NewzIntel.com

Category: housing

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Deputy Secretary-General’s remarks at the Closing of the Civil Society Forum 68th session of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Spaces [as delivered]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Excellencies,
    Dear colleagues,
    Champions of our shared cosmic future,
    Let me begin with a simple truth: every phone call you made to get here, every GPS route that guided your journey, every weather forecast that helped you pack – all of it depended on space.
    Space is not the final frontier. It is the foundation of our present.
    Without satellites orbiting overhead right now, global food systems would collapse within weeks. Emergency responders would lose their lifelines. Climate scientists would be flying blind. And our hopes of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals would be out of reach.
    This is why your work matters. This is why the work of this Committee – COPUOS – is not just important, but urgent.
    For over six decades, through shifting geopolitics and changing priorities, this Committee has consistently delivered.
    Five space treaties.
    Space sustainability guidelines.
    The Space 2030 Agenda.
    You don’t just talk about space governance – you create it.
    But today, we need to shift our focus to scale.
    The United Nations has identified six critical areas for SDG acceleration: food systems, energy transitions, digital connectivity, education and skills, environmental action, and jobs and social protection.
    Every single one depends on space technologies.
    This is a paradox when you consider that less than half of UN Member States have a satellite in orbit, yet all eight billion people on Earth benefit from space services daily.
    Through your work, and through UNOOSA, we can close this divide – not by putting a satellite in every nation’s hands, but by ensuring that the benefits of space technologies reach every community on our planet.
    Excellencies,
    I’m just coming from the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville, where the message was crystal clear: in an era of constrained investment, we must align capital with high-impact solutions.
    Space is one of them.
    But impact happens at every level – and I would like to share what I’ve seen.
    At the local level, UNOOSA’s programs are building the next generation of inclusive space leaders. They’re ensuring equal access for youth and women in developing countries, where small investments create enormous change. Through these programs, we’re enabling the next Carmen Chaidez, the next Kitaw Ejigu.
    At the national level, UNOOSA helps countries build their space capabilities from the ground up. Through space law workshops and direct support for emerging programs, nations develop the expertise they need to harness space for their own development priorities.
    UN-Spider shows what this looks like in practice. In Tonga, Tobago, and Ghana, satellite data is being used to create detailed digital models of entire cities. When disaster strikes, these virtual twins allow governments to see exactly where help is needed most, deploy resources much faster, and ultimately save more lives.
    Through innovative partnerships, UNOOSA has helped Kenya, Guatemala, Moldova, and Mauritius launch their first satellites. Each event was a catalyst – for new space agencies, developing robust legislation, and promoting gender equality in the space sector.
    Finally, at the international level, as reinforced by the Pact for the Future, we must work together to ensure COPUOS delivers the governance our rapidly evolving space environment demands of us.
    Excellencies,
    Here’s what’s happening right now: low-Earth orbit satellites are multiplying exponentially.
    Humanity is preparing to return to the Moon.
    We’re exploring beyond like never before.
    And your work has never been more vital and urgent.
    We stand at the threshold of potentially historic decision: UNISPACE IV in 2027.
    This isn’t just another conference. This could be the milestone that shapes the next sixty years of global space governance.
    And so I encourage us all to aim high. And aim even higher.
    The pressing space issues before us – traffic, debris, resources – each present both risk and opportunity for achieving the SDGs. Each requires the kind of multilateral cooperation that this Committee has proven it can deliver.
    We need a strong UNOOSA and a strong COPUOS to lead us into UNISPACE IV and beyond.
    But strength isn’t about institutions – it’s about the people within them and the systems that we run. As a practical next step, I encourage you to champion the implementation of the UNOOSA Gender Mainstreaming Toolkit for the Space Sector launched last year. Because when we leave talent on the sidelines, we will all lose.
    Let me leave you with one final message.
    The view from space shows no countries, no borders – only one shared planet, our common home.
    Let that aspect guide you as you build the governance frameworks for space exploration and use.
    Let us ensure that outer space remains safe and sustainable for everyone.
    Let us make space a catalyst for achieving our 2030 Goals with 5 years to go.
    And let us build governance frameworks that serve not just us, but generations to come.
    Thank you.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: How should I talk to my kids about abuse and body safety?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Elizabeth Westrupp, Associate Professor in Psychology, Deakin University

    Jose Luis Peleaz/Getty

    Hearing about child abuse in trusted places such as childcare centres is every parent’s worst nightmare.

    So, how can we talk to our kids about it and help them stay safe?

    While it’s not always possible to prevent abuse – and it’s never the victim’s responsibility – there are practical, age-appropriate ways to help children trust their instincts and feel confident to speak up.

    These conversations don’t have to be frightening. They’re about teaching kids body safety, boundaries and trust in a calm, shame-free way.

    Here’s what parents and carers can do right now and some resources that might help.

    Use real names for body parts

    Many of us grew up in families where private parts were given nicknames or not mentioned at all. Basic body functions were treated as embarrassing or joked about. But when we flinch or make jokes, we teach our children these topics shouldn’t be spoken about.

    Instead, we need to speak about bodies in a clear, matter-of-fact way.

    Research shows one of the simplest and most effective protective factors for children is teaching them correct names for their genitals – penis, vulva, vagina, anus, bottom – without shame or secrecy.

    Using the right words gives children the language to ask questions and tell a trusted adult if something feels wrong.

    We can use everyday moments, such as bath time or getting dressed, to weave these words in. While your child is in the bath you might say: “Have you cleaned your vulva/penis? This is your special area and it’s up to you to look after it.”

    It’s also important to explain, in simple terms, that some things are just for adults. This isn’t about making the topic scary, but about setting safe boundaries: “Sex is for grown-ups. It’s not for children, and it’s never OK for an adult or another child to involve you in anything like that.”

    If you’re unsure how to begin, children’s books about bodies and private parts can help start the conversation. Here are some of my favourites, for toddlers up to late primary school:

    Teaching children the correct names for body parts is one of the most protective things you can do.
    simarik/Getty

    Respect their ‘no’

    Children are often taught to be polite and do as they’re told. While manners matter, this can sometimes teach children not to trust their own instincts.

    It’s vital for children to know they are in charge of their own bodies: they get to decide what happens to them.

    This means they never have to hug, kiss or touch anyone if they don’t want to, not even close family members. As parents, this can feel socially awkward. But we can help by offering alternatives, such as high five, a wave or just saying hello.

    When we respect children saying “no” to safe adults, we reinforce that their boundaries matter and they always have a right to speak up.

    Trusting our children helps them learn to trust themselves.

    Encourage them to listen to their in-built sense when something isn’t right – an “uh-oh” feeling in their tummy. Let them know: “If someone ever makes you feel weird or yucky inside, you can always tell me, even if someone tells you not to. I’ll always listen and believe you.”

    This helps build the confidence to speak up if something doesn’t feel right, whether it’s with another child on a play date, an adult at school, or even a date when they’re older.

    Most importantly, it sends the message that adults will listen, believe and protect them.

    Secrets vs surprises

    From a young age, children can understand safe grown-ups don’t ask them to keep secrets.

    It’s helpful to explain the difference between a secret and a surprise.

    Surprises are fun and temporary, like hiding a birthday present, and are always revealed.

    Secrets are about hiding something for a long time, and can make people feel scared or sad. You might say: “You can tell me anything. You won’t get in trouble, even if an adult says it’s a secret.”

    How to listen and what to look for

    Sometimes children can’t find the words or feel too scared to speak up. They might not fully understand what happened until they’re older.

    One of the most protective things you can do is remind your child it’s never too late to tell you if something’s worrying them. If they raise something from the past, stay calm, listen and thank them for trusting you.

    If your child ever discloses something distressing:

    • take a deep breath before you respond

    • let them know you believe them

    • avoid asking lots of detailed questions and just listen.

    Seek professional help if needed. This might mean talking to your GP, calling a child protection helpline or speaking to a trusted mental health professional.

    Not all children will disclose abuse directly. Look for sudden changes in behaviouror language that seems too mature, fear of certain people or places, regression such as bedwetting or nightmares.

    These signs don’t automatically mean abuse has occurred. But they are cues to gently check in, ask open questions and get help if needed.

    You don’t have to do this perfectly. Small conversations, repeated over time, help protect children and show them you’re always there to listen.

    If this story has raised any issues for you, please contact one of the services below:

    Elizabeth Westrupp receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council. She is affiliated with the Parenting and Family Research Alliance, Editor-in-Chief of Mental Health & Prevention, and is a registered clinical psychologist.

    – ref. How should I talk to my kids about abuse and body safety? – https://theconversation.com/how-should-i-talk-to-my-kids-about-abuse-and-body-safety-260309

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: By The Numbers: What the GOP Tax Bill Means for Georgia

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    Yesterday, Senator Reverend Warnock voted “NO” on the GOP Tax Bill, which passed by a vote of 50-50, with the Vice President breaking the tie

    The legislation will kick 750,000 Georgians off their health care, raise health care premiums for over 1.2 million Georgians, risk up to 42,000 Georgia jobs, threaten 66 rural hospitals, and add nearly $4 trillion to the national debt

    The legislation now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) released the following data outlining the harms of the GOP Tax Bill for Georgians. The Senator voted “NO” on theOne Big Beautiful Bill Act, citing the tremendous consequences of the bill to hard-working families. 

    “The Senate just voted for legislation that will kick millions off their health care, close rural hospitals, and increase health care costs for everyone, all to give billionaires a tax break,” said Senator Reverend Warnock.“This vote is a disappointing reminder that Washington politicians aren’t working for ordinary people.” Read the full statement HERE.

    Below is a “By The Numbers” breakdown of what the GOP Tax Bill will mean for Georgia:

    Health Care:

    The GOP Tax bill takes away health care for nearly 17 million Americans and over 750,000 Georgians. The legislation will:

    • Kick nearly 12 million Americans off Medicaid, including 93,000 Georgians.
    • Raise premiums for nearly 20 million Americans, including over 1.2 million Georgians.
    • Threaten 66 rural hospitals and 37 nursing homes in Georgia. 
    • Raise health care costs for EVERYONE by kicking millions off health care, making them unable to cover their medical bills. Those costs are then passed on to hospitals and insurers, who pass those costs on to customers.

    Debt/Deficit:

    • The GOP Tax Bill will add roughly $4 trillion to the deficit.

    Job Loss:

    The GOP Tax Bill threatens 42,000 good-paying Georgia jobs, $28 billion in private sector investments to 51 Georgia projects.

    • The vast majority of projects announced following the passage of the clean energy tax credits have been investments in Congressional districts currently held by Republicans. 
    • This is particularly true in Georgia, where 83% of the projects, 94% of the total investment, and 75% of the jobs are in Republican districts. 
    • More than 95% of the new jobs and investments are in counties where the percentage of people with a bachelor’s degree is below the national average. 

    Energy Costs:

    The GOP Tax Bill will make it more expensive for Georgians to cover their utility bills. The legislation will:  

    • Increase electricity spending by up to $110 per year by 2026.

    Georgia Projects:

    The GOP Tax Bill will rescind funding that was intended to boost Georgia businesses. The legislation will:

    • Retract funding $158 million in federal investments for Atlanta’s The Stitch and $50 million to connect Atlanta’s southside communities, schools, hospitals, and MARTA stations to the Beltline.
    • Kill Georgia business expansion, including retracting $3.1 million in federal funding for Lanzajet’s SAF facility in Soperton, GA.

    Food Assistance

    This legislation will force Georgia seniors and children to go hungry. When this legislation is fully in effect, it is estimated to:

    • Cut some or all of food assistance for 729,000 Georgia families, including 121,000 Georgia families with children.
    • Cut some or all of food assistance for 22.3 million families nationwide.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont Signs Biennial State Budget for 2026 and 2027

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has signed into law the biennial state budget bill for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, which makes historic investments to expand access to early childhood education, which is among the costliest item for families, all while holding the line on taxes.

    Notable investments include:

    • Early childhood education: The budget makes historic levels of investment to support Connecticut’s early childhood education system, including $417.5 million in fiscal year 2026 and $443 million in fiscal year 2027. General Fund appropriations for early childhood education are up $252.7 million between fiscal years 2018 and 2027 – a 133% increase. In addition to these investments, the budget establishes the Early Childhood Education Endowment by transferring up to $300 million of the unappropriated General Fund surplus at the close of fiscal year 2025. This endowment will be used to make more early childhood education slots available and enroll more children into the system.
    • Special education: The budget makes historic levels of investments to support special education, growing by $44.9 million in fiscal year 2026 and an additional $49.9 million in fiscal year 2027, as well as capital investments of $10 million in each year. By 2027, state investments in special education will have grown by 95%.
    • K-12 education: The budget fully funds Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grants for towns and cities, including a hold harmless provision that provides $8.7 million in fiscal year 2026 and $17.4 million in fiscal year 2027 to ensure that no municipality loses ECS funding over the biennium. Since Governor Lamont took office in 2019, ECS grants have grown by roughly $443 million – an 18% increases in support for K-12 public schools.
    • Higher education: The budget increases funding for the Roberta B. Willis Scholarship Fund – Connecticut’s state-funded scholarship program for residents who attend in-state public and private higher education institutions – by $1.4 million in fiscal year 2026 and $16.4 million in fiscal year 2027. When combined with $15 million previously reserved for fiscal year 2026, both years of the biennium will be funded at $41 million – the highest level of state-appropriated scholarship funding in more than a decade. General Fund support for UConn is increased by an additional $49 million in fiscal year 2026 and $34 million in fiscal year 2027; UConn Health receives an additional $29 million in fiscal year 2026 and an additional $25 million in fiscal year 2027; and Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) receives a budget increase of an additional $32 million in fiscal year 2026 and $45 million in 2027.
    • Health and human service providers: The budget supports $50 million in fiscal year 2026 to annualize fiscal year 2025 increases and $126 million in fiscal year 2027 to support a 3% increase for private providers, plus an additional $30 million specific to non-DDS providers. Plus, the budget provides an additional $100.1 million to support the group home settlement over the biennium, representing a 15% increase.
    • Housing: The budget provides $3.5 million in fiscal year 2026 and $5 million in fiscal year 2027 to support eviction prevention, as well as support HUBs, which are the physical locations where individuals and families get appointments to gain access to homelessness resources. Plus $6.7 million is provided, beginning in fiscal year 2027, to increase elderly and disabled RAP vouchers, as well as HeadStart on Housing Vouchers, which is a system approach to combating homelessness with the support and collaboration of private providers, state agencies, and local communities across housing, childcare, and social services.

    Governor Lamont said, “This is a balanced, sensible budget that is under the spending cap, provides predictability and stability for residents, businesses, and municipalities, and holds the line on taxes while keeping us on a sound fiscal path. Importantly, it includes significant investments in our education system, beginning with historic levels of support for early childhood education, up through our K-12 public schools and our higher education institutions. It also protects our social services safety net, prioritizing our health and human services providers and increasing support for our most vulnerable residents, including seniors and those who have disabilities, who receive Medicaid. And while we are doing all of this, we are continuing to make historic and long-overdue payments into the pension system, preserving the strength of our fiscal guardrails, and making fiscally responsible investments into the rainy-day fund that will protect our state against any potential economic headwinds we may face in the future. I thank the legislature for their hard work and collaboration on this budget. While other states are increasing taxes and cutting services, economic analysts are pointing to Connecticut as an example of a state that has worked hard to maintain fiscal stability and is making the smart decisions that are critical for economic growth.”

    Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney said, “This budget includes several major initiatives, including a new trust fund for early childhood education that will be transformative in getting children ready for kindergarten, and a larger investment in special education to help towns deal with ever-increasing special education costs.”

    Speaker of the House Matt Ritter said, “Our budget showcases our priorities. We make critical investments in education and childcare while providing relief to thousands of working families with a $250 credit through the EITC framework. This budget was a team effort and I want to thank the chairs, Senate leaders, Governor and the staffs who worked so hard to ensure we crossed the finish line.”

    Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff said, “Voting for a significant special education funding increase and prioritizing millions of dollars more in the classroom underscores our commitment to students, parents, teachers and school personnel across this state. I want to thank Senator Looney for fighting for a strong state budget, as well as Senators Osten and Fonfara, Speaker Ritter, Majority Leader Rojas, their fiscal chairs, and all our hardworking staff for negotiating a two-year budget that delivers on so many of our promises.”

    House Majority Leader Jason Rojas said, “This budget represents a bold investment in Connecticut’s most vital asset: our people. It reflects our commitment to invest in our future – our youngest learners – through historic levels of funding for early childhood education and childcare as well as investments in special education and fully funding the state’s obligation to our traditional public schools. We know that when we invest in our children, we invest in the foundation of our communities. We continue to support our towns and cities by sustaining and increasing municipal aid to help relieve the pressure of property taxes and ensure that local governments can serve residents effectively. We’re also addressing some of the most urgent needs in our state, including affordable housing and transportation so people and our economy can keep moving forward.”

    Senator Cathy Osten, co-chair of the Appropriations Committee, said, “This is a good budget that addresses the real issues for real people that we heard about in countless hours of public hearings – food, health care, nonprofits and education.”

    State Representative Maria Horn, co-chair of the Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee, said, “This budget reflects the legislature’s commitment to responsible, people-first policymaking. We delivered a $250 refundable credit for working families, a $500 credit for home daycare providers, and new incentives to help families save for college – all targeted toward easing everyday costs. We also ensured small businesses can compete on a fairer playing field by modernizing our tax code and expanding support for local farms and rural economies. Even with a tough revenue forecast, we passed a balanced, forward-looking budget that supports families, strengthens our workforce, and creates a better environment for small businesses to thrive.”

    The budget bill is Public Act 25-168. The 2026 fiscal year begins July 1, 2025.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite signs new 5-year deal

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

    Everton has been given a boost ahead of the pre-season training with the news that England defender Jarrad Branthwaite has signed a new five-year contract until the end of June 2030.

    Chelsea’s Armando Broja (L) is challenged by Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite during the English Premier League match between Everton and Chelsea in Liverpool, Britain, on Dec. 10, 2023. (Xinhua)

    The 23-year-old’s previous deal was due to expire in June 2027 and his impressive displays had attracted attention from several major clubs, such as Tottenham and Chelsea and had even been linked with Real Madrid.

    The new deal assures his future at Everton as the Liverpool-based outfit prepares to start life at its new Everton Stadium.

    “I’m over the moon,” said the defender, who has played 86 times for Everton.

    “It’s been something we’ve been talking about since the end of the season, and to get it signed now is something I’m really excited about.”

    “The trust the club’s put in me and how many games I’ve played over the past two seasons has made it quite an easy decision for me to stay and to keep progressing as a player,” explained Branthwaite.

    “Moving to the new stadium together and having that first game at home is something we’re all looking forward to. We want to go again and push for a good season,” he added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Homes are more than walls and a roof, especially for Indigenous people. It’s time housing policy reflects that

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Giles Gunesekera, PhD Researcher, University of Technology Sydney

    Australia is experiencing a housing crisis. But for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the challenge runs deeper than high rents and limited supply. A major problem is that housing in Australia is rarely designed with Indigenous communities in mind.

    In 2021, roughly 13% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander households faced unmet housing needs. This equated to around 45,700 low-income Indigenous households lacking suitable accommodation.

    Overcrowding remains a significant issue, with only 81.4% of Indigenous Australians living in appropriately sized housing in 2021, falling short of the 88% target set for 2031 under Closing The Gap.

    Cultural obligations, such as caring for extended family and accommodating kinship networks, are often at odds with standard tenancy agreements that limit guest numbers and occupancy terms.

    These mismatches contribute to stress, overcrowding and, in some cases, eviction.

    Housing that works

    Housing is often described as a human right. In reality, housing policy is shaped by market forces, supply targets and regulatory compliance. While these may meet administrative goals, they frequently fail to reflect the cultural, social and emotional needs of First Nations people.

    But there are programs that work.

    Our research examines how community-led, culturally safe housing can support long-term improvements in health, stability and inclusion for Indigenous and marginalised communities

    One compelling example is the Ngalang Moort Wangkiny project in Western Australia. Led by Aboriginal researchers, this project explored the experiences of Aboriginal families living in social housing. Through yarning circles, tenants shared how housing design and tenancy rules often work against their cultural needs.

    Many homes are built for small families and do not accommodate extended kinship networks. Tenancy agreements may limit guests or require the names of all residents.

    These arrangements create tension for Aboriginal families who have a strong cultural obligation to care for relatives and host kin. Policies that ignore these responsibilities are stressful and often produce in unsuitable results.

    The research demonstrated many of these issues can be avoided through co-design. Aboriginal families who are involved in planning, decision-making and service delivery are more likely to experience positive housing outcomes. They feel a sense of safety, support and community ownership.

    With models like these, housing can be a stable foundation, not a point of vulnerability.

    The benefits of culturally safe housing extend beyond comfort or cultural fit. Evidence shows strong links between stable housing and improvements in education, employment and health.

    People who feel respected and secure in their homes are more likely to access services, remain in school and sustain employment.

    Planning with, not planning for

    Across Australia, Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) are at the forefront of culturally safe housing.

    These organisations are governed by Aboriginal communities and grounded in local knowledge and values. In housing, they provide tenancy support, manage properties, and deliver wraparound services such as mental health care and employment programs.

    Some receive government support.

    Many of these organisations continue to operate under pressure. Funding is often short-term, rigid and inconsistent, with recent findings showing governments are leaving the financial heavy lifting to under-resourced Aboriginal groups.

    But policies are designed remotely with little input from communities. Tenancy frameworks still reflect assumptions based on Western models of home life, which may not align with Indigenous ways of living.

    Standard house layouts with separate, enclosed rooms may not support communal living or outdoor gathering spaces that are central to many Indigenous households.

    Addressing these gaps requires national policy reform recognising housing as essential social infrastructure. Long-term funding, flexible tenancy arrangements and support for Indigenous-led organisations would all help.

    A more inclusive planning system would ensure co-design becomes standard practice rather than the exception.

    Doing more to meet goals

    We can also draw valuable lessons from international models.

    Globally, community land trusts have enabled low-income and racially marginalised communities to secure long-term control of housing and land.

    These trusts work by holding land in a nonprofit trust while allowing residents to own or rent homes on it through long-term, renewable leases. This structure removes land from the speculative market, keeps housing costs stable and ensures decisions remain in the hands of the local community.

    In Chile, the Half a House model gives families a solid, expandable foundation to grow their homes as their resources allow.

    A growing number of Australian policymakers have acknowledged this need for change. The National Agreement on Closing the Gap includes targets for improved housing outcomes and increased community control.

    The 2024 Implementation Plan outlines steps toward reducing overcrowding and strengthening Aboriginal-controlled service delivery.

    Turning these goals into practice requires sustained effort. Indigenous communities must be seen as partners in decision-making, not simply as service recipients. Their insights and lived experiences should shape every stage of the housing process.

    Uniform solutions will not meet diverse local needs. Place-based approaches, developed in collaboration with communities, are essential.

    Housing is more than shelter. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, it is a space to practise culture, strengthen kinship, and pass on knowledge. It is where identity is lived and preserved.

    Proven models already exist. Communities across Australia are leading the way. What is required now is a policy environment that listens, invests and follows their lead.

    Giles Gunesekera OAM works for Global Impact Initiative, an organisation that constructs impact investments with the dual focus of sustainable financial return and measurable, actionable, social impact.

    Dr Allan Teale receives funding from UTS.
    In 2023, he received a Churchill Fellowship that enabled him to travel to Canada and the United States to study Indigenous community housing. My report can be found at this link: https://www.churchilltrust.com.au/fellow/allan-teale-nsw-2022/

    – ref. Homes are more than walls and a roof, especially for Indigenous people. It’s time housing policy reflects that – https://theconversation.com/homes-are-more-than-walls-and-a-roof-especially-for-indigenous-people-its-time-housing-policy-reflects-that-259147

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Homes are more than walls and a roof, especially for Indigenous people. It’s time housing policy reflects that

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Giles Gunesekera, PhD Researcher, University of Technology Sydney

    Australia is experiencing a housing crisis. But for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the challenge runs deeper than high rents and limited supply. A major problem is that housing in Australia is rarely designed with Indigenous communities in mind.

    In 2021, roughly 13% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander households faced unmet housing needs. This equated to around 45,700 low-income Indigenous households lacking suitable accommodation.

    Overcrowding remains a significant issue, with only 81.4% of Indigenous Australians living in appropriately sized housing in 2021, falling short of the 88% target set for 2031 under Closing The Gap.

    Cultural obligations, such as caring for extended family and accommodating kinship networks, are often at odds with standard tenancy agreements that limit guest numbers and occupancy terms.

    These mismatches contribute to stress, overcrowding and, in some cases, eviction.

    Housing that works

    Housing is often described as a human right. In reality, housing policy is shaped by market forces, supply targets and regulatory compliance. While these may meet administrative goals, they frequently fail to reflect the cultural, social and emotional needs of First Nations people.

    But there are programs that work.

    Our research examines how community-led, culturally safe housing can support long-term improvements in health, stability and inclusion for Indigenous and marginalised communities

    One compelling example is the Ngalang Moort Wangkiny project in Western Australia. Led by Aboriginal researchers, this project explored the experiences of Aboriginal families living in social housing. Through yarning circles, tenants shared how housing design and tenancy rules often work against their cultural needs.

    Many homes are built for small families and do not accommodate extended kinship networks. Tenancy agreements may limit guests or require the names of all residents.

    These arrangements create tension for Aboriginal families who have a strong cultural obligation to care for relatives and host kin. Policies that ignore these responsibilities are stressful and often produce in unsuitable results.

    The research demonstrated many of these issues can be avoided through co-design. Aboriginal families who are involved in planning, decision-making and service delivery are more likely to experience positive housing outcomes. They feel a sense of safety, support and community ownership.

    With models like these, housing can be a stable foundation, not a point of vulnerability.

    The benefits of culturally safe housing extend beyond comfort or cultural fit. Evidence shows strong links between stable housing and improvements in education, employment and health.

    People who feel respected and secure in their homes are more likely to access services, remain in school and sustain employment.

    Planning with, not planning for

    Across Australia, Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) are at the forefront of culturally safe housing.

    These organisations are governed by Aboriginal communities and grounded in local knowledge and values. In housing, they provide tenancy support, manage properties, and deliver wraparound services such as mental health care and employment programs.

    Some receive government support.

    Many of these organisations continue to operate under pressure. Funding is often short-term, rigid and inconsistent, with recent findings showing governments are leaving the financial heavy lifting to under-resourced Aboriginal groups.

    But policies are designed remotely with little input from communities. Tenancy frameworks still reflect assumptions based on Western models of home life, which may not align with Indigenous ways of living.

    Standard house layouts with separate, enclosed rooms may not support communal living or outdoor gathering spaces that are central to many Indigenous households.

    Addressing these gaps requires national policy reform recognising housing as essential social infrastructure. Long-term funding, flexible tenancy arrangements and support for Indigenous-led organisations would all help.

    A more inclusive planning system would ensure co-design becomes standard practice rather than the exception.

    Doing more to meet goals

    We can also draw valuable lessons from international models.

    Globally, community land trusts have enabled low-income and racially marginalised communities to secure long-term control of housing and land.

    These trusts work by holding land in a nonprofit trust while allowing residents to own or rent homes on it through long-term, renewable leases. This structure removes land from the speculative market, keeps housing costs stable and ensures decisions remain in the hands of the local community.

    In Chile, the Half a House model gives families a solid, expandable foundation to grow their homes as their resources allow.

    A growing number of Australian policymakers have acknowledged this need for change. The National Agreement on Closing the Gap includes targets for improved housing outcomes and increased community control.

    The 2024 Implementation Plan outlines steps toward reducing overcrowding and strengthening Aboriginal-controlled service delivery.

    Turning these goals into practice requires sustained effort. Indigenous communities must be seen as partners in decision-making, not simply as service recipients. Their insights and lived experiences should shape every stage of the housing process.

    Uniform solutions will not meet diverse local needs. Place-based approaches, developed in collaboration with communities, are essential.

    Housing is more than shelter. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, it is a space to practise culture, strengthen kinship, and pass on knowledge. It is where identity is lived and preserved.

    Proven models already exist. Communities across Australia are leading the way. What is required now is a policy environment that listens, invests and follows their lead.

    Giles Gunesekera OAM works for Global Impact Initiative, an organisation that constructs impact investments with the dual focus of sustainable financial return and measurable, actionable, social impact.

    Dr Allan Teale receives funding from UTS.
    In 2023, he received a Churchill Fellowship that enabled him to travel to Canada and the United States to study Indigenous community housing. My report can be found at this link: https://www.churchilltrust.com.au/fellow/allan-teale-nsw-2022/

    – ref. Homes are more than walls and a roof, especially for Indigenous people. It’s time housing policy reflects that – https://theconversation.com/homes-are-more-than-walls-and-a-roof-especially-for-indigenous-people-its-time-housing-policy-reflects-that-259147

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker Hosts Veterans Town Hall Alongside Passaic County Board of County Commissioners, Spotlights Trump Administration’s Cuts to Vital Veteran Services

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker
    WAYNE, N.J. – This afternoon, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) hosted a town hall with over 150 veterans in partnership with the Passaic County Board of County Commissioners. Veterans spoke to Booker about the impacts the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans are having on vital services they rely on every day, from housing and health care to workforce development and food assistance.
    Booker presented a check to New Jersey SOS Veteran Stakeholder Group for $500,000 in Fiscal Year 2024 Congressionally Directed Spending for their project providing furnishing for homeless veterans receiving housing assistance. Booker also recognized seven New Jerseyans with Certificates of Special Recognition for their outstanding service improving the lives of New Jersey’s veterans.
    “We owe our veterans a debt of gratitude. They’ve sacrificed so we may enjoy the freedoms we so often take for granted. Despite this, the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans have taken steps to undermine the wellbeing of those who defended our nation, stripping many of the essential services upon which they rely. What I heard this afternoon was frustration, fear, and uncertainty. Our veterans deserve security, but what they’re getting from Washington is instability. I look forward to continuing to stand with veterans, fighting the Trump administration at every turn to ensure our vets have access to the housing, employment, health care, and comprehensive services they deserve,” said Senator Booker. 
    “It was an honor to welcome Senator Booker to Passaic County for this important conversation with our veterans. This town hall created a space for our heroes to share their stories directly with those who can effect real change. In Passaic County, we are deeply committed to supporting our veterans and advocating for the resources they’ve earned through their service and events like this help amplify their voices at every level of government,” said Sandi Lazzara, Deputy Director, Passaic County Board of County Commissioners.
    “We are honored that Senator Booker chose Passaic County for his Veteran Town Hall. It created a space for veterans to express their concerns and have their voices heard. It also gives their concerns that much needed place at the table where their issues can be addressed.  NJSOSVETS would like to thank Senator Booker for securing us funding for our Veteran Furniture Project. It will help turn an empty apartment into a home and help give veterans the dignity they deserve,” said David Pearson, Director, New Jersey SOS Veteran Stakeholder Group
    Booker was honored to present a Certificate of Special Recognition to the following New Jerseyans in recognition of and gratitude for their service to country and dedication to improving the lives of New Jersey’s veterans:
    David Cathcart, U.S. Army Vietnam veteran, former Secaucus Vet Center Director and veteran advocate
    Emerson Crooks, U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam Veteran and veteran advocate
    Lucy Del Gaudio, U.S. Army veteran, Operation Sisterhood Director and veteran advocate 
    Sherwood English, U.S. Army veteran, Passaic County Veterans Service Officer
    Anna Maria Vancheri, Paterson Veterans Council
    Anthony “Tony” Vancheri, U.S. Army Vietnam veteran, and President of the Paterson Veterans Council
    Michael Ventimiglia, U.S. Air Force Vietnam veteran

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Rips Senate Passage of Trump-Republicans’ ‘Big, Ugly Betrayal’ Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, following a vote of 51-50, U.S. Senator Jack Reed issued the following statement assailing Senate passage of Republicans’ ‘big, ugly’ reconciliation budget bill:

    “Rhode Islanders care about rising costs but Trump and this Republican Congress don’t care about costs.  Instead, they’re passing a huge tax giveaway for the wealthiest, slashing healthcare for millions, and adding trillions to the debt.  Future generations will be paying for this destructive, fiscally irresponsible monstrosity long after Donald Trump is gone.  This bill takes from the needy and gives to greedy special interests.

    “Congress should help lower costs and improve health care, not rip it away from millions of families and explode the deficit in order to give special tax treatment to billionaires and millionaires.

    “The Trump-Republican bill will contribute to higher health care prices, bigger bureaucratic hurdles, and shift heavier financial burdens onto working families, seniors, hospitals, and state and local governments.

    “Budgets are about priorities, and it’s clear Republicans prioritized the wealthiest at the expense of the working-class.  The big tax advantages go to the rich while all the cruelest cuts hit people struggling to pay for rent, food, health care, and energy bills.

    “This shameful bill is fiscally irresponsible and short-sighted.  It will force future generations to pick up the tab and sacrifices their economic future for a short-term money grab for the wealthy.

    “Many seniors, veterans, and children from low-income families will lose their health coverage due to the Republican vote.  Of course, not everyone will lose their coverage right away or feel the impact evenly.  But make no mistake: the cuts in this bill will cause higher premiums, hospital closures, crowded emergency rooms, and longer wait times, and it will add more burdens to state budgets.

    “Trump’s MAGA grift machine took full advantage of his own supporters.  Many won’t realize how bad this bill truly is until it’s too late and the safety net is no longer there when they need it. 

    “Congressional Republicans carved out big breaks for Big Oil polluters, while making it harder for families trying to send their kids to college.  The super-rich were granted a higher, permanent exemption of the estate tax so affluent couples can bequeath $30 million tax free to their heirs. Meanwhile the bill will make it harder to find a quality, affordable nursing home for seniors.  It undermines public education, gives gun manufactures a $1.7 billion tax break, and spends $40 million on a vanity sculpture garden for Donald Trump.  

    “This isn’t the end of the fight.  We’ve got to work even harder to limit the damage and then reverse it in the years ahead.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Real Estate – Oops, I bought a house! Survey reveals nearly 1 in 4 Kiwis purchase homes by happy accident

    Source: Brainchild for Realestate.co.nz

    3 July 2025 – A surprising trend has been uncovered in a recent survey of New Zealand’s real estate landscape: a significant slice of Kiwis are making spontaneous home purchases.

    According to a realestate.co.nz study, 24% of participants have found themselves as property owners at some stage, having made the leap without the initial intention to buy. Within this group, 8% ‘accidentally purchased’ in the past year.

    Vanessa Williams, spokesperson for realestate.co.nz, said while it may sound unusual for someone to ‘accidentally buy a house,’ the data suggests it’s more common than many would believe:

    “Kiwis have a real affinity with property; browsing listings is almost a national pastime. Attending an open home or an auction can quickly turn from casual interest to serious investment when the right property catches your eye and the price feels within reach.”

    Williams notes that choosing a home is often choosing a lifestyle, and the emotional connection to a space or location can strongly influence decision-making.

    realestate.co.nz has been tracking this data since 2020, which has revealed a cycle not too dissimilar to the property market.

    “The 2025 data is a telling sign of growing optimism among property buyers,” says Williams.

    “We haven’t seen this level of ‘accidental purchases’ since April 2022, which was coming off the back of a hot market.

    The latest data indicates a correlation between these unexpected purchases and increased income. Individuals who bought a house without prior plans in the last 12 months reported a personal income of 54% above the average.

    Accidental purchasers are also predominantly male (66% vs. 34% female), with an average age of 30.2 years.

    Auckland remains the hot spot for these unplanned acquisitions, with those in the super city more likely to have made an impulse buy (51% compared to 31% of survey respondents overall). Williams says income is likely a factor here as well, but adds that a diverse market with ample choice, like Auckland, may also fuel spur-of-the-moment decisions.

    “While it’s important to have a property investment plan that works for you and your personal circumstances, the property market can provide numerous opportunities for those with an open mind – something a fairly significant portion of the population seems to already know well,” says Williams.

    The survey, conducted between 9 and 13 June 2025 reflects responses from 1,045 New Zealanders, with the results weighted on age, gender, personal income, ethnicity and region to match the New Zealand adult population. The survey has a maximum margin of error of ±3% overall.

    About realestate.co.nz

    We’ve been helping people buy, sell, or rent property since 1996.  

    Established before Google, realestate.co.nz is New Zealand’s longest-standing property website and the official website of the real estate industry.

    Dedicated only to property, our mission is to empower people with a property search tool they can use to find the life they want to live. With residential, lifestyle, rural and commercial property listings, realestate.co.nz is the place to start for those looking to buy or sell property.  

    Whatever life you’re searching for, it all starts here.

    Want more property insights?

    • Market insights: Search by suburb to see median sale prices, popular property types and tr

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Weather News – Filled to the Brim with Heavy Rain – MetService

    Source: MetService

    Covering period of Thursday 3rd – Tuesday 8th July – We’re in the thick of it again today (Thursday), with a slew of Heavy Rain Warnings and Watches, Severe Thunderstorm Watches, Strong Wind Watches, and a Heavy Snow Watch. The hits just keep coming with these quick moving systems, it’s giving us weather whiplash.  

    In amongst the widespread rain, the top half of the North Island is on the lookout for downpours with Severe Thunderstorm Watches from this afternoon.  Commute time in Auckland is looking busiest, so it’s a good idea to head home earlier if you can.  

    MetService Meteorologist Katie Hillyer advises, “The localised downpours are the real risk we are highlighting with the Severe Thunderstorm Watches; people shouldn’t be fooled by the lack of thunder and lightning. It’s a good time for people to turn on notifications in the app for any Severe Thunderstorm Warnings that may be issued for their area”.  

    Damaging winds are also possible for Northland and Auckland, with a background of strong winds as per the Strong Wind Watches, combined with the potential of gusts between 90-110km/hr in any Severe Thunderstorms. As the heavy rain band moves off, these areas are not completely out of the woods, with heavy showers and possible thunderstorms and hail on Friday and Saturday. It will take until Sunday and into Monday for these areas to get some settled weather, even if it’s not for as long as we’re hoping.  

    Heavy Rain Watches have also been issued for the Wellington and Kapiti regions for this afternoon and evening.

    Rain is setting in the Tasman, Nelson and Marlborough regions as they are under their Heavy Rain Warnings until 7pm today. “While accumulations are not as high as last week, the saturated starting conditions will play a huge part in the impacts we will see, so it is important to not get caught comparing numbers to last week”, says Hillyer. “We advise on the weather, but local emergency management services and councils know their areas best, so people are encouraged to also pay close attention to their messaging and advice”, she continues. After this rainband moves off today, showers, some possibly heavy, continue into Friday and early Saturday before settled weather pushes in.

    A different flavour in the south of the country, with a Heavy Snow Watch for Southern Canterbury High Country, Queenstown Lakes District, and Central Otago where down to 600 metres, snow may approach Warning criteria, but those down to 400 metres may get a fresh dusting today. Many road passes have the risk of snow settling, so travellers should keep up with messages from NZTA Waka Kotahi. Dunedin and North Otago are also under a Heavy Rain Watch from 3pm-3am, before gradually settling into the weekend.

    Please keep up to date with the most current information from MetService at MetService – Te Ratonga Tirorangi: https://metservice.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=63982abb40666393e6a63259d&id=52c6509eec&e=852c839bf9

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: PSA welcomes settlement of Te Roopu Taurima industrial dispute

    Source: PSA

    PSA members at disability support provider Te Roopu Taurima have voted to ratify a new Collective Agreement.
    The settlement follows an 8-month dispute. The employer banned Kaitaataki and Poutaaki (residential whare leaders) from working additional hours before Christmas and threatened a six-week suspension in response to low level strike action.
    “These workers stuck together through what was a long and difficult industrial dispute and proudly emerged stronger,” says Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi National Secretary Fleur Fitzismons.
    “The new agreement doesn’t include 90-day trials which was a key driver of the dispute.
    “Our heartfelt appreciation goes to the members of Parliament and representatives of the disability community who stood with workers in this challenging moment.
    “Kaitaataki and Poutaaki are pleased to be able to return to focusing on their important work supporting taangata and their whānau.”
    The legal action against the lockout is still to be heard by the Employment Relations Authority.
    Other media releases:
    The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Legal Cases – Greenpeace International begins groundbreaking Anti-SLAPP case to protect freedom of speech

    Source: Greenpeace

    In a landmark test case of the European Union’s new legislation to protect freedom of expression and stop abusive lawsuits, Greenpeace International has overnight challenged the US oil pipeline company, Energy Transfer, in court in the Netherlands.[1]
    The multi-billion-dollar company brought two back-to-back SLAPP suits against Greenpeace International and Greenpeace in the US, after Greenpeace showed solidarity with the 2016 peaceful Indigenous-led protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline. The first case was dismissed, but the Greenpeace organisations continue to defend against the second case, which is ongoing, after a North Dakota jury recently awarded over 660 million USD in damages to the pipeline giant.Activists from Greenpeace International and allies were present outside the courthouse in Amsterdam for the first hearing in the case with a banner reading “ ENERGY TRANSFER, WELCOME TO THE EU – WHERE FREE SPEECH IS STILL A THING“. Mads Christensen, Executive Director, Greenpeace International, says: “Energy Transfer’s attack on our right to protest is an attack on everyone’s free speech. Greenpeace has been the target of threats, arrests and even bombs over the last 50 years and persevered. We will continue to resist all forms of intimidation and explore every option to hold Energy Transfer accountable for this attempt at abusing the justice system. This groundbreaking anti-SLAPP case against Energy Transfer in the Netherlands is just the beginning of defeating this bullying tactic being wielded by billionaires and fossil fuel giants trying to silence critics all over the world. Something absolutely vital is at stake here: people’s ability to hold corporate polluters to account for the devastation they’re causing.”
    Russel Norman, Executive Director, Greenpeace Aotearoa, says: “The timing of this case is particularly poignant given that we are about to mark the 40th anniversary of the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior by agents of the French Government here in Auckland. The bombing was an act of desperation by the French Government in the face of our successful, people-powered campaign to end nuclear testing in the Pacific.
    “Forty years ago, we showed that we could not be intimidated. Greenpeace only grew stronger, and together with the nuclear-free Pacific movement, we put a stop to nuclear testing. Now, as Greenpeace International goes to court in Amsterdam, Energy Transfer would also like us – and all climate activists – to be afraid and to shut up – but once again, we will show that we will not be silenced.”The lawsuit is an important test of the European Union’s Anti-SLAPP Directive, adopted in April 2024.[2] The Directive is designed to protect journalists, activists, civil society organisations, or anyone else speaking out about matters of public concern, from Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) – unfounded intimidation lawsuits brought by powerful corporations or wealthy individuals seeking to suppress public debate.[3] Since Greenpeace International is a Netherlands-based foundation and the damage caused by Energy Transfers’s US SLAPP suit is occurring in the Netherlands, both Dutch and EU law apply.
    Amy Jacobsen, Senior Legal Counsel, Greenpeace International, says, “This case paves the way for protections from bullying lawsuits being implemented throughout Europe and beyond. The lawsuits that Energy Transfer have brought against Greenpeace International are the perfect example of the kind of abusive legal proceedings that the anti-SLAPP Directive is designed to protect against. By calling upon the EU anti-SLAPP Directive’s protections, Greenpeace International refuses to allow the bullying tactics of wealthy fossil fuel corporations like Energy Transfer to compromise our fundamental free speech rights.”
    Following a dawn ceremony on the 10 July 2025 in Auckland,  the Rainbow Warrior will be open to the public for tours and talks with the crew on the week

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE HSI Newark operation makes 18 arrests, takes down Newark open-air drug market

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    NEWARK, N.J. –U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations Newark and multiple federal, state and local partners made 18 arrests of alleged co-conspirators for roles in a drug trafficking organization on July 1 in Newark, New Jersey.

    The arrests are a result of a 14-month HSI Newark investigation with the Newark Police Department and the U.S. District Attorney for the District of New Jersey.

    “In addition to the 18 arrests, HSI’s investigation led to federal charges filed against 24 individuals and we executed seven federal search warrants in and around Essex County, New Jersey,” said HSI Newark Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel during a press conference following the operation. “Law enforcement partnership and teamwork were essential in our success. I am proud to say these alleged conspirators operating the sale of narcotics primarily from the Bradley Court Public Housing Complex have been stopped thanks to thousands of hours of police work. The livelihood of the tenants throughout 10 three-story apartment buildings who have been plagued by this dangerous enterprise for far too long can now feel a sense of safety and security.”

    On July 2, two additional defendants were arrested. Four remain at large.

    HSI Newark’s investigation uncovered a complex criminal enterprise with ties to transnational organized crime, that distributed more than 400 grams of fentanyl and a kilo of heroin. During the takedown operation, approximately $113,000 dollars in bulk cash/drug proceeds, illicit firearms, ammunition, narcotics, including 28 bricks of fentanyl and heroin, and vehicles were seized.

    According to the investigation, the defendants are members or associates of Sex, Money, Murder—a Blood affiliated criminal street gang (“Enterprise” or “the Enterprise”) that controls the drug trade in Bradley Court Housing Complex located near North Munn Avenue and Tremont Avenue in Newark. The Enterprise are also known as Munn Block, M-Blok, and Tombstone Gang (TSG). Munn Block are closely aligned with another Blood affiliated gang known as Voorhees, who operate around Voorhees Street—members and associates of the Enterprise refer to the collective union as “MunnHees”.

    “It is critical for the public to understand that these individuals engaged in the most dangerous of action, were armed and were involved in shootings,” said SAC Patel. “They peddled narcotics to include fentanyl, heroin, and crack cocaine, all while risking the lives of those around them for power and money. Surveillance, undercover activity and electronic monitoring were just some of the necessary steps needed to bring these individuals to justice.”

    For over a year, law enforcement conducted extensive surveillance of the area, conducted numerous controlled purchases of narcotics, seized narcotics through enforcement action, and analyzed telephone records, all of which demonstrated extensive interactions between and among the charged defendants. Members and associates of the Enterprise are known to use social media on a variety of platforms and mobile applications, including Instagram, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Signal, Telegram, and WhatsApp to conduct the business of the Enterprise, communicate with one another, promote the Enterprise through sharing photographs and videos, and further the Enterprise’s goals. Specifically, the Enterprise uses the release and promotion of drill rap songs and music videos on social media to intimidate rival gang members, witnesses, and other members of the community, and to promote the Enterprise.

    “For far too long, the Bloods have overtaken the Bradley Court Housing Complex — turning its courtyards and residential buildings into a hub for pumping deadly fentanyl into the city of Newark, while endangering the lives of the citizens who call this community home.” said U.S. Attorney Alina Habba. “This poison has ripped families apart and stolen countless lives. That stops today. These arrests affirm my office’s commitment to taking guns and drugs off the streets and serves as a clear warning to anyone who considers engaging in violent activity. The defendants in this case, as in all criminal cases, are presumed innocent unless, and until proven guilty. However, everyone should understand that if you spread this poison or engage in this violent activity, we will use every resource necessary to find you, dismantle your operation, and prosecute you.”

    Other agencies who supported HSI Newark’s investigation and operations were the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service, Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, the New Jersey State Police, Newark Police Department, East Orange Police Department and the Newark Housing Authority Security Department.

    Shamon Freshley, a/k/a “Hitta,” 26, Orlando Pizarro, a/k/a “Lando,” 26, Zakir Jefferson, a/k/a “Gu,” a/k/a “Tank,” 26, Quayyon Johnson, a/k/a “Weeze,” 22, Melvin Faines, a/k/a “Spaz,” 34, Afrika Islam, a/k/a “Sexx,” 29, Shaheem Webb, a/k/a “YC,” 23, Eustace Weeks, a/k/a “Juxx,” 26, Ali Baker, a/k/a “Surf,” 34, Jose Ward, a/k/a “Hec,” 22, Brandon Sneed, a/k/a “Pops,” 31, Eric Banks, a/k/a “Lil Maneskii,” 19, Tauheed Carney, a/k/a “Bmunn,” 21, Tykee Stokes, a/k/a “Big,” 32, Shafeek Barker, a/k/a “Sha,” 28, Ibn Perry, a/k/a “Loop,” 38, Alvin Jones, a/k/a “Lucky,” 41, Kirk Mansook, a/k/a “Crow,” 39, Tyjanique Green, a/k/a “Ski,” 24, Jubar Hughes, a/k/a “Dudu,” 27, Daisean Williams, a/k/a “Khaos,” 22, Jason Wardlaw, a/k/a “Jayr,” 30, and Rana James a/k/a “Pooh,” 28, all of Essex County, New Jersey, were charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine.

    Sebastian Pierrecent, a/k/a “Sosa,” 21, Quayyan Johnson, and Tauheed Carney are also each charged with possession of a machine gun. In addition, Pierrecent is charged with possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon.

    Pierrecent, Johnson, and Carney, are also charged with possession of a machine gun that was used in the June 17 shooting in rival gang territory near Mapes Avenue in Newark.

    The defendants charged in the drug conspiracy face a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, maximum potential penalty of life in prison, and a $10 million fine. Pierrecent, Johnson, and Carney each face up to 10 years in prison for possession of the machinegun. Pierrecent faces up to 15 years in prison for possession of firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Preparing for a new generation of ‘underbirds’ on Rakiura

    Source: NZ Department of Conservation

    This winter, with introduced predators hungry and lurking, critical action is being taken to help one of the world’s most endangered birds produce a new generation of chicks on Rakiura/Stewart Island.

    Pukunui/Southern New Zealand dotterel are critically threatened shore birds that nests on mountain tops. Photo by Bradley Shields.

    You probably don’t know much about pukunui/Southern New Zealand dotterel, but the rangers on Rakiura have been battling the elements for decades trying to prevent them from being predated, primarily by feral cats.

    Pukunui used to be widespread throughout Te Waipounamu, even found in the Southern Alps, but stoats and cats have decimated their numbers and they now only nest on Rakiura mountain tops.

    “Pukunui have swooped under most people’s radar, but they deserve all the protection they can get,” says Guy McDonald who leads DOC’s Pukunui Recovery Team.

    “We call them the ‘underbirds’ because they are only found at the bottom of New Zealand, and like many native species, they have a friendly, innocent manner, and are defenceless to introduced predators.’ 

    The forest is overrun with predators 

    Guy is one of a small team of rangers on Rakiura who control predators around pukunui breeding areas, monitor nests and conduct annual population counts. 

    “Our team often works day and night, dealing with all kinds of extreme weather, in the effort to protect some of the last remaining strongholds of pukunui breeding pairs located around the mountains of the Tin Range – Ka Puketuroto.”  

    Pukunui Recovery Team Lead, Guy McDonald. Image from Underbirds documentary.

    It has been incredibly challenging because the forest is overrun with predators and trapping networks can only cover a small proportion of the habitat. 

    Consequently, the pukunui population has plummeted to 105 – down from 176 in 2020 and 300 in 2010.

    “Pukunui should live to at least 20-30 years old, but with the huge number of feral cats on the island as well as other predators, most pukunui only survive 4-5 years if they’re lucky,” says Guy.   

    “It’s hard on team morale when we find dotterels that have been eaten, especially the ones we have banded and become familiar with. It’s heartbreaking to find their little bodies.”  

    But there’s a new plan to reverse the decline, drawing on extra funding from Predator Free 2050 and expertise from DOC’s National Predator Control Programme and Zero Invasive Predators.

    Not your average house cat 

    Although there aren’t stoats on Rakiura, pukunui are up against another stealthy and ferocious carnivore – the feral cat.   

    Feral cats captured by a trail camera in May between Doughboy Bay and the Tin Range, close to pukunui breeding grounds. Monitoring shows feral cats are rampant.

    Feral cats are apex predators which means nothing preys upon them. They can hunt high and low across thousands of hectares of forest and mountains, and they survive by preying upon any animal they can sink their teeth into, including birds, bats, lizards, and insects.  

    In response, we’ve begun the first phase of an aerial 1080 operation to reduce the number of rats, feral cats and possums by more than 95% across more than 40,000 hectares of Rakiura National Park.   

    We will do this by accurately applying biodegradable 1080 bait pellets from helicopters to support the trapping efforts of the local team.   

    “It wouldn’t be possible or safe to cover this remote, rugged terrain with traps alone. It would put our people at risk,” Guy says. 

    The use of 1080 is vital for protecting populations of native species across the country. It will heavily reduce predator numbers so pukunui can have a safer, more successful breeding season.  

    If we don’t act now, future generations will ask why 

    The aim is to increase the population to at least 300 birds by 2035 with predator control. However, if predators can be permanently removed through the Predator Free Rakiura project, this target could be well exceeded.  

    “As a team we are excited and nervous because if we are successful, and predators can be eradicated, we may no-longer need a pukunui recovery team,” says Guy.   

    “This would be the best marker of success but also the end of an era.” 

    Dan Cocker, also known as Dotterel Dan, has been involved in protecting pukunui since 2017 as a teenager.

    DOC Rakiura Ranger, Dan Cocker. Image from Underbirds documentary.

    Dan wants to see these birds become so abundant on Rakiura that they can return to shorelines and mountains throughout Te Waipounamu when it’s safe.  

    “When I read books about our extinct native birds, I ask why didn’t they do more? Future generations will ask us this same question, if we don’t take action,” says Dan. 

    This isn’t just about pukunui – Rakiura should be bustling with native wildlife, but there’s a deafening silence deep in the forest. Predator Free Rakiura aims to restore the health and abundance of the ecosystem and bring back native species that belong here.   

    Donations a boost for pukunui protection   

    Pukunui and the Deceit Peaks. Photo by Guy McDonald.

    In 2023 the New Zealand Nature Fund launched a campaign in partnership with DOC to raise funds from donors to support DOC’s Pukunui Recovery Team.

    It’s early days but the pukunui team acknowledges the support of the New Zealand Nature Fund and everyone who has donated to this project.  

    “Project donations have been vital for expanding our predator control efforts,” Guy says.   

    Find out more and support our efforts

    Learn more about the plight of the pukunui in this documentary: Underbirds – the Fight to Save the Southern New Zealand Dotterel. 

    Learn more about why we use 1080 to protect native species.

    Stay up to date with progress on Predator Free Rakiura and the Pukunui Recovery Operation: Removing predators from Stewart Island/Rakiura

    Learn more about DOC’s role in Predator Free Rakiura and the species that need our protection: Predator Free Rakiura: Our work

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Pain inflicted on lives of public service workers exposed in housing report – PSA

    Source: PSA

    The Government’s deep and wide cuts to public service jobs have taken its toll on the housing market over the past year, as well as the lives of public service workers and public services.
    Cotality NZ (formerly CoreLogic) latest home value index showed Wellington remaining the outlier, the only major metropolitan region experiencing big falls over the year (-5%) and over the last three months (-1%). There was also no change in house prices over June in Wellington.
    “The deep wounds inflicted by the Government’s rushed job cuts have been laid bare by the impact on the housing market,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
    “The Government not only cut jobs, but there remains a continued threat to the security of employment in Wellington.
    “Insecure employment undermines the ability of people to make important life decisions like buying a house and starting a family.
    “The cuts and proposed changes to personal grievance protections which amount to a fire at will approach will make it harder for people to commit to buying a home, putting down roots and having children.
    “Lives have been turned upside down by this Government with little sympathy for the disruption it has caused.
    “This is a heartless government which continues to think up new ways to erode the rights of workers and undermine the capability of the public service.
    “Wellington’s economy continues to suffer from its decisions and ordering workers to spend more time in the office is ignoring the real reason for the city’s slump.”
    The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Sporting organisations

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    Your organisation will be exempt from income tax, and can self-assess its exemption, if it meets all of the following requirements:

    • it’s a not-for-profit society, association or club
    • it’s established for the purpose of encouragement of either of the following
      • a game or sport
      • animal racing
    • it’s not a charity
    • it meets one of the 3 following tests 
      • physical presence in Australia test
      • DGR test
      • prescribed by law test
    • it complies with all the substantive requirements in its governing rules
    • it applies its income and assets solely for the purpose for which it is established.

    Taxation Ruling TR 2022/2 Income tax: the games and sports exemption provides detailed guidance for organisations seeking additional information to determine whether they are entitled to self-assess as income tax exempt.

    If all of your organisation’s purposes are charitable purposes for the public benefit and you do not have any independent non-charitable purposes, your organisation cannot self-assess as income tax exempt under this category. Your organisation will need to be registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and receive our endorsement to access an income tax exemption.

    For more information on what is a charitable purpose, see the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission’s websiteExternal Link.

    Society, association or club

    A society, association or club is an entity made up of people who have come together to implement a common purpose.

    An individual, or an incorporated body that has only one member, is not a society, association or club. A fund which only holds money to support activities carried out by other entities is also not a society, association or club.

    The members of a society, association or club do not need to be natural persons. They can be an association of other entities.

    Main purpose

    The main purpose of the society, association or club must be encouragement of a game or sport, or animal racing. To work out your organisation’s main purpose, look at its:

    • constituent documents
    • activities
    • use of funds
    • history.

    Any other purpose of the organisation must be incidental, ancillary or secondary to encouragement of a game or sport, or animal racing.

    For example, if your organisation’s main purpose is providing social and recreational facilities and activities, it won’t be exempt. This is the case even if your organisation also gives money to encourage games, sports or animal racing.

    Example 1: not for the encouragement of a game or sport

    An NFP club’s main operations are providing dining, gaming and leisure facilities at its clubhouse. It gives a minor yearly grant to an associated rowing club but is not involved in rowing itself.

    The club doesn’t qualify for the exemption.

    End of example

    Example 2: car appreciation club (not encouraging a game or sport)

    Classic Car Club (the Club) is an NFP association that holds events for enthusiasts of a particular make of car. The Club’s events are focused on providing attendees with information on how to maintain their cars and opportunities to build networks with each other.

    The Club’s main purpose is to promote a common interest in a particular make of car, as opposed to encouraging a game or sport.

    The Club doesn’t qualify for the exemption.

    End of example

    Example 3: recreational fishing activities (not encouraging a game or sport)

    The One That Got Away Club (the Club) provides services and amenities for people who like to fish in the bay near the clubhouse and in surrounding watercourses. The services provided include weather and boating information, guest speakers and a bar and canteen which open daily. Members-only competitions are held once a month.

    While a fishing competition can be a sport, the Club’s main purpose is to provide services and amenities for members to do recreational fishing. The Club was not formed for the main purpose of encouraging a game or sport.

    The Club doesn’t qualify for the exemption.

    End of example

    Example 4: club with sporting facilities occasionally conducting sporting activities for members (not encouraging a game or sport)

    Our Community Club (the Club) is an NFP association which was initially established for networking purposes, but now also provides dining, entertainment, gym and sporting facilities for its members. Occasionally, the Club organises member-only sporting competitions using its sporting facilities.

    Whilst the Club occasionally organises sporting competitions for its members, the Club’s main purpose is to provide a broad variety of services and facilities to its members and encourage social and networking activities among its members.

    The Club doesn’t qualify for the exemption.

    End of example

    Example 5: services to members with incidental sporting activities – ski lodge (not encouraging a game or sport)

    Super Ski Club (the Club) is an NFP association which owns and operates a ski lodge. It was originally established to provide accommodation for its members to regularly participate in recreational skiing and snowboarding. When the Club’s lodging facilities are not fully used by its members, they are made available to the public on a commercial basis.

    The Club is affiliated with an association (the Association) which regularly holds snow sports competitions. The Club allows the Association to use its lodging facilities for meetings and equipment storage on an inconsistent basis. The Club also makes its lodging facilities available at discounted rates to individuals competing in the Association’s competitions, provided they are not already reserved by its members. The Club doesn’t enter any teams into any sporting competitions itself.

    The Club’s main purpose is the provision of accommodation to its members. The substantial and prioritised member usage of the Club’s lodging facilities, inconsistent support provided to the Association and lack of direct involvement in any sporting competitions indicates that the encouragement of a game or sport is not the Club’s main purpose.

    The Club doesn’t qualify for the exemption.

    End of example

    Game or sport

    The terms ‘game’ and ‘sport’ are not defined and take their ordinary meaning. Games and sports extend to athletic games or sports (such as football and swimming) and non-athletic games (such as chess and bridge).

    They don’t extend to:

    • stamp-collecting
    • keeping and showing pets
    • making model railways
    • maintaining vintage cars
    • various social and recreational pursuits.

    Encouragement of a game or sport extends to less direct means such as:

    • research or testing
    • developing referees
    • providing sporting facilities.

    Example 6: for the encouragement of a game or sport

    An NFP association’s purpose is to provide a sports ground for use by the local hockey, soccer and cricket clubs.

    The association will qualify for the exemption if it is not a charity and it also meets the other requirements.

    End of example

    Example 7: rallying and track racing club (encouraging a game or sport)

    Riverstone Rally Club (the Club) is an NFP association that holds rallying and track racing activities. It is managed by a committee of members that actively participate in competitive rallying and track racing.

    The Club owns and maintains a local motorsport circuit, which is available for public usage. It regularly hosts rallying and track racing contests on its circuit and participates in state and national-level competitions.

    The Club’s main purpose is to encourage a game or sport. It will qualify for the exemption.

    End of example

    Example 8: ski club (encouraging a game or sport)

    Aussie Alps Ski Club (the Club) is an NFP association. The Club’s governing document states it has been set up to promote snow sports. The Club’s management committee consists of former snow sports athletes.

    The Club owns and operates a snow sports lodge and training and conditioning facility, which are available to the public (at commercial rates) and to a development snow sports squad selected by a national snow sports body (at no cost).

    The Club also regularly hosts skiing competitions. The Club consistently uses most of its profits to cover the training, accommodation and travel fees of skiing athletes representing Australia in the Olympics.

    The Club’s main purpose is to encourage a game or sport. It will qualify for the exemption.

    End of example

    Animal racing

    The income tax exemption includes horse racing, trotting and greyhound racing, and the racing of other animals.

    If your organisation doesn’t meet all the requirements for exemption for this category, you should check the other exemption categories in Eligible types of income tax exempt organisations.

    Early self-review worksheet for sporting organisations with multiple purposes

    Sporting organisations with multiple purposes can use the Working out your club’s income tax status worksheet (PDF, 220KB) when conducting an early self-review of their income tax status. The worksheet includes a schedule to help sporting organisations with multiple purposes weigh up their features and work out their main purpose.

    Once completed, the worksheet should be kept for your records. It does not need to be sent to the ATO.

    It is important to note that non-charitable NFPs with an active ABN, including sporting organisations, must lodge an annual NFP self-review return to notify their eligibility to self-assess income tax exemption.

    The worksheet is not a substitute for the lodgment of the NFP self-review return. However, if your sporting organisation has multiple purposes, the worksheet may help your sporting organisation work out its main purpose, so that it may accurately complete its NFP self-review return.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Consumers warned about ‘ghost stores’ imitating Australian businesses

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    The ACCC is warning consumers about the operators of four websites allegedly misrepresenting themselves as local businesses, also known as ‘ghost stores’.

    It is alleged these four ghost store operators are harming consumers by making false representations that they are local Australian businesses, imminently closing down, and selling high-quality clothing and footwear products, when they are instead based overseas, not imminently closing down, and are drop-shipping low-quality products.

    The ACCC has issued Public Warning Notices to warn consumers about specific conduct by the operators of the following four websites: everly-melbourne.com, willowandgrace-adelaide.com, sophie-claire.com and doublebayboutique.com.

    “We are warning Australians about the risks of engaging with these four websites specifically, which we allege are not based in Melbourne, Adelaide or Double Bay, nor are they imminently closing down,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

    “We further allege that the operators of these websites are supplying products which are not of the advertised quality.”

    The ACCC’s Public Warning Notices follow an increased number of consumer reports to the ACCC in recent months about online ghost stores. Since the start of 2025, the ACCC estimates it has received at least 360 reports about 60 online retailers, though media reports suggest many more may be in operation.

    The ACCC is concerned that, beyond these four websites, this type of conduct appears to be widespread, and that there are many other online ghost stores in operation that may also be falsely claiming to be local boutiques and supplying poor quality products.

    The ACCC is also aware of complaints about ghost stores refusing to provide refunds, or only offering partial refunds, to consumers who have complained about the inferior quality of the goods compared to the advertised descriptions, or not responding to complaints at all.

    Ghost stores have been known to target consumers through social media ads and also tend to close and rebrand under new names, often using different Australian suburbs, towns or cities in their names to appear ‘local’. 

    “We urge all Australians to think twice before clicking on ads they see on social media which claim to be from a boutique business based in a local town or city,” Ms Lowe said.

    “Often ghost stores will share an emotional story on their social media or website that they are a small, locally operated business, needing to close for financial reasons.”

    “They will claim they are having a ‘closing down sale’ as a result, with all stock heavily discounted and available on a very limited basis,” Ms Lowe said.

    “This conduct preys on the empathy of consumers who have a genuine desire to support local businesses, as well as creating a false sense of urgency.”

    “The websites often use a similar format to many other online stores, advertising high-quality boutique clothing at heavily discounted prices. However, when the product arrives in the mail, consumers report receiving cheap, mass-produced products that have been sold at an inflated price and do not fit their advertised quality or description,” Ms Lowe said.

    Ghost stores sometimes use a name that is similar to that of a genuine local boutique, leading to competitive and reputational harm for those businesses.

    The ACCC understands ghost stores use targeted paid advertisements on social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram and often appear to use the Shopify e-commerce platform to host and operate their webstores.

    “We have written to both Meta Platforms (as the owner of Facebook and Instagram) and Shopify to request they scrutinise and take appropriate action against the operators of ghost stores,” Ms Lowe said.

    “We want to increase public awareness of these dishonest businesses so that Australians know how to spot them and can avoid being deceived into buying an inferior product.”

    Signs that an online business could be a ghost store

    • The store may have an Australian place in its name or domain, but the website domain is ‘.com’ and not ‘.com.au’.
    • The website for the store often features a fake backstory relating to the owners and claims that, for financial or other reasons, the store is closing down. Advertisements on social media platforms, including Facebook or Instagram, will often claim that the closing down sale ‘ends tonight’.
    • Use of AI generated images of the owners or team. This can sometimes be indicated in the URL.
    • The returns policy on the website for the store will often suggest that items will need to be returned to a warehouse or general location overseas which is different from where the items are allegedly shipped from, for example, a store that claims to be based in Melbourne but requires returns to be sent to a warehouse in Asia.
    • The website does not provide a contact phone number or physical address for the store, or indeed any contact details beyond an email address or web form.
    • The website’s Privacy Policy or Terms of Service refers to international laws and regulations instead of Australian laws.
    • The website does not provide an ABN (Australian Business Number) or ACN (Australian Company Number) for the business.
    • Review platforms, like Trustpilot, often have negative reviews for the business, whereas the business’ website only features very positive reviews.
    • The business’ Facebook page was only created recently and has negative reviews or lots of negative emoji reactions to its posts.
    • The images of the products may be taken from other websites where the products are advertised under different descriptions and for much lower prices. 

    Tips to help determine if an online store is genuine or not

    The ACCC is urging consumers to check the business name on the Australian Business Register lookup and to use reverse image or ‘Google Lens’ searches of product photos on the website to see if they have been taken from another site.

    Consumers should also check if the store is listed in a local business directory for the location the store claims to be in, or to look for the business name in a search engine and read reviews from other consumers.

    Don’t just rely on the reviews on the business’ website as these may not be legitimate. Make further inquiries and if in doubt, do not purchase from the retailer.

    What to do if you have purchased something from a ghost store

    Consumers should contact their bank or payment provider immediately to see if you can stop the transaction or reverse the charge.

    Consumers can also leave a negative review on the business’ Facebook page or a review site like Trustpilot.

    Where consumers have accessed the websites via social media ads they can make a complaint directly to the relevant platform. For example, complaints can be made to Facebook, and should include a screenshot of the store ad and/or page, and if the website is hosted by Shopify, the merchant can be reported.  

    The website can be reported to Google to have it delisted, and a report can also be made to the ACCC. Consumers can also report websites to ScamWatch.

    Screenshots of the websites referred to in the Public Warning Notices

    Background

    Consumer and fair-trading concerns in the supermarket and retail sectors, with a focus on misleading pricing practices, are a compliance and enforcement priority for the ACCC in 2025-26.

    In addition to the conduct outlined above, consumer reports to the ACCC suggest that, when approached, ghost stores do not honour their returns policy and either stop responding to emails or offer only a partial refund.

    In some cases, a partial refund is offered but only if the item is shipped back to an overseas warehouse at the consumer’s expense.

    Note to editors

    The ACCC may issue a Public Warning Notice to warn consumers about the conduct of a person or business where it has reasonable grounds to suspect a breach of certain provisions of the Australian Consumer Law, and it is satisfied that one or more persons has suffered, or is likely to suffer, detriment as a result of the conduct, and that it is in the public interest to issue the notice.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jamestown man pleads guilty to enticing travel to engage in sexual activity

    Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

    BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Anthony Burris, 34, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny to two counts of enticing travel to engage in sexual activity, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Maeve E. Huggins, who is handling the case, stated that between January and March 11, 2021, Burris coerced Victim 1, a woman suffering from drug addiction, to perform commercial sex acts. He did so by threatening the use of physical violence, and by supplying, and at times withholding, quantities of controlled substances. Burris, who knew Victim 1 was physically addicted to controlled substances, also provided transportation, housing, a cellular phone, and food to Victim 1, who was homeless during this time. In exchange, Victim 1 performed commercial sex acts and gave the proceeds to Burris, who posted online advertisements on Skipthegames.com, which contained sexually suggestive photographs of Victim 1. Burris then transported Victim 1 to various locations in the Western District of New York and elsewhere, including to Pennsylvania, to engage in these commercial sex acts.

    Between June 2020, and March 11, 2021, Burris coerced a second victim (Victim 2) to perform commercial sex acts, once again threatening physical violence, and providing money for the purchase of controlled substances, and by supplying, and at times withholding, quantities of controlled substances. Like Victim 1, Burris knew Victim 2 was physically addicted to controlled substances and homeless. Victim 2 performed commercial sex acts and gave the proceeds to the defendant. Burris also posted ads for Victim 2 on Skipthegames.com and transported Victim 2 to various locations in the Western District of New York and elsewhere, including Pennsylvania, to perform commercial sex acts.

    The plea is the result of an investigation by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James B. Quattrone, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, the Amherst Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Chamberlin, and the Millcreek, PA, Police Department, under the direction of Chief Carter Mook. 

    Sentencing is scheduled for October 8, 2025, before Judge Skretny.

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Polis, DeGette, Neguse, Crow, Pettersen Denounce Republicans’ Reckless Budget Bill, Pressure House Members to Vote Against It

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper
    Yesterday, Senate Republicans passed their budget that’ll increase prices for Coloradans, strip health care from 17 million Americans, increase the deficit, and give tax cuts to the ultra-wealthy
    House Republicans are currently voting on the bill
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper, Colorado Governor Jared Polis, and U.S. Representatives Diana DeGette, Joe Neguse, Jason Crow, and Brittany Pettersen held a virtual statewide press conference to detail the impact the Republican budget bill will have on Colorado. They urged the House of Representatives to reject the extreme legislation after it passed the Senate yesterday. The elected officials were joined by leaders from across Colorado who would be impacted by the harmful cuts in the legislation.
    “This was a vote that would strip 17 million Americans, including many, many children, of their health care, push more than 300 rural hospitals to close, gut investments in affordable and clean energy, and would expand our national debt at a level that we have never imagined before. All this just to accommodate these lavish tax cuts for wealthy Americans,” said Hickenlooper. “This fight isn’t over, and people calling and organizing, putting pressure, has had a huge effect.”
    “Budgets reflect values, and Republicans in Congress – including members of our delegation – are making it clear that they don’t value health care access for Coloradans, access to food for children and families, job creators in clean energy, or balancing the budget,” said Polis.
    “The bottom line is, this bill is the worst bill I’ve ever seen in my many years in Congress,” said DeGette. “Colorado hospitals would lose $10 billion in federal funding in this legislation. Many of the rural hospitals, particularly in Western and Northern Colorado, will have to go out of business. This will not only hurt people who get Medicaid. It will hurt the entire community.”
    “It would be devastating for Western Colorado, Northern Colorado, Southern Colorado, for rural Colorado in particular…” said Neguse. “This will clearly exacerbate and turbo charge a poverty crisis in our country by virtue of the cruel cuts that have been included in the bill…. So we’re going to use every procedural tool that we can to try to stop and block this bill from proceeding.”
    “We can’t understate the disastrous impact in the life and death consequence of this bill,” said Crow. “This is the single largest – if this bill passes – this will be the single largest transfer of wealth from the working class to the top one percent and large corporations in the history of America. And on top of that, it’s going to blow up the budget and add over $3 trillion to the debt.”
    “It is heartbreaking to think about the impacts that this disastrous bill is going to bring to communities in Colorado and across the country,” said Pettersen. “Today, I’m thinking about the 40% of kids in the United States who rely on Medicaid for care, the 40% of pregnant women who rely on Medicaid, and people like my mom who work a low wage job and would be unable to access care. We’re leaving people like her behind and decimating all the progress we’ve made to build up our capacity and our system across Colorado. And it’s going to hit all of us.”
    The Senate-passed reconciliation bill includes a $3 trillion tax cut for the wealthiest Americans. It pays for those tax cuts by taking healthcare away from 17 million Americans, forcing rural hospitals in Colorado to close their doors, gutting clean energy investments, and ballooning our national debt by trillions of dollars.
    After more than 24 hours of voting with a record-setting number of amendments, Hickenlooper voted NO on the budget resolution after Republicans voted down critical Democratic-led amendments to prevent cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and Inflation Reduction Act clean energy funding.
    The reconciliation bill now heads to the House for final passage. Only four House Republicans need to vote against the bill for it to fail.
    For video clips of the press conference, click HERE.
    Taking Health Care Away from 17 Million Americans
    The Republican budget proposal calls for extreme Medicaid cuts of more than $1 trillion, which would take away people’s health benefits; make it harder for them to see their health care providers; and prevent seniors from getting nursing home care. It also fails to extend the Affordable Care Act expanded premium tax credits, which expire at the end of 2025. As a result the Congressional Budget Office estimates that 17 million Americans will lose health insurance by 2034, and our national debt will increase by $3.3 trillion.
    “For every dollar invested in Medicaid in Colorado, we see more than double in economic activity and benefit returned. That means these cuts will have a huge ripple effect and severely harm our economy, and it will hit rural areas where Medicaid is most important the hardest,” said Adam Fox, Deputy Director at the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative. “At the end of the day, though, what this means, and what we hear from folks who rely on Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, is this bill is going to force more Coloradans into impossible decisions between paying for the care that they need and keeping a roof over their head or food on their table.”
    “I can’t underscore how important Medicaid and the [ACA] health exchanges are for our patients for Sunrise and for our community…” said Mitzi Moran, CEO of Sunrise Community Health in Evans. “Medicaid expansion in 2008 and in 2013 changed things dramatically for our patients and for Sunrise… [our patients] still struggle with the tough choices, but at least medication is not in the mix, and they have coverage when they seek care at the hospital.”
    “Southwest Health Systems is a 20 bed, critical access hospital… Our physicians and advanced practice providers deliver primary care services for almost 9,000 members of our Southwest Colorado communities. Our emergency department provided services to more than 13,500 urgent and emergency conditions last year in 2024,” Joe Theine, CEO of Southwest Health System in Cortez. “Permanent cuts to the provider taxes and state directed payments, along with other changes to the Medicaid program, put at risk the services that we offer to people who live, work and travel throughout Southwest Colorado.”
    “I have two adult children with developmental disabilities, a 24 year old son and a 20 year old daughter. Our family members are recipients of Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers, and these are not known by the general public very well, but they are state specific programs under Medicaid that provide much more than basic health care and dental care,” said Deana Cairo, Disability Rights Activist. “[Eligibility redeterminations every six months] is likely to result in more problems… There’s going to be service interruptions, loss of care. People are going to fall off the rolls. People who don’t have people to advocate and appeal for them are going to become unhoused. It’s going to be a disaster.”
    Slashing Investments in Clean Energy and Driving up Energy Bills
    The Republicans voted to gut hundreds of billions in Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) clean energy investments, including tax credits for wind and solar. The results: over a million jobs lost, hundreds of billions in lost GDP and lost wages, electricity price inflation, and killing new renewable energy needed to prevent blackouts.
    “Republicans are always talking about independence and being dominant in our industries. This is how we become energy dominant. It’s not just wind. It’s not just solar. It’s not just natural gas plants. It’s not just nuclear power plants. It takes every single one of these technologies for us to create that.” said Josh Shipley, Owner of Alternative Power Enterprises in Ridgway. “And this is this bill is going to kill that – there’s no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Small businesses like mine will go out of business because of it. There will not be the workforce that is going to be required to create that energy dominance later, when they’ve realized what they’ve done.”
    “By cutting these energy tax credits, they are going to end so much of the thriving industry, the jobs and the new electrons that are being put on the grid, and ultimately, they’re going to hurt local communities and our low cost energy right now,” said KC Becker, CEO of Colorado Solar and Storage Association and former EPA regional administrator.
    Hickenlooper took to the Senate floor in the middle of the night in support of his amendment to protect the IRA’s residential clean energy credit. He also worked with his colleagues to alter a few of the worst clean energy proposals, including eliminating a devastating renewable energy excise tax.
    Crushing Safety Net Programs Coloradans Depend on
    The Republican bill also rips away financial safety nets and crucial programs from millions of Americans, including the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that supports 55,000 Coloradans.
    “The majority of the households that would be affected by this bill, as mentioned, are working families with children, seniors, veterans and people with disabilities. With these high levels of food insecurity, food banks like ours cannot meet the increased need without vital federal assistance programs,” said Sue Ellen Rodwick, Western Slope Director of Food Bank of the Rockies. “One story I have is from a woman that one of my staff members was able to help out in Meeker. An older adult and she didn’t know that she would qualify for SNAP. We got her signed up for SNAP and our food program for older adults. She said it’s amazing, because even just the drive to the grocery store from Meeker to Rifle, that’s a 40 minute drive to get to a larger grocery store with affordable prices. This program makes a difference for so many people, and we need the funding for that outreach to help people give them assistance to enroll in SNAP.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Trump is not like other presidents – but can he beat the ‘second term curse’ that haunts the White House?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Garritt C. Van Dyk, Senior Lecturer in History, University of Waikato

    Getty Images

    While he likes to provoke opponents with the possibility of serving a third term, Donald Trump faces a more immediate historical burden that has plagued so many presidents: the “second term curse”.

    Twenty-one US presidents have served second terms, but none has reached the same level of success they achieved in their first.

    Second term performances have ranged from the lacklustre and uninspiring to the disastrous and deadly. Voter dissatisfaction and frustration, presidential fatigue and a lack of sustainable vision for the future are all explanations.

    But Trump doesn’t quite fit the mould. Only one other president, Grover Cleveland in the late 19th century, has served a second nonconsecutive term, making Trump 2.0 difficult to measure against other second-term leaders.

    Trump will certainly be hoping history doesn’t repeat Cleveland’s second-term curse. Shortly after taking office he imposed 50% tariffs, triggering global market volatility that culminated in the “Panic of 1893”.

    At the time, this was the worst depression in US history: 19% unemployment, a run on gold from the US Treasury, a stock market crash and widespread poverty.

    More than a century on, Trump’s “move fast and break things” approach in a nonconsecutive second term might appeal to voters demanding action above all else. But he risks being drawn into areas he campaigned against.

    So far, he has gone from fighting a trade war and a culture war to contemplating a shooting war in the Middle East. His “big beautiful bill” will add trillions to the national debt and potentially force poorer voters – including many Republicans – off Medicaid.

    Whether his radical approach will defy or conform to the second term curse seems very much an open question.

    No kings

    The two-term limit was enacted by the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution in 1951. Without a maximum term, it was feared, an authoritarian could try to take control for life – like a king (hence the recent “No Kings” protests in the US).

    George Washington, James Madison and Thomas Jefferson all declined to serve a third term. Jefferson was suspicious of any president who would try to be re-elected a third time, writing:

    should a President consent to be a candidate for a 3d. election, I trust he would be rejected on this demonstration of ambitious views.

    There is a myth that after Franklin Delano Roosevelt broke the de facto limit of two terms set by the early presidents, the ghost of George Washington placed a curse on anyone serving more than four years.

    At best, second-term presidencies have been tepid compared to the achievements in the previous four years. After the second world war, some two-term presidents (Eisenhower, Reagan and Obama) started out strong but faltered after reelection.

    Eisenhower extricated the US from the Korean War in his first term, but faced domestic backlash and race riots in his second. He had to send 500 paratroopers to escort nine Black high school students in Little Rock, Arkansas, to enforce a federal desegregation order.

    Reagan made significant tax and spending cuts, and saw the Soviet Union crumble in term one. But the Iran-Contra scandal and watered down tax reform defined term two.

    Obama started strongly, introducing health care reform and uniting the Democratic voter base. After reelection, however, the Democrats lost the House, the Senate, a Supreme Court nomination, and faced scandals over the Snowden security leaks and Internal Revenue Service targeting of conservative groups.

    Truly disastrous examples of second term presidencies include Abraham Lincoln (assassination), Woodrow Wilson (first world war, failure of the League of Nations, a stroke), Richard Nixon (Watergate, impeachment and resignation), and Bill Clinton (Lewinsky scandal and impeachment).

    Room for one more? Trump has joked about being added to Mount Rushmore.
    Shutterstock

    Monumental honours

    It may be too early to predict how Trump will feature in this pantheon of less-than-greatness. But his approval ratings recently hit an all-time low as Americans reacted to the bombing of Iran and deployment of troops in Los Angeles.

    A recent YouGov poll showed voters giving negative approval ratings for his handling of inflation, jobs, immigration, national security and foreign policy. While there has been plenty of action, it may be the levels of uncertainty, drastic change and market volatility are more extreme than some bargained for.

    An uncooperative Congress or opposition from the judiciary can be obstacles to successful second terms. But Trump has used executive orders, on the grounds of confronting “national emergencies”, to bypass normal checks and balances.

    As well, favourable rulings by the Supreme Court have edged closer to expanding the boundaries of executive power. But they have not yet supported Trump’s claim from his first term that “I have an Article 2, where I have the right to do whatever I want as President”.

    Some supporters say Trump deserves a Nobel Peace Prize. And he was only half joking when he asked if there is room for one more face on Mount Rushmore. But such monumental honours may only amount to speculation unless Trump’s radical approach and redefinition of executive power defy the second-term curse.

    Garritt C. Van Dyk has received funding from the Getty Research Institute.

    – ref. Trump is not like other presidents – but can he beat the ‘second term curse’ that haunts the White House? – https://theconversation.com/trump-is-not-like-other-presidents-but-can-he-beat-the-second-term-curse-that-haunts-the-white-house-260002

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Household saving decreases in the March 2025 quarter – Stats NZ media and information release: National accounts (income, saving, assets, and liabilities): March 2025 quarter

    Household saving decreases in the March 2025 quarter – media release

    3 July 2025

    New Zealand household saving dropped $392 million to -$1.6 billion in the March 2025 quarter, as household spending increased more than disposable income, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.  

    Negative saving means households spent more than their disposable income. Negative saving can be funded by borrowing and drawing on existing funds.

    New Zealand household net disposable income rose 1.5 percent to $60.6 billion in the March 2025 quarter.

    “The main driver of a rise in net disposable income this quarter was an increase in salaries and wages, up 1.5 percent,” institutional sectors spokesperson Will Bell said. 

    Visit our website to read this news story and information release and to download CSV files:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Focusing on maintaining and building roads

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government’s focus on improving roads across the country is well on its way, with the successful completion of one of the largest state highway road renewal programmes in New Zealand history, Transport Minister Chris Bishop confirmed today.

    “We are focused on ensuring government agencies are better at looking after the infrastructure assets we already have, to ensure New Zealanders get the most from their public infrastructure,” Mr Bishop says.

    “That’s why we’ve invested in road maintenance and renewals through the $2 billion State Highway Pothole Prevention fund, which ensures vital work is carried out to keep our roads safe and suitable for the people that use them. 

    “Over the summer months from September to April, almost 2200 lane kilometres of road either received a new layer of seal or asphalt or the entire road was completely replaced. 

    “With over 300 lane kilometres of road being rebuilt, the NZ Transport Agency and its maintenance contractors almost tripled their delivery of brand-new high-quality roads when compared to the previous summer.

    “A particular highlight this past season was the State Highway 1 Tīrau to Waiouru accelerated maintenance programme, which delivered over 100 lane kilometres of road rebuilding and resealing throughout the centre of the Waikato region. Regions such as Northland, Taranaki, Manawatū and Southland each saw more than 20 lane kilometres of new roading also.

    “I extend my thanks to the communities, drivers and truckies who’ve been so patient through this busy summer maintenance season, and to the contractors who’ve worked hard to get the work done to a high standard.

    “Our focus on building new roads will continue over the next two years. We acknowledge that this work can be disruptive for road users; but the use of new construction techniques, increased use of risk-based traffic management guidance, and clear communication with the public will ensure that New Zealanders experience better journeys both during construction and after the works take place. 

    “Having safe, high-quality roads to drive on is critical for people getting to work, school and home safely as well as making sure our freight gets to where it needs to go in a timely manner.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • Normality returns to Wimbledon as Alcaraz and Sabalenka ease through

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka and the end of London’s tropical heatwave ensured that a sense of normality returned to the lawns of Wimbledon on Wednesday after two sweat-soaked days of shocks, although Jasmine Paolini’s exit meant the surprises did not end.

    A stream of big names including Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev crashed and burned in the oven-like temperatures of the first round.

    So when Alcaraz walked on Centre Court to continue his bid for a third successive Wimbledon title against British qualifier Oliver Tarvet, the thought surely lurked somewhere in his mind that he could be the fall-guy in the event’s greatest upset.

    The 22-year-old second seed was not at his best but after saving three break points in a nervy first service game against a college student ranked 733rd in the world, he asserted his authority to win 6-1 6-4 6-4.

    Earlier on Centre Court, women’s top seed Sabalenka battled to a 7-6(4) 6-4 win against Czech Marie Bouzkova.

    “Honestly, it is sad to see so many upsets in the tournament, in both draws, women’s and men’s,” said Sabalenka, who is bidding for her first Wimbledon title.

    “I’m just trying to focus on myself… I hope there are no more upsets in this tournament.”

    That was not to be, as last year’s runner-up Paolini joined the mass exodus of fancied players when she crashed out 4-6 6-4 6-4 against Russian Kamilla Rakhimova.

    However, Australian Open champion Madison Keys, the sixth seed, made it safely into round three by beating Olga Danilovic 6-4 6-2 while unseeded four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka eased past Czech doubles specialist Katerina Siniakova 6-3 6-2.

    Lower temperatures did not necessarily mean more comfortable outings as world number 12 Frances Tiafoe became the 14th of the 32 men’s seeds to fall, losing 4-6 6-4 6-3 7-5 against Cameron Norrie, one of seven Britons in singles action on day three.

    The American was joined later on by Czech 23rd seed Jiri Lehecka, last month’s Queen’s Club Championships runner-up, who fell 7-6(4) 6-1 7-5 to Italian Mattia Bellucci.

    HOME CHARGE

    Ashlyn Krueger, the American 31st seed, was then beaten 7-6(4) 6-4 by Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, ensuring 15 of the 32 women’s seeds also went out of the tournament.

    Sonay Kartal led the home charge by defeating Bulgaria’s Viktoriya Tomova 6-2 6-2 to book her place in the last 32 for the second year in succession while the nation’s big hope Emma Raducanu got past 2023 champion Marketa Vondrousova 6-3 6-3.

    There was disappointment for Britain’s Katie Boulter, who served 14 double faults as she crashed 6-7(9) 6-2 6-1 to 101st-ranked Solana Sierra, the Argentine who lost in qualifying but has seized her lucky loser spot with both hands.

    Alcaraz, bidding to do the French Open-Wimbledon double for the second successive year, needed five sets to get past Italian veteran Fabio Fognini in the opening round and set up an intriguing clash with 21-year-old Tarvet.

    Tarvet, who plays on the U.S. collegiate circuit for the University of San Diego, said he believed he could beat anyone, even Alcaraz, after winning his Grand Slam debut match against fellow qualifier Leandro Riedi of Switzerland on Monday.

    He was clearly not overawed at sharing a court with a five-times major champion and had he taken any of the eight break points he earned in the first set it could have been closer.

    Alcaraz proved a step too far though as he moved through the gears when required to keep an eager Tarvet under control.

    Just as the Spaniard did in his first round when going to the aid of a female spectator suffering in the heat, Alcaraz again endeared himself to the Centre Court crowd.

    “First of all I have to give a big congratulations to Oliver, it’s his second match on the tour. I just loved his game to be honest, the level he played,” Alcaraz said.

    Play on courts without roofs was delayed for two hours by light morning rain but once the clouds rolled away the place to be for fans without showcourt tickets was Court 12 for Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca’s match against American Jenson Brooksby.

    The 18-year-old is widely tipped as a future challenger to the domination of Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner and he showed why during a 6-2 5-7 6-2 6-4 win that was celebrated by a large contingent of exuberant Brazilians.

    Andrey Rublev, who suffered a bruising loss to Fonseca in the Australian Open first round earlier this year, battled past Lloyd Harris 6-7 6-4 7-6 6-3 before Taylor Fritz closed out the day with a 3-6 6-3 7-6(0) 4-6 6-3 win over Gabriel Diallo.

    -Reuters

  • Normality returns to Wimbledon as Alcaraz and Sabalenka ease through

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka and the end of London’s tropical heatwave ensured that a sense of normality returned to the lawns of Wimbledon on Wednesday after two sweat-soaked days of shocks, although Jasmine Paolini’s exit meant the surprises did not end.

    A stream of big names including Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev crashed and burned in the oven-like temperatures of the first round.

    So when Alcaraz walked on Centre Court to continue his bid for a third successive Wimbledon title against British qualifier Oliver Tarvet, the thought surely lurked somewhere in his mind that he could be the fall-guy in the event’s greatest upset.

    The 22-year-old second seed was not at his best but after saving three break points in a nervy first service game against a college student ranked 733rd in the world, he asserted his authority to win 6-1 6-4 6-4.

    Earlier on Centre Court, women’s top seed Sabalenka battled to a 7-6(4) 6-4 win against Czech Marie Bouzkova.

    “Honestly, it is sad to see so many upsets in the tournament, in both draws, women’s and men’s,” said Sabalenka, who is bidding for her first Wimbledon title.

    “I’m just trying to focus on myself… I hope there are no more upsets in this tournament.”

    That was not to be, as last year’s runner-up Paolini joined the mass exodus of fancied players when she crashed out 4-6 6-4 6-4 against Russian Kamilla Rakhimova.

    However, Australian Open champion Madison Keys, the sixth seed, made it safely into round three by beating Olga Danilovic 6-4 6-2 while unseeded four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka eased past Czech doubles specialist Katerina Siniakova 6-3 6-2.

    Lower temperatures did not necessarily mean more comfortable outings as world number 12 Frances Tiafoe became the 14th of the 32 men’s seeds to fall, losing 4-6 6-4 6-3 7-5 against Cameron Norrie, one of seven Britons in singles action on day three.

    The American was joined later on by Czech 23rd seed Jiri Lehecka, last month’s Queen’s Club Championships runner-up, who fell 7-6(4) 6-1 7-5 to Italian Mattia Bellucci.

    HOME CHARGE

    Ashlyn Krueger, the American 31st seed, was then beaten 7-6(4) 6-4 by Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, ensuring 15 of the 32 women’s seeds also went out of the tournament.

    Sonay Kartal led the home charge by defeating Bulgaria’s Viktoriya Tomova 6-2 6-2 to book her place in the last 32 for the second year in succession while the nation’s big hope Emma Raducanu got past 2023 champion Marketa Vondrousova 6-3 6-3.

    There was disappointment for Britain’s Katie Boulter, who served 14 double faults as she crashed 6-7(9) 6-2 6-1 to 101st-ranked Solana Sierra, the Argentine who lost in qualifying but has seized her lucky loser spot with both hands.

    Alcaraz, bidding to do the French Open-Wimbledon double for the second successive year, needed five sets to get past Italian veteran Fabio Fognini in the opening round and set up an intriguing clash with 21-year-old Tarvet.

    Tarvet, who plays on the U.S. collegiate circuit for the University of San Diego, said he believed he could beat anyone, even Alcaraz, after winning his Grand Slam debut match against fellow qualifier Leandro Riedi of Switzerland on Monday.

    He was clearly not overawed at sharing a court with a five-times major champion and had he taken any of the eight break points he earned in the first set it could have been closer.

    Alcaraz proved a step too far though as he moved through the gears when required to keep an eager Tarvet under control.

    Just as the Spaniard did in his first round when going to the aid of a female spectator suffering in the heat, Alcaraz again endeared himself to the Centre Court crowd.

    “First of all I have to give a big congratulations to Oliver, it’s his second match on the tour. I just loved his game to be honest, the level he played,” Alcaraz said.

    Play on courts without roofs was delayed for two hours by light morning rain but once the clouds rolled away the place to be for fans without showcourt tickets was Court 12 for Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca’s match against American Jenson Brooksby.

    The 18-year-old is widely tipped as a future challenger to the domination of Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner and he showed why during a 6-2 5-7 6-2 6-4 win that was celebrated by a large contingent of exuberant Brazilians.

    Andrey Rublev, who suffered a bruising loss to Fonseca in the Australian Open first round earlier this year, battled past Lloyd Harris 6-7 6-4 7-6 6-3 before Taylor Fritz closed out the day with a 3-6 6-3 7-6(0) 4-6 6-3 win over Gabriel Diallo.

    -Reuters

  • MIL-OSI Security: Court Hands the American People a Legal Victory Against Family of Colorado Terrorist Here Illegally

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    A court ruled against the family of the terrorist behind a vicious attack in Boulder, Colorado, clearing the way for the family to be deported

    WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, a federal court dismissed a lawsuit to release the family of the terrorist responsible for an anti-Semitic firebombing attack in Boulder, Colorado last month, from ICE custody.

    “This is a proper end to an absurd legal effort on the plaintiff’s part. Just like her terrorist husband, she and her children are here illegally and are rightfully in ICE custody for removal as a result,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “This terrorist will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We are investigating to what extent his family knew about this heinous attack, if they had knowledge of it, or if they provided support to it.” 

    Mohamed Sabry Soliman firebombed a pro-Israel demonstration using Molotov cocktails and a homemade flamethrower to attack dozens of demonstrators on June 1. One of those injured, 82-year-old Karen Diamond, died of her injuries on June 25. Soliman now faces over 70 charges, including: 

    • First-degree murder,
    • First-degree assault,
    • Committing a hate crime. 

    After Soliman’s arrest, it was discovered that not only is he in the United States illegally on an expired visa, but his wife and five children were here illegally as well. After being detained by ICE to undergo removal proceedings, U.S. District Court Judge Gordon Gallagher issued a ruling blocking their deportation on June 4. 

    On July 2, U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia dismissed the lawsuit filed by the family in Dvortsin v. Noem, declaring that “the Court finds that Petitioners’ habeas proceeding and their claims in this case must be and hereby are DISMISSED WITHOUT PREJUDICE. This case is CLOSED.” 

    We are continuing to pray for the victims of this attack and their families. Justice will be served.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: reAlpha Enhances Mortgage Operations with AI-Powered Loan Officer Assistant

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBLIN, Ohio, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — reAlpha Tech Corp. (Nasdaq: AIRE) (the “Company” or “reAlpha”), an AI-powered real estate technology company, today announced the launch of its AI-powered Internal Loan Officer Assistant. This newly released AI-powered assistant is designed to streamline administrative tasks within the mortgage division, driving operational efficiency and enhancing loan processing accuracy.

    The introduction of the AI Loan Officer Assistant is part of reAlpha’s broader strategy to enhance its mortgage operations. This initiative builds on the Company’s recent acquisitions, including Be My Neighbor and GTG Financial, which have expanded reAlpha’s mortgage services footprint across 30 U.S. states.

    “Our mission is to deliver exceptional service without sacrificing the human connection that defines the homebuying experience,” said Jamie Cavanaugh, Chief Executive Officer at Be My Neighbor. “By automating time-consuming tasks, we empower our team members to increase their productivity and support more consumers. This AI-powered Loan Officer Assistant is not a replacement for people: it’s a force multiplier that allows mortgage professionals to focus more time on what truly matters: helping individuals and families navigate the path to homeownership with confidence and care.”

    Early operational results1 show that reAlpha’s AI Loan Officer Assistant reduces manual document preparation and reconciliation time by approximately 60 percent at the loan processing stage. By automating one-third of the loan intake process, the tool accelerates document classification, labeling, and validation. This efficiency would enable loan teams to process up to 40 additional loans per month per officer, enabling teams to support increased loan volumes while preserving service quality and positioning reAlpha’s mortgage division for scalable growth.

    This launch aligns with industry trends, as financial institutions are increasingly adopting AI to reduce operational costs and improve service delivery. Industry data indicates that AI integration in mortgage lending can increase loan origination volumes by up to 50%, reduce underwriting cycle times by 50%, and cut operational costs by as much as 30-50%.2 Moreover, AI-driven automation has been shown to improve borrower experience through faster approvals and personalized service, factors critical to competitive positioning in today’s market.3

    reAlpha’s AI Loan Officer Assistant will continue to evolve, expanding to handle more complex mortgage scenarios. The company’s technology roadmap includes the rollout of additional features aimed at further improving loan processing speed, accuracy, and scalability as market demands grow.

    ________________________________
    1 These early operational results are based on preliminary internal testing with a limited sample size and have not been independently verified.
    2https://www.scnsoft.com/lending/mortgage/artificial-intelligence
    3https://riverjournalonline.com/around-town/real-estate/how-ai-will-shape-the-mortgage-industry-in-2025/199032/

    About reAlpha Tech Corp.

    reAlpha Tech Corp. (Nasdaq: AIRE) is an AI-powered real estate technology company transforming the multi-trillion-dollar U.S. real estate services market. reAlpha is developing an end-to-end platform that streamlines real estate transactions through integrated brokerage, mortgage, and title services. With a strategic, acquisition-driven growth model and proprietary AI infrastructure, reAlpha is building a vertically integrated ecosystem designed to deliver a simpler, smarter, and more affordable path to homeownership. For more information, visit www.realpha.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    The information in this press release, including early operational results relating to the AI Loan Officer Assistant, includes “forward-looking statements.” Any statements other than statements of historical fact contained herein, including statements by Be My Neighbor’s Chief Executive Officer, Jamie Cavanaugh, are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may”, “should”, “could”, “might”, “plan”, “possible”, “project”, “strive”, “budget”, “forecast”, “expect”, “intend”, “will”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “predict”, “potential” or “continue”, or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: reAlpha’s ability to pay contractual obligations; reAlpha’s liquidity, operating performance, cash flow and ability to secure adequate financing; reAlpha’s limited operating history and that reAlpha has not yet fully developed its AI-based technologies; whether reAlpha’s technology and products will be accepted and adopted by its customers and intended users; reAlpha’s ability to commercialize its developing AI-based technologies; reAlpha’s ability to successfully enter new geographic markets; reAlpha’s ability to integrate the business of its acquired companies into its existing business and the anticipated demand for such acquired companies’ services; reAlpha’s ability to scale its operational capabilities to expand into additional geographic markets and nationally; the potential loss of key employees of reAlpha and of its subsidiaries; the outcome of certain outstanding legal proceedings against reAlpha; reAlpha’s ability to obtain, and maintain, the required licenses to operate in the U.S. states in which it, or its subsidiaries, operate in, or intend to operate in; reAlpha’s ability to successfully identify and acquire companies that are complementary to its business model; the inability to maintain and strengthen reAlpha’s brand and reputation; any accidents or incidents involving cybersecurity breaches and incidents; the inability to accurately forecast demand for AI-based real estate-focused products; the inability to execute business objectives and growth strategies successfully or sustain reAlpha’s growth; the inability of reAlpha’s customers to pay for reAlpha’s services; the inability of reAlpha to obtain additional financing or access the capital markets to fund its ongoing operations on acceptable terms and conditions; the outcome of any legal proceedings that might be instituted against reAlpha; changes in applicable laws or regulations, and the impact of the regulatory environment and complexities with compliance related to such environment; and other risks and uncertainties indicated in reAlpha’s SEC filings. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Although reAlpha believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. reAlpha’s future results, level of activity, performance or achievements may differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, and there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking statements. For more information about the factors that could cause such differences, please refer to reAlpha’s filings with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and reAlpha does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

    Media Contact:
    Cristol Rippe, Chief Marketing Officer
    media@realpha.com

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Adele Carey, VP of Investor Relations
    investorrelations@realpha.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: reAlpha Enhances Mortgage Operations with AI-Powered Loan Officer Assistant

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBLIN, Ohio, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — reAlpha Tech Corp. (Nasdaq: AIRE) (the “Company” or “reAlpha”), an AI-powered real estate technology company, today announced the launch of its AI-powered Internal Loan Officer Assistant. This newly released AI-powered assistant is designed to streamline administrative tasks within the mortgage division, driving operational efficiency and enhancing loan processing accuracy.

    The introduction of the AI Loan Officer Assistant is part of reAlpha’s broader strategy to enhance its mortgage operations. This initiative builds on the Company’s recent acquisitions, including Be My Neighbor and GTG Financial, which have expanded reAlpha’s mortgage services footprint across 30 U.S. states.

    “Our mission is to deliver exceptional service without sacrificing the human connection that defines the homebuying experience,” said Jamie Cavanaugh, Chief Executive Officer at Be My Neighbor. “By automating time-consuming tasks, we empower our team members to increase their productivity and support more consumers. This AI-powered Loan Officer Assistant is not a replacement for people: it’s a force multiplier that allows mortgage professionals to focus more time on what truly matters: helping individuals and families navigate the path to homeownership with confidence and care.”

    Early operational results1 show that reAlpha’s AI Loan Officer Assistant reduces manual document preparation and reconciliation time by approximately 60 percent at the loan processing stage. By automating one-third of the loan intake process, the tool accelerates document classification, labeling, and validation. This efficiency would enable loan teams to process up to 40 additional loans per month per officer, enabling teams to support increased loan volumes while preserving service quality and positioning reAlpha’s mortgage division for scalable growth.

    This launch aligns with industry trends, as financial institutions are increasingly adopting AI to reduce operational costs and improve service delivery. Industry data indicates that AI integration in mortgage lending can increase loan origination volumes by up to 50%, reduce underwriting cycle times by 50%, and cut operational costs by as much as 30-50%.2 Moreover, AI-driven automation has been shown to improve borrower experience through faster approvals and personalized service, factors critical to competitive positioning in today’s market.3

    reAlpha’s AI Loan Officer Assistant will continue to evolve, expanding to handle more complex mortgage scenarios. The company’s technology roadmap includes the rollout of additional features aimed at further improving loan processing speed, accuracy, and scalability as market demands grow.

    ________________________________
    1 These early operational results are based on preliminary internal testing with a limited sample size and have not been independently verified.
    2https://www.scnsoft.com/lending/mortgage/artificial-intelligence
    3https://riverjournalonline.com/around-town/real-estate/how-ai-will-shape-the-mortgage-industry-in-2025/199032/

    About reAlpha Tech Corp.

    reAlpha Tech Corp. (Nasdaq: AIRE) is an AI-powered real estate technology company transforming the multi-trillion-dollar U.S. real estate services market. reAlpha is developing an end-to-end platform that streamlines real estate transactions through integrated brokerage, mortgage, and title services. With a strategic, acquisition-driven growth model and proprietary AI infrastructure, reAlpha is building a vertically integrated ecosystem designed to deliver a simpler, smarter, and more affordable path to homeownership. For more information, visit www.realpha.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    The information in this press release, including early operational results relating to the AI Loan Officer Assistant, includes “forward-looking statements.” Any statements other than statements of historical fact contained herein, including statements by Be My Neighbor’s Chief Executive Officer, Jamie Cavanaugh, are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may”, “should”, “could”, “might”, “plan”, “possible”, “project”, “strive”, “budget”, “forecast”, “expect”, “intend”, “will”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “predict”, “potential” or “continue”, or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: reAlpha’s ability to pay contractual obligations; reAlpha’s liquidity, operating performance, cash flow and ability to secure adequate financing; reAlpha’s limited operating history and that reAlpha has not yet fully developed its AI-based technologies; whether reAlpha’s technology and products will be accepted and adopted by its customers and intended users; reAlpha’s ability to commercialize its developing AI-based technologies; reAlpha’s ability to successfully enter new geographic markets; reAlpha’s ability to integrate the business of its acquired companies into its existing business and the anticipated demand for such acquired companies’ services; reAlpha’s ability to scale its operational capabilities to expand into additional geographic markets and nationally; the potential loss of key employees of reAlpha and of its subsidiaries; the outcome of certain outstanding legal proceedings against reAlpha; reAlpha’s ability to obtain, and maintain, the required licenses to operate in the U.S. states in which it, or its subsidiaries, operate in, or intend to operate in; reAlpha’s ability to successfully identify and acquire companies that are complementary to its business model; the inability to maintain and strengthen reAlpha’s brand and reputation; any accidents or incidents involving cybersecurity breaches and incidents; the inability to accurately forecast demand for AI-based real estate-focused products; the inability to execute business objectives and growth strategies successfully or sustain reAlpha’s growth; the inability of reAlpha’s customers to pay for reAlpha’s services; the inability of reAlpha to obtain additional financing or access the capital markets to fund its ongoing operations on acceptable terms and conditions; the outcome of any legal proceedings that might be instituted against reAlpha; changes in applicable laws or regulations, and the impact of the regulatory environment and complexities with compliance related to such environment; and other risks and uncertainties indicated in reAlpha’s SEC filings. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Although reAlpha believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. reAlpha’s future results, level of activity, performance or achievements may differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, and there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking statements. For more information about the factors that could cause such differences, please refer to reAlpha’s filings with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and reAlpha does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

    Media Contact:
    Cristol Rippe, Chief Marketing Officer
    media@realpha.com

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Adele Carey, VP of Investor Relations
    investorrelations@realpha.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven: We Secured the Heart and Soul of the Farm Bill in One Big Beautiful Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven
    07.02.25
    Bill Approved by Senate Updates Reference Prices, Strengthens Crop Insurance
    FARGO, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee and a senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today held a roundtable with North Dakota farm leaders to outline provisions he secured in the One Big Beautiful Bill, including:
    Updated reference prices, with built-in future increases.
    Elements of Hoeven’s FARMER Act to strengthen crop insurance and make higher levels of coverage more affordable for producers.
    Sugar Program Extension.
    Improvements to Livestock Disaster Programs.
    “The One Big Beautiful Bill provides significant tax relief for working Americans, including our farmers and ranchers, but we also secured the heart and soul of the farm bill in this legislation,” said Hoeven. “That includes priorities like updated reference prices for this crop year, stronger and more affordable crop insurance, as well as updates to the sugar program and improvements to livestock disaster programs. These are the core pieces of the farm bill and vital to farm country. The Senate has now passed what is essentially a seven year farm bill.”
    Specifically, the legislation:
    Increases reference prices for Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) by 10% to 20% (specific increase varies by commodity).
    Built-in future reference price increases with an inflation adjuster and an improved price escalator to prevent reference prices from becoming outdated when market and input costs change.
    New safety net begins right away – producers can receive the higher of the ARC or PLC payment for this crop year, 2025, with the new updated reference prices. North Dakota farmers will see tens of millions of dollars in relief in 2025 alone thanks to these updates.
    Key provisions of Hoeven’s FARMER Act to strengthen and expand access to affordable crop insurance:
    Increases premium support for individual-based coverage across nearly all levels – starting at 55% — by an additional 3-5%.
    Enhances the Supplemental Coverage Option by raising the coverage level from 86% to 90%, and boosts premium support from 65% to 80%.
    Extension of the sugar program through 2031, while increasing the sugar loan rate to better align with current market conditions.
    Improvements to livestock disaster programs
    Sets Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) payments at 100% of market value for losses from federally protected predators and 75% for weather and disease losses.
    Improves the Livestock Forage Program (LFP) to provide one monthly payment to eligible producers with grazing land in counties rated D2 (severe drought) for at least four consecutive weeks and two payments if D2 persists during any seven of eight consecutive weeks within the normal grazing period.
    Tax Relief for Agriculture Producers
    The legislation permanently extends current individual tax rates and bracket changes of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, preserving $4 trillion in tax breaks, and increasing take-home pay by up to $10,900 in the first four years for the typical family as a result of economic growth and tax relief. The legislation also provides tax relief for farmers and ranchers and other small businesses, including:
    Permanent relief from the death tax by setting the exemption to $15 million or $30 million for those married filing jointly, adjusted for inflation.
    Permanently extending the Section 199A pass-through deduction for small businesses, farmers and ranchers.
    Permanently extending the Section 199A(g) deduction used by agricultural cooperatives.
    Increasing the Section 179 expensing amount to $2.5 million and increasing the phaseout for qualified property at $4 million.
    Making permanent the 30 percent interest expense allowance.
    Making permanent 100 percent bonus depreciation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven Outlines Permanent Tax Relief for American Families, Workers & Small Businesses

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven
    07.02.25
    One Big Beautiful Bill Preserves & Expands Tax Breaks for Low- and Middle-Income Households, Empowers Small Businesses, Farmers & Ranchers to Invest in Their Operations
    BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today held a press conference with local business leaders and community members to discuss the benefits of the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) to families and small businesses in North Dakota. Hoeven stressed the legislation maintains and expands tax benefits for low- and middle-income households, reduces the tax burden on workers and boosts the U.S. economy. Combined, the bill’s provisions:
    Preserve $4 trillion in tax relief.
    Will increase take-home pay by up to $10,900 in the first four years for the typical family, resulting from economic growth and tax relief.
    For Families and Individuals:
    Permanently extends current individual tax rates and bracket changes of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
    This includes maintaining the increased standard deduction, which benefits, and helps simplify income taxes for, the vast majority of taxpayers.

    Eliminates taxes on tips and overtime for millions of American workers.
    Supports families by increasing and making permanent the enhanced child tax credit at $2,200, with $1,700 of that amount being refundable, adjusted for inflation.
    Provides permanent relief from the death tax by setting the exemption to $15 million or $30 million for those married filing jointly, adjusted for inflation.
    Establishes savings accounts for newborns to help build financial security.
    Creates a new $6,000 tax deduction for millions of low- and middle-income seniors.
    Combined with other deductions, this will result in the average beneficiary paying zero taxes on Social Security.

    For Small Businesses:
    Permanently extending the Section 199A pass-through deduction for small businesses, farmers and ranchers, including the Section 199A(g) deduction used by agricultural cooperatives.
    Increasing the Section 179 expensing to $2.5 million and increasing the phaseout for qualified property at $4 million.
    Establishing a 100 percent accelerated depreciation for new industrial and manufacturing facilities that begin construction between 2025-2028.
    Making permanent the 30 percent interest expense allowance.
    Permanently extending the 100 percent research and development deduction.
    Making permanent 100 percent bonus depreciation.
    “At its core, the tax provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill are about allowing American workers and small businesses to keep more of their hard-earned money,” said Hoeven. “We worked to ensure this legislation provides trillions in tax relief for everyday Americans on a permanent basis. This includes preserving a higher standard deduction, expanding benefits for families with children and eliminating taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security for millions of workers and seniors, respectively. This will not only increase the quality of life for households throughout our country, but it will strengthen our economy by enabling businesses to invest in their operations, recoup their costs and create good-paying jobs across sectors.”

    MIL OSI USA News –