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Category: Finance

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Joins UNICEF Game Changers Coalition to Provide Blockchain Education to 300K People in 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles and LUXEMBOURG, June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has entered a three-year partnership with UNICEF Luxembourg to advance digital skills and blockchain literacy among young people.

    The partnership enrolls Bitget into the Game Changers Coalition (GCC) led by UNICEF Office of Innovation (OOI). Support from Bitget will help reach 300,000 people – including adolescent girls, parents, mentors and teachers with blockchain skills – across eight countries; Armenia, Brazil, Cambodia, India, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Morocco, and South Africa.

    Photo from Press Conference (from left to right): Paul Heber, Chief Communications Officer, UNICEF Luxembourg; Gracy Chen, CEO, Bitget; Yannick Naud, Innovative Finance, UNICEF Luxembourg

    Through the partnership, Bitget Academy, the educational arm of Bitget, will help develop UNICEF’s first interactive, online and in-person blockchain training module based on video games creation skills development for teachers and young people. This is a welcome inclusion to a curriculum already reaching hundreds of thousands of people. Support from Bitget will also help expand the Coalition’s reach to a ninth country.

    “This partnership reflects our shared belief that digital skills are a powerful driver of opportunity and inclusion,” said Sandra Visscher, Executive Director of UNICEF Luxembourg. “By collaborating with Bitget, we want to provide adolescents and young people with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to shape their own futures. Innovation should be a force for inclusion, opening doors, broadening horizons, and ensuring that technology works for everyone, everywhere.”

    In a move to extend the ecosystem’s reach, Bitget will also aim to introduce UNICEF to leading blockchain protocols and developers from across the Web3 landscape to participate in the educational initiative. These contributors could serve as mentors and partners, offering diverse perspectives and possibilities for blockchain technologies.

    “Emerging technologies should not be reserved for the privileged few—they must be introduced early and equitably. Blockchain, with its real-world use case and potential for social good, is one of the most powerful tools we can give to our younger generation to build products that change the way we look at modern society. With Blockchain4Her, what began as a mission to empower hundreds of women has scaled into a global movement to educate thousands of girls. This is the kind of scale and impact blockchain was built for,” said Gracy Chen, CEO at Bitget.

    Every year, adolescent girls and young women in low and middle-income countries miss out on USD 15 billion in economic opportunities due to a gap in internet access and digital skills relative to their male peers. With 90 per cent of jobs today requiring digital competencies, the Game Changers Coalition responds to the urgency of closing the gender digital skills gap.

    Together, Bitget and UNICEF are working to build a scalable, inclusive model that equips young women with the tools to navigate and shape the digital economy of tomorrow.

    As part of the Game Changers Coalition, Bitget joins the Global Video Game Coalition, Micron Foundation and ecosystem builders – Women in Games in a shared ambition to reach 1.1 million girls by 2027, with learning and skills-building opportunities.

    With the help of Bitget Academy, and support from the $10M initiative Blockchain4Her, Bitget plans to enhance digital literacy and financial independence among women taught to them at a young age.

    Bitget’s Blockchain4Her initiative has previously supported women through mentorship programs, funding opportunities, and educational resources.

    Together, Bitget and UNICEF Luxembourg aim to empower a new generation of girls with the knowledge and skills they need to participate actively in the evolving crypto economy.

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 120 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a leading non-custodial crypto wallet supporting 130+ blockchains and millions of tokens. It offers multi-chain trading, staking, payments, and direct access to 20,000+ DApps, with advanced swaps and market insights built into a single platform.

    Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist), and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet
    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to allocate only funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

    Bitget

    This is not the first time Bitget has worked with an UN agency. Gracy Chen, is a UN women delegate. During last Ramadan, Bitget partnered up with world-renowned humanitarian organizations, including the UN Refugee Agency, UN World Food Programme, ShareTheMeal, and the One Billion Meals Endowment to donate thousands of meals. Under $10M Blockchain4Her, promising projects led by women were supported and awards were rewarded for the inspiring contributions of more. Hosting over 10 meetups globally, more than a thousand women participated in networking, learning, and driving innovation in the blockchain space.

    About UNICEF

    UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to reach the most disadvantaged children and build a better world for every child.
    UNICEF Luxembourg supports this global mission by mobilizing private sector partnerships and voluntary contributions. It also advocates nationally to uphold children’s rights—focusing on reducing inequalities, promoting gender equality, tackling child poverty, supporting mental well-being, and improving access to justice for every child.

    Disclaimer: UNICEF does not endorse any company, brand, product or service. This partnership is focused solely on supporting education outcomes for children.

    For more information, visit: Website | Facebook | Instagram | x.com | LinkedIn
    For media inquiries, please contact: UNICEF Luxembourg, Paul Heber, Chief Communication | T (+352) 448715 | M (+352)691198105 | pheber@unicef.lu

    About the Game Changers Coalition
    Building on UNICEF’s existing work of providing girls with digital and 21st-century skills through the Skills4Girls portfolio, spanning 22 countries and reaching close to 6 million girls, the Game Changers Coalition is UNICEF’s platform to convene the video gaming sector and tech industry with the aim to equip this and coming generation of girls with the skills they need and want in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) to become coders, designers, and leaders of a more inclusive, diverse, and safer digital future.

    Find out more here.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0daf6ba6-21cd-44dc-a7f0-fee2a8efbf28
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d0a53fb7-9043-4464-af17-4ac1043cd304

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Markey Condemns Republicans’ Egregious Attacks on Health Care, Clean Energy, and Children in Senate Finance Reconciliation Text

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Washington (June 16, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee and the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today released the following statement after Senate Republicans released the Senate Finance portion of their reconciliation bill text.

    “Tonight, Senate Republicans released bill text that would take from children and families, make the biggest cuts to health care in United States history, and forsake the future of our planet – all to give tax breaks to billionaires. Millions of children would lose the Child Tax Credit. Cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act would force hospitals and nursing homes to cut back services or close, and millions of Americans would need to travel further, wait longer, and pay more for their health care. 

    “Meanwhile, Senate Republicans are doubling down on egregious attacks on the historic investments in the Inflation Reduction Act, threatening hundreds of thousands of jobs and hundreds of billions in investments in our communities. Instead of helping to lower energy costs and reduce pollution, Republicans are continuing their vendetta against wind and solar energy – the cheapest and cleanest sources of electricity – to pad the pockets of their Big Oil and Gas Buddies.

    “Republicans do not have to pass this Big, Ugly Bill. There is no need to force people out of work, rip people’s health care away from them, or steal from our future. Republicans must stand up and say no to this Big Billionaire Boondoggle.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • FATF condemns Pahalgam terror attack, says it could not have occurred without ‘money and means’

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a major development, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on Monday severely condemned the “brutal terrorist attack” in Pahalgam on April 22, stating that it could not have taken place without “money and the means” to move funds between terrorist supporters.

    “Terrorist attacks kill, maim and inspire fear around the world. The FATF notes with grave concern and condemns the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 April 2025. This, and other recent attacks, could not occur without money and the means to move funds between terrorist supporters,” the FATF said in a statement after its plenary meeting.

    It mentioned further: “As highlighted by the FATF President at the recent No Money for Terror Conference in Munich, no single company, authority, or country can combat this challenge alone. We must be unified against the scourge of global terrorism. Because terrorists need to succeed only once to achieve their goal, while we have to succeed every time to prevent it.”

    As many as 26 innocent tourists were massacred in the Pakistan-sponsored terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir’s Pahalgam.

    Investigations into the Pahalgam terror attack brought out the communication nodes of terrorists in and to Pakistan. A group calling itself The Resistance Front (TRF) – a front for the UN-proscribed Pakistani terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba – had claimed responsibility for the attack.

    India had given inputs about the TRF in the half-yearly report to the Monitoring Team of the United Nations’ 1267 Sanctions Committee in May and November 2024, bringing out its role as a cover for Pakistan-based terrorist groups.

    Earlier too, in December 2023, India had informed the monitoring team about LeT and Jaish-e-Mohammad operating through small terror groups such as the TRF. Pakistan’s pressure to remove references to TRF in the April 25 UN Security Council Press Statement were highlighted by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) during Operation Sindoor.

    Asserting that Pakistan has a history of misusing bailout packages for cross-border terrorism, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had called for putting the failed state back on the FATF grey list.

    “The state and non-state actors are two sides of the same coin in Pakistan, which became evident when designated terrorists were accorded funerals with state honours,” Singh said earlier this month.

    The FATF, which develops and promotes policies to protect the global financial system against money laundering, terrorist financing and the financing of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, has acknowledged in the past that India has suffered from the effects of terrorism consistently since its independence in 1947 and still faces a “disparate range of terrorism threats”, categorised into different theatres.

    Speaking exclusively with IANS recently, several experts, including former diplomats and counterterrorism experts, backed a strong action against Pakistan, including by putting the country back on the grey list of the FATF for its continuous involvement in terror financing and backing global terror outfits.

    “Terror doesn’t come out of the blue. It’s something that has to be financed, structured and so forth. So, it’s a long, concerted action that lies behind all this terror. Therefore, you need to do whatever you can globally, also regionally, to secure that we don’t have financing that will flow into the streams of terror. It has to stop. Pakistan has to be put where they belong. So, they have to be put on that list, no doubt about that,” Freddy Svane, the former Danish Ambassador to India, told IANS in an exclusive interview, earlier this month.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Indian stock market opens lower amid weak Asian cues

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian benchmark indices opened in the red on Tuesday, tracking weak cues from Asian markets, with early trade witnessing selling pressure in auto, IT, and pharma sectors.

    At around 9:28 a.m., the BSE Sensex was down 186.35 points or 0.23 per cent at 81,609.80, while the NSE Nifty fell 68.20 points or 0.27 per cent to trade at 24,878.30.

    The Nifty Bank index slipped 30.10 points or 0.05 per cent to 55,914.80. The Nifty Midcap 100 index was trading lower by 36.40 points or 0.06 per cent at 58,732.10, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 declined 66.30 points or 0.36 per cent to 18,482.90.

    Market sentiment remained cautious as investors reacted to geopolitical tensions and global cues. Analysts noted that former US President Donald Trump’s latest comments on Iran have raised concerns about the broader geopolitical outlook.

    Despite escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, global markets have shown resilience. The decline in the US volatility index (CBOE VIX) suggests that sharp corrections are unlikely unless the conflict escalates further, market experts said.

    “The key reason for the market’s resilience is the participation of retail investors, who continue to see every market dip as a buying opportunity. Elevated valuations are not discouraging retail flows,” said Dr. V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services.

    Among the Sensex constituents, Axis Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, NTPC, PowerGrid, Adani Ports, ICICI Bank, SBI, TCS, and HCL Tech were the top gainers in early trade. On the flip side, Tata Motors, Sun Pharma, IndusInd Bank, UltraTech Cement, Titan, and Bajaj Finance were among the top losers.

    On the institutional side, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth ₹2,287.69 crore on June 16, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) remained net buyers with purchases worth ₹5,607.64 crore.

    In Asian markets, indices in Bangkok, Jakarta, Japan, and Seoul were trading in the green, while those in Hong Kong and China witnessed losses.

    In the previous trading session, US markets ended higher. The Dow Jones closed at 42,515.09, up 317.30 points or 0.75 per cent. The S&P 500 gained 56.14 points or 0.94 per cent to end at 6,033.11, and the Nasdaq rose 294.39 points or 1.52 per cent to 19,701.21.

    Attention now turns to the US Federal Reserve, which begins its two-day policy meeting on Tuesday. The central bank is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged.

    “Comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell will be closely watched, especially in the context of easing inflation and continued economic strength,” said Devarsh Vakil, Head of Prime Research at HDFC Securities.

    — IANS

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Revelatory documentary Emily: I Am Kam explores the incredible work of trailblazing Aboriginal artist Emily Kam Kngwarray

    Source: NSW Government puts trust in NAB to transform banking and payments

    12 06 2025 – Media release

    Emily: I Am Kam. Photo Toly Sawenko. 
    A powerful new documentary, Emily: I Am Kam, revealing the work of Australia’s most significant artist, Emily Kam Kngwarray, premieres on National Indigenous Television (NITV) and SBS On Demand on Wednesday 9 July at 8:30pm, with an encore on SBS on Saturday 12 July at 8:30pm.
    Directed by Danielle MacLean, the film delves into Emily Kam Kngwarray’s transformative impact on the international contemporary art world and her enduring legacy. Emily: I Am Kam is a detailed portrait that offers an intimate and profound exploration of Kngwarray, a trailblazing Anmatyerr artist from the Northern Territory. Kngwarray is celebrated as one of Australia’s most significant and prolific artists. Her work is deeply rooted in her connection to Country, culture, and community, Emily: I Am Kam follows the preparations of the National Gallery of Australia’s major 2023 Kngwarray retrospective. It provides a rare opportunity to witness her journey and the profound influence of her art and explores the power of Emily’s work to protect her Country, Alhalker.
    The film has received principal production funding from Screen Australia’s First Nations Department, and features rare archival recordings, audio, and visuals from the mid-1970s onwards, many of which have never been seen or heard before. These materials allow Kngwarray to speak in her own words, offering viewers an authentic and personal insight into her life and artistic process.
    Interviews with Emily’s descendants as they revive the awely (women’s ceremony) and collaborate on a major retrospective exhibition, reaffirms her connection to Country and community and helps audiences gain an understanding of who she was and why she painted. It also reveals her legacy is much more than the 3,000 or so paintings she left behind.
    Emily: I Am Kam is produced by Anna Grieve and Danielle MacLean of Tamarind Tree Pictures, and written and directed by Danielle MacLean.
    Screen Australia First Nations Department Development and Investment Manager Jorjia Gillis said, “Emily: I Am Kam is a powerful documentary that highlights the culturally significant work, life and legacy of Emily Kam Kngwarray. The creative team led by Danielle MacLean and Anna Grieve have expertly captured the impact of Emily’s career as her paintings truly are living histories with intrinsic connection to Country, community and culture.”

    Producers Danielle MacLean and Anna Grieve of Tamarind Tree Pictures said, “Emily: I Am Kam is much more than an art documentary, it is a cultural story told while working alongside the Alhalker and Anangker women, Kngwarray’s descendants and cultural successors. These women carry Emily’s legacy in their bodies, their songs, their ceremonies and in their relationship to Country. They welcomed us onto their land, shared their knowledge, and allowed us to witness what cannot be found in archives or galleries – the living continuation of Kngwarray’s culture Emily: I Am Kam is not a Western story of artistic genius or fame. It is a story of deep cultural continuity, told from within the community.”
    Dena Curtis, Head of Indigenous Commissioning and Production at NITV said, “Emily Kam Kngwarray is one of Australia’s most significant artists. Having reshaped the international art world, her work and legacy continues to reverberate globally. Emily: I Am Kam explores the intersection of art, culture and Country, NITV is the home of black excellence, and we are incredibly proud to bring Kngwarray’s story to audiences and highlight the living continuation of her culture and legacy.”
    Dr Nick Mitzevich, Director, National Gallery of Australia said, “Emily Kam Kngwarray was one of the most significant artists of the 20th century. Her original artistic vision and powerful expression of Country, Community, culture and identity has been celebrated globally. As custodians of the largest collection of her art, it is important that the National Gallery shares Kngwarray’s life and art with Australians and the world. It is with great excitement to share her legacy through this captivating documentary.”
    Jennie Hughes, Director at Screen Territory said, “Emily Kam Kngwarray’s story is one of extraordinary cultural and creative significance — not just for the Northern Territory, but for the world. Emily: I Am Kam offers a powerful exploration of her legacy, and Screen Territory is proud to support this remarkable documentary from Tamarind Tree Pictures, skillfully directed by the talented Danielle MacLean. This film not only honours one of Australia’s most celebrated artists, but also deepens our understanding of Indigenous art, culture, and the connection to Country.”
    Emily: I Am Kam is a Tamarind Tree Pictures production for NITV. Principal Production funding from Screen Australia’s First Nations Department in association with National Gallery of Australia. Financed with support from NITV and Screen Territory.
    Watch Emily: I Am Kam on NITV and SBS On Demand on Wednesday 9 July at 8:30pm and on SBS on Saturday 12 July at 8:30pm, as part of the network’s NAIDOC Week celebrations. Subtitles will be available on SBS On Demand in Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese, with audio description for blind or low vision audiences.
    NITV Media Enquiries:
    Hannah Watkins, Senior Communications Specialist
    0411 362 727 | [email protected]
    Media enquiries
    Maddie Walsh | Publicist
    + 61 2 8113 5915  | [email protected]
    Jessica Parry | Senior Publicist (Mon, Tue, Thu)
    + 61 428 767 836  | [email protected]
    All other general/non-media enquiries
    Sydney + 61 2 8113 5800  |  Melbourne + 61 3 8682 1900 | [email protected]

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Florida Man Sentenced to 100 Months’ Imprisonment for Wire Fraud and Tax Evasion

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Robert Rahrle Operated a Fake Business Purporting to Send Gift Baskets into Prisons

    SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Robert Rahrle, age 35, formerly of Florida and now residing in the Northern District of New York, was sentenced last week to 100 months’ imprisonment to be followed by 3 years of supervised release for wire fraud and tax evasion. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Harry T. Chavis, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), made the announcement.

    As part of his previously entered guilty plea, Rahrle admitted that from 2017 through 2024, he ran a fraudulent online gift basket website called iCare Gifting Solutions LLC.  iCare purported to cater to families of incarcerated individuals, promising to send care packages into prisons.  iCare charged hundreds of customers approximately $50 per gift basket but never sent the gift packages.

    In addition to defrauding iCare’s customers, Rahrle evaded his federal taxes. He self-prepared and filed tax returns for tax years 2017 and 2018 that falsely reported business losses and failed to report hundreds of thousands of dollars of gross receipts.

    Senior United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also ordered Rahrle to pay a $2,000,000 money judgment and $178,651 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service with restitution to the individual victims of Rahrle’s fraud offense to be determined at a later date.

    U.S. Attorney Sarcone said: “Driven by greed, Rahrle operated a years’ long fraud scheme scamming people out of millions of dollars.  For that he will pay a high price a spend the next 8 years in federal prison.  My office will vigorously pursue consumer scam artists like the defendant to protect the public and the public fisc.”

    “Mr. Rahrle took advantage of those who wanted to help others and literally did not deliver what was promised.  While care packages were left unsent, he pocketed the money with little regard of the consequences.  This sentence sees to it that Mr. Rahrle will spend a lot of time behind bars, and perhaps he’ll learn firsthand the potential value of a legitimate care package business,” said Harry T. Chavis, Special Agent in Charge of IRS-CI New York.

    This case was investigated by IRS-CI, the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), and the Criminal Investigation Division of the U.S. Secret Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael D. Gadarian.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Colonisation cleared 95% of these woodlands – Indigenous cultural burning is bringing it back

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Elle Bowd, Research Fellow, Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University

    For millennia, First Nations people have shaped Australian ecosystems through the purposeful and skilful use of fire. This cultural burning is an important way for Aboriginal people to connect to and care for Country.

    Under climate change, Earth is experiencing more frequent and severe bushfires. This has prompted a rethink of Western approaches to fire management, and triggered the development of cultural burning programs supported by government agencies.

    At the same time, First Nations people have been calling to revitalise cultural burning as part of a generations-long pursuit of self-determination.

    Our new research details the results of a Indigenous-led cultural burning program in critically endangered woodlands in New South Wales. It shows how Western science can support cultural burning to deliver benefits across cultures – as well as for nature.

    What we did

    Box-gum grassy woodland has been extensively cleared for agriculture, and only about 5% of its original extent remains. The woodlands are endangered in NSW and critically endangered across eastern Australia.

    They feature diverse eucalypt trees, sparse shrubs and native tussock grasses, and support native fauna including the critically endangered regent honeyeater and swift parrot.

    Our project brought together First Nations communities, ecologists from the Australian National University and officers from Local Land Services. It also involved the Rural Fire Service.

    Cultural burns are relatively cool, slow fires. They trickle through the landscape, enabling animals to escape the flames. They promote the germination of plants, including culturally important food and medicine plants, among other benefits.

    Cultural burns are important to First Nations people for a variety of cultural and social reasons. The practice is part of a broader suite of inherited cultural responsibilities shared through generations.

    Our project involved cultural burns in the winter and spring of 2023. Wiradjuri people burned their Country around Young and Wagga Wagga, and Ngunnawal people burned their Country near Yass.

    The burns took place on travelling stock reserves – remnant patches of vegetation historically used to move cattle from paddock to market. These reserves are very important for Aboriginal people because they often trace Songlines and Dreaming tracks. They are also important for farmers as places to graze cattle during drought.

    Alongside the cultural burning program, ANU research ecologists monitored how the woodlands responded to the burns. They did this by surveying plants, soils and biomass before and about eight months after the burns, as well as in unburnt areas.

    What we found

    We measured plant responses by counting the number of plant individuals and recording germination.

    Many native plant species germinated after the burn. They included native peas – one an endangered species, the small scurf pea, which germinated exclusively after the burns.

    Germination was greater in burned than unburned sites, including for sensitive species that commonly respond well to fire such as native glycine (a herb) and lomandra grasses.

    Importantly, the condition of a site before the burn affected how well plants responded. Condition refers to factors such as the diversity of native plants (including sensitive species) and the presence of weeds.

    After the burn, native plants were more abundant on sites with a better starting condition, than on those in poor condition. This highlights the importance of improving the health of poor-condition areas after burns.

    The type of appropriate management will depend on the site, but may include weed control and planting or seeding native species. More monitoring will also help quantify longer term responses after burning.

    Investing in community and nature

    Indigenous community members led the burns on their Country and were represented by women and men of multiple generations. They were paid for their work and offered fire-safety training and personal protective equipment.

    The burns were often community events – days of connection and sharing knowledge within communities, and between cultures. This fostered opportunities for “two-way learning” and “two-eyed seeing” – ways of respectfully bringing together Indigenous and Western knowledge.

    Our project shows how cross-cultural partnerships can be central to conserving and restoring Australia’s unique and highly diverse ecosystems, during a period of environmental change. But for this to happen, cultural burning must be better integrated into mainstream land management.

    This is especially needed in some parts of southern Australia, where government-funded programs have been less resourced than in parts of northern and Central Australia.

    Government agencies and institutions can support Indigenous land stewardship in various ways.

    These include:

    • designing projects with Indigenous people from the outset, and being directed by community aspirations which supports self-determination

    • forming meaningful cross-cultural partnerships across agencies to navigate complex bureaucratic processes

    • providing Indigenous people with resources and land access to manage Country, including funding for labour, training and equipment. Provisions for sufficient resources must be made from the beginning, in grant applications

    • protecting and acknowledging the rights of Indigenous people to their cultural heritage, such as traditional knowledge, through formal protection agreements.

    Elle Bowd receives funding from the NSW Government, the ACT Government, the ACT government, the Local Land Services, and the Australian Research Council.

    David Lindenmayer receives funding from the NSW Government, the ACT Government, the 4AM Foundation, NSW Local Land Services, and the Australian Research Council. He is a Councillor with the Biodiversity Council and a Member of Birds Australia.

    Geoff Cary receives funding from the Australian Research Council and the Bushfire Research Centre of Excellence funded by ANU and Optus, and previously received funding from Future Ready Regions EDIS Development, Australian Research Council, ACT Government, Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC, National Health and Medical Research Council, Australian Greenhouse Office/Department of Climate Change Greenhouse Action in Regional Australia funding schemes, Desert Knowledge CRC, NSW Department of Environment & Conservation, Tasmanian Government and US National Science Foundation.

    Braithan Bell-Garner and Dean Freeman do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Colonisation cleared 95% of these woodlands – Indigenous cultural burning is bringing it back – https://theconversation.com/colonisation-cleared-95-of-these-woodlands-indigenous-cultural-burning-is-bringing-it-back-257883

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • Trump urges Tehran evacuation as Iran-Israel conflict enters fifth day

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israel and Iran attacked each other for a fifth straight day on Tuesday, and U.S. President Donald Trump urged Iranians to evacuate Tehran, citing what he said was the country’s rejection of a deal to curb nuclear weapons development.

    Trump was due to leave the Group of Seven summit in Canada later on Monday, a day early, due to the Middle East situation, the White House said. Fox News reported he would convene his National Security Council.

    “Iran should have signed the ‘deal’ I told them to sign. What a shame, and waste of human life. Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social media platform.

    French President Emmanuel Macron said Trump’s early departure from the G7 was positive, given the immediate objective was to get Israel and Iran to agree to a ceasefire that the U.S. had proposed.

    “There is an offer that has been made, especially to have a ceasefire and to initiate broader discussions. And I think this is a very good thing,” Macron told reporters. “So now we need to see what the stakeholders will do.”

    Iranian media reported explosions and heavy air defence fire in Tehran early on Tuesday. Air defences were activated also in Natanz, home to key nuclear installations 320 km (200 miles) away, the Asriran news website reported.

    A White House aide said it was not true that the U.S. was attacking Iran. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Fox News that Trump was still aiming for a nuclear deal with Iran, while adding the U.S. would defend its assets in the region.

    In Israel, air raid sirens wailed in Tel Aviv after midnight and an explosion was heard as Iranian missiles targeted the country again.

    Iranian officials reported 224 deaths, mostly civilians, in five days, while Israel said 24 civilians had been killed. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said nearly 3,000 Israelis had been evacuated due to damage from Iranian strikes.

    Sources told Reuters that Tehran had asked Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia to urge Trump to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to an immediate ceasefire. In return, Iran would show flexibility in nuclear negotiations, according to two Iranian and three regional sources.

    “If President Trump is genuine about diplomacy and interested in stopping this war, next steps are consequential,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on X. “Israel must halt its aggression, and absent a total cessation of military aggression against us, our responses will continue.”

    Netanyahu told reporters on Monday that Israel was committed to eliminating threats posed by Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, adding, “If this can be achieved in another way—fine. But we gave it a 60-day chance.”

    Speaking to Reuters on Friday, the first day of Israel’s assault, Trump said he had given the Iranians 60 days to come to an agreement to halt uranium enrichment and that the time had expired with no deal. Iran says its nuclear programme is only for peaceful purposes.

    Oil prices rallied more than 2% early in Asia on Tuesday after Trump’s evacuation warning, reversing losses on Monday amid reports that Iran was seeking an end to hostilities.

    CHINESE URGED TO LEAVE ISRAEL

    With security concerns growing and Israeli airspace closed because of the war, the Chinese embassy in Israel urged its citizens to leave the country via land border crossings as soon as possible.

    The Iran-Israel air war – the biggest battle ever between the two longtime enemies – escalated on Monday with Israel targeting Iran’s state broadcaster and uranium enrichment facilities.

    Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, told the BBC that the Natanz plant sustained extensive damage, likely destroying 15,000 centrifuges, while Iran’s Fordow plant remained largely intact.

    Talks between the United States and Iran, hosted by Oman, had been scheduled for June 15 but were scrapped, with Tehran saying it could not negotiate while under attack.

    Israel launched its air war with a surprise attack that has killed nearly the entire top echelon of Iran’s military commanders and its leading nuclear scientists. It says it now has control of Iranian airspace and intends to escalate the campaign in the coming days.

    Trump has consistently said the Israeli assault could end quickly if Iran agreed to U.S. demands that it accept strict curbs on its nuclear programme.

    “As I’ve been saying, I think a deal will be signed, or something will happen, but a deal will be signed, and I think Iran is foolish not to sign,” Trump told reporters on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit in Canada on Monday.

    A U.S. official said Trump would not sign a draft statement from G7 leaders calling for a de-escalation of the conflict. The draft statement says Iran must never have a nuclear weapon and that Israel has the right to defend itself.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: First Responders – New World Victoria Park fire update #3

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    The fire at New World Victoria Park is not yet under control, with firefighters facing challenges in reaching the fire.
    Crews were alerted by fire alarm activation to the fire around 11.18am. Currently there are 20 trucks and support vehicles are on the scene, with further resources still responding.
    This includes the Hamilton aerial appliance, which has been deployed as backup for the three Auckland aerials already in use.
    Incident Controller Vaughan Mackereth says the fire is currently burning on the mezzanine floor and in the roof.
    “This means accessing it is difficult for our crews,” he says.
    “We are only fighting the fire from outside the building as it is too dangerous at this stage for internal firefighting.
    “We are expecting to be here into the evening and overnight.”
    All persons have been accounted for.
    The public is advised to continue to avoid the area, with the roads around the supermarket closed.
    An Emergency Mobile Alert was issued for people southwest of the fire to stay inside with their windows and doors closed due to the smoke.
    Fire Investigators are on scene but it is too early to speculate on the cause.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government must urgently rule out Ute Tax 2.0 – Federated Farmers

    Source: Federated Farmers

    Federated Farmers is calling on Revenue Minister Simon Watts to urgently rule out changes to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) that would cost every farmer thousands of dollars each year.
    Inland Revenue has proposed major changes to the way FBT applies to utes, which are common and essential work tools for most farmers across New Zealand.
    “This could very quickly become a ‘Ute Tax 2.0’ and it seems to be being pushed through by stealth,” says Federated Farmers transport spokesperson Mark Hooper.
    “Farmers will be incredibly concerned that the government are consulting on new rules that could add thousands of dollars of additional tax payments each year.
    “This would be a huge cost for farmers, tradies and other productive New Zealanders and unfairly punish the legitimate use of these work vehicles.
    “The previous Government’s Ute Tax was bad enough, but at least that was a one-off cost. These new FBT charges would be annual and cost farmers an arm and a leg each year.”
    Under the proposal, utes costing over $80,000 and provided to farm owners or other major shareholders would be taxed at 100% of their value (capped at $80,000), even if used almost exclusively for farm work.
    That would result in an annual tax bill of between $5,500 and $8,200.
    Everyone else, like employees and sharemilkers, would be taxed on 35% of the ute’s value. That’s around $1,800 to $2,700 annually for a $50,000 vehicle.
    “The old system at least allowed people to keep logbooks and potentially pay less tax if the private use was genuinely small,” Hooper says.
    “Now the Government wants to scrap all that and slap a flat tax on nearly every farm ute in the country, even if the ute almost never leaves the farm except to drive home.”
    Federated Farmers says the proposal completely ignores the reality of how farmers use their vehicles, often crossing public roads between blocks or driving into town for supplies at Farmlands or the vet.
    “These are not Queen Street vanity purchases. A four-wheel drive ute is a core piece of equipment that farmers need to do their job each day,” Hooper says.
    “If it leaves the farm to get fencing gear or pick something up from the vet, that’s still work. But under these new rules, it would be taxed as private use.”
    The IRD consultation period closed on 5 May, but Federated Farmers says the lack of clear direction from the Minister is causing anxiety in the rural sector.
    “The recently announced Investment Boost tax deduction was incredibly well received by farmers and has generated real economic activity, particularly at Fieldays,” Hooper says.
    “Unfortunately, all that good work risks being undone if the Government is giving with one hand and taking with the other.
    “We understand this is just a proposal and no final decisions have been made, but we’re calling on Simon Watts to move quickly and take these potential FBT changes off the table.
    “There’s no way the Government should be introducing taxes that would unfairly punish farmers for driving legitimate work vehicles.”
    Federated Farmers is calling on Revenue Minister Simon Watts to categorically rule out the Ute Tax 2.0.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: US stocks rebound as investors brush off Middle East tensions

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

    U.S. stocks ended higher on Monday, recovering from Friday’s sharp losses as investors’ concerns over ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran eased somehow.

    Escalation of conflicts between Iran and Israel had briefly rattled markets — oil prices surged, the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) spiked, and gold prices rose as investors sought safe havens. However, Monday’s action suggested confidence remained intact. High-yield credit spreads widened by just 2 basis points.

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 317.30 points, or 0.75 percent, to 42,515.09. The S&P 500 added 56.14 points, or 0.94 percent, to 6,033.11. The Nasdaq Composite Index increased by 294.39 points, or 1.52 percent, to 19,701.21.

    Seven of the 11 primary S&P 500 sectors ended in green, with communication services and technology leading the gainers by adding 1.53 percent and 1.52 percent, respectively. Meanwhile, utilities and health led the laggards by losing 0.50 percent and 0.40 percent, respectively.

    Market history supports the idea that geopolitical shocks are often short-lived in their market impact. According to Deutsche Bank analysts Parag Thatte and Binky Chadha, the S&P 500 typically drops around 6 percent in the three weeks following a geopolitical event, but usually recovers those losses in the next three weeks.

    Deutsche Bank’s Henry Allen added in a Monday note that geopolitical events tend to have lasting effects on equities only when they disrupt the real economy, either by slowing growth or driving inflation. So far, investors seem to be betting that neither scenario is likely in the near term.

    Despite lingering geopolitical concerns, historically low equity positioning and resilient fundamentals may be keeping a broader sell-off at bay, allowing risk appetite to return for now. “Focus will remain on geopolitical headlines, but as long as the conflict stays limited between Israel and Iran, it’s unlikely to materially impact the markets,” said Tom Essaye at the Sevens Report.

    Tesla rose more than 1 percent on Monday, while Meta Platforms climbed 2.9 percent, helping power the broader market. Palantir, often seen as a beneficiary of rising geopolitical instability due to its defense and AI ties, rose near 3 percent.

    The rising move comes ahead of a key week for monetary policy. Investors digested a weaker-than-expected manufacturing survey released Monday morning by the New York Fed, adding to signs of slowing momentum in the industrial sector. Still, the data did little to shift expectations ahead of the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision on Wednesday.

    According to CME Group’s FedWatch Tool, futures markets are pricing in a 100 percent chance that the Fed will hold rates steady, despite renewed pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has called on Fed Chair Jerome Powell to cut interest rates.

    However, elevated oil prices stemming from the conflict in the Middle East are expected to keep inflation risks on the Fed’s radar and reduce the likelihood of rate cuts in the near term. “Markets got a reminder that tariffs aren’t the only potential source of market volatility,” said Chris Larkin at E*Trade from Morgan Stanley. “Right now, markets are signaling they expect the situation in the Middle East will remain contained, but any surprises could have an oversized impact on sentiment.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Eugene Man Accused of Damaging Federal Government Property

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    EUGENE, Ore.— Kielan Robert Eugene Fitzsimonds, 33, of Eugene has been charged with willful depredation of government property for breaking the window of a federal government vehicle.

    According to court documents, on June 8, 2025, Fitzsimonds is alleged to have intentionally thrown rocks at a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) vehicle parked at a federal building in Eugene. The rocks shattered the vehicle’s back window and dented its trunk and hood.

    On June 10, 2025, a federal agent discovered the damaged vehicle and found a large rock in the back seat. Investigators obtained surveillance footage from the building which showed a man, later identified as Fitzsimonds, attempting to enter the building and throwing objects at vehicles in the parking lot.

    Fitzsimonds made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

    The case is being investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Eugene Police Department. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

    A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: This Gun Violence Prevention Month, Congressmen Amo, Neguse, Thompson Lead 60 Colleagues in Calling on Senate to Strip the Provision Deregulating Firearm Silencers from Republicans’ Big, Bad Bill

    Source: US Congressman Gabe Amo (Rhode Island 1st District)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI), Assistant Leader Neguse (D-CO), and Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Chair Mike Thompson (D-CA) led over 60 members of the Democratic Caucus in sending a letter to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, urging them to remove language that eliminates excise taxes on firearm silencers and deregulates their use under the National Firearms Act currently included in the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” 

    READ THE FULL LETTER HERE.

    Congressman Amo spoke at the marathon House Rules Committee hearing against Republicans’ last-minute move to eliminate firearm silencer regulations. A silencer, when attached to the barrel of a firearm, muffles the sound of gunfire—obstructing law enforcement efforts to respond to active shooters and making it more difficult to recognize the sound of gunfire and locate the source of gunshots quickly and effectively. 

    “In the dead of night, our Republican colleagues added a provision (Sec. 112029) to H.R.1 that would remove firearm silencers from the NFA. This change, which was ultimately included in the legislation, would be catastrophic to public safety and greatly impede law enforcement efforts to keep our communities safe,” wrote Amo, Neguse, and Thompson.

    The lawmakers continued: “As you know, the so-called ‘Byrd Rule’ under the Congressional Budget Act makes clear that, in short, non-budgetary provisions cannot be included in reconciliation legislation. Removing the regulatory structure for firearm silencers is thus not only dangerous, but blatantly violative of the Byrd Rule. Put simply, the provision represents a clear attempt to make a significant policy change to a century-old law, and cannot be adopted through the reconciliation process on that basis alone.” 

    “Congress has long maintained strong regulations for firearm silencers under the NFA for good reason. Law enforcement has identified silencers in crimes across the country–including in mass shootings in Monterey Park, California, Virginia Beach, Virginia, and by a gunman that killed two police officers during a 10-day shooting spree in Southern California. Furthermore, according to data from the ATF, in 2023 alone, over 400 silencers were recovered and traced from violent crime scenes. It is with this in mind, that we strongly urge you to remove Section 112029, and any provision that would deregulate and eliminate excise taxes on firearm silencers as the Senate considers the FY25 reconciliation bill. If enacted, these provisions would place the public and our brave law enforcement officers in harm’s way. The American people and our law enforcement deserve better,” they concluded. 

    The full letter is supported by Brady: United Against Gun Violence, Everytown for Gun Safety, and Giffords.  

    “The inclusion of the deregulation of silencers under the National Firearms Act in the budget reconciliation bill is unconscionable and demonstrates a complete disregard for public safety. In the wrong hands, silencers are extremely dangerous as they make it much more difficult for victims, bystanders, and law enforcement to recognize and react to gunfire and to identify shooters, even when in close proximity. Deregulating these under the NFA devices will enable mass shooters and other bad actors, putting the lives of law enforcement and the public at risk across the nation,” said Mark Collins, Director of Federal Policy at Brady.

    “The silencer provisions in this bill will put law enforcement and our communities at greater risk from gun violence while costing taxpayers more than a billion dollars. We urge the Senate to remove these harmful provisions, and thank Rep. Neguse for his leadership on this issue,” said Monisha Henley, Everytown’s Senior Vice President, Government Affairs.

    “Instead of fighting crime and keeping American families safe, House Republicans gave gun industry CEOs a $1.5 billion tax break to boost their bottom line. Silencers enable shooters to cause more violence without being detected. Law enforcement has opposed efforts to sell silencers without background checks for a reason — they make law enforcement’s jobs harder. We thank Rep. Neguse for his leadership on this issue, and urge the Senate to keep silencers out of the hands of dangerous people,” said Emma Brown, Executive Director of GIFFORDS.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Tasmania Police mourns fallen officer

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Tasmania Police mourns fallen officer

    Tuesday, 17 June 2025 – 9:26 am.

    Investigations continue today into the tragic shooting death of a Tasmania Police officer in the state’s North-West on Monday.
    With the permission of the officer’s family, Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams has confirmed the officer is Constable Keith Anthony Smith, a 25-year veteran of the police service.
    Constable Smith, 57, was shot and killed at a rural property in North Motton on Monday morning as he and a fellow officer attended the premises to serve a court-ordered warrant to repossess the home.
    Commissioner Adams said Constable Smith was a dedicated officer over a distinguished career with Tasmania Police, who was highly regarded and admired by his colleagues.
    Constable Smith had worked in communities across the North and North-West and, for the past five years, was an officer working at Ulverstone police station.
    “Keith was a respected and committed officer, and his loss will be deeply felt across our policing family and the wider community,” Commissioner Adams said.
    “My heart goes out to Keith’s wife and family. We will be supporting them in every way we can during this incredibly difficult time.
    “The Blue Family will come together today, and over the next days and weeks, and will support the family and each other.”
    The family of Constable Smith has asked for privacy at this time.
    Constable Smith joined Tasmania Police on September 25, 2000, graduating on May 11, 2001, as part of Course 3/2000, and was a passionate cyclist, participating in the 2011 Charity Trust bike ride.
    Constable Smith served in Northern District in both the Northern Crime Management Unit and uniform roles until 2020, when he transferred to Ulverstone uniform.  He received the Commissioner’s Medal in 2011 and 20-year clasp in 2021, as well as the National Police Service Medal (15 years) in 2016.
    Commissioner Adams acknowledged emergency services who responded to the incident and assisted at the scene on Monday.
    She praised investigators and forensics officers who examined the scene and worked late into the night, through difficult weather conditions, gathering evidence.
    “While no other staff have been injured in this terrible incident, all will be impacted by their involvement in such a tragic event,” Commissioner Adams said.
    A 46-year-old North Motton man remains in Launceston General Hospital, under police guard, having undergone surgery for non life-threatening injuries.
    No charges have yet been laid.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police seek arson suspects at Solomontown

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Police are investigating an arson at Solomontown and believe the suspects may have been injured during the fire.

    Just after midnight on Monday 16 June, police were called to a report of a car on fire in Young Street, Solomontown.

    When police officers arrived, they discovered a car on fire and a fire burning at the front of a nearby residence, which they extinguished with a fire extinguisher.

    The occupants of the house were not injured during the incident.  The exterior of the house was charred by flames.

    Investigations revealed three male suspects had attended an address in Young Street and doused the front of the residence with accelerant.

    The suspects then entered the vehicle, which became engulfed in flames.  They ran off, abandoning the car in the street.

    It is believed the men may have suffered significant burns or injuries in the fire and police urge them to seek medical attention.

    Anyone with information about the identity or location of anyone involved in this incident is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers immediately on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

    Anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage that may assist the investigation is asked to contact police.

    The vehicle has been seized for forensic examination.  Investigations are continuing.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China expands departure tax refund policy to more regions

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

    BEIJING, June 16 — China will roll out its departure tax refund policy in Dalian, a coastal city in northeast China, and in Hubei Province in central China from July 1, the Ministry of Finance said on Monday.

    The policy allows overseas tourists to claim back value-added tax on eligible purchases made at designated tax refund stores before leaving China. Eligible regions can adopt the policy after filing with relevant government organs.

    China began implementing the departure tax refund policy for overseas travelers in 2015. Since then, the scale of departure tax refunds has grown year by year, benefiting an increasing number of overseas travelers.

    On April 27 this year, the country introduced a package of measures to optimize the policy, including measures lowering the minimum purchase threshold for refunds, raising the cash refund ceiling, expanding the network of participating stores, and broadening the range of products covered.

    The country is also promoting a refund-upon-purchase service model, allowing eligible tourists to receive tax refunds instantly at retail outlets rather than waiting until they leave the country.

    Official data shows that between April 27 and May 26, the number of departure tax refund transactions processed by the country’s tax authorities jumped 116 percent year on year, and sales at tax refund stores climbed 56 percent.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER: UNDER GOP PLAN, ENERGY TAX HIKES COULD DECIMATE ROCHESTER’S #1 FASTEST-GROWING BUSINESS, DRIVE UP COSTS FOR ROCHESTER FAMILIES & SMALL BIZ; STANDING AT HOME WITH NEWLY-INSTALLED SOLAR PANELS,…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

    Rochester’s GreenSpark Solar, Named Rochester’s #1 Fastest-Growing Business & A Rochester Top Workplace, Has Already Been Forced To Lay Off 20 Workers Due To GOP Clean Energy Attacks, And Worries About Future Of Business Under GOP Job-Killing Bill

    House GOP Rushed Trump’s Tax Giveaway To Billionaires, Gutting Fed Clean Energy Tax Credits That Lower Energy Costs and Boost & Local Jobs – Now Even House Rs Are Regretting It, Asking Senate GOP To Reverse Cuts They Voted For; Senator With Impacted Rochester Businesses, Families Demands GOP Block Cuts

    Schumer: ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ Is A ‘Big, Bad Blow’ To Rochester-Finger Lakes Jobs, Families & Businesses

    Standing at a Rochester family home that will soon see lower monthly energy bills thanks to newly installed solar panels, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer warned how the GOP plan to kill clean energy tax credits could raise energy costs for families and devastate Rochester’s HVAC and energy installation companies like GreenSpark Solar, named Rochester’s #1 fastest-growing business and a top place to work in Rochester for the seventh year in a row. 

    Schumer explained these unpopular, job-killing cuts in Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” have already created panic among House Republicans and companies, and even House Republicans who voted for this bill last month are now begging to save these tax credits. Schumer said GreenSpark Solar is just one of many local Rochester businesses that could be decimated by this bill and demanded the GOP block these tax hikes that could devastate Rochester families and small businesses.

    “Right now, we are at Defcon 1 for America’s clean energy future, and it’s jobs here in Rochester and monthly energy bills for New York families and businesses that are on the line. The Clark family’s house here in the Rochester area tells the story of today. Last year, they hired Rochester’s fastest-growing business to install solar panels on their roof with help from our Inflation Reduction Act, lowering their monthly energy bill over 65%, from over $100 to $35,” said Senator Schumer. “Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ would deal a ‘big bad blow’ to families here in Rochester, raising their costs and killing good-paying jobs at companies like Rochester’s GreenSpark Solar, which employs hundreds of workers. It guts one of the most effective tax credits middle-class families use to lower their monthly energy bills in order to give bigger breaks to billionaires; it’s outrageous. That’s why I’m demanding Republicans to stop this plan to gut America’s clean energy future and block these cuts that will hurt Rochester’s families’ wallets and decimate jobs.”

    Schumer was joined by workers from leading Rochester HVAC, solar, and geothermal energy installation companies, including ACES Energy, Halco Home Solutions, Wise Home Energy, Schuler-Haas Electric, and GreenSpark Solar, who said the elimination of these investments would be a massive blow to their work, employees, and customers. Rochester’s GreenSpark Solar employs 150 workers, and on any given day, also employs an additional 150-300 union subcontractors from Rochester companies like Schuler-Haas Electric to help build their installations.

    Just two years ago, they were named Rochester’s #1 fastest-growing business and have been able to double their workforce in recent years thanks to customer demand unleashed by the Inflation Reduction Act’s clean energy tax credits. GreenSpark Solar purchases equipment and supplies from local Rochester-area suppliers, boosting the local supply chain, and has just relocated to the heart of downtown Rochester, bringing life to an abandoned building and the surrounding area.

    However, GreenSpark Solar recently had to lay off 20 workers in anticipation of the GOP’s job-killing “Big, Beautiful Bill’s” tax increases on clean energy projects, driving down demand for their business. Schumer said if this bill passes, it will pull the rug out from under GreenSpark Solar just as it is growing, rendering their investments in Rochester worthless and forcing them to lay off local workers.

    “When I first joined the solar industry, I knew almost nothing – but the people at GreenSpark taught me everything: how solar works, how it strengthens communities, and how it builds careers,” said Rory Patrie, Field Service Administrator for GreenSpark Solar. “I believe in it so deeply I had solar installed on my own home. It’s helped me fight inflation, keep my bills low, and become more resilient. The proposed elimination of federal renewable energy investments threatens my livelihood, my coworkers, and the everyday families we serve. I’m glad to stand here with Senator Schumer to defend the credits that support this work – and I thank Senator Schumer for recognizing what’s at stake for workers like me.”

    Kevin Schulte, CEO of GreenSpark Solar said, “I’ve been in the renewable energy business for 26 years, and every time the Federal Government attacked our industry, New York State stepped up, helping us build the fifth largest solar market in the country. Solar and battery storage are the fastest, most affordable forms of electricity on the grid today; we won’t meet our energy goals with offshore wind, nuclear, or even natural gas—it will also come from solar. I’m proud to stand with Senator Schumer to defend the policy that supports this critical work and provides quality jobs and affordable energy to many New Yorkers.”

    The Clark family, who just hired GreenSpark Solar to install solar panels last year with help from the Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit, has already seen their monthly electricity bill decrease by over 65%, from over $100 to $35. Now, they are considering installing additional panels and a battery backup system that can store electricity, making them better prepared for power outages during extreme weather. However, if Republicans repeal the tax credits, the cost of making their home more energy efficient will skyrocket. Thousands of families across New York State are waiting to see what the GOP does in Washington and are holding off on new clean energy installations, hurting companies like GreenSpark Solar and the thousands of workers in the clean energy industry.

    The GOP bill would kill clean energy incentives already benefiting hundreds of New York businesses with ongoing projects and the families who are using them to help improve their homes’ energy efficiency and lower their energy bills. Schumer specifically highlighted how the bill:

    • Eliminates the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit, which provides families in New York up to $3,200 to help weatherize their homes for better protection in the harsh winters and make improvements to their home’s energy efficiency, lowering their energy bills with qualifying items like doors, windows, better insulation and heat pumps, and
    • Eliminates the Residential Clean Energy Credit, which gives New York families a 30% discount on home energy improvements, like solar panels, heat pumps, or energy storage, that help lower energy bills and keep the lights on during power outages.

    Penfield homeowners also joined Schumer, including Al Hibner, who lowered his monthly heating costs by 44% with his geothermal heat pump installed by Rochester’s ACES Energy, and homeowner Katie Ryggs, who has saved $1650 a year on her utility bills thanks to solar panels installed by GreenSpark and geothermal installed by ACES. Her monthly bills went from $200 to $60, plus she’s saved thousands on gasoline costs because she was able to switch to an electric vehicle and charge at home, reducing her monthly energy costs by more than 70%. 

    In the past two decades, more than 5 million American households have put solar panels on their roofs – this skyrocketed after the Inflation Reduction Act expanded these tax credits three years ago. However, one analysis estimates residential solar installations could fall by half in the next year if this House GOP bill goes through.

    “The Energy Tax Credit helped us install solar panels and slash our electric bill from over $100 to just $25 a month,” said Steve & Amy Clark, Penfield homeowners. “We were looking forward to adding additional solar panels and battery storage in the future – but if these credits are cut, that would put those plans out of reach. We appreciate Senator Schumer’s support for these essential tax credits that make clean energy possible for homeowners like us.”

    Penfield homeowner Katie Rygg said, “These tax credits put geothermal, solar, and our first EV within reach for my family – helping us create a better future for our daughters – with the added benefits of having less pollution in the house and saving money on our monthly energy bills. In the summer, we use 1/6 of the electricity to cool our house and in winter, we use 1/4 of the energy to heat our home. We hope that Congress will fight to preserve these clean energy tax credits so that many more families will be able to access the savings, comfort, and health benefits that come with electric homes and vehicles.”

    Schumer was joined by Rochester-Finger Lakes businesses across the clean energy sector who said this bill would hurt their businesses immediately.

    Andrew (AJ) Heiligman, President, ACES Energy & Renewable Rochester said, “Geothermal heat pump Federal tax credits have empowered everyday Americans to invest in clean, domestic energy, lowering utility bills, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and generating well-paying local jobs. These incentives benefit more than just homeowners; they strengthen local economies and sustain the skilled workers driving our clean energy transition. Rolling them back now would stall momentum that’s delivering real results for people, the environment, and communities alike.”

    Ryan Puckett, General Manager at Wise Home Energy said, “The Federal tax credits for beneficial electrification and weatherization are critical tools for reducing carbon emissions in our buildings. These incentives drive investment in cleaner, more resilient technologies, reducing costs and improving living conditions for New Yorkers. Removing them would not only hinder progress toward energy independence but also place unnecessary burdens on contractors and families striving for sustainable solutions. Wise Home Energy thanks Senator Schumer for supporting clean energy policy that benefits us all.”

    Schumer was also joined by Rochester Building Trades workers who, with the help of IRA’s Clean Electricity Investment Tax credits, just built New York’s first grid-scale solar project, Morris Ridge Solar, in Livingston County that created 550 jobs, provided a $70 million boost to the local economy, and is powering 47,000 households. These workers, who are now constructing the 2nd largest solar project in New York – the Excelsior Energy solar farm in Genesee County that is creating 290 construction jobs, $117.5 million in economic impact, and will power 74,000 homes – fear these thousands of jobs will now be lost.

    Grant Malone, President of the Rochester Building & Construction Trades Council said, “Good-paying family sustaining local construction jobs will be obliterated by the job-killing “Big, Beautiful Bill’s” repeal of clean energy incentives. Our hundreds of local skilled trades members who are on the job today building solar farms in Rochester to power hundreds of thousands of homes are proof that these federal investments are a win-win. We are proud to stand with Senator Schumer to oppose any attempts to eliminate these investments and kill the thousands of construction jobs they are set to unleash.”

    Schumer said clean energy tax incentives have spurred a clean energy boom in New York State, and rolling them back would have devastating impacts. The Clean Economy Tracker estimates the Inflation Reduction Act’s incentives have spurred over $5 billion worth of investments in clean manufacturing in New York, creating over 7,200 jobs. Data from NERA Economic Consulting shows that repealing clean energy tax credits could cause New York to lose up to 20,300 jobs as clean energy projects are cancelled or scaled back, with a whopping nearly $3.5 billion hit to the state’s GDP, and New Yorkers paying up to $650 in higher energy costs each year by 2032 if these devastating cuts become law.

    Already, Republicans have shown doubts about the provisions in this bill. Earlier this month, thirteen House Republicans sent a letter to Senate Republican leaders urging them to scale back clean energy cuts in the “Big, Beautiful Bill” – the very bill their votes helped pass in the House. Last week, House Republicans voted for a second time to pass this job-killing bill after deleting various provisions.

    “The fight is far from over. House Republicans’ latest flipflopping shows our pressure is working, and we have a real opportunity to get them to go back to the drawing board on this bill, and stop their attacks to totally eliminate these clean energy tax credits. And we are doing that by showing the real-world impacts, the jobs lost and lives devastated by their brutal cuts,” added Schumer.

    Schumer said if this House Republican plan goes through, many of the clean energy projects spurred by the IRA could be forced to scale back or even stop, the workers building the future of American energy would be laid off, and projects that otherwise would have plugged into the grid will never come to fruition. That would impact both major NY employers and manufacturers in the clean energy, manufacturing, electric vehicle, battery, and research sectors, and also our small businesses and major economic projects slated to come to New York. Schumer said the House Republican bill would repeal the very parts of the Inflation Reduction Act that have helped companies grow in New York and spurred millions of investments, many of which are in Republican districts such as:

    1. Eliminates the Clean Electricity Investment & Production Credits that support more cheap, clean electricity. With natural gas turbines on a five-year delay, the IRA’s clean electricity tax credits have ensured a robust buildout of wind and solar power while spurring demand for American-made energy products and helping keep electricity prices from increasing.
    2. Sabotages the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit that has generated a more than five-fold increase in investment in manufacturing in the solar and EV supply chains, creating thousands of good-paying jobs and shifting these industries out of China to the U.S.
    3. Eliminates the IRA’s Electric Vehicle Tax Credits that make it cheaper to buy new and used electric and plug-in hybrid cars, and has led to a massive onshoring of EV and battery supply chain manufacturing, undercutting China and bolstering American companies.
    4. Eliminates the New Energy-Efficient Home Credit that makes it cheaper to build new, highly efficient and affordable homes, expanding the housing supply while reducing energy costs.
    5. Eliminates the Clean Hydrogen Production Tax Credit that supports American-made clean hydrogen, led by New York companies like Plug Power and Air Products, to be used for clean manufacturing and agriculture.

    Graham Hughes, Director of Policy & Advocacy of the Climate Solutions Accelerator said, “Investments in clean energy made through the Inflation Reduction Act have allowed people in the Finger Lakes Regions to upgrade our homes, lowered the cost of our energy, and created good paying jobs in a growing sector of the economy. Cutting these tax credits will roll back this progress and make our region more vulnerable to the effects of climate change. We need congress to protect these investments and ensure the green economy continues to grow in New York.”

    Monroe County Legislator Susan Hughes-Smith & Climate Solutions Accelerator Co-founder said, “The federal clean energy tax credits are good for our economy, health, and environment. The Solar Energy Industry Association calculates that the elimination of just the solar tax incentives would result in 330,000 jobs lost across the country, close or cancel 331 factories and squander nearly $300 billion in local investments. These credits should be preserved.”

    Repealing the clean energy tax incentives would also be a disaster for America that Schumer said would cede energy manufacturing leadership to China, which already produces a significant amount of the world’s clean technologies like solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries. If companies can no longer support clean energy manufacturing in the United States, they will bring these projects to America’s competitors, and jobs that would’ve otherwise been created in America will be created in countries like China. This will destabilize American supply chains and make American families and businesses reliant on China and other foreign countries for cheap energy.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Property Market – NZ housing market steadies as sentiment cautiously lifts – QV

    Source: Quality Valuation (QV)

    The rate of decline in the housing market has slowed again, with national residential property values largely holding steady throughout May.

    Our latest QV House Price Index shows nationwide values have inched up just 0.1% to a new national average of $913,772 in the May quarter. That figure is 1.1% lower than the same time last year and 14.1% below the market’s peak in late 2021.

    Across New Zealand’s main urban areas just Whangarei (3.2%), Hastings (1.1%), Nelson (1.1%), and Christchurch (1.3%), recorded average home value growth in excess of 1% throughout the three months to the end of May 2025. Hamilton (0.5%), and Tauranga (0.2%) values rose slightly. While Auckland (-0.5%), Wellington (-1.7%), Palmerston North (-0.9%), and Dunedin (-0.8%), recorded losses.

    QV operations manager James Wilson said, “The housing market is still softening, but doing so at a slowing pace with signs of tentative confidence beginning to surface.”

    “With interest rates easing and more owner-occupiers re-entering the market — particularly in the middle and upper-middle brackets — we’re observing a return to activity in the main urban centres. This has helped stabilise national values and reduced the number of areas experiencing declines.”

    “Investor activity is also picking up, especially in lower-value and regional markets. This, combined with steady demand from first-home buyers, is starting to generate subtle competitive pressures. However, high stock levels and cautious vendor expectations are still keeping price growth in check.”

    “Ongoing global uncertainty, including from US trade tariffs and escalating conflicts, along with local concerns about job security are still contributing to a climate of caution,” Mr Wilson said.

    “While we don’t expect a dramatic winter upswing, it’s likely we’ll see growing buyer engagement as confidence continues to build.”

    Download a high resolution version of the latest QV value map here.

    Northland

    The Northland market has seen an upswing in the second quarter of the year with values up 2.2% and the average value across the region is $738,936. Values are now 0.9% lower than they were in May last year, and 10.0% below the previous peak of late 2021.

    In the three months to May, the Far North rose 1.7% and the average home there is now worth $705,192. In Whangarei, the average value is $738,441 after a quarterly lift of 3.2%. While in Kaipara, it is $834,628 after a slight 0.1% lift over the quarter.

    Auckland

    The Auckland property market remains subdued and while overall momentum remains weak, there are signs of divergence emerging at the local level with some areas seeing growth. The average home across the Super City is now worth $1,240,029, 2.2% less than a year ago and 19.1% lower than the market’s peak in late 2021.

    In the May quarter values increased in Papakura (1.3%) and in the local council areas previously known as Auckland City (0.4%). Other parts of the super city saw values continue to decline over the quarter; Manukau (-1.2%); North Shore (-1.0%), Franklin (-0.9%), and Waitakere (-0.1%).

    Local QV Registered Valuer, Hugh Robson said, “Many Auckland suburbs continue to have high levels of housing stock on the market and agents report low attendance numbers at open homes and auctions.”
     
    “Despite this, there is increased activity from first time buyers, due to falling interest rates and mainly in medium to lower value areas and higher value suburbs are seeing less activity than lower value suburbs.”
     
    “New multi-unit developments continue to be built (with many developments just starting) and there’s a notable increase in investment properties on the market. The Auckland rental market appears to have stabilised with rents not rising or falling rather ‘flat-lining’ now.”
     
    Waikato

    The latest QV House Price Index shows Hamilton’s average home is now worth $791,909, with values bucking recent downward trend, rising 0.5% over the past three months. Values are now 0.5% higher than this time last year and 13.9% lower than the previous peak of late 2021.

    QV Property consultant Marshall Wu said, “Hamilton experienced a modest lift in home values during May and these gains coincide with stabilising listings levels, though a significant volume of unsold inventory continues to linger on the market.”

    “While easing mortgage rates, improving sentiment, and income growth are all supportive factors, they are being met with strong headwinds,” he said.

    “Persisting affordability challenges, rising unemployment, and softer population growth are all contributing to a more cautious outlook for would be buyers.”

    The Waikato region has also turned a corner, up 0.6% in the May quarter and home values are 0.5% higher than the same time last year. The average home value across the region is now $817,249.

    Hauraki values jumped 5.1% over the May quarter and are 6.1% year on year; while Thames/Coromandel rose 1.5% and Waikato District was up 0.5% over the past three months.  

    Waitomo District also continues to see values jump with a quarterly increase of 8.6%; Ōtorohanga and Waipa districts, also recorded gains of 4.6% and 0.8% respectively. While South Waikato values decreased 3.5% over the quarter.
     

    Bay of Plenty

    Home values rose in Tauranga by 0.2% over the past three months. The city’s average home value is now $1,002,458, which is 0.8% lower than at the same time last year.

    The Bay of Plenty region saw a 0.1% quarterly decrease to a new average value of $886,186 which is 0.5% lower than a year ago. Gisborne saw quarterly growth of 0.5%, Kawerau District rose 0.3%. In contrast, Opotiki District saw the largest drop in the region, with a 3-month decline of 5.7%, while Whakatane was also down 1.5%, and Rotorua held relatively steady dipping just 0.1%.

    Hawkes Bay

    Napier City home values rose 0.4% over the past three months to a new average value of $760,109 which is 0.7% lower year on year. Hastings values rose 1.1% over the past three months to a new average of $768,689 which is 3.1% lower than the same time last year.

    Wairoa has seen one of the highest increases in the country rising 7.4% in the three months to May and 10.8% year on year to a new average value of $447,895. While, Central Hawke’s Bay experienced the greatest downward trend in the region, dropping 5.1% over the quarter and 7.2% year on year with a new average value of $532,315.
     

    Taranaki

    Home values in New Plymouth are down 0.3% in the May quarter and are 0.4% higher year on year. The average home there is now worth $723,486. Meanwhile, values shot up by 7.0% in South Taranaki over the quarter to May to a new average value of $447,255; while Stratford edged up 0.3% to $476,773.

    QV Local Registered Valuer, Danny Grace said, “The residential property market in New Plymouth is more stable with improved levels of activity over the recent months, more interest from buyers, and agents are feeling more confident.”
     
    “The lower end of the market is more active, with less interest in the higher priced properties. Values in Stratford and South Taranaki are also more stable, but activity in New Plymouth is stronger,” he said.
     
    Palmerston North

    Home values in Palmerston North dipped 0.9% over the May quarter and homes there are now worth on average $632,309, which is 1.3% lower than this time last year.

    Local QV Registered Valuer Olivia Betts said, “The market remains steady, with minimal price fluctuations. February and March saw a notable increase in new listings, giving buyers more options and greater leverage. This boost in inventory was accompanied by a rise in sales activity—an expected trend ahead of the quieter autumn and winter months.”

    “A clear divide continues to emerge between different property types. Homes with outdated features are proving harder to sell and tend to stay on the market longer. In contrast, renovated properties with modern amenities are in higher demand, particularly among buyers seeking convenience and updated living spaces,” she said.

    “This preference is especially strong among first-home buyers targeting homes in the mid-$500K range, ideally built or refurbished within the last 20 years.”

    “Overall, while the market is experiencing a slight softening, it remains balanced. A typical seasonal slowdown is anticipated through winter, with increased activity expected to return in spring.”

    Wairarapa

    Home values are rising in some areas and continuing to decrease in others in the Wairarapa region.

    Our latest QV House Price Index shows Masterton’s average home value has reduced by 1.3% this quarter to $571,778. Carterton’s average home rose in value by 2.1% to $634,158 and home values in South Wairarapa reduced by 1.2% to a new average of $747,407. The average home across the region is now worth $623,103, 2.3% less than the same time last year.

    Wellington

    Residential property values have continued their downward trend across Wellington this quarter. The region’s average home value decreased by 1.4% to $829,215, which is 4.9% lower year on year and 25.4% below the previous peak of late 2021. All the areas saw values decrease over the May quarter: Wellington City fell 1.8%; Hutt City was down 2.3%; Porirua dropped 1.4%; and Upper Hutt dipped slightly by 0.2%.

    QV Senior Consultant, David Cornford said, “Values have tracked backwards slightly over the last few months in the Wellington region and the market continues to be relatively soft as we head into the winter months.”
     
    “Despite interest rates now being significantly lower, these rate drops have not correlated to an increase in property values and it’s likely the region will require economic conditions to improve before we see a strengthening market,” he said.
     
    “There continues to be ample properties on the market giving buyers, plenty of choice. First home buyers are active, while there is a lack of activity from investors.”

    Nelson-Tasman-Marlborough

    Values in Nelson are bucking the downward trend seen in many other main centres, recording quarterly growth of 1.1% and 3.2% year on year. The average home in the city is now worth $802,332.

    Tasman values also rose 1.0% over the quarter to a new average of $823,131, while Marlborough posted a slight quarterly increase of 0.8%, with homes there on average worth $700,892.

    QV Nelson/Marlborough manager Craig Russell said in Nelson and Tasman the majority of activity is in the $500,000-$800,000 price bracket. “Often there are multiple offers and the majority of purchasers in this price bracket are first home buyers.”
     
    “A number of investors are selling properties which they’ve held as rentals for a number of years which is likely due to these investors wanting to free up capital, or obtain better returns elsewhere, after a period of no capital growth,” he said.
     
    “The number of properties on the market remains elevated as we enter the seasonal downturn in activity. Section sales are slow, particularly in hillside suburbs as high building costs restrict buyers.”

    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 May shows the Westcoast region saw values rise 3.9% over the past three months to a new average value of $433,345 which is a 4.6% increase year on year and 18.8% higher than the nationwide market peak of late 2021.

    Average home values in Buller were up 10.5% over the past three months to $384,407, while Westland also rose 4.3% to $474,046; while values in Grey dipped 0.2% to $446,520.

    Canterbury

    Christchurch’s average home values rose 1.3% in the May quarter to $779,866. This is an annual increase of 1.2% values are now 1.8% higher than the previous nationwide peak of late 2021.

    Hurunui values saw a quarterly increase of 0.7% to a new average of $645,936, which is 1.8% lower year on year. While Waimakariri recorded a modest increase of 0.2% to an average value of $720,376 which is 0.7% higher than in May last year.

    Local QV registered valuer, Olivia Brownie said, “The property market in the Canterbury Region remains stable, with buyers showing commitment to purchases and sellers pricing realistically. We continue to see a small consistent positive market movement across the region as a whole.”

    “Whilst the rate of new listings coming onto the market is cooling down, there are still strong sales with ample listings and stable prices benefiting both parties with time and choice,” she said.

    “More recently the most active buyer groups have been mortgaged owners and investors as lending and borrowing conditions have eased.”

    Dunedin

    Our QV House Price Index for May 2025 shows values have dipped (-0.8%) over the past quarter and (-0.9%) year on year. The average home is now worth $640,125 which is 11.5% lower than the peak of late 2021.

    Local QV Registered Valuer Baylan Connolly said, “The townhouse market continues to see the trend away from investors to owner occupiers with the majority of townhouse developments being focused in the higher valuer areas in the city including Belleknowes, Roslyn, Maori Hill, and the fringes of Andersons Bay.”
     
    “The South Dunedin Future initiative, a joint effort between the Dunedin City Council (DCC) and Otago Regional Council (ORC), recently released a detailed hazard assessment and a long-term strategy outlining multibillion-dollar adaptation options,” he said.

    “While developers acknowledged this work, they emphasised the need for concrete action to restore market confidence. The rising cost of insurance, especially in flood-prone areas, is a major consideration for buyers, investors, and developers. Higher insurance premiums are discouraging development in high-risk areas and increasing demand for properties in elevated suburbs.”

    “The gradual reinstatement of interest deductibility is improving investor sentiment, though it has not yet led to a full resurgence in investment demand.”

    Queenstown

    Our QV House Price Index for May shows the average value in the Queenstown Lakes District remains the highest in Aotearoa, New Zealand despite a downward trend emerging in the market there. Values dipped 0.3% over the past three months and 0.7% year on year. However, the average value of $1,815,797 is 13.5% higher than the nationwide market peak of late 2021 and remains well above all other regions in the country.

    QV Local Registered Valuer Greg Simpson said the local property market has remained active and generally steady over the past 12 months, despite broader national uncertainty.

    “Sales volumes are increasing alongside inventory levels, and average residential values have held firm in both Queenstown and Central Otago. However, market conditions remain sensitive to economic headwinds, with tighter credit conditions and ongoing caution among buyers,” Mr Simpson said.

    The surrounding areas are seeing positive quarterly value growth including Central Otago up (2.4%) and Clutha up (3.1%); and Waitaki up (1.5%).

    Southland

    Invercargill values rose 1.3% over the past three months to an average value of $506,888, which is 4.2% higher year on year, and 3.9% higher than the previous peak.

    While in Gore, values increased 8.8% over the quarter to $439,670 which is 4.2% higher than a year ago. And in Southland values dipped 0.7% over the past three months to $533,255 but are 5.0% higher than a year ago.

    QV Registered Valuer Andrew Ronald said, “There is strong demand from first home buyers in the $350,000 to $500,000 bracket in the Invercargill market. We also seeing an increasing interest from investors and recent rent rises have now stabilised. Meanwhile, there’s been limited demand from buyers in the upper end of the market in price range above $1,000,000.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Graphjet Technology Discloses Stay of Suspension and Nasdaq Hearing Date

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Innovative technological leader to oversee all technical, operational, customer support and business development initiatives

    KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Graphjet Technology (“Graphjet” or “the Company”) (Nasdaq:GTI), a leading developer of patented technologies to produce graphite and graphene directly from agricultural waste, today announced that the Company received a letter from the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) on June 12, 2025 that notified the Company that Nasdaq’s previously disclosed determination to suspend the trading of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Shares (the “Common Stock”) has been stayed, pending a final written decision by the Nasdaq Hearing Panel (the “Panel”). The hearing (the “Hearing”) before the Panel will be held on July 17, 2025, meaning that the Company’s ordinary shares will continue to trade on Nasdaq at least until the date of the Hearing.

    The Company previously disclosed that it received a determination letter (“Notice”) on June 4, 2025 from Nasdaq indicating that the Company was not in compliance with the requirements for continued listing under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) (the “Listing Rule”) as a result of (i) the Company’s delay in filing its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended September 30, 2024 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and (ii) the Company’s delay in filing its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended December 31, 2024. The Notice also stated that the Company is not in compliance with the Listing Rule due to the Company’s delay in filing its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2025.
      
    This announcement is made in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(b), which requires prompt disclosure of receipt of a deficiency notification.

    About Graphjet Technology

    Graphjet Technology (Nasdaq: GTI) was founded in 2019 in Malaysia as an innovative graphene and graphite producer. Graphjet Technology has the world’s first patented technology to recycle palm kernel shells generated in the production of palm seed oil to produce single layer graphene and artificial graphite. Graphjet’s sustainable production methods utilizing palm kernel shells, a waste agricultural product that is common in Malaysia, will set a new shift in graphite and graphene supply chain of the world. For more information, please visit https://www.graphjettech.com/.
      
    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    The information in this press release contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “aim,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result” and similar expressions, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from their expectations, estimates and projections and consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this Current Report on Form 8-K, including but not limited to: (i) changes in the markets in which Graphjet competes, including with respect to its competitive landscape, technology evolution or regulatory changes; (ii) the risk that Graphjet will need to raise additional capital to execute its business plans, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all; (iii) Graphjet is beginning the commercialization of its technology and it may not have an accurate estimate of future capital expenditures and future revenue; (iv) statements regarding Graphjet’s industry and market size; (v) financial condition and performance of Graphjet, including the anticipated benefits, the implied enterprise value, the financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, the products, the expected future performance and market opportunities of Graphjet; (vi) Graphjet’s ability to develop and manufacture its graphene and graphite products; (vii) Graphjet’s ability to return to and maintain compliance with Nasdaq continued listing standards; and (viii) those factors discussed in our filings with the SEC. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties that will be described in the “Risk Factors” section of the documents to be filed by Graphjet from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward- looking statements, and while Graphjet may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, they assume no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable law. Graphjet does not give any assurance that Graphjet will achieve its expectations.

    Graphjet Technology Contacts

    Investors
    GraphjetIR@icrinc.com

    Media
    GraphjetPR@icrinc.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Graphjet Technology Discloses Stay of Suspension and Nasdaq Hearing Date

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Innovative technological leader to oversee all technical, operational, customer support and business development initiatives

    KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Graphjet Technology (“Graphjet” or “the Company”) (Nasdaq:GTI), a leading developer of patented technologies to produce graphite and graphene directly from agricultural waste, today announced that the Company received a letter from the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) on June 12, 2025 that notified the Company that Nasdaq’s previously disclosed determination to suspend the trading of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Shares (the “Common Stock”) has been stayed, pending a final written decision by the Nasdaq Hearing Panel (the “Panel”). The hearing (the “Hearing”) before the Panel will be held on July 17, 2025, meaning that the Company’s ordinary shares will continue to trade on Nasdaq at least until the date of the Hearing.

    The Company previously disclosed that it received a determination letter (“Notice”) on June 4, 2025 from Nasdaq indicating that the Company was not in compliance with the requirements for continued listing under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) (the “Listing Rule”) as a result of (i) the Company’s delay in filing its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended September 30, 2024 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and (ii) the Company’s delay in filing its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended December 31, 2024. The Notice also stated that the Company is not in compliance with the Listing Rule due to the Company’s delay in filing its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2025.
      
    This announcement is made in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(b), which requires prompt disclosure of receipt of a deficiency notification.

    About Graphjet Technology

    Graphjet Technology (Nasdaq: GTI) was founded in 2019 in Malaysia as an innovative graphene and graphite producer. Graphjet Technology has the world’s first patented technology to recycle palm kernel shells generated in the production of palm seed oil to produce single layer graphene and artificial graphite. Graphjet’s sustainable production methods utilizing palm kernel shells, a waste agricultural product that is common in Malaysia, will set a new shift in graphite and graphene supply chain of the world. For more information, please visit https://www.graphjettech.com/.
      
    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    The information in this press release contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “aim,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result” and similar expressions, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from their expectations, estimates and projections and consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this Current Report on Form 8-K, including but not limited to: (i) changes in the markets in which Graphjet competes, including with respect to its competitive landscape, technology evolution or regulatory changes; (ii) the risk that Graphjet will need to raise additional capital to execute its business plans, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all; (iii) Graphjet is beginning the commercialization of its technology and it may not have an accurate estimate of future capital expenditures and future revenue; (iv) statements regarding Graphjet’s industry and market size; (v) financial condition and performance of Graphjet, including the anticipated benefits, the implied enterprise value, the financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, the products, the expected future performance and market opportunities of Graphjet; (vi) Graphjet’s ability to develop and manufacture its graphene and graphite products; (vii) Graphjet’s ability to return to and maintain compliance with Nasdaq continued listing standards; and (viii) those factors discussed in our filings with the SEC. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties that will be described in the “Risk Factors” section of the documents to be filed by Graphjet from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward- looking statements, and while Graphjet may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, they assume no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable law. Graphjet does not give any assurance that Graphjet will achieve its expectations.

    Graphjet Technology Contacts

    Investors
    GraphjetIR@icrinc.com

    Media
    GraphjetPR@icrinc.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ACP Statement on Senate Tax Package

    Source: American Clean Power Association (ACP)

    Headline: ACP Statement on Senate Tax Package

    WASHINGTON, D.C., June 16, 2025 – The American Clean Power Association (ACP) issued the following statement from ACP CEO Jason Grumet after the Senate Finance Committee released draft legislative text as part of the Congressional reconciliation budget process:
    “This evening, the Senate Finance Committee released proposed language that would increase household electricity bills and threaten hundreds of thousands of jobs across the country. While the Senate Finance Committee proposal eliminates poison pills from the House legislation, abrupt changes to the clean energy tax credits unnecessarily penalize companies that are making good faith investments under current law. The most immediate impact will be felt by consumers and companies facing increased energy bills. Absent reasonable timelines for businesses to adjust to increasing taxes, good paying jobs, technology innovation, and AI data centers will be driven overseas. As the legislation moves through the process, we look forward to working with the Senate on reasonable amendments that protect American jobs, strengthen our economy, and support U.S. energy dominance.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pennsylvania Man Charged with Wire Fraud, Money Laundering, and Identity Theft

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Adepoju Babatunde Salako, 32, of Pennsylvania, has been charged with six counts of wire fraud; one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud; one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering; and four counts of aggravated identity theft.

    According to the indictment, between July 2020 and July 2021, Salako allegedly participated in a money laundering conspiracy involving fraudulent applications for COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans to the Small Business Administration (SBA) and for unemployment insurance benefits to more than 30 states that obtained more than $5.6 million in government benefits using over 1,000 stolen or fake identities. Salako and his co-conspirators allegedly moved fraud proceeds through several intermediate accounts using various methods, eventually spending the money or transferring it overseas as currency or in the form of goods such as cars or solar panels.

    The indictment further alleges that between January 4, 2021, and March 20, 2021, Salako submitted approximately 15 fraudulent applications for unemployment insurance benefits to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), using stolen or false identities. Salako allegedly used names and addresses of residents of Colorado, which he looked up on personal information search websites such as TruthFinder, to submit applications using the Colorado residents’ actual identifiers.  The CDLE paid one unemployment insurance claim submitted by Salako, in the amount of $649, and paid an additional $15,431 to bank accounts controlled by Salako based on claims submitted by a co-conspirator.

    The indictment further alleges that in addition to submitting fraudulent unemployment insurance claims to Colorado, Salako submitted and aided and abetted in the submission of fraudulent claims in other states using stolen or false identities, including Maryland, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and New York,  at least 10 fraudulent applications for COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans to the SBA, using stolen or false identities, and a fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program loan application in the name of Turn-Turn-Turn Woodturning, using the stolen identity of a Nevada resident.

    The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was enacted in March 2020 and was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans dealing with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The CARES Act created the PPP, a program administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) that provided loans to small businesses to retain workers, maintain payroll, and certain other expenses consistent with PPP rules. Additionally, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, several federal programs expanded eligibility for unemployment benefits.

    The defendant made his initial appearance in Colorado on June 13, 2025, before Magistrate Judge Scott T. Varholak.

    The charges contained in the indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    This case is being investigated by the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, and CDLE.  The case is being prosecuted by the Economic Crime Section of the United States Attorney’s Office.

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form

    Case Number: 25-cr-00162-CNS

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Inward investment success

    Source: Scottish Government

    Record share of UK projects secured despite global instabilities.

    Nearly one in six inward investment projects in the UK last year were secured in Scotland, according to new data published by EY.

    The record share of the market cements the country’s position as the UK’s top destination outside of London – for the tenth year in a row – while Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow remain among the top 10 UK cities for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects outside of London.

    Although the total number of new projects in Scotland fell back slightly (4.9%) from record numbers in 2023, it compares to a drop of 13% in the UK, 14% in France and 17% in Germany.

    EY’s survey of global investors found that quarter of those planning to invest in the UK are targeting Scotland, maintaining the country’s long-standing position in investors’ eyes as the UK’s preferred FDI destination outside of London.

    To mark the results, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes visited the Glasgow offices of Canadian IT and business consulting services firm CGI Inc. which employs around 750 employees across its Glasgow, Edinburgh, Borders and Aberdeen offers.

    The Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said:

    “Given the geopolitical uncertainties clearly affecting investor confidence across the world, this is an incredible endorsement of Scotland’s proposition as a destination for global investment.

    “A huge amount of work, across both the private and public sectors, goes into securing these projects, which are vital for economic growth, job creation and bringing benefits across our towns and cities.

    “From the likes of green aircraft engine ZeroAvia to ticketing hub Humanatix, 2025 is bringing further significant investment and exciting projects to Scotland. The Scottish Government will continue to work with businesses and our “Team Scotland” partners to continue building the country’s reputation as a world class location for foreign investment.”

    Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise Adrian Gillespie said:

    “It’s fantastic to mark a decade of Scotland as the number one UK location for inward investment outside of London. Foreign direct investment unlocks innovation, creates jobs, and opens up new supply chain opportunities for Scottish companies.

    “Our staff in over 30 offices around the world are vital to building these trusted relationships with potential inward investors, which can often take years to cultivate. This work is complemented by colleagues at home working with Team Scotland partners to build a package of support to bring these companies to Scotland.

    “Scotland’s strengths in emerging technologies, including AI, are attracting new foreign investors, with US robotics and AI company LaunchPad Build opening an Edinburgh office last year. Together with Scotland’s historic reputation for financial services excellence, this is driving further investment, such as Australian fintech HALO opening its Glasgow operations centre last year.

    “The global energy transition, and Scotland’s growing reputation in this area, continues to be a catalyst for innovation, with US headquartered ZeroAvia locating its manufacturing facility for hydrogen aviation engines next to Glasgow airport and Japanese sub-sea cable manufacturer Sumitomo breaking ground on its factory in Port of Nigg.”

    CGI Senior Vice President, Scotland and Northern Ireland, said Lindsay McGranaghan:

    “CGI has been working in Scotland for more than 10 years, and we find it an outstanding place to do business and grow talent. We have established offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Tweedbank, and employ 750 staff – who we call partners – who support key sectors such as government, health, energy and higher education. 

    “Six years ago we expanded our presence with the opening of a new HQ in Glasgow, and we embrace the metro model of working – building a resource of Scottish-based partners who live and work in their local communities. We have also developed partnerships with a host of Scottish SMEs, helping small businesses grow while supporting regional economic development.

    “As the UK’s leading FDI location outside London for a decade, Scotland’s resilience and appeal are clear. We are proud to play our part in that success, and look forward continuing to grow our business in Scotland.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fischer’s Paid Family & Medical Leave Tax Credit Included in Senate Finance Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer

    Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) issued the following statement after the Senate Finance Committee released legislative text as part of the reconciliation process which includes her Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit: 

    “I want to thank Chairman Crapo for working with me to make sure my Paid Family and Medical Leave Policy is made permanent in the Senate Finance bill. Since securing the nation’s first-ever and only PFML policy in 2017, it has helped employers of all sizes offer PFML plans to their employees. I’m pleased we are continuing to build upon this important effort to benefit America’s working families.”

    In May, the House Way & Means Committee 

    included Fischer’s Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit as part of their tax bill, which passed the House.

    Fischer’s work on Paid Family and Medical Leave:

    Fischer and Senator Angus King (I-Maine) established the country’s first-ever nationwide PFML policy, which was     included in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and implemented in 2018. Fischer and King reintroduced the bill in February, which builds upon the 2017 law to better serve working families. It also provides additional ways for employers to qualify for the paid leave tax credit, such as paying for PFML insurance products.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fischer’s Paid Family & Medical Leave Tax Credit Included in Senate Finance Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer

    Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) issued the following statement after the Senate Finance Committee released legislative text as part of the reconciliation process which includes her Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit: 

    “I want to thank Chairman Crapo for working with me to make sure my Paid Family and Medical Leave Policy is made permanent in the Senate Finance bill. Since securing the nation’s first-ever and only PFML policy in 2017, it has helped employers of all sizes offer PFML plans to their employees. I’m pleased we are continuing to build upon this important effort to benefit America’s working families.”

    In May, the House Way & Means Committee 

    included Fischer’s Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit as part of their tax bill, which passed the House.

    Fischer’s work on Paid Family and Medical Leave:

    Fischer and Senator Angus King (I-Maine) established the country’s first-ever nationwide PFML policy, which was     included in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and implemented in 2018. Fischer and King reintroduced the bill in February, which builds upon the 2017 law to better serve working families. It also provides additional ways for employers to qualify for the paid leave tax credit, such as paying for PFML insurance products.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Rochester business owner sentenced for food stamp fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Zina Amba Mbile Mbile, 46, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of food stamp fraud, was sentenced to two years of supervised release and ordered to pay $246,890.00 in restitution to the United States Department of Agriculture by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who handled the case, stated that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) uses federal tax dollars to help low-income individuals purchase food. Eligible individuals are provided with a debit card from which they can make food purchases at authorized food stores. Businesses authorized to accepts SNAP benefits, can only do so for the sale of eligible food products. It is unlawful to accept SNAP benefits for non-food items such as cigarettes, beer, or for cash. Between March 1, 2020, and July 23, 2024, Mbile, who operated the Beni Food convenience store on Dewey Avenue in Rochester, accepted SNAP benefits from customers in exchange for non-food items, such as cosmetic products. Mbile also exchanged cash for food stamp benefits, resulting in a profit for Mbile. In total, Mbile fraudulently caused $246,890.00 to be deposited into Beni Food’s bank accounts for food that was never purchased.

    The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Charmeka Parker, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, and the Monroe County Department of Human Services, under the direction of Commissioner Thalia Wright.        

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Truck Driver Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for Kidnapping Leading to Death

    Source: US FBI

    A truck driver who kidnapped a 25-year-old woman and dumped her dead body in the woods in August 2024 was sentenced today to life in federal prison, announced Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Nancy E. Larson.

    Naasson Hazzard, 28, of Austin, was indicted in October 2024 on federal charges of kidnapping resulting in death, which carried a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment.  Hazzard’s victim was an army veteran who entered the military immediately after high school.  Information shared during the sentencing hearing today revealed that there were full military honors at her funeral.

    After an eight-day trial in late January this year, a jury convicted Hazzard.  Today, U.S. District Judge Sam A. Lindsay sentenced him to life in federal prison.

    “The tremendous, relentless work of multiple law enforcement partners brought the terrible acts of this predator to light, and the jury answered the call for justice by finding him guilty,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy E. Larson. “Now, the life sentence he will serve reflects the value and sanctity of this victim’s life.  We hope that this sentence helps her family in the healing process.”

    “This defendant has been justly sentenced to prison for his abhorrent actions, ensuring that society will be safe from his predatory behavior for the remainder of his life,” said Travis Pickard, Special Agent in Charge HSI Dallas. “I applaud the unwavering commitment of the North Texas Trafficking Task Force, and all the law enforcement partners whose persistence led to this outcome.  May today’s judgment provide some solace to the victim’s family, reassuring them that HSI will never relent in our pursuit of sexual predators who aim to exploit and harm unsuspecting victims.”

    According to evidence presented at trial, surveillance video caught Hazzard’s victim, a young woman, entering his semi-truck in Dallas at 9:27 p.m. on Aug. 15, 2024.  Eight days later, her decomposing body was found in a wooded area off Texas Highway 11 in Pittsburg, Texas with a black plastic bag tied around her head.  

    Cell phone records showed that on the evening of Aug. 15, Mr. Hazzard traveled from the pickup location to a nearby parking lot, where he remained for approximately 17 minutes.  Evidence at trial reflected that Hazzard picked up the victim with the expectation of engaging in a sex act.  He then drove over three hours to a wooded area off Highway 11 in Pittsburg, Texas, where he texted his boss that he would be out sick the following day and remained for almost an hour before completing a load for work.

    The next day, he and his wife returned to the scene before going to dinner in Tyler, Texas.

    In the days that followed, Mr. Hazzard switched cell phones and deleted his Google and Life360 location sharing accounts.  He also cleaned the truck with bleach and searched “how many years for first second and third degree murders.”  Meanwhile, his wife searched for “Pittsburg Texas news.”

    On Aug. 23, the same day the victim’s body was recovered, agents found the victim’s cell phone shattered on the side of the road along Mr. Hazzard’s route the night she was killed.  

    “Your Honor, Naasson didn’t just take a life.  He destroyed futures.  He created a ripple effect of suffering that reaches further than he could ever understand,” the victim’s brother told the Court during his impact statement at today’s sentencing hearing.  “I ask you, please don’t see my sister as just a name in a case file.  She was a daughter.  A sister.  A mother.  A light in the lives of everyone who knew her.  Her life mattered.  And her death must mean something.”

    The North Texas Trafficking Task Force conducted the investigation with the assistance of the following agencies: the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office, the Dallas Police Department, the Midlothian Police Department, the Texas Rangers, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office, the Titus County Sheriff’s Office, the Buda Police Department, the Austin Police Department, the Hayes County Sheriff’s Office, and the Texas Department of Public Safety.  Homeland Security Investigation’s Dallas Field Office leads the Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandie Wade and Renee Hunter prosecuted the case with the help of appellate liaison AUSA Jonathan Bradshaw.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican national guilty of immigration violations in the Eastern District of Texas

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BEAUMONT, Texas –A Mexican national has pleaded guilty to an immigration violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

    Rigoberto Rodriguez-Moreno, 44, a Mexican national illegally residing in Lufkin, pleaded guilty to illegal reentry by a previously deported person before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christine L. Stetson on June 16, 2025.

    According to information presented in court, on March 4, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security and Investigations (HSI) received information that Rodriguez-Moreno was being held in the Angelina County Jail on a state arrest warrant. An HSI investigation determined that Rodriguez-Moreno was previously deported from the United States to Mexico on October 4, 2017, and did not have permission to return to the United States.

    Immigration records reveal this was the second time Rodriguez-Moreno was deported. The first deportation occurred in 1999. He has previous federal convictions for bringing in and harboring illegal aliens in 1999 and illegal reentry by a deported person in 2015. 

    Rodriguez-Moreno faces up to 20 years in federal prison and deportation at sentencing.  The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.  A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.  Rodriguez-Moreno still faces unrelated state charges in Angelina County.

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

    This case was investigated by the Lufkin Homeland Security Investigations and the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office.  This case was prosecuted by the Lufkin Division of the U.S Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Corporate Executives Sentenced to Federal Prison for Failing to Report Defective Dehumidifiers Linked to More Than 450 Fires

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – Two corporate executives were sentenced today to federal prison terms for conspiring to defraud the United States and for failing to report information about defective dehumidifiers linked to multiple fires in the first criminal enforcement action against corporate executives for failing to report required information ever brought under the Consumer Product Safety Act. (CPSA)

    Simon Chu, 70, of Pomona, was sentenced to 38 months in federal prison and was fined $5,000 by United States District Judge Dale S. Fischer. Judge Fischer today also sentenced Charley Loh, 67, of Arcadia, to 40 months in federal prison and fined him $12,000.

    The executives each were found guilty by a jury in November 2023 of one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and one count of failure to furnish information as required by the CPSA.

    “Federal law requires companies to report potentially dangerous products to the Consumer Product Safety Commission to help protect consumers from harm,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department will continue to investigate and bring to justice companies and individuals who willfully evade these requirements and put the public in danger.”

    “Corporate executives who choose to ignore the law will be held accountable – especially when death and serious injuries result,” said United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “By putting profits over the safety of others, these defendants created serious risks to consumers, and we will continue to prosecute those who endanger the public.”

    “These Chinese-made products were hazardous, and the defendants knew it,” said CPSC Acting Chairman Peter Feldman. “Today’s sentences are a clear message that the CPSC will take a hard line against executives who break American laws and endanger families. I commend the CPSC and Justice Department teams for their work to secure this outcome.”

    The defective dehumidifiers sold by Chu’s and Loh’s two corporations were included in multiple recalls of a larger number of defective dehumidifiers manufactured by Gree Electric Appliances Inc. of Zhuhai (Gree Zhuhai) in China. Recall notes stated that more than 450 reported fires and millions of dollars in property damage have been linked to the recalled Gree Zhuhai dehumidifiers. 

    The most recent recall announcements for the Gree dehumidifiers can be found here and here. The CPSC’s most recent warning about the recalled Gree dehumidifiers is here. 

    Chu was part owner and chief administrative officer of Gree USA Inc. and another corporation in the City of Industry, that distributed and sold to retailers for consumer purchase dehumidifiers that were made by Gree Zhuhai in China. Loh was part owner and CEO of the same two corporations.

    The CPSA requires manufacturers, importers and distributors of consumer products to report “immediately” to the CPSC information that reasonably supports the conclusion that a product contains a defect that could create a substantial product hazard or creates an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death. This duty also applies to the individual directors, officers, and agents of those companies.

    By September 2012, Chu, Loh and their companies received multiple reports that their Chinese dehumidifiers were defective, dangerous and could catch fire. They also knew that they were required to report this product safety information to the CPSC immediately. Despite their knowledge of consumer complaints of dehumidifier fires and test results showing defects in the dehumidifiers, Chu and Loh failed to disclose their dehumidifiers’ defects and hazards for at least six months while they continued to sell their products to retailers, for resale to consumers.

    The jury acquitted both defendants of one count of wire fraud.

    Gree USA was sentenced in April 2023 to pay a $500,000 criminal fine after pleading guilty to failing to notify the CPSC about the problems with the dehumidifiers. The fine, along with provisions to pay restitution to victims, was part of a $91 million criminal resolution with Gree USA, Gree Zhuhai and another related Gree company, Hong Kong Gree Electric Appliances Sales Co. Ltd.

    Homeland Security Investigations investigated this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorney Dennis Mitchell of the Environmental Crimes and Consumer Protection Section, and Justice Department Trial Attorneys Natalie Sanders, Speare Hodges, and Stephen Gripkey of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch prosecuted this case, with the assistance of Patricia Vieira of the CPSC’s Office of General Counsel.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Collins Speaks at Northern Light Health Rural Dementia Training Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Click HERE and HERE for individual photos.

    Orono, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins delivered remarks at the Northern Light Health Maine Rural Dementia Training Program at the University of Maine. More than 100 medical professionals from across the state were in attendance for the all-day program, which trains rural medical professionals, caregivers, and social workers to care for patients with dementia in outpatient and hospital-based settings. Maine, being one of the oldest and most rural states in the nation, faces a high prevalence of age-associated cognitive disorders and limited access to dementia specialists.

    “Far too many of us know the pain of having a loved one stricken by dementia, including Alzheimer’s. I’ve seen it in my own family, and I understand how devastating these diseases can be,” said Senator Collins during her remarks. “In our large rural state, it can be difficult to secure an accurate, early diagnosis and a plan for care. That’s why I worked hard to secure funding for this important training program to help ensure families across Maine can access the care they need.”

    Last year, through her role on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins secured more than $1.3 million in Congressionally Directed Spending for Northern Light Acadia Hospital to create the Rural Dementia Training Program.

    This week, Senator Collins delivered remarks at the 2025 Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM) Advocacy Forum in Washington. In her remarks, Senator Collins highlighted her successful legislative efforts to advance Alzheimer’s research, prevention, and treatment. In the 118th Congress, there were 1,868 standalone health care bills introduced in both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. Of those bills, only 15 passed both chambers and were signed into law. U.S. Senator Susan Collins led or co-led 5 of those 15 bills to passage with strong bipartisan support, and 3 of those 5 bills dealt directly with brain health. Those bills were the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA), the Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act, and the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act.

    MIL OSI USA News –