Category: Vehicles

  • Trump and Xi agree to more talks as trade disputes brew

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping confronted weeks of brewing trade tensions and a battle over critical minerals in a rare leader-to-leader call on Thursday that left key issues to further talks.

    During the more than one-hour-long call, Xi told Trump to back down from trade measures that roiled the global economy and warned him against threatening steps on Taiwan, according to a Chinese government summary.

    But Trump said on social media that the talks focused primarily on trade led to “a very positive conclusion,” announcing further lower-level U.S.-China discussions, and that “there should no longer be any questions respecting the complexity of Rare Earth products.”

    He later told reporters: “We’re in very good shape with China and the trade deal.”

    The leaders also invited each other to visit their respective countries.

    The highly anticipated call came in the middle of a dispute between Washington and Beijing in recent weeks over “rare earths” minerals that threatened to tear up a fragile truce in the trade war between the two biggest economies. It was not clear from either countries’ statements that the issue had been resolved.

    A U.S. delegation led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will meet with their Chinese counterparts “shortly at a location to be determined,” Trump said on social media.

    The countries struck a 90-day deal on May 12 to roll back some of the triple-digit, tit-for-tat tariffs they had placed on each other since Trump’s January inauguration.

    Though stocks rallied, the temporary deal did not address broader concerns that strain the bilateral relationship, from the illicit fentanyl trade to the status of democratically governed Taiwan and U.S. complaints about China’s state-dominated, export-driven economic model.

    Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has repeatedly threatened an array of punitive measures on trading partners, only to revoke some of them at the last minute. The on-again, off-again approach has baffled world leaders and spooked business executives.

    China’s decision in April to suspend exports of a wide range of critical minerals and magnets continues to disrupt supplies needed by automakers, computer chip manufacturers and military contractors around the world.

    Beijing sees mineral exports as a source of leverage – halting those exports could put domestic political pressure on the Republican U.S. president if economic growth sags because companies cannot make mineral-powered products.

    The 90-day deal to roll back tariffs and trade restrictions is tenuous. Trump has accused China of violating the agreement and has ordered curbs on chip-design software and other shipments to China. Beijing rejected the claim and threatened counter-measures.

    “The U.S. side should take a realistic view of the progress made and withdraw the negative measures imposed on China,” the Chinese government said in a statement summarizing Xi’s call with Trump published by the state-run Xinhua news agency. “Xi Jinping emphasized that the United States should handle the Taiwan issue prudently.”

    TOP RIVALS

    In recent years, the United States has identified China as its top geopolitical rival and the only country in the world able to challenge the U.S. economically and militarily.

    Despite this and repeated tariff announcements, Trump has spoken admiringly of Xi, including of the Chinese leader’s toughness and ability to stay in power without the term limits imposed on U.S. presidents.

    Trump has long pushed for a call or a meeting with Xi, but China has rejected that as not in keeping with its traditional approach of working out agreement details before the leaders talk.

    The U.S. president and his aides see leader-to-leader talks as vital to sort through log-jams that have vexed lower-level officials in difficult negotiations.

    Thursday’s call came at Trump’s request, China said.

    It’s not clear when the two men last spoke.

    Both sides said they spoke on Jan. 17, days before Trump’s inauguration and Trump has repeatedly said that he had spoken to Xi since taking office on Jan. 20. He has declined to say when any call took place or to give details of their conversation. China had said that the two leaders had not had any recent phone calls.

    The talks are being closely watched by investors worried that a chaotic trade war could disrupt supply chains in the key months before the Christmas holiday shopping season. Trump’s tariffs are the subject of ongoing litigation in U.S. courts.

    Trump has met Xi on several occasions, including exchange visits in 2017, but they have not met face to face since 2019 talks in Osaka, Japan.

    Xi last traveled to the U.S. in November 2023, for a summit with then-President Joe Biden, resulting in agreements to resume military-to-military communications and curb fentanyl production.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Road rage and abusive behaviour concerns road freight operators

    Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

    The 2025 National Road Freight Survey has raised concerns about truck drivers facing road rage and abuse while doing their jobs.
    The survey of 194 industry participants across 128 road freight firms asked respondents to rank their three leading issues, ranging from health and wellbeing of drivers to the state of the roading network.
    Of the survey respondents who identified public perception and industry reputation as one of their leading issues, 50 per cent said their drivers regularly experienced abuse from members of the public while working.
    These findings were supported by results from a survey from AA Insurance earlier in the year, showing nearly half of respondents thought road rage had intensified over the past 12 months.
    Billy Clemens, head of Transporting New Zealand’s Policy & Advocacy, says while most of the public view truck drivers positively, a small minority of road users were putting others at risk.
    “Research NZ surveyed 1005 members of the public and found more than seven times as many people surveyed having a positive perception of road freight drivers compared to those taking a negative view (52 per cent to 7 per cent, the remainder being neutral).
    “Transporting New Zealand’s concerns about road rage and abuse are focussed on a very small proportion of road users.”
    “What worries us and our road freight members are truck drivers being harassed and abused while going about their work. Truck driving is challenging enough without drivers having to ignore insults and abuse, de-escalate disputes, and refer threatening behaviour onto Police.”
    Clemens acknowledged that trucks could challenge people’s patience on the road, but encouraged all road users to show patience and consideration, and report poor driving to Police at -555.
    “Trucks are limited to a maximum of 90 km/h on all roads, need additional time to speed up and slow down, and need to take particular care on narrow roads and corners.
    “Drivers also need to park up their trucks to take mandated rest breaks. These factors can all contribute to frustration from other road users, but we encourage everyone to be considerate.”
    Transporting New Zealand is also responding to these concerns by providing practical guidance to truck drivers on how to resolve incidents of road rage and abuse.
    This includes a session on practical de-escalation and conflict resolution skills at its South Island Road Freight Seminar in Christchurch on 28 June. The session will be presented by Protect Self Defence, with supporting resources and videos to be shared publicly afterwards, supported by the E. J. Brenan Memorial Trust.
    Transporting New Zealand also continues to advocate for roading improvements that reduce the risk of driver frustration and impatience, including additional passing lanes, widening narrow corners, and providing improved rest and parking facilities for trucks and other vehicles.
    “With a combination of education, roading improvements, and considerate behaviour, we can make the roads safer for everyone.”
    About Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand 
    Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand is the peak national membership association representing the road freight transport industry. Our members operate urban, rural and inter- regional commercial freight transport services throughout the country.
    Road is the dominant freight mode in New Zealand, transporting 92.8% of the freight task on a tonnage basis, and 75.1% on a tonne-km basis. The road freight transport industry employs over 34,000 people across more than 4700 businesses, with an annual turnover of $6 billion.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Two teens arrested over car theft from West Croydon

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Two teenagers were arrested today after investigations into a western suburbs crime spree on Tuesday morning.

    A 2025 Toyota RAV4, along with other items, including a handbag, bankcards and cash, was stolen during a break-in at a West Croydon address about 4.30am on Tuesday 3 June.  Five suspects were captured on CCTV.

    The stolen vehicle was found in Humber Street, Holden Hill about 5.40am that morning and towed away for forensic examination.

    Vehicle tracking showed it had also attended a fast-food restaurant at Pooraka, providing investigators with CCTV of the suspects.

    Investigations and further CCTV analysis then linked a number of illegal interferences and attempted break-ins in the early hours of Tuesday morning, between 2am and 4.30am, throughout Underdale, West Hindmarsh, Croydon and West Croydon.

    About 12.30pm today, Friday 6 June, Youth and Street Gangs Task Force members attended a Christie Downs address and located two suspects.

    A 16-year-old boy from Parafield Gardens and a 16-year-old boy from Holden Hill were arrested and charged with numerous counts of illegal use, aggravated serious criminal trespass and breach of bail.

    They were both refused police bail and will appear in the Adelaide Youth Court on Tuesday 10 June.

    Investigations are continuing.

    Investigators ask anyone who has CCTV or dashcam footage of the suspects between 2am and 4.30am on Tuesday in the Underdale, West Hindmarsh, Croydon and West Croydon areas to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China is committed to promoting healthy development of auto industry – Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIJING, June 6 (Xinhua) — China will work to remove obstacles and restrictions that hinder the circulation and consumption of automobiles to promote the healthy development of the domestic auto industry, Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yongqian said Thursday.

    At the next departmental press conference, she emphasized that for the Chinese national economy, the auto industry is a strategic and supporting industry that plays an important role in ensuring stable growth and expanding consumption.

    In recent years, the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China has deeply implemented such measures as the trade-in program for new cars and pilot reforms in the field of car circulation and consumption, which are designed to free up even more consumer opportunities in the car market and develop a new driver for consumption growth, He Yongqian noted.

    According to her, the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China is ready, in coordination with other competent departments, to strengthen monitoring and studying the auto market, as well as to strengthen the political orientation of its development in order to better meet the diversified and individualized needs of the population.

    As for the current phenomena of “involutionary” competition in the auto sector, the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China will actively assist the relevant authorities in tightening comprehensive control in order to ensure fair and honest competition in the auto market, He Yongqian assured. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Driver charged over pedestrian crash in Launceston

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Driver charged over pedestrian crash in Launceston

    Friday, 6 June 2025 – 3:11 pm.

    An 18-year-old man will appear in court charged with assault and causing grievous bodily harm following a pedestrian crash in Launceston last Friday night.
    The man was allegedly driving a white Holden Commodore wagon when it struck two pedestrians in the Launceston City Council carpark on the corner of Brisbane and Bathurst streets about 11.50pm on Friday, 30 May.
    One of the pedestrians, a teenage girl, was flown to the Royal Hobart Hospital with serious leg injuries. She remains in hospital in a stable condition.
    The driver and the injured teenager are known to each other, and Launceston police are calling for witnesses to the incident, as investigations continue.
    Anyone who witnessed the incident in the carpark (commonly referred to as the Dan Murphy’s carpark) is asked to contact police. Relevant dashcam or other footage should also be provided.
    Information can be provided by calling police on 131 444, or Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au (please quote OR776328).
    Information can be provided anonymously.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Stay Safe at the Finke Desert Race this Weekend

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force will be out and about at the iconic 2025 Finke Desert Race, ensuring everyone enjoys a safe and incident-free long weekend.

    Police will be patrolling along the racetrack between Alice Springs and Finke, working closely with race organisers, officials and attendees.

    Key Safety Tips for Attendees:

    • Do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
    • Always wear your seatbelt.
    • Follow all road rules and drive to the conditions.
    • Be aware of your belongings; lock your house and car and keep valuables out of sight.
    • Ensure you camp or sit clear of the track and run-off areas.
    • Leave any unregistered vehicles or trailers at home.
    • Be respectful to the environment and other people.
    • Listen carefully to official safety announcements and follow all directions given.

    Emergency services will be stationed at the following locations along the racetrack:

    • Start/Finish Line – Alice Springs
    • Deep Well Checkpoint – 63 km
    • Rodinga Checkpoint – 94 km
    • Bundooma Checkpoint – 136 km
    • Mount Squires – 169 km
    • Start/Finish Line & Finke Campground – 223 km

    Superintendent Michael Budge said, “We ask all attendees, participants and members of the community to cooperate with police and officials across the long weekend.

    “The Finke Desert Race is a fantastic event, and we want everyone to enjoy a safe and fun weekend with their friends and family. Please remember to be aware of the risks motorsport presents and leave the racing to the competitors.

    “Have fun, be responsible, and reach out if you need us.”

    If you witness crime or antisocial behaviour, please contact police on 131 444. For emergencies, dial Triple Zero (000). For more event information, visit the official event website: www.finkedesertrace.com.au

    MIL OSI News

  • Trump, Musk feud explodes with threats of cutting contracts, backing impeachment

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Donald Trump threatened on Thursday to cut off government contracts with billionaire Elon Musk’s companies, while Musk suggested Trump should be impeached, turning their bromance into an all-out brawl on social media.

    The hostilities began when Trump criticized Tesla CEO Musk in the Oval Office. Within hours, the once-close relationship had disintegrated in full public view, as the world’s most powerful man and its richest launched personal barbs at one another on Trump’s Truth Social and Musk’s X.

    “The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon’s Governmental Subsidies and Contracts,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

    Wall Street traders dumped shares of Musk’s electric vehicle maker and Tesla closed down 14.3%, losing about $150 billion in market value. It was Tesla’s largest single-day decline in value in its history.

    Minutes after the closing bell, Musk replied, “Yes,” to a post on X saying Trump should be impeached. Trump’s Republicans hold majorities in both chambers of Congress and are highly unlikely to impeach him.

    The trouble between the two started brewing days ago, when Musk denounced Trump’s sweeping tax-cut and spending bill. The president initially held his tongue while Musk campaigned to torpedo the bill, saying it would add too much to the nation’s $36.2 trillion in debt.

    Trump broke his silence on Thursday, telling reporters in the Oval Office he was “very disappointed” in Musk.

    “Look, Elon and I had a great relationship. I don’t know if we will anymore,” Trump said.

    While Trump spoke, Musk responded with increasingly acerbic posts on X.

    “Without me, Trump would have lost the election,” wrote Musk, who spent nearly $300 million backing Trump and other Republicans in last year’s election. “Such ingratitude.”

    In another post, Musk asserted that Trump’s signature tariffs would push the U.S. into a recession later this year.

    Besides Tesla, Musk’s businesses include rocket company and government contractor SpaceX and its satellite unit Starlink.

    Musk, whose space business plays a critical role in the U.S. government’s space program, said that as a result of Trump’s threats he would begin decommissioning SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft. Dragon is the only U.S. spacecraft currently capable of sending astronauts to the International Space Station.

    Hours later, Musk appeared to reverse that move. Responding to a follower on X urging Musk and Trump to “cool off and take a step back for a couple of days,” Musk wrote: “Good advice. Ok, we won’t decommission Dragon.”

    In another possible sign of de-escalation on Thursday evening, Musk separately posted, “You’re not wrong,” in response to hedge fund manager Bill Ackman saying Trump and Musk should make peace.

    PUGILISTIC PAIR

    The feud was not entirely unexpected. Trump and Musk are both political pugilists with sizable egos and a penchant for using social media to punch back against their perceived enemies, and many observers had predicted an eventual falling out.

    Even before Musk’s departure from the administration last week, his influence had waned following a series of clashes with cabinet members over his cuts to their agencies.

    For Trump, the fight was the first major rift he has had with a top adviser since taking office for a second time, after his first term was marked by numerous blow-ups.

    Trump parted ways with multiple chiefs of staff, national security advisers and political strategists during his 2017-2021 White House tenure. A few, like Steve Bannon, remained in his good graces, while many others, like U.N. Ambassador John Bolton, became loud and vocal critics.

    After serving as the biggest Republican donor in the 2024 campaign season, Musk became one of Trump’s most visible advisers as head of the Department of Government Efficiency, which mounted a sweeping and controversial effort to downsize the federal workforce and slash spending.

    Musk was frequently present at the White House and made multiple appearances on Capitol Hill, sometimes carrying his young son.

    Only six days before Thursday’s blowup, Trump and Musk held an appearance in the Oval Office where Trump praised Musk’s government service and both men promised to continue working together.

    A prolonged feud between Trump and Musk could make it more difficult for Republicans to keep control of Congress in next year’s midterm elections. In addition to his campaign spending, Musk has a huge online following and helped connect Trump to parts of Silicon Valley and wealthy donors.

    Musk had already said he planned to curtail his political spending in the future.

    Soon after Trump’s Oval Office comments on Thursday, Musk polled his 220 million followers on X: “Is it time to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80% in the middle?”

    ‘KILL THE BILL’

    Musk targeted what Trump has named his “big, beautiful bill” this week, calling it a “disgusting abomination” that would deepen the federal deficit. His attacks amplified a rift within the Republican Party that could threaten the bill’s prospects in the Senate.

    Nonpartisan analysts say Trump’s bill could add $2.4 trillion to $5 trillion to the nation’s $36.2 trillion in debt.

    Trump asserted that Musk’s true objection was the bill’s elimination of consumer tax credits for electric vehicles. The president also suggested that Musk was upset because he missed working for the White House.

    “He’s not the first,” Trump said on Thursday. “People leave my administration… then at some point they miss it so badly, and some of them embrace it and some of them actually become hostile.”

    Musk wrote on X, “KILL the BILL,” adding he was fine with Trump’s planned cuts to EV credits as long as Republicans rid the bill of “mountain of disgusting pork” or wasteful spending.

    He also pulled up past quotes from Trump decrying the level of federal spending, adding, “Where is this guy today?”

    Musk came into government with brash plans to cut $2 trillion from the federal budget. He left last week having cut only about half of 1% of total spending while causing disruption across multiple agencies.

    Musk’s increasing focus on politics provoked widespread protests at Tesla sites in the U.S. and Europe, driving down sales while investors fretted that Musk’s attention was too divided.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China successfully launches new low-orbit satellite constellation to provide internet access

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    TAIYUAN, June 6 (Xinhua) — China on Friday successfully launched a new low-orbit satellite constellation to provide internet access from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in north China’s Shanxi Province.

    The group, the fourth of its kind, was launched at 04:45 Beijing time by a modified Long March-6 carrier rocket. The satellites successfully entered their designated orbits.

    This flight was the 580th for the Long March series launch vehicles.

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash: SH1, Kaikōura

    Source: New Zealand Police

    A person has died after being hit by a truck at Peketā this morning.

    Emergency services were called to the crash, between Inland Kaikōura Road and Rakanui Road, about 9.20am.

    The person was a pedestrian and died at the scene.

    Police are providing support to their next of kin.

    The Serious Crash Unit has conducted a scene examination and State Highway 1 reopened about 2.40pm.

    Police would like to thank the emergency response teams who assisted at the scene, and motorists for their understanding and patience.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police seeking public information in relation to missing tourists

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Police seeking public information in relation to missing tourists

    Friday, 6 June 2025 – 2:02 pm.

    Police are seeking public information in relation to the location of Leannedra Kang and Takahiro Toya (both aged in their 20s) who have been visiting Tasmania and were believed to have been in the St Helens/Scamander area recently. 
    They may be travelling in a (rental car) white Toyota Corolla with registration L67GW. 
    Leannedra and Takahiro were scheduled to leave Tasmania on Wednesday (4 June) flying from Launceston home to Brisbane, but they did not board their flight or return the rental vehicle.
    If you’ve seen them or the vehicle, or know where they are, please contact police on 131 444 and quote ESCAD 420-05062025. 
    *Leannedra and Takahiro if you see this, you’re not in any trouble, please phone police or family to let them know you’re ok.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 6, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 6, 2025.

    Defections are fairly common in Australian politics. But history shows they are rarely a good career move
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Frank Bongiorno, Professor of History, ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences, Australian National University For many years now, Australian political scientists have pointed out that that established partisan allegiance is in decline. In 1967, 36% of Coalition supporters and 32% of Labor voters reported lifetime voting

    Premature babies are given sucrose for pain relief – but new research shows it doesn’t stop long-term impacts on development
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mia Mclean, Senior lecturer, Auckland University of Technology Getty Images Infants born very preterm spend weeks or even months in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) while their immature brains are still developing. During this time, they receive up to 16 painful procedures every day. The most

    Spit or swallow? What’s the best way to deal with phlegm?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Niall Johnston, Conjoint Associate Lecturer, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney Pop Paul-Catalin/Shutterstock A spitting pot I consider as an essential part of the bed-room apparatus. That’s what French physician René Laennec wrote in 1821. Laennec, who invented the stethoscope, spent his days gazing at his patients’ phlegm.

    Australia is in the firing line of Trump’s looming ‘revenge tax’. It’s a fight we’re unlikely to win
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Graeme Cooper, Professor of Taxation Law, University of Sydney Alexey_Arz/Shutterstock The Australian Labor Party just won an election victory for the ages. Now, it may be forced to walk back one of the key achievements of its first term. Here’s why: United States President Donald Trump is

    ‘HIV shouldn’t be death sentence in Fiji’ – call for testing amid outbreak
    By Christina Persico, RNZ Pacific bulletin editor Fiji’s Minister for Health and Medical Services has revealed the latest HIV numbers in the country to a development partner roundtable discussing the national response. The minister reported 490 new HIV cases between October and December last year, bringing the 2024 total to 1583. “Included in this number

    E-bikes and e-scooters are popular – but dangerous. A transport expert explains how to make them safer
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Geoff Rose, Professor in Transport Engineering, Monash Institute of Transport Studies, Monash University nazar_ab/Getty Last weekend a pedestrian in Perth tragically died after being struck by an e-scooter. This followed the death of another person in Victoria last month who was hit and killed by a modified

    ‘There are too many unpleasant things in life without creating more’: why Impressionism is the world’s favourite art movement
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sasha Grishin, Adjunct Professor of Art History, Australian National University Installation view of French Impressionism from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston on display from June 6 to October 5, at NGV International, Melbourne. Photo: Sean Fennessy Impressionism is the world’s favourite art movement. Impressionist paintings create

    ‘Deadly’ sports diplomacy: why Australia’s Indigenous people must be a part of our sports strategy
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stuart Murray, Associate Professor, International Relations and Diplomacy, Bond University Sean Garnsworthy/ALLSPORT Since coming to power in 2022, the Albanese government has focused strongly on the Indo-Pacific. The prime minister’s recent trip to Indonesia was the latest high-level bilateral summit as Australia seeks to recalibrate relationships, enhance

    Making it easier to build a granny flat makes sense – but it’s no solution to a housing crisis
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy Welch, Senior Lecturer in Urban Planning, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau RyanJLane/Getty Images As part of its resource management reforms, the government will soon allow “super-sized granny flats” to be built without consent – potentially adding 13,000 dwellings over the next decade to provide “families

    Is black mould really as bad for us as we think? A toxicologist explains
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Musgrave, Senior lecturer in Pharmacology, University of Adelaide Peeradontax/Shutterstock Mould in houses is unsightly and may cause unpleasant odours. More important though, mould has been linked to a range of health effects – especially triggering asthma. However, is mould exposure linked to a serious lung disease

    Resident-to-resident aggression is common in nursing homes. Here’s how we can improve residents’ safety
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joseph Ibrahim, Professor, Aged Care Medical Research Australian Centre for Evidence Based Aged Care, La Trobe University Wbmul/Shutterstock The Coroners Court of Victoria is undertaking an inquest into the deaths of eight aged care residents across six facilities, over a nine-month period in 2021. Each death occurred

    We tracked 13,000 giants of the ocean over 30 years, to uncover their hidden highways
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ana M. M. Sequeira, Associate Professor, Research School of Biology, Australian National University Alexandra Vautin, Shutterstock Big animals of the ocean go about their days mostly hidden from view. Scientists know this marine megafauna – such as whales, sharks, seal, turtles and birds – travel vast distances

    ‘No one knew what was happening’: new research shows how domestic violence harms young people’s schooling
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Steven Roberts, Professor of Education and Social Justice, Monash University Taiki Ishikawa/ Unsplash, CC BY Every school around Australia is almost certain to have students who are victim-survivors of family and domestic violence. The 2023 Australian Child Maltreatment Study found neglect and physical, sexual and emotional abuse

    Internal tensions throw PNG anti-corruption body into crisis
    By Scott Waide, RNZ Pacific PNG correspondent Three staffers from Papua New Guinea’s peak anti-corruption body are embroiled in a standoff that has brought into question the integrity of the organisation. Police Commissioner David Manning has confirmed that he received a formal complaint. Commissioner Manning said that initial inquiries were underway to inform the “sensitive

    Tasmania could go to an election just 16 months after its last one. What’s going on?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robert Hortle, Deputy Director, Tasmanian Policy Exchange, University of Tasmania Tasmania’s Liberal government and its premier, Jeremy Rockliff, have come under huge pressure since the state budget was handed down last week. It’s culminated in the Tasmanian House of Assembly voting to pass a motion of no

    Grattan on Friday: Albanese will need some nuance in facing a female opposition leader
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Anthony Albanese loves a trophy, especially a human one. He prides himself on his various “captain’s pick” candidates – good campaigners he has steered into seats. Way back in the Gillard days, he was key in persuading discontented Liberal Peter

    Punishment for Te Pāti Māori over Treaty haka stands – but MPs ‘will not be silenced’
    RNZ News Aotearoa New Zealand’s Parliament has confirmed the unprecedented punishments proposed for opposition indigenous Te Pāti Māori MPs who performed a haka in protest against the Treaty Principles Bill. Te Pāti Māori co-leaders Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi will be suspended for 21 days, and MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke suspended for seven days, taking effect

    Virgin Australia is coming back to the share market. Here’s what this new chapter could mean
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rico Merkert, Professor in Transport and Supply Chain Management and Deputy Director, Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies (ITLS), University of Sydney Business School, University of Sydney Petr Podrouzek/Shutterstock It is finally happening. After five years of being a private company, Virgin Australia will relist on the

    GPs asking men about their behaviour in relationships could help reduce domestic violence
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kelsey Hegarty, Professor of Family Violence Prevention, The University of Melbourne Domestic violence is increasing in Australia. A new report shows one in three men have ever made a partner feel frightened or anxious. One in 11 have used physical violence when angry. And one in 50

    The Top End’s tropical savannas are a natural wonder – but weak environment laws mean their future is uncertain
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Euan Ritchie, Professor in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, School of Life & Environmental Sciences, Deakin University François Brassard The Top End of Australia’s Northern Territory contains an extensive, awe-inspiring expanse of tropical savanna landscapes. It includes well-known and much-loved regions such as Darwin, Kakadu National Park, Arnhem

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Five arrested after Canterbury car thefts

    Source: New Zealand Police

    The plans of five alleged car thieves have been busted by Rangiora Police.

    The quintet were apprehended about 2am on Wednesday 4 June, two cars of interest were tracked to Pegasus, north of Christchurch. The vehicles had been stolen earlier in the night, one from Bishopdale and the other from St Albans.

    With only one way out of Pegasus, Police laid spikes and waited until the alleged offenders drove over them, Senior Sergeant Stephen McDaniel said.

    “They’ve kept driving for a short distance, but the spikes did their job and both cars eventually came to a stop.”

    Police apprehended the boys and young men without further incident, but Police discovered another vehicle had been interfered with.

    “At Pegasus, we’ve established there was an attempt to steal a third vehicle, but all they’ve done is break a window and make a mess of the ignition – and sadly, that’s a headache for yet another car owner.”

    The five are aged between 13 and 23, Senior Sergeant McDaniel said.

    The 13-year-old has been referred to Youth Services, while the other four are scheduled to appear in the Christchurch District Court and Christchurch Youth Court on charges including unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, attempting to unlawfully take a motor vehicle, unlawful possession of an air rifle, and failing to stop for Police.

    “We know car theft is an ongoing problem and urge vehicle owners to purchase immobilisers or steering wheel locks if they have to park on the street.

    “Even with attempted car theft, it’s more than an inconvenience, because offenders can cause a lot of damage to the ignition when they’re attempting to start the car. This offending has a real impact on real people’s lives, and we need the community’s help to prevent it.

    “If you see suspicious activity, such as people casing out vehicles, the best thing you can do is call 111 immediately.”

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Israel strikes buildings in southern suburbs of Beirut

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIRUT/JERUSALEM, June 6 (Xinhua) — The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out airstrikes on buildings in several areas of Beirut’s southern suburbs on Thursday evening after issuing an evacuation warning in anticipation of an attack on Hezbollah military infrastructure.

    Lebanon’s official National News Agency (NIA) reported that at least three rockets were fired at a southern suburb of Beirut.

    The Israeli army said it had struck “Hezbollah air force targets in the Dahiya neighborhood of Beirut.”

    The attack took place on the eve of the Eid al-Adha holiday. Less than two hours before the strikes, the Israeli military issued an evacuation warning for areas it said housed underground Hezbollah drone factories. IDF spokesman Avichai Adraei told the X website that Israel would target buildings in Beirut’s southern suburbs, urging residents to evacuate. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s 1,000-kW-class civil turboshaft engine obtains production license

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

    This photo taken on June 5, 2025 shows an AES100 engine displayed at the review meeting on the engine’s development work in Zhuzhou City, central China’s Hunan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    A civil turboshaft engine, primarily designed for helicopters, has obtained its production license and secured a sales contract, laying a solid foundation for the growth of low-altitude equipment, Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC) announced on Thursday.

    The AES100 engine represents China’s first independently developed 1,000-kW-class advanced civil turboshaft engine, achieving full compliance with international airworthiness standards.

    The granting of this production license signifies China’s capability to independently develop and manufacture advanced civil turboshaft engines, said Li Gaiqi, chief designer of the AES100 engine.

    He noted that this achievement is of great importance to the AES100 engine in serving the low-altitude economy and supporting the general aviation industry.

    The engine can maintain stable operations in complex conditions, including icy, heavy rain and strong electromagnetic environments. It has a high safety level, excellent cost-effectiveness and broad environmental adaptability, with outstanding performances in key indicators such as energy efficiency and service life, reaching internationally advanced levels, according to the AECC.

    It can be used in 5-to-6-tonne twin-engine helicopters and 3-to-4-tonne single-engine helicopters, as well as tiltrotor aircraft and other aerial vehicles, and can undertake missions in such areas as transport, sightseeing, patrols and rescue operations.

    The engine production license is a document issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of China to authorize manufacturers to produce civil aviation engines in accordance with approved designs, quality assurance systems and technical management systems. It is a critical qualification in the aircraft manufacturing sector. 

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: Rise of ‘painless’ tourism set to transform China’s travel landscape

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

    An undated aerial drone photo shows tourists “Wimp Rafting” in Mao’er Mountain Scenic Area, Guilin, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua)

    For Chen Zhixin and his family, this year’s mountaineering trip at the Panwang Realm scenic spot in the Dayao Mountains, a tourist attraction reaching about 1,000 meters above sea level in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, felt like a leisurely stroll compared to what they had experienced in the past.

    “No trekking up the steep and winding path toward the peak,” said Chen. “And this did not prevent us from enjoying the awe-inspiring sights that nature has to offer at every turn.”

    In a welcome twist to traditional mountaineering, where stunning views often come at the cost of a grueling hike, this scenic area in the Dayao Mountains, which was reopened earlier this year after being retrofitted with all kinds of amenities, has been designed to take strain off the legs of visitors.

    This upgrade also allows guests to try out more adventurous options like via ferrata, a climbing route equipped with steel cables, iron rungs and ladders fixed to rock surfaces, as well as high-altitude trampolining.

    Now, the journey to the top of the mountain begins with a 1,650-meter long cable car ride, followed by a smooth 8,000-meter walk along a flat trail which provides visitors with an almost effortless ascent to a couple of 100-meter-high sightseeing elevators, which then carry them to the place where they could nearly touch the lotus-shaped peak.

    From “easy” hiking trails equipped with cable cars and escalators to drifting along gentle rivers via an inflatable vest, the emergence of “painless” tourism, a new trend lauded by many for offering stress-free ways to cut loose, has quietly redefined the way tourists venture outdoors and made nature’s splendor more accessible to a wider range of travelers, regardless of age or physical capabilities.

    “This is the first time I’ve left my footprints on multiple peaks without feeling completely worn out,” exclaimed Zhang Xiaoyu, a travel enthusiast in his 30s from Shanghai in east China, as he and his family wrapped up their visit to Panwang. “And the best part is that neither the kids nor the grandparents had a single complaint during the whole trip.”

    “The idea of making these innovations goes beyond catering to people with special needs,” said Huang Meiling, the area’s general manager. “We expect our barrier-free infrastructure to broaden the appeal of the place and attract anyone looking for a more comfortable outing, thereby boosting its popularity and revenue.”

    “Painless” mountain climbing has evolved from being a mere novelty to an approach that has been increasingly adopted by scenic areas and tourist attractions across China.

    On rednote, a popular Chinese lifestyle app, posts with the hashtag “painless hiking” has been viewed over 3.6 million times, with users sharing photos and videos of amenities-assisted travel in places like Shaanxi in northwest China, Zhejiang in east China and Hunan in central China.

    “Increased accessibility lowers the bar for mountain tourism, making it more friendly for all ages,” said Huang.

    While some mountains can be tamed with tech-laden installations, some waterways have been repurposed for “do-nothing” staycations.

    Rafting, which is usually associated with adrenaline-pumping thrills, has been revamped by Guangxi’s Mao’er Mountain Scenic Area with the launch of its “Wimp Rafting” option last year. In this laid-back experience, participants, donning essential safety gear, can simply lie flat, allowing the gentle current of the river to carry them along.

    Social media has been abuzz with rave reviews about its “super chill vibe,” propelling this once-niche destination to attract over 10,000 visitors in 2024, with a daily peak of 300 visitors.

    “We came up with this unorthodox format by tapping into people’s craving for therapeutic travel experiences,” said Huang Jin, a deputy general manager of the scenic area. “The zero-skill, zero-stress, low-risk nature of such an activity perfectly aligns with the growing demand for ‘painless’ tourism.”

    The success of “Wimp Rafting” has inspired similar projects in many places in Guangxi and beyond, breathing new life into lesser-known destinations and signaling a broader shift toward more relaxed outdoor adventures.

    According to a recent market research report, this trend in outdoor recreation has held steady across all demographics — showing an expanding market that has been able to meet the increasingly sophisticated demands of the public.

    Data from LY.COM, a leading Chinese online booking platform, reveals that in the first half of 2024, outdoor-related orders had surged by 59.78 percent compared with the same period a year earlier.

    However, the rise of “no pain” tourism has raised eyebrows among some industry experts, due to concerns about how such developments may affect the authenticity of the experiences offered.

    “It can come across as a bit ‘inorganic,’” said Guan Zhiyuan, a seasoned travel agent based in the tourist hub of Guilin in Guangxi. “There is a risk it could potentially prevent tourists from experiencing the raw beauty of nature and the visceral joy of hiking in its original form.”

    Guan prefers a more balanced and thoughtful solution that allows guests to “easily” soak in the amazing views up close while also protecting delicate ecosystems from over-development, like the sedan chair hiring service at Reed Flute Cave, a famous limestone cave in Guilin.

    “Building a wheelchair accessible route inside the cave was initially proposed, but it was vetoed by the local authorities,” said Guan. “Instead, they opted for a more sustainable practice by hiring locals to help ferry physically challenged visitors on the trek.”

    Dai Bin, president of China Tourism Academy, suggested that the industry should pivot toward developing new forms of tourism experiences in the future — including green tourism, ecotourism and educational tourism.

    “Only by fulfilling public demand for high-quality, diverse and personalized experiences, can a virtuous cycle of ‘demand driving supply and supply generating new demand’ be formed,” said Dai. 

    1   2   3   >  

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s efforts on environment inspire countries

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

    China Daily | June 6, 2025

    In Minchinabad, Pakistan’s Punjab province, Muhammad Basit Ghauri, a keen observer of the country’s energy transition, is excited about the progress made there.

    Nearly every home, public building, shop and mosque in the city is adorned with glistening solar panels, many of which were imported from China. This scene was something Ghauri didn’t expect to see in areas so far away from major cities, but the sight of solar panels is becoming ever more common in Pakistan.

    “What used to be a luxury — solar energy — has now become a practical solution for the lower-middle and even lower income households,” said Ghauri, who works for Renewables First, a Pakistani think tank, in an interview ahead of World Environment Day, which fell on Thursday.

    As China pioneers the development of an ecological civilization, the ripple effects of the unwavering commitment of the world’s largest developing nation have extended far beyond its borders, notably benefiting other developing countries like Pakistan.

    Experts and officials are envisioning greener, more sustainable futures for countries in the Global South, drawing inspiration from China’s pioneering advancements in environmental and climate initiatives.

    This resonates strongly with one of the key tenets of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, which emphasizes China’s commitment to jointly promote the construction of a global ecological civilization and get deeply involved in global environmental governance, in order to come up with a worldwide solution for environmental protection and sustainable development.

    For Ghauri, the ongoing energy transition in Pakistan has primarily been propelled by the declining costs of solar energy and the increasing prices of electricity from the country’s unreliable grid, with solar panels from China playing a crucial role in facilitating this shift.

    Pakistan purchased some 16 gigawatts of solar panels from China last year at a cost of more than $2 billion, Ghauri said.

    According to the International Energy Agency, China accounts for approximately 80 percent of global solar photovoltaic module manufacturing and has driven a more than 80 percent reduction in the price of solar panels over the past decade.

    Ghauri said that instead of just importing its solar products, Pakistan can also learn from China’s experiences in developing its solar energy industry.

    “No one has built a stronger solar supply chain than China. They dominate global manufacturing not by accident, but through smart investments and a long-term strategy,” he said.

    Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif visited China in December, engaging in an in-depth discussion with Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu.

    While praising China’s significant achievements in air pollution control, Sharif expressed a sincere desire to strengthen communication and collaboration with China on air quality management, the renewable energy industry and low-carbon development, according to the ministry.

    In interviews with China Daily during the COP29 United Nations climate change conference in Azerbaijan late last year, the environment ministers of Cambodia and Nigeria also expressed their hopes of learning from China’s experiences to advance environmental and climate initiatives in their respective countries.

    Eang Sophalleth, Cambodia’s minister for the environment, said: “China has been through so much in the past 20 years. Those experiences are very rich. Cambodia is going through the same phase of developing. And with that experience, it can help us to minimize the impact on the environment in Cambodia.”

    Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Nigeria’s minister for the environment, underscored that there is significant potential for China to assist developing nations in addressing their climate challenges.

    “China is a country that understands what we are going through because they have gone through it,” he said.

    Dimitri de Boer, director for China at ClientEarth, an environmental law organization, said there is a major opportunity for developing countries to learn from how China is moving toward green and low-carbon development.

    While China has enjoyed impressive economic growth, with people’s living standards having improved significantly, the country has also experienced significant environmental improvement in the past decade, he said.

    “Air pollution dropped by more than half, surface water quality is much better, and cities are becoming greener. China’s carbon emissions are starting to plateau, even while power demand continues to increase every year,” he said.

    De Boer emphasized China’s potential to collaborate with other developing nations in advancing their green and low-carbon development initiatives.

    Solar and wind power are now often more affordable than fossil fuels, with their cost continuing to drop, and electric vehicles are becoming very competitive, de Boer said.

    “Countries with a decent level of industrialization could be very well placed to start producing these green technologies in their countries, providing major new business and employment opportunities,” he added.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Youth charged over offences committed in Southern Tasmania

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Youth charged over offences committed in Southern Tasmania

    Friday, 6 June 2025 – 11:46 am.

    Police have charged a 15-year-old from the Bridgewater area over a number of offences committed in Southern Tasmania recently.
    Police will allege the youth committed an aggravated armed robbery on a food delivery driver in Gagebrook on 8 May.
    The youth was charged with:

    1x aggravated armed robbery
    1x motor vehicle stealing
    3x stealing
    1x aggravated burglary
    1x possess controlled plant or its products
    2x possess a controlled drug
    1x possess thing used for administration of controlled drug
    1x evade police
    1x injure property
    1x common assault

    He will appear before the Youth Justice Court today.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Foreign Nationals Charged with Conspiracy and Possession with Intent to Distribute Almost Four Tons of Methamphetamine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – A federal complaint was filed today charging Erick Arriola, Baltazar Rodriguez Reyes and Eugenio Lizama, alleged drivers of drug-laden vans and a truck, with conspiring to distribute almost four tons of methamphetamine.

    It was one of the biggest seizures of methamphetamine in 2025 in the Southern District of California, and the most significant so far by the new Homeland Security Task Force San Diego, which was recently established by the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security at the request of President Trump.

    Among other goals, the task force was created to identify and target for prosecution transnational criminal organizations engaged in drug trafficking, money laundering, weapons trafficking, human trafficking and smuggling, homicide, extortion, and kidnapping.

    The complaint alleges that on June 2, 2025, federal law enforcement officials were conducting surveillance on four vehicles – which included two white panel vans, a white Ford F150 truck, and a semi-truck – as they congregated in a parking lot in the 8200 block of Otay Mesa Road.

    According to the complaint, bundles in each vehicle had been moved from the large semi-truck into the other vehicles while in the parking lot. The three defendants drove in separate directions before they were ultimately arrested by United States Border Patrol. Each vehicle was stuffed with large bundles of methamphetamine.

    Arriola, of El Salvador, was present in the United States despite being a felon convicted of DUI, battery of a spouse, and false imprisonment. Rodriguez Reyes and Lizama are Mexican nationals.

    “The recent formation of Homeland Security Task Force San Diego is an essential step to fulfilling the promises of Operation Take Back America,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon, “Our Office will fully support these enhanced law enforcement partnerships to ensure the safety of our community.”

    “As a founding member of HSTF in San Diego, I’m thrilled to be working alongside our partners who have also committed resources to combatting transnational crime,” said Shawn Gibson, special agent in charge for HSI San Diego. “Cases under the HSTF will be a priority for me and staff as we all will continue to work together to secure our border and keep our communities safe.”

    “Collaboration between law enforcement agencies greatly helps to effectively combat transnational criminal organizations,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jeffrey Stalnaker. “The leveraging of our unique capabilities amplifies our ability to safeguard the nation.”

    “When we combine our unique capabilities, authorities, strengths, and assets, we create a unified response to the expansive cartel threat,” said FBI San Diego Acting Special Agent in Charge Houtan Moshrefi. “FBI San Diego will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to reduce the growing epidemic of drug trafficking and violence in our community.”

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Martin of the U.S. Attorney’s recently created Narcoterrorism Unit.

    DEFENDANTS                                 Case Number 25mj3112                                          

    Erick Omar Arriola                                      Age 27                El Salvador

    Baltazar Rodriguez Reyes                           Age 49                Mexico

    Eugenio Lizama                                          Age 35                Mexico

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Title 21, U.S.C., Sec. 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(B) – Possession with Intent to

    Distribute Methamphetamine

    Maximum penalty: Life; 10-year mandatory minimum sentence

    Title 21, U.S.C., Sec. 841(a)(1), 846 – Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine

    Maximum penalty: Life; 10-year mandatory minimum sentence

    INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

    Homeland Security Investigations

    Federal Bureau of Investigation

    United States Border Patrol

    San Diego County Sheriff’s Department

    This case was investigated and prosecuted by the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) San Diego as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to, among other goals, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, 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 and Project Safe Neighborhoods.

    *The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-Evening Report: E-bikes and e-scooters are popular – but dangerous. A transport expert explains how to make them safer

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Geoff Rose, Professor in Transport Engineering, Monash Institute of Transport Studies, Monash University

    nazar_ab/Getty

    Last weekend a pedestrian in Perth tragically died after being struck by an e-scooter.

    This followed the death of another person in Victoria last month who was hit and killed by a modified e-bike which police alleged could travel at 90 kilometres per hour.

    A study published earlier this week also found nearly 180 e-scooter injuries in young people aged five to 15 at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital in 2023 and 2024. One in ten injuries were life-threatening or potentially life-threatening.

    Even though e-bikes and e-scooters have many benefits, such as improving urban accessibility and giving people scope to reduce or even eliminate carbon-emitting car use, these examples highlight their associated risks.

    For these risks to be properly addressed, an overhaul of regulations covering e-bikes and e-scooters is urgently needed.

    All to do with power

    E-bikes have a battery-powered motor to assist the rider. The key word there is “assist”: to be legal the rider has to be pedalling to get the power assistance.

    E-scooters are a new variant of the once humble children’s kick scooter. They are more sturdy to support an adult rider, and the battery-powered motor provides all the power.

    Some e-bikes and e-scooters have throttles, which enable riders to accelerate to higher speeds without pedalling. Technically, these are illegal.

    These new forms of urban transport are surging in popularity. This year alone, about 150,000 e-bikes are forecast to be sold across the country. An estimated 350,000 Australians – about 1.3% of the population – owned an e-scooter in 2024.

    Regulations governing e-bikes and e-scooters were historically designed with reference to the power required to ride a regular bicycle.

    A person needs to provide power equal to 220 watts to propel a regular bicycle at 32km/h on a flat road without a headwind.

    The figure of 250 watts emerged as the baseline in Europe for the power limit on e-bikes. It is 500 watts in Canada and 750 watts in the United States.

    In 2017, Australia harmonised its e-bike regulations with with those in Europe.

    The regulations specify that power-assisted e-bikes can have a motor up to 250 watts. But the rider must pedal to get the power assistance and it must cut out above 25km/h.

    E-bikes can travel faster than 25km/h. But the rider has to be providing all the power above that speed.

    The same power limit was applied to e-scooters. But given their design and smaller wheels, regulators in Australia were more conservative, specifying a 20km/h maximum speed.

    Differences across Australian states have since emerged with New South Wales allowing e-bikes up to 500 watts. Queensland has also removed motor power output from its e-scooter regulations and allows them to travel at speeds up to 25km/h.

    There are two main problems with the existing system of regulations. First, there is nothing to stop the import of high-performance e-bikes and e-scooters from overseas. Second, enforcement is difficult and rarely occurs, because the police don’t have the equipment to easily test motor power.

    There is a wide variety of e-bikes on the market.
    Sergey Ryzhov/Shutterstock

    What needs to change?

    The federal government has a clear role to play in stemming the import of e-bikes and e-scooters that exceed the legal limits for public use in Australia.

    However there is no evidence the government has engaged with the issue. This is inconsistent with its commitment to the National Road Safety Strategy and the approach taken to the management of vehicle safety and import regulations which apply to motor vehicles.

    State and territory governments must revise and simplify their e-bike and e-scooter regulations.

    Tasmania is on the front foot with its review of e-bike regulations. But e-scooter regulations also need reform – to make them easier for the public to understand, to ensure these devices offer a viable travel option for people and, importantly, to enable efficient enforcement.

    Local government and road authorities should have the power to set speed limits for e-bike and e-scooter riders on shared paths.
    Cromo Digital/Shutterstock

    A few changes to the rules could then make a big difference.

    For a start, references to motor power should be removed because the severity of a crash depends on speed not the power of the device. Having the regulations framed in terms of power is a complication for enforcement and we don’t use it to regulate motor vehicles.

    Then we need to focus on where, and how fast, these vehicles can be ridden.

    A good first step would be to follow the lead of Queensland and Tasmania and legalise footpath riding, subject to a 12km/h or 15km/h speed limit as is the case in those states.

    Restricting e-scooters to low-speed roads (up to 50km/h), and with a lower speed limit when ridden on the footpath, would minimise the risk of dangerous collisions with pedestrians and reduce the risk of dangerous collisions with cars on high-speed roads.

    Specifying a max speed under power assistance for e-bikes of 32km/h would bring us in line with the regulations for countries that have cities similar to Australia’s such as Canada and New Zealand.

    This would open our market to more models from overseas. It would also ensure e-bikes are better able to keep up with traffic when ridden on roads and are more competitive in terms of travel time relative to the car, to help further reduce car use.

    When it comes to e-scooters, moving to a 25km/h speed limit (as is the case in Queensland), combined with restricting their use to roads of up to 50km/h, would improve their compatibility with the flow of motor vehicles on local streets.

    Local government and road authorities should also have the power to declare areas where footpath riding is not permitted – for example, inner-city footpaths with heavy pedestrian activity. They should also have the power to set speed limits for riders on shared paths and bicycle lanes where there is likely to be interaction with pedestrians.

    With those changes in place, police would be able to enforce displayed speed limits for e-bikes and e-scooters using radar guns, as is already done in Queensland, and issue fines where appropriate.

    Geoff Rose has received in-kind support for his research, in the form of data, from shared e-scooter operating companies; he has served on the oversight panel for the Victorian Government’s shared e-scooter trial and he has consulted to the Tasmanian Department of State Growth on e-bike regulations.

    ref. E-bikes and e-scooters are popular – but dangerous. A transport expert explains how to make them safer – https://theconversation.com/e-bikes-and-e-scooters-are-popular-but-dangerous-a-transport-expert-explains-how-to-make-them-safer-257126

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Wicker Leads SASC Hearing on the Department of the Army’s Posture and Readiness

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker

    Watch Video Here

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today led a hearing on the Department of the Army’s posture and requirements for the challenges ahead.

    During the hearing, the committee received testimony from the Army’s senior civilian leader, Secretary Driscoll, and the highest-ranking commissioned officer within the Department of the Army, General George.

    In his opening remarks, Chairman Wicker emphasized that this hearing marked the beginning of the Army’s dialogue with Congress on the Army’s Transformation Initiative (ATI) and underscored the committee’s willingness to partner with Army leadership to address fundamental problems within the service.

    Read Senator Wicker’s hearing opening statement as delivered.

    Good morning. The Senate Armed Services Committee meets today to receive testimony on the posture of the United States Army. I want to thank our witnesses, Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll and the Chief of Staff of the Army General Randy George, for being here.  Unfortunately, it seems the detailed Fiscal Year 2026 budget will not be available for several more weeks.

    Nonetheless, we will benefit from speaking with you both, Secretary Driscoll and General George. In the past month, we’ve been speaking publicly about the Army Transformation Initiative, or “ATI”. This initiative seeks to change portions of the Army’s capabilities and force structure while maintaining the Army’s flat budget.

    The Army provided this committee with the first real set of details on the ATI about a week ago. This hearing marks the beginning of the Army’s discussion with Congress on the idea.  We are ready to work with you, gentlemen.

    In fact, we must work together rapidly to fix fundamental problems with the U.S. Army.  Since 2000, the list of failed Army modernization initiatives – such as the Comanche helicopter, the Crusader howitzer, and the Future Combat Systems – has continued to grow.

    Between 2002 and 2012, the Army spent $50 billion on programs it eventually canceled. The record in the past five years has been better but still contains significant missteps. The Army recently spent $2 billion on a scout helicopter that will never fly. Other cancellations of programs have followed, including the Strategic Long-Range Cannon program, the Extended Range Cannon Artillery programs, and the M-10 Booker armored infantry support vehicle, as well as the “Hum-Vee.”

    Fundamentally, the Army needs to decide how to adapt to the changing character of warfare and meet priority missions, particularly against China and Russia. Mr. Secretary, many ideas you propose in your Transformation Initiative and your budget will meet that mark. I think you will find widespread support for increasing investments in long-range fires and air and missile defense, as you proposed. I would note, however, the lack of logistics investments in your plan, given the Army’s central role in logistics in the Pacific – so perhaps we’ll talk about that.

    Mr. Secretary, I think you will find Congress a very willing partner when presented with convincing analysis that justifies investment changes. In particular, those changes should help American soldiers deter war and, if necessary, win in convincing fashion. Where we do disagree, will likely be in effects on the industrial base. Our defense industrial base is brittle. We cannot afford to let sites close, or we will lose the defense expertise of many skilled workers. We need investment strategies that recognize this. Our investments should provide stability and ensure the United States can maintain maximum competition. The Army cannot follow the “divest to invest” strategy that the Navy and Air Force have wanted to pursue. The United States faces too many threats today to leave gaps in capabilities. It will require tightly woven investment strategies among the Army, Congress, and industry to get this right.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: More Sons of Freedom Doukhobors receive support to heal

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    More people belonging to the Sons of Freedom Doukhobor community are receiving financial health and well-being support, as part of the B.C. government’s apology for historical wrongs committed against them.

    In August 2024, the Province, in partnership with the Canadian Red Cross, distributed funds to living survivors who were forcibly apprehended and kept in New Denver as children. Now, the remaining health and well-being funds will be shared among:

    • living survivors who were not school-aged when they were forcibly taken, and
    • deceased survivors’ descendants, including spouses or common-law partners and legally adopted children.

    Descendants of survivors who are still alive or who have already received the health and well-being fund are not eligible to receive additional support.

    This work is part of the Province’s ongoing efforts to honour the legacy of the New Denver survivors and to acknowledge the hardships they experienced at the hands of government.

    People who believe they may be eligible to receive support but have not been contacted can email the Ministry of Attorney General: sofd@gov.bc.ca.

    The deadline to contact the ministry is January 2026.

    In 1899, the Doukhobors fled persecution in Russia, seeking refuge in Canada. Many settled in the Kootenay Boundary region in B.C. During the first half of the 20th century, the Province targeted the Sons of Freedom, a group within the Doukhobor community, with fines and seizure of property for acts of civil disobedience, such as missing school and protesting naked.

    In addition, hundreds of children from the Sons of Freedom were forcibly removed from their families and placed in institutions in New Denver between 1953 and 1959. There, many of the children were subjected to physical, emotional and sexual abuse that left deep, generation-spanning scars on them, their families, loved ones and the broader community.

    The Province issued a formal apology for these historical wrongs in February 2024.

    Learn More:

    For guidelines on determining eligibility and how to access the funds, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Backgrounder%20-%20SoF%20Health_Wellbeing%20Funds%20Phase%202.pdf

    To learn more about government’s apology, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/30239

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump, Musk clash over economic policy, spending bill

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

    U.S. President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk traded barbs over the Trump administration’s sweeping tax-cut and spending bill on Thursday, a week after Musk left the administration.

    The tax-cut and spending bill, also known as the “Big and Beautiful Bill,” is part of Trump’s core agenda and includes a series of economic measures such as eliminating tax credits for electric vehicle consumers, increasing investment in border security, and lowering corporate and personal tax rates.

    Musk has been fiercely criticizing the bill in recent days. On Thursday, he called the bill a “mountain of disgusting pork” on social media.

    “In the entire history of civilization, there has never been legislation that (is) both big and beautiful. Everyone knows this,” said Musk on social media.

    “Either you get a big and ugly bill or a slim and beautiful bill. Slim and beautiful is the way,” he said.

    Trump said Musk’s dissatisfaction stemmed from the bill’s proposal to eliminate tax credits for electric vehicle consumers, which affected Musk’s interests as CEO of electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla.

    “Look, Elon and I had a great relationship. I don’t know if we will anymore,” Trump said in the Oval Office.

    “I’m very disappointed in Elon. I’ve helped Elon a lot,” he added.

    “Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate,” said Musk at one point on Thursday afternoon.

    As for Trump’s post saying Musk “wearing thin” and going “crazy” and he asked Musk to leave, Musk referred the post as “Such an obvious lie. So sad.”

    Musk, however, said he opposed the bill because it would increase the federal deficit.

    Following Trump’s criticism of Musk, Tesla’s stock price fell more than 15 percent on Thursday afternoon. As of this year, Tesla’s share price has fallen over 30 percent.

    Musk was once a staunch ally of Trump, spending nearly 300 million U.S. dollars to support Trump’s campaign in 2024. After Trump won the presidential election, Musk joined the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), responsible for overseeing bureaucratic corruption and reducing the national debt.

    DOGE’s work led to thousands of federal government layoffs and cuts of billions of dollars in foreign aid and other programs, sparking multiple protests in the United States and around the world. On Wednesday last week, Musk announced his departure.

    Musk also initiated a survey on Twitter regarding “is it time to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80 percent in the middle,” which drew more than 510,000 votes in about one hour. 

    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 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: 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: 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 New Zealand: Woman seriously hurt in hit-and-run incident

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police are working to locate the driver of a red ute involved in a hit-and-run crash that left a woman seriously injured in Rotorua last night.

    The crash happened about 9pm, near the intersection of Haupapa Street and Tuanekai Street.

    After striking the victim, the vehicle drove east on Haupapa Street towards Fenton Street, Detective Sergeant Philip Wilkinson said.

    The vehicle involved was still being sought by Police.

    “This incident easily could have been fatal, and it’s important we hear from anyone who saw it happen, and anyone who witnessed an interaction between a woman and the driver of a red ute immediately prior.

    “We are reviewing CCTV from the area, but if you have any information or cell phone footage, please contact us as soon as possible.”

    If you have information that may assist, please contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report”, or call 105.

    Please use the reference number 250605/9241.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Introduces the AFIDA Improvements Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure (AFIDA) Improvements Act. The bill will codify legislative oversightrecommendations to update the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978. The AFIDA Improvements Act will equip the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to combat foreign adversaries’ ownership of American agricultural land. Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Roger Wicker (R-MS), John Cornyn (R-TX), and Katie Britt (R-AL) are original co-sponsors of this legislation in the Senate. Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) is leading companion legislation in the House.

    Agriculture is the heart and soul of Nebraska and of America,” said Ricketts. ”American farmland should remain in the hands of American farmers and ranchers, not foreign adversaries. Food security is national security.”

    “Over the past several decades, China has been buying up American farmland in an attempt to infiltrate our agriculture supply chains. Food security is national security, and we cannot give the CCP a foothold. Thankfully, President Trump and Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins are working to make American Farmland American Again. I’m proud to join this legislation with Senator Ricketts to update our reporting requirements for foreign purchases of our farmland for the first time in nearly 50 years. As Alabama’s voice on the Senate Ag Committee, I will always support our great farmers and work to protect them from bad actors like China,” said Sen. Tuberville.

    “We come together on this legislation to address the national security concerns stemming from the growing purchases of farmland by the Chinese Communist Party,” said Rep. Bacon. “Having actual processes in place will strengthen the security of our nation in the event nefarious foreign agents, such as the CCP, try to purchase agricultural lands within our nation. These lands must be protected as they are essential to feeding our country and other parts of the world, feeding livestock, fueling vehicles, and other uses.”

    “Foreign entities purchasing American farmland opens the door to serious national security threats from countries like China that aim to undermine the United States, and we’ve already seen nefarious attempts by the Chinese Communist Party to acquire farmland near U.S. military bases in Texas,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This legislation would enhance existing measures by strengthening enforcement and promoting data sharing so that we can more easily identify foreign adversaries purchasing U.S. farmland with malicious intent.”

    The AFIDA Improvements Act:

    • Will codify recommendations published in January 2024 by the legislative branch’s oversight entity after it conducted a study of AFIDA.
      • In this report, it was found that the USDA’s AFIDA process has been ill-equipped to combat the foreign ownership of American agricultural land by foreign adversaries;
    • Will increase information sharing between the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States and USDA;
    • Will require updates to the AFIDA handbook and establish a deadline by which USDA must set up an online AFIDA system; and
    • Will require AFIDA reporting for foreign persons holding more than one percent interest in American agricultural land. 

    The text of the bill is available here.

    This bill was initially covered in Fox News.

    BACKGROUND:

    Under AFIDA, foreign entities are required to disclose the transactions of American agricultural land to the USDA. 

    According to USDA, foreign investors own over 40 million acres of agricultural land across the United States. Additionally, between 2010 and 2021, Chinese ownership of American agricultural land increased from 13,720 acres to 383,935 acres.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious crash: SH1, Kaikōura

    Source: New Zealand Police

    State Highway 1 is closed at Peketā, Kaikoura, following a crash involving a truck and pedestrian.

    Emergency services were called to the scene, between Inland Kaikōura Road and Rakanui Road, about 9.20am.

    The Serious Crash Unit has been notified and the road is expected to be closed for some time. The closure affects both north and south-bound traffic.

    Traffic management is being arranged, however motorists should use Inland Kaikōura Road/Leader Road East via Mt Lyford.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News