NewzIntel.com

Blog

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Counter terror-style powers to strengthen ability to smash smuggling gangs

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Powerful new legislation will give law enforcement tougher tools to pursue people smugglers and disrupt their ability to carry out small boat crossings.

    New counter terror-style powers to identify, disrupt and smash people smuggling gangs will be introduced as part of landmark legislation to protect our borders.

    The measures will for the first time allow counter-terror style tactics to be used against smuggling gangs through unprecedented tools to stop smugglers before they act.

    This includes stronger powers to seize and search mobile phones to investigate organised immigration crime and introducing new offences against gangs conspiring to plan crossings, selling or handling small boat parts for use in the Channel, supplying forged ID documents, for migrants attempting to come here illegally.

    These laws, included within the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill introduced in Parliament today (January 30), are inspired by powers used to combat terrorism and will transform the ability of law enforcement agencies to take earlier and more effective action against organised immigration crime.

    The robust, workable measures will directly go after organised crime groups who – even in the freezing temperatures in the Channel this month – are continuing to organise dangerous crossings, not caring if the vulnerable people they exploit live or die, as long as they pay. The legislation will give greater powers than ever to law enforcement agencies to treat people smuggling as a global security threat as part of our renewed effort to break the business model of these gangs for good and restore order to our asylum system.

    The new laws are being welcomed by law enforcement agencies like the National Crime Agency, Immigration Enforcement and police, and include:

    • allowing immigration officers and police to seize phones, laptops and other electronic devices at an earlier stage before arrests are made, if they are suspected of containing information about organised immigration crime
    • allowing law enforcement to arrest those involved in facilitating organised immigration crime at a much earlier stage than is currently possible, meaning they can intervene quicker, more effectively and before smuggling takes place
    • making it illegal to supply or handle items suspected of being for use by organised crime groups, for example the selling and handling of small boats parts, with those caught facing a prison sentence of up to 14 years
    • creating a new offence for collecting information to be used by organised immigration criminals to prepare for boat crossings. This includes arranging departure points, dates and times, with clear links back to the gangs facilitating the dangerous crossings
    • criminalising the making, adapting, importing and possession of specific articles that could be used in serious crime, carrying a prison sentence of up to 5 years. This includes templates for 3D printed firearms, pill presses and vehicle concealments
    • putting the role of the Border Security Commander, Martin Hewitt, on a legal footing, meaning he will have the authority to convene partners across law enforcement and set strategic priorities for achieving the Home Secretary’s goals. These will be shared with partners like the National Crime Agency as part of their ongoing work upstream to target people smuggling networks
    • to prevent more people being crammed into unsafe, flimsy boats and lives being put at risk by these gangs, we will make it an offence to endanger another life during perilous sea crossing to the UK.  Anyone involved in physical aggression, intimidation or coercive behaviour, including preventing offers of rescue, while at sea will face prosecution and an increased sentence of up to five years in prison

    Border Security is one of the foundations of the government’s Plan for Change. The legislation being introduced today demonstrates our commitment to giving law enforcement the tools and powers they need to protect the integrity of the UK border as we put in place a serious, credible plan to restore order to our asylum system.

    Since July, we have already surpassed our pledge to deliver the highest rate of removals since 2018, with 16,400 people with no right to be in the UK removed since this government took power and have ramped up our enforcement against illegal working by 32% as we look to end the false promise of jobs sold to migrants by people smugglers.   This is in addition to a stream of major people smuggling arrests through a renewed focus on joint international investigations involving the National Crime Agency.

    Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

    Over the last six years, criminal smuggling gangs have been allowed to take hold all along our borders, making millions out of small boat crossings.

    This Bill will equip our law enforcement agencies with the powers they need to stop these vile criminals, disrupting their supply chains and bringing more of those who profit from human misery to justice.

    These new counter terror-style powers, including making it easier to seize mobile phones at the border, along with statutory powers for our new Border Security Command to focus activity across law enforcement agencies and border force will turbocharge efforts to smash the gangs.

    Our Plan for Change relies on strong border security. It is critical we have the tools at our disposal to pursue those who undermine them in every way we can.

    Border Security Commander Martin Hewitt said:

    It is vital that government and our law enforcement partners, working together as part of the UK’s border security system, have the right tools to tackle the people smuggling gangs abusing our border.

    This Bill will do exactly that, by equipping teams on the ground dealing with this issue first hand and empowering them to go further and act faster when dismantling organised criminality.

    These crucial measures will underpin our enforcement action across the system, and together with our strengthened relationships with international partners, we will bring down these gangs once and for all.

    NCA Director General Graeme Biggar said:

    Tackling organised immigration crime remains a priority for the NCA.

    The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill should help UK law enforcement act earlier and faster to disrupt people smuggling networks and give us additional tools to target them and their business models.

    These criminal gangs risk the lives of those they transport in their deadly pursuit of profit, and we remain determined to work with partners in the UK and abroad to do all we can to stop them.

    Based on counter-terror tactics, the new powers in this Bill will allow law enforcement to make swifter interventions at a much earlier stage against those conspiring to smuggle people into the UK by small boats or in the backs of lorries.

    Where someone is suspected of selling or handling small boats parts or sharing suspect information online, we will be able to apply these offences against them at this point and make an arrest. Current rules mean law enforcement are unable to intervene until much later on in the process and after they’ve facilitated a small boat crossing.

    In November 2024, Amanj Hasan Zada was jailed for 17 years after being found guilty of organising small boat crossings from his home in Lancashire. Each crossing involved Kurdish migrants who had travelled through eastern Europe, into Germany, Belgium and then France. It is possible the reasonable suspicion element means investigators would have met the requirements to arrest and charge earlier with the new offences. Evidence which showed Zada planning organised immigration crime facilitation – for example discussing moving migrants, purchasing vessels – would have likely been in scope of the offence. Instead of needing to prove a definitive link to a migrant facilitation under current legislation, the new offences could have met the threshold for earlier and faster action to be taken.

    The Bill will also modernise biometric checks overseas to build a clear picture of individuals coming to the UK and preventing those with a criminal history from entering. During crisis evacuations to the UK, the new powers will allow checks to take place much earlier, resulting in the rapid identification of who is eligible to enter the country and reducing the risk of delays or security threats during time sensitive operations.

    In a major upgrade to Serious Crime Prevention Orders, we will also give law enforcement new powers to impose Interim Serious Crime Prevention Orders, allowing them to place instance restrictions on organised immigration criminals alongside other serious criminals. This could include bans on travel, internet and mobile phone use, with curbs also leading to social media blackouts, curfews and restricted access to finances.

    Collectively, these measures will strengthen our response across the system, empowering partners and law enforcement to properly go after the people smuggling gangs.

    Through the Border Security Command, we’re already driving up activity to disrupt the criminal gangs behind this trade.

    The NCA continues to target smuggling networks in the UK and overseas. This includes three arrests this month in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region as a result of a joint operation between the NCA and local law enforcement, the first of its kind.

    But with this legislation we will go further, giving our law enforcement stronger tools than ever before to dismantle the gangs.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Land seizure and South Africa’s new expropriation bill: scholar weighs up the new act

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Zsa-Zsa Temmers Boggenpoel, Academic, Stellenbosch University

    South Africa has a new law to govern the expropriation (or compulsory acquisition) of private property by government for public purposes or in the public interest.

    The passing of the Expropriation Act 13 of 2024 followed a parliamentary process that began in 2020.

    The act repeals the apartheid-era Expropriation Act 63 of 1975, and aims to align expropriation law with the constitution. It sets out the procedures, rules and regulations for expropriation. Besides setting out in quite a detailed fashion how expropriations are to take place, the act also provides an outline regarding how compensation is to be determined.

    In South Africa’s colonial and apartheid past, land distribution was grossly unequal on the basis of race. The country is still suffering the effects of this. So expropriation of property is a potential tool to reduce land inequality. This has become a matter of increasing urgency. South Africans have expressed impatience with the slow pace of land reform.

    Property rights and land reform

    There is much debate in the country about the provisions of the new act. The debate is mostly about the extent to which it affects existing private property rights. Some argue the act is unconstitutional. Others welcome it as a necessary step in the right direction.

    I’m a professor of law with a keen interest in this area of the law, and recently edited a book on land expropriation in South Africa by leading experts. My view is that an expropriation act that is aligned with the constitution should be welcomed, to enable land reform to work effectively.



    Read more:
    Land reform in South Africa: what the real debate should be about

    Land reform also needs a capable and proactive state that implements the legal framework in such a manner that prioritises expropriation as a mechanism to ensure land reform.

    So far, expropriation has not been used effectively to redistribute land more equitably, as part of land reform.

    I am not convinced that the act, in its current form, is the silver bullet to effect large-scale land reform – at least not the type of radical land reform that South Africa urgently needs.

    Understandably, the act will have a severe impact on property rights. But it still substantially protects landowners affected by expropriation. Only in very limited cases would they not be compensated.

    Protections for land owners

    The act says that property must not be expropriated arbitrarily or for a purpose other than a public purpose or in the public interest.

    Public purpose means by or for the benefit of the public. For example, expropriating property to build roads, schools and hospitals. Public interest is broader and includes the nation’s commitment to land reform.

    “Arbitrary” would usually mean without reason or justification.



    Read more:
    South Africa has another go at an expropriation law. What it’s all about

    The act further requires that an expropriating authority – an organ of state or person empowered by the act or any other legislation – must first try to reach an agreement with the owner to acquire the property on reasonable terms before considering expropriation.

    This gives some power to a landowner, even though expropriation does not normally require consent. The act also says a specific expropriation must always be authorised by a law.

    No compensation?

    Section 12 of the act deals with compensation for expropriation. It is arguably the most controversial part of the new legislation. Section 12(1) does not appear to be problematic and is largely the same wording as section 25(3) of the constitution. This part of the property clause sets out what must be taken into account when compensation for expropriation is determined.

    Section 12(3) of the act refers to “nil compensation” – when nil rand (monetary) compensation may be paid. There is no explicit reference to nil compensation in the current wording of section 25 of the constitution. It’s a new thing in the Expropriation Act.

    However, courts have toyed with the idea that section 25 of the constitution already provides room for a reduction in compensation.

    The circumstances in which nil compensation could be granted in terms of the new act are in fact very limited. Section 12(3) leaves the discretion to the expropriating authority to determine when it may be just and equitable to pay nil compensation. However, the act lacks guidelines on how such a discretion must be exercised.



    Read more:
    Land is a heated issue in South Africa – the print media are presenting only one side of the story

    The scope of section 12(3) is also limited in some respects. For one, it is restricted to land. Only where land is expropriated would nil compensation be an option. Therefore, not all forms of property can be expropriated without compensation. The notion of property under section 25(1) of the constitution is generally wide and includes various rights and interests, which are broader than just land. For instance, personal rights, mineral rights and licences are included under the section 25(1) notion of property.

    This wide understanding of property is not applicable to section 12(3), which refers to “land” being expropriated.

    Section 12(3) is also limited to the expropriation of land “in the public interest”. Nil compensation is therefore envisaged only in the context of expropriation of land undertaken in the public interest, and not also for a public purpose.

    Three of the four categories listed in section 12(3), where nil compensation is envisaged, are linked to the way in which the property was being used prior to the expropriation. Land used in a productive manner is therefore not evidently envisaged under section 12(3).

    Nil compensation is not necessarily limited to the instances listed. Still, the amount of compensation must – in all instances – be just and equitable.

    Novel approach

    The act forces South Africans to engage with the idea of nil compensation in a much more direct manner.

    The presence of a clause dedicated to nil compensation provides new clarity on when this could apply.

    It is hard to determine whether this act will pass constitutional muster without seeing how expropriation under it will work in practice. It remains to be seen whether it will have the far-reaching consequences that many fear, or call for.

    Zsa-Zsa Temmers Boggenpoel does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Land seizure and South Africa’s new expropriation bill: scholar weighs up the new act – https://theconversation.com/land-seizure-and-south-africas-new-expropriation-bill-scholar-weighs-up-the-new-act-244697

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Celebrate Charles Dickens’ 213th birthday

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum is to host a special event on Friday 7 February to honour the renowned author on the 213th anniversary of his birth.

    Every year the museum hosts the celebration to commemorate the writer at the place he was born in Old Commercial Road, Portsmouth.

    The Lord Mayor of Portsmouth will be in attendance to lay a wreath at the front door of the home at 11am. There will also be members of Dickens Fellowship Portsmouth Branch who will be performing readings from some of his most famous works.

    After the ceremony the museum will be open for visitors to view the room in which he was born and discover some of Dickens’ prized possessions.

    Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council with responsibility for Culture, Regeneration and Economic Development, said:

    “We encourage residents to join us to mark the anniversary of Charles Dickens’ birth and celebrate the life and work of one of the world’s most acclaimed authors –  especially as he was born here in Portsmouth.

    “Portsmouth is rich in history and the arts and this special house combines the two.”

    Charles Dickens was born on 7 February 1812. The eldest son of John and Elizabeth Dickens, he was christened Charles John Huffman Dickens in the nearby St Mary’s Church.

    The Dickens family lived in the home from 1809 for three years before moving to 16 Hawks Street, which was destroyed by bombing in 1941.

    The museum will be open from 12pm until 3.30pm (last entry 3pm) on 6 February; and 10am until 4.30pm (last entry 4pm) on 7, 8, 9, 18, 20, and 22 February.

    Due to the small nature of the birthplace, visits may need to be staggered so it’s possible visitors may need to queue outside for a period of time.

    Portsmouth residents can enter the museum for free, for more information visit, charlesdickensbirthplace.co.uk

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AMERICA/COLOMBIA – Catatumbo: Humanitarian aid corridor established and state of emergency declared

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Thursday, 30 January 2025

    Caritas Colombia

    Tibú (Agenzia Fides) – The wave of violence, mainly due to the control of international cocaine trafficking in the Catatumbo region, has led President Gustavo Petro to declare a state of emergency and deploy the army.As reported by the National Coordinator for Disaster Risk Management of Caritas Colombia, among the victims of this serious crisis, the worst since 2002, are civilians, minors, pregnant women, people with disabilities and members of indigenous communities.In about 10 days, the clashes between the guerrillas of the National Liberation Army (ELN) and the fighters of the “Frente 33” of the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) have left more than a hundred dead, thousands of internally displaced people have had to flee their homes and just as many are isolated and unable to move due to the violent clashes. Meanwhile, many people continue to flee to areas considered safe.To help the many innocent victims, a humanitarian aid corridor has been set up to provide additional support by delivering products, drinks, food for immediate consumption and tools. In the affected areas, thousands of people have sought refuge in the parishes and seminaries of the Catholic Church in Tibú, Ocaña, Gabarra and Tabo. Thanks to the collaboration of the dioceses of Cúcuta, Ocaña and Tibú with the “Asociación Nacional de Empresarios de Colombia” (ANDI), “Bancos de Alimentos de Colombia” (ÁBACO) and through monetary donations, 23,622 kilos of food and essential goods have already been provided.According to the Ministry of Defense, to date more than 47,000 displaced people have fled to the towns of Tibú (10,482 displaced), Ocaña (10,719), Cúcuta (16,663) and other municipalities (11,699). It is also estimated that more than 23,000 people are trapped in the region.The Front Comuneros del Sur, a dissident group of the ENL, is one of the causes of the crisis between the armed group and the government after officially joining the peace process initiated in 2016, which was sealed with the peace agreement signed between the Colombian government and the then FARC guerrillas. “We are evacuating the leaders and signatories from Catatumbo who are being persecuted by the ELN; a first contingent of 400 men is said to have already arrived in the region,” said Defense Minister Iván Velásquez. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 30/1/2025)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/PAKISTAN – Blasphemy law becomes a trap and a business: accusations organized for the purpose of blackmail and extortion

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Islamabad (Agenzia Fides) – There is a criminal group that makes a business out of framing innocent people with false accusations of blasphemy. The organization uses the blasphemy law as a trap and as a business for blackmail, which has already affected 450 innocent victims. This is what Christian and Muslim lawyers in Pakistan are complaining about, who have been observing a cluster of similar cases in recent months: young people, regardless of their religion, are tricked and then accused of blasphemy online, leading to arrest, detention and formal accusation of blasphemy, which in Pakistan can also mean life imprisonment or the death penalty.As the Catholic lawyer and MP Khalil Tahir Sandhu tells Fides, the families of those falsely accused of blasphemy, together with their legal representatives, recently held a public conference to expose the mechanism, raise the alarm and demand targeted intervention by the police and judicial authorities. The fraud has shaken many families, who are now calling on the government and the judicial authorities to ensure justice for those wrongfully detained.The case was also officially confirmed by the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), which conducted an independent investigation and described the activities of an organization that criminally exploits blasphemy for its own benefit and traps innocent people for extortion. The NCHR report shows that most of the victims belong to low-income or middle-class families. According to the information, more than 450 people have been victims of these accusations, all of which are fabricated.More than 150 people are detained in Adiala Jail, 170 in Lahore Jail and Kot Lakhpat Jail and 55 in Karachi Central Jail. The lawyers raise serious concerns about the integrity of the legal system and the rule of law, noting that “these cases are clearly baseless and if this practice is not stopped, it will leave an indelible stain on the judiciary.” “This practice raises serious doubts about the transparency of our judicial system. There is an urgent need to set up a transparent and impartial commission of inquiry to investigate and dismantle the organized group responsible for this conspiracy,” said Sardar Mushtaq Gill, lawyer and founder of NGO Legal Evangelical Association Development (LEAD). The way it works is this: Young men are made aware of girls through Facebook and other social media platforms. They are then invited to join WhatsApp groups for personal conversations. They start chatting and the girls gain their trust. Later, the girl sends a message with a blasphemous image or writing. The unsuspecting victim asks for an explanation. The girl pretends not to know what it is about and asks to send the message back. Once this is done, the girl immediately blocks the victim and sets a trap for him, accusing him of sharing blasphemous content online. To make matters worse, some young defendants have died in custody due to torture. This, according to the lawyers, indicates a collusion between officials of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the federal agency that is supposed to shed light on the criminal practices. There are also lawyers who defend the plaintiffs in court and put pressure on the judges. In Pakistan, monitoring groups such as the Legal Commission on Blasphemy Pakistan (LCBP), a network of 13 organizations that claim to be “taking a firm stand against online blasphemy”. According to observers, the network is linked to the radical Islamic political party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan. Lawyers and members of non-governmental organizations are calling for investigations into these circles to uncover criminal activities. “This alarming abuse of religious laws has become a terrible tool of extortion and raises serious concerns about the security and rights of all citizens,” said lawyer Sardar Mushtaq Gill. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 30/1/2025)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: How an innovative new plan is helping to put food on Mancunian tables

    Source: City of Manchester

    How an innovative new plan is helping to put food on Mancunian tables

    Dozens of families in Manchester did not go hungry this winter thanks to an innovative new programme to help combat food poverty. 

    Since the onset of the cost-of-living crisis Manchester City Council has been acutely aware that basic food items have soared in price, making it harder and harder to provide a healthy and nutritious meal. 

    That is why the Our Manchester Food Partnership, working with our own Children’s Centres and Venner Nutrition, have been working to combat food insecurity by providing healthy and balanced food boxes to families and working to empower people with the skills and resources to feed themselves. 

    Running from October to December last year a total of 96 ingredient boxes were delivered to families in Early Years settings. Inside these boxes there were a range of ingredients and food staples. 

    In addition to the food boxes this scheme also worked with parents to help them make better choices when it comes to food, providing more information on how to make meals that are nutritionally balanced, the benefits of trying new and healthier foods, and providing recipes and resources to help people cook new things. 

    Above all, the scheme was about promoting long-term and lasting changes in attitudes towards food, making mealtimes fun rather than daunting. 

    Over the course of the programme a lot of positive feedback was passed on from participants. 

    One family said: “My children don’t really eat vegetables but they did get excited when they saw the big box of food and what the different vegetables were. The kids tried vegetables they never tried before – I don’t buy a lot of vegetables, the kids usually waste it.” 

    Councillor Joanna Midgley, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council said: “Deprivation and a lack of access to healthy and nutritious food can have a hugely negative impact on people’s health and especially the development of young children 

    “Through this trial programme we wanted to expand our offer of just offering food parcels, providing greater wrap-around support and tackling some of the real issues behind food poverty. 

    “Providing recipes and practical advice on how to cook, information on what foods to choose and how healthy options can be incorporated into a wide range of meals is as equally as important as just providing the food itself to eat. 

    “I’m proud of the success we’ve seen here as it demonstrates the many ways in which the Council is working to end food insecurity and hunger.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Statement on Colomendy Outdoor Activity Centre

    Source: City of Liverpool

    The lease of Colomendy Outdoor Activity Centre will be returned to Liverpool City Council following the current leaseholder entering into administration.

    Earlier this month, Kingswood Colomendy Ltd, the site’s tenant, and its parent company, Inspiring Learning Ltd, both ceased trading and administrators were appointed.

    Kingswood Colomendy Ltd was granted a 30-year lease on the North Wales site in 2007 but administrators have informed LCC, as the freehold owner, that the lease will be handed back to the council. This is known as disclaiming the lease.

    The centre, which is at Loggerheads, near Mold, is now closed.

    When the lease is returned, the council will perform an options appraisal for the long-term use of the site.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Students honored the memory of the heroic defenders of Leningrad

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Andrey Kozlov leads a tour for students

    On January 28, first- and second-year students of SPbGASU visited the Monument to the Heroic Defenders of Leningrad on Victory Square and the new exhibition “To Your Heroes, Leningrad!”, which opened in the Memorial Hall of the memorial.

    The exhibition is dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Monument to the Heroic Defenders of Leningrad – one of the architectural structures of the “Green Belt of Glory”, which includes a number of monuments erected at the sites of battles of the Great Patriotic War.

    After laying flowers, Andrei Kozlov, a specialist in exhibition activities at the Monument to the Heroic Defenders of Leningrad, gave the students a tour, telling them about the history of the design and construction of the monument.

    The permanent exhibition of the hall was supplemented by drawings and conceptual proposals for the monument, submitted to an architectural competition in 1964. Among the authors of the projects were students and graduates of LISI (SPbGASU).

    In addition to the competition entries, the exhibition features sketches of sculptures by Mikhail Anikushin, including a plaster sketch of the legendary “golden boy” sculpture, which was supposed to complete the axial composition of the monument, but was ultimately not approved.

    At the end of the excursion, the students talked with the curator of the exhibition and the director of the Monument to the Heroic Defenders of Leningrad, Evgeniya Kulikova. The atmosphere of the museum, permeated with tragedy and the power of the incredible feat of the Soviet people, made an indelible impression on the students.

    Anni Avetisyan says: “I learned a lot about the project and the creation of the monument. The tour also made me think about the terrible events that the residents of Leningrad experienced during the siege. It is very important to visit such places, because in this way we honor the memory of the heroes and can better imagine everything that they experienced while defending our city.”

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. nuclear generators import nearly all the uranium concentrate they use

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    In-brief analysis

    January 30, 2025

    In 2023, U.S. nuclear generators used 32 million pounds of imported uranium concentrate (U3O8) and only 0.05 million pounds of domestically produced U3O8. Imports accounted for 99% of the U3O8 they used in 2023 to make nuclear fuel. Foreign producers predominantly supply the U.S. front-end nuclear fuel cycle, but federal policies have been implemented recently to build out the domestic U.S. nuclear fuel supply chain. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently received $2.7 billion in congressional funding to help revive domestic fuel production for commercial nuclear power plants.

    U3O8 is chemically extracted from uranium ore that has been mined and milled. The fine powder is packaged in steel drums and later enriched and processed further to prepare it for use as fuel in nuclear reactors. U.S. production of U3O8 in the third quarter of 2024 totaled 121,296 pounds, a 24% increase from production of 97,709 pounds in the second quarter. Production in the third quarter occurred at five U.S. facilities: three in Wyoming (Nichols Ranch ISR Project, Lost Creek Project, and Smith Ranch-Highland Operation) and two in Texas (Alta Mesa Project and Rosita).

    In 2023, the United States imported U3O8 and equivalents primarily from Canada, Australia, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. The origin of U3O8 used in U.S. nuclear reactors could change in the coming years. In May 2024, the United States banned imports of uranium products from Russia beginning in August, although companies may apply for waivers through January 1, 2028.

    More information regarding U.S. uranium production and sourcing is available in our Domestic Uranium Production Report and Uranium Marketing Annual Report.

    Principal contributor: Slade Johnson
    Data visualization: Kristen Tsai

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Derek Cearley Appointed Southern Territory Special Representative

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    IAM International President Brian Bryant has announced the appointment of Derek Cearley as an IAM Southern Territory Special Representative, effective Feb. 1, 2025.

    Cearley, who has been serving as the Business Representative for IAM District 776 in Texas since 2020, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his new role.

    A seasoned leader and union advocate, Cearley has been a dedicated IAM member since 2003. He began his union career at Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, where he joined IAM Local 776B. Over the years, Cearley has proven himself as an advocate for workers’ rights, rising through the ranks with a deep understanding of the issues facing IAM members.

    “We’re excited to have Derek in this role,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin. “His years of experience, coupled with his deep commitment to our members and their needs, make him the ideal representative to advocate for workers in the Southern Territory.”

    Cearley’s leadership journey within the IAM is marked by a variety of key roles and responsibilities that reflect his broad skill set and strong connection with the union’s core values. He has served in multiple capacities, including on Local 776B’s Audit and New Applications Committees, as Departmental Steward, and as a member of the STEP III Plant Grievance Committee. 

    Additionally, Cearley has held the roles of Vice President and President of Local 776B, further demonstrating his leadership capabilities and his commitment to advocating for the rights and needs of IAM members.

    Share and Follow:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Invites Media to Discuss PUNCH Mission to Study Solar Wind

    Source: NASA

    NASA will hold a media teleconference at 2 p.m. EST on Tuesday, Feb. 4, to share information about the agency’s upcoming PUNCH (Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere) mission, which is targeted to launch no earlier than Thursday, Feb. 27.
    The agency’s PUNCH mission is a constellation of four small satellites. When they arrive in low Earth orbit, the satellites will make global, 3D observations of the Sun’s outer atmosphere, the corona, and help NASA learn how the mass and energy there become solar wind. By imaging the Sun’s corona and the solar wind together, scientists hope to better understand the entire inner heliosphere – Sun, solar wind, and Earth – as a single connected system.
    Audio of the teleconference will stream live on the agency’s website at:

    NASA Live

    Participants include:

    Madhulika Guhathakurta, NASA program scientist, NASA Headquarters
    Nicholeen Viall, PUNCH mission scientist, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center
    Craig DeForest, PUNCH principal investigator, Southwest Research Institute

    To participate in the media teleconference, media must RSVP no later than 12 p.m. on Feb. 4 to: Abbey Interrante at: abbey.a.interrante@nasa.gov. NASA’s media accreditation policy is available online. 
    The PUNCH mission will share a ride to space with NASA’s SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer) space telescope on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. 
    The Southwest Research Institute in Boulder, Colorado, leads the PUNCH mission. The mission is managed by the Explorers Program Office at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington. 
    To learn more about PUNCH, please visit:  
    https://nasa.gov/punch
    -end-
    Karen FoxHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1600karen.fox@nasa.gov
    Sarah FrazierGoddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.202-853-7191sarah.frazier@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bushfires Burn in Victoria

    Source: NASA

    In its seasonal bushfire outlook, Australia’s national council for fire and emergency services warned that severe rainfall deficits spanning 18 months had caused a substantial amount of dead and dry plant material to accumulate in Victoria’s forests, making it easier for fires to start and spread.
    In January 2025, the warning became reality in the southeastern Australian state as bushfires raged in Grampians National Park and Little Desert National Park amid hot, dry, and windy conditions. The MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on NASA’s Aqua satellite captured this image of smoke streaming from bushfires burning through parts of the two national parks on January 28, 2025.
    The fast-moving fires started on January 27 after dry thunderstorms and lightning struck the region, according to news reports. Unusually high temperatures, which reached above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), helped fuel the fires. The outbreak follows a similar surge in fire activity that occurred in Victoria in December 2024. At that time, a fire burned in the eastern part of Grampians National Park; this time the burning is centered on the western part of the park.
    Victoria officials issued orders on January 29 for residents of Woohlpooer to “leave immediately,” due to increased fire activity on the northwestern edge of the fire. The blaze had crossed a road called Harrops Track and was heading in a northwesterly direction toward Billywing Track. They urged communities surrounding Little Desert National Park to “watch and act,” noting that the fire may travel in a northerly direction toward private properties.
     
    NASA Earth Observatory image by Wanmei Liang, using MODIS data from NASA EOSDIS LANCE and GIBS/Worldview. Story by Adam Voiland.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA, Partners to Welcome Fourth Axiom Space Mission to Space Station

    Source: NASA

    NASA and its international partners have approved the crew for Axiom Space’s fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, launching from the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida no earlier than spring 2025.
    Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command the commercial mission, while ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as pilot. The two mission specialists are ESA (European Space Agency) project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary.
    “I am excited to see continued interest and dedication for the private astronaut missions aboard the International Space Station,” said Dana Weigel, manager of NASA’s International Space Station Program at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. “As NASA looks toward the future of low Earth orbit, private astronaut missions help pave the way and expand access to the unique microgravity environment.”
    The Axiom Mission 4, or Ax-4, crew will launch aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and travel to the space station. Once docked, the private astronauts plan to spend up to 14 days aboard the orbiting laboratory, conducting a mission comprised of science, outreach, and commercial activities. The mission will send the first ISRO astronaut to the station as part of a joint effort between NASA and the Indian space agency. The private mission also carries the first astronauts from Poland and Hungary to stay aboard the space station.
    “Working with the talented and diverse Ax-4 crew has been a deeply rewarding experience,” said Whitson. “Witnessing their selfless dedication and commitment to expanding horizons and creating opportunities for their nations in space exploration is truly remarkable. Each crew member brings unique strengths and perspectives, making our mission not just a scientific endeavor, but a testament to human ingenuity and teamwork. The importance of our mission is about pushing the limits of what we can achieve together and inspiring future generations to dream bigger and reach farther.”
    The first private astronaut mission to the station, Axiom Mission 1, lifted off in April 2022 for a 17-day mission aboard the orbiting laboratory. The second private astronaut mission to the station, Axiom Mission 2, also was commanded by Whitson and launched in May 2023 with four private astronauts who spent eight days in orbit. The most recent private astronaut mission, Axiom Mission 3, launched in January 2024; the crew spent 18 days docked to the space station.
    The International Space Station is a convergence of science, technology, and human innovation that enables research not possible on Earth. For more than 24 years, NASA has supported a continuous human presence aboard the orbiting laboratory, through which astronauts have learned to live and work in space for extended periods of time.
    The space station is a springboard for developing a low Earth economy. NASA’s goal is to achieve a strong economy in low Earth orbit where the agency can purchase services as one of many customers to meet its science and research objectives in microgravity. NASA’s commercial strategy for low Earth orbit will provide the government with reliable and safe services at a lower cost, enabling the agency to focus on Artemis missions to the Moon in preparation for Mars while also continuing to use low Earth orbit as a training and proving ground for those deep space missions. 
    Learn more about NASA’s commercial space strategy at:
    https://www.nasa.gov/commercial-space
    -end-
    Josh Finch / Claire O’SheaHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1100joshua.a.finch@nasa.gov / claire.a.o’shea@nasa.gov
    Anna SchneiderJohnson Space Center, Houston281-483-5111anna.c.schneider@nasa.gov
    Alexis DeJarnetteAxiom Space850-368-9446alexis@axiomspace.com

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS RELEASE: MONTHLY SIREN AND EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM TEST – FEBRUARY 2025

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    NEWS RELEASE: MONTHLY SIREN AND EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM TEST – FEBRUARY 2025

    Posted on Jan 29, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

     

    DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

    KA ʻOIHANA PILI KAUA

     

    Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency

    Keʻena Hoʻomalu Pōulia O Hawaiʻi

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

    MAJOR GENERAL STEPHEN F. LOGAN

    DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
    Luna Hoʻomalu Pōulia

    JAMES DS. BARROS

    ADMINISTRATOR OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
    Kahu Hoʻomalu Pōulia

     

     

    MONTHLY SIREN AND EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM TEST FOR FEBRUARY 2025

     

    For Immediate Release                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2025-001

    JANUARY 29, 2025

     

     

    HONOLULU — The monthly test of the all-hazard Statewide Outdoor Warning Siren System is scheduled for Monday, February 3, 2025, at 11:45 a.m. The siren test will be coordinated with a test of the Live Audio Broadcast segment of the Emergency Alert System.

    During this monthly test, all Statewide Outdoor Warning Sirens will sound a one-minute Attention Alert Signal (steady tone). Atest of the Live Audio Broadcast segment of the Emergency Alert System is conducted at roughly the same time as the monthly siren sounding, in cooperation with the Hawai‘i broadcast industry. There will be no exercise or drill accompanying the test.

    The all-hazard Outdoor Siren Warning System for Public Safety is one part of the Hawai‘i Statewide Alert and Warning System used to notify the public during emergencies. If you hear this siren tone in circumstances other than a test, follow emergency information and instructions provided by official government channels. These may be in the form of a local radio or television station broadcast and/or a cellular Wireless Emergency Alert.

    Wireless Emergency Alerts deliver sound-and-text warnings to compatible mobile cellular phones. The Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alert notifications are sent via the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, the nation’s alert and warning infrastructure, managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

    Emergency management and disaster preparedness information may be found in the “Get Ready” section of ready.hawaii.gov,as well as in the front section of telephone directories in most counties. For the latest information from the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA), or to sign up for county alerts, visit ready.hawaii.gov.

    The public may contact emergency management and county civil defense agencies to report siren operation issues through the following numbers:

    City and County of Honolulu: 808-723-8960
    Maui County: 808-270-7285
    Kauaʻi County: 808-241-1800
    Hawaiʻi County: 808-935-0031

     

    # # #

    Contact:

    1. Kīelekū Amundson

    Communications Director

    808-733-4300 Ext 522

    [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DLNR News Release-Additional Debris Trap Installed in Ala Wai Canal in Advance of Severe Weather, Jan. 29, 2025

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DLNR News Release-Additional Debris Trap Installed in Ala Wai Canal in Advance of Severe Weather, Jan. 29, 2025

    Posted on Jan 29, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

    DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

    KA ʻOIHANA KUMUWAIWAI ‘ĀINA

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    DAWN CHANG

    CHAIR

     

    ADDITIONAL DEBRIS TRAP INSTALLED IN ALA WAI CANAL IN ADVANCE OF SEVERE WEATHER

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    January 29, 2025

    HONOLULU – Installation of a temporary debris boom in advance of incoming severe weather was completed this afternoon by Hawaiian Dredging Co., on contract to the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).

    Working with the state Dept. of Transportation (HDOT), the City and County of Honolulu, and Senator Sharon Moriwaki, this second debris trap is intended to divert any rubbish flowing down the canal into the permanent trap on the opposite side of the Ala Moana Bridge.

    Meghan Statts, administrator of the DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR), along with Dickey Lee from the DLNR Engineering Division, observed the deployment of the floating curtain (boom). Statts said, “We are trying to mitigate some of the debris coming down the canal with the big storm that’s predicted to hit us shortly.”

    The trap will augment the work being done upstream by HDOT. “HDOT has been a great partner,” said Statts. “They were up here earlier, yesterday and today, doing cleanup.”

    Statts said the issue of post-storm debris in the Ala Wai canal has been discussed for more than 30 years. DLNR is working closely with other agencies and Senator Moriwaki to create a long-term solution to the chronic, reccurring problem.

    The permanent DOBOR trap was cleared yesterday and only catches 20-25% of what flows downstream. It was fortified this morning with the expectation that additional debris diverted by the second trap will possibly fill it faster than normal.

    “We’re trying to catch as much as we can to help protect our natural resources and keep it out of the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor and the ocean,” Statts explained. Unfortunately, over the years tons of debris have flowed out into the Pacific unchecked, she said.

    That creates potential navigational problems for boaters and recreational users of the Ala Wai canal, the small boat harbor and the ocean. When full of natural vegetation and manmade rubbish, the canal is also unsafe for people during storm runoff events.

    The Hawai‘i Department of Health advises the public to stay out of waters when they appear brown, murky, or contain visible debris, especially following storms or heavy rain when the water may contain higher-than-normal pollutant levels. Entering freshwater streams, canals or ponds increases the risk of bacterial infections, including leptospirosis.

    Statts concluded that when the Ala Wai canal was built as a flood control measure, people probably didn’t think much about the consequences of storm debris. She encourages people not to  throw trash into the canal or any of its tributary streams.

    “I think people need to remember that if you have trash, any kind of ‘ōpala, throw it away properly. Don’t drop it into streams or the canal because much of this stuff ends up in the ocean.”

    # # #

    RESOURCES

    (All images/video courtesy: DLNR)

    HD video – Debris trap deployment (Jan. 29, 2025):

    (Meghan Statts SOTS transcript attached)

    HD video – Ala Wai debris trap clearing (Jan. 28, 2925):

    Photographs – Debris trap deployment (Jan. 29, 2025):

    (Images 5722-5809)

    Photographs – Ala Wai debris trap clearing (Jan. 28, 2025):

    (Images 5667-5715)

    For more information on brown water pollution and health:

    Media contact:

    Dan Dennison

    Communications Director

    Hawai‘i Dept. of Land and Natural Resources

    Phone: 808-587-0396

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: RELEASE: DCCA URGES RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES TO PRIORITIZE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AMID INCREASING WEATHER EVENTS

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    RELEASE: DCCA URGES RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES TO PRIORITIZE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AMID INCREASING WEATHER EVENTS

    Posted on Jan 29, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS

    KA ʻOIHANA PILI KĀLEPA

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    NADINE Y. ANDO

    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

    DCCA URGES RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES TO PRIORITIZE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AMID INCREASING WEATHER EVENTS

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    January 29, 2025

    HONOLULU — The state of Hawai‘i Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) is urging residents and business owners to prioritize emergency preparedness in response to the rise of weather events throughout the state. The department is offering vital resources and information on how to safeguard property, ensure continued utility services, understand insurance coverage, avoid scams, and navigate the disaster recovery process.

    Key Emergency Preparedness Tips:

     

    1. Preparing Homes and Businesses for Disasters
    • Create an Emergency Plan: Establish clear evacuation routes, designating safe areas for family members or employees. Ensure everyone knows the plan and conduct practice drills regularly.
    • Secure Property: Reinforce windows and doors, check roofing and siding for potential vulnerabilities, and secure outdoor objects that could become projectiles.
    • Emergency Kits: Stock essential supplies including water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies, cash, and any special items required by family members or staff.
    • Prepare for Business Disruption: Businesses should develop continuity plans, back up important data, and ensure essential services can be maintained during and after a disaster.
    1. Utility Emergency Preparedness
    • Sign Up for Crucial Updates: Register for utility provider notifications to receive alerts about service disruptions, outages and updates during emergencies. Visit the links below to sign up:
      • Hawaiian Electric
      • KIUC
    • Keep the Lights On: Consider investing in backup power sources like generators or solar-powered systems to maintain key operations during service outages.
    • Stay Safe: Keep gas, water and electrical systems well-maintained, and learn how to shut off utilities in case of a leak or other emergency. Visit the links below to report a power outage or potential safety issues:
      • Hawaiian Electric
      • KIUC
    • Stay Informed: To learn more about public utilities and utility preparedness, please visit the DCCA Division of Consumer Advocacy.

     

    1. Understanding Insurance Coverage for Disasters
    • Review Your Insurance Policy: Ensure that your home and business insurance policies cover common disaster-related risks, including floods, fires and hurricanes. Standard policies may not cover all types of damage.
    • Document Property: Take inventory of your belongings and keep photos and/or videos of property, valuables and important documents in case you need to file an insurance claim.
    • Know Your Deductibles and Coverage Limits: Be aware of your policy’s terms, including any exclusions or specific disaster-related deductibles.
    • Seek Input or Assistance: The DCCA Insurance Division can help you understand the claims process and provide assistance with other insurance questions or issues.
    • Stay Informed: To learn more about Insurance, please visit the DCCA Insurance Division.
    1. Identifying Disaster-Related Consumer Scams
    • Be Cautious of Fraud: Scammers often exploit disasters to prey on vulnerable consumers. Common scams include fake contractors, charity fraud and phishing emails or texts offering government assistance.
    • Check Credentials: When doing repairs on your property, always hire licensed and insured contractors, and never pay for services up front. Report suspicious activities to the DCCA Regulated Industries Complaints Office.
    • Verify Charity Solicitations: Before donating to disaster relief efforts, ensure that the charity is legitimate. Use resources like the Better Business Bureau or Charity Navigator to check organizations’ credibility.
    • Stay Informed: To learn more about consumer protection, please visit the DCCA Office of Consumer Protection.
    1. Disaster Recovery Resources for Homeowners and Business Owners
    • For Homeowners: FEMA and other government agencies offer financial assistance for home repairs, temporary housing and disaster-related expenses. Visit https://www.fema.gov/ for more information.
    • For Business Owners: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides low-interest disaster loans to help businesses recover from physical damage and economic losses. Visit https://www.sba.gov/ for more information.
    • Stay Informed: To learn more about disaster recovery loans and financial assistance, please visit the DCCA Division of Financial Institutions.

    These resources, along with other emergency preparedness information, are available on the DCCA website.

    “Taking steps to prepare now can make all the difference in the aftermath of a disaster,” shares DCCA Director Nadine Ando. “Whether it’s preparing your property, understanding your insurance, or protecting yourself from fraud, DCCA is here to help our community stay safe and recover quickly.”

    For more information or to report any disaster-related consumer concerns, visit the DCCA website or contact the DCCA directly.

    ###

    Media Contact:

    Communications Office
    Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

    Phone: 808-586-2760
    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lombardo Appoints Chandeni Sendall to Nevada Gaming Control Board

    Source: US State of Nevada

    LAS VEGAS, NV – January 29, 2025

    Today, Governor Joe Lombardo announced his appointment of Chandeni Sendall to the Nevada Gaming Control Board.

    “I’m pleased to appoint Chandeni Sendall to the Nevada Gaming Control Board,” said Governor Joe Lombardo. “With her unique background in law and compliance, Chandeni will bring fresh insight and critical perspective to the Board. I look forward to her leadership and contributions to gaming oversight in our state.”

    Since 2015, Ms. Sendall has served as a Deputy City Attorney for the City of Reno, practicing in the civil division. Before her work in the Reno City Attorney’s Office, Ms. Sendall worked in civil and commercial litigation, served as an in-house legal intern for Caesars Entertainment, and clerked for the Honorable James W. Hardesty at the Nevada Supreme Court. While attending the William S. Boyd School of Law, Ms. Sendall served as the Editor-in-Chief of the UNLV Gaming Law Journal. Before her legal career, she served for several years as an Internal Auditor for Caesars Entertainment.

    “I’m grateful to Governor Lombardo for this opportunity to serve the State of Nevada,” said Chandeni Sendall. “Along with my legal background, I look forward to applying my educational background in economics and my work experience in the gaming industry as I begin this new role at the Nevada Gaming Control Board.”

    Ms. Sendall officially begins her term this week.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MULTIAGENCY POST AND PRE-STORM ALA WAI CLEANUP UNDERWAY

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    MULTIAGENCY POST AND PRE-STORM ALA WAI CLEANUP UNDERWAY

    Posted on Jan 29, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

    KA ‘OIHANA KUMUWAIWAI ‘ĀINA

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

    DAWN CHANG
    CHAIRPERSON

    MULTIAGENCY POST AND PRE-STORM ALA WAI CLEANUP UNDERWAY

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Jan. 28, 2025

    HONOLULU — The DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) is working closely today with the state Dept. of Transportation (HDOT) and the City and County of Honolulu to clean mud and debris that filled the Ala Wai canal during heavy weekend rains. The agencies are also taking advance steps to try and reduce the amount of rubbish that flows into the canal during another predicted heavy rain event beginning tomorrow.

    A DOBOR contractor is working today with heavy equipment to clear a “trash trap” that is permanently at the outflow of the canal just beyond the Ala Moana Blvd. bridge at the entrance to Waikīkī. It’s expected a large roll-off trash container will be filled by the end of the day with rubbish that flowed downstream. The trap is intended to keep trash from flowing into the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor and out into the ocean.

    Meghan Statts, DOBOR administrator said the trap booms only catch about 20% of the debris from the canal and stops it from going into the harbor or ocean.

    DOT officials are on site this afternoon analyzing what mitigation measures can be put into place in the canal proper, before heavy rains begin again. DLNR Chair Dawn Chang recognized the assistance of the DOT, as well as the City and County of Honolulu, in trying to prevent further buildups of debris. It’s expected additional mitigation measures will be implemented later today or tomorrow morning.

    State and county officials are encouraging people who live along the Ala Wai Canal, as well as along streams that flow into the canal, to secure anything on their properties that could end up in the canal. The harbor trash trap was filled with large coolers and a huge variety of debris this morning.

    HDOT, DLNR, and the University of Hawai‘i College of Engineering are engaged in discussions with area legislator Senator Sharon Moriwaki on long-term actions to reduce the buildup of trash in the Ala Wai canal.

    # # #

    RESOURCES

    (All images/video courtesy: DLNR)

    HD video – Ala Wai trap cleaning (Jan. 28, 2025):

    https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/6d9vk4vdsiy6bwc78m567/Ala-Wai-Post-Storm-Cleanup-media-clips-Jan.-8-025.m4v?rlkey=dxicghvz4f1o37et2wkfdql0u&st=vlnirkjr&dl=0

    Photographs – Ala Wai trap cleaning (Jan. 28, 2025):

    https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/ncs3te4saz3dvfc1uia5d/ABKoM6h2gpCQrvEmKZGFERs?rlkey=a5uyhz4d5vtflokk1vkgq8t2x&st=j5grot7m&dl=0

    Media Contact:

    Dan Dennison

    Communications Director

    Hawaiʻi Dept. of Land and Natural Resources

    Communications Office: 808-587-0396

    Email: dlnr.comms@hawaii.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom provides ongoing support to help business owners and workers recover from LA firestorms

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jan 29, 2025

    What you need to know: As part of ongoing actions to help support workers and businesses impacted by the Los Angeles area fires, Governor Newsom is issuing an executive order to defer licensing fees and streamline requirements for certain small businesses. The order also defers annual licensure fees for thousands of impacted workers – from nurses and barbers to contractors and dental hygienists.

    LOS ANGELES — To help Los Angeles continue to recover and rebuild, Governor Gavin Newsom today issued an executive order to support small business owners and workers impacted by Los Angeles-area firestorms. The executive order provides relief to help local businesses recover quickly by deferring annual licensure fees for workers and businesses and waiving other requirements that may impose barriers to recovery. 

    “Small businesses are not only key to a thriving economy but make up the heart of healthy communities. As we help Los Angeles rise and rebuild, it is crucial that we protect and support the businesses and workers affected. Just as we have removed red tape to rebuild our homes, we are breaking down barriers and helping pave the way for impacted businesses and workers to get back on their feet.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    The executive order helps workers and business owners by:

    • Extending the deadline to pay for renewing licenses, certificates, and permits for one year for licenses with a renewal date occurring between January 1, 2025, and July 1, 2025.
    • Waiving fees for businesses and workers requesting duplicate or replacement of a license certificate that was burned or destroyed.
    • Extending deadlines for businesses to appeal license-related proceedings.
    • Eliminating requirements that make it more difficult to relocate certain businesses impacted by the fires. 

    Find resources to help your business at gov.ca.gov/LAfires/help-your-business.

    Helping businesses and workers recover

    California has worked with federal and local providers to help businesses and workers with the resources and support they need to recover and rebuild from the firestorms.

    • Supporting workers and employers: The Employment Development Department (EDD) supports workers with unemployment, disability insurance, or Paid Family Leave benefits, including Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for those who do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits. Citizenship or immigration status doesn’t affect eligibility for disability insurance or Paid Family leave. Employers can request a 60-day extension on payroll reports and taxes, or participate in the Work Sharing program. California also announced $20 million to create temporary jobs in impacted areas and deliver other supportive services through America’s Job Center of California.
    • On-the-ground advisors for small businesses: 200+ business advisors from Small Business Support Centers funded through the California Office of the Small Business Advocate’s (CalOSBA) Technical Assistance Program (TAP) are staffed across the region, including business advisors from the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Women’s Business Center (WBC). All of these TAP partners can answer questions about key aspects of economic recovery, including the loan application process, insurance inquiries, employee and workforce support, and business planning related individual recovery plans.  SBDC and WBC staff are co-located at the Disaster Recovery Center at Pasadena City College and the Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Camarillo (Ventura County), as well as various Business Recovery Centers organized by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
    • Providing resources for recovery: CalOSBA has launched a Resource Guide for small businesses impacted by the wildfires through its Outsmart Disaster website, and is conducting a series of online trainings in both English and Spanish.
    • Financial assistance for businesses: The California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank) is offering loan programs for businesses from one to 750 employees affected by the LA wildfires. Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Program (DRLGP) issues loan guarantees up to 95% of the loan through IBank’s partner Financial Development Corporations to help small business borrowers impacted by disaster who need term loans or lines of credit for working capital. 
    • Expediting licensing for contractors: The Contractor State Licensing Board (CSLB) is processing licensing applications as fast as 48 hours from the time an application and exam are complete. Rapid licensing will support the Governor’s efforts to rebuild the homes and businesses destroyed. 
    • Helping fire survivors rebuild safely: CSLB is also partnering with state agencies to directly assist survivors at the Southern California Disaster Recovery Centers, urging them to only hire California-licensed contractors for repairs or to rebuild their homes or businesses. CSLB’s Disaster Hotline 1-800-962-1125 and online Disaster Help Center are also providing valuable support to survivors.
    • Protecting against unlicensed contractors: Investigation teams are on the ground, posting signs to put unlicensed contractors on notice that it is a felony to contract without a license in a California disaster area. Consumers are urged to always check licenses before hiring a contractor and notify the state of unlicensed activity immediately. Consumers can file complaints and find additional resources online at www2.cslb.ca.gov.
    • Helping licensees rebuild their businesses: The Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, the Board of Accountancy, and other DCA boards are rescheduling licensing examinations at no charge and assisting licensees by issuing duplicate licenses due to a physical license being lost in the fires.

    Governor Newsom has issued a number of executive orders in response to the Los Angeles firestorms to help aid in rebuilding and recovery, create more temporary housing, and protect survivors from exploitation and price gouging.

    Get help today

    For those Californians impacted by the firestorms in Los Angeles, there are resources available.Californians can go to CA.gov/LAfires – a hub for information and resources from state, local and federal government.  

    Individuals and business owners who sustained losses from wildfires in Los Angeles County can apply for disaster assistance:

    If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

    Recent news

    Jan 29, 2025

    News Los Angeles, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring January 29, 2025, as Lunar New Year.The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: PROCLAMATIONCalifornia joins people throughout the country and around the world…

    Jan 28, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Deborah Hoffman, of Sacramento, has been appointed Chief Deputy Director at the Office of Tax Appeals. Hoffman has been Special Advisor at the California Department of Veterans Affairs…

    Jan 28, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom met today with leaders of the Pacific Palisades synagogue Kehillat Israel, which still stands after the fire. Los Angeles, California – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom met with clergy, staff, and board members of Kehillat…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom proclaims Lunar New Year 2025

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jan 29, 2025

    Los Angeles, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring January 29, 2025, as Lunar New Year.

    The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below:

    PROCLAMATION

    California joins people throughout the country and around the world in celebrating Lunar New Year, ushering in good fortune and good wishes with the new year, and lifting up the diverse and dynamic communities that help make our state and nation what they are today.
     
    Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities have shaped this state through foundational contributions to our past, present, and future. As we celebrate this rich heritage, with its many amazing leaders and accomplishments, we also recognize the ugly history of violence and discrimination against these communities, and reaffirm that, for the sake of our neighbors and fellow Californians, all of us must confront racism in all its forms, both past and present. 
     
    Our state’s vibrant diversity is a deep point of pride and a source of enduring strength, and as we recognize Lunar New Year as an official state holiday for the third year, we invite everyone to appreciate the traditions of this special holiday. Two years after the tragedy in Monterey Park, we also honor the memory of those senselessly taken from us, and hold in our hearts the brave survivors and all those mourning lost friends and loved ones.
     
    Today and every day, let us show support and solidarity for our AAPI friends, family, and neighbors and recognize their irreplaceable contributions to our California story. As the Year of the Snake begins, we wish happiness and good fortune to all.
     
    NOW THEREFORE I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim January 29, 2025, as “Lunar New Year.”

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 28th day of January 2025.

    GAVIN NEWSOM
    Governor of California

    ATTEST:
    SHIRLEY N. WEBER, Ph.D.
    Secretary of State

    Press Releases

    Recent news

    Jan 28, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Deborah Hoffman, of Sacramento, has been appointed Chief Deputy Director at the Office of Tax Appeals. Hoffman has been Special Advisor at the California Department of Veterans Affairs…

    Jan 28, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom met today with leaders of the Pacific Palisades synagogue Kehillat Israel, which still stands after the fire. Los Angeles, California – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom met with clergy, staff, and board members of Kehillat…

    Jan 28, 2025

    News Dodgers Chairman Mark Walter, Mark Walter Family Foundation, and Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation will provide an initial commitment of up to $100 million   LA Rises will support city and county efforts to help accelerate recovery LOS ANGELES — In the wake of one…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Law enforcement takes down two largest cybercrime forums in the world

    Source: Europol

    The two platforms, Cracked and Nulled, had more than 10 million users in total. Both of these underground economy forums offered a quick entry point into the cybercrime scene. These sites worked as one-stop shops and were used not only for discussions on cybercrime but also as marketplaces for illegal goods and cybercrime-as-a-service, such as stolen data, malware or hacking…

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Portman Ridge Finance Corporation and Logan Ridge Finance Corporation Enter into Merger Agreement

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Combined Entity Will be Managed by Sierra Crest Investment Management, LLC, an Affiliate of BC Partners Advisors L.P.

    Companies to Host a Joint Conference Call on January 30, 2025, at 4:00 PM ET to Discuss the Proposed Merger

    NEW YORK, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Portman Ridge Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: PTMN) (“Portman Ridge” or “PTMN”) and Logan Ridge Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: LRFC) (“Logan Ridge” or “LRFC”) (together, the “Companies”), business development companies (“BDCs”) managed by affiliates of BC Partners Advisors L.P. (“BC Partners”), announced today that they have entered into an agreement under which LRFC will merge with and into PTMN (the “Proposed Merger”), subject to the receipt of certain shareholder approvals and the satisfaction of other closing conditions. Pursuant to the Proposed Merger agreement, Portman Ridge will be the surviving public entity and will continue to trade on the Nasdaq under the symbol “PTMN.”

    The Boards of Directors of both PTMN and LRFC, on the recommendation of their respective Special Committees consisting solely of certain independent directors, have unanimously approved the Proposed Merger. In addition, the Board of Directors of LRFC will recommend that shareholders of LRFC vote in favor of the Proposed Merger, and the Board of Directors of PTMN will recommend that shareholders of PTMN vote in favor of the issuance of PTMN common stock in connection with the Proposed Merger, in each case, subject to certain conditions.

    Transaction Highlights

    • Size & Scale: The Proposed Merger will significantly increase the size and scale of Portman Ridge, which is expected to translate into increased trading volume and improved secondary liquidity, lower operating expenses and potentially greater access to more diverse sources of financing at a lower cost. The combined company will be externally managed by Sierra Crest Investment Management LLC (“Sierra Crest”), the current investment adviser to Portman Ridge, and is expected to have total assets in excess of $600 million, and a net asset value (“NAV”) of approximately $270 million, each based on the Companies’ September 30, 2024 balance sheets, adjusted for estimated transaction expenses, but excluding the impact of the Tax Distribution (as defined below).
    • Portfolio Overlap: The Proposed Merger will result in the acquisition of a known, diversified portfolio with significant portfolio overlap between the two Companies. PTMN and LRFC employ the same investment strategy, and the BC Partners Credit Platform has been allocating substantially similar or the same investments to both Companies since Mount Logan Management, LLC (“Mount Logan”) became LRFC’s external investment adviser on July 1, 2021. As a result, more than 70% of the investments in LRFC’s portfolio at fair value are expected to be BC Partners-originated assets at the time of closing, with over 60% of the portfolio overlapping with PTMN. The combination of two known, complementary portfolios, originated and managed by the BC Partners Credit Platform, is expected to substantially mitigate integration risk.
    • Accretive to NAV: Expected to be immediately accretive to PTMN’s NAV by 1.3% upon closing, based on the Companies’ September 30, 2024, NAVs and adjusted for estimated transaction expenses but excluding the impact of the Tax Distribution.
    • Accretive to Core Net Investment Income (“NII”): Expected to be immediately accretive to the Companies’ NII as result of an expected $2.8 million of annual operating expense efficiencies and the Incentive Fee Waiver (as defined below). Over the longer term, management of the Companies expects the Proposed Merger to provide further NII accretion through a lower cost of debt and improved financing terms as well as further rotation out of LRFC’s legacy non-yielding equity portfolio into interest-earning assets originated by the BC Partners Credit Platform.
    • Increased Borrowing Capacity & Optimized Debt Capital Structure: As a result of the recent refinancing of LRFC’s credit facility with KeyBank National Association (“KeyBank”), LRFC currently has additional available borrowing base that can be used for future deployment at the combined company. With LRFC’s refinanced credit facility with KeyBank and PTMN’s existing senior secured revolving credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association in place, the combined company is expected to be able to further optimize its debt capital structure based on differing eligibility requirements and advance rates.
    • Research Coverage: The increase in Portman Ridge’s market capitalization is expected to facilitate additional research coverage.

    Fixed Exchange Ratio

    In connection with the Proposed Merger, shareholders of LRFC will receive 1.50 newly issued shares of PTMN common stock in exchange for each share of common stock of LRFC (the “Fixed Exchange Ratio”). Based on the Fixed Exchange Ratio, using PTMN’s closing price of $16.68 per share on January 24, 2025 and excluding the impact of the Tax Distribution, the merger consideration values LRFC’s shares at $25.02 per share, which represents a 4% premium to LRFC’s January 24, 2025, closing price of $24.00 per share and a 17% premium to LRFC’s closing price of $21.43 per share on September 11, 2024 (which was the date immediately prior to the announcement of LRFC’s successful exit of its investment in Nth Degree Investment Group, LLC, an important catalyst for this transaction).

    In addition to approval by shareholders of both PTMN and LRFC, the closing of the Proposed Merger is subject to customary conditions. Further, the merger agreement provides each Special Committee a termination right that allows for either Special Committee to terminate the Proposed Merger if it has determined, reasonably and in good faith, as a result of events or other circumstances occurring or arising after the date of the signing of the Proposed Merger agreement that were not known to the applicable Board of Directors, that the interests of their respective shareholders would be diluted within the meaning of Rule 17a-8 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as a result of the Proposed Merger.

    The parties currently expect the Proposed Merger to be completed in the second calendar quarter of 2025.

    Additional Transaction Details

    In connection with and in support of the transaction, only if the Proposed Merger is consummated, PTMN’s external investment adviser, Sierra Crest, has agreed to waive up to $1.5 million of incentive fees over eight consecutive quarters following the closing of the Proposed Merger, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions set forth in the definitive documentation executed between Sierra Crest and PTMN (the “Incentive Fee Waiver”).

    Prior to the anticipated closing of the Proposed Merger, PTMN and LRFC intend to declare and pay ordinary course quarterly dividends.

    Subject to the approval of LRFC’s Board of Directors and contingent upon the satisfaction of the closing conditions to the Proposed Merger, LRFC will declare a dividend to LRFC’s shareholders in an amount totaling no less than $1.0 million, but otherwise equal to any undistributed 2024 NII of LRFC estimated to be remaining as of the closing of the Proposed Merger, which management of LRFC currently expects to be between approximately $1.0 million and $1.5 million (the “Tax Distribution”).

    Management Commentary

    Ted Goldthorpe, President and Chief Executive Officer of PTMN and LRFC and Head of the BC Partners Credit Platform, stated, “I am incredibly proud to announce the proposed combination of PTMN and LRFC. Based on the September 30, 2024 net assets value of each company and inclusive of an estimated Tax Distribution, LRFC shareholders will receive merger consideration equal to approximately 98% of its September 30, 2024 net asset value. This combination is the culmination of a journey we embarked upon over three and half years ago, when shareholders of Logan Ridge placed their trust and confidence in the management team and the BC Partners Credit Platform by appointing Mount Logan to serve as the investment adviser to Logan Ridge. During this time, we have transformed LRFC’s investment portfolio by substantially reducing the non-income producing legacy equity exposure, reducing non-accruals, significantly increasing the portfolio’s diversification and growing LRFC’s exposure to credits originated by the BC Partners Credit Platform. Importantly, by the time this transaction closes and barring any unexpected repayments, we expect that more than 70% of Logan Ridge’s portfolio at fair value to be in portfolio companies financed by the BC Partners Credit Platform. Further, we have materially lowered Logan Ridge’s cost of debt capital and lowered operating expenses. The collective result of these efforts has been the stable and growing operating earnings LRFC has generated over this time, which in turn has been used to reward shareholders with a stable and growing dividend. More importantly, LRFC’s management did all of this against the backdrop of particularly challenging and uncertain market conditions. The combination of these Companies is a marquee transaction for the platform and a significant milestone for the BC Partners Credit Platform. I couldn’t be more excited for the future of the combined company.

    We believe now is the right time to combine the Companies, as we can finally do so in a manner that is expected to be accretive to both sets of shareholders. The merger will significantly increase the size and scale of Portman Ridge, which we believe will translate into increased trading volume and improved secondary liquidity, lower operating expenses and potentially greater access to more diverse sources of financing at a lower cost.

    Looking ahead, we will continue to execute our strategy of targeting inorganic growth opportunities that we believe have the potential to be earnings accretive for shareholders of both PTMN and LRFC. I look forward to updating our shareholders on the work management will be doing on this front over the course of 2025.”

    Transaction Advisors

    Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, A Stifel Company, is serving as financial advisor to the Special Committee of PTMN in connection with the transaction. Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP is acting as the legal counsel to the Special Committee of PTMN.

    Houlihan Lokey is serving as financial advisor to the Special Committee of LRFC in connection with the transaction. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP is acting as the legal counsel to the Special Committee of LRFC.

    Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is serving as legal counsel to PTMN and LRFC with respect to the transaction. Dechert LLP serves as legal counsel to PTMN and LRFC.

    Conference Call Details

    PTMN and LRFC will host a joint conference call on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 4:00 PM ET to discuss the transaction. All interested persons are invited to attend the call and should dial (646) 307-1963 approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the conference call and use the conference ID 4584554. A live audio webcast of the conference call can be accessed via the Internet, on a listen-only basis on both Company’s websites, www.portmanridge.com, and www.loganridge.com, in the Investor Relations sections under Events and Presentations. The webcast can also be accessed by clicking the following link: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/sx9vwkih. The online archive of the webcast will be available on the Company’s websites shortly after the call.

    The Companies will be utilizing an investor presentation as an accompaniment to the live call, which will be available on LRFC’s website at www.loganridgefinance.com and PTMN’s website at www.portmanridge.com.

    About Logan Ridge Finance Corporation

    Logan Ridge Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: LRFC) is 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

    Portman Ridge Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: PTMN) is a publicly traded, externally managed investment company that has elected to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. Portman Ridge’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. Portman Ridge’s investment activities are managed by its investment adviser, Sierra Crest.
    Portman Ridge’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.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Some of the statements in this document 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 document 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 Joint Proxy Statement and Registration 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 document is not, and under no circumstances is it to be construed as, a prospectus or an advertisement and the communication of this document 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 document relates to the proposed merger and certain related matters (the “Proposals”). In connection with the Proposals, PTMN will file with the SEC and mail to its and LRFC’s respective shareholders a combined joint proxy statement for PTMN and LRFC and a prospectus of PTMN (the “Registration Statement”). The Registration Statement will 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, 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 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 29, 2024. 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 proxy statement for its 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 29, 2024. 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
    info@portmanridge.com

    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 –

  • MIL-OSI: Dave Cantin Group Signs PGA Tour Professional Quade Cummins as Its First Athlete Ambassador

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Dave Cantin Group (DCG), a leading advisor to retail automotive groups and their owners, today announced its partnership with PGA Tour professional Quade Cummins, marking the company’s first venture into athlete sponsorship. Cummins, born into the automotive industry as the son of a dealership family, embodies the drive, preparation and determination that DCG champions in its mission to serve its retail automotive clients.

    Quade is a native of Weatherford, Oklahoma, and the son of Chad and Stacy Cummins, owners of the Cummins Auto Group, a trio of domestic automotive dealerships in Oklahoma. Growing up, Quade spent his early years splitting time between the dealership and the golf course, but quickly realized he had a future in the sport his grandfather taught him. Quade attended the University of Oklahoma, where he was the first four-time All American in the program’s history.

    “Quade’s background makes him a perfect fit for Dave Cantin Group’s first athlete ambassador,” said Dave Cantin, President and CEO of Dave Cantin Group. “Quade’s journey from his family’s dealership to the PGA Tour reflects the same commitment and vision that we bring to our clients in the automotive industry. His story resonates deeply with us, and we are honored to support him on his journey as a Tour professional.”

    Quade transitions this year from the Korn Ferry Tour to the PGA Tour after finishing with enough points in 2024 to earn his Tour card. That achievement is a testament to his tenacity and determined pursuit of excellence, a quality mirrored in DCG’s approach to its M&A advisory services.

    “Being part of the DCG team is an incredible opportunity,” Cummins said. “The automotive industry has been a big part of my life, and it’s exciting to partner with a company that understands where I came from and shares my values. I’m looking forward to representing DCG on and off the course as I continue my PGA Tour journey.”

    “The entire automotive industry should be rooting for Quade and we’re just happy to help raise awareness of who he is, and how special his story is,” DCG Chief Business and Strategy Officer Brian Gordon said. “He is one of us and should feel his whole extended automotive family behind him on every shot.”

    About Dave Cantin Group

    The Dave Cantin Group is a leading automotive mergers and acquisitions advisory company specializing in acquisitions, divestitures, intelligence, and other advisory services. The company is the M&A services provider of choice for North America’s top automotive dealership groups, advising on approximately 40 transactions annually, DCG is differentiated by its advisory approach, long-term lens on client relationships, and commitment to market intelligence tools that inform DCG and client strategies. In 2023, DCG became the only retail automotive M&A company with a significant strategic investor, welcoming Kaltroco to the DCG family.

    Through its M&A intelligence division, DCG produces automotive content and delivers relevant, timely marketing intelligence, including the automotive industry Market Outlook Report (MOR). Together with CBT News, DCG produces the Inside M&A studio show and podcast to share stories, news and trends impacting the retail automotive industry. DCG’s proprietary AI-enabled software, Jump IQ, anchors its advisory services that support retail automotive dealers in developing informed M&A strategies and making smarter M&A decisions.

    The company’s nonprofit initiative, DCG Giving, funds child and adolescent cancer research and treatment in communities nationwide and other worthy charitable initiatives. DCG team members regularly feature on the industry speaking circuit and are regularly cited by top national and global news outlets. For more information, please visit davecantingroup.com.

    Media Contact:

    Katie Merx
    katiemerx@gmail.com
    313.510.5090

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/141f7b76-fb6a-4a10-bd7e-65c61fc77d53

    A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/23a49777-1b1a-44ac-9734-ae8529cfc450

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: New Report Finds that Work-From-Anywhere Employees Work Longer Hours

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SUNNYVALE, Calif., Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A new report from Cloudbrink, a leader in high-performance secure connectivity, reveals that work-from-anywhere (WFA) employees are starting earlier and logging off later than the typical eight-hour workday. In the report, “2025 Trends in Hybrid Work Report: The Facts Behind Balancing Security and Performance” usage data shows heavy transfer of data on Fridays, an indication that ‘work from anywhere’ employees actually put in longer hours than their ‘9 to 5’ counterparts — with heavy usage starting at 7:00 am and continuing to 7:00 pm. Despite employer fears about worker focus, the report concludes that employees are working quite a bit outside the office, but could be even more productive if technical challenges could be reduced. The report points to the impact on network performance by security measures such as VPNs and traditional ZTNA approaches as an issue impacting hybrid work.

    “Employers shouldn’t worry that remote workers are slacking off. It’s simply not true. Our data shows they actually work longer hours,” said Prakash Mana, CEO of Cloudbrink. “What’s really impacting productivity is when users waste hours trying to get work done because of network connectivity issues caused by VPNs and other outdated security. There’s no question security is a requirement, but it doesn’t have to slow down productivity outside the office.”

    Remote Work is Now Just Work  
    Cloudbrink analyzed its usage data pulled from thousands of users for more detail into how and when these workers are logging in when using Cloudbrink’s Personal SASE service. Perhaps not surprisingly, the heaviest work-from-anywhere day is Friday. In addition to weekdays, data transfer trends suggest many workers are also logging in on Saturdays and Sundays.

    According to a survey also commissioned for the report, more than half of all respondents say 40 percent or more of their employees work remotely at least one day each week. These workers need to securely connect to company resources yet often face a number of challenges in getting their work done. According to survey respondents, the number one challenge for remote workers is the inability to maintain a steady connection. This is followed by poor quality audio and video, hindering important conference calls that keep teams connected. Other top challenges include slow performance for file transfer, and the inability to access apps and systems. Each of these issues impacts more than 45 percent of remote workers according to the survey.

    Security vs Performance
    A primary cause of remote access challenges is the need to keep connections secure. Balancing security with access is a challenge for every employer with remote workers. Survey results say 70 percent of companies believe that their security negatively impacts performance and user experience. However, findings suggest professionals don’t understand the full impact or how to fix it.

    The hidden culprit: Packet Loss
    Diving more deeply into the issue, the report highlights one technical culprit of poor performance that is often overlooked: packet loss. Legacy and even some modern security approaches add latency which combined with packet loss can reduce a 100Mbps or 1Gbps connection to just a few Mbps. According to the report, “Adding just 0.5% packet loss on top of just 10 milliseconds of latency can cause throughput to plummet by 90%.” According to Cloudbrink, 60 percent of end users struggle with packet loss above 0.5 percent, enough to greatly exacerbate the impact of normal network latency.

    Mana added, “Unfortunately you can’t solve all connectivity issues with a bigger pipe. Frustrated workers paying for high-speed connections still experience maddening upload speeds that get slower instead of faster. Packet loss is the ten-ton gorilla hiding in the shadows, and it’s a more prevalent problem than most people think.”

    The Cloudbrink report is based on a combination of real usage data from millions of sessions a day from hybrid workers and a survey of 251 IT/network (57.8%) and cybersecurity (42.2%) professionals from a broad range of industry sectors. More than half of all participants in the survey work at companies with 5,000 employees or more. For more detail or to download a copy of the report go to: https://cloudbrink.com/trends-in-work-from-anywhere/

    About Cloudbrink
    Cloudbrink delivers a high-performance secure connectivity solution that significantly enhances productivity for the work-from-anywhere generation. The Personal SASE service offers up to a 30-fold increase in network performance and ensures a secure, seamless, in-office experience for employees, no matter where they are. With a focus on speed, simplicity, security, and savings, Cloudbrink streamlines management and support while providing edge-native zero-trust access for users and devices for simplified operations, reduced complexity, and fewer support calls. For more information go to www.cloudbrink.com.

    Media contact:
    Chris Fucanan
    AquaLab PR for Cloudbrink
    chris@aqualabpr.com
    916-345-3475

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Gabelli Funds to Host Pump, Valve & Water Systems Symposium at the Harvard Club, New York City

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GREENWICH, Conn., Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gabelli Funds is hosting its 35th annual Pump, Valve & Water Systems Symposium at the Harvard Club in New York City on Thursday, February 27, 2025. The symposium focuses on themes crucial to this industry, including infrastructure spending, resource security, conservation, and mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in one-on-one sessions with management, providing an opportunity to delve into the strategies and growth prospects of these companies.

    This symposium underscores the pivotal role of the pump, valve, and water systems industry in addressing global challenges. It highlights the sector’s significance in infrastructure development, resource management, and environmental sustainability. With a focus on key themes and direct interactions with management, the event aims to offer investors valuable insights into industry trends and potential investment opportunities within this dynamic and vital sector.

    Registration Link: CLICK HERE
    The Harvard Club, New York, NY
    Thursday, February 27th, 2025

    Company presentations, fireside chats, panel discussions, and one-on-one meetings

    Gabelli Funds 35th Annual Pump, Valve & Water Systems Symposium
    Thursday, February 27
    The Harvard Club, New York City
    8:20 AM Gabelli Team Intro
    8:30 Graco Inc. (NYSE: GGG)
    David Lowe, CFO & Treasurer; John Bower, Director of Investor Relations, Finance & FP&A
    9:00 Watts Water Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: WTS)*
    Robert Pagano, Chairperson, President & CEO
    9:30 Enerpac Tool Group Corp. (NYSE: EPAC)
    Paul Sternlieb, President & CEO; Darren Kozik, Executive VP & CFO
    10:00 ITT Inc. (NYSE: ITT)
    Emmanuel Caprais, Senior VP & CFO; Mark Macaluso, Vice President of Investor Relations & Global Communications
    10:30 Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (NASDAQ: FELE)
    Jeffery Taylor, Vice President & CFO
    11:00 Landis+Gyr Group AG (XSWX: LAND)*
    Peter Mainz, CEO
    11:30 Flowserve Corporation (NYSE: FLS)
    Amy Schwetz, Senior VP & CFO; Brian Ezzell, Vice President, Treasurer, Investor Relations & Corporate Finance
    12:00 PM Lunch
    12:15 EnPro Inc. (NYSE: NPO)*
    Eric Vaillancourt, President & CEO; Joe Bruderek, Executive VP & CFO; James Gentile, Vice President, Investor Relations
    12:45 Mueller Water Products Inc. (NYSE: MWA)
    Paul McAndrew, President & COO; Whit Kincaid, Vice President, Investor Relations & Communications
    1:15 Graham Corporation (NYSE: GHM)
    Dan Thoren, President & CEO; Christopher Thome, VP Finance, CFO & CAO; Matt Malone, Vice President & GM Barber-Nichols for Graham Corporation
    1:45 AMETEK, Inc. (NYSE: AME)*
    Kevin Coleman, Vice President, Investor Relations & Treasurer
    2:15 The Gorman-Rupp Company (NYSE: GRC)
    Scott A. King, President & CEO; James C. Kerr, Executive VP & CFO
    2:45 Badger Meter, Inc. (NYSE: BMI)*
    Bob Wrocklage, Senior VP & CFO; Karen Bauer, Vice President, Investor Relations, Strategy & Treasurer; Barb Noverini, Senior Director, Investor Relations
    3:15 Crane Company (NYSE: CR)
    Alex Alcala, COO; Shangaza Dasent, Senior VP, Process Flow Technologies; Allison Poliniak-Cusic, Vice President, Investor Relations
    3:45 Gibraltar Industries (NASDAQ: ROCK)*
    William Bosway, CEO; Joseph Lovechio, CFO

    *Indicates Virtual Attendance

    Gabelli Funds, LLC is a registered investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is a wholly owned subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc. (OTCQX: GAMI).

    Contact
    General Inquiries

    Isabella DeLuca
    Client Relations
    P: 914-921-5101
    E : ideluca@gabelli.com

    Portfolio Management / Research Team

    Kevin Dreyer
    Co-CIO, Value
    P: 914-921-7791
    E: kdreyer@gabelli.com

    Tony Bancroft
    Portfolio Manager
    P: 914-921-5083
    E: tbancroft@gabelli.com

    Justin Bergner
    Portfolio Manager
    P: 914-921-8326
    E: jbergner@gabelli.com

    Sarah Donnelly
    Portfolio Manager
    P: 914-921-5197
    E: sdonnelly@gabelli.com

    Simon Wong, CFA
    Portfolio Manager
    P: 914-921-5125
    E: swong@gabelli.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Element Launches Risk Solutions Offering with Insurance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Element Risk Solutions, which will be available in the United States and Canada, combines insurance coverage placement with industry-leading claims management and advisory services.

    TORONTO, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Element Fleet Management Corp. (TSX:EFN) (“Element” or the “Company”), the largest publicly traded, pure-play automotive fleet manager in the world, today announces the launch of Element Risk Solutions – a fully integrated risk management offering. This new service, which Element is launching in a strategic partnership with Hub International Limited (“HUB”), a leading global insurance brokerage and financial services firm servicing commercial fleets, is designed to transform how clients insure and manage commercial fleets. This new service bundles insurance coverage solutions, including accident management, subrogation, driver safety programs, and telematics, to deliver a seamless, vehicle life-cycle experience for clients.

    “Commercial auto insurance market placement has been a persistent challenge for our clients in North America for over 15 years,” shares Angelique Magi, Head of Insurance at Element. “In 2024 alone, commercial auto rates in North America have surged to an on average increase of 20 per cent. This has left our clients with a lack of certainty on securing coverage or increased premiums, impacting their projected cash flow and balance sheet. Element Risk Solutions simplifies the process by providing an automated end-to-end solution that saves time, reduces complexity, and leverages Element’s data capabilities.”

    Leveraging a simplified transaction process, clients can access customized insurance products powered by HUB Drive Online, based on their specific needs and vehicle. This new service offering will be available in Q1 of 2025.

    “HUB is excited to partner with Element to provide their clients with an all-in-one digital resource that streamlines the process of securing insurance and better managing the costs for doing business,” said Lisa Paul of HUB Transportation Specialty.

    “As a purpose-driven organization committed to Move the World Through Intelligent Mobility, we’re always looking for ways to create lasting value for our clients,” says David Madrigal, Element’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. “Element Risk Solutions’ partnership with HUB is a client-focused solution that takes the friction out of insurance placement and reduces fleet risks to help our clients manage their Total Cost of Risk and ensure they can focus on growing their businesses.”

    About Element Fleet Management

    Element Fleet Management (TSX: EFN) is the largest publicly traded pure-play automotive fleet manager in the world. As a Purpose-driven company, we provide a full range of sustainable and intelligent mobility solutions to optimize and enhance fleet performance for our clients across North America, Australia, and New Zealand. Our services address every aspect of our clients’ fleet requirements, from vehicle acquisition, maintenance, route optimization, risk management, and remarketing, to advising on decarbonization efforts, integration of electric vehicles and managing the complexity of gradual fleet electrification. Clients benefit from Element’s expertise as one of the largest fleet solutions providers in its markets, offering economies of scale and insight used to reduce operating costs and enhance efficiency and performance. At Element, we maximize our clients’ fleet so they can focus on growing their business. For more information, please visit: https://www.elementfleet.com/insurance

    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information regarding Element, its business and the fleet industry, which are based upon Element’s current expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and beliefs. In some cases, words such as “plan”, “expect”, “intend”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “may”, “could”, “predict”, “project”, “model”, “forecast”, “will”, “potential”, “target,” “by”, “proposed” and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” occur are intended to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements and information in this news release may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to, among other things, the Company’s expectations regarding new product offerings, including the benefits of the products, client demand and profitability, the Company’s ability to execute on its product plans, and the Company’s expectations regarding the risk and insurance industries. By their nature, these statements require us to make assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific, which give rise to the possibility that our predictions, forecasts, projections, expectations or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that our assumptions may not be correct. External factors outside of Element’s reasonable control may impact our ability to achieve our goals and expectations, including industry dynamics, legislation and regulatory actions, the failure of third parties to comply with their obligations to us and our affiliates or associates, client decisions and preferences. These and other factors may cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements and may require Element to adjust its initiatives and activities. The forward-looking statements in this news release speak only as of the date hereof and are presented for the purpose of assisting our stakeholders and others in understanding our objectives and strategic priorities and may not be appropriate for other purposes. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement except as required by law. In addition, a discussion of some of the material risks affecting Element and its business appears under the heading “Risk Management & Risk Factors” in Element’s Management Discussion and Analysis for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2023 and the three and nine-month period ended September 30, 2024, and under the heading “Risk Factors” in Element’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2023, as well as Element’s other filings with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities, which have been filed on SEDAR+ and can be accessed on Element’s profile on www.sedarplus.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CIRA unveils new Internet Performance Test to help Canadians better understand broadband speeds

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OTTAWA, Ontario, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, CIRA is proud to unveil a completely redesigned version of its popular Internet Performance Test (IPT) as part of its Net Good program. First launched in 2015, CIRA’s Internet Performance Test enables Canadians to test their mobile and home broadband performance across dozens of data points while gathering comprehensive and accurate data on broadband coverage and quality nationwide. The latest version of IPT provides users with an enhanced test-results dashboard, to ensure users understand critical aspects of their internet performance including how their connection supports common online activities like streaming services or video calls.

    While Canada has made great strides to bridge the digital divide in the past few years, there is still work to be done to ensure the speeds that are being promised are actually attained. The new IPT will allow Canadians to verify whether they are receiving the speeds and quality of service advertised. CIRA will then leverage Canadians’ anonymous broadband data and real-world daily experience to help municipalities, local and federal governments and consumers create a heat map of where connectivity upgrades are most urgently needed.

    Key features

    • The new user interface guides participants intuitively through the testing process, improving accessibility for users of all technical backgrounds.
    • Enhanced user interface makes running a test faster and easier on smartphones, tablets and desktops.
    • Through a new, interactive dashboard, users can now explore trends and performance data from previous tests, gaining a deeper understanding of internet performance changes. These insights empower individuals, researchers and policymakers to track progress and identify gaps.
    • More accurate user location estimation improves the quality of location-specific internet performance data, which is vital in analyzing broadband access across regions or within a community or neighbourhood.

    Executive quote

    “With this upgrade, CIRA is taking a significant step forward in our mission to empower Canadians with insights into their internet connectivity. We encourage everyone to use the new Internet Performance Test regularly to understand their speeds under real-world conditions and contribute to the heat map of Canada’s connectivity so we can work together to build a stronger, reliable internet across the country.”

    — Charles Noir, vice-president, Community Investment, Policy and Advocacy

    Resource

    About CIRA 

    CIRA is the national not-for-profit best known for managing the .CA domain on behalf of all Canadians. As a leader in Canada’s internet ecosystem, CIRA offers a wide range of products, programs and services designed to make the internet a secure and accessible space for all. CIRA advocates for Canada on both national and international stages to support its goal of building a trusted internet for Canadians by helping shape the future of the internet.

    Media contact
    Delphine Avomo Evouna
    613.315.1458
    delphine.avomoevouna@cira.ca

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4970dd9d-e2c1-4bbb-af1b-631cad2352a1

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Enphase Energy Expands in Southeast Asia with Market Entry in Vietnam and Malaysia

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FREMONT, Calif., Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enphase Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: ENPH), a global energy technology company and the world’s leading supplier of microinverter-based solar and battery systems, today announced that it is expanding in Southeast Asia by entering the solar markets in Vietnam and Malaysia. Enphase is now shipping IQ8P™ Microinverters, with peak output AC power of 480 W, for residential and commercial applications in Vietnam and Malaysia to support newer high-powered solar modules. Enphase announced first shipments of IQ8P Microinverters in Thailand and the Philippines last year.

    IQ8™ Microinverters are designed to maximize energy production and can manage a continuous DC current of 14 amperes, supporting higher-powered solar modules through increased energy harvesting. The IQ8P Microinverters are the most powerful microinverters available to date from Enphase. The product features a peak output power of 480 W and is built to seamlessly pair with a full range of solar modules up to 640 W DC. All IQ8P Microinverters activated in Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines come with an industry-leading 25-year limited warranty.

    “The Vietnamese solar market is poised for explosive growth thanks to the new Decree 135/2024/ND-CP on October 22, 2024,” said Phan Ngoc Anh, CEO of Alena Energy, a distributor of Enphase products in Vietnam. “This will be a major boost to the government’s ambitious 2050 net-zero carbon goal. Enphase IQ8P Microinverters are a game-changer, delivering unparalleled performance and safety – perfect for our solar installations.”

    “In Malaysia, the demand for energy savings and reliable, clean power solutions is driving solar adoption,” said Bernard Fok, general manager of MYSOLARPOWER SDN BHD, a distributor of Enphase products in Malaysia. “As the global leader in microinverter technology, Enphase offers the IQ8P Microinverters, which provide an ideal blend of efficiency and reliability. This empowers our customers to enjoy consistent energy production while reducing both their carbon footprint and utility costs.”

    The Enphase IQ8P Microinverter is built to use low-voltage alternating current (AC) power instead of high-voltage direct current (DC) power used by central (“string”) inverter-based solar systems. Additionally, Enphase IQ® Microinverters include built-in rapid shutdown to help keep first responders and utility workers safe. In an emergency, solar power can be turned off instantly and easily.

    “At KG Solar, we prioritize safety and reliability in every project, whether it’s a simple installation or a sensitive site like a gas station,” said Gunn Teeraniti, engineering director of KG Solar, an Enphase installer in Thailand. “That’s why we choose Enphase. The Enphase IQ8P Microinverters, backed by their impressive 25-year warranty, provide unmatched peace of mind for us and our customers. Their advanced safety features and consistent energy savings make them the ideal choice for all types of installations, from straightforward setups to the most demanding environments.”

    “As homeowners, our homes are likely to be one of the most expensive investments we’ll ever make in our entire lives,” said Hsin Yao Cheng, CEO at Helios, an installer of Enphase products in the Philippines. “We care a lot about our homes and the loved ones we nurture in them. Therefore, it’s a no brainer to put in the absolute safest and highest quality equipment to protect your investment and your family. Enphase IQ8P Microinverters stand out for their safety, durability, and exceptional performance. The 25-year limited warranty reassures us of their long-term reliability, while the system’s efficiency helps our clients achieve significant energy savings.”

    “At Enphase, our focus remains on expanding access to leading-edge, reliable energy technology across Southeast Asia,” said Ken Fong, senior vice president and general manager of the Americas and APAC at Enphase Energy. “We deeply value our partnerships with regional solar installers and are committed to supporting their work as we drive the adoption of resilient, renewable energy solutions.” 

    For more information about IQ8P Microinverters, please visit the Enphase websites for Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines.

    About Enphase Energy, Inc.

    Enphase Energy, a global energy technology company based in Fremont, CA, is the world’s leading supplier of microinverter-based solar and battery systems that enable people to harness the sun to make, use, save, and sell their own power—and control it all with a smart mobile app. The company revolutionized the solar industry with its microinverter-based technology and builds all-in-one solar, battery, and software solutions. Enphase has shipped approximately 78.0 million microinverters, and over 4.5 million Enphase-based systems have been deployed in more than 160 countries. For more information, visit https://enphase.com/.

    ©2025 Enphase Energy, Inc. All rights reserved. Enphase Energy, Enphase, the “e” logo, IQ, and certain other marks listed at https://enphase.com/trademark-usage-guidelines are trademarks or service marks of Enphase Energy, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Other names are for informational purposes and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release may contain forward-looking statements, including statements related to the expected capabilities and performance of Enphase Energy’s technology and products, including safety, quality, and reliability; and the availability and market adoption of Enphase’s products in Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. These forward-looking statements are based on Enphase Energy’s current expectations and inherently involve significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements as a result of such risks and uncertainties including those risks described in more detail in Enphase Energy’s most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Annual Report on Form 10-K, and other documents filed by Enphase Energy from time to time with the SEC. Enphase Energy undertakes no duty or obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information, future events or changes in its expectations, except as required by law.

    Contact:

    Enphase Energy

    press@enphaseenergy.com

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Dotz Nano to Present at the Small Cap Growth Virtual Investor Conference February 6th

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SYDNEY, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dotz Nano Limited (ASX: DTZ, OTC: DTZZF/DTZNY, “Dotz” or “Company”), a leading developer of innovative climate and industrial nanotechnologies, today announced that Sharon Malka, CEO, will present live at the Small Cap Growth Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on February 6th, 2025.

    DATE: February 6th   
    TIME: 10:30 a.m. ET
    LINK: https://bit.ly/4gkzOdq 
    Available for 1×1 meetings: Monday, February 10th, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. ET

    This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

    It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.

    Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.

    Recent Company Highlights

    • Received the first commercial order for the Company’s proprietary in-product tagging solution, DotzShield, from a leading provider of energy solutions to the Oil & Gas industries worldwide;
    • Dotz’s newly developed modified sorbent demonstrates high adsorption capacity and low energy usage for Direct Air Capture (DAC);
    • Successful lab-scale pilot demonstration of DotzEarth CO2 capture technology, showing the sorbents’ high adsorption capacity, selectivity, and robustness;
    • Signed a strategic collaboration agreement with Bar-Ilan University to pilot an innovative electrochemical DAC technology;
    • U.S. institutional shareholder invests a further A$2.0 million to support the development of the DotzEarth carbon capture technology.

    About Dotz Nano Limited

    Dotz Nano Limited (ASX: DTZ, OTC: DTZZF/DTZNY) is a technology company developing innovative climate and industrial nano-technologies. The Company’s primary focus is centered on ground-breaking carbon dioxide (CO2) management technologies, leading towards a carbon-neutral future. The Company’s proprietary carbon-based solid sorbents offer an efficient and sustainable approach to facilitate industrial deep decarbonization.

    To learn more about Dotz, please visit the website via the following link www.dotz.tech

    About Virtual Investor Conferences®

    Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

    Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

    CONTACTS:

    Investor & Media Enquiries
    John Hurst
    E: info@dotz.tech
    P: +61 (0)418 798 663
    		 US IR
    Robert Meyers
    E: bob@fnkir.com
    P: +1-646-878-9204
       
    Virtual Investor Conferences
    John M. Viglotti
    SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
    OTC Markets Group
    (212) 220-2221
    johnv@otcmarkets.com 
    		  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Oxyle raises $16m to lead the fight against the “forever chemicals” contaminating our water

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Zurich, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — When Fajer Mushtaq turned on the tap as a child in Delhi, one question always loomed: was the water safe? Today, that same question haunts communities worldwide as PFAS — toxic “forever chemicals” used in everything from non-stick pans to firefighting foam — contaminate water supplies at an alarming rate. Today, Swiss startup Oxyle announced a $16m funding round to scale its breakthrough solution to destroy, not just relocate, PFAS from wastewater. This builds on its $3M pre-seed round in 2022, growing support for its mission. 

    The seed round was led by 360 Capital, with participation from Axeleo Capital and returning investors Founderful and SOSV. 

    Oxyle founders: Dr. Silvan Staufert and Dr. Fajer Musthaq (CREDIT: Daniel Kunz, daniekunzphoto, Adliswil, Switzerland)

    Industries have long struggled with PFAS treatment. Current methods like filtration and adsorption merely move PFAS from water to other waste streams, requiring expensive incineration or landfilling that risks these chemicals leaching back into the environment through air or soil – creating an endless cycle of contamination. While some technologies can destroy PFAS, their massive energy requirements make them financially impractical for most organizations to implement at scale.

    Oxyle’s breakthrough technology represents the world’s first economical and permanent solution to PFAS contamination. Unlike traditional methods that merely filter or concentrate these chemicals, Oxyle’s system destroys PFAS molecules, achieving over 99% elimination rates while consuming at least 15 times less energy than alternative destruction methods. The system’s three-stage process combines foam fractionation, catalytic destruction, and real-time monitoring powered by machine learning – all housed in a modular system that eliminates the need for secondary waste disposal through incineration or landfilling. Whereas traditional solutions require weeks-long lab analysis, Oxyle’s proprietary monitoring system provides instant feedback and continuous treatment optimization.

    Oxyle pilot unit on a customer site (CREDIT: Oxyle). 

    “Five years ago, Oxyle was two of us founders and one big idea: get rid of forever chemicals from our water. Today, that idea is proven, implemented, and ready to scale. This funding is a game-changer. It gives us what we need to take our technology to the industries and communities that need it most. To our investors, old and new, thank you for joining us on this mission to make clean water a reality for all.” commented Dr. Fajer Mushtaq, CEO & Co-Founder, Oxyle.

    The company was co-founded by Fajer Mushtaq and Silvan Staufert at ETH Zurich, where Mushtaq earned her PhD in Micro- and Nanosystems focused on water remediation – inspired by her experiences with water scarcity in Delhi – while Staufert completed his PhD in Mechanical and Process Engineering. Understanding that water treatment innovations couldn’t come soon enough, they developed a technology to degrade Forever Chemicals in minutes. They knew their breakthrough could change the world, but only if it moved from lab to reality.

    Oxyle Team (CREDIT Daniel Kunz, daniekunzphoto, Adliswil, Switzerland).

    In just four years, the duo have transformed Oxyle from innovation to implementation. The company has grown to a team of 26, completed over 20 customer projects, and secured prestigious recognition including the Swiss Technology Award, SEIF, and WEF’s Uplink Top Innovators. This round brings Oxyle’s total funding to $26m, including additional non-dilutive funding from grants and awards. With revenue-generating customer pilots under its belt and its first commercial installation operational, Oxyle is now securing multiple-year treatment contracts for 2025 and beyond.

    The technology’s effectiveness has been proven across multiple applications. In groundwater treatment, it reduces PFAS concentrations from 8,700 ng/l to below 14 ng/l. For soil wash water, it achieves 99.8% removal of 11 different PFAS species. It eliminated 98% of short-chain PFAS and reduced trifluoracetic acid (TFA) concentrations by 96% in trials with an industrial customer. Most significantly, in November 2024, Oxyle deployed its first full-scale system in Switzerland, treating 10 cubic meters of contaminated groundwater per hour at less than 1 kWh/m³.

    “We are proud to lead the investment in Oxyle, whose pioneering technology addresses the massive global challenge of PFAS pollution,” says Thomas Nivard, Partner at 360 Capital. “Unlike traditional methods that merely contain these harmful chemicals, Oxyle’s solution destroys them permanently, setting a new standard for tackling this urgent environmental crisis. This is a game changer. The team’s exceptional commercial and technical momentum has laid a strong foundation for establishing a true technology leader in the coming years.”

    The timing for Oxyle’s solution is critical. Rising waves of PFAS-related lawsuits and multi-billion-dollar settlements in the U.S. are pushing companies to adopt preventative solutions. Stricter regulations in both the EU and U.S. are increasing demand for advanced treatment technologies that can ensure compliance and minimize liability. New data from the Forever Lobbying Project shows the cost of inaction is staggering—cleaning up Europe’s soil and water from PFAS contamination could cost €100 billion per year, totaling €2 trillion over the next 20 years.

    Looking ahead, Oxyle aims to treat 100 million cubic meters of contaminated water in the next five years. The company plans to expand its solution across industries, from chemical and consumer goods manufacturing to semiconductor production and municipal water treatment – ultimately restoring and protecting our waters from Forever Chemicals, down to the very last drop.

    Ends 

    Notes to the editor
    Media images can be found here.

    About Oxyle
    Oxyle is the world’s first economical, sustainable, and permanent answer to PFAS contamination. Our breakthrough PFAS catalytic destruction technology empowers industrial and environmental remediation companies in their fight against PFAS. We don’t just filter or adsorb PFAS, we eliminate it entirely to below detection limits. With 15x lower average energy consumption than other destructive treatments, it is the most energy efficient, cost effective treatment on the market. Established in 2020, we’re on a mission to protect our water from PFAS – down to the last drop.

    About 360 Capital
    360 Capital is a leading European venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments across Deep Tech, Climate Tech, and Digital-First solutions. Since 1997, it has partnered with visionary entrepreneurs across Europe, supporting over 160 startups. With €500 million in assets under management, a portfolio of more than 60 active companies, and offices in Paris and Milan, 360 Capital is a prominent force in Europe’s venture ecosystem

    Founderful
    Founderful is Switzerland’s leading pre-seed fund, backing founder teams building tech companies with the potential to become global market leaders. Founderful has a track record of supporting exceptional founders in creating breakthrough companies and has the passionate conviction that the Swiss startup ecosystem is just starting to write its best success stories.

    SOSV
    SOSV is a multi-stage, deep tech venture investor committed  to “human and planetary health,” and invests beginning at a startup’s inception, the “First Check in Deep Tech®.”  Headquartered in Princeton, NJ, SOSV operates the deeply resourced startup development programs in New York City and San Francisco (IndieBio) and Newark, NJ (HAX) equipped with labs for bio-safety, chem, food, EE, analytics and mechatronics.  The SOSV ecosystem spans the globe, with 800+ startups operating in 40 countries.

    Axeleo Capital 
    Axeleo Capital (AXC) is an Emerging independent early-stage VC, trusted and backed by seasoned entrepreneurs and industry experts across Europe, focusing on B2B software and Greentech startups. With €300 million in assets under management, 4 successful fund raises so far and 13 employees, the firm has made over 70 investments across the EU, and has achieved 18 successful exits within the past 36 months. AXC provides a unique framework for European early-stage startups. It offers a comprehensive range of support, including equity investments from seed to Series B stages, operational guidance and strategic assistance. The firm boasts an active ecosystem of more than 150 high-level partners, sector experts and mentors who have been instrumental in numerous success stories across Europe and the US. Axeleo Greentech Industry I aims to foster green innovation and sustainable development in Europe, with a focus on energy, chemicals, agriculture, and mobility sectors

    The MIL Network –