| Source: University of Auckland (UoA)
As Saudi Arabia kicks off the 2025 Esports World Cup with a US $70 million prize pool and an opening-night concert by Post Malone, researcher Dr Kenny Ching (University of Auckland) says the most successful squads may well be built on past rivalries. By analysing esports teams, Ching and co-authors Enrico Forti (Manhattan College) and Evan Rawley (University of Connecticut) find that people who’ve competed against each other in the past make better teammates. Their study evaluates millions of randomly formed teams in the global multiplayer game Defense of the Ancients 2 (DOTA 2). Players in DOTA 2 are frequently reshuffled into new teams, offering the chance to measure how different team compositions influence success, says Ching, an avid gamer himself. “Defense of the Ancients is a high-pressure game where two teams of five players battle head-to-head. “With millions of active players and a professional circuit that sells out stadiums, it’s one of the most competitive and team-oriented games in the esports world.” The large-scale study finds that teammates who’ve competed against one another in the past, gaining what the researchers call ‘competitive familiarity’, perform significantly better than those who haven’t. So why might past rivalry make for better teamwork? Ching says competition, especially high-stakes public competition, offers insights into how people think, react, and strategise. “When those same individuals become teammates, those insights can be used to improve coordination and decision-making. “Competing against a person builds familiarity. Things that might be overlooked when on the same team might be more clearly noticed and remembered during competition.” One professional player quoted in the study, Su ‘Super’ Peng, described how competition helped him “feel” his opponent’s style of play, allowing for a deeper understanding once they were on the same team. “Competitive familiarity is surprisingly common in organisational life,” says Ching. “It happens when companies merge, poach talent from competitors, or bring rival teams together for product development.” Real-world examples where organisations harness rivalry to drive innovation and learning include Samsung, where competition between some internal teams is encouraged before bringing them together to develop new products. Cybersecurity and tech companies sometimes form ‘red teams’ of internal contrarians who mimic rival attackers to identify weaknesses. And sports teams frequently pay big bucks to bring former adversaries into the fold. Ching’s paper, published in Organization Science, includes a few ideas to harness the benefits of competition: Rotating employees through competing teams, staging internal competitions and encouraging former rivals to co-lead projects. “Esports provides a unique lens into how teams form, adapt and compete under pressure,” he says. “Just as people learn to work better together through collaboration, they can also learn and have better outcomes through competition.” |
Category: Asia Pacific
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MIL-OSI New Zealand: Universities – Game of Rivals: E-sports Study Finds Winning Formula – UoA
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MIL-OSI New Zealand: Govt Policies – Capping rates will accelerate the privatisation of locally owned assets – PSA
Source: PSA
The biggest union representing local government workers is calling on the Government to dump its rate cap idea which could spur councils to sell assets to meet rate increase targets.“This is simply a populist ploy which should send alarm bells through local communities,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.“Nobody likes large rate increases, but this proposal will end up spurring councils to privatise assets to meet rate caps imposed by Wellington. The only winner out of that are corporates, not ratepayers. It’s irresponsible.“Rates are the main tool councils have to ensure it can meet the needs of communities for quality facilities and services. Capping rates would see councils forced to make difficult decisions to run down facilities like libraries, sports grounds and pools, and services like local roads.“How does that make any sense when many councils already struggle to maintain services and facilities?“This idea is hypocritical. On the one hand the Government is giving power back to councils to manage its water infrastructure challenges yet is now wanting to tell councils how to manage its finances through a rate cap. Make up your mind.”The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups. -
MIL-OSI Security: Joint Interagency Task Force-West Holds Change of Command Ceremony
Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND
Joint Interagency Task Force-West held a change of command ceremony on July 2, 2025, at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command headquarters on Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, where U.S. Navy Capt. George Howell relieved U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Bob Little.
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MIL-OSI New Zealand: Simplifying requirements around family trusts
Source: New Zealand Government
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says the Government is continuing to cut through unnecessary bureaucracy with reforms to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act, which will make life easier for hard-working Kiwi families managing property through family trusts.
“For thousands of New Zealanders, setting up a family trust is part of securing their financial future, especially when it comes to their home. But under the current AML regime, selling a house held in a trust triggers a burdensome level of document verification and compliance checks that has little to do with actual risk,” Mrs McKee says.
“Families who’ve worked hard, paid off their mortgage, and saved for the future shouldn’t be treated like potential criminals just because they want to move house.
Take, for example, a couple who’ve spent 15 years in the same home, raising their children and gradually paying off their mortgage. Like many Kiwi families, they’ve placed their home in a Family Trust to help manage and protect their most valuable asset.
“If they decide to sell, real estate agents are currently required to collect an overwhelming amount of personal and legal information — including the names and addresses of all beneficiaries, even their children, trustees, and lawyers, along with a detailed explanation and documents to prove how the home was paid for.
“Under the new reforms, a real estate agent can apply simplified customer due diligence if the sale is clearly low risk. That could mean only:Confirming the property’s ownership and trustee details match what’s on the certificate of title
Verifying the couple’s identity documents and their role as trustees
Retaining a copy of the trust deed.“When there’s clearly nothing untoward going on, there’s no need for invasive investigations or repetitive paperwork.”
The Government has also directed the future AML/CFT supervisor to issue clear guidance so that real estate agents, lawyers, and accountants know exactly how to apply these simplified checks without fear of penalty.
“These changes are about recognising that not all customers carry the same risk and it’s time our laws reflected that,” Ms McKee says.
“New Zealanders who play by the rules, work hard, and save for their future should be supported by the system, not tied up in red tape.”
This is part of a wider programme of reform to make New Zealand’s AML/CFT regime smarter, more proportionate, and focused on genuine risks. -
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Cutting red tape so young Kiwis can start saving
Source: New Zealand Government
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee is making changes to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act that will make it easier for parents to open bank accounts for their children.
“Opening a bank account for children should be a simple and positive step toward teaching them the value of saving. Unfortunately, regulations designed to prevent serious crimes can make the process unnecessarily difficult,” says Mrs McKee.
“The Government is cutting red tape that can make it harder for parents to do the easy thing and open a bank account for their children.
“According to the Act, a parent who wants to open an account for their eight-year-old child needs to gather and verify a long list of information, including their child’s address, date of birth, name, and their own authority to act on their child’s behalf. The Act also requires banks to obtain the nature and purpose of the business relationship, evaluate whether further due diligence is required, and monitoring the child’s transactions on an ongoing basis.
“Under the Government’s new reforms, banks will be allowed to apply a simplified processes when risk is low. This means that if a bank puts measures in place to make a child’s bank account low-risk (e.g. by setting appropriate transaction limits) all that could be required is a birth certificate to confirm the child’s name and date of birth, and prove the relationship to the parent.
“They could also skip the intrusive and unnecessary questions about the “nature and purpose” of the account, and reduce or forego ongoing monitoring of a child’s banking activity, until the account’s settings are changed (e.g., removal of transaction limits when a child turns 18).
The Government has also directed the future AML/CFT supervisor to issue clear guidance so that businesses like banks know exactly how to apply these simplified checks without fear of penalty.
“This is a common-sense reform. Parents shouldn’t be asked to jump through bureaucratic hoops just to open a bank account for their kids. We’re streamlining the system so that New Zealanders can spend less time on paperwork and more time teaching their children the value of money.
“These changes reflect the Government’s wider commitment to smarter regulation, focusing on outcomes rather than ticking boxes, and trusting New Zealanders to make responsible decisions without being buried under red tape.” -
PM Modi leaves for Brasília after concluding BRICS Summit in Rio
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, after attending the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, left for the capital city of Brasília for a state visit.
During his visit, PM Modi will meet President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and discuss issues related to India-Brazil relations.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister described his Rio visit as “very productive”.
“The Rio leg of my Brazil visit was very productive. We had extensive deliberations at the BRICS Summit. I compliment President Lula and the Brazilian Government for the work they’ve done through their BRICS Presidency in making this platform even more effective. My bilateral meetings with world leaders will also boost India’s friendship with various nations.”
—IANS
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Swiatek ends Tauson’s run to fly into Wimbledon quarter-finals
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
A deluge of double faults dictated early terms before Iga Swiatek found her grasscourt wings to fly into the Wimbledon quarter-finals with a soaring 6-4 6-1 victory over an out-of-sorts Danish 23rd seed Clara Tauson on Monday.
The cold and blustery wind swirling around Court One was clearly not to Swiatek’s liking as she opened her account with two double faults en route to dropping her serve to love.
While the former world number one immediately got the break back, her serve kept misfiring as she produced two successive double faults to drop her serve again in the third game.
But from 3-1 down in the first set, the Polish eighth seed barely put a foot wrong in a match that was over in 65 brutal minutes.
“The beginning was pretty shaky with the double faults but I managed to play solid. I’m not sure if Clara was feeling that well, she said she was sick during the night and I hope she has a good recovery,” Swiatek told the crowd.
“It’s never easy to keep your focus. Sometimes when you’re not feeling well you let go of everything and it can give you a boost. I hope she’s going to be fine.
“It’s pretty amazing, this is the first time I’ve ever enjoyed London. Sorry guys… I mean I’ve always enjoyed it. I feel good on the court when I feel good off the court.”
Swiatek had been prepared to face a barrage of one-shot winners from Tauson, who came into the match having served the most aces in this year’s women’s tournament.
Her tally of 27 aces meant she was averaging an impressive nine per match during her run to the fourth round, which included a win over 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina two days ago.
Expectations were certainly high that she could become the first Danish woman to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals in the professional era — so much so that Denmark’s King Frederik abandoned his plush Royal Box seat on Centre Court to watch Tauson in action on Court One.
However, instead of adding to her ace count, Tauson surrendered the first set with a double fault and from then on her game fell apart as Swiatek won eight of the last nine games to reach the quarter-finals for the second time in three years.
“If you want to beat Iga, you have to be 110%. Today I was probably around 30 and not feeling so great,” explained Tauson, who had never won a match in three previous appearances at Wimbledon.
“She was a bit nervous in the beginning I think. But as soon as she wasn’t nervous anymore, I couldn’t follow my legs, and my head was not there. She’s probably impossible to beat.
“It’s not funny to have to blame it on your health. I couldn’t really breathe… I didn’t have any power in my legs or in my arm. It’s really hard to serve. I’m really sad that it had to end like this. Today was really tough for me.”
Swiatek will face Russia’s Liudmila Samsonova for a place in the semi-finals.
-Reuters
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MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Emergency Alert Test: Frequently Asked Questions
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News storyEmergency Alert Test: Frequently Asked Questions
This page answers frequently asked questions about the upcoming national Emergency Alert test taking place on Sunday 7th September 2025.
When will the test take place?
The test will take place at around 15:00 BST on 7th September 2025.
Why is the test taking place?
Regular testing ensures the system is functioning correctly, should it be needed in an emergency.
Who will receive the test alert?
The test will function like a real life Emergency Alert.
Emergency Alerts work on all 4G and 5G phone networks in the UK. Your mobile phone or tablet does not have to be connected to mobile data or wifi to get alerts.
However, you will not receive alerts if your device is: turned off; connected to a 2G or 3G network; wifi only; or not compatible.
How many mobile phones are there in the country?
There are approximately 87 million mobile phones in the UK.
What will the test look and sound like?
Devices will vibrate and make a loud siren sound for roughly ten seconds. A test message will also appear on screens.
What will the test message say?
The government will publish the test message in due course. It will make clear the alert is only a test. You can see all previous alerts at [https://www.gov.uk/alerts/past-alerts]
Do other countries run similar tests?
Lots of other countries operate similar emergency systems and run regular tests, including Japan and the United States of America.
Some countries test their systems monthly, such as Finland, while other countries test their systems annually, such as Germany.
What about my personal data?
Data about you, your device or location will not be collected or shared.
The emergency services and the UK government do not need your phone number to send you an alert.
What should drivers do?
It is illegal to use a hand-held device while driving. Find somewhere safe and legal to stop before reading the message.
What are you doing to support victims of domestic abuse?
Emergency alerts contain life-saving information and should be kept switched on for your own safety.
However, there may be some scenarios where it is sensible to opt out of alerts, including victims of domestic abuse with a concealed phone.
The government will continue ongoing engagement with domestic violence charities and campaigners in the run up to the test, to ensure people know how to switch off alerts on a concealed phone.
How do victims of domestic violence turn off the alerts?
How you opt out depends on your device.
Full instructions telling you how to opt out are available at [https://www.gov.uk/alerts/opting-out]
If you still get alerts after opting out, contact your device manufacturer for help.
What are you doing to support deaf, hard of hearing, blind or partially sighted people?
During the test, audio and vibration attention signals will let you know you have received an alert, if accessibility notifications have been enabled on your mobile phone or tablet.
The government will continue ongoing engagement with disability charities and campaigners in the run up to the test.
Updates to this page
Published 7 July 2025 -
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: National Emergency Alert test to be held on 7th September
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press releaseNational Emergency Alert test to be held on 7th September
The UK Government will send a test Emergency Alert to mobile phones across the UK at around 15:00 on 7th September 2025
- Emergency Alert to be sent to mobile phones across the UK in the second ever national test of the system
- Alert will sound at around 3pm on Sunday 7 September
- Test comes as the government publishes a Resilience Action Plan with new steps to secure the country and deliver the Plan for Change
Mobile phones in the UK will be sent a test Emergency Alert at around 15:00 on Sunday 7th September 2025, as part of plans to strengthen the country’s preparedness.
The Emergency Alerts system is used to warn if there’s a danger to life nearby, including extreme weather. It allows vital information and advice to be sent to people rapidly in an emergency.
During the test, mobile phones will vibrate and make a loud siren sound for roughly ten seconds, even if they are set to silent. A message will also appear on phone screens, making it clear the alert is only a test. There are approximately 87 million mobile phones in the UK.
The test will be just the second of its kind and follows a government commitment to test the system regularly to make sure it works optimally and familiarise the public with the alerts. This is in line with standard practice in other countries, such as Japan and the USA.
Ahead of the national test, the government will be running a public information campaign to notify people that the test is taking place, including communications targeted at vulnerable groups, such as victims of domestic abuse. The campaign will also feature products in British Sign Language.
Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said:
Emergency Alerts have the potential to save lives, allowing us to share essential information rapidly in emergency situations including extreme storms. Just like the fire alarm in your house, it’s important we test the system so that we know it will work if we need it.
This test is part of our action plan to build resilience across the whole country and secure the nation under the Plan for Change – from the £1 billion we’re investing in a new network of National Biosecurity Centres to the £4.2 billion we’re investing to build a new generation of flood defences to protect local communities.
Since the first national test of the Emergency Alerts system in April 2023, five alerts have been sent, including during major storms when lives were at risk.
The largest ever use of the system saw approximately 4.5 million people in Scotland and Northern Ireland receive an alert during Storm Éowyn in January 2025, after a red weather warning was issued, meaning there was a risk to life.
Approximately 3.5 million people across Wales and the South West of England received an alert during Storm Darragh in December 2024. The storm went on to kill two people.
Other activations have included when an unexploded World War II bomb was discovered in Plymouth, as well as during localised flash flooding in Cumbria and Leicestershire.
The news comes as the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden, unveils a new Resilience Action Plan to improve the way the government prepares for and responds to emergencies. The Resilience Action Plan, to be published on Tuesday, sets out:
- The government will raise awareness of GOV.UK/PREPARE, which gives information on simple and effective steps people can take to be more prepared for an emergency.
- The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is investing £370 million to better secure the UK’s telecommunications networks through research and investment in new technology and infrastructure.
- The National Situation Centre and the Devolved Governments are going to sign a data sharing MoU to ensure that every nation in the UK has the best available data to prepare and respond to crises.
The government will also publish an update on the implementation of the 2023 Biological Security Strategy on Tuesday, outlining further action being taken to secure the country from biological risks, including:
- £15m funding will be made available in FY25/26 via the Integrated Security Fund to help strengthen biosecurity capability across government
- A Pandemic Preparedness and Response Research Framework will be published by the Department for Health and Social Care, helping to coordinate scientific research to prepare for the next pandemic.
- The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) will invest £1m through the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) across projects with Kromek Group, Cambridge Consultants Ltd, University of Glasgow, Queens University Belfast and Cardiff University to develop new, novel methods to detect and attribute biological incidents.
- A new network of National Biosecurity Centres, announced in the National Security Strategy and backed by over £1.3 billion of investment, will bolster the UK’s defences against biological incidents, accidents and attacks.
The announcements follow the publication of the National Security Strategy last month, which set out the largest sustained increase in national security spending since the Cold War, as the government takes more action to secure the county.
In June, DEFRA announced it was investing £4.2 billion in new flood defences to keep communities safe.
This Autumn will also see the Department for Health and Social Care and the UK Health Security Agency deliver the largest pandemic exercise in the country’s history.
For the first time, the government can reveal that preparations for pandemic exercise (‘Exercise Pegasus’) are already underway. Exercise Alkarab, an initial simulation, took place in May with more than 150 participants from across the UK, including health officials and government ministers.
Updates to this page
Published 7 July 2025 -
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Secrets from the frontline: DOC reveals the five wildlife questions on everyone’s mind
Source: NZ Department of Conservation
Date: 08 July 2025
Think you’ve got a wild question? You’re not alone.
DOC’s Customer Service Centre has revealed the top wildlife-related queries flooding its inbox and phone lines this year. The answers might surprise you – and show just how much people care about our native species and wild places.
So far in 2025, DOC’s Customer Service Centre has received more than 15,000 phone calls and 10,000 emails from members of the public. From curious kids asking about penguins to reports of stranded whales or pest sightings, the DOC Customer Service team handles a huge variety of enquiries every day – and they’ve already sent more than 14,000 replies to help people take action for nature.
“It’s clear New Zealanders are passionate about our environment and want to do the right thing,” says Olivia Tooley, Customer Service Centre Lead.
“Our job is to make that easier. Every call or email is a chance to connect someone with the right advice, the right support – and often, the right action.”
Olivia says these are the top five wildlife-related questions people are asking DOC in 2025 so far – and how the team answers them in the Customer Service Centre:
1. What should I do if I see a sick or injured bird?
“This is our most common question – and the answer can vary. DOC can advise on native birds, but we’re not always able to help directly. The best thing you can do is not handle the bird. Instead, note the location, what the bird looks like, and take a photo if you can. We’ll let you know what to do next and can connect you with a local ranger, vet, or bird rescue if needed.”2. What should I do if I see a seal on the beach?
“We get this one a lot! Most of the time, seals are just resting – it’s totally normal. Please keep at least 20 metres away from the seal, keep dogs well clear, and don’t touch or feed the seal. If it looks injured or in danger, let us know. We’ll follow up with our local team.”3. I’ve seen a lizard/bird/whale – who should I tell?
“Thanks for letting us know! Sightings like this help us understand where species are living and how they’re doing. Who to contact depends on what you saw – but we can help figure that out. You can call, email, or report it through the DOC website. The more details you can provide – like photos and an exact location – the better. You can also upload the sighting to iNaturalist.nz if you’re unsure where to start”4. I have a pest – can you send a ranger?
“We understand how frustrating pests can be, but DOC doesn’t provide a pest removal service. DOC focuses on pests on conservation land, but we’re happy to give advice, or direct you to your local council, a contractor, or a community group that may be able to help.”5. Where can I take my dog?
“It depends on the area. Some conservation areas allow dogs, but others don’t to protect wildlife. Look for signs at the site, check the DOC website, or just give us a call. We’re happy to help you find a dog-friendly spot!”The centre also helps with everything from drone rules and camping bookings to fires, marine mammal protection and forest access – especially during busy holiday periods or major weather events.
DOC’s Customer Service Centre is a vital part of DOC’s wider team and makes it easier for people to understand, appreciate, and actively care for the natural world. By sharing advice, logging reports, and connecting callers to local teams, they’re often the first step in someone taking positive action for conservation.
“We might not be out in the field with boots and binoculars, but we’re playing our part,” Olivia says. “Helping someone understand what to do when they see a kekeno (fur seal), or how to protect native species in their own backyard, all helps build trust and connection with DOC’s work.”
As conservation challenges grow, public support and understanding are more important than ever. Olivia encourages anyone with a question or concern about nature, native species, or recreation to reach out – no question is too small when it comes to protecting our wild places.
Contact
For media enquiries contact:
Email: media@doc.govt.nz
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MIL-OSI New Zealand: Secrets from the frontline: DOC reveals the five wildlife questions on everyone’s mind
Source: NZ Department of Conservation
Date: 08 July 2025
Think you’ve got a wild question? You’re not alone.
DOC’s Customer Service Centre has revealed the top wildlife-related queries flooding its inbox and phone lines this year. The answers might surprise you – and show just how much people care about our native species and wild places.
So far in 2025, DOC’s Customer Service Centre has received more than 15,000 phone calls and 10,000 emails from members of the public. From curious kids asking about penguins to reports of stranded whales or pest sightings, the DOC Customer Service team handles a huge variety of enquiries every day – and they’ve already sent more than 14,000 replies to help people take action for nature.
“It’s clear New Zealanders are passionate about our environment and want to do the right thing,” says Olivia Tooley, Customer Service Centre Lead.
“Our job is to make that easier. Every call or email is a chance to connect someone with the right advice, the right support – and often, the right action.”
Olivia says these are the top five wildlife-related questions people are asking DOC in 2025 so far – and how the team answers them in the Customer Service Centre:
1. What should I do if I see a sick or injured bird?
“This is our most common question – and the answer can vary. DOC can advise on native birds, but we’re not always able to help directly. The best thing you can do is not handle the bird. Instead, note the location, what the bird looks like, and take a photo if you can. We’ll let you know what to do next and can connect you with a local ranger, vet, or bird rescue if needed.”2. What should I do if I see a seal on the beach?
“We get this one a lot! Most of the time, seals are just resting – it’s totally normal. Please keep at least 20 metres away from the seal, keep dogs well clear, and don’t touch or feed the seal. If it looks injured or in danger, let us know. We’ll follow up with our local team.”3. I’ve seen a lizard/bird/whale – who should I tell?
“Thanks for letting us know! Sightings like this help us understand where species are living and how they’re doing. Who to contact depends on what you saw – but we can help figure that out. You can call, email, or report it through the DOC website. The more details you can provide – like photos and an exact location – the better. You can also upload the sighting to iNaturalist.nz if you’re unsure where to start”4. I have a pest – can you send a ranger?
“We understand how frustrating pests can be, but DOC doesn’t provide a pest removal service. DOC focuses on pests on conservation land, but we’re happy to give advice, or direct you to your local council, a contractor, or a community group that may be able to help.”5. Where can I take my dog?
“It depends on the area. Some conservation areas allow dogs, but others don’t to protect wildlife. Look for signs at the site, check the DOC website, or just give us a call. We’re happy to help you find a dog-friendly spot!”The centre also helps with everything from drone rules and camping bookings to fires, marine mammal protection and forest access – especially during busy holiday periods or major weather events.
DOC’s Customer Service Centre is a vital part of DOC’s wider team and makes it easier for people to understand, appreciate, and actively care for the natural world. By sharing advice, logging reports, and connecting callers to local teams, they’re often the first step in someone taking positive action for conservation.
“We might not be out in the field with boots and binoculars, but we’re playing our part,” Olivia says. “Helping someone understand what to do when they see a kekeno (fur seal), or how to protect native species in their own backyard, all helps build trust and connection with DOC’s work.”
As conservation challenges grow, public support and understanding are more important than ever. Olivia encourages anyone with a question or concern about nature, native species, or recreation to reach out – no question is too small when it comes to protecting our wild places.
Contact
For media enquiries contact:
Email: media@doc.govt.nz
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MIL-OSI: Quick Custom Intelligence Unveils One Big Beautiful Bill ‑Optimized Win/Loss Toolkit – A Simple Path Through the 90% Cap
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
SAN DIEGO, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) today announced the release of its trade secret protected BBB‑Optimized Win/Loss toolkit, a new package available across QCI Host®, QCI Marketing®, and QCI Player™ that helps casinos and their patrons navigate the upcoming 90% wagering‑loss cap contained in the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” (BBB).
Built With Gaming‑Tax Experts
Working hand‑in‑hand with nationally recognized gaming advisors, QCI has engineered a turnkey toolkit that will ensure that more than 99% of players experience zero to minimal tax impact—from penny‑slot enthusiasts to high‑limit table gamers.
“Our customers asked how to keep their players engaged once the BBB Act takes effect. We worked through the long weekend and delivered a compliance‑ready answer that puts actionable information in both the patron’s and the accountant’s hands—while keeping our intellectual property secure,” said Andrew Cardno, Co‑Founder & CTO of QCI.
Key Features
Proprietary Tax‑Optimization Engine – Automatically aggregates each player’s activity using QCI’s confidential methodology, delivering precise win/loss figures compliant with BBB requirements.
90%‑Cap Readiness Dashboard – Highlights any year‑to‑date gain total that exceeds 90% of losses, flagging potential “phantom‑income” exposure before tax filing day, and suggests remedial actions that are available to the player.
One‑Click CPA Export – Generates a clean PDF/CSV packet suitable for Form 1040 attachment—eliminating the need for manual spreadsheets.
Rapid Roll‑Out – Delivered as a standard content pack; no schema changes, no downtime.
Availability
The BBB‑Optimized Win/Loss toolkit is shipping today to all cloud and on‑prem customers running AGI55 or later. Operators can enable it in hours via routine configuration.
Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) builds award‑winning operational, marketing, and player‑development tooling for the global gaming industry.
ABOUT QCI
Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has pioneered the revolutionary QCI Enterprise Platform, an artificial intelligence platform that seamlessly integrates player development, marketing, and gaming operations with powerful, real-time tools designed specifically for the gaming and hospitality industries. Our advanced, highly configurable software is deployed in over 250 casino resorts across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Latin America, and Europe. The QCI AGI Platform, which manages more than $35 billion in annual gross gaming revenue, stands as a best-in-class solution, whether on-premises, hybrid, or cloud-based, enabling fully coordinated activities across all aspects of gaming or hospitality operations. QCI’s data-driven, AI-powered software propels swift, informed decision-making vital in the ever-changing casino industry, assisting casinos in optimizing resources and profits, crafting effective marketing campaigns, and enhancing customer loyalty. QCI was co-founded by Dr. Ralph Thomas and Mr. Andrew Cardno and is based in San Diego, with additional offices in Las Vegas, St. Louis, Dallas, and Tulsa. Main phone number: (858) 299.5715. Visit us at www.quickcustomintelligence.com.ABOUT Andrew Cardno
Andrew Cardno is a distinguished figure in the realm of artificial intelligence and data plumbing. With over two decades spearheading private Ph.D. and master’s level research teams, his expertise has made significant waves in data tooling. Andrew’s innate ability to innovate has led him to devise numerous pioneering visualization methods. Of these, the most notable is the deep zoom image format, a groundbreaking innovation that has since become a cornerstone in the majority of today’s mapping tools. His leadership acumen has earned him two coveted Smithsonian Laureates, and teams under his mentorship have clinched 40 industry awards, a lifetime achievement award and, three pivotal gaming industry transformation awards. Together with Dr. Ralph Thomas, the duo co-founded Quick Custom Intelligence, amplifying their collaborative innovative capacities. A testament to his inventive prowess, Andrew boasts over 150 patent applications. Across various industries—be it telecommunications with Telstra Australia, retail with giants like Walmart and Best Buy, or the medical sector with esteemed institutions like City Of Hope and UCSD—Andrew’s impact is deeply felt. He has enriched the literature with insights, co-authoring twelve influential books with Dr. Thomas and contributing to over 100 industry publications. An advocate for community and diversity, Andrew’s work has touched over 100 Native American Tribal Operators, underscoring his expansive and inclusive professional endeavors.Contact:
Laurel Kay, Quick Custom Intelligence
Phone: 858-349-8354 -
MIL-OSI: Quick Custom Intelligence Unveils One Big Beautiful Bill ‑Optimized Win/Loss Toolkit – A Simple Path Through the 90% Cap
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
SAN DIEGO, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) today announced the release of its trade secret protected BBB‑Optimized Win/Loss toolkit, a new package available across QCI Host®, QCI Marketing®, and QCI Player™ that helps casinos and their patrons navigate the upcoming 90% wagering‑loss cap contained in the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” (BBB).
Built With Gaming‑Tax Experts
Working hand‑in‑hand with nationally recognized gaming advisors, QCI has engineered a turnkey toolkit that will ensure that more than 99% of players experience zero to minimal tax impact—from penny‑slot enthusiasts to high‑limit table gamers.
“Our customers asked how to keep their players engaged once the BBB Act takes effect. We worked through the long weekend and delivered a compliance‑ready answer that puts actionable information in both the patron’s and the accountant’s hands—while keeping our intellectual property secure,” said Andrew Cardno, Co‑Founder & CTO of QCI.
Key Features
Proprietary Tax‑Optimization Engine – Automatically aggregates each player’s activity using QCI’s confidential methodology, delivering precise win/loss figures compliant with BBB requirements.
90%‑Cap Readiness Dashboard – Highlights any year‑to‑date gain total that exceeds 90% of losses, flagging potential “phantom‑income” exposure before tax filing day, and suggests remedial actions that are available to the player.
One‑Click CPA Export – Generates a clean PDF/CSV packet suitable for Form 1040 attachment—eliminating the need for manual spreadsheets.
Rapid Roll‑Out – Delivered as a standard content pack; no schema changes, no downtime.
Availability
The BBB‑Optimized Win/Loss toolkit is shipping today to all cloud and on‑prem customers running AGI55 or later. Operators can enable it in hours via routine configuration.
Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) builds award‑winning operational, marketing, and player‑development tooling for the global gaming industry.
ABOUT QCI
Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has pioneered the revolutionary QCI Enterprise Platform, an artificial intelligence platform that seamlessly integrates player development, marketing, and gaming operations with powerful, real-time tools designed specifically for the gaming and hospitality industries. Our advanced, highly configurable software is deployed in over 250 casino resorts across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Latin America, and Europe. The QCI AGI Platform, which manages more than $35 billion in annual gross gaming revenue, stands as a best-in-class solution, whether on-premises, hybrid, or cloud-based, enabling fully coordinated activities across all aspects of gaming or hospitality operations. QCI’s data-driven, AI-powered software propels swift, informed decision-making vital in the ever-changing casino industry, assisting casinos in optimizing resources and profits, crafting effective marketing campaigns, and enhancing customer loyalty. QCI was co-founded by Dr. Ralph Thomas and Mr. Andrew Cardno and is based in San Diego, with additional offices in Las Vegas, St. Louis, Dallas, and Tulsa. Main phone number: (858) 299.5715. Visit us at www.quickcustomintelligence.com.ABOUT Andrew Cardno
Andrew Cardno is a distinguished figure in the realm of artificial intelligence and data plumbing. With over two decades spearheading private Ph.D. and master’s level research teams, his expertise has made significant waves in data tooling. Andrew’s innate ability to innovate has led him to devise numerous pioneering visualization methods. Of these, the most notable is the deep zoom image format, a groundbreaking innovation that has since become a cornerstone in the majority of today’s mapping tools. His leadership acumen has earned him two coveted Smithsonian Laureates, and teams under his mentorship have clinched 40 industry awards, a lifetime achievement award and, three pivotal gaming industry transformation awards. Together with Dr. Ralph Thomas, the duo co-founded Quick Custom Intelligence, amplifying their collaborative innovative capacities. A testament to his inventive prowess, Andrew boasts over 150 patent applications. Across various industries—be it telecommunications with Telstra Australia, retail with giants like Walmart and Best Buy, or the medical sector with esteemed institutions like City Of Hope and UCSD—Andrew’s impact is deeply felt. He has enriched the literature with insights, co-authoring twelve influential books with Dr. Thomas and contributing to over 100 industry publications. An advocate for community and diversity, Andrew’s work has touched over 100 Native American Tribal Operators, underscoring his expansive and inclusive professional endeavors.Contact:
Laurel Kay, Quick Custom Intelligence
Phone: 858-349-8354 -
MIL-OSI: Quick Custom Intelligence Unveils One Big Beautiful Bill ‑Optimized Win/Loss Toolkit – A Simple Path Through the 90% Cap
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
SAN DIEGO, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) today announced the release of its trade secret protected BBB‑Optimized Win/Loss toolkit, a new package available across QCI Host®, QCI Marketing®, and QCI Player™ that helps casinos and their patrons navigate the upcoming 90% wagering‑loss cap contained in the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” (BBB).
Built With Gaming‑Tax Experts
Working hand‑in‑hand with nationally recognized gaming advisors, QCI has engineered a turnkey toolkit that will ensure that more than 99% of players experience zero to minimal tax impact—from penny‑slot enthusiasts to high‑limit table gamers.
“Our customers asked how to keep their players engaged once the BBB Act takes effect. We worked through the long weekend and delivered a compliance‑ready answer that puts actionable information in both the patron’s and the accountant’s hands—while keeping our intellectual property secure,” said Andrew Cardno, Co‑Founder & CTO of QCI.
Key Features
Proprietary Tax‑Optimization Engine – Automatically aggregates each player’s activity using QCI’s confidential methodology, delivering precise win/loss figures compliant with BBB requirements.
90%‑Cap Readiness Dashboard – Highlights any year‑to‑date gain total that exceeds 90% of losses, flagging potential “phantom‑income” exposure before tax filing day, and suggests remedial actions that are available to the player.
One‑Click CPA Export – Generates a clean PDF/CSV packet suitable for Form 1040 attachment—eliminating the need for manual spreadsheets.
Rapid Roll‑Out – Delivered as a standard content pack; no schema changes, no downtime.
Availability
The BBB‑Optimized Win/Loss toolkit is shipping today to all cloud and on‑prem customers running AGI55 or later. Operators can enable it in hours via routine configuration.
Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) builds award‑winning operational, marketing, and player‑development tooling for the global gaming industry.
ABOUT QCI
Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has pioneered the revolutionary QCI Enterprise Platform, an artificial intelligence platform that seamlessly integrates player development, marketing, and gaming operations with powerful, real-time tools designed specifically for the gaming and hospitality industries. Our advanced, highly configurable software is deployed in over 250 casino resorts across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Latin America, and Europe. The QCI AGI Platform, which manages more than $35 billion in annual gross gaming revenue, stands as a best-in-class solution, whether on-premises, hybrid, or cloud-based, enabling fully coordinated activities across all aspects of gaming or hospitality operations. QCI’s data-driven, AI-powered software propels swift, informed decision-making vital in the ever-changing casino industry, assisting casinos in optimizing resources and profits, crafting effective marketing campaigns, and enhancing customer loyalty. QCI was co-founded by Dr. Ralph Thomas and Mr. Andrew Cardno and is based in San Diego, with additional offices in Las Vegas, St. Louis, Dallas, and Tulsa. Main phone number: (858) 299.5715. Visit us at www.quickcustomintelligence.com.ABOUT Andrew Cardno
Andrew Cardno is a distinguished figure in the realm of artificial intelligence and data plumbing. With over two decades spearheading private Ph.D. and master’s level research teams, his expertise has made significant waves in data tooling. Andrew’s innate ability to innovate has led him to devise numerous pioneering visualization methods. Of these, the most notable is the deep zoom image format, a groundbreaking innovation that has since become a cornerstone in the majority of today’s mapping tools. His leadership acumen has earned him two coveted Smithsonian Laureates, and teams under his mentorship have clinched 40 industry awards, a lifetime achievement award and, three pivotal gaming industry transformation awards. Together with Dr. Ralph Thomas, the duo co-founded Quick Custom Intelligence, amplifying their collaborative innovative capacities. A testament to his inventive prowess, Andrew boasts over 150 patent applications. Across various industries—be it telecommunications with Telstra Australia, retail with giants like Walmart and Best Buy, or the medical sector with esteemed institutions like City Of Hope and UCSD—Andrew’s impact is deeply felt. He has enriched the literature with insights, co-authoring twelve influential books with Dr. Thomas and contributing to over 100 industry publications. An advocate for community and diversity, Andrew’s work has touched over 100 Native American Tribal Operators, underscoring his expansive and inclusive professional endeavors.Contact:
Laurel Kay, Quick Custom Intelligence
Phone: 858-349-8354 -
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Athol Five Rivers Highway, southbound lane closed
Source: New Zealand Police
The south bound lane of the Athol Five Rivers Highway, Lowther is closed following a bus crash.
Emergency services are attending.
There is reportedly black ice in the area.
Police ask drivers to avoid the area and take alternative routes where possible.
Police ask people to drive to the conditions and consider black ice during cold times of the day.
ENDS
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PM Modi leaves for Brasilia for State Visit; talks on India-Brazil ties with Prez Lula on cards
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, after attending the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, left for the capital city of Brasília for a state visit.
During his visit, Modi will meet President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and discuss issues related to India-Brazil relations.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister described his Rio visit as “very productive”.
“The Rio leg of my Brazil visit was very productive. We had extensive deliberations at the BRICS Summit. I compliment President Lula and the Brazilian Government for the work they’ve done through their BRICS Presidency in making this platform even more effective. My bilateral meetings with world leaders will also boost India’s friendship with various nations.”
—IANS
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MIL-OSI USA: Governor, Congressional Delegation Joint Statement on Republican Tax Bill
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz
WASHINGTON – Governor Josh Green, M.D., U.S. Senators Brian Schatz and Mazie K. Hirono, and U.S. Representatives Ed Case and Jill Tokuda today released the following statement after Congress passed a Republican tax bill that will cut healthcare coverage through Med-QUEST for more than 40,000 people in Hawai‘i, gut food assistance programs that more than 20,000 Hawai‘i families rely on, and raise the national debt by $3.3 trillion. The bill now goes to the president to be signed into law.
“The Republican tax bill breaks promises, and guts funding for healthcare and food assistance that thousands of Hawai‘i families rely on every day. It’s a terrible bill that we all strongly opposed.
“While it won’t be easy to stop all the damage from these cuts, we’re moving quickly to protect our communities. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be meeting with state and local officials, community partners, and service providers to assess the fiscal impact on Hawai‘i and develop operational plans to blunt the harm. That includes coordinating resources, setting local priorities, and making sure the most vulnerable aren’t left without support. These next few years won’t be easy, but we are mobilizing now to respond, protect our people, and make sure Hawai‘i can weather what’s coming.”
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MIL-OSI United Nations: Dramatic Reduction in Emissions Must Start Now, Secretary-General Tells BRICS Conference, Calling Impact on Human Health ‘Atrocious’
Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council
Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the BRICS [Brazil, Russian Federation, India, China and South Africa] Summit session titled “Environment, COP30 and Global Health”, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, today:
Our environment is being attacked on all fronts: pollution poisoning land and water; biodiversity destroyed at an appalling rate; and of course, the climate crisis.
Across the world, lives and livelihoods are being ripped apart, and sustainable development gains left in tatters — as disasters accelerate.
The impact on human health is atrocious: Extreme heat kills. So does water contamination. Destroyed lands and harvests push up prices and aggravate hunger. Our changing climate inflames the spread of disease — from malaria to dengue fever.
The vulnerable and the poorer pay the highest price. And we absolutely need to tackle the point where climate and health meet. And that is where the World Health Organization’s (WHO) role is fundamental.
As we speak, emissions keep rising. The 1.5°C limit is on a knife’s edge. We absolutely need a dramatic reduction in emissions — starting now.
The principle of common but differentiated responsibilities must apply, but all countries must make an extra effort. And we must accelerate the pace of the energy transformation with justice, in order to make sure that all countries can benefit.
Renewables already largely match fossil fuels in global installed power capacity. And clean energy investments are racing ahead of fossil fuels. Renewables are the cheapest and fastest new electricity almost everywhere. And we can’t forget the 700 million people still without electricity in the world.
Renewables boost energy security and sovereignty, liberating countries from volatile fossil fuel markets, connecting people to power in the most remote locations and powering sustainable development. And renewables and electrification don’t churn out toxic air pollution — which today kills 7 million people every year.
We need Governments to build on the progress of last year’s biodiversity COP, particularly reaching an ambitious agreement on finance. We need a legally binding treaty on plastic pollution — this year. And we need to make COP30 [thirtieth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change] a success. I urge you to demonstrate how multilateralism counts, addressing the world’s needs in these difficult and divided times.
And to come forward by September with ambitious new national climate plans — or nationally determined contributions that show the way:
That cover all emissions and the whole economy; align with the 1.5°C limit; and advance the global energy transition goals agreed at COP28.
We need to tackle injustices in the critical minerals value chain, and to ensure developing countries receive maximum benefit from their resources, as recommended by the United Nations Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals. And we need you standing firm on finance for a just, equitable transition.
Developed countries must keep their promises, including the $40 billion a year for adaptation starting in 2025. Adaptation needs are particularly dramatic in developing countries that barely contribute to climate change.
We must ensure that the $300 billion a year by 2035 for developing countries agreed in Baku is delivered, and chart a course to raising $1.3 trillion a year, including new and innovative sources of finance and a credible price on carbon.
We must bolster South-South cooperation and improve new models such as the Just Energy Transition Partnerships. And we must fill the coffers of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage.
Allow me a story. When this Fund was created, the pledging conference that took place in COP resulted in a sum that corresponded to the contract salary of the best well-paid basketball player in the United States. This shows that we must be serious when we talk about the Loss and Damage Fund.
But, the problem goes far beyond climate finance. As I said yesterday, we must invest in the reform of the international financial architecture and institutions, take action on debt relief, and triple the finance and capacity of the multilateral development banks to the benefit of developing countries.
This is a moment of profound peril and possibility. I urge the BRICS countries to be a pillar of the world’s response in solidarity — for people, planet and prosperity.
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MIL-OSI New Zealand: FamilyBoost changes will exacerbate inequity of ECE access
Source: NZCTU
The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi is warning that the FamilyBoost changes announced today by Finance Minister Nicola Willis will fail to make early childhood education more affordable for the families who need it most and will instead widen inequities.
“The Government has missed an opportunity to reflect on the failure of the FamilyBoost scheme and pivot towards improving access and affordability through expanding universal free-fees entitlements and moving towards a quality public ECE system,” said NZCTU Secretary Melissa Ansell-Bridges.
“FamilyBoost puts an administrative burden on whānau and teachers while failing to deal with the key issues in early childhood education, which include low wages, systemic underfunding, and a private model that results in high profits for big corporates.
“The changes announced today disproportionately benefit high-income households, who are already much more likely to be able to afford to send their kids to ECE centres. This means the benefit of the scheme will be weighted against those who need it most.
“Access to quality early childhood education helps ensure that children have the best possible start in life, and no families should be denied that due to costs.
“The revised scheme does nothing to support the development of new centres or to help low-income groups into ECE provision. Instead, the Government has loaded up its support for higher-income groups, once again demonstrating their priorities,” said Ansell-Bridges.
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MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Urges Court to Halt Unconstitutional ICE Raids in Los Angeles
Source: US State of New York
EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today joined a coalition of 17 other attorneys general in supporting the American Civil Liberties Union’s (ACLU) lawsuit challenging the federal government’s use of unlawful immigration enforcement tactics in Los Angeles, California. In an amicus brief filed today in Perdomo v. Noem, Attorney General James and the coalition urge the court to grant a temporary restraining order halting the raids, which have upended the community, harmed local economies, and undermined public trust in law enforcement.
“In Los Angeles and nationwide, we are seeing immigration enforcement officers deploy dystopian tactics that are deeply harmful,” said Attorney General James. “No one should fear being questioned, detained, or deported by unidentified masked agents while taking their child to school, going to work, or attending church. These mass raids are tearing families apart, threatening public safety, and turning once-lively neighborhoods into ghost towns. Federal agents are sowing fear in entire communities, which is why we are urging the court to intervene and stop these unconstitutional raids at once.”
In the brief, Attorney General James and the coalition detail how the federal government’s current immigration enforcement efforts have “shattered the rhythms of everyday life” in Los Angeles. In recent months, masked agents conducting unannounced and unmarked operations in neighborhoods, churches, schools, and local businesses have left people afraid to leave their homes. Residents, including U.S. citizens, have been unlawfully detained, questioned, and harassed, often without any reasonable suspicion of wrongdoing. Local businesses have closed and farmers markets have shut down due to fear of enforcement. Hospitals and health clinics report soaring appointment cancellation rates, which presents alarming concerns for public health. Students are skipping school and graduation ceremonies, days that are supposed to be among the most joyous of their lives. Houses of worship have also seen a dramatic decline in attendance.
The attorneys general highlight the long history of discriminatory and militarized immigration enforcement campaigns in California, including “Operation Wetback,” a 1954 mass deportation campaign that took its name from an ethnic slur, as well as the La Placita raids during the Great Depression. The attorneys general note that at the time, Mexican farmworkers were indiscriminately blamed for job shortages and shrinking public benefits, and ultimately, the campaign resulted in the deportation of nearly two million Mexican Americans, more than half of whom were U.S. citizens, without due process. Families were separated, and many children never again saw their parents. Historians and scholars have widely condemned these discriminatory raids as inhumane terror campaigns.
Attorney General James and the coalition draw parallels between those shameful chapters of American history and the current actions under the Trump administration, which seemingly prioritize maximizing the quantity of arrests over the right to due process. They highlight the president’s past remarks, in which he praised “Operation Wetback” as an enforcement model and hailed the Eisenhower administration for setting the record for deportations, a record he said his administration would break. The attorneys general emphasize that the administration’s recent immigration raids, including in Los Angeles, appear to bear many of the same hallmarks as the earlier mass deportation efforts that are now shameful chapters of American history.
The attorneys general argue that the federal government’s conduct creates confusion and fear that also directly impedes local law enforcement. Numerous incidents have been reported in which plainclothes Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents driving unmarked vehicles were mistaken for criminals, leading to false reports of kidnappings and assaults. This, too, erodes the culture of trust between immigrant communities and the police. ICE’s secretive approach has even led to a rise in copycat crimes in which masked perpetrators imitate ICE agents in order to abduct or harass others.
In their filing, Attorney General James and the coalition emphasize that while the ACLU’s lawsuit is specifically focused on ICE enforcement tactics in Los Angeles, the federal government has been engaging in widespread raids in cities throughout the country, including New York. Arrests at immigration courts in Manhattan and on farms upstate have contributed to a culture of fear for many immigrant New Yorkers. The attorneys general are asking the court to immediately intervene and stop the unlawful immigration enforcement tactics in Los Angeles, arguing that the culture of fear that these raids have created permeates well beyond city and state borders and has had an overwhelming chilling effect on communities nationwide.
The attorneys general are supporting the plaintiffs’ motion for a temporary restraining order, in which they argue ICE is not stopping people based on any reasonable, individualized suspicion, and instead is engaging in racial profiling.
Joining Attorney General James in filing this brief are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.
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MIL-OSI: WTF Rings Nasdaq Bell, Preparing to Provide Brokerage Services to AIs
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
NEW YORK, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Waton Financial Limited (NASDAQ: WTF) (“Waton” or the “Company”), a holding company registered in the British Virgin Islands and engaged primarily in securities brokerage and fintech services through its Hong Kong subsidiaries, Waton Securities International Limited and Waton Technology International Limited, today commemorated its recent initial public offering by ringing the opening bell at the Nasdaq Stock Market in New York.
Waton’s ordinary shares began trading on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “WTF” on April 1, 2025.
“This is a defining moment for Waton,” said Mr. Kai Zhou, Chairman of the Board of Waton Financial Limited. “Our Nasdaq listing marks both a recognition of our team’s work and the beginning of a new chapter in our evolution. We remain focused on long-term value creation for our customers, shareholders, and broader society.”
Launch of a Global AI Strategy
During the ceremony, Waton Financial Limited introduced its global AI strategy, signaling a long-term vision to transition from a broker-serving model to exploring how it may serve AI-based entities. This strategic initiative aims to evaluate the integration of advanced AI technologies across Waton’s operations, with the goal of evolving how products and services are delivered in an increasingly digitized financial ecosystem.
“Our aspiration is to become a pioneer in offering brokerage infrastructure that supports AI-driven participants,” said Mr. Kai Zhou, Chairman of the Board of the Company. “We believe AI is emerging as a new category of economic agent, and we are beginning to explore how financial institutions may one day support such entities responsibly, in parallel with human clients.”
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements in this press release constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of federal securities laws, including, but not limited to statements regarding plans, objectives, strategies, future events, performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events, which may affect the Company’s financial condition, operating results, business strategy, and capital needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words such as “believe,” “plan,” “expect,” “intend,” “should,” “seek,” “estimate,” “will,” “target,” “anticipate,” or similar expressions. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances or changes in its expectations. While the Company believes the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee these expectations will prove correct and cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from anticipated results, and encourages investors to review the Company’s registration statements and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for additional factors that could affect its future performance.
ABOUT WATON FINANCIAL LIMITED (“WATON”)
Waton Financial Limited is a holding company registered in the British Virgin Islands, conducting business primarily through its wholly-owned subsidiaries in Hong Kong. Waton offers comprehensive financial services, including securities brokerage, asset management, and software licensing to retail and institutional investors. Driven by technology and a customer-centric philosophy, Waton is committed to delivering innovative and reliable financial solutions.
CONTACTS
Media Inquiries
pr@waton.comInvestor Relations
ir@waton.com
Waton Financial LimitedPhotos accompanying this announcement are available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fb0da1ed-da9c-4b1e-a58c-db19d2b337ae
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9df492d7-3e3c-4b4b-b0b5-92963328759e
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MIL-OSI: WTF Rings Nasdaq Bell, Preparing to Provide Brokerage Services to AIs
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
NEW YORK, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Waton Financial Limited (NASDAQ: WTF) (“Waton” or the “Company”), a holding company registered in the British Virgin Islands and engaged primarily in securities brokerage and fintech services through its Hong Kong subsidiaries, Waton Securities International Limited and Waton Technology International Limited, today commemorated its recent initial public offering by ringing the opening bell at the Nasdaq Stock Market in New York.
Waton’s ordinary shares began trading on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “WTF” on April 1, 2025.
“This is a defining moment for Waton,” said Mr. Kai Zhou, Chairman of the Board of Waton Financial Limited. “Our Nasdaq listing marks both a recognition of our team’s work and the beginning of a new chapter in our evolution. We remain focused on long-term value creation for our customers, shareholders, and broader society.”
Launch of a Global AI Strategy
During the ceremony, Waton Financial Limited introduced its global AI strategy, signaling a long-term vision to transition from a broker-serving model to exploring how it may serve AI-based entities. This strategic initiative aims to evaluate the integration of advanced AI technologies across Waton’s operations, with the goal of evolving how products and services are delivered in an increasingly digitized financial ecosystem.
“Our aspiration is to become a pioneer in offering brokerage infrastructure that supports AI-driven participants,” said Mr. Kai Zhou, Chairman of the Board of the Company. “We believe AI is emerging as a new category of economic agent, and we are beginning to explore how financial institutions may one day support such entities responsibly, in parallel with human clients.”
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements in this press release constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of federal securities laws, including, but not limited to statements regarding plans, objectives, strategies, future events, performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events, which may affect the Company’s financial condition, operating results, business strategy, and capital needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words such as “believe,” “plan,” “expect,” “intend,” “should,” “seek,” “estimate,” “will,” “target,” “anticipate,” or similar expressions. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances or changes in its expectations. While the Company believes the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee these expectations will prove correct and cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from anticipated results, and encourages investors to review the Company’s registration statements and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for additional factors that could affect its future performance.
ABOUT WATON FINANCIAL LIMITED (“WATON”)
Waton Financial Limited is a holding company registered in the British Virgin Islands, conducting business primarily through its wholly-owned subsidiaries in Hong Kong. Waton offers comprehensive financial services, including securities brokerage, asset management, and software licensing to retail and institutional investors. Driven by technology and a customer-centric philosophy, Waton is committed to delivering innovative and reliable financial solutions.
CONTACTS
Media Inquiries
pr@waton.comInvestor Relations
ir@waton.com
Waton Financial LimitedPhotos accompanying this announcement are available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fb0da1ed-da9c-4b1e-a58c-db19d2b337ae
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9df492d7-3e3c-4b4b-b0b5-92963328759e
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MIL-OSI: Rich Sparkle Holdings Limited Announces Pricing of Approximately $5 Million Initial Public Offering
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
Hong Kong, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rich Sparkle Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: ANPA) (the “Company”), a financial printing and corporate services provider which specializes in designing and printing high quality financial print materials in Hong Kong, today announced the pricing of its initial public offering (“Offering”) of 1,250,000 ordinary shares at a public offering price of $4.00 per share. The ordinary shares have been approved for listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market and are expected to commence trading on July 8, 2025 under the ticker symbol “ANPA.”
The Company expects to receive aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $5 million from this Offering, before deducting underwriting discounts and other related expenses. Proceeds from the Offering will be used for the incorporation of generative AI features into the Company’s service modules; the setting up of new branches and offices in the U.S. and to recruit suitable and appropriate staffs to support the Company’s expansion; potential strategic alliances with other industry players; and working capital and for other general corporate purposes.
The Offering is being conducted on a firm commitment basis. Eddid Securities USA Inc. acted the underwriter (the “Underwriter”) for the Offering. Loeb & Loeb LLP acted as counsel to the Company, and Sichenzia Ross Ference Carmel LLP acted as counsel to the Underwriter in connection with the Offering.
A registration statement on Form F-1 relating to the Offering was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) (File Number: 333-285592) and was declared effective by the SEC on June 27, 2025. The Offering is being made only by means of a prospectus, forming a part of the registration statement. Copies of the final prospectus relating to the Offering may be obtained from Eddid Securities USA Inc., 40 Wall Street, Suite 1606, New York, NY 10005. In addition, a copy of the prospectus relating to the Offering may be obtained via the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
Before you invest, you should read the prospectus and other documents the Company has filed or will file with the SEC for more complete information about the Company and the Offering. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Company’s securities, nor shall such securities be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation, or sale of any of the Company’s securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction.
About Rich Sparkle Holdings Limited
Rich Sparkle Holdings Limited is a financial printing and corporate services provider which specializes in designing and printing high quality financial print materials in Hong Kong. Its service portfolio covers a myriad of deliverables, mainly including listing documents, financial reports, fund documents, circulars and announcements. The Company offers to its customers a wide range of convenient and quality financial printing services, from typesetting, proofreading, translation, design and printing. In addition, it also offered advisory services such as conducting internal control assessment and environmental, social and governance performance evaluation as well as other services including provision of co-working space at its leased office.
Forward-Looking Statements
All statements other than statements of historical fact in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, the Company’s proposed Offering. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs, including the expectation that the Offering will be successfully completed. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and in its other filings with the SEC.
For more information, please contact:
Rich Sparkle Holdings Limited
Matthew Chan, CEO
mc@anpa.com.hk -
MIL-OSI: Rich Sparkle Holdings Limited Announces Pricing of Approximately $5 Million Initial Public Offering
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
Hong Kong, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rich Sparkle Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: ANPA) (the “Company”), a financial printing and corporate services provider which specializes in designing and printing high quality financial print materials in Hong Kong, today announced the pricing of its initial public offering (“Offering”) of 1,250,000 ordinary shares at a public offering price of $4.00 per share. The ordinary shares have been approved for listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market and are expected to commence trading on July 8, 2025 under the ticker symbol “ANPA.”
The Company expects to receive aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $5 million from this Offering, before deducting underwriting discounts and other related expenses. Proceeds from the Offering will be used for the incorporation of generative AI features into the Company’s service modules; the setting up of new branches and offices in the U.S. and to recruit suitable and appropriate staffs to support the Company’s expansion; potential strategic alliances with other industry players; and working capital and for other general corporate purposes.
The Offering is being conducted on a firm commitment basis. Eddid Securities USA Inc. acted the underwriter (the “Underwriter”) for the Offering. Loeb & Loeb LLP acted as counsel to the Company, and Sichenzia Ross Ference Carmel LLP acted as counsel to the Underwriter in connection with the Offering.
A registration statement on Form F-1 relating to the Offering was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) (File Number: 333-285592) and was declared effective by the SEC on June 27, 2025. The Offering is being made only by means of a prospectus, forming a part of the registration statement. Copies of the final prospectus relating to the Offering may be obtained from Eddid Securities USA Inc., 40 Wall Street, Suite 1606, New York, NY 10005. In addition, a copy of the prospectus relating to the Offering may be obtained via the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
Before you invest, you should read the prospectus and other documents the Company has filed or will file with the SEC for more complete information about the Company and the Offering. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Company’s securities, nor shall such securities be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation, or sale of any of the Company’s securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction.
About Rich Sparkle Holdings Limited
Rich Sparkle Holdings Limited is a financial printing and corporate services provider which specializes in designing and printing high quality financial print materials in Hong Kong. Its service portfolio covers a myriad of deliverables, mainly including listing documents, financial reports, fund documents, circulars and announcements. The Company offers to its customers a wide range of convenient and quality financial printing services, from typesetting, proofreading, translation, design and printing. In addition, it also offered advisory services such as conducting internal control assessment and environmental, social and governance performance evaluation as well as other services including provision of co-working space at its leased office.
Forward-Looking Statements
All statements other than statements of historical fact in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, the Company’s proposed Offering. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs, including the expectation that the Offering will be successfully completed. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and in its other filings with the SEC.
For more information, please contact:
Rich Sparkle Holdings Limited
Matthew Chan, CEO
mc@anpa.com.hk -
MIL-OSI: Jennifer Wolfenbarger Joins Franklin Electric as Chief Financial Officer, Bringing Extensive Financial Leadership in Global Operations
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
FORT WAYNE, Ind., July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (NASDAQ: FELE) announced today that Jennifer Wolfenbarger has been appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Accounting Officer. As a core member of the executive leadership team, Wolfenbarger will help shape the company’s financial future by enabling growth and overseeing fiscal accountability for the entire organization.
Wolfenbarger has served in divisional CFO roles at some of the country’s most recognizable and growth-minded manufacturing companies, including Caterpillar, Stryker and most recently Owens Corning. In her role at Owens Corning, Wolfenbarger oversaw strategic planning, investor relations, compliance and financial reporting for the company’s $4 billion global insulation business. This included 50 manufacturing and distribution sites around the world.
“Jennifer’s experience is exceptional, and we could not have selected a more well-rounded and dynamic candidate to fill this position,” said Joe Ruzynski, CEO of Franklin Electric. “She is value-driven to the core, and her passion for implementing continuous improvement will be an incredible asset to our people, our shareholders and our customers.”
Throughout Wolfenbarger’s career, she has lent her financial expertise to her community, serving as the Treasurer on three not-for-profit boards. While at Owens Corning, she was the executive sponsor for the company’s Latin America Women’s Initiative Network, and she often mentors at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, providing professional guidance. Her career has taken her to the United Kingdom, Brazil, the Netherlands, Maryland, Michigan, South Carolina, Georgia, Illinois and Ohio. She is excited to be returning to her Indiana roots in her new role and will be relocating to the Fort Wayne area.
“This is an incredible opportunity to support Franklin Electric’s commitment to growth and innovation,” said Wolfenbarger. “I’m thrilled to work alongside a highly talented and dedicated global team that values collaboration, teamwork, growth and development.”
About Franklin Electric
Franklin Electric is a global leader in the production and marketing of systems and components for the movement of water and energy. Recognized as a technical leader in its products and services, Franklin Electric serves customers worldwide in residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial, municipal, and fueling applications. Franklin Electric is proud to be recognized in Newsweek’s lists of America’s Most Responsible Companies 2024, Most Trustworthy Companies 2024, and Greenest Companies 2025; Best Places to Work in Indiana 2024; and America’s Climate Leaders 2024 by USA Today.“Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any forward-looking statements contained herein, including those relating to market conditions or the Company’s financial results, costs, expenses or expense reductions, profit margins, inventory levels, foreign currency translation rates, liquidity expectations, business goals and sales growth, involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, risks and uncertainties with respect to general economic and currency conditions, various conditions specific to the Company’s business and industry, weather conditions, new housing starts, market demand, competitive factors, changes in distribution channels, supply constraints, effect of price increases, raw material costs, technology factors, integration of acquisitions, litigation, government and regulatory actions, the Company’s accounting policies, future trends, epidemics and pandemics, and other risks which are detailed in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, included in Item 1A of Part I of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, Exhibit 99.1 attached thereto and in Item 1A of Part II of the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. These risks and uncertainties may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements made herein are based on information currently available, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
Contact: Jill Hart Franklin Electric Co., Inc. 260.824.2900 -
MIL-OSI: Franklin Electric Appoints Daniela Williams as Chief Human Resources Officer to Lead Talent and Culture Strategy
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
FORT WAYNE, Ind., July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (NASDAQ: FELE) announced that Daniela Williams will join its executive leadership team as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), bringing a proven track record of driving growth for global organizations.
In her new role, Williams will be setting the strategic direction for talent acquisition and management at Franklin Electric, overseeing all aspects of employee relations, compensation, benefits, development and compliance. She will serve on the Company’s executive leadership team, reporting to the CEO.
“Daniela has a well-established reputation for leading and managing talent at a global scale,” said Joe Ruzynski, CEO of Franklin Electric. “Her expertise spans HR technology, talent development, analytics and global workforce strategy, and she’ll play a critical role in ensuring we are organized to serve our customers well into the future. We are thrilled to have Daniela join Franklin Electric and lead our Human Resource team as we invest in our people and processes to drive our growth initiatives.”
Williams joins Franklin Electric with an extensive resume of leading people and culture at top automotive supply and manufacturing companies. In her previous role at automotive technology firm Visteon Corporation, Williams oversaw all HR functions and global talent acquisition. She also launched the company’s first Women’s Leadership Program with a focus on accelerating leadership skills across the company to ensure a pipeline of leaders ready to drive the business forward. Throughout her career, she has used her talents to lead outreach efforts, including mentoring programs as well as serving on the Advisory Council for Project Pathways, a STEM program for Detroit public schools.
“My focus has always been on supporting decisions that contribute to growth, profitability, building great teams, and long‑term success,” said Williams. “Franklin Electric is clearly an organization dedicated to fostering talent, and I’m excited to bring my experience in workforce strategies to this innovative organization.”
About Franklin Electric
Franklin Electric is a global leader in the production and marketing of systems and components for the movement of water and energy. Recognized as a technical leader in its products and services, Franklin Electric serves customers worldwide in residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial, municipal, and fueling applications. Franklin Electric is proud to be recognized in Newsweek’s lists of America’s Most Responsible Companies 2024, Most Trustworthy Companies 2024, and Greenest Companies 2025; Best Places to Work in Indiana 2024; and America’s Climate Leaders 2024 by USA Today.“Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any forward-looking statements contained herein, including those relating to market conditions or the Company’s financial results, costs, expenses or expense reductions, profit margins, inventory levels, foreign currency translation rates, liquidity expectations, business goals and sales growth, involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, risks and uncertainties with respect to general economic and currency conditions, various conditions specific to the Company’s business and industry, weather conditions, new housing starts, market demand, competitive factors, changes in distribution channels, supply constraints, effect of price increases, raw material costs, technology factors, integration of acquisitions, litigation, government and regulatory actions, the Company’s accounting policies, future trends, epidemics and pandemics, and other risks which are detailed in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, included in Item 1A of Part I of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, Exhibit 99.1 attached thereto and in Item 1A of Part II of the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. These risks and uncertainties may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements made herein are based on information currently available, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
Contact: Jill Hart Franklin Electric Co., Inc. 260.824.2900 -
Trump unveils 25% tariffs on goods from Japan, South Korea in letters to leaders
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
President Donald Trump said on Monday the U.S. would impose a 25% tariff on imports from Japan and South Korea beginning Aug. 1 as he unveiled the first two of an expected 12 letters to trading partners outlining the new levies they face.
“If for any reason you decide to raise your Tariffs, then, whatever the number you choose to raise them by, will be added onto the 25% that we charge,” Trump said in letters to the leaders of the two Asian countries, which he posted on his Truth Social platform.
Later, Trump also announced the U.S. will impose 25% tariffs on Malaysia and Kazakhstan, 30% on South Africa and 40% on Laos and Myanmar.
The rate for South Korea is the same as Trump initially announced on April 2, while the rate for Japan is 1 point higher than first announced. A week later, he capped all of the so-called reciprocal tariffs at 10% until July 9 to allow for negotiations. Only two agreements have so far been reached, with Britain and Vietnam.
There was no immediate response from the Japanese or South Korean embassies on the announcement.
About12 countries will receive letters from Trump, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said at a briefing without identifying them. She said Trump would sign an executive order on Monday formally delaying the July 9 deadline to August 1.
“There will be additional letters in the coming days,” Leavitt said, adding that “we are close” on some deals.
The European Union will not be receiving a letter setting out higher tariffs, EU sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Monday.
U.S. stocks fell in response, the latest market ruction since Trump unleashed a global trade war on his return to office in January. His moves have repeatedly whipsawed financial markets and sent policymakers scrambling to protect their economies.
U.S. stocks were driven to near bear-market territory by his cascade of tariff announcements through the early spring but quickly rebounded to record highs in the weeks after he put the stiffest levies on hold on April 9.
The S&P 500 on Monday was down nearly 1%, its biggest drop in three weeks. U.S.-listed shares of Japanese automotive companies fell, with Toyota Motor down 4.1% at mid-afternoon trading and Honda Motor off by 3.8%. The dollar surged against both the Japanese yen and the South Korean won.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said earlier on Monday he expected several trade announcements to be made in the next 48 hours, adding that his inbox was full of last-ditch offers from countries to clinch a tariff deal by the deadline.
Bessent did not say which countries could get deals and what they might contain. Trump has kept much of the world guessing on the outcome of months of talks with countries hoping to avoid the hefty tariff hikes he has threatened.
Countries have scrambled to hammer out deals before the Wednesday deadline. South Korea and Indonesia dispatched representatives to Washington, while Thailand submitted a new trade proposal offering zero tariffs on many U.S. goods.
“We’ve had a lot of people change their tune in terms of negotiations. So my mailbox was full last night with a lot of new offers, a lot of new proposals,” Bessent said in an interview with CNBC. “So it’s going to be a busy couple of days.”
BRICS THREAT
For its part, the European Union still aims to reach a trade deal by July 9 after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Trump had a “good exchange,” a Commission spokesperson said.
It was not clear, however, whether there had been a meaningful breakthrough in talks to stave off tariff hikes on the United States’ largest trading partner.
Adding to the pressure, Trump threatened to impose a 17% tariff on EU food and agriculture exports, it emerged last week.
Trump had said on Sunday the U.S. was close to finalizing several trade pacts and would notify other countries by July 9 of higher tariff rates. He said they would not take effect until Aug. 1, a three-week reprieve.
He also put members of the developing nations’ BRICS group in his sights as its leaders met in Brazil, threatening an additional 10% tariff on any BRICS countries aligning themselves with “anti-American” policies.
The new 10% tariff will be imposed on individual countries if they take anti-American policy actions, a source familiar with the matter said.
The BRICS group comprises Brazil, Russia, India and China and South Africa along with recent joiners Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
Trump’s comments hit the South African rand.
EU SEEKS EFFECTIVE APPROACH TO TRUMP
The EU has been torn over whether to push for a quick and light trade deal or back its own economic clout in trying to negotiate a better outcome. It had already dropped hopes for a comprehensive trade agreement before the July deadline.
“We want to reach a deal with the U.S. We want to avoid tariffs,” the spokesperson said at a daily briefing.
Without a preliminary agreement, broad U.S. tariffs on most imports would rise from their current 10% to the rates set out by Trump on April 2. In the EU’s case, that would be 20%.
Von der Leyen also held talks with the leaders of Germany, France and Italy at the weekend, Germany said. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has repeatedly stressed the need for a quick deal to protect industries vulnerable to tariffs ranging from cars to pharmaceuticals.
The German spokesperson said the parties should allow themselves “another 24 or 48 hours to come to a decision.”
Germany’s Mercedes-Benz MBGn.DEsaid on Monday its second-quarter unit sales of cars and vans had fallen 9%, blaming tariffs.
Russia said BRICS was “a group of countries that share common approaches and a common world view on how to cooperate, based on their own interests.”
“And this cooperation within BRICS has never been and will never be directed against any third countries,” said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
(Reuters)
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MIL-OSI United Nations: ‘Cooperation is humanity’s greatest innovation,’ UN chief declares at BRICS summit
Source: United Nations MIL OSI b
Speaking at the 17th BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, he emphasised the human impact of environmental devastation and climate change. And as environmental disasters increase, the sustainable development goals are also being left behind.
“Across the world, lives and livelihoods are being ripped apart, and sustainable development gains left in tatters as disasters accelerate,” Mr. Guterres said.
“The impact on human health is atrocious… The vulnerable and the poorer pay the highest price.”
BRICS was founded by Brazil, Russia, India and China in 2006. South Africa joined in 2011 and Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates joined the group since. Collectively, these eleven States represent over half of the world’s population and approximately one-third of the world’s GDP.
Artificial intelligence must benefit all
On Sunday, Mr. Guterres addressed a session on strengthening multilateralism, economic-financial affairs and artificial intelligence, where he called for efforts to “minimize the risks and maximize the potential” of the breakthrough technology.
“Artificial intelligence is reshaping economies and societies. The fundamental test is how wisely we will guide this transformation, how we minimize the risks and maximize the potential for good,” he said.
To maximize the potential, the Secretary-General argued that AI cannot be “a club of the few but must benefit all,” calling for the “real voice” of developing countries to be included in global AI governance.
He also said that human rights and equity must be the guiding principles which shape any international governance structure for AI.
“We cannot govern AI effectively – and fairly – without confronting deeper, structural imbalances in our global system,” he said.
Collaboration is key
UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed the need for peace amid conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and Myanmar.
He called for urgent reform of global institutions, noting that bodies like the Security Council and international financial systems were “were designed for a bygone age, a bygone world, with a bygone system of power relations.”
“The reform of the Security Council is crucial,” he said, highlighting also calls from the recent financing for development conference in Sevilla.
Priorities include greater voice for developing countries in global governance, effective debt restructuring, and tripling multilateral bank lending – especially in concessional and local-currency terms.
Call for reform
Mr. Guterrs concluded his remarks highlighting the power of cooperation and trust.
“At a time when multilateralism is being undermined, let us remind the world that cooperation is humanity’s greatest innovation,” he said.
“Let us rise to this moment – and reform and modernize multilateralism, including the UN and all the systems and institutions to make it work for everyone, everywhere.”
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MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI—Hagerty Joins The Big Weekend Show on Fox News to Discuss Budget Reconciliation, Trade Negotiations
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty
NASHVILLE, TN—Yesterday, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Appropriations, Banking, and Foreign Relations Committees and former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, joined The Big Weekend Show on Fox News to discuss the wins within the budget reconciliation package, along with President Donald Trump’s ongoing trade negotiations.*Click the photo above or here to watch*
Partial Transcript
Hagerty on the benefits of the budget reconciliation package: “Well, before I say anything, I just wanted to say my heart goes out to the people in Texas that are still looking for their loved ones. One of my good friends had two daughters at Camp Mystic. Thankfully, they’re safe and alive, but my heart goes out to everybody. Thank you for covering this. And with respect to the American public and their perspective on the bill, the Democrats and their partisan allies in the media have been attacking this bill nonstop, even though they had not seen the final product yet. It has been under attack for weeks, if not months. Finally, we’ve got a bill put together that I think is going to do great things for the American public. Now it’s our job to get out and message properly, but when you think about it, the American public overwhelmingly support the fact that we’re going to be rebuilding our military, our defense. We’re going to be rebuilding our energy independence and onshoring energy here in America, making us dominant. Again, if you think about it from the perspective of the working man and woman, they’re looking at about a $10,000 increase in take-home pay every year, thanks to the tax cuts that we impose. No tax on tips. The benefits that people are going to see at the working-class level are going to be enormous, and we’re going to stimulate more capital investments, which will, again, beget more economic growth and more job opportunities for people here in America. Cutting out waste, fraud, and abuse — everybody’s for that, as well. It’s interesting, the Democrats used to be for work requirements, until the Republicans actually implemented them.”
Hagerty on James Carville’s claim that the budget reconciliation will hurt Republicans long-term: “From the same man that promised John Kerry would be president of the United States. Carville just keeps getting it wrong. And I think what we’re going to see is the exact opposite. Again, when people see the benefits of this bill, when they see their take-home pay rising, when they see the economy moving again at the pace it was when we initially did this back in 2017, we’re going to see American people enjoying winning again. Carville can’t take that. They’re going to continue to message down this path. The Democrats are disheveled; I can say that. But again, I think Carville is going to wind up with egg on his face yet again.”
Hagerty on the programs that will benefit working class Americans: “The interesting thing is all of these programs are aimed at improving the life of American citizens. If you think about what the Democrats passed, the reconciliation that generated so much inflation that every American was crushed by lower real wages, they don’t seem to be apologizing for that. They missed the mark completely, subsidizing their pals in the green energy environment. But here we are actually doing things for American people that will help people in the middle-class and the working-class, and the Democrats are calling it peanuts. Again, it just shows how detached they are from reality. And that detachment has led, I think, to this complete disheveled that we’re seeing among the Democrats. And again, they just continue to promote these falsehoods. The media, of course, has been supporting them, but I think as the American public realizes the truth of this, we’re going to see a great year in 2026.”
Hagerty on the tariff deadlines for other countries to make trade deals: “I’ve actually been alongside President Trump. When I was Ambassador to Japan, we negotiated two trade deals with Japan at a time that nobody thought they could get done. President Trump has proven himself as someone that understands this. He knows that America has been getting ripped off for years. It goes all the way back to World War II. We put in place very low tariff barriers. We did this to induce countries to trade with us, but we should have time limit on it. We should have put some sort of GDP-per-capita limit because now these countries have just taken advantage of America. It’s gone on for too long. It’s time for them to shape up. It’s time for them to step up. We’ve already seen [the United Kingdom]. We’ve seen Vietnam. We’ve already seen parts of what’s going on with China. I think we’re going to see a number of deals come through here in the very near future. And for those that get the letters that are coming out very soon, they’ve got until the 1st of August to step up. But I can tell you President Trump means business on this. And I think what we’ll see is a much better and more improved trade environment, much more fair for American companies, as a result.” -
MIL-Evening Report: How can you keep kids off screens during the winter holidays?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Victoria Minson, Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education, Australian Catholic University
Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Children’s Games, 1560. ©KHM-Museumsverband, CC BY-NC The winter school holidays can be a tricky time for families. Parents are often juggling work and chilly conditions make it easy for kids to end up on the couch with multiple devices.
What other activities can you try? And how can you encourage the kids to move without it seeming like a massive chore or a punishment for everyone?
Here are some ideas for younger and older primary school children.
We know kids aren’t active enough
Many children aren’t as active as they need to be. Australian kids scored a D- on a 2022 report card on physical activity. Less than a quarter of children and young people met the guidelines of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day.
Meanwhile, we know excessive screen use is one of the top health concerns Australian parents have about their children.
What can you do for 5 to 8-year-olds?
In his 1560 painting Children’s Games, Pieter Bruegel depicts more than 80 of childhood games and play outside. This includes playing with balls, swinging, climbing a tree and imaginary games.
Many of these ideas still work today. So just like the children in Bruegel’s picture, embrace the outdoors. Remember it’s OK to get a bit wet or a bit muddy (even though, yes, this does mean more washing).
Think about going on an adventure to the city, cafe, library, or museum or simply finding local puddles to splash in. A change of scenery can do wonders for cabin fever.
Trips to the park or other nearby nature spots are also important. Research shows playing in green spaces improves children’s mental and emotional wellbeing.
Need more toys?
If you feel your toy cupboard is looking overly familiar, try a local Toy Library to borrow puzzles, board games and activities. Alternatively, arrange a toy swap with a trusted neighbour or friend.
Don’t underestimate the joy and novelty in doing the basic or everyday tasks but with more time, over the holidays. Cooking, baking, sending cards, writing letters and reading a book together are all excellent ways to connect and build memories.
You could also ask the kids to go and make an art exhibition or practise for a home dance or music concert while you make a cup or tea.
What about older primary kids?
Older children love to create, work together and connect with their peers.
So you could encourage your child or children to channel popular YouTubers and gamers by creating physical challenges at home, for example: a home holiday Olympics, safe Ninja-style circuit or obstacle course.
Or you could turn everyday chores into “missions” that earn rewards like having their favourite meal or a shopping trip.
Keep moving
You could break up sitting time by making TikTok style dances or doing physically challenges (how many star jumps can you do in a minute?) as often as possible.
If you have wearable tech, such as smart watches, you can track time spent being active. Set up a friendly competition for steps while playing with pets, cleaning up or dancing around the house.
A 2022 Australian study suggests the “break up your sitting” approach may result in children being more active than a simple “move more” message.
Also think about screen time that gets kids moving – such as sports-based games. Research shows the energy expended during active gaming is equivalent to a brisk walk. Not all screen time has to be sedentary.
Try a whole day ‘unplugged’
You could try a whole day without devices – this shows children it is possible!
Consider giving the kids more decision-making powers on these days: they could pick (and hopefully) make their meals, have a friend over, decide what games to play or what art and craft to make.
The winter holidays are a good time to set new active habits that won’t only help now, but will set the tone for the spring and longer summer breaks ahead.
Victoria Minson is the Course Coordinator for the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years) (Accelerated) at Australian Catholic University. The Victorian offering of the course has received funding from the Victorian government and Victorian Department of Education. Victoria also receives funding from the Australian Research Council.
Amanda Telford has previously received funding from the ARC and NHMRC.
– ref. How can you keep kids off screens during the winter holidays? – https://theconversation.com/how-can-you-keep-kids-off-screens-during-the-winter-holidays-260577