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Category: Economy

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Peters Reintroduces Bipartisan Bill to Boost America’s AI Workforce Pipeline

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen America’s workforce pipeline in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and other critical technologies. Peters’ AI and Critical Technology Workforce Framework Act – which he reintroduced with U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) – would direct the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop a workforce framework that defines AI and other emerging and critical technology jobs, and the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform them. Building off the successful National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) framework developed by NIST, this bill would help drive U.S. economic competitiveness and advance our skills pipeline in AI and other emerging technologies by ensuring that individuals have a roadmap to find good-paying jobs. This framework would also help schools, universities, training programs, and employers as they educate, train, and employ the best and brightest in the workforce of the future.   

    “As the artificial intelligence sector continues to grow and play an increasingly important role in everything from health care to finance to agriculture, it’s crucial that we have a highly skilled workforce ready to drive innovation and keep the United States at the forefront of this industry,” said Senator Peters. “My bipartisan bill would help expand our nation’s workforce pipeline, not only in AI, but also cybersecurity and other critical technologies that will shape the future of our economy.” 

    “The AI and Critical Technology Workforce Framework Act stands as a pivotal step towards ensuring Michigan’s workforce remains at the forefront of AI and emerging technologies,” said Ryan Hundt, CEO of the Michigan Works! Association. “This legislation aligns seamlessly with the mission of the Michigan Works! Association to prepare Michigan’s workers for the future through inclusive workforce development.”

    “Addressing gaps in the AI and cybersecurity workforce will help safeguard U.S. competitiveness and national security,” said Information Technology Industry Council (ITIC) President and CEO Jason Oxman. “The tech sector appreciates U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Eric Schmitt’s bipartisan leadership in introducing the Artificial Intelligence and Critical Technology Workforce Framework Act of 2025. This crucial bill will expand resources to ensure that the U.S. has the robust workforce it needs to win the global AI race.”

    “ISACA enthusiastically supports the legislation by Senator Peters and Senator Schmitt to bring the coherence of NICE KSA’s to AI,” said Emily Bastedo, Head of Government Affairs for the Information Systems Audit and Control Association. “The model of the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) has proven to be effective in developing a skilled cybersecurity workforce. ISACA supports using this model for increasing talent in workers with experience in artificial intelligence. There is a significant gap between the demand for AI skills and the supply of workers who possess them. ISACA’s research, certifications, and professional development programs recognize the connections between the AI, security, privacy, and emerging technology workforces. ISACA supports enactment of the AI and Critical Technology Workforce Framework Act.”

    “Preparing our workforce for an AI-integrated economy is an all hands on deck moment,” said Americans for Responsible Innovation President Brad Carson. “We need a coordinated federal effort to ready American workers with the skills to stay globally competitive and keep the U.S. at the forefront of innovation. Big changes are coming for our economy, and this bipartisan bill positions the U.S. workforce to lead in an AI-powered world.”

    The AI and Critical Technology Workforce Framework Act would direct NIST to develop an AI workforce framework and identify and report to Congress on other critical or emerging technology areas that could benefit from workforce frameworks, with a focus on ensuring that the frameworks are useful for individuals from nontraditional backgrounds and education. As technologies continue to evolve, this legislation will help ensure that similar frameworks for emerging technology like advanced biology and quantum computing are developed, while ensuring America is positioned to develop and retain skilled individuals across these industries. The bipartisan bill would also require the NICE cybersecurity framework to be updated with input from industry, academia, and government agencies to reflect changes in the cybersecurity sector. The bill would also encourage NIST to offer career resources and guidance to students and adults about careers in cybersecurity, ensuring a sustainable and capable future cyber workforce. 

    Peters has worked to promote responsible adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and to expand the AI workforce. In his role leading the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Peters convened multiple hearings on the transformative potential of AI, as well as how the federal government can enable the responsible and effective adoption of AI. Last Congress, Peters led bipartisan legislation to establish guardrails for the federal government to effectively and responsibly purchase and use AI. Peters also introduced bipartisan legislation to designate a Chief AI Officer at every federal agency to coordinate responsible adoption and deployment of AI tools within agencies and across the federal government. Peters also introduced bipartisan legislation to create an AI training program for federal supervisors and management officials. Peters also authored the bipartisan Transparent Automated Governance Act would require federal agencies to notify individuals when they are interacting with or subject to decisions made using automated systems. In 2022, his bipartisan bill to create a training program to help federal employees responsible for purchasing and managing AI technologies better understand the capabilities and risks they pose was signed into law.   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Peters Takes to Senate Floor to Oppose President Trump’s Tariffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters

    Peters Lays Out How Trump’s “National Sales Tax” Will Raise Prices for Hardworking Families, Decimate Americans’ Retirement Savings, and Threaten American Jobs and Businesses

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) took to the Senate floor to speak out against President Trump’s latest tariffs on nearly all U.S. imports, calling them a “national sales tax” on hardworking Americans. In his remarks, Peters highlighted the harm that Trump’s tariffs will cause for American families and businesses, including driving our economy toward a recession, raising prices on essential goods, and threatening Americans’ hard-earned income and retirement savings. He also highlighted how the tariffs fall short of a needed strategy to boost American manufacturing in the automotive sector, offering an alternative playbook that includes tariffs on our adversaries and overseas competitors, improving current trade agreements, enforcing existing trade laws, and protecting and strengthening successful domestic manufacturing incentives passed as part of the Inflation Reduction Act.

    “In the coming days, weeks, and months, the impact of the President’s national sales tax will be devastating,” said Senator Peters. “And it won’t be our competitors that are footing the bill. It will be the American people that are paying the tax on their groceries, their gas, and all the other goods that they buy.”

    “This national sales tax won’t miraculously improve our trade relationships or bring jobs home. It will only make it harder for hardworking Americans who are trying to create a better life for themselves and for their children,” Peters continued. “This isn’t a real plan. This is chaos. And it will not help us to achieve any of our long-term goals.”

    “I urge all of my colleagues to say no to the national sales tax, and instead, let’s liberate some common sense and work together to make this country stronger.”

    To watch Peters’ full remarks, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Joins Schiff, Raskin for Bicameral Spotlight Hearing on the Trump Administration’s Attacks on the Rule of Law 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, today joined U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Judiciary, for a bicameral spotlight hearing entitled, “Restoring Accountability: Exposing Trump’s Attacks on the Rule of Law,” to examine the Trump Administration’s attacks on the rule of law.  Senator Welch questioned witnesses on the culture that career prosecutors saw breached and the attacks on the rule of law exhibited by the new administration. The hearing was held by Senator Schiff and Representative Raskin.  
    “The lawlessness of the Trump Administration knows no bounds, and Republicans’ silence on President Trump’s flagrant disregard for the rule of law is deafening. Their refusal to hold President Trump accountable only emboldens the President on his quest to make the Justice Department his Justice Department,” said Senator Welch ahead of the hearing. “We need to do everything in our power to speak out and stand up against Trump’s illegal rampage and demand accountability for his attacks on the rule of law.”   
    Lawmakers from the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives heard firsthand testimony from:  

    Ryan Crosswell, a former Department of Justice (DOJ) Trial Attorney in the Public Integrity Section who resigned after the Trump DOJ pressured career prosecutors to drop the corruption case against New York Mayor Eric Adams in a shocking quid pro quo deal and cover-up;  

    Liz Oyer, a former DOJ Pardon Attorney who was fired for refusing to give actor and Trump “Special Ambassador” Mel Gibson special treatment to own a firearm despite a domestic violence conviction;  

    Rachel Cohen, a former Senior Associate at the law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, who resigned in protest following a string of Trump Executive Orders targeting law firms for taking on clients or cases that Trump dislikes; and  

    View the livestream here: 

    Senator Welch asked several witnesses about their personal experiences with the Trump Administration, including Liz Oyer, a fired former DOJ Pardon Attorney who faced intimidation by U.S. marshals, and Ryan Crosswell, who resigned after DOJ pressured career prosecutors to drop the corruption case against Mayor Eric Adams. Senator Welch’s exchange with Rachel Cohen, a former Senior Associate at the law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, who resigned in protest following a string of Trump Executive Orders targeting law firms is below: 
    Senator Welch: “Tell me about how you saw being in Skadden, Arps—a major Wall Street…really world—law firm as being also an opportunity for you to live your values as an attorney, your commitment to justice, and also have an opportunity to work for folks who otherwise wouldn’t be represented.” 
    Rachel Cohen: “While I was on the job, I had unlimited pro bono hours. It was perhaps the most important thing to me when selecting a law firm. Because I wanted to get trained up on the private sector things. My past work was in public education, and I needed to understand how those things work. It drew me to finance. But I devoted anywhere from 20 to 33% of my hours to pro bono every year. And ultimately, that is why I resigned…I did a decent amount of immigration pro bono representation and actions by this administration are making it very clear that that is soon going to be viewed, or already is viewed, as adverse to the administration, despite the fact that it is just to allow people to survive when they are fleeing harm and persecution and death. And I couldn’t stay at a place that I knew was on the verge of not allowing me to take representations that the President viewed as adverse, knowing what he views as adverse, to him.” 
    ■ ■ ■
    “The Trump administration has been using the Justice Department to go after the president’s political enemies — firing prosecutors who uphold the law, attacking law firms that refuse to do his bidding, and seeking to dismiss cases against his political allies. The Republican Party has abdicated any interest in defending the rule of law or providing meaningful oversight, so I look forward to hosting some of the brave individuals willing to speak out, alongside Ranking Member Raskin, as we do the hard work of accountability that Senate and House Republicans refuse to do,” said Senator Schiff.   
    “While my GOP colleagues passively watch Trump punish his critics and take a jack hammer to the work of anti-corruption fighters at the Department of Justice, Democrats are lifting up the tough Americans who are standing strong against the corruption and lawlessness of Trump,” said Ranking Member Raskin.   
    Recently, Senator Welch took to the Senate floor and called on Congress to defend the right to free speech and freedom of the press. He discussed how our First Amendment rights are essential to the well-being of America’s democracy, and highlighted how President Trump has sought to silence or to punish journalists and citizens who speak out about the Trump Administration’s lawless agenda. Watch the Senator’s remarks on his website. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Universal Access to High-Quality, Affordable Health Services Crucial, Speakers Tell Population and Development Commission, Warning Too Many Targets Off Track

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    In a world in which every individual has access to high-quality, affordable health services, including sexual and reproductive care, young people can shape their own futures and older persons can age with dignity, speakers at the Commission on Population and Development stressed today as it continued its fifty-eighth session.

    Health is not a privilege; it is a human right, Catharina Jannigje Lasseur (Netherlands), Chair of the Commission, underscored in the opening segment of the session.  The theme of this year’s session, which will take place from 7 to 11 April, is “Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages”.

    While acknowledging the progress made — maternal and child mortality has declined, lifespans are longer — she stressed:  “If we are honest with ourselves,” too many health-related targets are not on track.  Too many women and girls are still denied their bodily autonomy or face violence.  Too many women still die giving birth and too many young people still lack access to comprehensive sexuality education.  And too many communities, especially those in humanitarian and climate-vulnerable contexts, are still left behind.

    This inequity must be tackled, she stressed, through resilient and equitable health systems that meet people’s needs across the life course — from birth to old age.

    The opening segment also featured statements by Guy Ryder, Under-Secretary-General for Policy in the Executive Office of the Secretary-General; Natalia Kanem, Executive Director, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA); Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Department of Economic and Social Affairs; Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka; and Abdoulaye Bio Tchané, Minister of State for Planning and Development of Benin.

    In the afternoon, the Commission held a panel discussion to consider the Secretary-General’s reports on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages (document E/CN.9/2025/2); on programmes and interventions for the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development in the context of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages (document E/CN.9/2025/3); and on the flow of financial resources for assisting in the further implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (document E/CN.9/2025/4).

    People Living Longer, Having Smaller Families

    The discussion began with Cheryl Sawyer, Chief of the Population Trends and Analysis Branch of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs’ Population Division, who noted the diverse demographic outlook across the world.  Some countries have high levels of fertility and are growing rapidly while others have historically low levels of fertility. However, she stressed, all populations are following a similar path towards longer lives and smaller families – a process known as “demographic transition”.  The diversity “stems from the fact that countries are at different stages in this process”, she said.

    Renewed Political Commitment Key to Strengthen Health Systems

    In low-income countries where the size of the population is projected to increase over the coming decades, it will be critical to renew the political commitment to strengthen health systems and mobilize enough public resources to meet the health needs of growing populations.  The rising number of births in these countries will also require substantial investments to meet the growing demand for public health interventions, including childhood immunizations, she added.

    Over the next 25 years, she said, the global population aged 60 years or older is expected to increase by 72 per cent, from 1.22 billion in 2025 to 2.11 billion by 2050.  This will require changes in health and social protection systems as the number of older persons needing long-term care is projected to more than double.  In lower-middle-income countries, the population of older persons is growing faster than the capacity of long-term care systems, “necessitating an increased reliance on unpaid care, which is often performed by women who are themselves aging”, she said.  “Expanding long-term care systems and promoting norms of gender equality and caregiving are critical steps towards achieving healthy aging,” she stressed.

    She also highlighted the need for “data-driven decision-making” to identify and prioritize critical needs.  Despite the uncertainty, she pointed out, compared to other trends such as economic growth or technological advances, the pace and direction of population change “is far more predictable, at least in the short and medium terms”.  Leveraging the foresight that can be gained from a robust understanding of population trends is critical for accelerating progress, she said.

    Calls to Address Maternal Mortality, End Barriers to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

    Next, Alessio Cangiano, acting Chief of the Population and Development Branch of UNFPA’s Programme Division, stressed the need to address maternal mortality.  Midwifery is a proven cost-effective model for healthcare delivery in both stable and humanitarian contexts, he added, noting that community health workers also play a pivotal role in expanding healthcare to rural or underserved populations.  Their work is especially useful for ensuring prenatal and postnatal maternal and newborn care, and for increasing the rates of childhood vaccination and in-home care for older persons.  “Community health workers often operate as first responders,” he added.

    Also stressing the importance of universal access to sexual reproductive health and rights, he said that many individuals, especially women and girls, continue to encounter systemic barriers that hinder such access.  “Universal access to modern contraception, skilled attendance at birth and screening for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections are amongst the health interventions providing the highest returns on investments,” he added.

    Government Budgets Deprioritizing Health

    “Promoting universal health coverage is the best way to ensure people have access to quality health services, without financial hardships,” he added.  Such coverage has substantial benefits not only for health, but for economic growth. However, since 2000, domestic Government health expenditure as a share of gross domestic product (GDP) has remained low for most low-income and lower-middle-income countries, he said, expressing concern about the “long-standing deprioritization of health” in Government budgets.

    He also highlighted the need to use digital technology wisely, noting that mobile health platforms have allowed people in remote or underserved areas to receive critical health information and services by means of their phones.  Telemedicine is revolutionizing diagnostics, treatment and care.  He then pointed to the power of “georeferencing” — for instance, mapping the proximity of emergency services in preparation for climate disasters.

    Half of Global Population Lacks Essential Health Services 

    The panel also included Pascale Allotey, Director of the Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research of the World Health Organization (WHO), who noted that half of the world’s population — some 4.5 billion people — still lack access to essential health services, while nearly 2 billion people face financial hardship due to health costs.  “These are not just numbers; they reflect the daily reality of people forced to choose between health and household survival,” she said, adding that progress towards universal health coverage has slowed.

    “But, we also have evidence that progress is not only possible, but is already happening,” she added.  Countries that have made the most headway are the ones that have tackled six critical challenges head on, she said, adding that the first of these is establishing strong primary healthcare services.  “More accessible, more responsive and more equitable” primary healthcare is a critical investment.  Secondly, financial protections and sustainable health financing are indispensable, she said, calling for the elimination of financial barriers that push families into poverty simply for seeking care.  This is especially urgent as international health aid continues to decline.

    Investment in Health and Care Workforce Crucial

    The third key challenge is to invest in the health and care workforce, she pointed out, adding that the projected global shortfall in health workers has increased from 10 million to 11.1 million.  Without well-trained and equitably distributed health workers, even the most ambitious health goals will fall short.  Fourthly, “we must better leverage digital health data and artificial intelligence,” she said, adding that these tools hold immense promise to improve health literacy and enhance service delivery.  Yet, their potential remains underutilized, “especially in settings that stand to benefit the most”, she added.

    The fifth challenge is to ensure that “the commitment to leave no one behind must be real and must be resourced”, she said, pointing out that, by 2030, 60 per cent of the world’s poorest will live in fragile conflict-affected and vulnerable settings, where access to even basic health services will be at risk.  Finally, she said, “we need focused, integrated action on critical outcomes”, such as reducing maternal mortality, advancing sexual and reproductive health and tackling noncommunicable diseases.

    Commission’s Work Programme Adopted, Bureau Set Up 

    Also today, the Commission adopted the provisional agenda (document E/CN.9/2025/1) as well as the proposed organization of its work for the session (document E/CN.9/2025/L.1/Rev.1).

    Further, it appointed Romero Veiga (Uruguay), Joselyne Kwishaka (Burundi) and Galina Nipomici (Republic of Moldova) as Vice-Chairs for its fifty-eighth session.  Ms. Kwishaka will also assume the responsibility of Rapporteur for the session.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Property Market – Home values ‘virtually motionless’ in flat first quarter – QV

    Source: Quality Valuations (QV)

    Residential property values have largely been kept at a standstill throughout the first quarter of 2025 with few exceptions.

    Our latest QV House Price Index shows home values have crept up just 0.2% to a new national average of $903,928 in the March quarter, down slightly from the 0.5% quarterly growth recorded in February. That figure is now 2.3% lower than the same time last year and 15% below the market’s peak in late 2021.

    Across New Zealand’s main urban areas, just Whangarei (2.6%), Rotorua (3.6%), Nelson (1.7%) and Christchurch (1.1%) recorded average home value growth in excess of 1% throughout the three months to the end of March 2025. Auckland (-0.1%), Wellington (-0.3%) and Hamilton (-0.3%) recorded small losses, while home values in Palmerston North and Dunedin were stationary.

    QV operations manager James Wilson said market conditions remained “pretty soft” across Aotearoa. “Residential property values continue to bubble up and down slightly from month to month but have been kept virtually motionless as a whole throughout the first quarter of 2025.”

    “Although interest rates have reduced markedly, buyers are still finding the current economic climate to be a challenge. Job worries and a rise in unemployment are causing many to be cautious and play it safe right now, which is understandable. This is one factor that has helped to keep the brakes on throughout the first quarter of 2025 – a sizeable surplus of properties for sale is another,” he said.

    “It seems sellers are out in force across Aotearoa today. You don’t have to walk very far around the neighbourhood these days to see a ‘for sale’ sign. Ample properties for sale and a lack of meaningful competition are helping keep prices really flat for now. That’s no bad thing, as first-home buyers continue to make up a larger share of the market overall.”

    However, Mr Wilson said there was also growing evidence to suggest that investors were beginning to re-enter the market again following changes to the interest deductibility rules and recent interest rate reductions.

    “Investor activity continues to increase relative to first-home buyer activity. A ‘getting in early’ mindset appears to be emerging in some key areas with interest rates only expected to reduce further. But this is also being tempered by a cautious approach to the economy. Again, it is understandable given current conditions.”

    Mr Wilson expected the real estate market’s current flat trend to continue into autumn and eventually winter, even as economic conditions slowly improve. “It’s going to take some time before interest rate relief fully takes hold and for the labour market to regain its footing again. In the meantime, those who are in a position to purchase are going to benefit from having a wider selection to choose from.”

    “When the economy does eventually recover and all the excess stock that is available for sale on the market today is sold, that’s when we will see some more sustained home value growth. It could be a while yet,” he concluded.

    Northland

    It’s been a relatively flat first quarter of 2025 in Northland.

    Home values have increased across the wider region by just 0.4% on average since the start of 2025. Whangarei (2.6%) has recorded the most growth by far; Far North (-2.8%) has experienced the least; Kaipara (0.1%) has done little more than break even.

    The average home is now worth $674,678 in the Far North, $734,326 in Whangarei, and $835,041 in Kaipara.

    Auckland

    Residential property values have dipped slightly this quarter across much of Auckland.

    The average home value has reduced by just 0.1% to $1,244,605 in what was the Super City’s first negative quarter since October last year.

    Rodney (0.2%), Manukau (0.2%) and Franklin (1.1%) experienced some marginal growth on average. Otherwise home values reduced on the North Shore (-0.9%) and in the local council areas previously known as Auckland City (0.1%), Waitakere (-0.7%), and Papakura (-0.5%).

    This is in contrast to a small 0.6% rise in average home value throughout the three months to the end of February 2025. The average home in Auckland is now worth 3% less than the same time last year and 19.2% less than at the market’s peak in late 2021.

    Local QV registered valuer Hugh Robson said prices looked as though they had largely stabilised, but there was still little to no prospect of sustained growth in the immediate future.

    “We’re at the end of summer now and it has been a fairly quiet one. The market continues to plod along with not a lot happening. First-home buyers are the most active sector, but agents are reporting fairly low attendance at open homes across the board,” he said.

    “There is quite a lot of stock on the market at present, but there just isn’t a large amount of demand. It seems many people are still understandably concerned about retaining their jobs and about dealing with the high cost of living.”

    Bay of Plenty

    Home value growth remains flat-to-gently rising in Tauranga.

    The city’s average home has grown in value by 0.4% in the March quarter to $1,023,465 – down slightly on the 1.6% growth recorded throughout the three months to the end of February, and the 1.4% growth recorded throughout the three months to the end of January.

    The city’s average home is now worth 1.7% less than the same time last year.

    Meanwhile, home values have also risen by an average of 1.3% across the wider Bay of Plenty region this quarter. Rotorua (3.6%) and Gisborne (1.3%) recorded some growth; Opotiki (-1.4%) recorded a small average reduction.

    Waikato

    Home values in Hamilton have experienced a small loss throughout the first quarter of 2025.

    The latest QV House Price Index shows Hamilton’s average home is now worth $787,886, which is 0.3% lower than at the start of this year but 0.5% higher than at the same time last year.

    This compares to a small 0.6% increase in average home value throughout the three months to the end of February, and a relatively sizeable 2.3% increase throughout the three months to the end of January.

    “Persistent economic uncertainties, including rising unemployment, weakening business conditions and the potential imposition of higher tariffs by the US continue to impact market conditions,” said local QV registered valuer Marshall Wu.

    “While March is traditionally the busiest month of the year for the residential market, unsold inventory remains relatively high. This is providing buyers with more choices and less urgency in making purchasing decisions, while some sellers are compelled to lower prices to secure sales.”

    “As the market transitions into the cooler months, the housing sector is expected to remain subdued,” Mr Wu added.

    Taranaki

    The average home in New Plymouth is now worth just 0.3% more than the same time last year.

    It follows another quarter of just modest growth. The city’s average home value grew by just 0.3% to $723,836 – compared to 1% growth in the February quarter, and 1.2% growth in the January quarter.

    Meanwhile, the average home value in South Taranaki has shrunk by 1.2% to $437,452 this quarter, and increased by 1.6% to $499,508 in Stratford.

    Hawke’s Bay

    Napier and Hastings had contrasting quarters once more.

    Home values increased by an average of 0.7% in the former and reduced by 1.7% in the latter.

    Across the wider Hawke’s Bay region, home values decreased by 0.5% throughout the three months to the end of March 2025. It means the average home in the region is now worth 0.9% less than the same time last year.

    Palmerston North

    Residential property values remain largely static in Palmerston North.

    The city’s average home value is unmoved this quarter at $635,891, following a small 0.3% average reduction during the month of March itself.

    This is compared to a small 0.9% increase in the three months to the end of February, and 1.1% growth in the three months to the end of January.

    “The local property market remains stable with limited price movement,” said QV registered valuer Olivia Betts. “In February and March we saw a large increase in the number of listings, giving buyers even more choice and buying power. We also saw an increase in sales activity, which is not uncommon before autumn and winter sets in.”

    “First-time homebuyers are still showing strong interest in properties priced around the mid-$500,000 range, especially those that have been updated within the last 20 years,” she added.

    Wairarapa

    Home value reductions appear to be slowly gaining traction in the Wairarapa region.

    Our latest QV House Price Index shows Masterton’s average home value has reduced by 3.1% this quarter to $562,681. Carterton’s average home reduced in value by 4.7% to $603,755, and home values in South Wairarapa also reduced by 4.4% to a new average of $745,740.

    The average home in the region is now worth 2.6% less than the same time last year. This is compared to a national average decline of 2.3% annually.

    Wellington

    Residential property values have dwindled in Wellington this quarter.

    The latest QV House Price Index shows the region’s average home value decreased by 0.3% to $838,916 throughout the first three months of 2025 – a reversal of the 0.3% average growth recorded throughout the February quarter.

    Kapiti Coast and Porirua bucked the trend this quarter with average growth of 1.9% and 0.6% respectively. Otherwise, Upper Hutt (-0.4%), Hutt City (-0.2%), and Wellington City (-0.5%) all recorded small average home value losses.

    The region’s average home value is now 4.2% lower than the same time last year and 23.2% below the market’s previous peak in late 2021.

    QV senior consultant David Cornford said it was a continuation of the same flat theme as in previous months.

    “Despite values being relatively flat, there is still reasonable activity in the market – particularly from first-home buyers. Open home attendance has been steady throughout the first quarter of 2025 for well-presented and well-located properties,” he said.

    “Buyers are active. However, the number of properties on the market is providing them with plenty of options, as well as some extra bargaining power. It will likely take some time to work through this existing stock and we’ll have to see an uptick in general economic and employment confidence in the capital before any significant improvements in the market flow through.”

    Nelson

    Home value growth remains consistently slow in Nelson.

    The city’s average home has increased in value by 1.7% in the March quarter – only a fraction of a percentage point off the 1.6% growth recorded in the February quarter, and within striking distance of the 1.2% annual growth recorded back in the January quarter.

    At $794,843, Nelson’s average home value is now 2% higher than the same time last year.

    QV Nelson/Marlborough manager Craig Russell said the majority of activity was in the $500,000 to $800,000 price bracket. “Market confidence is subdued with economic indicators still showing weakness,” he said.

    “Renovated properties are in more demand than unrenovated ones and vendors who overprice their property are having to adjust their expectations to achieve a sale within a reasonable time frame. Stock levels remain high, with purchasers generally having a reasonable range of options.”

    West Coast

    Housing figures continue to fluctuate from month to month and quarter to quarter on the West Coast.

    Our QV House Price Index for March 2025 shows that the average home value has risen in Westland District by 4% to $483,677 this quarter. Average home values have reduced by 2.8% to $367,073 in Buller and by 0.4% to $451,564 in Grey.

    The average home on the West Coast is still worth 5.2% more than the same time last year. This is compared to an average annual home value decline of 2.3% nationally.

    Canterbury

    Our latest housing statistics show minimal movement across Canterbury.

    Christchurch’s average home value has increased by only 1.1% since the start of this year to reach $774,614.

    Likewise, home values in Hurunui and Waimakariri have grown by an average of just 0.5% and 1% to $645,982 and $720,068 respectively.

    “Our QV House Price Index results for March once again show modest growth in values, with a similarly steady increase to last month,” said local QV registered valuer Olivia Brownie.

    “Though we have seen a busier month in the residential property, it still appears to be somewhat balanced at present, with plenty of listings stifling any significant growth. Yet there is positive sentiment and it has been active with buyer interest in all property types,” she added.

    Meanwhile, the average home in Selwyn increased in value by 0.5% this quarter to $844,344. Ashburton recorded no change at $575,234, and Timaru’s average home value reduced marginally by 0.9% to $530,232.

    Mackenzie saw the largest average home value increase this quarter, rising 2% to $788,306.

    Otago

    Residential property values in the Otago region have done little more than break even throughout the first quarter of 2025.

    Our QV House Price Index for March 2025 shows values have lifted across the region by an average of just 0.2% since the start of the year, with Dunedin’s average home value registering no growth whatsoever at $645,081. That figure is 1.5% higher than the same time last year.

    Central Otago (2.1%) and Waitaki (1.3%) recorded more growth this quarter; Queenstown (-0.1%) and Clutha (-0.3%) recorded less.

    Local QV registered valuer Rebecca Johnston commented: “These figures highlight stable, albeit minimal, growth across the region and the continuation of it being a buyers’ market.”

    “The property market in Dunedin has been relatively stable compared to other New Zealand cities, showing resilience amid broader national trends,” she added.

    Queenstown

    Residential property values have wavered by just a fraction of a percentage point in Queenstown this quarter.

    Our QV House Price Index for March 2025 shows the average property value has reduced locally by just 0.1% this quarter to $1,819,173. That is slightly smaller than the 0.4% average reduction recorded in the February quarter.

    Home values in Queenstown are now 0.4% lower on average than at the same point last year.

    Invercargill

    The average home in Invercargill is now worth just 0.5% more than the start of 2025.

    The city’s average home value has sunk below the $500,000 mark once more, following a small 0.4% reduction during the month of March. The average home here is now worth $498,565, which is 3.7% higher than the same time last year.

    Local QV registered valuer Andrew Ronald agents were still reporting strong interest for properties under $600,000, with multiple offers common. “This is likely to flow through to strengthening value levels over the next few months.”

    “There is still steady demand from first home buyers and investors are beginning to return to the market with the restoration of interest tax deductibility rules,” he added.

    The QV HPI uses a rolling three month collection of sales data, based on sales agreement date. This has always been the case and ensures a large sample of sales data is used to measure value change over time. Having agent and non-agent sales included in the index provides a comprehensive measure of property value change over the longer term.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Employment – When a pay rise is a pay cut – Briscoes and Rebel Sport workers to strike – Workers First Union

    Source: Workers First Union

    Workers First Union members who work for major retailers Briscoes and Rebel Sport have rejected a deal containing pay ‘increases’ below the rising cost of living and have voted to begin strike action today by making their feelings about the “disappointing” pay offer known publicly (a ‘media strike’).
    Samuel Gilray, a sales assistant at Rebel Sport in Christchurch who has worked for the company for around 18 years, said workers were frustrated with the Briscoe Group’s approach to pay negotiations and were striking for a better future.
    “I like my job, and I like working for the company, but the last two years have been some of the most stressful of my working life and many of us are feeling frustrated after these negotiations,” said Mr Gilray.
    “This is one of the most successful New Zealand companies and they don’t seem to think we deserve an actual pay rise that takes us forwards rather than backwards.”
    “That little extra to take us into positive territory could be the difference between people going to work motivated and happy rather than disappointed and under financial pressure.”
    Nicholas Mayne, Workers First Union organiser, said that the Briscoe Group operated 90 stores in New Zealand (47 Briscoes and 43 Rebel Sport), and despite making over $60m in profit for the year ended January 2025, the company would not offer a pay increase to workers that met the rate of the current rising cost of living ( 3% for the 12 months to December 2024 quarter).
    “It’s a poor wage offer to Briscoes and Rebel Sport workers,” said Mr Mayne. “After another busy year of trading and tens of millions in profit, the company are offering our members an effective pay cut for 2025-26.”
    “Workers want to make their feelings known and expose the fact that one of our most well-known homewares brands doesn’t believe staff are worth a wage that keeps up with increasing household costs.”
    “It’s distasteful and miserly, and the company’s offer to members is well below the current living wage and well below what is tolerable for another year of hard work in the retail sector ahead.”
    Troy Johnston, a storeperson at Briscoes Petone, said that his store was “awesome” to work for, but workers deserved better from the current negotiations.
    “A lot of people have worked for the company for years, even decades – but with no real growth in wages, lately it has been feeling more like a part-time job for students,” said Mr Johnston.
    “You want to do better than just getting by. You want to save, expand your knowledge in the job, and not be held back by the financial pressure.”
    Mr Mayne said the formal strike notice was for “non-compliance with any and all employer requirements to refrain from speaking to news media” and would be continuous until a collective agreement is ratified.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Global Economy – China braces for tariff shock with strategic policy measures, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Following President Donald Trump’s announcement of sweeping unprecedented tariffs on Chinese imports;

    Arnab Nath, Associate Project Manager, Business Fundamentals at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers his view:

    “In a move set to redefine global trade dynamics, the US President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping 34% hike in tariffs on Chinese imports—bringing the total tariff burden to 54%. These measures, scheduled to take effect from 09 April 2025, follow the rollout of a broader 10% universal tariff on all US imports, effective 05 April. GlobalData forecasts China’s GDP growth to slow to 4.2% in 2025 and 4.1% in 2026, down from 4.8% in 2024, amid these tariffs and ongoing domestic challenges such as a property market downturn and weak consumer demand.

    “In response, China announced to impose a 34% retaliatory tariff on all US imports starting 10 April, alongside immediate restrictions on exports of seven rare earth minerals vital to global supply chains. The moves mark a significant escalation in US-China trade tensions, reviving fears of a full-blown trade war like the 2018-19 standoff. With Chinese goods exports to the US totalling $524.9 billion in 2024 (ITC Trade Map data), key sectors—electronics, machinery, and consumer goods—face significant headwinds in the coming 12 months.

    “To offset the economic impact, Beijing is preparing macroeconomic support. Policymakers may reduce the reserve requirement ratio (RRR), cut interest rates, and boost fiscal spending through special treasury bonds and deficit financing. These efforts aim to stimulate domestic demand and safeguard market confidence.

    “Despite the near-term strain, China is accelerating trade diversification, enhancing links with ASEAN, Latin America, and the Middle East. While exporters—especially SMEs—may face immediate pressure, China’s fiscal and monetary readiness positions it to weather this shock and recalibrate global trade relationships.”

    About GlobalData

    4,000 of the world’s largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData’s unique data, expert analysis and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData’s mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, financial, technology and professional services sectors.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Africa – ATIDI Helps Strengthen Benin’s Fiscal Resilience with Second-Loss Guarantee for Deutsche Bank’s EUR507.5 Million Loan

    Source: Media Fast for ATIDI

    ·       The Republic of Benin, acting through its Ministry of Economy and Finance, has successfully secured a EUR507.5 million, 15-year facility to support its sustainable development agenda.

    ·       This transaction benefits from a Partial Risk Guarantee (PRG) of EUR200 million provided by the International Development Association (IDA) and a second-loss insurance cover of up to EUR614 million (principal plus interest) from ATIDI for the tenor of the loan.

    ·       The facility will enable the Government of Benin to undertake a critical debt reprofiling exercise to buy back part of the country’s Eurobonds. The resulting debt savings will be strategically allocated to finance or refinance eligible expenditures under the country’s SDG Framework.

    Nairobi, 7 April 2025 — The African Trade & Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI) supported the Republic of Benin’s latest financing transaction, providing a second-loss guarantee for Deutsche Bank’s EUR 507.5 million loan to the country. This milestone transaction reinforces ATIDI’s commitment to unlocking access to innovative financial solutions that enhance economic stability and sustainable development across Africa.

    The senior unsecured amortizing term loan, arranged solely by Deutsche Bank, is backed by a first-loss guarantee of up to EUR200 million from the International Development Association (IDA), part of the World Bank Group. ATIDI’s second-loss guarantee complements this structure, covering the remaining principal and interest, thereby strengthening investor confidence and reducing financing costs for Benin.

    “This landmark financing demonstrates the power of strategic partnerships in unlocking sustainable investment for African economies. Our collaboration with Deutsche Bank in supporting the Republic of Benin highlights ATIDI’s essential role in facilitating innovative financial solutions that enhance fiscal resilience. By providing a second-loss guarantee, we help ensure that Benin secures long-term, cost-effective financing, reinforcing its economic stability while channelling resources toward its sustainable development goals,” ATIDI CEO Manuel Moses said.

    ATIDI’s involvement underscores its unique role in providing risk mitigation solutions that enable African sovereigns to access long-term, cost-effective financing on favorable terms. This transaction is the first IDA-backed guarantee under the World Bank’s new guarantee platform launched in July 2024.

    Key Highlights of the Transaction:

     ·  Debt Reprofiling – The facility will provide fiscal space for Benin to reprofile its debt, ensuring long-term financial sustainability.

     ·  SDG Alignment – Savings from the transaction will be channeled toward priority projects under Benin’s SDG Framework.

     · Risk Mitigation – The IDA’s Partial Risk Guarantee and ATIDI’s second-loss insurance cover provide robust risk mitigation, enhancing investor confidence and ensuring the successful execution of the facility.

    Commenting on the facility, Deutsche Bank Managing Director Maryam Khosrowshahi said the transaction consolidates the Bank’s position as a leading arranger of complex transactions on the African continent, notably after being named Best Foreign Investment Bank in Benin for the 2nd year in a row by EMEA Finance African Banking Awards 2024.

    “We are proud to have acted as sole mandated lead arranger and sole lender to the Republic of Benin on this novel transaction with IDA and ATIDI. We leveraged our successful financing track-record with the Republic of Benin as well as our excellent relationship with the Republic’s advisor Rothschild & Co, and extensive transaction experience with the World Bank Group and ATIDI to deliver this critical financing in an effective and timely manner. Timing was indeed of the essence as the Facility was signed on 8 January 2025 concurrently to the announcement of a tender offer targeting up to EUR 250 million of Benin’s EUR2032s notes and of a new USD 500 million bond issue to complement the country’s 2025 budgetary needs.”

    The facility was concluded in parallel with Benin’s return to international capital markets through a USD500 million bond issuance. A portion of the loan proceeds was allocated to a debt reprofiling exercise, including the buyback of Benin’s EUR 2032 bond. By extending the average maturity of its public debt portfolio and achieving substantial debt service savings, Benin can redirect funds toward strategic initiatives under its SDG financing framework, driving long-term social and economic impact.

    ATIDI remains at the forefront of de-risking African economies and facilitating transformative financial solutions. Through partnerships with global financial institutions like Deutsche Bank and development partners such as the World Bank Group, ATIDI continues to provide innovative credit and investment insurance products that foster sustainable growth across Africa.

    Notes

    About ATIDI

    ATIDI was founded in 2001 by African States to cover trade and investment risks of companies doing business in Africa. ATIDI predominantly provides Political Risk, Credit Insurance and, Surety Insurance. Since inception, ATIDI has supported USD85 billion worth of investments and cross border trade into Africa. For over a decade, ATIDI has maintained an ‘A/Stable’ rating for Financial Strength and Counterparty Credit by Standard & Poor’s, and in 2019, ATIDI obtained an A3/Stable rating from Moody’s, which has now been upgraded to A2/Positive.

    www.atidi.africa

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fox Island, Washington, man indicted for stealing more than $920,000 from an elderly financial advisory client

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    The former financial advisor took advantage of his client’s trust to steal her life savings and inheritance

    Seattle – A 56-year-old Fox Island, Washington man was indicted late last month by a federal grand jury for four counts of wire fraud, two counts of mail fraud, four counts of money laundering, and four counts of making and subscribing a false tax return, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. John S. Winslow, a former financial advisor at a national financial services firm, allegedly stole over $920,000 in life savings and inheritance from a former client, a widow in her 70’s. 

    “Mr. Winslow took advantage of the victim’s trust to steal from her bank and brokerage accounts,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Miller. “He used the victim’s funds to upgrade his lifestyle – buying an island home, installing a hot tub and new appliances, and purchasing a new car and a diamond necklace.”

    According to the indictment, Winslow moved funds out of the victim’s brokerage accounts with the financial services firm and into her outside bank account in multiple transactions. He did this to conceal his fraud by placing the victim’s funds outside of the firm’s surveillance system. From the victim’s outside bank account, the funds were transferred into Winslow’s bank accounts, again in multiple transactions. Winslow used his trusted status with the victim to further the fraud. He visited the victim at her home and instructed the victim to call the bank and put the call on speaker. He then told the victim what she should tell the bank. Winslow used the victim’s funds for his own benefit. He falsely claimed to the victim that if she transferred money to him, he would repay her at a higher interest rate than what she was getting from her banks.

    To hide the illicit nature of the funds, Winslow allegedly funneled the victim’s funds through extra layers of transactions. For example, Winslow purchased gold coins from an online gold retailer in multiple transactions. He then sold those gold coins to a local brick-and-mortal gold retailer before depositing the proceeds into his bank accounts.

    During the fraud-scheme period, Winslow allegedly failed to report the funds that he stole from the victim on his federal tax returns, resulting in a tax loss of approximately $254,000.

    Winslow was arraigned on the indictment and entered a ‘not guilty’ plea on March 31, 2025. Trial in front of U.S. District Judge Tiffany M. Cartwright is scheduled for June 2, 2025.

    The wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering counts are representative acts of the alleged scheme and are punishable by up to 20 years in prison. The false-tax-return counts are punishable by up to 3 years in prison.

    The charges in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    The case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yunah Chung.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Helium Evolution Announces Expansion of ENEOS Xplora Financing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES

    CALGARY, Alberta, April 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Helium Evolution Incorporated (TSXV:HEVI) (“HEVI” or the “Company”), a Canadian-based helium exploration company focused on developing assets in southern Saskatchewan, is pleased to announce a $1.8 million expansion of the initial financing of $2.7 million with ENEOS Xplora Inc. (“ENEOS Xplora”) through its affiliated company, ENEOS Xplora USA Limited (“ENEOS USA”), as first announced on March 10, 2025. This expanded investment will bring ENEOS Xplora’s total investment in the Company to $4.5 million. ENEOS Xplora and ENEOS USA are both wholly owned subsidiaries of ENEOS Group, Japan’s largest energy, resources and materials conglomerate with current revenue of $91 billion USD.

    This expanded financing continues to mark a significant milestone in HEVI’s strategic growth trajectory within the helium sector, further strengthening the Company’s financial foundation and unlocking new opportunities for both companies. The deal underscores the Company’s increasing momentum and its position as a leader in the Canadian helium exploration market.

    Private Placement

    HEVI and ENEOS USA have signed an investment agreement (the “Investment Agreement”) that includes a private placement of 9,422,000 units (“Units”) at a price of $0.19 per Unit (the “Offering Price”), for total gross proceeds of $1.8 million (the “Strategic Investor Private Placement”). Each Unit will be comprised of one common share of the Company (each, a “Unit Share”) and one half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a “Warrant”). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one common share of the Company (each, a “Warrant Share”) at a price of $0.305 for a period of one year from the Closing Date, as defined herein, with an acceleration feature if the closing price over a 30-day period remains at or above $0.57 per common share at any time following the six-month anniversary of the Closing Date.

    Additionally, HEVI plans to conduct a concurrent private placement of 1,000,000 Units at the Offering Price raising approximately $0.2 million (the “Concurrent Private Placement” and together with the Strategic Investor Private Placement, the “Offering”), involving Units sold to insiders of HEVI. Together, these transactions represent a robust investment in the Company’s future growth.

    Following the closing of the Offering, ENEOS USA will own approximately 28% of HEVI’s issued and outstanding shares on a diluted basis as a result of which ENEOS USA will become a Control Person of the Company (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSXV”)). As required by the policies of the TSXV, HEVI intends to seek approval for ENEOS USA to become a Control Person at the Company’s upcoming annual general meeting scheduled for May 21, 2025 (the “Control Person Resolution”).

    The net proceeds from the Offering will be used to fund HEVI’s 2025 exploration and development program and for general corporate purposes. If shareholders approve the Control Person Resolution, the Offering is expected to close on or about May 31, 2025 (the “Closing Date”), subject to requisite approvals by the TSXV. The Unit Shares, Warrants and Warrant Shares issued pursuant to the Strategic Investor Private Placement will be subject to a six month hold period from the Closing Date, in accordance with the terms of the Investment Agreement. Unit Shares, Warrants and Warrant Shares issued pursuant to the Concurrent Private Placement will be subject to a statutory holder period of four months plus one day.

    HEVI’s Remarks

    “We are thrilled to expand our strategic partnership with ENEOS Xplora, a globally recognized leader in energy resources,” said Greg Robb, CEO of HEVI. “This expanded investment further strengthens our position in the helium market, enabling us to accelerate our exploration and development initiatives. With the support of ENEOS, we are poised for significant growth as we work toward becoming a leading supplier of sustainably-produced helium to meet the rising global demand.”

    About ENEOS Xplora

    ENEOS Xplora is engaged in the development and production of oil and natural gas in Japan and around the world as one of the principal operating companies of the ENEOS Group, Japan’s largest energy, resources and materials conglomerate.

    In response to the global movement towards carbon neutrality, ENEOS Xplora is promoting a “Two Pronged” approach, through which ENEOS Xplora aims to cultivate and enhance environment-friendly business as well as focus on their conventional oil and natural gas development and production.

    While the safe and stable supply of energy has always been and will continue to be ENEOS Xplora’s mission, in order to create greater social value within the carbon neutral trend, guided by its corporate philosophy, “Explore the EARTH and Create Value” ENEOS Xplora will leverage its subsurface technology and innovative creativity to be a key player working towards a sustainable society.

    1. Company name ENEOS Xplora Inc.
    2. Address ENEOS Building, 1-1-2 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
    3. President Toshiya Nakahara
    4. Capital JPY 37.6 billion
    5. Description of business Exploration for and development of oil, natural gas, and other mineral resources; extraction, processing, storage, sale, and shipment of petroleum, natural gas, and other mineral resources and their secondary products; carbon dioxide capture, transport, storage, and utilization


    About Helium Evolution Incorporated

    Helium Evolution is a Canadian-based helium exploration company holding the largest helium land rights position in North America among publicly-traded companies, focused on developing assets in southern Saskatchewan. The Company has over five million acres of land under permit near proven discoveries of economic helium concentrations which will support scaling the exploration and development efforts across its land base. HEVI’s management and board are executing a differentiated strategy to become a leading supplier of sustainably-produced helium for the growing global helium market.

    Stay Connected to Helium Evolution

    Shareholders and other parties interested in learning more about the Helium Evolution opportunity are encouraged to visit the Company’s website, which includes an updated corporate presentation, and are invited to follow the Company on LinkedIn and X for ongoing corporate updates and helium industry information. Helium Evolution also provides an extensive, commissioned ‘deep-dive’ research report prepared by a third party whose background includes serving as a research analyst for several bank-owned and independent investment dealers.

    For further information, please contact:


    Statement     Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This news release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements.” Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “projects,” “potential” and similar expressions, or that events or conditions “will,” “would,” “may,” “could” or “should” occur.

    Forward-looking statements in this document include statements regarding the Company’s expectations regarding the closing of the transactions disclosed in the news release including the completion of the Offering (including the approval of the TSXV and the Control Person Resolution with respect thereto), the use of proceeds from the Offering, the benefits of the strategic partnership to the Company, the Company becoming a leading supplier of sustainably-produced helium, ENEOS USA’s ownership of the Company following the Closing Date, the Company’s beliefs regarding growth of the global helium market and other statements that are not historical facts. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, among others: the TSXV may refuse to grant approval of the Offering; the shareholders may not approve the Control Person Resolution; the transactions described in this news release may not close; the Company may reallocate the proceeds of the Offering for reasons that management believes are in the Company’s best interests; the Company may not realize the benefits of the strategic partnership described in this news release; the Company may choose to defer, accelerate or abandon its exploration and development plans; new laws or regulations and/or unforeseen events could adversely affect the Company’s business and results of operations; stock markets have experienced volatility that often has been unrelated to the performance of companies and such volatility may adversely affect the price of the Company’s securities regardless of its operating performance; risks generally associated with the exploration for and production of resources; constraint in the availability of services; commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations; adverse weather or break-up conditions; and uncertainties resulting from potential delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures.

    When relying on forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and risks other uncertainties and potential events. The Company has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraphs will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

    This news release is not for distribution to U.S. news services or for dissemination in the United States. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. 

    Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Stifel Completes Acquisition of B. Riley Employee Advisors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ST. LOUIS, April 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) today announced the completion of its acquisition of 36 B. Riley employee advisors, representing total assets under management of approximately $4 billion.

    “We are very excited to welcome our new colleagues from B. Riley,” said Ronald J. Kruszewski, Chairman and CEO of Stifel. “Adding this team of talented advisors is yet another example of our commitment to expanding Stifel’s premier Global Wealth Management business.”

    In 2024, Stifel’s Global Wealth Management business recorded record annual revenue of $3.3 billion with more than $500 billion in total client assets. Stifel was also ranked No. 1 in overall employee-advisor satisfaction for a second straight year, according to the annual J.D. Power U.S. Financial Advisor Satisfaction Study.

    Stifel Company Information
    Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) is a financial services holding company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, that conducts its banking, securities, and financial services business through several wholly owned subsidiaries. Stifel’s broker-dealer clients are served in the United States through Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, including its Eaton Partners business division; Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.; Miller Buckfire & Co., LLC; and Stifel Independent Advisors, LLC. The Company’s broker-dealer affiliates provide securities brokerage, investment banking, trading, investment advisory, and related financial services to individual investors, professional money managers, businesses, and municipalities. Stifel Bank and Stifel Bank & Trust offer a full range of consumer and commercial lending solutions. Stifel Trust Company, N.A. and Stifel Trust Company Delaware, N.A. offer trust and related services. To learn more about Stifel, please visit the Company’s website at www.stifel.com. For global disclosures, please visit https://www.stifel.com/investor-relations/press-releases.

    Media Contact
    Neil Shapiro, (212) 271-3447
    shapiron@stifel.com

    Investor Relations Contact
    Joel Jeffrey, (212) 271-3610
    investorrelations@stifel.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto Joins Colleagues in Calling on Trump Administration to Reinstate TPS for Venezuela

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) joined 18 of her colleagues in urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to reconsider the Trump Administration’s termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans who applied for TPS under its designation in 2023. The Administration’s decision to revoke this critical protection has been temporarily put on hold by a court order, postponing the harm it will cause to approximately 350,000 people who remain at risk of losing TPS.

    “Contrary to your assertion that ‘there are notable improvements in several areas, such as the economy, public health, and crime that allow for these nationals to be safely returned,’ the country conditions in Venezuela have deteriorated significantly since 2023, as discussed in detail below,” the senators wrote. “There is no credible evidence demonstrating substantive improvements in the human rights or security situation at this time. Nicolas Maduro’s third term began in January 2025 and has thus far has been characterized by political violence, violent crime, and corruption.”

    “For the reasons discussed above, we ask that you reconsider your February 1, 2025 decision and instead extend TPS for Venezuelans in the United States for the maximum statutory period of 18 months. Congress intended TPS to be both a humanitarian tool and a pragmatic response to unstable conditions abroad,” they continued.

    The full text of the letter can be found here.

    The first and only Latina senator, Senator Cortez Masto has consistently supported immigrant communities in Nevada, calling on both administrations to protect TPS holders and other immigrants, as well as leading commonsense legislation to fix our broken immigration system. Cortez Masto joined Senator Rosen (D-Nev.) in introducing the Born in the USA Act to effectively block the implementation of President Trump’s unconstitutional Executive Order attempting to end automatic citizenship for children born in the United States. She has worked to pass meaningful immigration reform that balances critical border security measures with a path to citizenship for Dreamers, TPS holders, and essential workers, and she’s pushed legislation to allow Dreamers and TPS holders to work in Congress.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: World News in Brief: Syria transition update, healthcare as a human right, more than 2,000 killed and injured in Haiti this year

    Source: United Nations 4

    Peace and Security

    UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, issued a statement on Monday following his latest “extensive discussions” with leader of the caretaker administration in Damascus, Ahmed al-Sharaa. 

    The envoy expressed his appreciation noting they had talked through “all aspects” of the ongoing political process, following the overthrow of the Assad regime in December last year.

    Mr. Pedersen stressed the need to ease sanctions on Syria, emphasising the importance of a stable economy.

    They also discussed the importance of a “transparent framework for the process of selecting and electing an interim people’s assembly” and next steps towards a democratic and inclusive future.

    The top UN envoy highlighted the need to prevent any renewed cycle of violence, in the light of the mass killings of Alawite community members last month in several coastal towns.

    He also reiterated his “condemnation of Israel’s repeated attacks and interventions” inside Syria.

    End ‘indefinite detention’ of detainees

    In a joint statement on Monday a group of independent UN human rights experts said the transition period provides a “valuable opportunity” to end the arbitrary, inhumane and indefinite detention of around 52,000 detainees who have been held for years in the northeast, in relation to alleged ties with the ISIL terrorist group.

    They noted the agreement of 10 March between the interim administration and the largely Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces who guard the detainees, paving the way for the armed group to integrate with new national institutions.

    Around 9,000 male ISIL suspects are detained without due process, including 5,400 Syrians, 1,600 Iraqis, and some 1,500 from 50 other countries. The vast majority of these detainees continue to be held incommunicado without information on their fate or whereabouts, the experts said.

    In addition, some 42,500 individuals are arbitrarily held in camps, including family members and ISIL associates. Many have been held without legal process for at least six years.

    “Tens of thousands of innocent children have suffered physical violence and psychological harm, when they should be assisted as victims of terrorism and serious human rights violations,” the experts added.

    Special Rapporteurs and other UN Human Rights Council-appointed experts are not UN staff, receive no salary for their work and are independent of any organisation or government.

    ‘Let us be bold’: Global leaders reaffirm health as a human right

    Progress towards the universal healthcare goal has been undeniable: barriers to health services, education and family planning have been almost completely removed, The UN says.

    But on Monday, health ministers, ambassadors and civil society experts gathered at UN Headquarters in New York amid concerns that gains are being reversed, issuing a resounding call to place human health and dignity at the heart of sustainable development.

    Convening the 58th session of the Commission on Population and Development (CPD58) they stressed the urgency of providing universal access to quality health care – reaffirming commitments to the Programme of Action established at the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD).

    ‘Health is not a privilege’

    Katja Lasseur, Chair of the 58th session, welcomed over 120 Member States, observers and nearly 50 NGOs, highlighting the momentum behind the week’s discussions. “Health is not a privilege,” she declared. “It is a human right and a prerequisite for sustainable development.”

    Real progress has been achieved since 2000. Life expectancy has increased by 10 years in Africa and nine years in South Asia. At the same time, child mortality has dropped by more than half and cases of HIV have dropped by 50 per cent.

    “These gains demonstrate what is possible with sustained political will and investment,” emphasised Guy Ryder, Under-Secretary-General for Policy, Warning that progress has been “uneven.”

    “Health related targets, including universal health coverage, remain within reach,” he said, but they require urgent and equitable investment, particularly in primary health care and health coverage.

    Over 1,500 people killed in Haiti since start of 2025: UN mission

    Between 1 January and 27 March in Haiti, at least 1,518 people were killed and 572 injured in attacks by armed gangs, security operations and other acts of violence perpetrated by self-defence groups.

    That’s according to a new report from the UN Mission in Haiti (BINUH) which details the “grim” impact of violence since the beginning of the year, said UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric briefing journalists in New York.

    The report reveals repeated attacks in the rural areas of Kenscoff and some neighbourhoods of Carrefour – two communes in the metropolitan area of the capital, Port-au-Prince – resulting in serious human rights abuses.

    According to UN partners, gang members displayed extreme brutality, with the aim of instilling fear on the population. They executed men, women and children inside their homes and shot people on roads and paths as they tried to flee the violence, including an infant.

    “At the same time, sexual violence was committed against at least seven women and young girls during the planning and execution of those attacks by gang members,” reported Mr. Dujarric.

    The gangs ransacked several homes and set fire to more than 190 of them, which coupled with the violence has now forced more than 3,000 people to flee their localities.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Tackling catalytic converter and scrap metal theft

    [. Legislative and regulatory changes would enhance sales reporting requirements for businesses, allow officers to issue tickets rather than a court summons where appropriate and streamline the administration of justice for certain minor offenses.

    “Scrap metal-related crime such as copper wire and catalytic converter theft is a serious problem that threatens public safety, critical infrastructure, the economy and the environment. These amendments give local law enforcement the flexibility needed to respond effectively to this dangerous and costly criminal behaviour and will help restore the sense of security that has been stolen from communities and rural residents throughout the province in recent years.”

    Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services

    Improving scrap metal sales monitoring

    Legislative and regulatory amendments would provide solutions to what local law enforcement agencies have cited as barriers to timely and consistent enforcement since the act came into force in 2020. To support the identification and monitoring of unusual sales, purchasers would be required to record important transaction details to improve the traceability of illicit scrap metal.

    If the bill passes, the government plans to amend regulations to require the dollar value of the sale, the type of and per-ounce price of the metal purchased, and, in the case of catalytic converters, the vehicle identification number and/or proof of ownership to be recorded and reported to a database accessible to law enforcement.

    “This legislation will help to decrease incidents of copper theft while safeguarding the uninterrupted access to emergency services and the internet that Albertans expect.”

    Brian Lakey, vice-president, Service Reliability Center, Telus

    Reducing barriers to enforcement

    If the bill passes, the government is planning amendments to the Procedures Regulation and the Justice of the Peace Regulation to streamline enforcement process and improve court efficiency. Law enforcement would be able to issue violation tickets for certain offences, allowing charges to be laid more quickly.

    Additional planned regulatory changes would set specified penalties for minor offences and give justices of the peace authority to handle them. Individuals can choose to pay the fine or dispute the charge in traffic court. These updates would free up court resources to focus on more serious matters.

    “Streamlining the enforcement of penalties ensures that justice is served swiftly, and resources are focused where they are needed most. By empowering justices of the peace to hear cases related to illegal activity concerning scrap metal, the court system can focus on more complex cases while maintaining fairness and accessibility for Albertans.”

    Mickey Amery, Minister of Justice and Attorney General

    These amendments target costly and dangerous criminal activity while protecting Alberta’s legitimate scrap metal industry and law-abiding recyclers.

    Quick facts

    • Instances of copper wire theft have the potential to disrupt critical services such as power and internet access, which may put Albertans at risk of being unable to reach critical services such as police or emergency services in times of need.
      • Between 2021 and 2024, copper wire theft in Alberta increased by 93 per cent, with the Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service and RCMP reporting respective increases of 135 per cent, 76 per cent and 88 per cent.

    Related information

    • Improving public safety
    • Bill 49: Public Safety and Emergency Services Statutes Amendment Act, 2025

    Related news

    • Protecting Albertans from metal theft (June 18, 2020)

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference
    • Listen to the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dear Colleague on Reckless House Republican Budget Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

    Dear Colleague:

    I write with respect to the reckless House Republican budget bill and their toxic scheme to enact the largest Medicaid cut in American history in order to reward their billionaire donors like Elon Musk with massive tax breaks. Once again, it is essential that House Democrats are present with maximum attendance for what is anticipated to be a close vote on Wednesday. 

    Over this weekend, thousands of grassroots rallies took place across the country that sent a clear message to Donald Trump and House Republicans: hands off Medicaid, Social Security, nutrition assistance, veterans benefits and the American way of life. Moving forward, we will continue to push back aggressively against the far-right extremism that is wrecking the economy and hurting people throughout the land.

    During the upcoming two-week district work period, in partnership with the Democratic Policy & Communications Committee, there are a series of national events we have planned as House Democrats. Please join us in a Save Social Security Day of Action on Tuesday, April 15, a Medicaid Matters Day of Action on Thursday, April 17 and a Cost of Living Week of Action beginning on Monday, April 21. Additional information has been provided by the DPCC. 

    House Republicans broke their promise to address the high cost of living and they lied about their intention to enact their extreme Project 2025 agenda. The harm being unleashed by Donald Trump and the GOP is staggering. 

    Enough. This is not America.  

    We will continue to show up, speak up and stand up until we end this national nightmare and bring the American dream to life for everyone. Thank you for your continued leadership.

    Sincerely,

    Hakeem Jeffries

    Democratic Leader

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LEADER JEFFRIES: “THESE RECKLESS TARIFFS WILL COST THE AMERICAN PEOPLE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS A YEAR”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

    Washington, DC – Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference where he emphasized that House Democrats will continue to push back against Donald Trump’s reckless tariffs which will raise costs on everyday Americans.

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Good afternoon, everybody. Donald Trump and extreme MAGA Republicans spent all of last year promising to lower the high cost of living in America while at the same period of time, running away from Project 2025 and pretending as if it didn’t exist. They consistently lied to the American people, and now the American people are feeling the consequences of this extreme administration. The Trump Administration is extreme. President Donald Trump and these extreme MAGA Republicans, who are temporarily in the majority in the House of Representatives this year, Republicans have done nothing. Not a single thing to lower the high cost of living in the United States of America. The cost of living is too high. Housing costs are too high. Grocery costs are too high. Insurance costs are too high. Utility costs are too high. Child care costs are too high. America is too expensive. And Democrats remain committed to driving down the high cost of living in the United States of America.

    Instead of costs going down, which Donald Trump promised would happen on day one of his presidency, costs aren’t going down. They’re going up. Inflation is going up. Donald Trump and Republicans are actually crashing the economy in real time. You can’t make this up. They are intentionally inflicting pain on the American people. This Trump tax, these reckless tariffs will cost the American people thousands of dollars a year. It’s the largest tax increase on the American people since 1968. This is what Donald Trump’s presidency and Republicans in control of the House and the Senate are delivering to America, not lower costs. Not a more prosperous economy. Not the golden age in America. Economic disaster.

    Then at the same period of time, these MAGA extremists are trying to jam a reckless budget down the throat of the American people. Take away health care from the American people. Strip away veterans benefits from the American people. And hurt nutritional assistance and literally take food out of the mouths of babies in America. Why? Because they want to pass massive tax breaks for their billionaire donors and puppet masters like Elon Musk. This is Republican policy in America, and it’s a complete and total disaster. Questions?

    Full press conference can be watched here. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Nestpoint Group Fuels Univest Securities, LLC’s Ascent to Investment Banking Powerhouse in Trump’s Economic Golden Age

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, New York, April 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Univest Securities, LLC (“Univest”), New York’s premier boutique investment bank, is proud to announce a strategic investment from Nestpoint Group (“Nestpoint”), a leading firm in government affairs, finance, and private equity based in Dallas and Washington, D.C. This powerhouse partnership positions Univest to rise as a global investment banking leader, harnessing unparalleled opportunities for economic expansion under the Trump administration’s bold vision for American prosperity.

    Nestpoint, with its America First approach and deep roots in Washington, D.C., is a strategic ally at the intersection of international advocacy and financial innovation. Renowned for its ability to influence policy, navigate regulatory complexities, and drive transformative growth, Nestpoint pairs its expertise with Univest’s 31-year legacy of excellence in investment banking—spanning mergers and acquisitions, capital markets advisory, and private/public capital raises. Together, they form a dynamic force ready to tackle the challenges of global trade and regulatory uncertainty.

    Henry Huang, Managing Director of Nestpoint, celebrated the alliance: “Univest Securities is a standout in the boutique investment banking world—a proven leader with exceptional talent and vision. We’re thrilled to supercharge their trajectory with our unique blend of government affairs mastery, global relationships and financial firepower. From D.C. to New York, this partnership will redefine what’s possible, positioning Univest as the next major investment bank and delivering on President Trump’s promise of rapid economic growth like never before.”

    Stuart Jolly, Nestpoint’s Director of Government Affairs & Global Strategies and former National Field Director for President Trump’s campaign, emphasized the partnership’s alignment with national priorities: “Having worked closely with President Trump to secure his vision for America, I see this alliance as a game-changer. Nestpoint’s government expertise and Univest’s financial prowess create the perfect engine to drive President Trump’s economic agenda forward—unlocking opportunities for businesses to thrive in this golden age of American leadership.”

    Edric Guo, Chief Executive Officer of Univest, echoed the excitement: “Partnering with Nestpoint is a transformative step for Univest. Their unparalleled government relations capabilities and strategic insight open doors for our clients like never before. Together, we’re not just expanding our reach—we’re building a platform to lead the charge in global trade and economic innovation, perfectly timed with the administration’s bold direction.”

    This alliance delivers unmatched value: Nestpoint’s extensive network of clients will tap into Univest’s elite financial services, while Univest’s current and future clients gain access to Nestpoint’s D.C.-honed expertise in overcoming regulatory hurdles and trade complexities. With a significant presence in the nation’s capital, Nestpoint is uniquely equipped to influence policy and public perception, ensuring clients thrive in the U.S. market and beyond. In what many are calling the “golden age,” this partnership arrives at the perfect moment to accelerate economic expansion and fulfill the Trump administration’s ambitious goals.

    Univest Securities, headquartered in New York with a robust reach across North America and Asia Pacific, joins forces with Nestpoint’s global operations to create a seamless bridge between financial strategy and government advocacy. This collaboration marks Univest’s ascent as a dominant player in New York’s financial landscape, with a shared mission to solve global trade challenges and drive lasting economic impact.

    About Univest Securities, LLC

    Founded in 1994, Univest Securities is a boutique full-service investment bank headquartered in New York. With a strong presence in North America and Asia Pacific, Univest provides comprehensive financial services, including investment banking, capital markets, and wealth management, to clients worldwide. For more information about Univest Securities, LLC, visit https://www.univest.us/.

    About Nestpoint Group

    Nestpoint Group, with a global footprint, and a formidable presence in Washington, D.C., is a leading government affairs, finance and private equity firm. As a strategic ally, Nestpoint transforms challenges into opportunities through its expertise in policy influence, global networks, and financial innovation, delivering customized solutions for sustained client success. Nestpoint advises multibillion-dollar companies in the manufacturing, energy, and technology sectors as well as foreign nations. For more information about Nestpoint, visit https://www.nestpointgroup.com/.

    For more information, please contact:

    Univest Securities, LLC
    Edric Guo
    Chief Executive Officer
    75 Rockefeller Plaza, Suite 18C
    New York, NY 10019
    Phone: (212) 343-8888
    Email: info@univest.us

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Trump: ‘Groceries are down, energy is down, and interest rates are down.’

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    President Trump: Groceries are down, energy is down, and interest rates are down. The beauty there is when we refinance debt… our budget’s going to look a lot better because interest costs are way down.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsNNBh5rXOs

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Feenstra Introduces Legislation to Lower Interest Rates on Student Loans

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Randy Feenstra (IA-04)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) introduced legislation to lower interest rates on student loans by allowing states like Iowa to utilize more private activity bonds to offer student loans.

    “As a father of four, ensuring that our kids have the resources that they need to pursue higher education and achieve future career goals is important to me. That includes lowering the cost of student loans and reducing financial barriers for Iowans who want to attend college but are prevented by the price tag,” said Rep. Feenstra. “That’s why I introduced legislation to enable more low-interest-rate student loans to be issued by exempting Qualified Student Loan Bonds – which states like Iowa already utilize to help many students attend college – from the cap for Private Activity Bonds. This investment in the next generation of leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs will support our economy, lower interest rates on student loans, and give Iowa kids a more viable financial option when considering the full cost of college.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Selling your old laptop or phone? You might be handing over your data too

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ritesh Chugh, Associate Professor, Information and Communications Technology, CQUniversity Australia

    berdiyandriy/Shutterstock

    You’re about to recycle your laptop or your phone, so you delete all your photos and personal files. Maybe you even reset the device to factory settings.

    You probably think your sensitive data is now safe. But there is more to be done: hackers may still be able to retrieve passwords, documents or bank details, even after a reset.

    In fact, 90% of second-hand laptops, hard drives and memory cards still contain recoverable data. This indicates that many consumers fail to wipe their devices properly before resale or disposal.

    But there are some simple steps you can take to keep your personal information safe while recycling responsibly.

    The data security risks

    Discarded or resold electronics often retain sensitive personal and corporate information. Simply deleting files or performing a factory reset may not be sufficient. Data can often be easily recovered using specialised tools. This oversight has led to alarming incidents of data leaks and breaches.

    For example, 42% of used storage devices sold on eBay still contained sensitive data, despite sellers following methods to erase data. This included passport images, school records, and corporate documents.

    Another 2022 study found that improperly erased internet-connected devices stored private data, making them vulnerable to exploitation. European e-waste exported to Ghana also contained classified corporate and government files, exposing security risks beyond personal identity theft.

    A major wireless provider in the United States failed to securely decommission storage devices. This lead to a data breach affecting 14 million customers.

    Similarly, in 2021 improperly discarded medical hard drives exposed over 100,000 confidential patient records.

    Why standard factory resets are not enough

    Many people believe performing a factory reset fully erases their data. But this is not always the case.

    An analysis of secondhand mobile devices found that 35% still contained recoverable data after being reset and resold. This highlights the risks of relying solely on factory resets.

    On older devices or those without encryption, residual data can still be recovered using forensic tools.

    iPhones use hardware encryption, making resets more effective, while Android devices vary by manufacturer.

    Performing a factory reset on a phone doesn’t always fully erase personal data.
    010110010101101/Shutterstock

    Best practices for secure disposal

    To protect your personal and organisational information, consider these measures before disposing of old devices:

    Data wiping

    Personal users should use data-wiping software to securely erase their hard drive before selling or recycling a device.

    However, for solid-state drives, traditional wiping methods may not be effective. This is because solid-state drives store data using flash memory and algorithms, which prolong a device’s lifespan by distributing data across memory cells and can prevent direct overwriting.

    Instead, enabling full-disk encryption with software such as BitLocker on Windows or FileVault on Mac before resetting the device can help to ensure data is unreadable.

    On Android phones, apps such as Shreddit provide secure data-wiping options. iPhones already encrypt data by default, making a full reset the most effective way to erase information.

    Businesses that handle customer data, financial records or intellectual property must comply with data protection regulations. They could use certified data-wiping tools that meet the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology’s guidelines for media sanitisation or the US Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers’ standard for sanitising storage. These guidelines are globally recognised.

    Many companies also choose third-party data destruction services to verify compliance and enhance security.

    Darik’s Boot and Nuke, also known as DBAN, is a computer program designed to permanently erase data.
    Darik Horn/Wikimedia

    Physical destruction

    If the data is highly sensitive, physically destroying the storage medium (such as a hard drive) is the most secure option. Common methods include degaussing (using a strong magnetic field), shredding, disintegration, melting, and drilling.

    However, some of these techniques can be hazardous if not handled by professionals. They also make a hard drive or device unsuitable for resale and instead require it to be taken to a waste recovery centre so the rare earth metal components can be recovered.

    Certified recycling services

    Use reputable e-waste recyclers who adhere to strict data destruction protocols to ensure your information does not fall into the wrong hands. Look for certifications such as R2, e-Stewards, or AS/NZS 5377, which ensure compliance with industry security standards. An online database run by sustainable electronics organisation SERI of R2-certified facilities around the world can help with this.

    Safe selling and donating practices

    Before selling or donating devices, conduct a thorough data wipe. Be cautious of devices linked to cloud accounts, and remove all personal information to prevent unauthorised access. Resetting alone may not be enough.

    Legal and regulatory considerations for businesses

    Different regions have strict data-protection laws that impose legal and financial penalties for improper disposal of sensitive data.

    It’s important for businesses to consider the legal standards for handling and disposing personal information in whatever region they’re operating in, whether that be Europe, the United States, Australia or elsewhere.

    Before recycling or selling an old device, take the necessary steps to ensure your data is completely erased. Identity theft, financial fraud and data breaches are real risks. But they can be prevented with the right precautions.

    A few extra steps now can protect your information and ensure responsible recycling.

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

    – ref. Selling your old laptop or phone? You might be handing over your data too – https://theconversation.com/selling-your-old-laptop-or-phone-you-might-be-handing-over-your-data-too-251613

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DelBene, LaHood Introduce Legislation to Provide Tax Relief to Beauty and Salon Industry

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

    Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Darin LaHood (IL-16) reintroduced the Small Business Tax Fairness and Compliance Simplification Act, which expands the Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA) tax tip credit to employer-based salons and beauty service establishments. This credit helps ensure accurate reporting of tipped income and reimburses small businesses for continuing to implement reporting systems.

    The beauty industry is predominantly comprised of small businesses, the majority of which are owned by women and people of color, and this legislation would provide them much-needed tax relief. Tips are paid as gratuity by a client directly to the worker providing the service. Employers are required to pay FICA taxes on these tips even though they are not involved in the tip transaction and 100 percent of it goes to the employee. Currently, restaurants are able to claim a tax credit for the portion of FICA taxes paid on their employees’ tips, but beauty salons do not have access to the same credit. This legislation would extend the FICA tip credit to the beauty industry creating parity with the restaurant industry. The beauty industry is predominantly comprised of small businesses, the majority of which are owned by women and people of color, and this legislation would provide them much-needed tax relief.

    “The beauty industry is largely comprised of small businesses, predominantly owned by women and women of color, with workers who rely heavily on tips. said DelBene. “Extending this tax relief to the beauty industry would provide parity with the restaurant industry, which already has the ability to claim this credit. This bipartisan legislation would bring commonsense tax relief to salons and their workers and support small businesses.”

    Small businesses are the backbone of the United States economy,” said LaHood. “I am proud to reintroduce the Small Business Tax Fairness and Compliance Simplification Act alongside Congresswoman DelBene to level the playing field for beauty salons who rely on tips for a large portion of their income. This bipartisan, commonsense piece of legislation simplifies our tax system for these small business owners and their employees while supporting job creation in central and northwestern Illinois.”

    “The Professional Beauty Association proudly supports The Small Business Tax Fairness and Compliance Simplification Act, a critical measure that levels the playing field for beauty industry employers, most of whom are small, Main Street businesses,” said Leslie Perry, PBA’s Executive Director. “We commend Congressman LaHood and Congresswoman DelBene for their leadership in advocating for fair and equitable tax policies. This legislation will provide much-needed tax relief that directly benefits small businesses and their hardworking employees across America. In addition, it complements the No Tax on Tips initiative, ensuring that beauty professionals receiving the full value of their hard-earned income does not unfairly burden their employers. We look forward to collaborating with Congressman LaHood to ensure this vital legislation becomes a reality for the industry’s employers this year.

    A copy of the bill text can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Ruiz, Foushee, Cleaver, Introduce the Cool Roof Rebate Act to Lower Costs for Reflective Roofing Installation

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raul Ruiz (36th District of California)

    WASHINGTON, DC (April 7, 2025) — Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25), Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05), and introduced the Cool Roof Rebate Act, legislation to create a rebate program for reflective roofing products to lower home temperatures and reduce energy consumption and costs.

    “Just last month, parts of California’s 25th District hit triple-digit heat, the earliest it has exceeded 100 degrees Fahrenheit in over a decade. Our region includes California’s desert communities, where summer temperatures can soar well above 110 degrees. It’s one of the hottest areas in the country, and that comes with serious health risks,” said Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25). “The Cool Roof Rebate Act creates the first federal rebate program of its kind to help underserved communities afford reflective roofing, reducing energy consumption, improving efficiency, and protecting families from extreme heat.”

    “As communities across the country continue to experience extreme weather events and record-breaking heat due to climate change, it is critical that Congress take steps to provide communities with the support they need to mitigate the effects,” said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04). “The Cool Roof Rebate Act will help vulnerable households purchase reflective roofing products through a first of its kind federal rebate program, thereby lowering energy costs and increasing energy efficiency. I am proud to reintroduce this critical piece of legislation with Congressman Cleaver and Congressman Ruiz, and I look forward to working to pass it through the House and onward.”

    “As global temperatures continue to rise to record-breaking levels and at a record-breaking pace, it’s imperative that Congress provide families with new and innovative ways to beat the heat and lower energy costs,” saidCongressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05). “I’m proud to introduce the Cool Roof Rebate Act with Congresswoman Foushee and Congressman Ruiz to create a new program dedicated to helping working class families in Missouri and across the country afford reflective roofing products that will keep their homes cool, costs low, and extreme heat at bay.”

    Specifically, the Cool Roof Rebate Act will:

    • Provide a rebate to eligible households for the purchase and installation of eligible cool roof products to mitigate extreme heat
      • Eligible households determined by two metrics measuring exposure to extreme heat and median income of the residence’s zip code
      • Eligible cool roof products are ones that have been tested and verified by the Cool Roof Ratings Council
    • Authorize up to $25,000,000 in household rebates annually across all 50 states and U.S. territories between FY25-FY29
    • Require the U.S. Department of Energy to submit a report to Congress six months after the program’s termination to evaluate the program’s efficacy and impact

    The Cool Roof Rebate Act is endorsed by the Coachella Valley Housing Coalition, Federation of American Scientists and Smart Surfaces Coalition.

    “We are proud to support the Cool Roof Rebate Act which will help many hard-working families living under extreme heat to improve their living conditions by providing a rebate for the installation of eligible cool roof products. Our Coachella Valley families in California experience extreme heat for five to six months of the year and this program will allow them to retrofit their roofs to provide a much cooler environment that will improve their quality of live.” – Pedro S. G. Rodriguez, Executive Director / CEO, Coachella Valley Housing Coalition.

    “To prepare for future extreme heat events, we need to be developing and deploying innovative adaptation solutions at scale. The Cool Roof Rebate Act will make cool roofing technology affordable to more Americans to lower their home cooling costs and provide the incentives necessary to grow and diversify the cool roofing market.” – Daniel Correa, CEO of the Federation of American Scientists.

    “Yet another year of record-breaking extreme heat underscores the urgency of the Cool Roof Rebate Act, which tackles the urban heat island effect while delivering lower energy bills, safer work environments for outdoor workers and improved health outcomes for vulnerable communities. Our current benefit-cost modeling with 10 major U.S. metro areas with whom we are working demonstrates that an 80% deployment of cool roofs across those areas (representing more than 35 million people) would produce a net financial benefit of $34.7 billion, with an average benefit cost ratio of 9:1. Extreme heat is the leading weather-related killer, and this bill will be a literal lifesaver, as well as saving citizens substantial amounts of money.” – Greg Kats, CEO of the Smart Surfaces Coalition.

    The Cool Roof Rebate Act is cosponsored by: Rep. Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), and Rep. Shri Thanedar (MI-13).

    The full bill text is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Cost-of-living relief for Canberrans

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    There is a comprehensive cost-of-living package included in this year’s Budget.

    The ACT Government is offering continued support to Canberrans most impacted by cost of living pressures.

    Cost of living pressures are being felt across the country and this year’s ACT Budget does more for low-income households.

    Supporting apprentices and trainees

    One initiative is a new, one-off $250 payment to support local apprentices and trainees.

    Apprentices and trainees have a restricted earning capacity while they are obtaining their qualification.

    This payment recognises the financial pressures these Canberrans are facing.

    The ACT Government will contact eligible apprentices and trainees by the end of September. It is not necessary to apply for the payment.

    Assisting families with schooling costs

    The ACT Government is also expanding the Future of Education Equity Fund.

    The Fund has been hugely successful in supporting students and families in need, helping them with the costs of their education.

    Already in 2024, the Future of Education Equity Fund has supported more than 5000 students in Canberra.

    More families will be able to get financial assistance with things like textbooks, music lessons and sporting equipment.

    Electricity, Gas and Water Rebate

    Over 40,000 low-income households in Canberra will also benefit from an increase to the Electricity, Gas and Water Rebate.

    The payment will be increased to $800 per year, helping these households with their home energy costs.

    When combined with the $300 Federal Government energy payment, one in five Canberra households will receive $1,100 in assistance towards their energy bills.

    Targeted cost of living support

    These initiatives are part of a comprehensive cost of living package included in this year’s Budget. The package also includes:

    • expanding the Utilities Hardship Fund, including increasing vouchers from $100 to $300, to support more households to change their energy use
    • extending the Rent Relief Fund to support more Canberrans on low incomes who are experiencing rental stress or severe financial hardship
    • expanding public transport concession fares to include Canberrans with a Commonwealth Low-Income Health Care Card, to support more people accessing buses and light rail
    • additional funding to Roundabout Canberra, Scouts ACT, Fearless Women and Women’s Health Matters to support these community organisations to continue delivering essential services to vulnerable Canberrans
    • additional funding for emergency material and financial aid programs and food relief services, to support vulnerable Canberrans in need of food and other necessities
    • increasing assistance through the Taxi Subsidy Scheme, including increasing the subsidy for ride users, further reducing out-of-pocket costs for vulnerable Canberrans
    • increasing the Life Support Rebate to $150 a year, to support more Canberrans using electric life support equipment to treat a life-threatening condition.

    Find more on cost-of-living support at act.gov.au/money-and-tax/cost-of-living-support

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: FRO – Filing of Annual Report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

     Frontline plc (the “Company”) announces the filing of its annual report for the year ended December 31, 2024.

    The annual report can be downloaded from the Company’s website www.frontlineplc.cy or from the link below. Additionally, shareholders can request a hard copy of our complete audited financial statements free of charge by writing to us at:
    John Kennedy  
    8 Iris Building, 7th floor, Flat/Office 740B,
    3106, Limassol, Cyprus.

    or sending an e-mail to ir@frontmgt.no

    April 7, 2025
    Frontline plc
    Limassol, Cyprus.

    Questions should be directed to:

    Lars H. Barstad: Chief Executive Officer, Frontline Management AS
    +47 23 11 40 00 
    Inger M. Klemp: Chief Financial Officer, Frontline Management AS
    +47 23 11 40 00

    This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5 -12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Canoe EIT Income Fund Announces April 2025 Monthly Distribution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, April 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Canoe EIT Income Fund (the “Fund”) (TSX – EIT.UN) announces the April 2025 monthly distribution of $0.10 per unit. Unitholders of record on April 23, 2025, will receive distributions payable on May 15, 2025.

    About Canoe EIT Income Fund
    Canoe EIT Income Fund is one of Canada’s largest closed-end investment funds, designed to maximize monthly distributions and capital appreciation by investing in a broadly diversified portfolio of high quality securities. The Fund is listed on the TSX under the symbol EIT.UN, and is actively managed by Robert Taylor, Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, Canoe Financial.

    About Canoe Financial
    Canoe Financial is one of Canada’s fastest growing independent mutual fund companies managing over $20.0 billion in assets across a diversified range of award-winning investment solutions. Founded in 2008, Canoe Financial is an employee-owned investment management firm focused on building financial wealth for Canadians. Canoe Financial has a significant presence across Canada, including offices in Calgary, Toronto and Montreal.

    For further information, please contact:
    Investor Relations
    1–877–434–2796
    www.canoefinancial.com
    info@canoefinancial.com

    Not for Distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for Dissemination in the United States of America.

    The Fund makes monthly distributions of an amount comprised in whole or in part of Return of Capital (ROC) of the net asset value per unit. A ROC reduces the amount of your original investment and may result in the return to you of the entire amount of your original investment. ROC that is not reinvested will reduce the net asset value of the fund, which could reduce the fund’s ability to generate future income. You should not draw any conclusions about the fund’s investment performance from the amount of this distribution.

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investment funds. Please read the information filed about the fund on www.sedar.com before investing. Investment funds are not guaranteed and past performance may not be repeated.

    This communication is not to be construed as a public offering to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities. Such an offer can only be made by way of a prospectus or other applicable offering document and should be read carefully before making any investment. This release is for information purposes only. Investors should consult their Investment Advisor for details and risk factors regarding specific strategies and various investment products.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: HBT Financial, Inc. to Announce First Quarter 2025 Financial Results on April 21, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BLOOMINGTON, Ill., April 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  HBT Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ: HBT) (the “Company” or “HBT Financial”), the holding company for Heartland Bank and Trust Company, today announced that it will issue its first quarter 2025 financial results before the market opens on Monday, April 21, 2025. A copy of the press release announcing the first quarter 2025 financial results and an investor presentation will be made available on the Company’s investor relations website at https://ir.hbtfinancial.com.

    About HBT Financial, Inc.

    HBT Financial, Inc., headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois, is the holding company for Heartland Bank and Trust Company, and has banking roots that can be traced back to 1920. HBT Financial provides a comprehensive suite of financial products and services to consumers, businesses, and municipal entities throughout Illinois and eastern Iowa through 66 full-service branches. As of December 31, 2024, HBT Financial had total assets of $5.0 billion, total loans of $3.5 billion, and total deposits of $4.3 billion.

    CONTACT:
    Peter Chapman
    HBTIR@hbtbank.com
    (309) 664-4556

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: 3.5 million Australians experienced fraud last year. This could be avoided through 6 simple steps

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gary Mortimer, Professor of Marketing and Consumer Behaviour, Queensland University of Technology

    Zigres/Shutterstock

    About 14% of Australians experienced personal fraud last year. Of these, 2.1 million experienced credit card fraud, 675,300 were caught in a scam, 255,000 had their identities stolen and 433,000 were impersonated online.

    According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics latest Personal Fraud Survey, between July 2023 and June 2024, Australians lost A$2.1 billion through credit card fraud.

    This was up almost 9% from the previous year. Even after reimbursements, the loss was still $477 million.

    These figures do not include financial loss through identity theft, or phishing, romance, computer support and dodgy financial advice scams.

    Why the increase?

    Research shows the more frequently we use technology, the more likely we are to be scammed. Monica Whitty from the Cyber Security Centre, University of Warwick, found victims of cyber-frauds were more likely to score high on impulsivity measures like ‘urgency’ and engage in more frequent online routine activities that place them at great risk of becoming scammed.

    We communicate via email, we shop online, use dating apps and allow technicians to remotely access our computers. Meanwhile, amazing “get rich quick” opportunities are apparently being liked by our friends on our socials almost every day.

    But too many of us do not stop and think, “is this legitimate?” It is no wonder we see personal fraud and scams increase every year.

    While the Australian Bureau of Statistics figures suggest older Australians (aged 45 and over) are more exposed to card fraud, research has found demographics are not a significant predictor of fraud victimisation.

    Taking risks

    Being too trusting, drives complacency, which produces gullibility. Think about an online dating sites. The site uses a multi-factor authenticator, it requires you to authenticate your photo, password protect your profile and read the scam warnings.

    A site’s apparent legitimacy increases your trust. Research has found if you perceive a platform to be legitimate you could be exposed to romance fraud. Fraudsters may be operating within a site, even if it is legitimate.

    Another strong predictor of exposure to online fraud is self-control. Self-control theory predicts individuals with low self-control tend to pursue their own self-interest without considering the negative consequences.

    Simply, if the investment scheme looks “too good”, they will mostly likely click on the link and get scammed.

    Giving away too much

    Some individuals are prone to self-disclosing personal information online – and scammers love personal information. Self-disclosure is defined as the amount of information a person decides to make common knowledge.

    Sometimes, we disclose, even when we don’t intend to. A common phishing technique on social media is status updates that read, “Your porn star name is your first pet’s name and the first street you lived on.”

    They’re interesting, funny and bring on a healthy dose of nostalgia, but the answers to those questions that you tap in for all to see are also most likely to be your security questions on your bank accounts.

    The most common scams in 2023-2024:

    • Buying or selling scams (1.4% or 308,200)
    • Information request or phishing scams (0.7% or 148,800)

    What is the government doing to protect me?

    The Australian government recently passed legislation which targets scams. It places increased responsibilities on banking and finance, telecommunications and digital platforms organisations to protect customers.

    Suspicious numbers can now be accompanied a warning of “potential fraud” on your smartphone screen. Banks are also informing customers about the latest scams. Some banking transactions can verify the identity of the payment recipient, to ensure the details you have match the actual account holder.

    While these will not stop all scams, they are a step towards reducing the number of victims and the amount of money lost to fraudulent approaches.

    Six steps to protect yourself

    There are some small but powerful steps we can all take to reduce the likelihood of financial harm.

    1. Passwords: it is important to have strong, unique passwords across your accounts. Using a password manager can help with this.

    2. Multi-factor authentication: many platforms will allow you to add extra layers of security to your account by using one-time passwords, authenticator apps, or tokens.

    3. Review privacy settings: be aware of the different settings on your accounts and ensure you are in control of what information you provide and what can be accessed by others.

    4. Be vigilant: know what you see and hear may not be real. The person or company you are communicating with may not be authentic. It is okay to be sceptical and take time to do your own checks.

    5. Money transfers: never send money you are not willing to lose. Too often, people will send money before realising it is a scam. Never feel rushed or forced into any financial decision. It is OK to say no.

    6. Credit monitoring: if you know or suspect you have been scammed, you can enact a credit ban, meaning no one can access your details or take further action in your name. This can be a good short-term solution.

    And if you are scammed …

    Anyone can report money lost in a scam to ReportCyber, the Australian online police reporting portal for cyber incidents. If you have received scam texts or emails, you can report these to Scamwatch, to assist with education and awareness activities.

    Gary Mortimer receives and has received funding from the Building Employer Confidence and Inclusion in Disability Grant, AusIndustry Entrepreneurs’ Program, National Clothing Textiles Stewardship Scheme, National Retail Association and Australian Retailers Association.

    – ref. 3.5 million Australians experienced fraud last year. This could be avoided through 6 simple steps – https://theconversation.com/3-5-million-australians-experienced-fraud-last-year-this-could-be-avoided-through-6-simple-steps-253623

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia’s innovative new policies are designed to cut smoking rates – here are 6 ideas NZ could borrow

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Janet Hoek, Professor in Public Health, University of Otago

    Shutterstock/chayanuphol

    At the start of this month, when denicotinisation would have been due to come into effect in Aotearoa New Zealand (had the government not repealed smokefree laws), Australia introduced innovative smokefree policies to change the look, ingredients and packaging of tobacco products.

    New Zealand’s current goal is to reduce smoking prevalence to no more than 5% (and as close to zero as possible) among all population groups. However, realising this goal now seems very unlikely.

    Latest figures show 6.9% of the general population smoke daily, but smoking places a much heavier burden on Māori and Pacific peoples, where 14.7% and 12.3% smoke, respectively.

    New Zealand could borrow measures from Australia’s new regulations, or even go beyond, to begin salvaging its reputation as a country that develops progressive, evidence-based smokefree policy. Here are six ideas New Zealand should consider implementing.

    1. Refresh and diversify on-pack warnings

    New Zealand introduced plain packaging in 2018. This policy replaced vibrant on-pack branding with dissuasive colours and much larger health warnings. However, despite annual warning rotation, recent work suggests on-pack warnings have “worn out”.

    Our work with people who smoke suggests we need two responses: refresh existing health warnings and create more diverse warnings that illustrate other risks, such as the financial burden smoking imposes and its inter-generational harms.

    2. Offer hope that quitting is possible

    On-pack warnings aim to ensure people who smoke understand the many health risks smoking causes.

    However, few countries (with the exception of Canada) also provide advice to increase people’s confidence they can quit or promote the benefits of becoming smokefree. Australia has now followed Canada’s lead and will introduce “health promotion inserts that encourage and empower people to quit smoking”.

    The ASPIRE Aotearoa Centre’s recent work shows that by promoting positive outcomes and offering practical advice, health promotion inserts foster hope and help motivate people who smoke to think about quitting.

    New Zealand should complement external pack warnings with inserts that increase people’s agency and support smoking cessation.

    Cigarette filters mislead people into believing they are reducing the risks smoking presents.
    Shutterstock/Gudman

    3. Change the experience of smoking

    Tobacco companies use cigarette stick design to shape how people experience smoking. It is no coincidence that cigarette sticks are white. The colour has connotations of cleanliness and deflects attention from the harms smoking causes.

    Until Canada introduced on-stick warnings in 2023, no country had changed the design of cigarette sticks.

    Australia has now followed suit and will require health warnings on cigarette filters. New Zealand could both adopt and go beyond this measure.

    Our earlier work examined the effects of dissuasive colours and designs on cigarette sticks. People who smoke found colours such as murky green and mustard yellow aversive. They also reacted strongly against graphics, such as a chart showing the minutes of life lost with each cigarette, which could be printed on sticks.

    4. Eliminate additives

    Tobacco companies use several ingredients to make smoking more palatable and enhance nicotine delivery. For example, many cigarettes contain menthol, even those without a characterising menthol flavour. These ingredients ease harshness and make the initial, sometimes disagreeable, experience of smoking much smoother.

    Other additives enhance nicotine delivery. For example, tobacco companies may add sugars to tobacco that, once combusted, create acetaldehyde, which may increase the addictiveness of nicotine.

    Disallowing these additives could further reduce smoking uptake. By making smoking a harsher experience, this measure could also encourage people who smoke to quit.

    5. Get rid of gimmicks that appeal to young people

    Tobacco companies have developed product features that enable people who smoke to experience different flavours. Brands such as Dunhill Switch contain a flavour capsule within the filter. When squeezed, the capsule releases a flavouring agent, thus creating a more varied and novel smoking experience.

    Our study of young people’s responses to capsule cigarettes found these appealed more to those who did not smoke than to those who did. New Zealand should follow Australia by closing loopholes and disallowing products likely to increase interest in smoking among young people who do not smoke.

    6. Disallow filters

    There is one measure New Zealand could implement to go beyond Australia’s new policies.

    The draft Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 action plan proposed disallowing filters in cigarettes, but this measure was not part of the final action plan. Described by renowned Stanford University historian Robert Proctor as “the deadliest fraud in the history of human civilization”, filters may mislead people who smoke into believing they have reduced the risks smoking presents.

    In addition, filters do not biodegrade and studies report they cause considerable harm to the environment and impose substantial clean-up costs on local authorities.

    Australia has made important changes that will increase knowledge of smoking’s risks, reduce tobacco companies’ ability to develop cigarette features likely to appeal to young people, and support smoking cessation.

    Meanwhile New Zealand, once a leader in tobacco control policy, is very unlikely to reach the government’s smokefree 2025 goal. Adopting Australia’s policies could support smoking cessation. But there are opportunities to go beyond Australia’s approach; disallowing filters could bring comprehensive health as well as environmental benefits.

    Janet Hoek receives (or has received) funding from the Health Research Council of New Zealand, Royal Society Marsden Fund, NZ Cancer Society and NZ Heart Foundation. She is a member of the Health Coalition Aotearoa’s smokefree expert advisory group and of the Ministry of Health’s smokefree advisory group, a senior editor at Tobacco Control (honorarium paid), and she serves on several other government, NGO and community advisory groups.

    – ref. Australia’s innovative new policies are designed to cut smoking rates – here are 6 ideas NZ could borrow – https://theconversation.com/australias-innovative-new-policies-are-designed-to-cut-smoking-rates-here-are-6-ideas-nz-could-borrow-253717

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner & Kaine Join Colleagues in Letter Emphasizing Immense Harm Shuttering Department of Education will have on Students with Disabilities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, (both D-VA) joined 19 of their senate colleagues in writing to U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to emphasize the detrimental effect shuttering the Department of Education will have on approximately 9.5 million students with disabilities and their families. Programs at risk include those authorized by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which conducts vital oversight of federal civil rights laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964.  
    “We write with deep concern regarding the Trump administration’s recent actions to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education (the Department) and the impact this will have on students with disabilities and their families,” the senators wrote. “Shuttering the Department will cause immense harm to all students, and especially students with disabilities and their families who rely on federal funding for key special education services and support.” 
    “Over the years, the Department has developed specific expertise to deliver on the promise that children with disabilities will have equal and fair access to educational opportunity in the United States. Congress has promised to families that students with disabilities will have a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment and has specifically charged the Department of Education with making that promise real in the lives of students with disabilities,” the senators continued. “…Yet, on March 20th, President Trump signed an executive order directing the closure of the Department.” 
    “We are alarmed by the potential consequences your proposed reassignment will have on the larger framework of education for students with disabilities,” the senators wrote. “Prior to the passage of IDEA, only one in five children with disabilities were educated in schools, and more than 1.8 million children were systemically excluded from public school in the United States. Disabilities were seen as medical conditions to be treated and as a result, many children with disabilities were institutionalized rather than educated. We cannot risk regression to an outdated and dehumanizing perspective on disability, which prevented millions of children from accessing the inclusive public education they deserve. Our entire nation benefits when disabled people have equal access to a high-quality education that enables them to use their gifts and talents.”
    Warner and Kaine have long supported equitable access to education for students with disabilities. Earlier this month, they joined their colleagues in cosponsoring the IDEA Full Funding Act, legislation that would ensure Congress fulfills its commitment to fully fund the IDEA.
    The letter was led by U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) and cosigned by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
    Full text of the letter can be found here and below:
    Dear Secretary McMahon:
    We write with deep concern regarding the Trump administration’s recent actions to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education (the Department) and the impact this will have on students with disabilities and their families. 
    Shuttering the Department will cause immense harm to all students, and especially students with disabilities and their families who rely on federal funding for key special education services and support. There are approximately 9.5 million students with disabilities in the United States. The Department administers critical programs to support these students, such as those authorized by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and conducts vital oversight of federal civil rights laws including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. 95 percent of students served under IDEA attend public schools, and these 7.5 million students comprise 15 percent of the public school population. 
    Over the years, the Department has developed specific expertise to deliver on the promise that children with disabilities will have equal and fair access to educational opportunity in the United States. Congress has promised to families that students with disabilities will have a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment and has specifically charged the Department of Education with making that promise real in the lives of students with disabilities. It administers programs that support employment outcomes, like the Vocational Rehabilitation Services program which supports jobseekers with disabilities in preparing for and succeeding at work, including for underserved communities such as Native Americans.  Yet, on March 20th, President Trump signed an executive order directing the closure of the Department.  This followed your decision earlier this month to move forward with a reduction in force plan that will critically damage your ability to fulfill your statutory duties to students with disabilities by eliminating nearly half of your workforce.
    It is essential to recognize the vital role the Department plays in safeguarding the rights of students with disabilities. We are concerned by President Trump’s effort to transfer implementation and oversight of special education to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), a move which you indicated you support during your confirmation hearing. The Department of Education has the statutory authority to implement and enforce IDEA. Without an act of Congress giving authority to HHS, this administration’s attempts to shift IDEA responsibility to HHS will merely prevent the law from being enforced at all. The Senate report from 1979 on the creation of the Department of Education found that the “significant, but carefully restrained Federal role in education…is severely hampered by its burial in [The Department of Health, Education and Welfare]…its confusing lines of authority and administration, its fragmentation, and its obvious lack of direction.”  In other words, the Senate’s findings in 1979 indicate that this department structure was inefficient and resulted in a lack of attention to public education. The Department of Education is the only agency with an existing institutional infrastructure and a staff of subject matter experts dedicated to ensuring equal educational opportunity for children and students with disabilities. More than this, disabled students deserve to be seen as and treated as the learners and scholars they are. Students with disabilities belong in classrooms alongside their nondisabled peers, and they deserve the accommodations and supports that enable them to thrive. Because of the Department of Education’s specific expertise, it is best positioned to do the job well and efficiently. Transferring these authorities to HHS will not only overburden an agency already confronting massive workforce cuts orchestrated by this administration, but it will also stretch HHS beyond its expertise as medical, rather than educational, professionals.
    We are alarmed by the potential consequences your proposed reassignment will have on the larger framework of education for students with disabilities. Prior to the passage of IDEA, only one in five children with disabilities were educated in schools, and more than 1.8 million children were systemically excluded from public school in the United States.  Disabilities were seen as medical conditions to be treated and as a result, many children with disabilities were institutionalized rather than educated. We cannot risk regression to an outdated and dehumanizing perspective on disability, which prevented millions of children from accessing the inclusive public education they deserve. Our entire nation benefits when disabled people have equal access to a high-quality education that enables them to use their gifts and talents.
    Additionally, the Trump administration instituted a one-month freeze on investigating discrimination complaints, an unprecedented decision even during a presidential transition. The Office for Civil Rights currently faces a backlog of 12,000 investigations, half of which involve students with disabilities. While the freeze was lifted February 20th for disability discrimination claims, we are concerned that the Department will still not have the capacity to process the backlog of 6,000 disability claims, as well as any incoming additional claims—especially considering the unjustified termination of dedicated public servants across the 12 regional divisions of the Office for Civil Rights.
    While all disabled students are harmed when supports are taken away and barriers left unchecked, disabled students of color are harmed disproportionately relative to disabled white students and nondisabled students of color. Students of color are misidentified for special education – both improperly identified and improperly excluded from identification, overrepresented in restrictive placements (segregated from their nondisabled peers) and disciplined in school.  Because of cuts to the Office for Civil Rights, as well as undermining the administration of education programs such as Title I that serve low-income students (who are disproportionately of color), disabled students of color stand to suffer the greatest harms of your policy actions. The Department of Education’s irreplaceable role providing guardrails and enforcing laws has allowed progress towards the goal of equal opportunity in education. While the work is unfinished, we must move forward not backwards.
    In a speech on March 3rd, you called for the elimination of “unnecessary bureaucracy” at the Department.  Yet, the Department has the smallest staff of any Cabinet-level agency while administering the third-largest discretionary budget. Prior to the recent firings, this number stood at 4,245 employees, including over 700 employees dedicated to addressing the needs of students with disabilities.  More than 1,300 employees have since been fired, in addition to over 500 employees who have opted for separation packages. Indiscriminate firings of workers who are stewards of federal dollars appropriated by Congress with the mandate of ensuring equal access to education for all students does not eliminate “bureaucracy;” it merely impedes the Department’s ability to carry out its work on behalf of children. Indeed, following the recent reduction in force, a coalition of 20 state attorneys general filed a lawsuit arguing the layoffs are so severe the Department “can no longer function, and cannot comply with its statutory requirements.”
    We are also concerned about the combined efforts from the Department and the “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) to slash $900 million in education-related research and over $600 million in educator preparation grants. These cuts will negatively impact critical research into best practices to support students with disabilities who have the shared dream of graduating high school and contributing to our economy.  The cuts also result in the suspension of highly successful programs designed to address the special education teacher shortage which has been consistent over decades and negatively impacts the educational outcomes of students with disabilities. We cannot effectively serve students with disabilities or make informed policy decisions without quality information and highly qualified teachers.
    It is critical that students, parents, teachers, and schools have clear and accurate guidance in response to these recent actions to ensure and affirm the right of all students with disabilities to a free and appropriate public education.
    We request that you respond to the following questions by no later than April 11, 2025.
    Please provide a complete list of all terminated grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements that impact students with disabilities.
    Please provide the guidance developed by the Department and DOGE to determine which grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to cancel.
    How many Department employees have been affected by the reduction in force who conduct essential functions pertaining to serving students with disabilities?
    How many employees impacted by the reduction in force are involved in investigating civil rights complaints? Of those employees, how many were investigating disability discrimination cases? 
    How many employees impacted by the reduction in force are responsible for ensuring compliance with the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)? How many employees in the Office of the General Counsel who focused on oversight of IDEA were impacted? What provisions have been made to ensure that oversight of that law continues?
    As of January 20th, 2025, how many Department staff were employed in the Institute of Education Sciences’ National Center for Special Education Research, and how many staff have been impacted by the Department’s Reduction in Force (RIF) announced on March 11th, 2025?
    Given the recent RIF and media reported cancellations of Institute of Education Sciences’ routine activities, what is the Department’s plan to carry out special education research, including the statutorily required scientific peer-review for research grants awarded by National Center for Special Education Research?
    What, if any, criteria are the Department of Education using to determine which employees and divisions to cut or eliminate?
    What is your plan to ensure that all statutory obligations to students with disabilities are properly delivered in light of recent executive actions?
    Do you commit to the timely investigation of all disability-based discrimination complaints received by the Office for Civil Rights?
    What evidence do you have that indicates transferring existing programs to other agencies will be more efficient and improve outcomes for students with disabilities?
    How will the Department continue to monitor compliance with the significant disproportionality requirement of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and its implementing regulation? How will cuts to OCR, OSERS, and OESE affect the Department’s ability to ensure students are protected from discrimination based on disability and race?
    This letter has been endorsed by the following organizations: Access Ready Inc., American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), The Arc of Delaware, The Arc of the United States, Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE), Association of University Centers On Disabilities (AUCD), Autism Society of America, Center for Learner Equity, CommunicationFIRST, Council of Administrators of Special Education, Inc. (CASE), Council for Exceptional Children, Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Delaware State Education Association (DSEA), Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF), Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children (DEC),Division for Learning Disabilities of the Council for Exceptional Children, Michigan Alliance for Special Education, MomsRising, Muscular Dystrophy Association, National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), National Down Syndrome Society, National Education Association (NEA), New America’s Early & Elementary Education Policy Team, School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA).
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner & Kaine Statement on Budget Resolution Slashing Programs that Virginians Rely on to Pay for Tax Cuts for Billionaires

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), members of the Senate Budget Committee, released the following statement after Senate Republicans voted to advance a budget resolution that will slash programs that Virginians rely on in order to pay for tax cuts for billionaires:
    “The Trump Administration has thrown our economy into needless chaos by enacting universal tariffs that will raise costs. Now, despite our strong opposition, Republicans in Congress have moved forward with an enormous tax bill that will cut programs Virginians rely on, give massive tax breaks to billionaires, and raise the deficit by unprecedented levels. We should be focused on lowering the costs of child care and housing, cutting taxes for middle class Americans, and continuing to build on our progress to boost domestic manufacturing. President Trump and Republicans’ budget and economic policies will be a disaster for our country, and we urge them to reverse course before they do more harm.”
    Warner and Kaine spoke on the Senate floor in opposition to Republicans’ budget resolution. They also filed amendments that would have protected federal employees, veterans, and Virginians on Medicaid, and held the Trump Administration accountable for its harmful actions, including its reckless, sloppy handling of classified information; however, Senate Republicans refused to incorporate them.

    MIL OSI USA News –