NewzIntel.com

Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI China: Chelsea sign Ipswich striker Delap in £30m deal

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

    Chelsea has signed striker Liam Delap from Ipswich Town after triggering his release clause of 30 million pounds (about 40 million U.S. dollars).

    Chelsea fended off competition from Manchester United and Newcastle United to secure the former Manchester City youngster, who impressed in his debut Premier League campaign by scoring 12 goals in 37 appearances, despite Ipswich being relegated to the Championship.

    According to English media, Chelsea will pay two-thirds of the fee up front, with the remainder in installments. Ipswich will also receive a percentage of any future sale.

    “I understand the stature of this club and can see the trajectory it is on with these players and the head coach (Enzo Maresca),” Delap told the Chelsea website.

    The England Under-21 international said Chelsea would be “an incredible place for me to develop,” and expressed his hope to “achieve amazing things here and help the club win more trophies.”

    “When I spoke to the club, everyone wanted to get back to the very top, and they have the quality and the players to do that,” he said of the newly crowned Conference League winners.

    “The hunger and desire to keep adding trophies, to take the club back to where it belongs, that is the main objective,” added Delap, who can operate as a central striker or second forward.

    The timing of the transfer means he is likely to be included in Chelsea’s squad for the upcoming Club World Cup in the United States, which the south London club begins on June 16.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Argentina may rest Messi for Chile clash

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

    Argentina captain Lionel Messi could start on the bench in his team’s FIFA World Cup qualifier against Chile, Albiceleste head coach Lionel Scaloni said on Wednesday.

    Thursday’s clash in Santiago will have little consequence for Scaloni’s men, who have already secured a spot in football’s showpiece tournament next year.

    Lionel Messi (center) of Argentina vies with Jackson Irvine of Australia during their Round of 16 match at the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Dec 3, 2022. (LI GA / XINHUA)

    Chile, meanwhile, is last in the 10-team South American group and must win to have an outside chance of qualifying.

    “We haven’t decided yet whether he’ll play from the start or not,” Scaloni said of 37 year-old Messi, who has been in impressive form for his club Inter Miami.

    “It would be good to know how he’s feeling physically. It’s clear that today we’re in a position to try other things. In principle, he’s available to play, and we’ll decide later.”

    Scaloni will already be without several key players for the duel at Estadio Nacional, including injured Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister and suspended duo Enzo Fernandez and Nico Gonzalez.

    Also missing will be Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, who will be rested after the Italian club’s 5-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on Saturday.

    “We’re going to have a lot of players out,” Scaloni said. “If some of the guys we call up are fit and ready to play, they’ll get their chance.”

    “I don’t have the starting eleven confirmed yet, but we will give some playing time to players who haven’t played much and who we believe are ready to play.”

    “Although the result is always important, we don’t think it’s crucial today. We’ll probably try to help these players settle in and give them the chance to get some playing time with the team.”

    Despite sitting top of the South American group with 31 points, eight clear of second-placed Ecuador with four qualifiers remaining, Scaloni said he was focused on obtaining “positive results” against Chile and also Colombia in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.

    “We want to play, it’s good for us to see other players, even those who are playing well. A match is never inopportune,” he said.

    “It’s not that we national teams play so much that we would say we don’t want to play this match. On the contrary. We think it’s a nice match to play, with its difficulties. We are in a good position.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: FIFA announces draw for U17 Women’s World Cup

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

    The draw for the ninth FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup was announced Wednesday, with the 2025 edition set to feature 24 teams for the first time.

    The tournament will take place in Rabat, Morocco, from October 17 to November 8.

    It will also mark the first time the global event is held in Africa, with the draw ceremony staged at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Rabat.

    Host Morocco will compete in Group A alongside Brazil, Costa Rica and Italy. Defending champion Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has been drawn into Group B with Cameroon, Mexico and the Netherlands.

    China is in Group C with Ecuador, Norway and the United States. Group D includes Canada, France, Nigeria and Samoa.

    Group E features Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, South Korea and Spain, while Japan, New Zealand, Paraguay and Zambia make up Group F.

    The top two teams from each of the six groups, along with the four best third-placed teams, will advance to the round of 16. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Poland edge China, Belgium dominate Thailand in VNL

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

    China suffered its first loss at the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Beijing leg on Thursday, falling to Poland 3-1 (25-22, 20-25, 25-19, 25-21) in a tightly contested match at the National Indoor Stadium.

    Poland opposite Magdalena Stysiak and outside hitter Martyna Czyrnianska each scored 20 points to fire their team to victory. Captain and middle blocker Agnieszka Korneluk added 17, while fellow middle blocker Aleksandra Gryka had 12.

    Magdalena Stysiak (L) of Poland spikes the ball during the Pool 3 match between China and Poland at the Women’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2025 at the National Indoor Stadium in Beijing, China, June 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

    After dropping a closely fought opening set, China responded with a spirited performance in the second, making lineup adjustments and gaining momentum through effective blocking and fast-paced attacks. Outside hitters Tang Xin and Wu Mengjie played key roles as the team leveled the scores at one set apiece.

    Zhuang Yushan scored a team-high 17 points, Wu earned 13 points, while Tang contributed 12 points overall, including seven in the second set alone.

    “At the beginning, I felt I performed even better than I did in training,” said Tang, 21. “But later on, I got a bit too excited and started to lose focus. Poland adjusted quickly, especially in the third set – their blockers began targeting me more directly, and I had trouble adapting.”

    The third set saw both teams battling point-for-point early on, but Poland pulled ahead midway with solid defense and consistent execution, eventually taking it 25-19. In the fourth, China made a strong start, racing into a 3-0 lead, but Poland quickly turned the tide with a 14-10 advantage and maintained a narrow lead down the stretch. Despite China’s late push to save a match point, Poland closed out the set 25-21 to seal their second straight win in Beijing.

    “We’re very happy with this win. Coming into the match, we knew it would be difficult, even though we only had a few recent matches to study this ‘new’ Chinese team. Still, we could tell that their players have incredible quality. The younger players may lack experience, but they’ve already shown great technique, talent, and character,” said Poland head coach Stefano Lavarini.

    Lavarini noted that the second set slipped away due to a drop in serving quality and missed opportunities in attack, especially against single blocks. However, he added that in the third set, his team regained its rhythm by stabilizing service and playing with more consistency.

    “We tried to get back to the level we had in the first set. In the fourth set, China changed many players, so we made some tactical adjustments as well – especially in how we adapted to their different middle blockers and attackers,” the 46-year-old Italian explained.

    With the result, Poland improve to 2-0 in the current leg, while China drops to 1-1. Both teams will have a rest day on Friday before returning to action over the weekend.

    Earlier in the day, Belgium earned its first win of the Beijing leg with a 3-1 victory over Thailand (25-22, 25-23, 24-26, 25-22).

    Belgium captain Britt Herbots led the scorers with 31 points, while opposite Pauline Martin added 19. Middle blocker Nathalie Lemmens contributed 14 points, including five blocks, as Belgium’s offensive trio proved decisive.

    “It was a very tough and long match from every perspective,” said Herbots. “Thailand has a unique style of play. There were a lot of fast combinations and long rallies – very tiring on defense. But I’m really happy we got the win. Everyone fulfilled their role, and that’s really important for a team.”

    Belgium will next play against France on Friday, while Thailand will face Türkiye. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Transport – Transporting New Zealand welcomes opening of Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatū-Tararua Highway

    Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

    National road freight organisation Transporting New Zealand says this Saturday’s official opening of the Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatū-Tararua Highway is great news for the freight industry, and the region’s communities.
    Chief executive Dom Kalasih says the highway will deliver a safe, reliable and resilient connection between the Manawatū and Tararua districts. [Traffic will be able to use the highway from next week.]
    The highway replaces the Manawatū Gorge route, closed in 2017 due to slips.
    The new 11.5km highway is a major milestone for the freight sector and regional communities. It will take about 13 minutes to drive by car, or around 18 minutes for freight vehicles, to move between the districts.
    Kalasih says it will be a relief for people who have had to use the challenging Saddle Road detour for nearly 8 years.
    “This new highway will make a real difference to the flow of freight and to the lives of drivers.”
    “We also think it is a win that this is a non-tolled road,’ he says.
    Transporting New Zealand strongly opposed a proposed toll, noting the Saddle Road was never fit for purpose and the region deserved a safe, free alternative.
    “This is a replacement road, not a luxury upgrade,” Kalasih says. “Our members were clear – tolling this essential link would be unfair and would raise the cost of freight, hitting consumers across the board.”
    Kalasih says all the engineering that’s gone into the build is impressive.
    The project involved:
    • 6.5 million cubic metres of earthworks
    • 30,000 cubic metres of concrete
    • 3.5 million mahi hours
    • 2,500 workers
    • Nearly 2 million native plants planted for environmental
    restoration.
    The highway holds deep cultural importance, following a historic Māori travel route between the coasts and is named after Te Ahu a Turanga – the former resting place of Turanga-i-Mua, the son of the Aotea waka captain Turi who was killed in a battle there.
    One of the standout physical features is the Parahaki Bridge near Ashhurst – at 300 metres long and 30 metres wide, it spans the fast-flowing Manawatū River on a fault line and in one of the windiest areas of the North Island.
    “It’s taken years of commitment, coordination and skill to complete such a complex build in an ecologically sensitive and geologically challenging location,” says Kalasih.
    “Well done to all who played a part in making this happen.”
    In the linked video, project director Tony Adams, the project director for the Te Ahu a Turanga – Manawatū Tararua Highway, talks about the build.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Administrator Loeffler Applauds House Passage of “Save SBA from Sanctuary Cities Act”

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    WASHINGTON — Today, Kelly Loeffler, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) applauded the U.S. House of Representatives’ bipartisan passage of H.R. 2931, the Save SBA from Sanctuary Cities Act of 2025, which will support the agency’s decision to relocate SBA field offices out of sanctuary jurisdictions that refuse to comply with federal immigration law.

    “By harboring criminal illegal aliens, sanctuary cities jeopardize both the lives of American citizens and the livelihoods of our small businesses — which is exactly why the SBA is moving our field offices out of these lawless jurisdictions and into safer, more accessible communities that comply with federal law,” said Administrator Loeffler. “This Administration is committed to ending the illegal invasion of our nation – and I am grateful for the bipartisan group of House lawmakers who voted in support of that agenda by passing the Save SBA from Sanctuary Cities Act of 2025.”

    In March, the SBA announced it would relocate six of its regional offices out of sanctuary cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York City, and Seattle. This decision was undertaken not only in support of President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order 14218 ending the taxpayer subsidization of open borders, but also as part of SBA’s commitment to relocating field offices to safer, less costly, and more accessible communities.

    Under the leadership of Administrator Loeffler, the SBA has taken numerous steps to put American citizens first. Earlier this year, the agency announced it would require SBA loan applications to include a citizenship verification provision to ensure only legal, eligible applicants have access to taxpayer-funded SBA loan programs.

    # # #

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration
    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Salvadorean National Charged with Illegal Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition after Standoff with SWAT at Fresno Hotel

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FRESNO, Calif. — On June 5, 2025, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against Helan Noel Lopez-Sanchez, 32, a citizen of El Salvador, charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced.

    According to court documents, on Jan. 16, 2025, law enforcement officers received information that Lopez-Sanchez, a felon who had escaped from police custody, was located at a Motel 6 in Fresno after he logged into his Snapchat account. The Fresno Sheriff’s Office’s SWAT team was activated to serve an arrest warrant at the Motel 6.

    According to court documents, SWAT operators sent a drone into the motel room, where they observed Lopez-Sanchez with a rifle pointing the rifle at the door. Law enforcement officers ultimately took Lopez-Sanchez into custody and located ammunition as well as a short-barreled, privately manufactured rifle.

    Lopez-Sanchez is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to felony convictions including bringing alcohol/drugs into a jail and grand theft.

    This case is the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Veneman-Hughes is prosecuting the case.

    If convicted, Lopez-Sanchez faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Energy Sector – Strengthening UK energy security with new gas sales agreement – Equinor

    Source: Equinor

    05 JUNE 2025 – Equinor and Centrica sign long-term gas sales agreement of 55 TWh of natural gas per year (around 5 billion cubic meters – bcm) for a period of 10 years starting 1 October 2025 at terms reflecting market prices. The total contract value would be around £20 billion assuming current prices.

    “I am very pleased to strengthen the energy partnership with the UK and our longstanding partner and customer Centrica. This agreement will continue to support the UK’s energy security with reliable gas supplies from the Norwegian continental shelf. The flexibility that natural gas offers will play a key role in enabling further development of renewable power and decarbonisation in the UK”, says Equinor’s president and CEO Anders Opedal.

    For nearly 50 years, Equinor and partners have developed the Norwegian Continental Shelf to be the largest and most reliable provider of energy to Europe. Britain currently imports nearly 2/3 of its gas requirements from Norway, with Equinor being the major supplier. The annual volumes under this agreement will cover nearly 10% [1] of total annual UK gas demand which makes the agreement among the largest in Equinor bilateral portfolio.

    “The UK and the North Sea is a core area in our long-term ambitions to remain a supplier of reliable energy and to help decarbonise societies and industries. The new gas sales agreement with Centrica will be a key element in this. Energy security and decarbonisation must go hand in hand, and I am proud that Equinor is actively delivering both”, says Equinor’s UK Country Manager Alex Grant.

    Beyond investments in the UK’s oil and gas production, Equinor already operates three offshore wind farms at Sheringham Shoal, Dudgeon and Hywind Scotland, the world’s first floating offshore wind farm. Dogger Bank is under development and will be the world’s largest offshore windfarm once completed. Together with partners Equinor is also developing the UK’s first CO2 transport and storage project and a gas power plant with CO2 capture.

    Chris O’Shea, Group Chief Executive of Centrica, commented: “Equinor is a valued partner, and this landmark agreement underscores the vital role that natural gas plays as a transition fuel as we navigate towards a low carbon energy future. The enduring partnership between Centrica and Equinor exemplifies the strong and strategic relationship between the UK and Norway and I’m immensely proud that we’ve agreed this deal.

    “Over the last few years, we’ve seen first-hand how important energy security is. Today’s deal not only ensures the UK’s energy security has improved but also paves the way for a burgeoning hydrogen market. The deal represents a significant investment in the UK’s future, showing that Centrica will make bold investments that drive forward the energy transition while delivering value for our shareholders. We will continue to focus on further improving energy security by working with the UK Government to ensure the right levels of gas storage are in place to complement this landmark gas importation agreement.”

    [1] Total UK demand in 2024 at 55.8 bcm

    About Centrica

    Centrica is an international energy and services company, founded on a 200-year heritage of serving customers in homes and businesses. The company supply energy and services to over 10 million residential and business customers, mainly in the UK and Ireland, through brands such as British Gas, Bord Gáis Energy and Centrica Business Solutions. Centrica has a role at every step of the energy transition. When it comes to energy, Centrica make it, store it, move it, sell it and mend it. The company’s strategy is driven by the purpose of energising a greener, fairer future.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy, Pfluger Introduce Bill to Expand Health Care Innovation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and U.S. Representative August Pfluger (R-TX-11) introduced the Small Biotech Innovation Act to exempt research and development-intensive small biotech manufacturers from the Medicare drug price negotiation program.
    “When the federal government stands in the way of developing better care, there’s a problem. The cures developed through small biotech innovation change the future for many patients. Instead of limiting it, we should encourage it,”said Dr. Cassidy.
    “The Inflation Reduction Act has proven to fall short in several areas, including its small biotech exemption that disincentivizes companies from investing in R&D and hinders the development of innovative therapies. By tying eligibility to R&D spending, we can better incentivize companies to develop new treatments that will benefit patients nationwide,”said Representative Pfluger. “The bicameral Small Biotech Innovation Act is a forward-thinking approach that will strengthen America’s leadership in life-saving science by modernizing the small biotech exemption to reward real innovation and research investment, and ultimately protect these innovative small biotech companies.”
    The Small Biotech Innovation Act would counter the negative impact that the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) will have on innovation and drug development by providing any small biotech that spends a certain amount of money on research and development with the ability to delay one of their drugs for IRA negotiation for a year. The bill also prohibits any company that is owned by a foreign adversary from being eligible for the delay.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada officials to hold technical briefing on An Act to enact the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act and the Building Canada Act

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Ottawa, Ontario – June 5, 2025 – Government of Canada officials will hold an embargoed background media technical briefing on the introduction of legislation to build One Canadian Economy.

    Date: Friday, June 6, 2025
    Time: 10:15 EDT
    Location: National Press Theatre
    Room 325 Wellington Building
    180 Wellington, Ottawa, Ontario

    The media technical briefing will be for background information only and not for attribution and will be under embargo until the start of the Prime Minister’s press conference. Journalists will have the opportunity to ask questions.

    Notes for media:

    • Participation is in-person or via Zoom and is for accredited members of the Press Gallery only. Media who are not members of the Press Gallery may contact pressres2@parl.gc.ca to request temporary access.
    • To receive briefing materials, please register with Privy Council Office Media Relations (media@pco-bcp.gc.ca). By registering to receive materials, participants agree to keep materials under embargo until the start of the Prime Minister’s press conference.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Cuellar Applauds Court Decision Halting Job Corps Shutdown

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28) released the following statement after a federal judge temporarily blocked the U.S. Department of Labor from moving forward with its plan to suspend operations at contractor-operated Job Corps Centers, including the one located in Laredo:

    “The federal court’s decision is the right one. The Department of Labor’s plan to shut down contractor-operated Job Corps Centers – including Laredo’s – will cause irreparable harm to students, staff, and South Texas communities. Sending young people home in the middle of their training is just plain wrong.

    “Of the nearly 200 students currently participating at the Laredo Job Corps Center, 154 live on campus. For many of them, this is their only stable housing. We cannot force kids out of their student housing at the start of the summer. It’s wrong and it should never have been considered in the first place.

    “Congress created Job Corps, and Congress funded it with nearly $1.8 billion in FY2024 and continued funding through FY2025. The Department does not have the authority to dismantle this life-changing program without Congressional input.

    “I proudly joined a bipartisan letter urging the Department of Labor to reverse course and protect these centers. Job Corps provides critical career training for over 20,000 young Americans, including hundreds in Laredo, many of whom are gaining skills in high-demand fields like welding, electrical, culinary arts, protective services, certified nursing assistance, facilities maintenance, accounting, and much more. For many, this program is the difference between hardship and opportunity.

    “I will continue fighting to ensure Laredo’s Job Corps Center remains open and fully funded. We must strengthen programs that give our youth a shot at success and help meet our nation’s growing workforce needs.”

    The Laredo Job Corps Center has the capacity to serve 220 students and employs nearly 200 staff. It offers pathways to in-demand careers, high school equivalency programs, English language instruction, and internship opportunities. The Department’s original decision threatened not only the futures of those students but also the economic stability of hundreds of families in South Texas.

    ###

    PARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA
     Jueves, 5 de Junio de 2025 

    El Congresista Cuellar Aplaude la Decisión Judicial que Detiene el Cierre de Job Corps

    Washington, D.C. – Hoy, el Congresista de los Estados Unidos Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28) publicó la siguiente declaración después de que un juez federal bloqueó temporalmente al Departamento de Trabajo de los Estados Unidos de seguir adelante con su plan de suspender las operaciones en los Centros Job Corps operados por contratistas, incluyendo el que se encuentra en Laredo:

    “La decisión del tribunal federal es la correcta. El plan del Departamento de Trabajo de cerrar los centros Job Corps operados por contratistas -incluido el de Laredo- causará un daño irreparable a los estudiantes, al personal y a las comunidades del sur de Texas. Enviar a los jóvenes a casa en medio de su entrenamiento es simplemente incorrecto.

    “De los casi 200 estudiantes que participan actualmente en el Centro Job Corps de Laredo, 154 viven en el campus. Para muchos de ellos, ésta es su única vivienda estable. No podemos obligar a los jóvenes a abandonar su vivienda estudiantil al principio del verano. Es un error y nunca debería haberse considerado en primer lugar.

    “El Congreso creó Job Corps, y el Congreso lo financió con casi 1.800 miles de millones de dólares en el año fiscal 2024 y continuó financiándolo hasta el año fiscal 2025. El Departamento no tiene autoridad para desmantelar este programa que cambia vidas sin la participación del Congreso.

    “Con orgullo me uní a una carta bipartidista instando al Departamento de Trabajo a revertir el curso y proteger estos centros. Job Corps proporciona formación profesional crítica a más de 20.000 jóvenes estadounidenses, incluidos cientos en Laredo, muchos de los cuales están obteniendo habilidades en campos de alta demanda como soldadura, electricidad, artes culinarias, servicios de protección, asistencia de enfermería certificada, mantenimiento de instalaciones, contabilidad y mucho más. Para muchos, este programa es la diferencia entre la penuria y la oportunidad.

    “Seguiré luchando para asegurar que el Centro Job Corps de Laredo siga abierto y totalmente financiado. Debemos fortalecer los programas que dan a nuestros jóvenes una oportunidad de éxito y ayudan a satisfacer las crecientes necesidades de mano de obra de nuestra nación.”

    El Centro Job Corps de Laredo tiene capacidad para atender a 220 estudiantes y emplea a casi 200 trabajadores. Ofrece vías para acceder a profesiones demandadas, programas de equivalencia de enseñanza secundaria, cursos de inglés y oportunidades de prácticas. La decisión original del Departamento amenazaba no sólo el futuro de esos estudiantes, sino también la estabilidad económica de cientos de familias del sur de Texas.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New food safety booklet features science-backed tips to avoid food poisoning

    Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

    Whether you’re making family dinner, heating up leftovers, packing lunch for the kids, or having friends over for a barbecue, New Zealand Food Safety has great science-backed tips to keep everyone safe.

    “Every year, thousands of New Zealanders get food poisoning. Many of these foodborne illnesses are due to poor food preparation, cooking, or storage at home,” says New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle.

    “There’s a wide range of symptoms, ranging from the inconvenient to the life-threatening for people vulnerable to illness.

    “New Zealand Food Safety already has a wealth of science-based information on its Food safety at home webpages to help you prevent getting foodborne illnesses. This year, to coincide with World Food Safety Day tomorrow, we have distilled all this expertise into a new booklet of simple tips for avoiding foodborne illness in the home.”

    From the store to your table, the ‘Food safety at home’ booklet is packed with science-based food-safety advice. It contains:

    • The latest evidence-based recommendations for preparing, cooking, storing, and transporting food safely. Did you know:  Handwashing is one of the best ways to prevent foodborne illness. Washing them before preparing or eating food helps prevent germs spreading to your food.
    • Updated advice on handling and cooking raw meat and meat products; barbecuing and eating outdoors; keeping at-risk people safe; and how long you can keep leftovers. Did you know: You can keep leftovers for up to 4 days in the fridge if you are going to eat them hot. But leftovers of cooked meals you won’t be reheating – like pasta salad – should only be kept for 2 days.
    • Dedicated sections on use-by and best-before dates and advice for shellfish gatherers. Did you know: If a food is past its use-by date, throw it away as it’s not safe to eat. But if it’s past its best-before and it smells and looks okay, it probably is. Check it, sniff it, taste it – don’t waste it.

    World Food Safety Day – jointly led by the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations – highlights the importance of food safety for the health, prosperity and wellbeing of people around the world.  The theme for 2025 is “Science in action”.

    “Our advice is based on up-to-date science, it’s now up to you to take action,” says Mr Arbuckle.

    You can download your own ‘Food safety at home’ booklet on our website. And, to celebrate World Food Safety Day, try our quiz on Facebook tomorrow to see how food safety savvy you are.

    Food safety at home booklet [PDF, 1.1 MB]

    Food safety at home

    World Food Safety Day

    For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

    For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Man charged with murder of Jayde Gilbert

    Source: New Zealand Police

    To be attributed to Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Neilson:

    A 38-year-old man has been charged with the murder of Hamilton woman Jayde Gilbert.

    Jayde, aged 30, was struck by a vehicle at the corner of Ohaupo Road and Kahikatea Drive on 15 May.

    The man charged with her murder was arrested today and will appear in Hamilton District Court this afternoon.

    On behalf of the investigation team, I would like to thank the people who assisted Jayde after she was struck by the vehicle, and the many members of our community who responded to our appeals for information. 

    As this is now before the court, further comment is not available.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre. 
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tech Security – Tax assessment period a prime time for scams, expert warns

    Source: Botica Butler Raudon Partners & Passion PR

    Inland Revenue (IR) has begun issuing income tax assessments to New Zealanders, kicking off the annual cycle of tax refunds and chasing up tax owned.

    With cybercriminals known to exploit this period, Norton experts are warning that Kiwis will soon be targeted with a range of tax scams, from phishing emails to phone impersonations and fake refund promises.

    “New Zealand is one of the most heavily impacted countries by a new wave of AI-driven, hyper-personalised cyber threats. That makes tax time an especially risky period,” says Mark Gorrie, Managing Director Norton APAC.

    “Our latest Q1 2025 Threat Report points out that breached data and AI tools are giving cybercriminals just enough personal information and design sophistication to easily manipulate people.”

    Key tips for protecting yourself:

    • IR never includes refund amounts or login links in emails or texts 
    • Watch for suspicious domains (e.g. ird.com.nz, ird.qovt.nz); the real one is ird.govt.nz 
    • Be wary of terms like “fiscal activity”, “excess payment” or “Department of Taxes” 
    • Never give out personal info over the phone unless you’ve verified the caller – hang up and call IR back using their official number 
    • Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and secure personal documents.

    Limit what you share online. Scammers can use social media info to guess security questions or build convincing fake messages.

    Consider enrolling in an identity protection service. These services can monitor your financial and personal data, alert you to unusual activity, and help you recover more quickly if your identity is compromised.

    Common types of tax scams:

    • Phishing emails impersonating IR, often claiming issues with your refund or tax return 
    • Fake IR calls demanding immediate payment for tax debts that don’t exist 
    • Identity theft, with scammers using your IR number to lodge fraudulent returns 
    • Social media scams offering fake tax help or posing as IR reps 
    • Emails with fake tax documents that install malware when opened 
    • Bogus refund offers used to harvest personal or banking info 
    • Scam charities asking for “deductible” donations
    • Tax payment scams involving prepaid gift cards or unusual repayment methods.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Northland News – CityLink, BusLink fares to increase from August

    Source: Northland Regional Council

    Prices will increase across Northland’s public transport network from Friday 01 August with authorities saying they have been left with little choice in the matter.
    Northland Regional Council member Joe Carr, who chairs the Northland Regional Transport Committee, says fares on Whangārei’s CityLink service will revert to their 2018 level of $3 for adults and $2 for children, an increase of $1 per journey on the present fares.
    Fares on the rural BusLink services will rise by 50 cents per journey from Friday 01 August.
    Infants up to four years of age will continue to travel free of charge. Concessions for Community Service Card and Gold Card holders remain in place for CityLink and BusLink routes.
    From 01 August these concessions will also apply for the first time to BusLink’s Bream Bay Link and Hikurangi Link, which had not previously been able to offer these discounts.
    “Council recognises that cost of living pressures are impacting on Northlanders and has for many years made every effort to keep bus fares as low as possible,” Chair Carr says.
    However, he says the council – which administers the services – had been left with very little option, but to review fares.
    “Regional councils nationwide are having to find additional forms of funding to cover bus operational, infrastructure and administration costs in keeping with the Government Policy on Land Transport 2024.”.
    During Covid and to assist with the cost-of-living crisis, the government had funded several fare reduction schemes across the country, but this funding had ceased in 2023.
    Chair Carr says even with the increased fares, Northland’s charges are still largely in line with other parts of New Zealand.
    He says over the past two years CityLink has also made several improvements to the service, including the introduction of the SchoolLink service and extension to Route 3, an online bus tracking system, and the Rose Street bus hub redevelopment currently underway with Whangarei District Council.
    The council will run an awareness campaign shortly to inform passengers of the intended increases.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Greenpeace activists disrupt industrial fishing operation ahead of UN Ocean Conference

    Source: Greenpeace

    PACIFIC OCEAN, Friday, 6 June 2025 – Greenpeace activists have disrupted an industrial longlining fishing operation in the South Pacific Ocean, seizing almost 20 kilometers of fishing gear and freeing nine sharks, including an endangered mako, near Australia and New Zealand.
    With an expert team on a small boat releasing more than a dozen animals, crew aboard Greenpeace ship the Rainbow Warrior retrieved the entire longline and more than 210 baited hooks from a EU-flagged industrial fishing vessel, including an endangered longfin mako shark, eight near-threatened blue sharks and four swordfish. The crew also documented the vessel catching endangered sharks during its longlining operation.
    The at-sea action follows new Greenpeace Australia Pacific analysis exposing the extent of shark catch from industrial longlining in parts of the Pacific Ocean. Latest fisheries data showed that almost 70% of EU vessels’ catch was blue shark in 2023 alone. It comes ahead of next week’s UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, where world leaders will discuss ocean protection and the Global Ocean Treaty.
    Georgia Whitaker, Senior Campaigner, Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said:
    “These longliners are industrial killing machines. Greenpeace Australia Pacific took peaceful and direct action to disrupt this attack on marine life. We saved important species that would otherwise have been killed or left to die on hooks.”
    “The scale of industrial fishing – still legal on the high seas – is astronomical. These vessels claim to be targeting swordfish or tuna, but we witnessed shark after shark being hauled up by these industrial fleets, including three endangered sharks in just half an hour. Greenpeace is calling on world leaders at the UN Ocean Conference to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030 from this wanton destruction.”
    GreenpeaceAotearoa is calling on the New Zealand Government to ratify the Global Ocean Treaty and help create global ocean sanctuaries, including in the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand. New Zealand signed the agreement in 2023.
    More than two-thirds of sharks worldwide are endangered, and a third of those are at risk of extinction from overfishing. Over the last three weeks, the Rainbow Warrior has been documenting longlining vessels and practices off Australia’s east coast, including from Spain and China.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New Consumer NZ test reveals danger of unregulated online plumbing products

    Source: Master Plumbers Gasfitters and Drainlayers

    Master Plumbers’ concerns that cheap online plumbing products will not comply with new regulations to make drinking water safer have proven justified.
    A recent test undertaken by Consumer NZ showed that one of six kitchen tap mixers purchased from a variety of retailers resulted in lead levels in the water higher than is permitted in the Australian/New Zealand testing standard.
    Lead is a cumulative toxin, which makes ongoing exposure through drinking water a particular concern.
    “No level of lead is acceptable,” says Master Plumbers CEO Greg Wallace. “Young children are especially vulnerable to the toxin, with even low levels of exposure linked to learning disabilities and nervous system damage.”
    The tap mixer that failed was purchased from global retailer Amazon, which ships a wide range of product to New Zealand. This highlights the dangers of buying tapware online where the market is largely unregulated and unpoliced.
    From May 2026, new requirements for plumbing products that deliver drinking water come into force, in line with an update to the building code. These products, which include kitchen and bathroom tapware, as well as valves and fittings connected to domestic drinking water pipes, must not contain more than 0.25% lead.
    Master Plumbers welcomes the transition to lead free plumbing products in New Zealand but wants more to be done to give consumers confidence.
    “We want to see compulsory ‘lead free’ marking being placed either on the product or the packaging of relevant plumbing products, to allow consumers and tradespeople to easily identify that they are lead-free,” says Wallace. “It is the plumber installing the product who is held responsible, so installers should have a way to easily determine if the product is compliant.”
    Compulsory marking would allow for the policing of non-compliant or falsely declared products through Commerce Commission regulations. As it stands, the current building product information requirement (BPIR) regulations rely on self-reporting and do not have a proactive enforcement system in place-which is particularly concerning for the regulation of online retailers that may be importing international products.
    Master Plumbers has been raising the alarm about lead in tapware for years. In 2018, the organisation commissioned independent testing of five tapware products sold in this country and found the level of lead leaching from one product to be 70% higher than the allowable limit in drinking water product standard AS/NZS 4020.
    The full details of the test conducted by Consumer NZ are included in their online report and published in the latest issue of Consumer magazine. (ref. https://www.consumer.org.nz/articles/is-the-water-from-cheap-imported-tapware-safe )
    Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers NZ Inc (Master Plumbers) is the national membership organisation for plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying businesses, with 18 regional Associations and Branches across New Zealand. Companies go through a Quality Assurance programme in order to become a member. We provide members with a wide range of resources and training opportunities to support them in staying up with the latest technologies, products and compliance requirements. We advocate on behalf of our members and our industry.
    About Masterlink:
    Masterlink, a group training scheme owned by Master Plumbers, provides managed mentored apprenticeships across New Zealand, with Regional Managers supporting the apprentices and the businesses who host them during their training.
    About NZ Plumber:
    NZ Plumber is the award-winning, bi-monthly magazine for New Zealand’s plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers. It is owned by Master Plumbers.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Portman Ridge Announces Change of Date to the Special Meeting of Stockholders to Allow Additional Time for Stockholders to Vote “FOR” the Share Issuance Proposal

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Stockholders of PTMN Who Have Voted Thus Far Have Expressed Strong Support for the Proposed Merger

    Both Leading Independent Proxy Advisors, Institutional Shareholder Services (“ISS”) and Glass Lewis & Co. (“Glass Lewis”), Have Recommended PTMN Stockholders Vote “FOR” the Share Issuance Proposal

    NEW YORK, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Portman Ridge Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: PTMN) (“Portman Ridge” or “PTMN”) announced today that its Special Meeting of Stockholders (the “PTMN Special Meeting”) will take place on June 20, 2025, rather than June 6, 2025, to provide stockholders with additional time to cast their vote to approve the share issuance proposal in connection with the proposed merger of Logan Ridge Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: LRFC) (“Logan Ridge” or “LRFC”) with and into PTMN (the “Share Issuance Proposal”).

    Stockholders of PTMN can attend the meeting and cast their votes by following the instructions outlined in the amended joint proxy statement. Alternatively, stockholders can also access the virtual meeting and vote by going to the following website: http://www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/PTMN2025SM, or by calling 1-833-218-3911 and providing the control number which is listed in the proxy card received. The Board of Directors of PTMN unanimously recommends that stockholders vote “FOR” the proposals related to the proposed merger.

    Furthermore, leading independent proxy advisory firms, ISS and Glass Lewis, have both recommended that PTMN stockholders vote “FOR” the proposed merger.

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

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

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

    About Portman Ridge Finance Corporation

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

    About Logan Ridge Finance Corporation

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

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

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

    No Offer or Solicitation

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

    Additional Information and Where to Find It

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

    Participants in the Solicitation

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

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

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

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

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Logan Ridge Announces Change of Date to the Special Meeting of Stockholders to Allow Additional Time for Stockholders to Vote “FOR” the Merger Proposal

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Stockholders of LRFC Who Have Voted Thus Far Have Expressed Strong Support for the Proposed Merger

    Both Leading Independent Proxy Advisors, Institutional Shareholder Services (“ISS”) and Glass Lewis & Co. (“Glass Lewis”), Have Recommended LRFC Stockholders Vote “FOR” the Merger Proposal

    NEW YORK, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Logan Ridge Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: LRFC) (“Logan Ridge” or “LRFC”) announced today that its Special Meeting of Stockholders (the “LRFC Special Meeting”) will take place on June 20, 2025, rather than June 6, 2025, to provide stockholders with additional time to cast their vote to approve the proposed merger of LRFC with and into Portman Ridge Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: PTMN) (“Portman Ridge” or “PTMN”) (the “Merger Proposal”).

    Stockholders of LRFC can attend the meeting and cast their votes by following the instructions outlined in the amended joint proxy statement. Alternatively, stockholders can also access the virtual meeting and vote by going to the following website: http://www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/LRFC2025SM, or by calling 1-833-218-3962 and providing the control number which is listed in the proxy card received. The Board of Directors of LRFC unanimously recommends that stockholders vote “FOR” the proposed merger.

    Furthermore, leading independent proxy advisory firms, ISS and Glass Lewis, have both recommended that LRFC stockholders vote “FOR” the proposed merger.

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

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

    Stockholders can access the joint proxy statement and prospectus by clicking HERE. Stockholders who have questions about the meeting date, joint proxy statement or about voting their shares should contact LRFC’s proxy solicitor, Broadridge, at 1-833-218-3962.

    About Logan Ridge Finance Corporation

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

    About Portman Ridge Finance Corporation

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

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

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

    No Offer or Solicitation

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

    Additional Information and Where to Find It

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

    Participants in the Solicitation

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

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

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

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

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: UK – Urgent action needed on “silent crisis” facing workers – IOSH

    Source: Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH)

    Millions of workers worldwide are facing a “silent crisis” of being trapped in unsafe, unfair and exploitative conditions, according to the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).

    Speaking at the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Ruth Wilkinson, IOSH’s Head of Policy and Public Affairs, highlighted the health and safety risks faced by these workers every day, from exposure to harmful chemicals and dangerous machinery to stress and long working hours.

    Despite global commitments, she said nearly 3 million workers die from job-related accidents and diseases every year while 395 million suffer non-fatal injuries.

    She urged delegates attending the plenary to come together to ensure decent work is a reality for everyone, adding failure to do will bring about significant consequences.

    Ruth said: “Every day, millions of workers around the world face a silent crisis — one that unfolds not in headlines, but in hospitals, homes, and workplaces. From exposure to harmful chemicals and dangerous machinery, to the toll of stress, poor ergonomics, and long hours — our workers are navigating a minefield of risks.

    “And yet, in far too many places, the systems meant to guarantee them with decent work — our occupational safety and health frameworks — remain largely underdeveloped, underfunded, or unenforced.

    “High-level declarations are not enough. We need urgent, coordinated, and well-funded action to make decent work a reality for all. We must take bold, coordinated action to ensure that every worker, in every corner of the world, is treated with dignity, fairness, and safety. The time for fragmented efforts is over. Only through a strong, well-resourced, and accountable global approach can we protect workers’ rights, uphold human dignity, and build a future where no one is left behind.  

    “Our failure to address these challenges urgently will fail humanity and weaken resilience, jeopardising our collective future and undermining the very foundation of sustainable and inclusive economic growth.”  

    The conference is being held by the International Labour Organization (ILO) from 2-13 June. It is attended by delegates from ILO member states, including representatives of governments, employers and workers. Discussions this year include the development of new standards to enhance the protection of workers from biological hazards in the workplace, ensure decent work conditions in the platform economy, and promote innovative strategies for transitioning from informal to formal employment.

    IOSH is the global chartered membership body for the occupational safety and health profession, with a vision of a safe and healthy world of work and a mission to drive action by all who can influence occupational safety and health. It att

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – Communities want multicultural infrastructure revamped – survey – AMES

    Source: AMES

    Newly arrived refugee and migrant communities want Australia’s multicultural policies and infrastructure to provide more practical help rather than just ‘food and festivals’, a survey has found.

    A focus group of 32 community leaders in 21 key cohort migrant and refugee groups in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide said that while they value the nation’s commitment to multiculturalism, their communities struggled with employment opportunities and access to government services exacerbated by a lack of interpreters and gender issues.

    They reported social cohesion is under stress, partly because of international events, including the conflict in Gaza, and a rise in the cost of living, the survey, commissioned by migrant and refugee settlement agency AMES Australia, found.

    While 70 per cent of the community leaders surveyed agreed Australia was a ‘successful multicultural community’, there was a need for more access to employment opportunities and careers support for skilled migrants and refugees.

    First-language learning capacity in schools was also identified as a need, while libraries, local government programs and community education and training programs were identified as the services that are valued.

    Sixty per cent of respondents agreed that global events were having an impact on social cohesion and community harmony, with conflict in Gaza, repression in Afghanistan and the US’ crackdown on migrants cited as some of the factors.

    A need for better access to government services was also identified. Only 55 per cent of survey respondents said they had ‘good’ access to government services.

    The community leaders identified ‘universal and equitable practices, protocols and standards across the public services; more representation of diverse communities within the public service; and a multicultural ombudsman or complaints process’ as ways of improving access to services.

    Asked ‘what could be done to improve community harmony, the most common responses were: support for multi-faith events and festivals, support for multi-faith groups and more employment opportunities from emerging communities.

    Only 50 per cent of community leaders said government communicated ‘well’ with their communities, while 30 per cent communication was not effective.

    They identified a need range of interventions to tackle poor knowledge and engagement through programs and resources co-designed by communities themselves.

    Thirty per cent of respondents said they had experienced racism or discrimination, a similar proportion said they had not faced discrimination while 40 per cent said they faced discrimination ‘sometimes’.

    Community leaders cited ‘more transparency on race hate crimes and positive fact-base narratives to counter allegations of criminality in some communities’ as ways of combating racism and discrimination.

    Sixty per cent of survey respondents believed there was cultural understanding and respect between communities in Australia. They identified holding festivals and events that attracted multiple communities, more access to affordable gathering places; and funding and capacity building for inter-faith groups and dialogues as ways of improving community connections.

    Female community leaders were more likely to raise issues about Australia’s multicultural architecture than male respondents.

    The survey found a general consensus that the focus of multicultural programs should be less about ‘food and festivals’ and more about employment, equity, access to services and opportunities as well as Inter-community and inter-faith dialogue.

    The surveyed community leaders said social cohesion was underpinned by social equity and access to opportunity.

    Among the suggested interventions were:

    Improved access to services Intercultural and inter-faith opportunities for communities to build networks outside their own;
    More opportunities for employment and education;
    More access to affordable spaces to gather;
    Grants systems that is more sustainable and easier to navigate;
    Broader representation of communities on multicultural bodies;
    Standard multicultural policies and practices across all departments;
    A multicultural ombudsman or complaints mechanism.

    AMES Australia CEO Cath Scarth said the survey showed there was an appetite to reimagine Australia’s multicultural policies and infrastructure.

    “There seem to be a consensus that people would like to see more support in terms of accessing services and opportunities for multicultural communities; and there is a desire to see communities better connect with each other and with the broader community,” Ms Scarth said.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: GAZA – Nasser hospital on the frontline: South Gaza’s lifeline must be preserved

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF)

    Jerusalem, 5 June 2025 – In southern Gaza, displacement orders and movement restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities on Nasser hospital are pushing this vital medical facility on the brink of becoming non-functional, warns Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF).

    Ordering hospitals to refuse new patients and making it harder for people to reach places of care has been a pattern aimed at bringing down the hospitals by the Israeli forces through this war. Nasser is the only last remaining vital lifeline for the people in need, and its full functionality must be restored immediately and preserved.

    On 3 June, our teams were told that any movement to Nasser hospital would require authorisation and this would have to be requested with at least 24 hours’ notice. This meant that medical staff due on the day shift could not reach the hospital. The staff from the previous night had to continue working. They ended up staying on shift for 48 consecutive hours.

    The outpatient department remained closed for the whole day.  Ambulances that were able to carry patients to the hospital did so at great risk, as there was a danger they would be shot at because they lacked authorisation. Nasser’s location on the frontline hampers both staff and patient’s ability to access this vital remaining hospital.

    This is happening while people are exhausted, their lives shattered by 20 months of extremely violent war and a suffocating siege where even the distribution of minimal amounts of aid results in devastating massacres. In this context, any remaining medical facility is of critical importance and must be protected.

    The attacks on healthcare are not only carried out through military action. They happen through limitations imposed on the importation of medical supplies, forcing doctors to ration pain relief medicine. They happen through displacement orders, leading to entire hospitals having to shut down at short notice. They happen through harassment and confusing orders issued by Israeli authorities, making it more and more difficult to provide lifesaving care.

    “We have seen this pattern before”, says Jose Mas, head of MSF emergency programmes. “It happened to facilities like Al Awda and the Indonesian hospital, in northern Gaza, where they were first asked to not admit more patients, and a few days later were attacked and practically shut down. Putting Nasser hospital out of service would equate to a death sentence for the most severe patients among wounded adults and children, critically ill patients, and women in need of emergency obstetric care.”

    Nasser hospital is a large referral hospital with many specialist wards not found anywhere else in the south of Gaza including operating theatres, an oxygen plant, ventilators, a blood bank, and incubators. Reducing access to this hospital and blocking the referral of patients who need specialist, emergency care, stops people from receiving treatment that may safe their life.

    In the past few months, MSF medical teams in Nasser hospital have provided care to over 500 patients in the maternity ward, including women requiring surgical care, as well as to more than 400 newborn babies and paediatric patients. The hospital is full of patients with burns and severe trauma.

    Healthcare is under attack everywhere in Gaza. In the morning of 4 June, Israeli forces struck the  MSF supported Al Aqsa hospital three times, the main facility in Deir Al Balah, central Gaza. Although no casualties were reported, it is a stark reminder of how patients, medical staff and health facilities are constantly at great risk in Gaza.

    Our teams have received patients who have been critically injured while trying to get food, as a result of the shootings which have taken place around the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation food distribution centres. This is in addition to the people who have been wounded in the ongoing bombardment of the Gaza Strip. Hospitals are overflowing with patients.

    It’s essential that Israeli authorities protect Nasser hospital and guarantee full and unimpeded access to patients and medical staff alike, to avoid more deaths.

    MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation. MSF has been working in Haiti for over 30 years, offering general healthcare, trauma care, burn wound care, maternity care, and care for survivors of sexual violence. MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. 

    In 2022, more than 120 project staff from Australia and New Zealand worked with MSF on assignment overseas. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au  

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Friday, June 6, 2025

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    National Capital Region, Canada

    Note: All times local

    10:10 a.m. The Prime Minister will deliver remarks and meet with community members at an Eid al-Adha celebration.

    EY Centre

    Note for media:

    • Pooled coverage

    12:30 p.m. The Prime Minister will hold a media availability. He will be joined by the President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy, Dominic LeBlanc, the Minister of Transport and Internal Trade, Chrystia Freeland, and the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Tim Hodgson.

    Third Floor Foyer
    West Block
    Parliament Hill

    Notes for media:

    • Open coverage

    • Media wishing to cover the event must be accredited with the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Sidhu meets with Maroš Šefčovič, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security

    Source: Government of Canada News

    June 5, 2025 – Paris, France – Global Affairs Canada

    The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, met Maroš Šefčovič, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Ministerial Council Meeting (MCM) held on June 3 and 4, 2025, in Paris, France.

    Minister Sidhu and Commissioner Šefčovič discussed the importance of supporting the rules-based trading system, as well as continuing to collaborate, including among G7 members, in support of an open, stable and predictable trade environment. They also discussed ways to expand Canada-EU trade, including through the implementation of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement.

    The EU market, comprising 27 member states, is Canada’s second-largest global trading partner for goods and services after the United States. Strengthening trade ties with the EU is key to ensuring Canadian businesses and industries have access to diverse markets and partners and supporting economic growth and jobs on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.

    Related products

    Associated links

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Sidhu champions rules-based trade with Canada’s Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and World Trade Organization partners

    Source: Government of Canada News

    June 5, 2025 – Paris, France – Global Affairs Canada

    The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, this week concluded his participation in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Ministerial Council Meeting (MCM) and World Trade Organization (WTO) mini-ministerial meeting, in Paris, France.

    At the OECD MCM, Minister Sidhu reaffirmed Canada’s support for the rules-based global trading system and its underpinning values. These include reinforcing the open, stable markets that ensure predictability amidst economic uncertainty, responsibly developing artificial intelligence and standing up for Ukraine. Canada served as vice-chair of the OECD MCM alongside Australia and Lithuania, under the chairship of Costa Rica.

    At the meeting, Canada and the Philippines formally took on the role of the 2025 to 2028 co-chairs of the OECD Southeast Asia Regional Programme (SEARP), a program that was created to address economic and development challenges in Southeast Asia. Minister Sidhu announced that Canada will contribute $2 million to support SEARP’s activities, which align with Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and Strategic Partnership with ASEAN.

    At the WTO mini-ministerial meeting, Minister Sidhu advocated for deep and meaningful reforms of the WTO to ensure its rules are modernized and continue to support a rules-based global trading system. Canada also called for a pragmatic approach to the WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference that considers current economic challenges.

    While in Paris, the Minister also hosted a business round table with Canadian companies active in the French market. As Canada seeks to strengthen its collaboration with reliable trading partners, the Minister heard the business representatives’ first-hand perspectives on the opportunities for Canadian businesses in France. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: North Dakota Department of Commerce Announces New Tools to Empower Economic Growth

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    The North Dakota Department of Commerce is thrilled to announce two new tools for partners aimed at supporting our mission of empowering the growth of the North Dakota economy.

    Commerce has purchased an umbrella subscription to LOIS, a property marketing software that markets our available sites and buildings globally. This subscription is statewide and provides service for all Regional, County, Local, and Downtown/Mainstreet economic development organizations and Tribal governments at no additional charge.

    Additionally, Commerce has acquired Lasso, an RFI data collection software used by corporate location decision-makers, site selectors, and economic development organizations. Access to Lasso will enable organizations to prepare for future site selection projects and keep their site and building database up to date on the LOIS property marketing map.

    “These new tools will significantly strengthen our ability to position North Dakota’s sites and communities in the competitive marketplace for business attraction,” said Commerce Commissioner Chris Schilken. “By providing comprehensive and up-to-date property marketing data, we can better showcase the opportunities available in our state and entice businesses to consider North Dakota as their next location.”

    The introduction of LOIS and Lasso represents a significant step forward in our efforts to enhance economic development across North Dakota. These tools not only provide valuable data and insights but also foster collaboration among various community and economic development organizations. By leveraging these resources, we can create a more cohesive and effective strategy for attracting new businesses and supporting existing ones.

    “These tools have significantly enhanced our ability to market properties and attract new businesses—but what’s been even more impactful is how they’ve strengthened collaboration between the regional council and our local EDC partners,” said Amber Metz, Executive Director of Lake Agassiz Development Group. “By working together and leveraging shared data and resources, we’re better positioned to showcase the opportunities from Ransom to Traill County and the broader region. It’s exciting to see how this partnership is driving momentum for future growth.”

    Benefits For North Dakota Organizations

    • Extend Marketing Reach: LOIS enables community sites and buildings to be viewed on a custom map, optimized with property brochures, geospatial map layers, demographic and workforce data, web visitor analytics, and sharing tools.
    • Preparedness for Site Selection Pursuits: Using Lasso allows organizations to proactively prepare for corporate site selection by sending RFIs and storing data in a cloud database for future retrieval.
    • Property Marketing Data Accuracy: Pre-populating the Lasso RFI ensures that the data fields corresponding to the public-facing property brochure in the LOIS property marketing map are updated.

    “We are thrilled to see the rollout of LOIS and Lasso,” said Red River Regional Council Executive Director Dawn Mandt. “Rural communities and regions, which can struggle to afford such tools, now have the same opportunity to promote their spaces as major cities. Our regions have been advocating for this for years, and we are looking forward to utilizing these services to enhance our economic development efforts.”

    LOIS and Lasso Training: Training will cover how to integrate the LOIS Map viewer on organization websites, generate reports, and walk through the Lasso RFI process.

    • LOIS Training
      • Wednesday, July 9: 2:00-3:00 PM CDT
      • Thursday, July 10: 1:00-2:00 PM CDT
    • Lasso Training “How to fill out an RFI”
      • Tuesday, July 22: 10:30 – 11:30 AM CDT
      • Tuesday, July 29: 1:00 – 2:00 PM CDT

    For more information, please go to https://www.commerce.nd.gov/lois.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 2025 RAW Arts Awards celebrates young creatives

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    Talented young creatives have been recognised at the City of Greater Bendigo’s 2025 RAW Arts Awards at a special presentation held at The Capital last night.

    The RAW Arts Awards showcase and foster the talents and artistic pursuits of young people in the region 25 years of age and under, with this year’s awards attracting 103 applicants.

    The winner and a highly commended entry are recognised in four categories: Visual Arts, Literature, Performing Arts and Short Film.

    Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said the RAW Arts Awards evening and accompanying exhibition provided a wonderful opportunity for young talent in the region to showcase their work.

    “The RAW Arts Awards is such a special event in the calendar and a chance for young people to present their work to a wider audience, and gain the recognition they deserve,” Cr Metcalf said.

    “I am so pleased that the RAW Arts Awards program is a stepping stone for many flourishing creatives and helps to foster their talents and artistic pursuits.

    “We are so lucky to have these young aspiring creatives right here in Greater Bendigo, and I congratulate all of the winners and those who have contributed to RAW this year and shared their talent, imagination and stories.”

    Winners in each category received a $1,500 cash prize and a $500 cash prize was awarded to highly commended creatives.

    The announcement of winners was interspersed with a showcase of Performing Arts entrants and screening of films submitted in the Short Film category.

    The 2025 RAW Arts Awards winners and highly commended applicants are as follows:

    Visual arts

    Winner: Geordie Williamson

    Highly commended: Jorjiah Sjaardema

    Literature

    Winner: Kayla Barnfield

    Highly commended: Matilda Wilby

    Performing arts

    Winner: Emma Gleeson

    Highly commended: Matilda Wilby

    Short film

    Winner: Tilda Picken

    Highly commended: Yasmin Russell

    2025 RAW Arts exhibition

    The 2025 RAW Arts exhibition features this year’s visual arts entries at Dudley House, 60 View Street. Entry is free and open to the public. The opening times are as follows:

    • Friday June 6, 11am to 5pm
    • Saturday June 7 to Monday June 9, 11am to 3pm

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Vote for Bendigo and Heathcote in Top Tourism Town Awards

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    Exciting news! Bendigo and Heathcote have been shortlisted as category finalists in the 2025 Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards for the fifth year in a row.

    Bendigo has been shortlisted in the ‘top tourism town’ category, with Heathcote being shortlisted in the ‘small tourism town’ category, and now it’s time for the public to add their vote.

    In 2024, Bendigo scooped gold and Heathcote won bronze at the Victorian Awards. Bendigo went on to compete at national level and won silver in the Top Tourism Town category of the Australia Top Tourism Awards.

    City of Greater Bendigo Manager Economy and Experience James Myatt said it was fantastic news for the Greater Bendigo region to be recognised again as finalists in these prestigious awards.

    “We are very excited that Bendigo and Heathcote are finalists for the fifth year in a row, recognising them as must-see visitor destinations that deliver amazing and memorable experiences,” Mr Myatt said.

    “We are hoping to bring home the gold again with the public vote now open until Friday June 27.

    “The final result is a combination of public voting, user reviews, a video promotion and suggested itineraries, so it means so much for Bendigo and Heathcote to be recognised in this way.

    “We have an incredibly passionate tourism industry, including attractions, accommodation, retail and hospitality providers who offer unique experiences for people of all ages and interests.

    “To be named the top tourism town or small tourism town, we need our community to vote.

    “It’s easy to do, visit the Victoria Tourism Industry Council website, click ‘vote now’ and select Bendigo and Heathcote. You can also enter your details to go into the draw to win a prize.

    “So, vote for Bendigo and Heathcote today!”

    To make your vote count, and be entered into the prize draw, you need to vote by 5pm Friday June 27.

    To submit your vote, visit:

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Salinas Man Charged With Attempted Enticement Of A Minor

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN JOSE – A federal grand jury today indicted Edy Antonio, Jr., 30, of Salinas, Calif., on one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual conduct.

    Antonio was initially charged by criminal complaint on May 13, 2025, with the same offense.  According to the indictment and the criminal complaint, Antonio allegedly used or attempted to use his cell phone to persuade, induce, and entice two minors to engage in criminal sexual conduct.  On April 21, 2025, Antonio responded to an advertisement on a website dedicated to promoting commercial sex services. The advertisement depicted two minors whom Antonio believed to be a 12-year-old and a 14-year-old.  Antonio allegedly responded via text message and agreed to pay $500 to engage in sexual conduct with the minor girls.  Thereafter, Antonio traveled to the planned meeting location at a hotel in Salinas, where he was arrested by Salinas Police Department officers.  The complaint describes that Antonio worked as a respiratory therapist at two hospitals in Salinas and Monterey.

    United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Tatum King made the announcement.  

    Antonio was arrested in Salinas on May 20, 2025, and made an initial appearance in federal court that same day.  He was released on bond.  Antonio is next scheduled to appear in district court on June 10, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan van Keulen.  

    An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a fine of $250,000 for the violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b).  Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Chang is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Natachiana Burney and Susan Kreider.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by HSI and the Salinas Police Department.  
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Scholten Applauds Court’s Decision to Block Job Corps Pause, Calls for Full Compliance from Department of Labor

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Hillary Scholten – Michigan

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Hillary Scholten (MI-03) applauded a federal court ruling that blocks the Department of Labor’s abrupt decision to pause operations at Job Corps centers nationwide. The ruling comes after Rep. Scholten and fellow Michigan lawmakers raised serious concerns about the lack of notice, planning, and support for the more than 25,000 students affected across the country, including over 700 in Michigan alone.

    On May 29, the Department of Labor announced a “phased pause” of Job Corps operations that disrupted training centers in Kent, Wayne, and Genesee Counties, leaving students and staff without answers or a clear path forward. On June 4, U.S. District Judge Andrew Carter in Manhattan ordered the federal government to maintain existing Job Corps contracts and continue operations at Job Corps centers until the court issues a further decision in the case.

    “The court’s ruling is an important first step in protecting students and restoring stability to our workforce development pipeline,” said Rep. Scholten. “My office has already heard from concerned constituents who are deeply worried about what the Job Corps closure would mean for their futures. Now we need a clear commitment from the Department of Labor that they will honor this decision, withdraw the pause, and stop leaving these students in limbo.” 

    In a letter sent earlier this week to Secretary of Labor Chavez-DeRemer, Rep. Scholten and her colleagues called for the immediate reversal of the pause and demanded answers on how the Department planned to support students, staff, and local workforce partners impacted by the sudden shutdown.

    “The Job Corps program is an investment in our nation’s future. We can’t allow our young adults to think who they are today is all they have the potential to be,” said Brian Burnett, Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Center Director Brian Burnett. “Job Corps allows young adults to discover their potential, refine social skills, and utilize their ambition in positive ways. It is the jewel across the country that continues to give hope to individuals that are considered to be hopeless. Those who complete the Job Corps rigorous program find they have become hopeful. That is worth the investment and is a priceless return.”

    Rep. Scholten will continue working closely with the Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Center and local officials. She will monitor the Department’s response to ensure full compliance with the court’s decision and lasting support for Job Corps students and staff across Michigan.

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    MIL OSI USA News –