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Category: Finance

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact check: Claims swirling on California gas prices

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jun 25, 2025

    What you need to know: There are many disingenuous claims swirling about California gas prices “set to soar” – the truth is that gas prices won’t come anywhere close to increasing by 65 cents, as many would have you believe.  

    SACRAMENTO – California gas prices are 20 cents lower than one month ago and 17 cents lower than one year ago – despite a swirl of misinformation drawing attention to current prices.

    According to a 2024 report, thanks to major improvements in fuel efficiency, California drivers rank 45th in the nation for gasoline consumption and 21st in spending on gasoline per capita. Trump’s tariffs and policies impacting the price of crude oil stand to swing gas prices far more than any state policy. 

    Driven by misinformation pushed by Republican lawmakers and the oil industry, there remains a lot of speculation about California gas prices. Here are the facts.

    CLAIM: California gas prices will go up by 65 cents or higher on July 1. 

    FALSE. There are two separate changes to fuel prices expected on or around July 1 – a legislatively mandated and voter-approved gas tax increase of 1.6 cents and updated fuel standards that could, according to experts, translate to 5 to 8 cents. 

    • Gas tax: California’s gasoline tax will increase by 1.6 cents per gallon, starting July 1, as required by law. This annual inflation increase was enacted by the Legislature in 2017 to help pay for road repairs – and overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2018 when they rejected a repeal attempt. 
    • Fuel standard: Additionally, changes to the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) – which is not a tax – have been requested to go into effect on July 1. Experts at UC Davis estimate this program, first established by Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, could add between 5 and 8 cents per gallon – well below one extreme projection that showed 65 cents. In the long term, LCFS is estimated to reduce fuel costs for Californians per mile by 42% – translating to savings of over $20 billion in gasoline costs every year by 2045. Studies also show that LCFS credit prices have no correlation with gasoline prices.

    CLAIM: Gas prices could top $8 a gallon by next year.  

    FALSE. That number – widely reported in the media – comes from an unscientific analysis whose author has close ties with the oil industry and has been on the payroll of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The author fails to provide evidence to support his main claim and only relies on vague references to models with no details on what those models are based on. Other experts, such as these Stanford economists, say gas price increases based on recent refinery announcements are likely to be negligible. 

    Correcting the record

    Republican lawmakers in Congress recently echoed false claims about California gas prices in a letter. Here’s what they got wrong. (View full-size here.)

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    Jun 25, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom announced $135 million is available for wildfire prevention grants – protecting communities from catastrophic wildfire at the same time as President Trump adds new strain to firefighting resources. SACRAMENTO – As President…

    Jun 25, 2025

    News What you need to know: As part of California Jobs First, the state is awarding $15 million through the Regional Investment Initiative to support California Native American tribal partners in creating jobs and developing high-paying and fulfilling careers….

    Jun 25, 2025

    News What you need to know: The First Partner launched her annual Book Club today, which features great kids’ reads curated by librarians across California, as well as investments to support library community programming. SACRAMENTO – California First Partner Jennifer…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Dime Sponsors 10th New York City Small Business Challenge

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HAUPPAUGE, N.Y., June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company” or “Dime”) (NASDAQ: DCOM), the parent company of Dime Community Bank (the “Bank”), announced that the Bank, in partnership with 1010 WINS, hosted the Dime Community Bank $10K Small Business Challenge in Manhattan for the 10th consecutive year. This year’s challenge saw a record number of applicants from across New York City competing for a $10,000 grant to support their new business growth.

    ABOUT DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC.

    Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. is the holding company for Dime Community Bank, a New York State-chartered trust company with over $14 billion in assets and the number one deposit market share among community banks on Greater Long Island (1).

    Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.
    Investor Relations Contact:
    Avinash Reddy
    Senior Executive Vice President – Chief Financial Officer
    Phone: 718-782-6200; Ext. 5909
    Email: avinash.reddy@dime.com

    ¹ Aggregate deposit market share for Kings, Queens, Nassau & Suffolk counties for community banks with less than $20 billion in assets.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
    Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AG Brown applauds court order against the Trump administration for blocking funds for electric vehicle chargers

    Source: Washington State News

    SEATTLE — Attorney General Nick Brown and 13 other attorneys general have won a court order blocking the Trump administration’s attempt to withhold about $1 billion in funding for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure directed by Congress to the plaintiff states.

    U.S. District Court Judge Tana Lin said the Trump administration must restore the states’ Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plans to their previous legal status and stop withholding previously authorized National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funds. She stayed the order for seven days, saying it would go into effect on July 2 if the defendants do not file an appeal.

    “Congress invested in forward-looking, clean electric vehicle infrastructure – exactly the future that Washington wants,” Brown said. “The court has now confirmed that Donald Trump can’t just wish that future away because he likes fossil fuels.”

    Lin opened her order by quoting a 1995 episode of The Simpsons, in which “Homer must cut short a tearful goodbye with his long-lost mother after her traveling companions protest that their `electric van only has 20 minutes of juice left!’” That episode foretold the “range anxiety” many drivers of electric vehicles feel when trying to figure out where to charge their cars.

    In the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), Congress appropriated $5 billion for the NEVI Formula Program to fund states’ nationwide deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure to improve reliability for the public. The plaintiff states moved forward with developing plans to identify sites, solicit bids, and begin building EV charging stations.

    On Jan. 20, President Trump mandated federal agencies pause disbursement of all funds appropriated under the IIJA and the Inflation Reduction Act, including NEVI program funding. Despite being mandated by Congress to fund the NEVI program, the Federal Highway Administration notified states in February the agency was unlawfully revoking previous state plan approvals and withholding NEVI program funds from the states.

    On May 7, Brown and a coalition of attorneys general from 15 other states and the District of Columbia sued the Trump administration for illegally withholding NEVI funding, arguing the administration engaged in overreach and violated the Constitution, which grants the power of the purse to Congress. Brown co-led the lawsuit along with attorneys general from California and Colorado.

    Lin, of the Western District of Washington, said that even beyond the matter of EV charging stations, the case centers on the “bedrock doctrines of separation of powers and agency accountability, as enshrined in Constitution and statute.”

    “When the Executive Branch treads upon the will of the Legislative Branch, and when an administrative agency acts contrary to law, it is the Court’s responsibility to remediate the situation and restore the balance of power,” she wrote.

    Lin granted the preliminary injunction to the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wisconsin.

    Lin said she excluded the District of Columbia, Minnesota, and Vermont from her preliminary injunction because they did not submit declarations that attested to the Federal Highway Administration’s approval and re-approval of their state deployment plans.

    A copy of Lin’s order can be found here.

    -30-

     

    Washington’s Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state’s largest law firm, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington’s 39 counties.

    Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

    Media Contact:

    Email: press@atg.wa.gov

    Phone: (360) 753-2727

    General contacts: Click here

    Media Resource Guide & Attorney General’s Office FAQ

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: News release: CanREA Summit examines renewables investment in Canada’s current financial landscape

    Source: – Press Release/Statement:

    Headline: News release: CanREA Summit examines renewables investment in Canada’s current financial landscape

    At Clean Power Finance Canada—CanREA Summit 2025, finance and energy industry experts highlighted massive opportunities for investors, developers and policymakers to build a clean, affordable and resilient energy future for all Canadians.

    Toronto, June 25, 2025— More than 200 people attended the second edition of Clean Power Finance Canada—CanREA Summit, a full-day conference presented by CIBC and held at CIBC Square in downtown Toronto today.

    This annual event brings together clean energy companies and investment experts to discuss the particularities of investing in renewable energy and energy storage projects, aiming to understand the current financial landscape of Canada’s clean-energy industry, which stands ready to build modular, scalable, clean energy projects at pace to serve Canadian industries, businesses and homes.

    “Clean electricity is a strategic Canadian advantage, and Canada is open for business: CanREA is currently tracking more than 18 GW of new clean energy projects, representing more than $34 billion in investment, and there continues to be massive opportunities for investors, developers and policymakers to collaborate in building a cleaner energy future for Canadians,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO.

    “As global electricity demand continues to rise, we must accelerate the planning and execution of clean energy projects to ensure affordable, reliable and sustainable power for our industries, businesses and households.”

    Many leading Canadian finance and energy experts highlighted the critical role of strategic investments and policy support in accelerating Canada’s clean energy transition in the current geopolitical landscape.

    “As markets across Canada continue to seek new energy sources, the clean electricity sector has a unique opportunity to satisfy some of those needs and CIBC is ready to support our clients’ ambitions in the sector,” said James Brooks, Managing Director & Co-Head, Energy, Infrastructure & Transition, Global Investment Banking, CIBC.

    Roman Dubczak (Deputy Chair at CIBC Capital Markets), delivered the Summit’s opening remarks, alongside CanREA’s Bellissimo, followed by a keynote address from Sashen Guneratna (Managing Director, Investments, at Canada Infrastructure Bank).

    In the opening plenary, “Global trends, local impacts: How will international trade and energy policies affect Canada’s clean energy markets,” moderator Michelle Chislett (Executive VP at Northland Power) and panelists James Brooks (Managing Director and Co-Head of Energy, Infrastructure and Investment Banking at CIBC), Elizabeth Kaiga (CCO of Energy Systems, North America at DNV) and Ryan Lax (Counsel, Torys LLP) provided informed answers to urgent questions about the current global trade and energy landscape and how to navigate these turbulent times.

    Other highlights included:

    In “Cutting edge: Financing emerging clean power technologies,” panelists delved into the innovative tech poised to burst onto the clean-power scene—and the supply chains required to service them.

    In “Indigenous equity financing: Funding opportunities for clean energy partnerships,” speakers identified well-known obstacles and various financing and investment solutions for Indigenous communities seeking equity partnerships.

    In “Mapping the political landscape: Policy insights for Canada’s clean power industry,” speakers discussed Canada’s current energy and electricity policies as the cornerstone of our economic growth and national sovereignty.

    In “Canada’s Renewable Energy Market Outlook 2025,” representatives of CanREA and Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors offered a preview of their upcoming report, launching in September 2025, which will present a comprehensive forecast and analysis of the future costs and market outlook for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage technologies across Canada.

    At the annual “CanREA Connects Ontario” networking reception, nearly 300 industry professionals capped off the Summit with drinks, laughs and discussions about the day’s topics.

    “This year’s Clean Power Finance Canada—CanREA Summit investigated the financial mechanisms driving Canada’s clean energy future and examined how we can ensure the investment needed to accelerate the deployment of all the affordable clean power we will need in the coming years,” said Wesley Johnston, CanREA’s Vice President, Business Development, Finance and Operations.

    “This event is about more than just capital—it’s about collaboration between developers, investors, Indigenous partners and policymakers, to get clean energy projects built on time and on budget.”

    CanREA wishes to thank all attendees, moderators and speakers for helping to make the Clean Power Finance Canada—CanREA Summit a success. A special word of thanks to our Presenting Sponsor CIBC, as well as Platinum Sponsors Vancity Community Investment Bank (VCIB) & Northland Power, Gold Sponsors DNV, Gowling WLG & Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors, Silver Sponsors Goldwind, EDF, LCAB & Osler, and Bronze Sponsors Innergex, Compass Energy Consulting, RES Group, TACT, KPMG, Hub International, PCL Construction, Phoventus & Nordex.

    Photos

    Photo: More than 200 people attended the second annual Clean Power Finance Canada—CanREA Summit, held June 25 in downtown Toronto. This full-day conference, hosted by the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA), brings together industry leaders and investment experts, aiming to open dialogue between Canada’s finance and clean power industries.

    Photo: Roman Dubczak, Deputy Chair at CIBC Capital Markets, delivered opening remarks from the Summit’s Presenting Sponsor, CIBC.

    Photo: The opening plenary, “Global trends, local impacts: How will international trade and energy policies affect Canada’s clean energy markets,” featured moderator Michelle Chislett (Executive VP at Northland Power) and panelists James Brooks (Managing Director and Co-Head of Energy, Infrastructure and Investment Banking at CIBC), Elizabeth Kaiga (CCO of Energy Systems, North America at DNV) and Ryan Lax (Counsel, Torys LLP).

    Quotes

    “As markets across Canada continue to seek new energy sources, the clean electricity sector has a unique opportunity to satisfy some of those needs and CIBC is ready to support our clients’ ambitions in the sector.”
    —James Brooks, Managing Director & Co-Head, Energy, Infrastructure & Transition, Global Investment Banking CIBC

    “Clean electricity is a strategic Canadian advantage, and Canada is open for business: CanREA is currently tracking more than 18 GW of new clean energy projects, representing more than $34 billion in investment, and there continues to be massive opportunities for investors, developers and policymakers to collaborate in building a cleaner energy future for Canadians. As global electricity demand continues to rise, we must accelerate the planning and execution of clean energy projects to ensure affordable, reliable and sustainable power for our industries, businesses and households.”
    —Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)

    “This year’s Clean Power Finance Canada—CanREA Summit investigated the financial mechanisms driving Canada’s clean energy future and examined how we can ensure the investment needed to accelerate the deployment of all the affordable clean power we will need in the coming years. This event is about more than just capital—it’s about collaboration between developers, investors, Indigenous partners and policymakers, to get clean energy projects built on time and on budget.”
    —Wesley Johnston, Vice President, Business Development, Finance and Operations, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)

    For interview opportunities, please contact:

    Michaela Ianni, Communications SpecialistCanadian Renewable Energy Association613-805-4465communications@renewablesassociation.ca

    About CanREA

    The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs. Follow us on Bluesky and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca. 

    The post News release: CanREA Summit examines renewables investment in Canada’s current financial landscape appeared first on Canadian Renewable Energy Association.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Environment Agency launches clean-up operation at Hoad’s Wood

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    News story

    Environment Agency launches clean-up operation at Hoad’s Wood

    Waste management experts drive first batches of harmful material away from nationally significant nature site

    Drone footage of harmful waste being removed from Hoad’s Wood into a lorry

    Lorries have begun to remove tonnes of harmful waste from Hoad’s Wood in Kent as part of a major operation to aid the recovery of the woodlands, the Environment Agency announced today (26 June 2025). 

    The huge operation, co-ordinated by the Environment Agency and carried out by approved contractors Acumen Waste Services Ltd, will see more than 30,000 tonnes of household and construction waste removed.  

    More than 50 specialist workers have been deployed to dig up the harmful waste and carefully transport it for safe disposal at approved facilities. The whole operation is expected to take more than one year to complete.  

    Organised criminals dumped the lorry loads of waste, piled up to 15 feet high in certain areas, in 2023. Hoad’s Wood is a Site of Special Interest, home to rare plants and wildlife, and a popular beauty spot for nearby communities.  

    Emma Viner, Enforcement and Investigations Manager at the Environment Agency, said:  

    The damage caused by these shameless criminals rocked the community of Ashford and robbed residents of an important habitat which holds a special place in their hearts.  

    Today marks an important step in the journey of bringing Hoad’s Wood back as a sanctuary for both wildlife and people.  

    Our efforts are now focused on removing all the waste and bringing those behind this heinous crime to justice. Complex investigations like this take time but we are using our specialist enforcement resources to make sure this type of crime does not pay.

    Waste Minister Mary Creagh said:  

    Illegal dumping is a serious criminal offence which blights communities and damages our natural environment.  

    The community in Ashford shouldn’t have to put up with the disgusting actions of these criminal gangs. I would like to thank the Environment Agency and its partners for their clean-up efforts, which will allow residents to once again enjoy this vital green space.  

    This Government is determined to crack down on waste criminals, which is why we recently announced plans to ensure vehicles involved in waste crime are seized and crushed.

    The Environment Agency continues to progress the criminal investigation into the illegal tipping of waste at Hoad’s Wood. In February, three individuals were arrested by the Environment Agency, Kent Police and the Joint Unit for Waste Crime, marking an important moment in securing justice for the local community.   

    Evidence obtained during these arrests is now being used to support the next stages of the investigation. 

    Sergeant Darren Walshaw, of Kent Police’s Rural Task Force, said:  

    We are fully supportive of the Environment Agency’s ongoing efforts to tackle waste crime across Kent, and it is great that work has now begun to restore Hoad’s Wood to its former beauty. 

    The illegal dumping of large volumes of waste is often linked to other forms of criminal activity and we play our part by making arrests, gathering evidence and carrying out preventative activities including spot checks of vehicles seen in areas where such offences are common. 

    We will continue to work closely with the Environment Agency and local authorities to send a clear message to fly-tippers that they are not welcome in Kent and will be dealt with accordingly.

    Ian Rickards, Area Manager at Kent Wildlife Trust, said:  

    We are pleased to see the start of the clean-up process proceeding at Hoad’s Wood. Restoring this ancient woodland to its former state will be a mammoth undertaking, but we are hopeful that today is a step in the right direction.

    The Environment Agency will continue to monitor the site for any effect on air or water quality as the harmful waste is safely removed. Work is being carried out with the agreement of Natural England, the Forestry Commission and Ashford Borough Council.  

    To prevent criminals getting their hands on waste, the public are urged to use only waste carriers listed on the public register to take away their rubbish.  

    If a member of the public has any information that may assist with the Hoad’s Wood investigation, they should call the Environment Agency’s 24-hour hotline on 0800 807060. They can also report it anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or the Crimestoppers website.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Economy – Snapshot highlights banks’ efforts to reduce unnecessary barriers for Māori

    Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

    26 June 2025 – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua has published a primarily qualitative snapshot that offers a comparison of how banks are working to remove unnecessary barriers to Māori Access to Capital (MA2K).

    The Māori contribution to the New Zealand economy has grown to $32 billion (production GDP) in 2023. However, Māori businesses are more likely to face capital access challenges due to common factors like being younger, smaller, or more rural, as well as specific issues such as lending on whenua Māori and lower trust or awareness with the banking system.

    Acting Assistant Governor Financial Stability, Angus McGregor says that the snapshot will improve data and understanding across the Aotearoa banking system.

    “The measures in the snapshot show the steps some banks are taking to remove unnecessary barriers for Māori, helping to lift the entire sector in supporting MA2K and financial inclusion more broadly,” says Mr McGregor.

    Findings from the snapshot show that participating banks who volunteered to collaborate on this project, have introduced Māori-focused roles and strategies, supported by organisation-wide training to strengthen understanding of te reo, tikanga, and the Māori economy. The snapshot findings also suggests that banks recognise the value of Māori leadership and customer understanding and have products to support lending on whenua Māori.

    Some banks have initiatives specifically supporting Māori businesses and offer financial literacy programmes that incorporate te reo and/or tikanga. Māori employee representation varies between banks, with an average of 8% across all banks.

    However, there remains plenty of work to be done to continue to reduce any unnecessary barriers for Māori and we encourage banks to improve their data relating to Māori access to capital and enhance their practices around Māori business identification.

    Improved data on MA2K is an important step in tracking progress of the banking sector and builds on the momentum developed by the sector’s actions.

    “This work is in line with the 2025 Letter of Expectations from the Minister of Finance for the Reserve Bank to continue its collaboration with industry stakeholders to pursue competition-enhancing initiatives, including reducing barriers to lending for housing on Māori freehold land,” says Governor Christian Hawkesby.

    This snapshot was developed in collaboration with Tāwhia the Māori Bankers Rōpū and continues the 2022 MA2K work programme as part of our broader te ao Māori and financial inclusion workstreams. Impact requires a whole of sector approach, so we furthermore welcome the opportunity to work with other organisations to support this ongoing work programme.

    More information

    Māori access to capital (MA2K) snapshot – Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua – https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=409ead4c8f&e=f3c68946f8
    Letter of expectations 2025 – Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua – https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=642bea8827&e=f3c68946f8

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoyer Leads Hospital Roundtable to Highlight Damage of Trump’s Cuts to Medicaid and Health Care Services

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

    PRINCE FREDERICK, MD — As part of House Democrats’ Save Our Hospitals Week of Action, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) hosted a roundtable with doctors, medical professionals, and hospitals to discuss the implications of Trump and House Republicans’ cuts to Medicaid and health care services. Congressman Hoyer and roundtable participants highlighted how nearly 17 million Americans stand to lose their health care coverage and millions more will pay higher premiums, copays, and deductibles under the reconciliation bill that House Republicans passed. Experts predict over 21,000 people in the MD-05 alone will lose coverage by 2034 because of this bill. That includes over 8,000 people losing ACA coverage and 13,000 losing Medicaid coverage in MD-05.

    The discussion took place at the Calvert Health Medical Center in Calvert County. Participants included the CalvertHealth Medical Center, Maryland Department of Health, Maryland Hospital Association, MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital, MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center, Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center, and the University of Maryland Medical System.

    “Donald Trump and his Republican allies in Congress are laser focused on making health care unaffordable for millions of Americans in order to give a tax break to the wealthiest 0.1% of Americans,” Congressman Hoyer said. “As Trump’s administration decimates federal health care services and fires the federal employees providing those services, more pain will befall Maryland households. Seniors might have to ration medications; families with disabled children may have to forgo treatment; hospitals will be squeezed; and the number of uninsured Americans will rise. That’s why I will not stop working to protect Americans’ access to quality, affordable health care.”

    “The Maryland Department of Health was proud to join Congressman Hoyer to hear directly from hospitals on how changes at the federal level will impact Maryland’s health care delivery system. Maryland has been a national model for innovation and population health improvement, paving the way for other states to learn from our system that has both improved health and reduced overall health care costs,” said Ryan Moran, Deputy Secretary of Healthcare Financing and Medicaid Director, Maryland Department of Health.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police seek footage of night market assaults

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police is seeking additional footage as part of the investigation into an alleged stabbing at the Pakuranga Night Markets.

    Counties Manukau Police charged a 23-year-old man over the incident, who has been remanded in custody to reappear in court next month.

    “We are aware a number of people filmed the violent assault taking place on Saturday evening,” Counties Manukau East Area Investigations Manager, Detective Senior Sergeant Dean Batey says.

    “While we are not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident, this footage will be beneficial as part of the prosecution phase.”

    Please contact Police if you have footage to provide.

    You can update Police online now or call 105 using the reference number 250621/0744.

    Meanwhile, Detective Senior Sergeant Batey says both victims are continuing to make a recovery after their ordeals.

    “Police will be speaking with both victims further, and we can advise they are both in a stable condition in Middlemore Hospital.”

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bipartisan, Bicameral Health Leaders Introduce Bill to Strengthen Veteran Health Care & Stop Waste

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX)

    Contact: Alexis.Torres@mail.house.gov

    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Ranking Member of the House Ways & Means Health Subcommittee, Greg Murphy, M.D. (R-NC), member of the House Ways & Means Health Subcommittee, Mark Takano (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, David Schweikert (R-AZ), Chair of the House Ways & Means Oversight Subcommittee, John Joyce, M.D. (R-PA), member of the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee, along with Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), member of the Senate Finance Health Subcommittee, Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, introduced the bicameral Guarantee Utilization of All Reimbursements for Delivery of (GUARD) Veterans’ Health Care Act.

    The legislation will permit the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to recoup health care costs for dually enrolled veterans in private insurance Medicare Advantage (MA) and Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) plans. Thereby removing a longstanding statutory loophole that results in taxpayers paying twice for veterans’ health care while private insurers profit and resources are diverted away from the VHA. 

    “Big health insurers have found a nifty way to make an estimated $357 billion profit off veterans and taxpayers: they collect premiums, but taxpayers cover the cost of care. These wasted double payments mean veterans are missing out on critical resources that could be reinvested in delivering more and better care at the VA, such as hiring more providers, purchasing medical equipment, surgical supplies, and devices, and expanding available services at VA clinics,” said Rep. Doggett. “To obtain genuine savings and improve veterans’ health, Congress and the Administration must tackle the insurance lobby. Taxpayers, our veterans, and those at the VA dedicated to serving them deserve better.”

    “It’s a mistake to let Medicare Advantage plans exploit a costly loophole and pocket taxpayer money at the expense of veteran care,” said Sen. Warren. “Instead of ripping away health care from millions of Americans, Congress should crack down on the genuine waste, fraud, and abuse in Medicare Advantage.”

    “Our veterans deserve to receive accessible, high-quality care, and their benefits are meant to cover the services they receive, not line the pockets of insurers who double-dip in the process,” said Rep. Murphy. “For too long, inefficiencies within the system have resulted in a lack of coordinated benefits for veterans dually enrolled with Medicare Advantage and can result in excess payments to insurance companies. I’m proud to join the effort to close the loophole that has allowed insurers who provide Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D supplemental plans to receive duplicative Medicare payments while the Veterans Health Administration foots the bill.”

    “Insurance companies are capitalizing on a loophole that allows them to make billions of dollars off the backs of veterans while taxpayers are paying twice—both in the form of Medicare’s monthly payments to the insurers, which happen regardless of whether veteran enrollees are using the Medicare plans’ benefits, and in our annual appropriations to the Veterans Health Administration,” said Rep. Takano. “I look forward to ending this predatory practice with the help of Senator Warren, Senator Cassidy, Senator Blumenthal, Representative Doggett, Representative Murphy, Representative Schweikert, and Representative Joyce, and reinvesting these funds into VA’s healthcare system.”

    “Congress must modernize Medicare Advantage and Close the loopholes that allow Medicare Advantage insurers to bill for veteran care they didn’t provide,” said Rep. Schweikert. “From 2018 to 2021, these duplicative payments earned insurers an estimated $44 billion, just a fraction of what companies in this $450 billion-a-year industry have extracted. There is more to uncover and much more to fix. Now is the time to realign incentives in favor of patients.”

    “For too long, private insurers have shaken down the government and taxpayers for care veterans receive at VA hospitals,” said Sen. Blumenthal. “This legislation gives VA the power to claw back these payments and use those funds to provide more quality health care to those who served.” 

    For years, a loophole has allowed MA insurers to pocket billions in taxpayer money through upfront fixed payments from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for enrolled veterans, despite some veterans never using their benefits, and the VHA shouldering most costs for those who do. As a result, taxpayers are paying twice for the same services, and veterans are losing critical resources that could be reinvested in improving and expanding veterans’ health care. Recognizing the opportunity to profit, insurers deploy disingenuous marketing practices to entice more enrollees for their own lucrative benefits. From 2011 to 2020, dual enrollment in MA plans grew by 63%.

    The GUARD Veterans’ Health Care Act would save American taxpayers an estimated $12.1 billion in a single year, and $357 billion over a decade, by allowing VHA to recover payments for any health care items or services provided to veterans dually-enrolled in an MA or Part D plan. The bill also strengthens VHA’s ability to recover payment from third party insurers for care furnished to veterans.

    Endorsing organizations include the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), National Committee to Protect Social Security and Medicare, Medicare Rights Center, Center for Medicare Advocacy, Justice in Aging, National Nurses United (NNU), Public Citizen, and American Economic Liberties Project.

    View the bill text here, and a one-page fact sheet here.

    A 10-year savings estimate from the Center for Advancing Health Policy through Research (CAHPR) is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Williams Introduces Two Bills to Restore Economic Freedom, Regulatory Certainty, and Energy Market Integrity

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Roger Williams (25th District of Texas)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25), introduced the Fuel Emissions Freedom Act and the Stop the Subsidized Green Energy Scam Act. These bills will restore regulatory sanity, protect taxpayers, and defend free-market principles in both the automotive and energy sectors.

    “These bills are about economic liberty, energy independence, and relief from government overreach,” said Congressman Williams. “As we usher in the Golden Age of America, we must return power to the American people, not bureaucrats or special interests. Whether it’s letting manufacturers innovate or ending taxpayer-funded green giveaways, it’s time to cater to Main Street and let the market, not Washington, decide what powers America’s future.”

    Background:

    Fuel Emissions Freedom Act

    • Overturns all federal and state fuel emissions regulations, including California’s special authority under the Clean Air Act.
    • Eliminates EPA vehicle emission limits, CAFE standards, and state-imposed tailpipe emissions rules.
    • Restores regulatory certainty to the U.S. automotive sector and empowers manufacturers to innovate freely without costly compliance barriers.
    • Trump signed H.J.Res. 87 into law, overturning California’s biased waivers that allow them to create their own emissions regulations.
    • The Fuel Emissions Freedom Act will finish the job.

    Cosponsors: Representative Brandon Gill and Representative Michael Cloud.

    Read the bill text here.

    Stop the Subsidized Green Energy Scam Act

    • Immediately ends federal tax credits for wind, solar, and battery storage projects started after enactment.
    • Repeals provisions such as the Energy Credit, Clean Electricity Production Tax Credit, and Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit.
    • Puts an end to taxpayer-funded subsidies that prop up politically favored green industries.

    Read the bill text here.

    ###

    Congressman Roger Williams is the Chairman of the House Small Business Committee and member of the House Financial Services Committee. He proudly represents the 25th Congressional District of Texas.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Offers Up To $25,000 Reward for Information on Rowan County Murder

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Offers Up To $25,000 Reward for Information on Rowan County Murder

    Governor Offers Up To $25,000 Reward for Information on Rowan County Murder
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today Governor Josh Stein announced that the state is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder of Michael James Mitchke.

    On August 21, 2022, officers received a call of a camper on fire at 3740 St. Peters Church Road in Salisbury. Mr. Mitchke, aged 57 years old, was discovered deceased inside the camper. An autopsy confirmed multiple gunshot wounds as the cause of his death.

    Anyone with information concerning this case should contact the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office at (704) 216-8700 or the State Bureau of Investigation at (919) 662-4500.

    Jun 25, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Offers Up to $25,000 Reward in Missing Persons Case in Cleveland County

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Offers Up to $25,000 Reward in Missing Persons Case in Cleveland County

    Governor Offers Up to $25,000 Reward in Missing Persons Case in Cleveland County
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today Governor Josh Stein announced that the state is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the disappearance of Asha Degree.

    On February 14, 2000, Asha Degree, who as 9 years old at the time, left her home in Shelby, North Carolina in the middle of the night and disappeared. Asha’s family last saw her asleep in her bedroom around 2:30 a.m. An hour and a half later, she was seen by drivers walking along NC Highway 18. Her parents reported her missing by 6:30 a.m.

    Anyone with information concerning this case should contact Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office at (704) 484-4788 or the State Bureau of Investigation at (919) 662-4500.  

    Jun 25, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Jordan—IMF Executive Board Completes Third Review of the Extended Fund Facility Arrangement and Approves US$ 700 Million Arrangement under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 25, 2025

    • The IMF Executive Board completed the third review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) Arrangement with Jordan, providing the authorities with immediate access to the equivalent of SDR 97.784 million (about US$134 million), to support the authorities’ economic program.
    • Jordan’s economic program supported by the EFF arrangement remains firmly on track, demonstrating the authorities’ strong commitment to sound macro-economic policies and structural reforms to strengthen Jordan’s resilience and accelerate growth to enhance job creation and provide opportunities for all Jordanians.
    • Thanks to the continued pursuit of sound economic policies, and despite the considerable external headwinds, including the conflicts in the region, Jordan has maintained macro-stability and broad-based economic growth.
    • The Executive Board also approved a new 30-month arrangement under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) with Jordan, with access equivalent to SDR 514.65 million (about US$700 million), to support Jordan’s efforts to address longer-term vulnerabilities in the water and electricity sectors and to enhance their ability to address public health emergencies, including future pandemics.

    Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) today completed the third review of the arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF). Jordan’s four-year EFF arrangement, with access amounting to SDR 926.37 million (about US$1.3 billion, equivalent to 270 percent of Jordan’s quota in the IMF), was approved by the IMF Executive Board on January 10, 2024 (see Press Release No. 24/004). This decision allows for an immediate purchase of an amount equivalent to SDR 97.784 million (around US$134 million), bringing the total purchases under the EFF arrangement to the equivalent of SDR 437.454 million (about $595 million). In addition, the IMF Executive Board approved an arrangement under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) with Jordan, with access equivalent to SDR 514.65 million (about US$ 700 million, equivalent to 150 percent of Jordan’s quota).

    Jordan’s continued economic resilience in a challenging external environment, with continuing conflicts in the region and high uncertainty, is a testament to the authorities’ resolve to pursue sound macroeconomic policies. The authorities’ ownership of the EFF arrangement remains strong, with program targets consistently met. Jordan registered stronger growth in 2024 and so far in 2025 than previously anticipated, demonstrating continued resilience. Growth reached 2.5 percent in 2024. Economic activity is expected to gradually strengthen in the coming years, supported by continued sound macroeconomic policies and accelerated reform implementation.

    Inflation remains stable and low, reflecting the Central Bank of Jordan’s (CBJ) firm commitment to monetary and financial stability and the exchange rate peg. Jordan’s external position remains stable, with the current account deficit projected to remain close to 6 percent of GDP. The CBJ’s gross international reserves increased to over US$20 billion by end-2024, with reserve adequacy exceeding 100 percent of the Fund’s ARA metric. The financial sector remains healthy and well-capitalized. While the spillover effects from regional conflicts have also affected government finances, the authorities continue to make progress with a gradual fiscal consolidation to place public debt on a downward path, while creating room for social assistance and needed public investment. Jordan’s structural reform agenda focuses on fostering inclusive private sector-led growth by enhancing the business environment and improving labor market policies, including to expand opportunities for youth and women.

    The RSF arrangement will support the authorities’ efforts to strengthen Jordan’s longer-term balance of payments stability by promoting economic resilience and sustainability. The RSF arrangement aims to address longer-term vulnerabilities in the water and electricity sectors and enhance the authorities’ ability to address public health emergencies, including future pandemics. Reform measures focus on: (i) enhancing the energy sector’s financial sustainability and energy efficiency; (ii) improving the water sector’s financial sustainability and water management; (iii) strengthening fiscal and financial sector resilience; and (iv) enhancing pandemic preparedness. The arrangement will augment policy space and financial buffers to mitigate risks arising from these challenges.

    Following the Executive Board’s discussion on Jordan, Mr. Kenji Okamura, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, issued the following statement:

    “Jordan continues to maintain macroeconomic stability despite external headwinds from regional conflicts and heightened global economic uncertainty, owing to the authorities’ steadfast pursuit of sound policies and continued strong international support. Growth in 2024 and so far in 2025 ended up stronger than anticipated, inflation is low, and reserve buffers are strong. Against elevated risks in the region, it is important that the authorities stay the course with sound fiscal and monetary policies to safeguard macroeconomic stability.

    “The authorities continue to make progress with a gradual fiscal consolidation and strengthening fiscal sustainability, thanks to fiscal reforms that have improved revenue administration and expenditure efficiency. Looking ahead, efforts should continue to further enhance revenue mobilization and spending efficiency and to take contingency measures as needed to keep public debt on a steady downward path, while protecting priority social and capital spending. Efforts should also continue to improve the efficiency and viability of the public utilities to preserve the sustainability of public finances, while improving service delivery.

    “Monetary policy remains appropriately focused on safeguarding monetary and financial stability and supporting the exchange rate peg that has served Jordan well and helped keeping inflation low. Jordan’s banking sector remains healthy, and the central bank continues to strengthen its systemic risk analysis, financial sector oversight, and crisis management.  

    “Structural reforms should be accelerated to improve the business environment, promote competition, and attract private investment that is crucial to create a dynamic and resilient private sector, foster job-rich growth, and achieve the objectives of Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision. Strong and timely donor support remains essential to help Jordan navigate the challenging external environment, host the large number of refugees, and meet Jordan’s development objectives.

    “The reforms under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility aim to support the authorities’ efforts to address long-term vulnerabilities in the water and energy sectors and to be better prepared for public health emergencies, including pandemics. These reforms will strengthen Jordan’s balance of payments stability by promoting economic resilience and sustainability and by augmenting policy space and financial buffers to mitigate risks arising from these challenges.”

    Jordan: Selected Economic Indicators, 2023–26

    2023

    2024

    2025

    2026
     

    Proj.

    Proj.

    Output and Prices

    Real GDP growth

    2.9

    2.5

    2.7

    2.9

    GDP deflator

    1.8

    1.9

    2.3

    2.6

    Nominal GDP (JD billions)

    36.3

    37.9

    39.8

    42.0

    Inflation 1/

    2.1

    1.9

    2.2

    2.6

    Unemployment

    22.0

    21.4

    …

    …

    Government Finances (in percent of GDP)

    Central government fiscal operations

    Revenue and grants 2/

    25.2

    24.9

    25.4

    26.0

       Of which: grants

    2.0

    1.9

    1.8

    2.0

    Expenditures 2/

    30.6

    31.4

    31.2

    30.5

    Overall central government balance

    -5.4

    -6.4

    -5.8

    -4.5

    Central government primary balance (exc. grants, NEPCO and WAJ)

    -2.7

    -2.8

    -2.0

    -1.0

    Electricity company (NEPCO) losses

    Combined public sector balance 3/

    -4.5

    -4.5

    -3.6

    -2.4

    Government gross debt 4/

    113.5

    114.7

    115.7

    114.9

    Government gross debt, net of SSC holdings of government debt 4/

    89.0

    90.2

    89.7

    87.5

    Money and Credit

         Broad money (percent change)

    2.3

    6.1

    5.1

    5.6

         Credit to the private sector (percent change)

    1.7

    2.9

    4.6

    6.0

    Balance of payments

    Current account (in percent of GDP)

    -3.6

    -5.9

    -5.5

    -5.9

    FDI (in percent of GDP)

    3.6

    3.0

    3.3

    3.4

    Gross reserves (in months of imports)

    6.9

    7.7

    7.1

    7.1

    In percent of Reserve Adequacy Metric

    101

    110

    105

    105

    Sources: Jordanian authorities; and Fund staff estimates and projections.

    1/ Consumer Price Index (annual average).

    2/ Includes the programmed amount of fiscal measures that are needed to meet fiscal targets.

    3/ Sum of the primary central government balance (exc. grants and net transfers to NEPCO-electricity company and WAJ-water company) and the net loss of NEPCO, WAJ and water sector distribution companies.

    4/ Government’s direct and guaranteed debt (including NEPCO and WAJ debt). SSC stands for Social Security Corporation.
    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Angham Al Shami

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

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/25/pr25221-jordan-imf-completes-3rd-rev-eff-arrangement-approves-us-700-mill-arrangement-under-rsf

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Clairvest Reports Fiscal 2025 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Clairvest Group Inc. (TSX: CVG) today reported results for the fourth quarter and year ended March 31, 2025 and events which occurred subsequent to year end. (All figures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated)

    Highlights

    • March 31, 2025 book value was $1,251.6 million or $88.30 per share compared with $1,234.3 million or $86.78 per share as at December 31, 2024 and $1,176.3 million or $80.16 per share as at March 31, 2024
    • Net income for the fourth quarter was $20.7 million or $1.46 per share as the fair value of certain investments increased
    • Net income for fiscal 2025 was $122.0 million or $8.47 per share. During fiscal 2025, Clairvest had $46.1 million of net realized gains from the realization of four investments and $44.8 million of net investment gains on its remaining private equity portfolio
    • Subsequent to year end, Clairvest and Clairvest Equity Partners VII (“CEP VII”) invested in NCS Engineers
    • Also subsequent to year end, Clairvest and CEP VII invested in Beneficial Reuse Management
    • Also subsequent to year end, Clairvest declared an annual dividend of $1.4 million, or $0.10 per share, and a special dividend of $11.1 million, or $0.7830 per share, both payable on July 25, 2025

    Clairvest’s book value was $1,251.6 million or $88.30 per share as at March 31, 2025, compared with $1,234.3 million or $86.78 per share as at December 31, 2024 and $1,176.3 million or $80.16 per share as at March 31 2024. For the year ended March 31, 2025, Clairvest had invested a total of $53 million in three new deals and follow-on investments and exited four investments for total proceeds of $141 million. As at March 31, 2025, cash, cash equivalents and temporary investments excluding marketable securities, as reported under IFRS, were $250 million. In addition, our acquisition entities held $139 million in cash, cash equivalents and temporary investments as at March 31, 2025 bringing total available cash to $389 million. In aggregate, this represented 31% of our book value as at March 31, 2025, or approximately $27 per share.

    Net income for the fourth quarter was $20.7 million, or $1.46 per share. The net income for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 reflects a net increase in the fair value of Clairvest’s investee companies and a corresponding increase in carried interest from the CEP Funds.

    Net income for the fiscal year was $122 million or $8.47 per share. During the fiscal year, Clairvest divested its investments in Winters Bros. Waste Systems of Long Island, Chilean Gaming Holdings, FSB Technology and Durante Rentals for net realized gains of $46.1 million, while the rest of the portfolio experienced net investment gains of $44.8 million, inclusive of foreign exchange gains. Following the realization of Winters Bros. Waste Systems of Long Island, Clairvest was awarded the 2025 CVCA Private Equity Global Dealmaker of the Year for the sale of this investment.

    During the fiscal year, 500,070 shares were purchased and cancelled for a total purchase price of $35 million, or at an average price of $70.01 per share. These purchases were accretive to the book value per share.

    In April 2025, and as previously announced, Clairvest together with CEP VII made a US$22.4 million (C$32.1 million) minority preferred equity investment in NCS Engineers, a provider of turn-key water and wastewater engineering solutions across the United States. Clairvest’s portion of the investment was US$5.6 million (C$8.0 million).

    In May 2025, and as previously announced, Clairvest together with CEP VII made a US$72.5 million (C$100.6 million) equity investment in Beneficial Reuse Management, a U.S.-based company which distributes products to the agriculture, landscape, wallboard, and construction end-markets by reusing or converting certain industrial waste streams into value-add products. Clairvest’s portion of the investment was US$18.1 million (C$25.1 million).

    “Fiscal 2025 was a productive year across Clairvest, marked by strong progress in our portfolio and continued investment momentum, despite a challenging macroeconomic backdrop. Our portfolio companies, on the whole, are performing well, and we remain confident in our ability to build long-term value alongside our entrepreneur partners. With CEP VII now underway with its first three investments, we are energized by the opportunities ahead and remain focused on backing aligned entrepreneurs in our active domains,” said Ken Rotman, CEO of Clairvest. “We were also honoured to receive the 2025 CVCA Private Equity Global Dealmaker of the Year award for our investment in Winters Bros. Waste Systems of Long Island – our ninth time being recognized by the CVCA. Clairvest and CEP V achieved a 7.5x MOIC and a 24% internal rate of return on this investment. Our partnership with the Winters family spans three separate investments over 18 years, and this transaction marks another excellent outcome driven by long-term alignment, patience, and mutual trust.”

    Also subsequent to year end, Clairvest declared an annual ordinary dividend of $0.10 per share and a special dividend of $0.7830 per share, such that in aggregate, the dividends represent 1% of the March 31, 2025 book value. Both dividends will be payable on July 25, 2025 to common shareholders of record as of July 4, 2025 and are eligible dividends for Canadian income tax purposes.

    Summary of Financial Results – Unaudited
             
    Financial Results(1) Quarter ended Year ended
    March 31 March 31
    2025 2024 2025 2024
    ($000’s, except per share amounts) $ $ $ $
    Net investment gain (loss) 11,438 22,024 15,248 (19,385)
    Net carried interest from Clairvest Equity Partners III and IV (292) 1,005 4,169 3,700
    Distributions, interest income, dividends and fees 19,386 11,897 157,064 52,336
    Total expenses (recovery), excluding income taxes 9,746 1,592 37,940 39,824
    Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) 20,721 26,103 122,042 (3,353)
    Basic and fully diluted net income (loss) per share 1.46 1.78 8.47 (0.23)
    Financial Position March 31 March 31
    2025 2024
    ($000’s, except share information and per share amounts) $ $
    Total assets 1,429,435 1,342,139
    Total cash, cash equivalents and temporary investments 295,728 330,193
    Carried interest from Clairvest Equity Partners III and IV 48,517 52,188
    Corporate investments(1) 942,857 870,660
    Total liabilities 177,844 165,842
    Management participation from Clairvest Equity Partners III and IV 37,718 41,506
    Book value(2) 1,251,591 1,176,297
    Common shares outstanding 14,173,631 14,673,701
    Book value per share(2) 88.30 80.16
    (1) Includes carried interest of $141,897 (2024: $143,617) and management participation of $105,457 (2024: $103,740) from Clairvest Equity Partners V, VI and VII and $162,235 (2024: $90,973) in cash, cash equivalents and temporary investments held by Clairvest’s acquisition entities.
    (2) Book value is a non-IFRS measure calculated as the value of total assets less the value of total liabilities.
         

    Clairvest’s annual fiscal 2025 financial statements and MD&A are available on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com and the Clairvest website at www.clairvest.com.

    About Clairvest

    Clairvest’s mission is to partner with entrepreneurs to help them build strategically significant businesses. Founded in 1987 by a group of successful Canadian entrepreneurs, Clairvest is a top performing private equity management firm with over CAD $4.6 billion of capital under management. Clairvest invests its own capital and that of third parties through the Clairvest Equity Partners limited partnerships in owner-led businesses. Under the current management team, Clairvest has initiated investments in 69 different platform companies and generated top quartile performance over an extended period.

    Contact Information

    Stephanie Lo
    Director of Investor Relations and Marketing
    Clairvest Group Inc.
    Tel: (416) 925-9270
    Fax: (416) 925-5753
    stephaniel@clairvest.com

    Forward-looking Statements

    This news release contains forward-looking statements with respect to Clairvest Group Inc., its subsidiaries, its CEP limited partnerships and their investments. These statements are based on current expectations and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Clairvest, its subsidiaries, its CEP limited partnerships and their investments to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include general and economic business conditions and regulatory risks. Clairvest is under no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein should material facts change due to new information, future events or otherwise.

    www.clairvest.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NPR and PBS Are More Than Just “Tiny Desk” and “Daniel Tiger” — They Are Critical to Public Safety

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    06.25.25
    NPR and PBS Are More Than Just “Tiny Desk” and “Daniel Tiger” — They Are Critical to Public Safety
    14 stations in WA at risk of losing funding if Senate passes administration’s rescissions package
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, released a Snapshot Report that highlights data on public broadcasters across the United States and broadcasters’ role in responding to emergencies and public safety events. In rural areas, public broadcasters may be the sole source of information during emergencies, leaving them disproportionately impacted by federal funding cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).
    “Public television and radio aren’t just for quality children’s television and unique radio content,” said Sen. Cantwell. “For millions of Americans, these stations are often their only source of emergency information during weather disasters. Earlier this month, House Republicans approved President Trump’s rescission request clawing back $1.1 billion in Congressionally-approved funding for public broadcasting. This report shows that if Senate Republicans allow this devastating cut to pass the Senate, nearly 13 million Americans could be left without access to their public media stations and the life-saving emergency alerts or information they need. As people prepare for potential hurricanes, wildfires, and other extreme weather events, we should not be gutting our support for public media.”
    The report included several key findings:
    The operations of 79 public radio and 33 TV stations across 34 states and territories are considered vulnerable to federal funding cuts.
    Nearly 13 million Americans live in communities under threat of losing their local public broadcast stations. What’s worse, these stations serve large swaths of the Western, Midwestern, and Southeastern United States at risk of wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes, and other public safety emergencies. This double threat casts uncertainty on the ability of these stations to disseminate emergency alerts and information to residents when they need it most.
    More than 70 percent of federal funding goes directly to local public broadcasters for content, interconnection, and support services. It would cost local public broadcasters more than double the CPB’s current contribution to replace these critical services through alternative public or private means.
    Support through the CPB is critical for many local stations, with the most vulnerable in rural and remote communities. Public radio and television stations serve as the primary—often sole—source of local news, educational content, and emergency alerts. These stations rely heavily on federal funding, with some depending on it for over 70 percent of their budgets. Some rural areas depend on their local public media station as their only source of information in emergencies. 
    KDNA-AM, which has a studio in Granger, WA, and serves the surrounding area, is reliant on federal CPB grants for a significant portion of its operating budget. KDNA serves an area that is at a high risk of wildfires, including the city of Yakima, with a population of over 90,000. KDNA plays a critical role in responding to emergencies by providing local news and information. Without continued federal funding, KDNA and other public broadcasters will have to find alternative funding sources or risk being unable to provide their essential public safety services.
    In severe storm and wildfire situations that knock out a community’s power supply, TVs broadcasting news on the path of an incoming tornado may go dark due to power outages, and cell phones may lose service, leaving families with only local public radio broadcasts delivered to battery-powered, hand-crank, or car radios. Without local broadcasting, families in rural areas may not receive critical alerts in time to get to safety.
    On June 3, President Trump submitted a rescission request to Congress for the CPB’s FY 2026 and 2027 funding, seeking to claw back nearly $1.1 billion in Congressionally-approved funding. On June 12, the House approved the President’s rescission request, and it is now before the Senate. If passed by the Senate, these cuts may leave millions of Americans without access to lifesaving alerts and emergency information.
    In Washington state, funding for 14 public broadcasting stations is at risk under the House-passed rescissions package now being considered by the Senate. 
    In May, Sen. Cantwell joined Rick Steves to blast the Trump Administration for its assault on the CPB. 
    See the impacted areas below and to access the full report, please click HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hagerty Calls on DOJ, FTC to Investigate ISS and Glass Lewis

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty
    WASHINGTON—This week, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Banking Committee and head of the committee’s working group on proxy advisors, sent a letter to Attorney General Pamela Bondi and Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson, urging them to investigate ISS and Glass Lewis for antitrust violations.
    “The dominant proxy advisory firms, [ISS] and [Glass Lewis], control more than 90% of the U.S. market for proxy advisory services,” Hagerty wrote. “These foreign-owned firms exploit their market power to suppress competition, hijack corporate governance, impose ideological agendas, drive companies’ capital allocation decisions, influence U.S. public policy on important matters, and undermine the welfare of American investors and consumers. Accordingly, I urge the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission to investigate these firms for violations of federal antitrust law.”
    Hagerty’s letter builds on his ongoing efforts to address abuses in the proxy advisory market. Previously, Hagerty demanded answers and documents from ISS after the firm publicly acknowledged that it may support proposals even though they are “not linked to long-term shareholder value.” He also sponsored the Putting Investors First Act, legislation to expand the SEC’s authority over proxy advisory firms.
    A copy of the letter can be found here and below.
    Dear Attorney General Bondi and Chairman Ferguson,
    The dominant proxy advisory firms, Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (ISS) and Glass, Lewis & Co. (Glass Lewis), control more than 90% of the U.S. market for proxy advisory services. These foreign-owned firms exploit their market power to suppress competition, hijack corporate governance, impose ideological agendas, drive companies’ capital allocation decisions, influence U.S. public policy on important matters, and undermine the welfare of American investors and consumers. Accordingly, I urge the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission to investigate these firms for violations of federal antitrust law.
    The market power of ISS and Glass Lewis grants them enormous sway over public companies. A study of 175 institutional investors—managing more than $5 trillion in assets— revealed that the institutions followed proxy advisor recommendations more than 95% of the time. The influence of the proxy advisors enables them to dictate public companies’ governance standards, executive compensation practices, and corporate policies. Through the power of vote recommendations adverse to determinations of independent boards of directors as well as negative recommendations against board members themselves, the firms effectively force compliance even when these standards or practices are ideologically motivated, irrelevant, and/or destructive to shareholder value. In so doing, the proxy advisors have also been successfully pressuring companies to engineer social change outside the democratic process and shaping U.S. public policy on a wide range of issues, from energy to sensitive social policies. It is evident that ISS and Glass Lewis exercise de facto regulatory power over public companies, but without any of the accountability or transparency ordinarily demanded of such a role.
    The firms leverage their market power by offering consulting services on the same or substantially similar items as those on which they provide proxy advisory services—a conflict of interest that raises significant anticompetitive concerns. ISS, for example, offers proxy advisory services to institutional investors with respect to companies’ say-on-pay proposals while also selling corporate consulting services to companies regarding the executive compensation programs subject to a say-on-pay vote. Similarly, ISS offers consulting services to companies with respect to equity compensation plans, while also providing recommendations to institutional investors as to how to vote on those same plans. This dynamic results in a coercive pay-to-play setup, where public companies are pressured to purchase consulting services to avoid or remedy negative proxy recommendations or assure the support of the proxy advisors, as the case may be. Indeed, many companies report being approached by the consulting arm of ISS during the same year in which they receive a negative vote recommendation from the firm. ISS also provides its institutional clients with corporate governance ratings on issuers, while also offering consulting services to corporate clients so that those issuers can improve their governance scores. This dual role—both rating companies and advising them—further enhances the proxy advisors’ power and drives important corporate practices and policies. While Glass Lewis has claimed that it does not offer consulting services, like ISS it offers equity plan advisory services to public companies. It also advises activists on influencing companies through shareholder proposals and other campaigns. The firm engages in these practices even though it has openly acknowledged that “the provision of consulting services to corporate issuers, directors, dissident shareholders and/or shareholder proposal proponents, creates a problematic conflict of interest.”
    The link between consulting services and favorable ratings benefit both ISS and Glass Lewis by foreclosing competition. Revenues generated from consulting may permit the firms to cross-subsidize their proxy advisory services, enabling them to further expand and cement their market share. Such self-dealing practices are inherently anticompetitive and demand scrutiny.
    ISS and Glass Lewis also appear to coordinate their voting guidelines and governance standards in ways that suppress competition and reduce the ideological and analytical diversity of services available in the market. The House Judiciary Committee has found evidence that the firms collaborated with organizations such as Climate Action 100+ to jointly issue nearly identical recommendations—effectively steering institutional investors toward predetermined outcomes guided by partisan ideology, not shareholder value. This parallelism is reinforced by the firms’ control of proprietary voting platforms—ISS’s ProxyExchange and Glass Lewis’s Viewpoint—which encourage institutional clients to automatically vote in alignment with the firms’ recommendations. Known as “robovoting,” this practice discourages independent fiduciary analysis and only deepens investors’ dependence on the firms, as some major investment managers do not even have personnel responsible for verifying that robovotes are correctly cast. While the firms often point critics to their “benchmark” reports, they continue to offer comparatively more extreme and politically contentious robovoting options through their insufficiently scrutinized “specialty” reports, often referred to as their “shadow” reports.
    The market power and anticompetitive business practices of ISS and Glass Lewis inflict harm across the U.S. economy: potential competitors are foreclosed from entering or expanding within the proxy advisory market; capital formation is diminished as companies are deterred from going public; the cost of capital for certain industries, such as coal and oil and gas, is higher; the competitiveness of the US capital markets is impacted; boards and management lose control over their own corporate policies and practices; investors suffer the financial consequences of ideologically driven and economically unsound corporate decisions; finally, consumers pay higher prices due to operational inefficiencies and increased costs.
    For these reasons, I urge the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission to investigate ISS and Glass Lewis and take all necessary steps to promote competition in the proxy advisory market.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SASC Chairman Roger Wicker Releases Updated Text of Defense Reconciliation Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker
    WASHINGTON –?U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today unveiled updated legislative text of the defense reconciliation bill.
    The House and Senate Armed Services Committees developed this legislation in close coordination with the White House and Department of Defense to modernize America’s military, secure the border, and strengthen national security.
    Chairman Wicker released the following statement after the release of the updated bill text:
    “This bill is a crucial down payment to modernize our military and enhance defense capabilities amid rising global threats. It provides significant funding for key areas including Golden Dome, unmanned technology, and shipbuilding,” said Chairman Wicker. “Alongside important reforms in the NDAA process, this bill will help transform the Pentagon and strengthen our military.”
    Changes Made Since 6/3 Text Release:
    Increases the amount of funding available for critical minerals supply chains to $5 billion
    Increases the amount of funding available for defense industrial base efforts to $3.3 billion
    Decreases the amount of funding available for the National Defense Stockpile to $2 billion
    Decreases the amount of funding available for military border support operations to $1 billion
    Removes all references to classified material
    Makes a handful of non-substantive changes for execution purposes
    The full text is available here
     
    A redline from the last publicly released text is here
     
    A legislative overview is available here
     
    Legislation Highlights
    Sec. 20001: $9 billion for Servicemember Quality of Life. Funds increases in allowances and special pays, as well as improvements to housing, healthcare, childcare, and education.
    Sec. 20002: $29 billion for Shipbuilding and the Maritime Industrial Base. Expands the size and enhances the capability of our naval fleet. Invests in autonomous surface and subsurface technology.  Builds capacity and improves infrastructure in the maritime industrial base.
    Sec. 20003: $25 billion for Golden Dome for America. Supports President Trump’s vision for layered missile defense shield for America. Develops space-based assets support the system and rapidly accelerates missile defense against threats to the homeland and deployed troops.  
    Sec. 20004: $25 billion for Munitions. Accelerates purchases of most important munitions. America’s arsenal of munitions. Expands capacity in the industrial base to support higher levels of munitions production. Ramps up production of and critical minerals to execute President Trump’s EO. Expands production of missile defense interceptors and counter drone capabilities. 
    Sec. 20005: $16 billion to Expedite Innovation to the Warfighter. Expands DoD initiatives to scale production of game-changing new technology and expedite delivery of low-cost, attritable weapons systems and artificial intelligence needed to ensure success on future battlefields.
    Sec. 20006: $400 million for Fiscal Responsibility and a Clean Audit. Requires audits of funds provided to DoD by this Act. Invests in the IT infrastructure, business systems, and new AI/automation capabilities needed to ensure the DoD fully passes an audit.
    Sec. 20007: $9 billion for Air Superiority. Reverses declines in fighter force posture. Accelerates delivery of next generation aircraft and autonomous systems.
    Sec. 20008: $15 billion for Nuclear Deterrence. Accelerates modernization of the triad. Improves readiness of our current nuclear deterrent. Invests in infrastructure needed to restore America’s ability to manufacture nuclear weapons.
    Sec. 20009: $12 billion for Pacific Deterrence. Expands military exercises and improves readiness of Indo-Pacific forces. Acquires capability and builds infrastructure needed to defend forces and conduct military operations in the Western Pacific.
    Sec. 20010: $16 billion to Enhance Military Readiness. Expands stocks of spares. Improves infrastructure at military depots and shipyards. Enhances the capability of Special Forces.
    Sec. 20011: $1 billion for Border Security.  Funds DoD personnel and logistics support to help carry out President Trump’s border, immigration, and counterdrug enforcement agenda.
    Sec. 20012: $10M for DOD IG to conduct specific oversight on appropriations in this title.
    Sec. 20013: Authorization of military construction projects in this title.
    Sec. 20014: Reductions in appropriation contingent upon spend plan.
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Trade Strategy to protect and boost British business

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    New Trade Strategy to protect and boost British business

    The strategy will make the UK the most connected nation in the world while protecting vital industries from global threats and backing businesses to thrive.

    New Trade Strategy to protect and boost British business 

    • Trade Strategy sets out how UK will unlock £5 billion for businesses and expand UKEF capacity to £80 billion, delivering growth as part of the Plan for Change  

    • Trade defence toughened up with new and improved tools to better protect our vital industries from global threats  

    • UK sets its sights on quicker deals that firms can benefit from sooner, with a strong focus on services and high growth sectors 

    British Businesses will be given greater access to global markets more quickly as the UK tomorrow [Thursday 26 June] publishes its first Trade Strategy since leaving the EU. 

    The Strategy will make the UK the most connected nation in the world and secure billions worth of opportunities for businesses, helping deliver the economic growth needed to put money in people’s pockets, strengthen local economies, create jobs, and raise living standards.  

    It takes a more agile and targeted approach than the previous government’s, focusing on quicker, more practical deals that deliver faster benefits to UK businesses. It strengthens trade defences, expands export finance – especially for smaller firms – and aligns trade policy with national priorities like green growth and services. It’s a smarter, more responsive plan for a changing global economy. 

    The Trade Strategy:  

    • Unlocks £5 billion worth of opportunities for UK exporters through the new Ricardo Fund, which will tackle complex regulatory issues, shape global standards, and remove obstacles for UK businesses selling abroad.  

    • Expands UK Export Finance (UKEF)’s capacity by £20 billion to a total of £80 billion, announces a new Small Export Builder to give smaller firms better access to export protection insurance, and introduces improvements to help overseas buyers finance repeat orders from trusted UK suppliers in a more streamlined way.   

    • Vows to bolster our trade defence toolkit and make our trade remedies system more agile, assertive, and accountable to guard British businesses against global turbulence and the growing threat of unfair trading practices.   

    • Targets more mutual recognition of qualifications to boost the UK’s status as a services superpower – the 2nd biggest exporter of services in the world.  

    • Builds on existing clean energy and green sector agreements with partners including Norway, Japan and South Korea and explores new, deeper cooperation with markets such as Brazil, the Philippines and Mexico.    

    • Announces the UK will join the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA), a temporary arbitration arrangement for resolving appeals to WTO trade disputes, demonstrating our commitment to an effective rules-based international trading system 

    The Trade Strategy comes amid a backdrop of turbulent economic waters, resurgent protectionism and unfair trading practices creating significant challenges for businesses and industries across the whole of the UK. Together with our modern Industrial Strategy – a plan to grow the UK’s growth-driving sectors – we are strengthening businesses at home and setting clear direction to ensure success abroad and create high-paid, secure jobs in every part of this country.  

    It follows three significant trade deals agreed last month with huge benefits for UK businesses, jobs and consumers. Not only does our deal with India add £4.8 billion to the economy and £2.2 billion to wages each year, its reduced and liberalised tariffs means more whisky and gin is likely to be sold to Indian consumers and British shoppers could see cheaper prices on things like clothes, footwear and food products.  

    Our landmark deal with the US, the only one they have agreed with any country, protects hundreds of thousands of British jobs from automotive workers in the West Midlands, to aeroplane builders in Wales, to steelmakers in Scunthorpe. It shows the government delivering on its promise to champion British businesses and put jobs and livelihoods first. 

    The EU agreement, meanwhile, cuts red tape and improves access to our biggest trading partner. It means Scottish salmon farmers can sell their fish more easily to the EU, Welsh sausages and lamb mince exports will no longer be blocked, and British pets can join their owners on holiday with less headache.   

    Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, said: 

    What works for business, works for Britain. It means more jobs, more opportunities, and more money in people’s pockets. 

    That’s why I’ve backed British industry through global headwinds – securing major trade deals with the US, India and the EU that protect jobs and drive growth right across the country. 

    Today’s Trade Strategy is a promise to British business: helping firms sell more, grow faster, and compete globally. It’s about delivering growth as part of our Plan for Change—and making sure working people feel the benefits.

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:  

    The UK is an open trading nation but we must reconcile this with a new geopolitical reality and work in our own national interest  

    Our Trade Strategy will sharpen our trade defence so we can ensure British businesses are protected from harm, while also relentlessly pursuing every opportunity to sell to more markets under better terms than before.  

    Broad and complex trade deals like we secured with India will bring billions to our economy every year but to deliver the Plan for Change we will strike more agile, targeted deals that exploit the sectors which drive the most growth for our economy.

    It comes as the government works in partnership with industry to shape future steel trade measures which will prevent cheap imports from undercutting UK businesses, following the expiry of the current UK steel safeguard measure in June 2026. Collaboration with steel producers, consumers and unions will help ensure the new phase of our trade defences continue to protect UK businesses and jobs, while providing a fair and competitive market.  

    UKEF measures included in the Strategy accompanies news this week that up to £13 billion of direct lending will be used to help boost exports across key industrial sectors, marking a £3 billion uplift in UKEF’s facility.  

    Trade Minister Douglas Alexander said:  

    This new hard-headed, data driven, and agile approach to trade policy is guided by our pragmatic patriotism. In this changed and challenging world, we will promote what we can and protect what we must to advance the UK’s national interest.  

    Through our Trade Strategy, we are supporting our businesses to expand and export with a wider range of trade tools that harness our high-growth industries of the future to deliver this government’s Plan for Change.  

    As we target these agreements, we will take every step necessary to safeguard British businesses from the increasingly protectionist mood in much of the world by sharpening our defensive toolkit.

    To complement the Trade Strategy, we have also today published the Global Trade Outlook 2025 which explores the long-term trends that may shape the global economy and international trade in the coming decades.

    Shevaun Haviland, Director General at the BCC, said: 

    The Trade Strategy sets out a clear, evidence-based approach to raising the UK’s export game. It rightly targets our strength in services, and vital high-growth goods sectors while identifying key markets in the Indo-Pacific, Americas and European neighbourhood.

    A focus on sectoral and digital trade deals is also welcome, alongside a commitment to a functioning rules-based global trading system. 

    Place matters in trade. This strategy can generate economic growth in every nation and region of the UK, lowering tariffs and removing trade barriers. Our Chamber Network stands ready to build, invest and deliver on international trade as a partner of government and an engine for economic growth.

    Rain Newton-Smith, CEO, CBI said:

    Businesses are clear that positioning the UK as an outward looking nation is a show of strength in this increasingly fragmented world. Backing free trade is critical to facing the great global challenges and opportunities of our time.

    The UK must be bold and ambitious to be a key player in the global race for growth. Today’s Strategy offers a dynamic vision which will help the UK to position itself as one of the world’s leading locations for investment and trade. Leaning into that openness, our international commitments, and partnerships with like-minded allies will be integral to our success.

    We now need government and business to work together to turn this ambition into action and ensure that the UK seizes on the opportunities available within the global economy.

    Ian Stuart, CEO of HSBC UK:  

    I welcome today’s announcement of the Trade Strategy. It provides a vital blueprint to ensure the UK’s continued role as a great trading nation and leading services exporter, with a focus on the sectors that will drive growth in the decades to come.  

    It also rightly recognises the challenges many exporters face at a time of heightened global uncertainty. This is a necessary first step in giving businesses the tools they need to thrive on the world stage. HSBC looks forward to supporting businesses to take advantage of the strategy and unlock the full benefits of international trade.

    Jon Holt, Group Chief Executive and UK Senior Partner, KPMG, said:    

    Our professional and business services industry is an international success story with our expertise in demand around the world. As a high-growth sector, we have long called for a Trade Strategy that enables UK businesses to take advantage of new global opportunities and expand into emerging markets.  

    Today we have a clear plan. From removing barriers to overseas markets, to making it easier for our highly skilled people to travel and work across borders, this approach will strengthen our connectivity, boost inward investment and make sure our sector remains globally competitive.

    The strategy’s success will depend on a strong partnership between business and Government.

    Stephen Phipson CBE, CEO of Make UK, the manufacturers’ organisation said:

    Industry will welcome the Trade Strategy which, for the first time, aligns hard on the heels of the Industrial Strategy and is a perfect example of joined up thinking across Government which has long been missing.

    In particular, as well as a focus on new markets, it will help optimise market access and signposting for companies, especially SMEs, to take advantage of current trade deals with a new focus on strategic economic partnerships with key trading partners.

    At the same time, as well as helping boost exports, it will strengthen trade defences against the threat of dumping and support UK firms in reporting possible trade discrepancies to the Trade Remedies Authority.

    Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said:  

    UK Automotive is a trade powerhouse, generating imports and exports worth £108 billion a year and typically Britain’s biggest exporter of manufactured goods. Free and fair trade is fundamental to our success and recent agreements with India, the US and, particularly, the EU signal that intention.

    Today’s trade strategy, aligned to the industrial strategy announced earlier this week, provides confidence to help our sector navigate the many headwinds we face and sets a foundation for future success.

    Balanced trading relationships that break down tariffs and regulatory barriers to trade will enable automotive companies to grow and get great British products into the hands of consumers all over the world, boosting jobs, business and prosperity at home.

    Heathrow’s Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer, Nigel Milton, said:   

    We welcome this Trade Strategy, which is set to provide greater support for exporters and champion the importance of free trade.   

    As the UK’s hub airport and largest port by value, we know firsthand how trade can serve as a powerful engine for economic growth.   

    With our unrivalled access to global markets Heathrow is the UK’s gateway to growth and we stand ready to support the Government and exporters from across the country with the rollout of the new strategy.

    Paul Nowak, TUC General Secretary, said:

    This is an important step forward to a trade agenda with workers’ rights and good jobs at its heart.

    It’s right that the government is focusing on removing barriers to trade with our largest trading partner – the EU – on which thousands of quality jobs depend, and it’s vital that the government continues to show ambition in its trading reset with the bloc.

    Standing up for good jobs in sectors such as steel is essential and hugely welcome, especially with global trade wars leading to countries undercutting British products with cheaper foreign imports.

    The government has set out a path towards a values-based approach to trade, which supports international labour standards and human rights globally. We look forward to seeing the full detail and working with them to deliver this.

    John Pattinson, Founder and Managing Director of Air Covers Ltd, and a DBT Export Champion, said:   

    The UK Government plays a vital role in enabling and accelerating the journey to export – a critical driver of economic growth. At Air Covers, we have benefited greatly from our close partnership with DBT Wales.  

    The support we’ve received from DBT Wales, as well as from UK embassies and High Commissions around the world, has been instrumental to our expansion and success in international markets.  

    We believe that the UK Government’s Trade Strategy will open new opportunities for growth, both in established regions and emerging markets. For UK exporters, free trade agreements and the simplification of cross-border regulations are essential to unlocking global potential and maintaining a competitive edge.

    Julian David, CEO of techUK, said:

    TechUK welcomes the launch of this trade strategy as a landmark moment. For the first time, we have a coherent, long-term plan that reflects the realities of current geopolitics and the UK’s unique strengths – particularly in services and high-growth, innovation-driven sectors like ours.

    It’s especially encouraging to see government pulling together the full suite of tools at its disposal – from digital trade agreements to commercial diplomacy and meaningful trade defence instruments. We look forward to working closely with government to turn this vision into impact and ensure the UK remains a leader in the global digital economy.

    Marco Forgione, Director General of the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade, said:

    Today’s new Trade Strategy is a welcome step forward that reflects many of the priorities we’ve been championing on behalf of our members, especially SMEs, who need targeted, accessible support to grow internationally.

    From the Small Exports Builder to enhanced UK Export Finance, these are practical tools designed to reduce friction and unlock potential for thousands of firms across the UK.

    We’ve worked closely with government to feed in the real-world experiences of our members, and it’s encouraging to see those insights reflected in today’s announcement.

    Launched alongside the Industrial Strategy, this sets a more joined-up direction for trade and growth. Now the focus must be on delivery, and we stand ready to help make it happen.

    Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses, said:

    Small firms know exporting is good for growth, so it’s good to see a clear strategy on trade. We welcome the government’s commitment to creating better digital tools, less red tape and putting stronger focus on practical support beyond just trade deals. 

    We also need to see more money and new funding programmes for SMEs wanting to trade internationally, as well as more bespoke support for the smallest firms, who do not qualify for one-to-one help.

    Small firms have been bogged down by unnecessary rules and costs for far too long, and today’s strategy is the first step to creating a better environment for exporters and importers.

    Notes to editor 

    • Department for Business and Trade (DBT) analysis of UNCTAD (2025) Global import data 2013-2023, mapped to industry sectors using sector definitions from DBT (2023) Global trade outlook.  

    • The GTO will be published at 0001 Thursday 26 June here 

    • The Trade Strategy will be published 0915 Thursday 26 June here 

    • More information on the UK Steel Trade Measures Call for Evidence will be issued separately, embargoed until 22.30 Thursday 25 June.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police and Customs bag smuggling ring operating airside

    Source: New Zealand Police

    A joint investigation has unpacked a criminal syndicate’s operation, which allegedly facilitated the smuggling of class A drugs through Auckland Airport.

    Police and Customs terminated nearly two dozen search warrants on Wednesday across the Auckland region as part of Operation Matata.

    Eighteen arrests have been made, including nine baggage handlers and another staff member working at the country’s busiest airport.

    Those arrested are 17 men, aged between 20 and 42, and a 19-year-old woman. Those arrested were appearing in the Manukau District Court yesterday afternoon and today.

    It all began on 20 March 2025, when a man was arrested outside an East Tamaki address after 25 kilograms of methamphetamine was discovered in his vehicle.

    Now, detectives from the National Organised Crime Group and counterparts at Customs have uncovered a wider group organising and facilitating controlled drugs being smuggled through Auckland Airport.

    “Police will allege in court that this group imported controlled drugs through the airport on six occasions,” Detective Inspector Tom Gollan says.

    “As a result, approximately 64 kilograms of methamphetamine and 3.4 kilograms of cocaine has been seized by Customs and Police.”

    This would have gone on to cause significant harm and cost to New Zealand communities.

    “Insider threats pose a threat to this country, and we are pleased to continue to work with Auckland Airport authorities, Customs and overseas law enforcement agencies to stamp this out,” Detective Inspector Gollan says.

    Customs Investigations Manager Dominic Adams adds: “These individuals are alleged to have abused their trusted positions as airport workers to smuggle significant amounts of harmful drugs into New Zealand.

    “There is zero tolerance for this type of behaviour and this operation signals the action that law enforcement, with the support of industry partners, has taken against those who thought they could operate outside of the law and profit from their criminal activities.”

    During the 23 search warrants carried out, Police located a significant amount of cash along with quantities of cocaine and a sawn-off shotgun.

    Those arrested will face serious drugs charges, including importation, supply and possession for supply of the class A controlled drugs methamphetamine and cocaine.

    • Operation Matata – by the numbers:

    Around 64.5kg of methamphetamine equates to:
    – 3,225,000 doses
    – $22.5m – the approximate retail value of this methamphetamine
    – $71.5m – an approximate amount of social harm prevented

    Around 3.4kg of cocaine equates to:
    – 34,000 doses
    – $1.5m – the approximate retail value of this cocaine
    – $1m – the approximate amount of social harm prevented

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Apollo Names Celia Yan as Head of Hybrid for Asia Pacific

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HONG KONG, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apollo (NYSE: APO) today announced that Celia Yan has joined the firm as a Partner and Head of Hybrid for Asia Pacific. Based in Hong Kong, Yan will lead the expansion of Apollo’s hybrid platform across the region, building on the firm’s momentum in delivering flexible, tailored capital solutions across private markets.

    Apollo’s hybrid business focuses on delivering creative, partnership-driven solutions that sit between traditional debt and equity. We provide solutions that help companies fund growth initiatives, generate liquidity and deleverage balance sheets, among other bespoke applications. In this newly created role, Yan will drive origination, execution and growth for Apollo’s hybrid strategies in Asia Pacific.

    Yan brings over 20 years of industry experience and extensive private investment expertise across Asia Pacific, most recently serving as Head of APAC Private Credit at BlackRock. Previously, she held senior investment roles at ADM Capital, National Australia Bank and Equity Trustees Limited (EQT).

    “Celia’s experience across private markets investing, managing cross-border teams and growing business verticals makes her a key addition as we grow our hybrid business in Asia Pacific,” said Matthew Michelini, Partner and Head of Asia Pacific at Apollo. “As companies and investors increasingly seek structured and creative solutions, Celia will help us deliver for clients across the region.”

    Chris Lahoud, Partner at Apollo, said: “As capital markets evolve, we see an attractive opportunity for hybrid growth in the region, providing partnership-oriented, flexible capital to companies and projects.”

    “Apollo’s integrated platform and global reach, paired with a strong local presence, position the firm to deliver hybrid capital at scale,” said Celia Yan. “Across Asia Pacific, businesses and sponsors are looking for non-dilutive, customized solutions that can address real market inefficiencies—and hybrid is increasingly the answer. I’m excited to join the team and help accelerate this strategy across the region.”

    Yan holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne and a Master’s in Applied Econometrics from Monash University.

    About Apollo

    Apollo is a high-growth, global alternative asset manager. In our asset management business, we seek to provide our clients excess return at every point along the risk-reward spectrum from investment grade credit to private equity. For more than three decades, our investing expertise across our fully integrated platform has served the financial return needs of our clients and provided businesses with innovative capital solutions for growth. Through Athene, our retirement services business, we specialize in helping clients achieve financial security by providing a suite of retirement savings products and acting as a solutions provider to institutions. Our patient, creative, and knowledgeable approach to investing aligns our clients, businesses we invest in, our employees, and the communities we impact, to expand opportunity and achieve positive outcomes. As of March 31, 2025, Apollo had approximately $785 billion of assets under management. To learn more, please visit www.apollo.com.

    Apollo Contacts

    Noah Gunn
    Global Head of Investor Relations
    Apollo Global Management, Inc.
    (212) 822-0540
    IR@apollo.com

    Joanna Rose
    Global Head of Corporate Communications
    Apollo Global Management, Inc.
    (212) 822-0491
    Communications@apollo.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Apollo Names Celia Yan as Head of Hybrid for Asia Pacific

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HONG KONG, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apollo (NYSE: APO) today announced that Celia Yan has joined the firm as a Partner and Head of Hybrid for Asia Pacific. Based in Hong Kong, Yan will lead the expansion of Apollo’s hybrid platform across the region, building on the firm’s momentum in delivering flexible, tailored capital solutions across private markets.

    Apollo’s hybrid business focuses on delivering creative, partnership-driven solutions that sit between traditional debt and equity. We provide solutions that help companies fund growth initiatives, generate liquidity and deleverage balance sheets, among other bespoke applications. In this newly created role, Yan will drive origination, execution and growth for Apollo’s hybrid strategies in Asia Pacific.

    Yan brings over 20 years of industry experience and extensive private investment expertise across Asia Pacific, most recently serving as Head of APAC Private Credit at BlackRock. Previously, she held senior investment roles at ADM Capital, National Australia Bank and Equity Trustees Limited (EQT).

    “Celia’s experience across private markets investing, managing cross-border teams and growing business verticals makes her a key addition as we grow our hybrid business in Asia Pacific,” said Matthew Michelini, Partner and Head of Asia Pacific at Apollo. “As companies and investors increasingly seek structured and creative solutions, Celia will help us deliver for clients across the region.”

    Chris Lahoud, Partner at Apollo, said: “As capital markets evolve, we see an attractive opportunity for hybrid growth in the region, providing partnership-oriented, flexible capital to companies and projects.”

    “Apollo’s integrated platform and global reach, paired with a strong local presence, position the firm to deliver hybrid capital at scale,” said Celia Yan. “Across Asia Pacific, businesses and sponsors are looking for non-dilutive, customized solutions that can address real market inefficiencies—and hybrid is increasingly the answer. I’m excited to join the team and help accelerate this strategy across the region.”

    Yan holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne and a Master’s in Applied Econometrics from Monash University.

    About Apollo

    Apollo is a high-growth, global alternative asset manager. In our asset management business, we seek to provide our clients excess return at every point along the risk-reward spectrum from investment grade credit to private equity. For more than three decades, our investing expertise across our fully integrated platform has served the financial return needs of our clients and provided businesses with innovative capital solutions for growth. Through Athene, our retirement services business, we specialize in helping clients achieve financial security by providing a suite of retirement savings products and acting as a solutions provider to institutions. Our patient, creative, and knowledgeable approach to investing aligns our clients, businesses we invest in, our employees, and the communities we impact, to expand opportunity and achieve positive outcomes. As of March 31, 2025, Apollo had approximately $785 billion of assets under management. To learn more, please visit www.apollo.com.

    Apollo Contacts

    Noah Gunn
    Global Head of Investor Relations
    Apollo Global Management, Inc.
    (212) 822-0540
    IR@apollo.com

    Joanna Rose
    Global Head of Corporate Communications
    Apollo Global Management, Inc.
    (212) 822-0491
    Communications@apollo.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Sunrun Dispatches More Than 340 Megawatts of Power in Single Evening to Support the Grid from Coast to Coast

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sunrun (Nasdaq: RUN) announced today that its fleet of home batteries enrolled in distributed power plants dispatched more than 340 megawatts of peak power on the evening of June 24 to support power grids in California, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Puerto Rico. These dispatch events come as grid operators scramble to prevent rotating blackouts amid a triple-digit heat wave sweeping the East Coast.

    The prolonged heat has caused congestion and overheating of transmission lines, leading to sharp increases in wholesale electricity prices. As soaring temperatures reduced the efficiency of traditional power plants, utilities struggled to meet skyrocketing demand for electricity.

    “This summer is proving challenging for grid operators, as extreme heat and rising demand again push our aging infrastructure to its limits,” said Sunrun CEO Mary Powell. “Home storage paired with solar is a reliable and controllable resource that can provide on-demand power to the grid to prevent blackouts and reduce energy prices for all households. We must fully embrace these technologies if we’re to achieve energy security for America.”

    On Tuesday evening, Sunrun answered urgent requests for emergency power by dispatching stored energy in home batteries to the grid during sweltering heat along the East Coast. The influx of power from thousands of Sunrun batteries helped fill the gap of energy reserves while reducing the need for expensive and polluting peaker power plants.

    In New York, Sunrun completed its fourth dispatch event within the last week, helping relieve stress on congested circuits identified by the utility partner. Three more power-sharing events in New York are scheduled for the coming week. In Puerto Rico, Sunrun activated more than 5,600 batteries in less than one hour to assist the island’s utility provider during power generation shortfalls.

    In California, Sunrun’s fleet of home batteries enrolled in a statewide distributed power plant dispatched 325 megawatts of peak power. The dispatched batteries acted in the same way as a traditional power plant and decisively knocked down the state’s evening peak demand for electricity from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.—when families typically increase the use of appliances and air conditioning and after solar has stopped generating electricity.

    “Our distributed power plants are ready to help drive a more resilient and less expensive grid,” said Chris Rauscher, Vice President of Grid Services at Sunrun. “We are doing this at scale and creating real value right now. With an aging grid and demand growth occurring, it is clear that the need for this capacity will only grow exponentially.”

    With nearly a gigawatt of total battery capacity installed—the equivalent of a nuclear power plant’s worth of peak power—Sunrun is the largest distributed battery power plant provider and operator in the world. Unlike traditional power plants, Sunrun can deploy battery capacity that is equivalent to a utility scale battery or even a peaker power plant within months—an unrivaled speed. Sunrun’s subscription model is key to its ability to aggregate, manage, and dispatch hundreds of thousands of home batteries to improve grid reliability.

    About Sunrun
    Sunrun Inc. (Nasdaq: RUN) revolutionized the solar industry in 2007 by removing financial barriers and democratizing access to locally-generated, renewable energy. Today, Sunrun is the nation’s leading provider of clean energy as a subscription service, offering residential solar and storage with no upfront costs. Sunrun’s innovative products and solutions can connect homes to the cleanest energy on earth, providing them with energy security, predictability, and peace of mind. Sunrun also manages energy services that benefit communities, utilities, and the electric grid while enhancing customer value. Discover more at www.sunrun.com

    Media Contact
    Wyatt Semanek
    Director, Corporate Communications
    press@sunrun.com

    Investor & Analyst Contact
    Patrick Jobin
    SVP, Deputy CFO & Investor Relations Officer
    investors@sunrun.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: AGF Investments Announces Risk Rating Change

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AGF Investments Inc. (AGF Investments) today announced a risk rating change for the following fund effective today.

    Fund Name Previous Risk Rating Revised Risk Rating
    AGF North American Small-Mid Cap Fund Medium Medium-High
         

    The changes are based on the risk classification methodology mandated by the Canadian Securities Administrators to determine the risk level of mutual funds. No material changes have been made to the investment objective, strategy or management of the fund.

    About AGF Management Limited

    Founded in 1957, AGF Management Limited (AGF) is an independent and globally diverse asset management firm. Our companies deliver excellence in investing in the public and private markets through three business lines: AGF Investments, AGF Capital Partners and AGF Private Wealth.

    AGF brings a disciplined approach, focused on incorporating sound, responsible and sustainable corporate practices. The firm’s collective investment expertise, driven by its fundamental, quantitative and private investing capabilities, extends globally to a wide range of clients, from financial advisors and their clients to high-net worth and institutional investors including pension plans, corporate plans, sovereign wealth funds, endowments and foundations.

    Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, AGF has investment operations and client servicing teams on the ground in North America and Europe. With over $53 billion in total assets under management and fee-earning assets, AGF serves more than 815,000 investors. AGF trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol AGF.B.

    About AGF Investments

    AGF Investments is a group of wholly owned subsidiaries of AGF Management Limited, a Canadian reporting issuer. The subsidiaries included in AGF Investments are AGF Investments Inc. (AGFI), AGF Investments America Inc. (AGFA), AGF Investments LLC (AGFUS) and AGF International Advisors Company Limited (AGFIA). The term AGF Investments may refer to one or more of these subsidiaries or to all of them jointly. This term is used for convenience and does not precisely describe any of the separate companies, each of which manages its own affairs.

    AGF Investments entities only provide investment advisory services or offers investment funds in the jurisdiction where such firm and/or product is registered or authorized to provide such services.

    AGF Investments Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AGF Management Limited and conducts the management and advisory of mutual funds in Canada.

    This information is not intended to provide legal, accounting, tax, investment, financial, or other advice, and should not be relied upon for providing such advice. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investment fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated.

    Media Contact

    Amanda Marchment
    Director, Corporate Communications
    416-865-4160
    amanda.marchment@agf.com  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: AGF Investments Announces Risk Rating Change

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AGF Investments Inc. (AGF Investments) today announced a risk rating change for the following fund effective today.

    Fund Name Previous Risk Rating Revised Risk Rating
    AGF North American Small-Mid Cap Fund Medium Medium-High
         

    The changes are based on the risk classification methodology mandated by the Canadian Securities Administrators to determine the risk level of mutual funds. No material changes have been made to the investment objective, strategy or management of the fund.

    About AGF Management Limited

    Founded in 1957, AGF Management Limited (AGF) is an independent and globally diverse asset management firm. Our companies deliver excellence in investing in the public and private markets through three business lines: AGF Investments, AGF Capital Partners and AGF Private Wealth.

    AGF brings a disciplined approach, focused on incorporating sound, responsible and sustainable corporate practices. The firm’s collective investment expertise, driven by its fundamental, quantitative and private investing capabilities, extends globally to a wide range of clients, from financial advisors and their clients to high-net worth and institutional investors including pension plans, corporate plans, sovereign wealth funds, endowments and foundations.

    Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, AGF has investment operations and client servicing teams on the ground in North America and Europe. With over $53 billion in total assets under management and fee-earning assets, AGF serves more than 815,000 investors. AGF trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol AGF.B.

    About AGF Investments

    AGF Investments is a group of wholly owned subsidiaries of AGF Management Limited, a Canadian reporting issuer. The subsidiaries included in AGF Investments are AGF Investments Inc. (AGFI), AGF Investments America Inc. (AGFA), AGF Investments LLC (AGFUS) and AGF International Advisors Company Limited (AGFIA). The term AGF Investments may refer to one or more of these subsidiaries or to all of them jointly. This term is used for convenience and does not precisely describe any of the separate companies, each of which manages its own affairs.

    AGF Investments entities only provide investment advisory services or offers investment funds in the jurisdiction where such firm and/or product is registered or authorized to provide such services.

    AGF Investments Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AGF Management Limited and conducts the management and advisory of mutual funds in Canada.

    This information is not intended to provide legal, accounting, tax, investment, financial, or other advice, and should not be relied upon for providing such advice. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investment fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated.

    Media Contact

    Amanda Marchment
    Director, Corporate Communications
    416-865-4160
    amanda.marchment@agf.com  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CVB Financial Corp. Announces 143rd Consecutive Quarterly Cash Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Ontario, CA, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CVB Financial Corp. (NASDAQ: CVBF) (the “Company”) announced a twenty cent ($0.20) per share cash dividend with respect to the second quarter of 2025. This dividend was approved at the Company’s regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting held on June 25, 2025. The quarterly dividend will be payable on or about July 24, 2025 to shareholders of record as of July 10, 2025.

    “We are pleased to announce our 143rd consecutive quarterly cash dividend paid to our shareholders,” said David A. Brager, President and Chief Executive Officer.

    Corporate Overview
    CVB Financial Corp. (“CVBF”) is the holding company for Citizens Business Bank. CVBF is one of the 10 largest bank holding companies headquartered in California with greater than $15 billion in total assets. Citizens Business Bank is consistently recognized as one of the top performing banks in the nation and offers a wide array of banking, lending and investing services with more than 60 banking centers and three trust office locations serving California.

    Shares of CVB Financial Corp. common stock are listed on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “CVBF”. For investor information on CVBF, visit our Citizens Business Bank website at www.cbbank.com and click on the “Investors” tab.

    Safe Harbor
    Certain matters set forth herein may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including forward-looking statements relating to the Company’s current business plans and expectations, growth projections, and our future financial position and operating results. Words such as “will likely result, “aims”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “could”, “estimates”, “expects”, “hopes”, “intends”, “may”, “plans”, “projects”, “seeks”, “should”, “will” and variations of these words and similar expressions help to identify these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance and/or achievements to differ materially from those projected. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, all the risk factors set forth in the Company’s public reports, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and particularly the discussion of risk factors within that document. The Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect occurrences or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements except as required by law.

    Contact: David A. Brager
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    (909) 980-4030

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CVB Financial Corp. Announces 143rd Consecutive Quarterly Cash Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Ontario, CA, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CVB Financial Corp. (NASDAQ: CVBF) (the “Company”) announced a twenty cent ($0.20) per share cash dividend with respect to the second quarter of 2025. This dividend was approved at the Company’s regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting held on June 25, 2025. The quarterly dividend will be payable on or about July 24, 2025 to shareholders of record as of July 10, 2025.

    “We are pleased to announce our 143rd consecutive quarterly cash dividend paid to our shareholders,” said David A. Brager, President and Chief Executive Officer.

    Corporate Overview
    CVB Financial Corp. (“CVBF”) is the holding company for Citizens Business Bank. CVBF is one of the 10 largest bank holding companies headquartered in California with greater than $15 billion in total assets. Citizens Business Bank is consistently recognized as one of the top performing banks in the nation and offers a wide array of banking, lending and investing services with more than 60 banking centers and three trust office locations serving California.

    Shares of CVB Financial Corp. common stock are listed on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “CVBF”. For investor information on CVBF, visit our Citizens Business Bank website at www.cbbank.com and click on the “Investors” tab.

    Safe Harbor
    Certain matters set forth herein may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including forward-looking statements relating to the Company’s current business plans and expectations, growth projections, and our future financial position and operating results. Words such as “will likely result, “aims”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “could”, “estimates”, “expects”, “hopes”, “intends”, “may”, “plans”, “projects”, “seeks”, “should”, “will” and variations of these words and similar expressions help to identify these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance and/or achievements to differ materially from those projected. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, all the risk factors set forth in the Company’s public reports, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and particularly the discussion of risk factors within that document. The Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect occurrences or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements except as required by law.

    Contact: David A. Brager
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    (909) 980-4030

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Nick Langworthy Announces FAA Grants for Cattaraugus County Olean Airport

    Source: US Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) announced the Federal Aviation Administration has awarded $313,813 to the Olean Airport for phase 2 of their rehabilitation project which consists of rehabilitating a parking lot and construction of a new lighting system. The FAA also awarded a second grant of $87,400 for improving an existing terminal.

     

    “Investing in our local airports is essential to strengthening our regional infrastructure and economy,”said Congressman Langworthy.“I’m proud to support these FAA grants, which will help the Olean Airport make needed upgrades that improve safety, access, and future growth opportunities for our communities.”

     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Reinbeck Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to Federal Prison for Second Time

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

    A Reinbeck man who obtained a significant quantity of methamphetamine from a source of supply that he had met in federal prison was sentenced June 23, 2025, to 20 years in federal prison.  

    Austin David Hansen, age 39, from Reinbeck, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 23, 2024 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance after having previously been convicted of a serious drug felony.  

    Information disclosed at Hansen’s sentencing hearing and other hearings related to this case showed that, beginning in December 2023, and continuing to May 22, 2024, Hansen worked with a California source of supply that Hansen had met in federal prison to ship methamphetamine and marijuana packages in the mail to post office boxes in Reinbeck, Dike, and Waterloo, Iowa.  After the methamphetamine and marijuana packages arrived at the Iowa post office boxes, Hansen worked with others to distribute the methamphetamine and marijuana to individuals in the Northern District of Iowa.  Hansen then sent packages containing thousands of dollars of drug proceeds to the source of supply in California.  In total, the California source of supply sent at least 37 packages to the Northern District of Iowa, and Hansen sent the source of supply over $260,000 of drug proceeds.    

    During the investigation, law enforcement seized a package from California and intended for one of the post office boxes, and it contained over 5,000 grams of methamphetamine.  On May 22, 2024, officers executed several search warrants in this case, including at Hansen’s residence.  At Hansen’s residence, officers seized over 600 grams of methamphetamine, a firearm, over $12,000 in United States currency, and receipts of all the money packages Hansen sent to the source of supply in California.  

    Hansen had previously been convicted of a federal drug trafficking crime and sentenced to federal prison in November 2011.  

    Hansen was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Hansen was sentenced to 240 months’ imprisonment, and he must also serve a ten‑year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

    Hansen is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

     The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dillan Edwards and investigated by the United States Postal Service; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Tri‑County Drug Enforcement Task Force consisting of the Waterloo Police Department, Cedar Falls Police Department, Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office, Evansdale Police Department, Waverly Police Department, Hudson Police Department, La Porte City Police Department, and the Bremer County Sheriff’s Office; the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Mid‑Iowa Drug Task Force; the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office; the Iowa State Patrol; and the Santa Ana, California Police Department.  

    Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.

    The case file number is 24‑CR‑00044‑CJW.

    Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Compass Diversified Provides an Update on its Financial Statements Amid the Ongoing Investigation into Lugano Holding, Inc.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WESTPORT, Conn., June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Compass Diversified (NYSE: CODI) (“CODI”) today disclosed non-reliance on its financial statements for fiscal years 2022 and 2023 amid an ongoing investigation into its subsidiary Lugano Holding, Inc. (“Lugano”). This follows CODI’s May 7 disclosure concerning non-reliance on its 2024 financial statements. As previously disclosed, the investigation has preliminarily identified irregularities in Lugano’s financing, accounting, and inventory practices.

    CODI is focused on completing the investigation, which is progressing in line with expectations, and actively working to finalize the necessary financial restatements. Importantly, the investigation is focused on Lugano and does not involve any of CODI’s other subsidiaries.

    “We remain confident in the performance and integrity of CODI’s eight other subsidiary companies, all of which continue to operate normally, have strong balance sheets, and collectively generate substantial cash flow,” said Elias Sabo, CEO of CODI. “We have ample liquidity and significant access to capital via our revolving credit facility. We continue to work constructively with our banking partners and bondholders to ensure flexibility and stability as we move forward. Our primary focus remains on maximizing long-term value for all stakeholders.”

    CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including without limitation, CODI’s expectations as to the timing and outcome of the Lugano investigation, CODI’s credit availability and future liquidity, actions taken in response to the outcome of the investigation, the future performance of Lugano and CODI’s other subsidiaries, the filing or delay of CODI’s periodic reports, and the amount of any potential misstatements associated with Lugano and the impact any such misstatements may have on CODI’s previously issued financial statements or results of operations. Such forward looking statements may be identified by, among other things, the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “could,” “would,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “should” or “anticipate” or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on beliefs and assumptions by the Board of Directors and management, and on information currently available to CODI’s Board of Directors and management. These statements involve risk and uncertainties that could cause CODI’s actual results and outcomes to differ, perhaps materially, including but not limited to: the discovery of additional information relevant to the investigation; the conclusions (and timing of those conclusions) concerning matters relating to the investigation; the timing of the review by, and the conclusions of, Grant Thornton regarding the investigation and CODI’s financial statements; a further material delay in CODI’s financial reporting or ability to hold an annual meeting of stockholders; the impacts of restatement reviews; the likelihood that the control deficiencies identified or that may be identified in the future will result in material weaknesses in CODI’s internal control over financial reporting; and commercial litigation relating to the investigation, including CODI’s representations regarding its financial statements, and the possibility of future litigation or investigation relating to CODI’s internal controls, restatement reviews, the investigation, or related matters. Please see CODI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 for other risk factors that you should consider in connection with such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date such statements have been made. Except as required by law CODI does not undertake any public obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events, circumstances, or new information after the date of this press release, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

    Investor Relations
    Compass Diversified
    irinquiry@compassdiversified.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Employers Holdings, Inc. Schedules Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Release and Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RENO, Nev., June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Employers Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) (NYSE:EIG) today announced that it will release its second quarter 2025 financial results after market close on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, after which these materials will be available on the Company’s website at www.employers.com through the “Investors” link.

    Conference Call Details
    The Company will then review these financial results via a conference call and webcast on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. EDT / 8:00 a.m. PDT.

    To participate in the live conference call, you must first register here. Once registered you will receive dial-in numbers and a unique PIN number. The webcast will be accessible on the Company’s website at www.employers.com through the “Investors” link.

    An archived version of the webcast will be accessible on the Company’s website following the live call.

    About EMPLOYERS

    Employers Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EIG), is a holding company with subsidiaries that are specialty providers of workers’ compensation insurance and services (collectively “EMPLOYERS®”) focused on small and mid-sized businesses engaged in low-to-medium hazard industries. EMPLOYERS leverages over a century of experience to deliver comprehensive coverage solutions that meet the unique needs of its customers. Drawing from its long history and extensive knowledge, EMPLOYERS empowers businesses by protecting their most valuable asset – their employees – through exceptional claims management, loss control, and risk management services, to create safer work environments.

    EMPLOYERS is also proud to offer Cerity®, which is focused on providing digital-first, direct-to-consumer workers’ compensation insurance solutions with fast, and affordable coverage options through a user-friendly online platform.

    EMPLOYERS operates throughout the United States, apart from four states that are served exclusively by their state funds. Insurance is offered through Employers Insurance Company of Nevada, Employers Compensation Insurance Company, Employers Preferred Insurance Company, Employers Assurance Company, and Cerity Insurance Company, all rated A (Excellent) by AM Best. Not all companies do business in all jurisdictions. EIG Services, Inc., and Cerity Services, Inc., are subsidiaries of Employers Holdings, Inc. EMPLOYERS® is a registered trademark of EIG Services, Inc., and Cerity® is a registered trademark of Cerity Services, Inc. For more information, please visit www.employers.com and www.cerity.com.

    Contact Information
    Michael Pedraja (775) 327-2706 or mpedraja@employers.com

    The MIL Network –