships, relationships, and confidence as well as provide paid roles where they can step into their first paid employment — these are things that many adults take for granted but are life-changing for our members.

“We’re deeply grateful for the recognition and investment in our work and the opportunity to keep making a real difference to the lives of get2gether members.”

Natalie Kernaghan McCaughey, a get2gether ambassador said:

“I work as an ambassador at get2gether, we are a member-led charity that works with adults with disabilities. We believe everyone deserves love and friendship.

“I am a paid member of get2gether staff team, I have a lived experience of learning disability and autism. My role is to work with other members to create and co-host their own social events and make connections with each other.”

Director of Funds at Inspiring Scotland Erica Judge said:

“We know that the third sector plays a critical role in improving the lives of people with learning disabilities and we are pleased that this fund offers vital longer-term funding, ensuring projects like get2gether can plan their services for the next two and a half years.

“One of the important aspects of this fund is to help ensure people with learning disabilities’ voices are heard. Not only did people with learning disabilities inform and shape the Learning Disabilities Support Fund’s aims, their voice and experience were central to the decision-making process, and they played a key role in selecting which organisations received funding.”

BACKGROUND

Funding Awards

Organisation	Funding Amount
get2gether	£108,244
Project Ability	£81,741
People First (Scotland)	£250,000
Neighbourhood Networks	£91,931
Values Into Action Scotland	£175,061
Scottish Youth Dance (YDance)	£206,106
Dates-n-Mates	£179,318
Values Into Action Scotland – The Scottish Assembly	£249,998
Association for Real Change – NIN/LIN Networks	£249,474
Total	£1,591,873

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

June 21, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Delegation Urges President Trump to Approve Request for Major Disaster Declaration in Ohio and Marion Counties

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Riley Moore (WV-02)

Washington, D.C. – This afternoon, the West Virginia congressional delegation urged President Trump to approve the state’s request for a major disaster declaration following the weekend floods in Ohio and Marion Counties.

The delegation’s letter follows Governor Patrick Morrisey’s formal request to the White House for a major disaster declaration earlier today.

Congressman Moore issued the following statement:

“My heart breaks for our neighbors who are left picking up the pieces after last weekend’s unprecedented floods. I’ve never seen anything like the devastation I saw in Triadelphia and Fairmont.

“Even during these trying times, West Virginians are pulling together to rebuild our communities. But, we can’t do it alone. I urge President Trump to consider the unprecedented nature of this flood and quickly approve West Virginia’s Major Disaster Declaration request to ensure our people have access to the federal resources they need to recover and rebuild.”

Earlier this week, Congressman Moore spent time in Triadelphia and Fairmont to review the damage and speak with state and local officials on the ground.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Allen Hosts Signing Day Ceremony for Georgia-12 Service Academy Appointees
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Allen (R-GA-12)

Today, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) hosted a special signing day ceremony for students in Georgia’s 12th District who have been accepted into one of the nation’s military service academies.

These academies include: The United States Military Academy (USMA) in West Point, New York; the United States Naval Academy (USNA) in Annapolis, Maryland; the United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) in New London, Connecticut; the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in Kings Point, New York; and the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

During the event, Congressman Allen recognized several Georgia-12 students whose respective service academy nominations he sponsored. Congressman Allen also presented each student with a signed copy of the Congressional Record marking the occasion.

Georgia-12 students participating in the signing day event included:
- Alexander Andrews, Coahulla Creek High School, United States Naval Academy
- Jack Godbee, Vidalia High School, United States Naval Academy
- Jack Gray, Greenbrier High School, United States Merchant Marine Academy
- Kai Agyemang from Lakeside High School, United States Air Force Academy
- Tyrone Miller, Carlucci American International High School, United States Military Academy
- Wyatt Spaulding, Greenbrier High School, United States Military Academy
- Bryce Reynierson, Augusta Christian High School, accepted to the United States Naval Academy Prep
Georgia-12 students unable to attend signing day:
- John Epps, Lakeside High School, United States Air Force Academy
- Tyrone Miller, Carlucci American International High School, United States Military Academy
After the event, Congressman Allen issued the following statement:

“It is extremely gratifying to nominate such qualified young leaders from our district to usher in this new generation of servicemen and women. I am honored to show our support for these selfless young students whose commitment to service and our great nation is truly remarkable. I have every confidence that these young leaders will go on to make the state of Georgia, and the United States of America, very proud.”

MIL OSI USA News –
June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update: Police narrow area of interest in Elisabeth Nicholls search

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Detective Sergeant Luke Vaughan.

Police have narrowed down an area of interest in the ongoing search for missing Christchurch woman Elisabeth ‘Lis’ Nicholls.

Lis was last seen at the Chateau on the Park in Riccarton on the evening of Wednesday 4 June, and Police and her family remain desperate to locate her.

Police have a possible sighting of Lis at the eastern end of Hagley Park, around the Park Terrace and Salisbury/Montreal Street areas around 8:25pm that night. [area pictured]

We are appealing to anyone in this area in particular to please check your properties, and notify Police of anything unusual.

We are also continuing to appeal to people across Christchurch to please search your backyards, sheds and sleepouts, and look under anything where a person could seek shelter.

For anyone with CCTV, Police would like you to review any footage you have, especially if your cameras are facing the street, from 8.20pm to 10pm on Wednesday 4 June.

While Lis went missing in the Riccarton area, she is physically strong, and may have walked some distance.

Anyone who sees Lis should ring 111 immediately and use the reference number 250604/5465. Non-urgent information can be provided online at 105.police.govt.nz, using “Update Report,” quoting the same reference number.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Suicide Hotline Workers Condemn Cuts to LGBTQ+ Crisis Services

Source: Communications Workers of America

NEW YORK – Union workers employed by the Trevor Project are condemning a decision by the Department of Health and Human Services to end funding for specialized suicide hotline services for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults.

When LGBTQ+ young people in crisis call or text 988, they are connected to counselors who are trained to address their unique needs. Workers at the Trevor Project, represented by Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 1180, handle nearly half of those contacts.

While the Trevor Project will continue to operate a helpline for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults, the 988 Lifeline has greater public awareness. Over the past three years, the 988 LGBTQ+ program has assisted over 1.3 million young people.

“As a collective, we are devastated by Trump cutting the LGBTQ+ youth line,” said Jack Hanson, a 988 Lifeline Crisis Counselor. “This executive action serves as a death sentence to many in this demographic. We want to emphasize that LGBTQ+ youth deserve to be affirmed in who they are and that they deserve to live meaningful lives. We also wish to say this includes all categories of this community, including trans and queer youth, who the Trump Administration had ignorantly excluded from its initial announcement. Despite the line closure, we will always be dedicated to protecting this population in spite of the hatred, hostility, and cruelty of the Trump administration. We urge supporters to contact their members of Congress and Senators to urge them to restore funding for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services.”

“The decision to shut down LGTBQ+ crisis services in the middle of the fiscal year – announced during Pride month – is a deliberate provocation and a despicable attack on LGBTQ+ workers and the community,” said Gloria Middleton, president of CWA Local 1180. “CWA members provide vital, live-saving services for kids who need our help. Our union stands united behind the Trevor Project workers and the LGTBQ+ community that they serve.”

“The attacks on the LGBTQ+ community are one front in this Administration’s larger war on working people,” said Dennis Trainor, Vice President of CWA District 1. “America is a country built by and for the working class, with all types of people coming together to work for a brighter future for our children. LGBTQ+ workers and families are part of the rich tapestry of American life. At CWA they provide crisis services for at-risk youth, connect households and small businesses to high-speed internet services, and drive American innovation forward while working on NIH-funded grants. They will not be erased, and the labor movement stands with our LGBTQ+ siblings.”

Union workers at the Trevor Project are protected by a union contract that includes guaranteed severance pay in the event of layoffs.

The national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline launched in 2022, and has provided specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth who are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers. The suicide prevention line has bipartisan support, created through an act of Congress as the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, and signed into law by President Donald Trump in October, 2020.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Labrador Letter: Victory in Fight Against Child Gender Transition Procedures

Source: US State of Idaho

Home Newsroom Labrador Letter: Victory in Fight Against Child Gender Transition Procedures

Dear Friends,
After two years of fighting in federal court, we’ve won. Challengers to Idaho’s Vulnerable Child Protection Act have dismissed their lawsuit entirely and Idaho is now free to fully enforce our law protecting children in Idaho from harmful and irreversible gender transition procedures.
This victory is more than just a legal win on paper. It’s a victory for parents, children, and the principle that kids suffering from gender dysphoria need love, support, and medical care rooted in biological reality. What they don’t need is life-altering drugs and surgeries with permanent consequences and added confusion.
Idaho’s Vulnerable Child Protection Act protects children in Idaho by prohibiting doctors from providing puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and transition surgeries to children under 18 to alter their appearance or affirm their “gender identity” when that identity differs from their biological sex. The law makes providing these procedures a felony, recognizing that children cannot consent to experimental treatments with permanent consequences.
When the state legislature passed this law in 2023, activists immediately sued to block it. A federal district judge initially sided with them, issuing an injunction that prevented Idaho from enforcing the law statewide. This meant doctors could continue performing these procedures on children across Idaho despite our state law.
I immediately appealed the case to the U.S. Supreme Court, and in April 2024, the Supreme Court granted Idaho’s request, ruling that the lower court had overstepped by blocking the law for everyone in the state. The Court narrowed the injunction to apply only to the two families who sued, allowing Idaho to enforce our child protection law for all other children statewide. The case continued in the lower court until this week, when the challengers asked to dismiss their lawsuit entirely. The dismissal ends the remaining injunction, allowing Idaho to fully enforce our protections for all children in Idaho.
Idaho was among the first states to pass a law protecting children from these dangerous procedures. We’ve witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of drugs and procedures used on children with gender dysphoria, and it’s a preventable tragedy. The state has a duty to protect and support all children, and that’s why I’m proud to defend Idaho’s law that ensures children are not subjected to these life-altering drugs and procedures.
The dismissal of this case also coincides with the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling this week upholding Tennessee’s similar law protecting children from these harmful practices. As more states follow Idaho’s lead in protecting vulnerable children, our victory sends a clear message that states have the authority to protect children from this evil.
This fight has always been about more than just one law. It’s about supporting biological reality over ideology, and it’s about Idaho’s sovereignty to enact laws that reflect our values and protect our families. I was proud to fight for this law, and I am grateful that we’ve won the ability to protect Idaho’s kids from these procedures going forward.
Best regards,

MIL OSI USA News –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Urges U.S. Department of Education to Maintain Commitments to Student Equity and Opportunity

Source: US State of California

OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today, as part of a coalition of 18 attorneys general, submitted comments urging the U.S. Department of Education to continue advancing grantmaking priorities intended to promote equity in access to educational resources and opportunity, address existing disparities in education, and help schools comply with federal laws requiring schools to foster inclusive learning environments for all students. The comments were sent in response to the Department’s publication of new Proposed Priorities for assessing grant applications, which would eliminate the Department’s existing grantmaking priorities to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in schools. The new Proposed Priorities would replace the Biden Administration’s previous Supplemental Priorities including such commitments, which the Department has deliberately and wrongly disparaged as being “discriminatory” and “divisive.”

“The President continues to attack programs and policies meant to lift up students in classrooms across America and ensure equitable access to educational resources and learning opportunities,” said Attorney General Bonta. “I urge the Department of Education to refocus its proposed priorities on the needs of students and to bring them into to compliance with federal civil rights laws.”

In the comments, Attorney General Bonta and the coalition highlight the importance of continuing priorities related to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion to promote educational success for all students and ensure schools’ compliance with federal laws. Specifically, the coalition asserts that abandoning the existing Supplemental Priorities’ commitments related to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion would further exacerbate existing harm to school districts already experiencing inequities in access to resources, high-quality education, opportunity, and more. Indeed, such priorities were specifically designed to address these inequities, especially in low-income schools and amidst a nation-wide shortage of certified teachers, by supporting the success of all students, regardless of background.

Notably, the coalition underscores that contrary to the Department’s understanding, initiatives promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and different perspectives and experiences are not the same as the type of affirmative action at issue in Students for Fair Admissions v. President & Fellows of Harvard Coll., 600 U.S. 181 (2023). On the contrary, properly developed and implemented diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives help to prevent unlawful bias and discrimination, boost student and teacher morale, and remove barriers to inclusion and opportunity for students, ensuring that no student is left behind due to their background or identity.

Furthermore, the coalition asserts that eliminating the previous priorities would put schools at increased risk of violating various federal laws that require schools to engage in actions that support diversity, equity, and inclusion for the success of all students. Such federal laws include Title VI, which prohibits discrimination in education based on race and other protected characteristics; the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which requires schools to implement various practices related to diversity, equity, and inclusion as a condition for federal funding under Title I; and the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), which requires schools to ensure individualized inclusion for students with disabilities as a condition for certain federal funding. Accordingly, Attorney General Bonta and the coalition urge the Department to modify its new Proposed Priorities to include previous priorities advancing equity for students and to comply with existing federal law.

Attorney General Bonta is joined by the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington in submitting the comment letter.

A copy of the comment letter is available here.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: President Cyril Ramaphosa in a tête-à-tête with Her Excellency, Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah

Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

President Cyril Ramaphosa in a tête-à-tête with Her Excellency, Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia during her visit to the Republic of South Africa at Mahlamba Ndlopfu, the President’s Official Residence in Pretoria.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEVQ9SoEbJ8

MIL OSI Video –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: President Cyril Ramaphosa receiving President of the Republic of Namibia

Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

President Cyril Ramaphosa receiving Her Excellency, Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia, on a courtesy visit at Mahlamba Ndlopfu, the President’s Official Residence in Pretoria.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PODNH7tuC6A

MIL OSI Video –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Trump’s Policies Will Increase Electricity Costs & Kill Jobs, Burning Consumers and Businesses Alike

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

WASHINGTON, DC – On the campaign trail, Donald Trump pledged to cut energy costs in half. As president, his policies are causing home energy prices to increase, with consumer electricity prices set to climb by hundreds of dollars under Trump and Republicans’ supposedly ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ which is a big ugly betrayal of working families.

Electricity prices have already risen 4.5 percent in the last year, according to recent data from the U.S. Department of Labor, and are estimated to surge this summer. The National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA) projects home electricity bills are expected to reach their highest average rate in 12 years, at $784 for the summer period.

In Rhode Island, researchers at Energy Innovation found that the House-passed big Trump bill, which repeals clean energy tax breaks and investments, “would increase annual energy bills by $55 million across Rhode Island households annually in 2030, swelling to more than $83 million in higher energy costs by 2035, for a total of $315 million during the budget window of 2025 to 2034.” It also found the bill “would cost Rhode Island’s workforce 2,000 jobs in 2030 and nearly 1,500 jobs in 2035 as new investment in domestic energy and manufacturing falters.”

“President Trump and Republicans’ outdated 20th century energy policies will raise families’ energy costs, kill jobs, and increase pollution. Lowering energy prices and “future-proofing” our energy systems is an economic and security imperative. But President Trump and Congressional Republicans are doing the opposite: increasing people’s and businesses’ electricity bills all over the country and undercutting sustainable investments in America’s energy grid. The Republican-induced surge in energy prices will burn working-class living standards and line the pockets of special interests,” said Senator Reed.

On average, Rhode Island residents spend about $285 per month on electricity, or $3,420 per year for the average household according to energysage.com. But if Trump’s ‘Big Ugly’ reconciliation bill becomes law, those costs would increase significantly due to repeal of the vast majority of tax credits for low-carbon sources of electricity like wind, solar, batteries and geothermal power included in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

The New York Times reports: “Repealing those credits could increase the average family’s energy bill by as much as $400 per year within a decade, according to several studies published this year.”

Senator Reed says Trump’s outmoded policies and dysfunctional administration are increasing energy prices; failing to invest in the energy infrastructure America needs now and in the future; making America less energy secure; and costing the country good-paying, union jobs.

With summer heat approaching, Senator Reed notes that those most impacted by higher utility bills are lower-income households, including seniors on fixed incomes, who often lack the resources to cover increased monthly payments.

“Not only are President Trump and Republicans doubling down on failed policies from the past, they are rescinding investments in forward looking renewable energy projects that are supporting good jobs and ready to come on line and lower prices. And let’s be clear, they are doing this at the behest of highly profitable fossil fuel companies and conglomerates that are polluting the environment and squeezing consumers,” said Senator Reed.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Chinese premier holds talks with New Zealand’s PM

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

Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds talks with New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 20, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING, June 20 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang held talks with New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Beijing on Friday.

Li emphasized that strengthening strategic communication and deepening mutually beneficial cooperation between China and New Zealand are of great significance in light of all the changes and turbulence in today’s world.

President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister Luxon this morning, pointing out the direction for the development of bilateral relations in the next stage, Li said, noting that China is willing to work with New Zealand to carry forward traditional friendship, consolidate political mutual trust, and expand practical cooperation, to promote common development and deliver greater benefits to both peoples.

Highlighting high complementarity between the two economies, the premier proposed aligning development strategies to explore more converging interests, upgrading cooperation quality in all fields for higher-level win-win outcomes.

He called on the two sides to further expand the scale of trade, continuously promote the liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment, expand cooperation in emerging fields and better promote regional economic integration.

China stands ready to import more quality agricultural and food products from New Zealand, and will continue to encourage capable Chinese enterprises to invest in New Zealand, and hopes that New Zealand will provide a fair and open business environment for Chinese enterprises operating in the country, Li said.

China welcomes New Zealand as the guest country of honor at the China Annual Conference & Expo for International Education 2025 and is willing to deepen exchanges with New Zealand in education, tourism, think tanks, and subnational cooperation, to enhance mutual understanding and amity between the two peoples.

At present, the global economic and trade landscape is undergoing profound transformation and adjustment, Li said, adding that China is willing to strengthen communication and cooperation with New Zealand within frameworks such as the United Nations, World Trade Organization, and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, safeguard the rules-based multilateral trading system, create an open, inclusive and non-discriminatory international economic cooperation environment, and inject more stability and certainty into the turbulent world.

Luxon reaffirmed New Zealand’s adherence to the one-China policy, expressing willingness to maintain high-level exchanges with China, strengthen mutual understanding and trust, and deepen exchange and cooperation in the fields of trade, agriculture, tourism, and education.

New Zealand is also willing to enhance communication and coordination with China in such areas as response to climate change and green development, jointly committing to upholding the international order and promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region, Luxon said.

After the talks, Li and Luxon jointly witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation documents covering customs, food safety, organic product certification, climate change, and cultural heritage.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds talks with New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 20, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

MIL OSI China News –

June 21, 2025

MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Completes the Third Review under the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement for Burkina Faso

Source: IMF – News in Russian

June 20, 2025

The IMF Executive Board completed today the third review under the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement for Burkina Faso. This enables an immediate disbursement of about US$32.8 million.
Supportive policies and favorable weather conditions boosted agricultural output in 2024; however, widespread insecurity continues to weigh on economic activity in other sectors, especially gold mining, the primary source of export earnings for the country.
Program performance has been broadly satisfactory. While end-December 2024 performance criteria for the primary fiscal deficit and net domestic financing were missed by 0.6 percent of GDP, the 2025 budget includes adequate corrective measures. On this basis, the Executive Board approved waivers of nonobservance of these performance criteria. All continuous performance criteria were met. Seven out of eight structural benchmarks were achieved, with the remaining one implemented later as a prior action.

Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the third review under the 48-month Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement that was approved on September 21, 2023. The completion of the review enables the immediate disbursement of SDR 24.08 million (about US$32.8 million), bringing total IMF financial support under the arrangement to SDR 96.32 million (about US$131.3 million).

Real GDP growth is estimated to have reached 5.0 percent in 2024. Strong growth in agriculture and services outweighed contractions in mining and manufacturing. Real GDP growth is projected to average 4.2 percent in 2025, as growth in the agricultural output is expected to soften in line with average rainfall conditions. Inflation is projected to ease to 3.0 percent in 2025 amid moderating food prices.

Balance of payments strengthened, reflecting a positive shift in terms of trade. The current account deficit rose from 5.0 percent of GDP in 2023 to 5.7 percent in 2024 but is expected to narrow to 3.4 percent in 2025 due to record-high gold prices. Trade policy turbulences will likely have a marginal impact as the United States are not a major trading partner.

Elevated capital spending affected fiscal performance in 2024. Nonetheless, the overall fiscal deficit narrowed from 6.7 percent of GDP in 2023 to 5.8 percent in 2024. Building on the 2025 budget, fiscal policy is expected to be tightened considerably in 2025, with the overall fiscal deficit projected in the 3.3 to 4.0 percent of GDP range, depending on the availability of external concessional financing. Risks to the outlook are tilted to the downside due to terrorist threats.

Progress under the ECF arrangement has been broadly satisfactory. Due to fiscal pressures in late 2024, the end-December performance criteria (PCs) on the primary fiscal deficit and net domestic financing were missed by 0.6 percent of GDP, while all other PCs were met. Three out of six indicative targets (ITs) were missed by small margins. All three continuous PCs and five end-March 2025 ITs, including on the primary fiscal deficit and net domestic financing were met, while the remaining four ITs were missed by small margins.

The Burkinabè authorities advanced their structural reform agenda under the program. They met seven out of eight structural benchmarks (SBs) and have addressed the missed SB on the preparation of the clearance plan for domestic arrears as a prior action for the third review. They have also implemented two other prior actions: they shared a list of treasury deposit accounts and cleared all domestic arrears outstanding at end-2023. Three new SBs under the program aim to strengthen the governance in public procurement, uphold integrity in revenue administration, and increase control over the public wage bill.

At the conclusion of the Executive Board’s discussion, Mr. Kenji Okamura, Deputy Managing Director, and Acting Chair, issued the following statement:

“Burkina Faso’s economy has proven resilient notwithstanding security challenges, a difficult humanitarian situation, and weather shocks. A lasting improvement in socio‑economic conditions will require progress on security and structural reforms to foster diversification, fiscal governance, and resilience.

“While the policy framework remains strong, fiscal pressures affected program performance in 2024. For the first time, and in difficult circumstances, performance criteria on the primary fiscal deficit and net domestic financing were missed. The margin of nonobservance—while not negligible—did not undermine the fiscal consolidation trend. The authorities counteracted the slippage with strong measures on the expenditure side and remain committed to reducing the overall fiscal deficit to three percent of GDP by the end of the ECF arrangement, while safeguarding fiscal space for poverty-reducing social spending. This commitment is reflected in the 2025 budget and fiscal performance through end-March.

“The authorities are on track and have expanded their structural reform agenda, focusing on fiscal governance and transparency. They have provided a list of treasury deposit accounts, adopted an arrears’ clearance plan, and cleared all arrears outstanding at end-2023 following their audit. These measures are informed by the preliminary findings of the IMF’s Governance Diagnostic Assessment (GDA). The GDA report is being finalized. The authorities intend to publish the final report in coming weeks and adopt, within four months from publication, an action plan reflecting its key recommendations. Structural conditionality for the fifth review has been strengthened with the addition of benchmarks on implementing the action plan from the procurement audit and strengthening further wage bill control and governance in revenue services.”

Table 1. Burkina Faso: Selected Economic and Financial Indicators, 2023–29
Population (2023): 23.3 million						Gini Index (2021): 37.4
Per capita GDP (2023): 910 USD					Life Expectancy (years): 60
Share of population below the poverty line (2022): 43.7%						Literacy rate (2022): 34%
	2023	2024	2024	2025	2025	2026	2027	2028	2029
	Act.	ECF 2nd Review	Prel.	ECF 2nd Review	Proj.	Proj.	Proj.	Proj.	Proj.
	(Annual percentage change, unless otherwise indicated)
GDP and Prices
GDP at constant prices	3.0	4.2	5.0	4.3	4.2	4.9	4.7	4.7	4.7
GDP deflator	2.0	7.2	8.9	5.6	5.9	4.0	3.3	2.8	2.3
Consumer prices (annual average)	0.7	3.6	4.2	3.0	3.0	2.5	2.1	2.0	2.0
Consumer prices (end of period)	1.0	3.4	4.9	2.8	3.0	2.5	2.1	2.0	2.0

Money and Credit
Net domestic assets (banking system) 1/	5.3	18.7	0.4	14.7	6.1	8.8	8.7	7.5	7.0
Credit to the government (banking system) 1/	3.0	9.8	3.7	8.1	3.8	3.4	3.3	2.3	2.1
Credit to private sector	5.9	13.1	-2.2	9.5	2.6	8.2	8.3	7.9	7.5
Broad money (M3)	-3.0	20.8	7.2	15.6	6.1	9.1	8.1	7.6	7.1
Private sector credit/GDP	31.6	30.7	27.0	30.5	25.1	24.9	24.9	25.0	25.1

External Sector
Exports (f.o.b.; valued in CFA francs)	-3.1	10.5	2.0	10.5	25.3	7.8	5.3	4.2	2.7
Imports (f.o.b.; valued in CFA francs)	-1.5	5.3	4.8	3.5	10.8	6.3	6.5	6.4	5.7
Current account (percent of GDP)	-5.0	-5.2	-5.7	-3.5	-3.4	-3.1	-3.4	-3.7	-4.4
	(Percent of GDP, unless otherwise indicated)
Central Government Finances
Current revenue	20.6	20.1	20.6	18.6	19.8	20.1	20.4	20.8	20.9
of which: Tax revenue	18.2	17.8	18.3	16.9	18.1	18.4	18.8	19.1	19.3
Total expenditure and net lending	29.0	26.3	27.7	24.1	25.0	24.7	24.6	24.9	25.1
of which: Current expenditure	17.9	16.5	16.3	15.4	16.0	15.5	15.1	14.7	14.3
Overall fiscal balance, incl. grants (commitments)	-6.7	-5.0	-5.8	-4.3	-4.0	-3.5	-3.0	-3.0	-3.0
Total public debt 2/	56.2	53.0	56.9	52.2	56.1	55.0	54.0	53.0	52.3
of which: External debt	25.9	23.7	25.4	22.2	24.8	24.0	23.7	23.3	23.1
of which: Domestic debt	30.3	29.4	31.6	29.9	31.3	30.9	30.3	29.7	29.2

*Memorandum Items:*
Nominal GDP (CFAF billion) 3/	12,328	14,330	14,098	15,791	15,561	16,973	18,355	19,755	21,153
Nominal GDP per capita (US$)	874	990	975	1,050	1,002	1,063	1,120	1,175	1,227
Nominal exchange rate (CFAF/US$, period average)	606	602	606	598	635	637	637	637	637
Gold price (USD/troy ounce)	1,943	2,342	2,387	2,608	2,821	2,963	3,096	3,198	3,244
Sources: Burkinabé authorities; IMF staff estimates and projections.
1/ Percent of beginning-of-period broad money.
2/ The 2nd review total public debt data has been retroactively adjusted to correct an exchange rate calculation error starting in 2023. In addition, the denominator (GDP) in the table has been revised (see footnote 3 below). Previously, total public debt in 2024 was estimated at 52.6 percent of GDP, while it was assessed to have reached 53.6 percent of GDP in 2023.
3/ Historical nominal GDP figures have been revised down, in line with the most recent publication of official estimates by the National Institute of Statistics.

IMF Communications Department

MEDIA RELATIONS

PRESS OFFICER: Tatiana Mossot

Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/20/pr-25211-burkina-faso-imf-completes-the-3rd-review-under-the-ecf-arrangement

MIL OSI

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 21, 2025

MIL-OSI Security: USAID Official and Three Corporate Executives Plead Guilty to Decade-Long Bribery Scheme Involving More Than $550 Million in Contracts; Two Companies Admit Criminal Liability for Bribery Scheme and Securities Fraud

Source: US FBI

Greenbelt, Maryland – Four men, including a government contracting officer for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and three owners and presidents of companies, have pleaded guilty for their roles in a decade-long bribery scheme involving at least 14 prime contracts worth more than $550 million in U.S. taxpayer dollars.

Roderick Watson, 57, of Woodstock, Maryland, who worked as a USAID contracting officer, pled guilty to bribery of a public official; Walter Barnes, 46, of Potomac, Maryland, pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery of a public official and securities fraud; Darryl Britt, 64, of Myakka City, Florida, pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery of a public official; and Paul Young, 62, of Columbia, Maryland, pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery of a public official.

In addition, Apprio and Vistant, both of which contracted with USAID, have agreed to admit criminal liability and enter into three-year deferred prosecution agreements (DPAs) in connection with criminal informations filed today in the District of Maryland. As part of these resolutions, both Apprio and Vistant admitted to engaging in a conspiracy to commit bribery of a public official and securities fraud. The DPAs entered into with Apprio and Vistant require each company to, among other obligations, provide ongoing cooperation with and disclosures to the Justice Department, implement a compliance and ethics program, and report to Justice Department regarding remediation and implementation of these compliance measures.

“Watson was entrusted to serve the interests of the American people – not his own – and his criminal actions for his own personal gain undermines the integrity of our public institutions,” said Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland. “Public trust is a hallmark of our nation’s values, so corruption within a federal government agency is intolerable. This office, along with our law-enforcement partners, will continue to pursue and prosecute corruption at every level to ensure accountability and protect public trust.”

“The defendants sought to enrich themselves at the expense of the American taxpayers,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Their scheme violated the public trust by undermining the integrity of the Federal government’s procurement process. Anybody that cares about good and effective government should be concerned about the waste, fraud, and abuse in government agencies, including USAID. Those who engage in bribery schemes to exploit the U.S. Small Business Administration’s vital economic programs for small businesses—whether individuals or corporations acting through them—will be held to account.”

“The guilty verdicts reflect the FBI’s unwavering commitment to holding accountable all those who abuse the authority and responsibility of public service,” said Assistant Director Joe Perez of the FBI’s Criminal Division. “The actions of the defendants in this scheme serve to erode public trust. The FBI is focused on rebuilding this trust and protecting American taxpayers from corruption through investigations such as these.”

“Corruption in government programs will not be tolerated. Watson abused his position of trust for personal gain while federal contractors engaged in a pay-to-play scheme,” said USAID OIG Acting Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Sean Bottary. “USAID OIG is firmly committed to rooting out fraud and corruption within U.S. foreign assistance programs. Today’s announcement underscores our unwavering focus on exposing criminal activity, including bribery schemes by those entrusted to faithfully award government contracts. We appreciate our longstanding partnership with the Department of Justice in holding accountable those who defraud American taxpayers.”

“Watson exploited his position at USAID to line his pockets with bribes in exchange for more than $550 million in contracts. While he helped three company owners and presidents bypass the fair bidding process, he was showered with cash and lavish gifts. Through its financial crime investigations, IRS-CI works to protect taxpayer dollars and ensure government funds are awarded based on merit—not corruption. In close coordination with our law enforcement partners, IRS-CI helped put an end to their greed and criminal conduct. Now, Watson and his co-conspirators will face justice,” said Guy Ficco, Chief, IRS Criminal Investigation.

Overview of Bribery Scheme

According to court documents, beginning in 2013, Watson, while a USAID contracting officer, agreed with Britt to receive bribes in exchange for using Watson’s influence to award contracts to Apprio. As a certified small business under the SBA 8(a) contracting program, which helps socially and economically disadvantaged businesses, Apprio could access lucrative federal contracting opportunities through set-asides and sole-source contracts exclusively available to eligible contractors without a competitive bid process.

Vistant was a subcontractor to Apprio on one of the contracts awarded through Watson’s influence. After Apprio graduated from the SBA 8(a) program and it was no longer eligible to be a prime contractor for new contracts with USAID under this program, the scheme shifted so that Vistant became the prime contractor and Apprio became the subcontractor on USAID contracts awarded through Watson’s influence between 2018 and 2022.

During the scheme, Britt and Barnes paid bribes to Watson that were often concealed by passing them through Young, who was the president of another subcontractor to Apprio and Vistant. Britt and Barnes also regularly funneled bribes to Watson, including cash, laptops, thousands of dollars in tickets to a suite at an NBA game, a country club wedding, downpayments on two residential mortgages, cellular phones, and jobs for relatives. The bribes were also often concealed through electronic bank transfers falsely listing Watson on payroll, incorporated shell companies, and false invoices. Watson is alleged to have received bribes valued at more than approximately $1 million as part of the scheme.

In exchange for the bribe payments, Watson influenced the award of contracts to Apprio and Vistant by manipulating the procurement process at USAID through various means, including recommending their companies to other USAID decisionmakers for non-competitive contract awards, disclosing sensitive procurement information during the competitive bidding process, providing positive performance evaluations to a government agency, and approving decisions on the contracts, such as increased funding and a security clearance.

Apprio and Vistant also agreed to resolve concurrently with the Justice Department in its separate Civil False Claims Act investigations relating to the bribery scheme.

Overview of Vistant Securities Fraud Scheme

According to court documents, in 2022, Barnes and Watson defrauded a licensed small business investment company (SBIC), in furtherance of the bribery scheme, by inducing it into executing a credit agreement with Vistant. Through the credit agreement, Barnes caused Vistant to issue stock warrants that, if exercised, would result in the SBIC having a 40% equity stake in Vistant. The credit agreement also provided for a $14 million loan to Vistant from which Barnes could pay himself a $10 million dividend. Prior to executing the credit agreement, Watson agreed at Barnes’s request to speak with the SBIC about Vistant’s performance as a government contractor on USAID contracts. When speaking with the SBIC, Watson omitted that Barnes had bribed Watson to obtain USAID contracts for years. Watson’s endorsement of Vistant thereafter induced the SBIC to enter into the credit agreement with Barnes.

Overview of Apprio Securities Fraud Scheme

According to court documents, in 2023, Apprio, acting through Britt, engaged in a scheme in which Apprio fraudulently induced a private equity firm, which had an investment pool that was licensed as a SBIC, to purchase from Apprio’s parent company a 20% equity stake in the company for $4 million and simultaneously extend it a $4 million loan secured by shares of Apprio stock. In addition to making false material representations in the stock purchase and loan agreements, Britt intentionally omitted during his negotiations the material fact that he had bribed Watson for years, which was intended to deceive and induce the private equity company into executing the agreements.

Deferred Prosecution Agreements with Apprio and Vistant

The Justice Department reached its resolution with Apprio based on several factors, including Apprio’s credit for clearly accepting responsibility for its criminal conduct, fully cooperating in the investigation and engaging in timely remedial measures. Based on these factors, the criminal penalty calculated under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines reflects a 10% reduction off the bottom of the applicable Guidelines fine range pursuant to the Criminal Division Corporate Enforcement and Voluntary Self-Disclosure Policy (CEP). According to court documents, Apprio agreed that the appropriate criminal penalty based on the law and facts in its case is $51,673,185; however, Apprio also met its burden of establishing an inability to pay the criminal penalty sought. Based on the Justice Department’s independent analysis, it determined that paying a criminal penalty and civil settlement greater than $500,000 would substantially threaten the continued viability of Apprio. Accordingly, the Justice Department determined that the appropriate resolution of this case is a DPA and a payment of $500,000 in a civil settlement.

Similarly, the Justice Department reached its resolution with Vistant based on a number of factors, including Vistant’s credit for clearly accepting responsibility for its criminal conduct and cooperating with the investigation. Although Vistant’s cooperation was initially delayed and limited, Vistant began to fully cooperate thereafter. Vistant also received credit for engaging in timely remedial measures. Based on these factors, the penalty calculated under the Guidelines reflects a 5% reduction off the bottom of the applicable Guidelines fine range pursuant to the CEP. Vistant agreed that the appropriate criminal penalty based on the law and facts in its case is $86,407,740; however, Vistant also met its burden of establishing an inability to pay the criminal penalty sought. Based on the Justice Department’s independent analysis, it determined that paying a criminal penalty and civil settlement greater than $100,000 would substantially threaten the continued viability of Vistant. Accordingly, the Justice Department determined that the appropriate resolution of this case is a DPA and a payment of $100,000 in a civil settlement.

Watson faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison. His sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 6. Young faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison. His sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 3. Britt faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison. His sentencing is scheduled for July 28. Barnes faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison. His sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 14.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, USAID OIG, and IRS-CI who are investigating this case.

Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Kibbe and Trial Attorneys Matt Kahn and Brandon Burkart, Department of Justice, Criminal Division Fraud Section, who are prosecuting the case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

# # #

MIL Security OSI –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: British National Pleads Guilty to Fraud, Money Laundering, and Immigration Charges
Source: US FBI

PROVIDENCE – A British national from Northern Ireland illegally in the United States today admitted to a federal judge that he participated in a multi-state construction and money laundering fraud scheme that netted more than a million dollars, and that he provided false information to gain entry into the United States, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.

In pleading guilty to wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering, and false statement in a document used to gain entry into the United States, Elijah Gavin, 29, admitted to the following:
- Gavin used a variety of different names when he approached and defrauded property owners in Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York by, among other things, misrepresenting to property owners’ construction needs or repairs required on their properties.
- Gavin and his co-conspirators formed multiple construction businesses and falsely represented the business’ status, experience, and quality of work; falsely represented their identities and skills to homeowners; and made false representations to property owners regarding the condition of their properties, work they would perform, and the machinery, materials, and equipment needed to perform work.
- Between October 2022 and January 2025, Gavin and his co-conspirators defrauded property owners of over one million dollars, including a Rhode Island widow who was defrauded of $850,000, as well as other elderly victims in Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, and a church in New York.
- Gavin sent checks to money launderers in New York and California representing funds that were fraudulently obtained from his victims.
- Gavin is a fugitive from justice in the United Kingdom who entered the United States illegally. Gavin used a false Electronic System for Travel Authorization application to gain entry into the United States without a visa. Gavin’s ESTA application contained materially false information with respect to Gavin’s criminal history in the United Kingdom.
According to the FBI’s Terrorist Screening Center, Conmen Travelers are groups of Irish or U.K. nationals who entered the United States on pleasure or tourist visas and overstayed their visits or, more commonly, entered the United States illegally. Once in the United States, they go to different cities and states, soliciting construction work. The members often quote a low price, and then, after further inspection, demand much more money and/or convince the homeowner that their homes or business are in need of major repairs. Conmen Travelers often hire day laborers; do not have work authorization documents or pull permits; and do low quality, unnecessary, or incomplete work, sometimes damaging homeowners’ residences.

Gavin has been detained in federal custody since his arrest in New Jersey on January 29, 2025. He is scheduled to be sentenced on September 11, 2025. The sentences imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sandra R. Hebert and Taylor A. Dean.

The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Rhode Island State Police, and U.S Diplomatic Security Service.

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

###

MIL Security OSI –
June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Kansan Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Creating Child Pornography

Source: US FBI

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas resident was sentenced to 30 years in prison for charges related to child sexual abuse materials (CSAM).

According to court documents, Chloe Wade Gullotto, 25, of Leavenworth pled guilty to one count of production of child pornography and one count of receipt of child pornography.

From September 2023 to November 2023, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a series of CyberTips about images and videos connected to a cloud account belonging to Gullotto. During an interview with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the defendant admitted to using a cellphone to download CSAM and to create CSAM images.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Audrey McCormick prosecuted the case.

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

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MIL Security OSI –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Illegal Firearm Possession

Source: US FBI

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican national has pleaded guilty in federal court today for illegal possession of firearms.

Jose Montero-Barradas, 34, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to one count of Alien in Possession of Firearms.

According to court documents, Montero-Barradas knew he was present in the United States illegally and unlawfully, when he knowingly possessed two firearms on March 23, 2025. Specifically, on the evening of March 23, 2025, members of the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department were dispatched to a residential area in Kansas City following a report of shots fired. Officers arriving on the scene observed Montero-Barradas walking into a residence with two firearms, which were later recovered.

Under federal law it is illegal for an alien to possess a firearm or ammunition.

Montero-Barradas faces up to 15 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentence of the defendant will be determined by the court based upon the advisory sentencing guidelines and other factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Foley. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department.

Operation Take Back America

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

MIL Security OSI –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI: RIPPLECOIN Mining Launches Profitable Mobile Cloud Mining App to Easily Earn BTC and XRP

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

San Francisco, California, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RIPPLECOIN Mining, a world-renowned cryptocurrency cloud mining platform, officially released its new mobile cloud mining application today, providing a zero-threshold, high-yield mining solution for the majority of digital currency users. Users only need to download and install the App on their smartphones to remotely participate in cloud mining operations of mainstream currencies such as Bitcoin (BTC) and Ripple (XRP), without any physical equipment or technical background, and can achieve stable passive income every day, with potential income up to $18,777/day.

As the cryptocurrency ecosystem continues to develop and global investors are increasingly concerned about ways to increase the value of digital assets, RIPPLECOIN Mining integrates AI smart scheduling, green energy computing, and a global computing network. With the concept of “mining without barriers”, it reconstructs the cloud mining experience and helps all people participate in Web3 value creation.

Core highlights: What are the advantages of RIPPLECOIN mobile mining app?

Zero equipment, quick start
No mining machine, no wiring or installation required, remote mining can be started immediately after the mobile phone is registered, truly realizing “install and earn”.
Multi-currency support
One-stop support for popular currencies such as BTC, XRP, ETH, DOGE, SOL, LTC, USDT, etc., to meet the income goals of different asset holders.
AI-driven efficient mining
The application has a built-in AI scheduling system to intelligently allocate computing power resources of global data centers to maximize daily income.
Green energy mining network
All mines on the platform use 100% renewable energy to ensure sustainable development while obtaining income
Real-time visualization of income
Users can view daily income, computing power operation status, cumulative income and withdrawal records in real time through the App.

Three steps to start your daily crypto income journey

Download and register: Click here to register or visit the official link to download and install the App, register an account with your email address, and you will receive $15 in cloud mining computing power
Choose a contract: Choose a computing power package based on your budget, and you can start making money with as little as $100
Start earning: Use XRP, BTC, ETH or USDT to pay for the contract fee, the system runs automatically, no manual intervention is required, and stable income is credited to your account every day

Typical return examples: real and visible profit model

The following are some popular contracts and their corresponding returns:

$100 contract → $106 return
$8,200 contract → $10,815 return
$15,000 contract → $23,452 return
$97,800 contract → $183,296 return
The contract is flexible and the cycle is transparent. All returns can be withdrawn or rolled back with one click.

User reviews: Wealth engine in the digital age

“I no longer have to worry about electricity bills and machine noise. With just a click on my phone, my earnings are increasing every day.”
– Feedback from early users in the United States
“RIPPLECOIN’s mobile cloud mining has truly achieved zero threshold. It only took me 15 minutes to complete registration, recharge, and start mining.”
– Feedback from German crypto community members

About RIPPLECOIN Mining

RIPPLECOIN Mining was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in London, UK. It is certified by financial regulators in many countries and is the world’s leading cloud mining service provider. The platform has deployed more than 120 green energy data centers around the world, covering more than 180 countries and regions, with a total of more than 9 million users. The platform is committed to creating a passive crypto income system that everyone can participate in through AI-driven intelligent computing power and a transparent and sustainable mining model.

Experience mobile mining now and release the value potential of XRP and BTC

Official website registration: https://ripplecoinmining.com
App download address: https://ripplecoinmining.com/xml/index.html#/app
Sign up and get $15, invite friends and enjoy 3% lifetime commission reward

Marketing Department: Anne Watson
Email: info@ripplecoinmining.com

Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or trading recommendations. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks and the possibility of financial loss. You are strongly advised to perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor.

—–

Contact Us For Advertising: Info@zeestmedia.com

The MIL Network –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI: Portman Ridge Announces Adjournment of Special Meeting of Stockholders to Allow Additional Time for Stockholders to Vote “FOR” the Share Issuance Proposal

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Stockholders of PTMN Who Have Voted Thus Far Have Expressed Strong Support for the Proposed Merger, with Favorability in Excess of 85%

Logan Ridge Stockholders Approved Merger at its Special Meeting of Stockholders Held on June 20, 2025

NEW YORK, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Portman Ridge Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: PTMN) (“Portman Ridge” or “PTMN”) announced today the adjournment of its Special Meeting of Stockholders (the “PTMN Special Meeting”) to provide stockholders with additional time to cast their vote to approve the share issuance proposal in connection with the proposed merger of Logan Ridge Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: LRFC) (“Logan Ridge” or “LRFC”) with and into PTMN (the “Share Issuance Proposal”).

The PTMN Special Meeting, convened on June 20, 2025, has been adjourned and will reconvene on Friday, June 27, 2025, at 10:00 am ET. Stockholders of PTMN can attend the meeting and cast their votes by following the instructions outlined in the amended joint proxy statement. Alternatively, stockholders can also access the virtual meeting and vote by going to the following website: http://www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/PTMN2025SM, or by calling 1-833-218-3911 and providing the control number which is listed in the proxy card received.

At the time the PTMN Special Meeting was adjourned, stockholders who had already cast their votes showed strong support for the Share Issuance Proposal, with favorability in excess of 85% of voting shares. Under PTMN’s organizational documents, the proposed merger requires the approval of a majority of the quorum of holders of PTMN Common Stock. Currently, over 48% of PTMN’s outstanding shares have voted or abstained from voting their shares. Accordingly, less than 2% of shares outstanding still need to vote or make an election to abstain from voting their shares in order to reach the required quorum threshold of a majority of PTMN Common Stock issued and outstanding. The Board of Directors of PTMN unanimously recommends that stockholders vote “FOR” the Share Issuance Proposal.

On June 20, 2025, Logan Ridge stockholders voted to approve the merger with Portman Ridge, representing a key milestone in the proposed transaction. With this approval, the merger remains subject to the approval by the Portman Ridge stockholders of the Share Issuance Proposal and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.

The record date for determining stockholders entitled to vote at the reconvened Special Meeting remains the close of business on May 6, 2025. Stockholders as of the record date are eligible to vote, even if they have subsequently sold their shares. Stockholders who have already voted do not need to take any further action. Proxies previously submitted will be voted at the reconvened meetings unless properly revoked.

The Board of Directors of PTMN respectfully requests stockholders vote their proxies as soon as possible. Voting promptly will help ensure that the Special Meeting can proceed without further delays.

Stockholders can access the joint proxy statement and prospectus by clicking HERE. Stockholders who have questions about the meeting date, joint proxy statement or about voting their shares should contact PTMN’s proxy solicitor, Broadridge, at 1-833-218-3911.

About Portman Ridge Finance Corporation

PTMN is a publicly traded, externally managed closed-end investment company that has elected to be regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. PTMN’s middle market investment business originates, structures, finances and manages a portfolio of term loans, mezzanine investments and selected equity securities in middle market companies. PTMN’s investment activities are managed by its investment adviser, Sierra Crest Investment Management LLC, an affiliate of BC Partners Advisors L.P. PTMN’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), earnings releases, press releases and other financial, operational and governance information are available on Portman Ridge’s website at www.portmanridge.com.

About Logan Ridge Finance Corporation

LRFC is a business development company (a “BDC”) that invests primarily in first lien loans and, to a lesser extent, second lien loans and equity securities issued by lower middle-market companies. LRFC invests in performing, well-established middle-market businesses that operate across a wide range of industries. It employs fundamental credit analysis, targeting investments in businesses with relatively low levels of cyclicality and operating risk. For more information, visit www.loganridgefinance.com.

About BC Partners Advisors L.P. and BC Partners Credit
BC Partners Advisors L.P. (“BC Partners”) is a leading international investment firm in private equity, private credit and real estate strategies. Established in 1986, BC Partners has played an active role in developing the European buyout market for three decades.

Today, BC Partners executives operate across markets as an integrated team through the firm’s offices in North America and Europe. For more information, please visit https://www.bcpartners.com/.

BC Partners Credit was launched in February 2017 and has pursued a strategy focused on identifying attractive credit opportunities in any market environment and across sectors, leveraging the deal sourcing and infrastructure made available from BC Partners.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Some of the statements in this communication constitute forward-looking statements because they relate to future events, future performance or financial condition. The forward-looking statements may include statements as to future operating results of PTMN and LRFC, and distribution projections; business prospects of PTMN and LRFC, and the prospects of their portfolio companies; and the impact of the investments that PTMN and LRFC expect to make. In addition, words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “seek,” “plan,” “should,” “estimate,” “project” and “intend” indicate forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements include these words. The forward-looking statements contained in this communication involve risks and uncertainties. Certain factors could cause actual results and conditions to differ materially from those projected, including the uncertainties associated with (i) the ability of the parties to consummate the merger on the expected timeline, or at all; (ii) the expected synergies and savings associated with the merger; (iii) the ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the merger, including the expected elimination of certain expenses and costs due to the merger; (iv) the percentage of PTMN shareholders and LRFC shareholders voting in favor of the applicable Proposal (as defined below) submitted for their approval; (v) the possibility that competing offers or acquisition proposals will be made; (vi) the possibility that any or all of the various conditions to the consummation of the merger may not be satisfied or waived; (vii) risks related to diverting management’s attention from ongoing business operations; (viii) the combined company’s plans, expectations, objectives and intentions, as a result of the merger; (ix) any potential termination of the merger agreement; (x) the future operating results and net investment income projections of PTMN, LRFC or, following the closing of the merger, the combined company; (xi) the ability of Sierra Crest to implement its future plans with respect to the combined company; (xii) the ability of Sierra Crest and its affiliates to attract and retain highly talented professionals; (xiii) the business prospects of PTMN, LRFC or, following the closing of the merger, the combined company, and the prospects of their portfolio companies; (xiv) the impact of the investments that PTMN, LRFC or, following the closing of the merger, the combined company expect to make; (xv) the ability of the portfolio companies of PTMN, LRFC or, following the closing of the merger, the combined company to achieve their objectives; (xvi) the expected financings and investments and additional leverage that PTMN, LRFC or, following the closing of the merger, the combined company may seek to incur in the future; (xvii) the adequacy of the cash resources and working capital of PTMN, LRFC or, following the closing of the merger, the combined company; (xviii) the timing of cash flows, if any, from the operations of the portfolio companies of PTMN, LRFC or, following the closing of the merger, the combined company; (xix) the risk that stockholder litigation in connection with the merger may result in significant costs of defense and liability; and (xx) future changes in laws or regulations (including the interpretation of these laws and regulations by regulatory authorities). PTMN and LRFC have based the forward-looking statements included in this document on information available to them on the date hereof, and they assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Although PTMN and LRFC undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, you are advised to consult any additional disclosures that they may make directly to you or through reports that PTMN and LRFC in the future may file with the SEC, including the Registration Statement and Joint Proxy Statement (in each case, as defined below), annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K.

No Offer or Solicitation

This communication is not, and under no circumstances is it to be construed as, a prospectus or an advertisement and the communication is not, and under no circumstances is it to be construed as, an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase any securities in PTMN, LRFC or in any fund or other investment vehicle managed by BC Partners or any of its affiliates.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

This communication relates to the proposed merger of PTMN and LRFC and certain related matters (the “Proposals”). In connection with the Proposals, PTMN has filed a registration statement (Registration No. 333-285230) with the SEC (the “Registration Statement”) that contains a combined joint proxy statement for PTMN and LRFC and a prospectus of PTMN (the “Joint Proxy Statement”) and has mailed the Joint Proxy Statement to its and LRFC’s respective shareholders. The Registration Statement and Joint Proxy Statement contain important information about PTMN, LRFC and the Proposals. This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. SHAREHOLDERS OF PTMN AND LRFC ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, JOINT PROXY STATEMENT AND OTHER DOCUMENTS THAT ARE FILED OR WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THESE DOCUMENTS, CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT PTMN, LRFC AND THE PROPOSALS. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain the documents filed with the SEC free of charge at the SEC’s website, http://www.sec.gov or, for documents filed by PTMN, from PTMN’s website at https://www.portmanridge.com, and, for documents filed by LRFC, from LRFC’s website at https://www.loganridgefinance.com.

Participants in the Solicitation

PTMN, its directors, certain of its executive officers and certain employees and officers of Sierra Crest and its affiliates may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the Proposals. Information about the directors and executive officers of PTMN is set forth in its proxy statement for its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 29, 2025. LRFC, its directors, certain of its executive officers and certain employees and officers of Mount Logan and its affiliates may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the Proposals. Information about the directors and executive officers of LRFC is set forth in the Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, which was filed with the SEC on April 29, 2025. Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be considered participants in the solicitation of the PTMN and LRFC shareholders in connection with the Proposals will be contained in the Registration Statement, including the Joint Proxy Statement included therein, and other relevant materials when such documents become available. These documents may be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above.

Contacts:
Portman Ridge Finance Corporation
650 Madison Avenue, 3rd floor
New York, NY 10022

Brandon Satoren
Chief Financial Officer
Brandon.Satoren@bcpartners.com
(212) 891-2880

The Equity Group Inc.
Lena Cati
lcati@equityny.com
(212) 836-9611

Val Ferraro
vferraro@equityny.com
(212) 836-9633

The MIL Network –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI: Logan Ridge Finance Corporation Announces Shareholder Approval of Merger with Portman Ridge Finance Corporation

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Logan Ridge Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: LRFC) (“Logan Ridge” or “LRFC”) announced today that it obtained shareholder approval for the merger of LRFC with and into Portman Ridge Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: PTMN) (“Portman Ridge” or “PTMN”) following the special meeting of shareholders held on June 20, 2025.

LRFC shareholders voted overwhelmingly in favor of the proposed merger, with approximately 89.4% of voting shareholders supporting the proposal. Of note, PTMN’s June 20, 2025, special meeting of shareholders was adjourned and will reconvene on June 27, 2025, to allow additional time for shareholders to consider and vote on the proposed issuance of PTMN common stock in connection with the merger. Subject to PTMN shareholder approval and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, the merger is expected to close shortly after approval is obtained.

Ted Goldthorpe, President and Chief Executive Officer of LRFC and PTMN and Head of the BC Partners Credit Platform, stated, “We’re grateful to our shareholders for their strong support of this merger with Portman Ridge. Their vote of confidence reflects the strategic and financial merits of the transaction, as we believe the combined company will benefit from greater scale, enhanced diversification, and improved access to capital, positioning it well to generate long-term value for shareholders.”

About Logan Ridge Finance Corporation

LRFC is a business development company (a “BDC”) that invests primarily in first lien loans and, to a lesser extent, second lien loans and equity securities issued by lower middle-market companies. LRFC invests in performing, well-established middle-market businesses that operate across a wide range of industries. It employs fundamental credit analysis, targeting investments in businesses with relatively low levels of cyclicality and operating risk. For more information, visit www.loganridgefinance.com.

About Portman Ridge Finance Corporation

PTMN is a publicly traded, externally managed investment company that has elected to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. PTMN’s middle market investment business originates, structures, finances and manages a portfolio of term loans, mezzanine investments and selected equity securities in middle market companies. PTMN’s investment activities are managed by its investment adviser, Sierra Crest Investment Management LLC (“Sierra Crest”). PTMN’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), earnings releases, press releases and other financial, operational and governance information are available on Portman Ridge’s website at www.portmanridge.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Some of the statements in this communication constitute forward-looking statements because they relate to future events, future performance or financial condition. The forward-looking statements may include statements as to future operating results and distribution projections of the Company; business prospects of the Company, and future share repurchase/purchase activity. In addition, words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “seek,” “plan,” “should,” “estimate,” “project” and “intend” indicate forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements include these words. The forward-looking statements contained in this communication involve risks and uncertainties. More information on the risks and other potential factors that could affect these forward-looking statements is included in Registration Statement and Joint Proxy Statement (in each case, as defined below). Although PTMN and LRFC undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, you are advised to consult any additional disclosures that they may make directly to you or through reports that PTMN and LRFC in the future may file with the SEC, including the Registration Statement and Joint Proxy Statement, annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K.

Contacts:

Logan Ridge Finance Corporation
650 Madison Avenue, 3rd floor
New York, NY 10022

Brandon Satoren
Chief Financial Officer
Brandon.Satoren@bcpartners.com
(212) 891-2880

The Equity Group Inc.
Lena Cati
lcati@equityny.com
(212) 836-9611

Val Ferraro
vferraro@equityny.com
(212) 836-9633

The MIL Network –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI: XY Miners: Real-time Bitcoin (BTC) Dogecoin (DOGE) mining, no hardware required
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

New York City, NY, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

In 2025, the cryptocurrency market continues to heat up, and “Bitcoin mining” has once again become a hot keyword for investors and blockchain enthusiasts. Bitcoin (BTC) is not only the most influential digital asset, but also a “digital gold” that can bring passive income. With the development of technology and the rise of cloud mining platforms, ordinary users can now easily participate in Bitcoin mining and obtain considerable daily income without investing in high equipment costs. Taking advantage of this advantage, you can easily earn side income.

XY Miners makes Bitcoin mining easier?

Cryptocurrency mining used to require expensive equipment, expertise, and a lot of electricity. XY Miners saves all this trouble, and users don’t have to buy, install, or maintain mining machines by themselves. Just rent computing power or mining machines on the platform, and the platform will mine at a remote mine and distribute the cryptocurrency revenue generated every day to users.

How to join XY Miners?

1. Sign up in less than a minute（ $15 Signup Bonus, Earn $0.5 Daily）

2. Choose from a variety of mining plans based on different budgets and profit goals.
- Antminer L7 Investment: $100 Total Return: $106 (including $6 profit)
- Antminer L9 Investment: $500 Total Return: $537.50 (including $37.5 profit)
- Antminer S21+ Investment: $1,000 Total Return: $1,146.30 (including $146.3 profit)
- Antminer S19e XP Hyd Investment: $5,000 Total Return: $7,355 (including $2355 profit)
- Antminer S21+ Hyd Investment: $10,000 Total Return: $16,048 (including $6048 profit)
- On-rack Filecoin Miner Investment: $50,000 Total Return: $89,990 (including $3,9990 profit)
(The platform has launched a variety of stable income contracts, which can be viewed on the XY Miners official website.)

3.Once your contract is active, the system begins mining for you instantly. Daily income is calculated every 24 hours, and you can withdraw or reinvest at any time.

XY Miners’ core advantages include
- Renewable energy drive：The mines are located in Northern Europe, Canada, Asia and North America, regions with abundant green energy resources. All operations rely on solar, hydroelectric and wind power.
- Users do not need to purchase expensive mining equipment, maintain it, or sign contracts.
- Provide deposits and withdrawals of multiple cryptocurrencies: DOGE, BTC, ETH, SOL, XRP, USDC, LTC, USDT-TRC20, USDT-ERC20 and other cryptocurrencies.
- Intuitive interface designed for beginners and experienced miners.
- The affiliate program allows users to receive up to 3% + 1.5% referral rewards and up to $30,000 in bonuses.
- No extra fees: transparent pricing, no hidden service fees or management fees.
- Adopt green mining technology to achieve a sustainable development path that takes into account both environmental protection and high efficiency
- The company has built a comprehensive risk management system to provide round-the-clock security for user funds.
summary:

If you are looking for ways to increase your passive income, XY Miners is a great choice. XY Miners can help you grow your cryptocurrency wealth in “autopilot” mode with minimal time investment. Passive income is the goal of every investor and trader, and XY Miners can help you maximize your passive income potential easier than ever before.

For more information about XY Miners, visit the official website: https://xyminers.com/

Email ID – info@xyminers.com

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The MIL Network –
June 21, 2025