Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force attended a large disturbance at Willowra community yesterday afternoon.
About 5pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of up to 60 people armed with various weapons involved in a disturbance. Two vehicles are also believed to have been deliberately set on fire.
Ti-Tree Police deployed to the community and the group dispersed.
Investigations are ongoing.
Anyone with information is urged to make contact on 131 444. Anonymous reports can be made via Crime Stopper on 1800 333 000.
Investigations are continuing into the murder of a 39-year-old man in Port Lincoln earlier this month.
Police wish to reassure the public that the accused a, 34-year-old local woman Tamika Chesser, remains in custody charged with murder, and that this was not a random incident.
Just before 3.30pm on Thursday 19 June, police and emergency services were called to a unit on Flinders Highway, Port Lincoln after reports of a small fire.
When police entered the property, they located a deceased man. He is believed to be the occupant and Tamika’s partner, Julian Story, 39 years old.
It was a confronting scene for police and emergency services personnel as Julian’s body had been dismembered. Julian’s head had been removed during the dismemberment and, despite extensive searches, has not yet been located.
Investigators believe Julian was killed around midnight on the Tuesday 17 June.
Police are trying to track Tamika’s movements in the week of the murder, particularly between midnight on Tuesday night and the report of the fire at 3.30 pm on Thursday afternoon.
Major Crime detectives have released images of the clothing she was wearing during this time in the hope that it will jog people’s memories. Police are appealing to local residents to review any CCTV or dashcam footage they have which may assist the investigation. (Images below)
Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke said, “All murders cause pain and grief for victims’ families and friends. The circumstances of this murder are particularly harrowing, confronting and distressing. Major Crime detectives have spoken with Julian’s family who are devastated by his loss and also by the circumstances surrounding his death.
“We are releasing the details of this horrific crime because it is vital for Julian’s family to peacefully lay him to rest.
“We know that Tamika did not drive a vehicle and regularly walked around the township of Port Lincoln. We are appealing to anyone who can help us to identify Tamika’s movements to please contact police.”
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au – you can remain anonymous.
CO2500025517
Statement from Julian Story’s family:
On behalf of our family, we want to sincerely thank the South Australian Police, emergency services, and first responders for their compassion and professionalism during this devastating time. We are navigating an unimaginable loss, and your care has brought comfort amid the chaos. We are also deeply grateful to our family and friends and this extraordinary community whose kindness and support have helped carry us through. Your prayers, presence, and quiet strength mean more than words can say. This will be our only statement. For any further information, please direct all enquiries to the South Australian Police.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today issued a strong condemnation of remarks by Consul General of the US to Hong Kong Gregory May, stating that they are untrue, biased and deliberately intended to mislead the public and smear the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Hong Kong SAR’s work to safeguard national security.
In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government stressed that as legal proceedings in the case involving Lai Chee-ying are still ongoing, it is inappropriate for any person to comment on the details of the case. It urged US politicians to immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong’s internal affairs and the independent exercise of judicial power by its courts.
The statement emphasised that governments have an inherent right to enact laws safeguarding national security, in accordance with international law and international practice based on the UN Charter.
It added that as the US has at least 21 laws safeguarding national security, US politicians who point fingers at the Hong Kong SAR’s legal system and enforcement mechanisms display only hypocrisy and double standards while entirely disregarding the constitutional and practical needs of Hong Kong, as well as the positive effects brought about by Hong Kong’s national security legislation on its economic development and protection of human rights.
The Hong Kong SAR Government highlighted that Hong Kong’s law enforcement agencies take actions based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law, and that such actions have nothing to do the political views, backgrounds or occupations of persons or entities concerned. It added that anyone charged with a criminal offence in Hong Kong will receive a fair trial as protected by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights.
The statement charged that attempts by any country, organisation, or individual to interfere with the judicial proceedings in Hong Kong to procure a defendant’s evasion of criminal justice amount to blatant acts undermining the rule of law and should be condemned.
It said the notion that people or organisations with certain backgrounds should be immune from legal sanction for their illegal acts is tantamount to granting them privileges to break the law, perverts the course of justice, and runs contrary to the spirit of the rule of law.
The Hong Kong SAR Government also outlined that extraterritorial effect for offences under the National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) fully aligns with the principles of international law and international practice, and is both necessary and legitimate.
It added that absconders hiding in the US and other Western countries are wanted because they continue to blatantly engage in activities endangering national security, such as inciting secession and requesting that foreign countries impose “sanctions” or blockades and engage in other hostile activities against the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong. Such persons, it emphasised, continue to collude with external forces to cover their evil deeds, making it necessary for Hong Kong’s law enforcement agencies to take all lawful measures to combat these acts.
The Hong Kong SAR Government said that that it will resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the National Security Law, the SNSO and other relevant laws safeguarding national security to prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security.
It added that it will concurrently uphold the rights and freedoms of its people in accordance with the law so as to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of the principle of “one country, two systems”.
Within the storytelling of Western politics and punditry there exists a fictional type of mental illness which only affects people the US empire doesn’t like.
If Iran gets a nuclear weapon, its crazy lunatic government will flip out and nuke us all.
Watch out for Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis, those guys are a bunch of maniacal antisemites who want to attack Israelis just because they’re Jewish.
“The stories of the Western empire ask us to believe that everyone who finds themselves in the imperial crosshairs is an irrational actor whose loony behavior can only be attributed to some uncontrollable defect within their own minds, or who will soon snap and do something nutty if they are not contained by force.”
Oh no, Putin is invading Ukraine completely unprovoked because he’s a madman who hates freedom and won’t stop until he’s conquered all of Europe.
China is building up its military because the megalomaniacal Xi Jinping wants to take over the world; all those US military bases surrounding China are just a defensive measure to contain Beijing’s insanity.
Assad just went nuts one day and started slaughtering his own people out of nowhere.
Gaddafi is a sexual sadist who’s giving Viagra to his troops to help them commit mass rapes in Libya.
The fictional mental illness that only affects enemies of the Western empire Video: Caitlin Johnstone
So crazy Saddam Hussein is so crazy and evil he’s trying to obtain weapons of mass destruction to give Americans another 9/11.
The North Koreans used to be far too insane to be allowed to have nuclear weapons because they’d nuke San Francisco immediately, but after they obtained nuclear weapons they were miraculously cured of this rare psychological disorder.
The stories of the Western empire ask us to believe that everyone who finds themselves in the imperial crosshairs is an irrational actor whose loony behavior can only be attributed to some uncontrollable defect within their own minds, or who will soon snap and do something nutty if they are not contained by force.
One antagonist who never appears in these fairy tales of the Western empire is the Western empire itself. In the storytelling of the empire, there is no globe-spanning power structure which is constantly inflicting violence and destruction upon populations around the world while seeking to crush any nation who disobeys its dictates.
It’s just a bunch of irrational psychos, seeking nuclear weapons and becoming aggressively militaristic for no other reason than because they are crazy, while the totally normal alliance led by a totally normal country in North America innocently responds to their crazy behavior.
That’s the story. In real life, the most aggressive and unreasonable actor on the world stage by far is the empire-like power structure that is loosely centralised around Washington DC. Nobody else is constantly waging wars of aggression around the world. Nobody else is circling the planet with hundreds of military bases for the purpose of global domination. Nobody else has spent the 21st century killing millions of people and deliberately targeting civilians with starvation sanctions in countries on the other side of the planet.
Only the US-centralised empire has been doing these things.
Vicious imperial power But we are asked to believe that this vicious imperial power structure is the only rational actor on earth, and that those who resist its aggressions are the crazy ones.
And you are told that if you can’t see this, then you’re crazy too. You’re a crackpot. A conspiracy theorist. A paranoid nutball whose voice should be marginalised and whose ideas should be dismissed with a scoff.
You are crazy if you don’t believe what the world’s craziest power structure says about its enemies being crazy.
It is gaslighting on a global scale. It is madness, and that is why this civilisation has gone mad.
Let’s hope someone finds a way to protect the world from the insanity of the Western empire.
Within the storytelling of Western politics and punditry there exists a fictional type of mental illness which only affects people the US empire doesn’t like.
If Iran gets a nuclear weapon, its crazy lunatic government will flip out and nuke us all.
Watch out for Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis, those guys are a bunch of maniacal antisemites who want to attack Israelis just because they’re Jewish.
“The stories of the Western empire ask us to believe that everyone who finds themselves in the imperial crosshairs is an irrational actor whose loony behavior can only be attributed to some uncontrollable defect within their own minds, or who will soon snap and do something nutty if they are not contained by force.”
Oh no, Putin is invading Ukraine completely unprovoked because he’s a madman who hates freedom and won’t stop until he’s conquered all of Europe.
China is building up its military because the megalomaniacal Xi Jinping wants to take over the world; all those US military bases surrounding China are just a defensive measure to contain Beijing’s insanity.
Assad just went nuts one day and started slaughtering his own people out of nowhere.
Gaddafi is a sexual sadist who’s giving Viagra to his troops to help them commit mass rapes in Libya.
The fictional mental illness that only affects enemies of the Western empire Video: Caitlin Johnstone
So crazy Saddam Hussein is so crazy and evil he’s trying to obtain weapons of mass destruction to give Americans another 9/11.
The North Koreans used to be far too insane to be allowed to have nuclear weapons because they’d nuke San Francisco immediately, but after they obtained nuclear weapons they were miraculously cured of this rare psychological disorder.
The stories of the Western empire ask us to believe that everyone who finds themselves in the imperial crosshairs is an irrational actor whose loony behavior can only be attributed to some uncontrollable defect within their own minds, or who will soon snap and do something nutty if they are not contained by force.
One antagonist who never appears in these fairy tales of the Western empire is the Western empire itself. In the storytelling of the empire, there is no globe-spanning power structure which is constantly inflicting violence and destruction upon populations around the world while seeking to crush any nation who disobeys its dictates.
It’s just a bunch of irrational psychos, seeking nuclear weapons and becoming aggressively militaristic for no other reason than because they are crazy, while the totally normal alliance led by a totally normal country in North America innocently responds to their crazy behavior.
That’s the story. In real life, the most aggressive and unreasonable actor on the world stage by far is the empire-like power structure that is loosely centralised around Washington DC. Nobody else is constantly waging wars of aggression around the world. Nobody else is circling the planet with hundreds of military bases for the purpose of global domination. Nobody else has spent the 21st century killing millions of people and deliberately targeting civilians with starvation sanctions in countries on the other side of the planet.
Only the US-centralised empire has been doing these things.
Vicious imperial power But we are asked to believe that this vicious imperial power structure is the only rational actor on earth, and that those who resist its aggressions are the crazy ones.
And you are told that if you can’t see this, then you’re crazy too. You’re a crackpot. A conspiracy theorist. A paranoid nutball whose voice should be marginalised and whose ideas should be dismissed with a scoff.
You are crazy if you don’t believe what the world’s craziest power structure says about its enemies being crazy.
It is gaslighting on a global scale. It is madness, and that is why this civilisation has gone mad.
Let’s hope someone finds a way to protect the world from the insanity of the Western empire.
A large crowd of devotees has gathered at the Jagannath Temple in Puri as the grand Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath begins today. Also known as the Chariot Festival or Shree Gundicha Yatra, this major Hindu festival is celebrated annually in Odisha with great devotion and enthusiasm.
The Rath Yatra is observed on Dwitiya Tithi—the second day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) of the lunar month. This period is considered spiritually auspicious due to the increasing brightness of the moon.
Renowned scholar of Jagannath culture, Suryanarayan Rath Sharma, speaking to IANS, said, “The Rath Yatra is the most ancient chariot festival in the world. It is believed that having darshan of Lord Jagannath during this Yatra grants a devotee moksha (liberation).”
Millions of devotees have gathered to witness the divine journey as Lord Jagannath, along with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, embarks on a nine-day sojourn from their 12th-century abode to the Gundicha Temple.
Devotees, filled with spiritual ecstasy, will pull the three majestic chariots—Nandighosh (for Lord Jagannath), Taladhwaja (for Lord Balabhadra), and Darpadalan (for Goddess Subhadra)—along a 3-kilometre route to the Gundicha Temple. According to some legends, this temple is believed to be the birthplace of the Chaturddha Murti—Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Maa Subhadra, and Sudarshan.
To ensure a smooth and peaceful celebration, various departments of the state government have made elaborate preparations.
“We are fully prepared for the grand Rath Yatra. All rituals and arrangements have been meticulously planned and will be carried out with equal dedication. I seek the blessings of Mahaprabhu and the cooperation of all devotees to ensure a smooth and sacred celebration,” said Puri Collector Sidharth Shankar Swain on Thursday.
The city of Puri has been placed under a five-tier security blanket for the nine-day-long festival. As many as 200 platoons of police forces and eight companies from the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and other central agencies have been deployed throughout the holy town.
Additionally, around 10,000 personnel from the Odisha Police, Central Armed Police Forces, and Home Guard have been stationed in and around the city to manage the massive crowd.
For the first time, an integrated command-and-control system has been established to monitor the event. Police officers at central and sub-control rooms are keeping an eye on traffic and crowd movement through live feeds from approximately 275 AI-enabled CCTV cameras installed from Uttara Square to Puri Town, as well as along the Puri-Konark route.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The NT Police Force arrested an 18-year-old male after he allegedly assaulted a shop attendant in Millner yesterday afternoon.
About 2pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of male allegedly threatening shop attendants at a local grocery shop on Sabine Road. The male allegedly went behind the counter and attempted to open the register before the shop attendants and members of the public intervened.
One of the shop attendants was struck with a stapler that was thrown at his head causing a minor laceration. The male fled the scene before police arrival.
The Dog Operations Unit and Territory Safety Division officers responded. Patrol Dog Wedge was deployed and tracked the male to a location nearby where he was arrested without incident.
The 18-year-old male has since been charged with Assault with intent to steal, Assault a worker – Suffers harm and two counts of Assault a worker. He was remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court today.
Strike Force Trident has carriage of the investigation.
Anyone with information in relation to this incident is urged to contact police on 131 444. You can make an anonymous report via Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000.
Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
Associated Press: Sen. Grassley calls delays at a benefits program for deceased officers ‘absolutely unacceptable’ By Ryan Foley June 24, 2025
A powerful U.S. senator on Tuesday called on the Trump administration to fix a growing backlog and longtime management problems at the program that promises benefits when police and firefighters die or become disabled in the line of duty.
Republican Chuck Grassley of Iowa, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits program is failing the spouses and children of deceased and disabled first responders and needs new leadership. He said the mismanagement has caused significant hardship for grieving families, who often experience yearslong delays in processing and approving claims.
“This is absolutely unacceptable,” he wrote in a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, in which he suggested she consider replacing longtime program leader Hope Janke.
…
Grassley cited a Government Accountability Office report issued last year that detailed deficiencies in the program’s management dating back to 2009. He said the program had failed to make changes recommended by outside reviewers but that “government bureaucrats” such as Janke have never been held accountable.
…
Grassley demanded the Department of Justice (DOJ) provide updates and documents within two weeks related to the status of those changes.
Texas widow Lisa Afolayan, who is still fighting the program for benefits 16 years after her husband died while training for the Border Patrol, welcomed Grassley’s oversight of the program.
“We need movement. We need change and not only for my family,” she said. “They’ve lost sight of why the program was started.”
Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)—a top member and former chair of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies that funds the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)—and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) announced with U.S. Representatives Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) that the New Hampshire Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NH MEP) will receive $924,376 in funding from NIST to help New Hampshire’s small and medium-sized manufacturers fully participate in the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) National Network National Supply Chain Optimization and Intelligence Network.
“Investing in American manufacturing is critical in order to grow our economy, advance American national security and out build competitors, like China,” said Senator Shaheen. “New Hampshire is a small business state, and this funding will help ensure that Granite State manufacturers have the support they need to drive that progress. MEPs are proven winners that bolster our economy, generate growth and support good-paying jobs in Granite State communities. I’ll continue working to secure investment in them.”
“When Granite Staters are given a fair shot and the freedom to compete and thrive, there’s no limit to what they can do, and the NH Manufacturing Extension Partnership provides vital technical support and assistance that help manufacturers succeed,” said Senator Hassan. “Thanks to the advocacy of the leaders of New Hampshire MEP, we overcame attempts by the Trump Administration to dismantle the Manufacturing Extension Partnership in New Hampshire and across the country and got this funding restored. I look forward to continuing to get New Hampshire’s small businesses the support that they need.”
“Smart investments in American manufacturing can grow our economy, create jobs, increase our global competitiveness, and bolster national security. The Manufacturing Extension Partnership National Network is one effective way we do this,” said Congressman Pappas. “This funding will support their work to help small and medium-sized New Hampshire manufacturers make more products and create more good-paying jobs in our state. I’ll always support investing in American innovation and manufacturing.”
“Today is a good day for the future of manufacturing in New Hampshire,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “The federal funding we are announcing today for New Hampshire manufacturers is going to strengthen the economic and national security of hardworking people across our state. I’ve been on the frontlines of the fight to protect and strengthen the Manufacturing Extension Partnership because in the midst of lawless and costly trade wars that threaten to put small businesses out of business, these investments will actually bring good paying manufacturing jobs back to New Hampshire.”
The CHIPS and Science Act, which Shaheen, Hassan and Pappas supported, created the National Supply Chain Optimization and Intelligence Network, a supply chain and manufacturing resiliency initiative designed to assist small and medium-sized manufacturers build resilient, local supply chains and strengthen manufacturing capabilities. The MEP National Network helps manufacturers to meet critical needs, ranging from process improvement and workforce development to specialized business practices, including supply chain integration, innovation, and technology transfer.
Since 1988, MEP has worked with over 150,000 manufacturers, leading to nearly $150 billion in sales, creating or retaining more than 1.6 million jobs, and saving firms nearly $31.6 billion. In the past year alone, firms assisted by MEP served as critical parts of our defense industrial base supply chain, made innovations in hazardous waste removal for the industries that power American energy production and invested in workforce development programming and certifications.
During an Appropriations Committee hearing earlier this month, Shaheen raised concerns over U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s plans to eliminate the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, noting that in Fiscal Year 2023, every dollar of federal investment in the program generated $24.60 in new sales growth and $27.50 in new client investment.
Goodlander and Pappas have been advocating to protect NH MEP funding in the House since potential cuts were first announced in April of this year. Goodlander and Pappas sent a letter to the Trump Administration urging support for domestic manufacturers in New Hampshire and across the country in the wake of the Trump Administration’s move to end contracts for 10 Manufacturing Extension Partnership programs. They also urged Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Meng to support NH MEP funding in the FY26 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies appropriations bill.
UK joins ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime for the first time
This was done in partnership with Vietnam to propose joint action against human trafficking and scam centres, reinforcing commitment to regional security and law enforcement cooperation.
The United Kingdom has participated for the first time in the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) open consultation, marking a significant milestone in its growing partnership with Southeast Asia on regional security and law enforcement cooperation. The UK was represented by the Home Office Director of International Strategy, Engagement and Devolution.
During this event, the UK and Vietnam presented a joint proposal for future regional activity on the critical areas of trafficking in persons and scam centres, which was warmly welcomed by the group. These issues cause immense harm across the world and continue to devastate lives and undermine security.
This engagement builds on the UK’s existing collaboration with ASEAN, including through the UK’s National Crime Agency’s formal partnership with ASEANAPOL and the UK’s active role in supporting the establishment of an ASEAN Money Laundering Working Group, in collaboration with Malaysia and UNODC.
SOMTC Viet Nam said:
As Country Coordinator for ASEAN-UK Dialogue Relations for the 2024–2027 period, Viet Nam is pleased to support the strengthening of this important partnership, grounded in mutual trust and a shared commitment to regional peace and stability. The ASEAN-UK Open Consultation at SOMTC represents a timely and meaningful step forward in our collective efforts to address transnational crime, particularly in areas of growing concern such as trafficking in persons and scam centres.
The joint proposal led by SOMTC – Viet Nam and the United Kingdom reflects our common resolve to foster practical, forward-looking cooperation. We welcome the UK’s continued engagement with ASEAN and remain committed to working closely with all partners to promote a rules-based regional order, reinforce law enforcement collaboration, and protect the safety and well-being of our communities.
Malaysia, as 2025 ASEAN Chair said:
Malaysia together with ASEAN welcomes the United Kingdom’s inaugural participation in the SOMTC Open Consultation, which reflects ASEAN’s shared commitment in tackling the evolving threats of transnational crime.
Malaysia looks forward in deepening collaboration with the UK and ASEAN partners, particularly in strengthening financial integrity, addressing online scams, and dismantling criminal networks that exploit regional vulnerabilities.
The UK’s participation in SOMTC reflects its broader commitment as an ASEAN Dialogue Partner to support ASEAN centrality, regional stability, uphold international norms, and promote a safe and secure Indo-Pacific. Through continued collaboration, the UK and ASEAN aim to build more resilient institutions, strengthen law enforcement cooperation, and protect the rights and safety of people across the region.
UK Ambassador to ASEAN, Sarah Tiffin, said:
Transnational crime knows no borders, and neither should our cooperation. The UK is proud to stand alongside ASEAN in tackling the serious threats posed by trafficking, fraud and illicit finance (including money laundering). These crimes not only harm individuals and communities—they also erode trust, fuel corruption, weaken governance and threaten the rule of law. Our shared commitment to addressing these challenges is stronger than ever.
The UK is pleased to work jointly with ASEAN to tackle fraud and the flow of dirty money that fuels organised crime, corruption, and instability across the region.
The UK has committed to supporting the UNODC-INTERPOL Global Fraud Summit, taking place in March 2026, and will be hosting an Illicit Finance Summit, both of which will convene a diverse coalition of countries to accelerate the implementation of global standards and enhance long-term cooperation between governments, law enforcement and the private sector.
The first case of Polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB) has been detected in the City of Wanneroo.
The City is working with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) to enact a Tree Management Plan for the affected tree and will continue to monitor the location closely in the coming weeks.
First detected in Perth in 2021, the PSHB is a tiny, wood-boring beetle native to Southeast Asia. About the size of a sesame seed, PSHB excavates tunnels in trees where they cultivate fungus as a food source, resulting in tree dieback and death.
Mayor Linda Aitken said the City remained committed to prioritising effective and timely management of the PSHB.
“The PSHB could significantly impact the City of Wanneroo’s urban canopy if it were to become established here,” she said.
“It’s important that we all check our trees for signs and report any suspected sightings, to allow DPIRD to investigate.
“Protecting and increasing our canopy cover and vegetation is a key goal for the City, as set out in our Urban Forest Strategy.”
The City will continue to follow DPIRD’s lead in managing the spread of the PSHB and encourages the community to use the MyPestGuide app to report suspected sightings.
To learn more about the PSHB and how you can help prevent its spread, visit our PSHB webpage.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
A 30-year-old male has been arrested after he escaped custody yesterday evening in Alice Springs.
Around 9:30pm, the male was arrested at a casino on Barrett Drive for engaging in disorderly behaviour and drinking in a public place.
As he was being walked to the police vehicle, two males aged 32 and 34 began harassing the police member maintaining custody of the offender.
The 30-year-old escaped custody and fled into the Todd River, evading police attempts to apprehend him.
Additional units attended and a cordon was established. At 10:20pm, the male was re-arrested without incident. He has since been charged with Escape from custody, Disorderly behaviour in a public place and Nuisance public drinking. He was bailed to appear in court on 29 July.
The 32 and 34-year-olds were taken into protective custody.
Anyone who witnesses crime or antisocial behaviour is urged to contact police on 131 444. In an emergency, dial 000. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
NT Police are investigating a large disturbance that occurred in Alice Springs in the early hours of this morning.
At 3:45am, police received a report of up to 30 people fighting, allegedly armed with various weapons, on Bougainvilia Avenue in East Side.
Police responded immediately and the group dispersed upon police arrival. No injuries were reported to police and high visibility patrols were commenced.
A 20-year-old male was located in possession of a knife and arrested. No further disturbance was identified.
Investigations are ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444 and quote reference NTP2500065303. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.
Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Robyn J. Whitaker, Associate Professor, New Testament, & Director of The Wesley Centre for Theology, Ethics, and Public Policy, University of Divinity
Wars are often waged in the name of religion. So what do key texts from Christianity, Islam and Judaism say about the justification for war?
We asked three experts for their views.
The Bible
Robyn J. Whitaker, University of Divinity
The Bible presents war as an inevitable reality of human life. This is captured in the cry of the Teacher in Ecclesiastes:
for everything there is a season […] a time for war and a time for peace.
In this sense, the Bible reflects the experiences of the authors and communities who shaped the texts over more than a thousand years as they experienced both victory and defeat as a small nation among the large empires of the ancient near east.
When it comes to God’s role in war, we cannot shirk from the problematic violence associated with the divine. At times, God orders the Hebrew people to go to war and enact horrendous violence. Deuteronomy 20 is a good example of this: God’s people are sent to war with the blessing of the priest but told to first offer terms of peace. If peace terms are accepted, the town is enslaved. Certain enemies, however, are decreed worthy of total annihilation, and the Hebrew army is commanded to destroy anyone and anything that doesn’t produce food.
On other occasions, war is interpreted as a tool, a punishment where God uses foreign nations against the Hebrew people because they have gone astray (Judges 2:14). You can also find an underlying ethic to treat the captives of war justly. Moses commands that women captured in war are to be treated as wives, not slaves (Deuteronomy 21), and in 2 Chronicles, captives are allowed to return home.
In contrast to war as divinely authorised, many of the Hebrew prophets express hope in a time where God will bring peace and people will “neither learn war any more” (Micah 3:4) but rather turn their weapons into tools for agriculture (Isaiah 2:4).
War is viewed as a result of human sinfulness, something that God will ultimately transform into peace. And that peace (Hebrew: shalom) is more than an absence of war. It is about human flourishing and unity between peoples and God.
Most of the New Testament was written during the first century CE, when Jews and emerging Christians were a minority within the Roman Empire. The military power of Rome is harshly critiqued as evil in resistance texts such as the Book of Revelation. Many early Christians refused to fight in the Roman army.
In this context, Jesus says nothing specific about war but generally rejects violence. When Jesus’s disciple Peter seeks to defend him with a sword, Jesus tells him to put away his sword because a sword only leads to more violence (Matthew 26:52). This is consistent with Jesus’s other teachings such as “blessed are the peacemakers” or his commands to “turn the other cheek” when struck or to “love your enemies”.
The reality is that we find various war ideologies in the Bible’s pages. If you want to find a justification for war in the Bible, you can. If you want to find a justification for peace or pacifism, that is there too. Later Christians would develop ideas of “just war” and pacifism based on biblical ideas, but these are developments rather than explicit within the Bible.
For Christians, Jesus’s teaching provides an ethical framework for interpreting earlier war texts through the lens of love for enemies. This counterpoint to divine violence and war points readers back to the prophets, whose hopeful visions imagine a world where violence and suffering are no more and peace is possible.
The Quran
Mehmet Ozalp, Charles Sturt University
Islam and Muslims emerged onto the world stage in the hostile environment of the seventh century. In response to major challenges, including warfare, Islam introduced pioneering legal and ethical reforms. The Quran and the Prophet Muhammad’s example laid out clear legal and ethical guidelines for the conduct of war, well before similar frameworks appeared in other societies.
Islam did this by defining a new term, “jihad” rather than the usual Arabic word for war, “harb”. While harb refers broadly to warfare, jihad was defined within Islamic teachings as a legal, morally justified struggle, which includes but is not limited to armed conflict. In the context of warfare, jihad refers specifically to fighting in a just cause under clear legal and ethical guidelines, rather than belligerent or aggressive warfare.
Between 610-622, Prophet Muhammad practised active non-violence in the face of the constant suffering, persecution and economic embargo he and his followers endured in Mecca, despite insistent approaches by his followers to take up arms. This showed that armed struggle cannot be taken up within the members of the same society, as this would lead to anarchy.
After leaving his home town to escape persecution, he established a pluralistic and multi-faith society in Medina. He took active steps to sign treaties with neighbouring tribes. Despite following a deliberate strategy of peace and diplomacy, the hostile Meccans and allied tribes attacked the Muslims in Medina. Engaging these attackers in an armed struggle was unavoidable.
The permission to fight was given to Muslims by the Quran verses 22:39-40:
The believers against whom war is waged are given permission to fight in response, for they have been wronged. Surely, God has full power to help them to victory. Those who have been driven from their homeland against all right, for no other reason than that they say, “Our Lord is God” […]
This passage not only permits armed struggle but also offers a moral justification for just war. It means war is clearly just when defensive — while aggression is unjust and condemned. Elsewhere, the Quran emphasises this point:
If they withdraw from you and do not fight against you, and offer you peace, then God allows you no way (to war) against them.
Verse 22:39 outlines two ethical justifications for warfare. The first is when people are driven from their homes (and land) – in other words, through occupation by a foreign power. The second is when people are attacked because of their beliefs to the point of violent persecution and attack.
Importantly, verse 22:40 includes churches, monasteries and synagogues. If believers in God do not defend themselves, all places of worship would be destroyed, so this is to be prevented by force if necessary.
The Quran does not allow for aggression, since “God loves not the aggressors” (2:190). It also provides detailed regulations on who is to fight and who is exempted (9:91); when hostilities must cease (2:193); and prisoners should be treated humanely and with fairness (47:4).
Verses such as 2:294 emphasise that warfare and any response to violence and aggression must be proportional and within limits:
Whoever attacks you, attack them in like manner as they attacked you. Nevertheless, fear God and remain within the bounds.
In the event of unavoidable war, every opportunity to end it must be pursued:
But if the enemy inclines towards peace, then you must also incline towards peace and trust in God.
The aim of military action is to end hostilities and remove the reason for warfare, not to humiliate or annihilate the enemy.
Military jihad cannot be pursued for personal ambition or to further nationalistic or ethnic disputes. Muslims cannot wage war on nations that have no hostility towards them (60:8). But if there is open hostility and attack, Muslims have a right to defend themselves.
The Prophet and the early caliphs specifically warned military leaders and all combatants that they must not act treacherously or engage in indiscriminate killing and pillage. He said:
Do not kill women, children, the elderly, or the sick. Do not destroy palm trees or burn houses.
Because of these teachings, Muslims have had legal and ethical guidelines throughout much of history to help limit human suffering caused by war.
The Torah
Suzanne D. Rutland, University of Sydney
Judaism is not a pacifist religion, but in its traditions it values peace above all else, and prayers for peace are central to Jewish liturgy. At the same time, there is a recognition of the need to fight defensive wars, but only within certain boundaries.
In the Torah, the Five Books of Moses, the recognition of the need for war is clear. Throughout their journeying in the desert, the Israelites (Children of Israel) fight various battles. At the same time, in Deuteronomy, the Israelites are instructed (chapter 12, verse 10):
When you go forth against your enemies and are in camp, then you should keep yourself from every evil thing.
The story of Amalek is the symbol of ultimate evil in Jewish tradition. Scholars argue this is because his army attacked the Israelites from the rear – killing defenceless women and children.
The Torah also stresses that army service is compulsory. Yet, Deuteronomy elaborates four categories of people who are exempt:
someone who has built a home but has not yet dedicated it
someone who has planted a vineyard but has not yet eaten of its fruit
someone who is engaged or in his first year of marriage
someone who is afraid, in case he influences other soldiers with his fear.
Judaism is not a pacifist religion, but in its traditions it values peace above all else. Shutterstock
It is important to point out that the disdain of war is so strong that King David was not permitted to build the temple in Jerusalem because of his military career. His son, Solomon, was allocated this task, but no iron was to be used in the building because this represented war and violence, while the temple was to represent peace, the ideal virtue.
The vision of peace for all humanity is further developed in the prophetic writings and the concept of the Messiah. This is seen particularly in the writings of the prophet Isiah, who envisaged an age when, as he describes in his idyllic vision:
they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
The Mishnah, the first part of the Talmud, raises the concept of an “obligatory war” (milhemet mizvah). This encompasses the biblical wars against the seven nations said to inhabit the Promised Land, the war against Amalek, and the Jewish nation’s defensive wars. It is, accordingly, a clearly defined and recognisable class.
Not so the second category, “permitted war” (milhemet reshut), which is more open-ended and, as scholar Avi Ravitsky writes, “could relate to a preemptive war”.
After the Talmudic period, which ended in the 7th century, this debate became theoretical, since Jews living in Palestine and the diaspora no longer had an army. This was largely the case from the time of the defeat of the Bar Kokhba Rebellion against the Romans (132–135 CE), apart from a few small Jewish kingdoms in Arabia.
However, with the return of the early Zionist pioneers to the Land of Israel in the late 19th and 20th century, the rabbinic debates of what constitutes an obligatory, defensive war and what is a permitted war, as well as the characteristics of a forbidden war has reignited. This is a subject of deep concern and controversy for both academics and rabbis today.
Robyn J. Whitaker is affiliated with The Wesley Centre for Theology, Ethics, and Public Policy.
Mehmet Ozalp is affiliated with Islamic Sciences and Research Academy
Suzanne Rutland has received an Australian Research Council grant for her research on the Australian Jewry and funding from the Pratt Foundation, as well as an Australian Prime Ministers Centre (APMC) fellowship for her research on Soviet Jewry and Australia. She is also involved with numerous NGOs, including the Australian Jewish Historical Society (patron), the Australian Association for Jewish Studies (past president and committee member), and the Australian government’s expert delegation to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. In addition, she is a board member of the Freilich Project for the Study of Bigotry at ANU; she is on an academic advisory committee at the Sydney Jewish Museum; she is the director of the Australian Academic Alliance Against Antisemitism; and she is an Australian board member for Boys Town Jerusalem and a board member of Better Balance Futures for faith communities These roles are all undertaken in an honorary capacity. She is also writing the history of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry in an honorary capacity.
Police are asking spectators to avoid the Motueka River area near Ngatimoti where emergency services have the road blocked off.
Police continue to urge motorists in the wider area to avoid non-essential travel, however if you cannot delay travel, please take care when travelling through water-damaged roads.
There are still significant slips, detours and water hazards across the wider area so if possible, please stay home.
Addressing the National Consumer Congress in Melbourne, Ms Cass-Gottlieb outlined the importance of the ACCC’s role in protecting consumers from unsafe products and announced five priority areas.
Among the priorities is addressing unsafe products in the digital economy.
“Reducing the prevalence of high-risk unsafe consumer products online will be key. We will focus on systemic and high-risk product safety issues for consumers. And we will use a combination of regulation, education for consumers and for businesses, compliance and enforcement tools, where appropriate,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.
“The risks in the digital economy are layered, they include not only physical harm from unsafe or non-compliant goods, but also the associated economic harm and decline in consumer trust in markets.”
“Addressing these harms is essential to maintaining trust in digital markets and ensuring those markets are competitive and safe,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.
The other four priorities are consumer and product safety issues impacting young children, lithium-ion battery safety, updating mandatory standards and improving product safety data to identify safety risks. Aligned with these priorities, the ACCC will maintain strong relationships across the regulator network, including information sharing and responding to harm.
“The ACCC will continue to prioritise product safety affecting young children, who can be at greater risk of injury or death from consumer products,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.
“We will focus on compliance with button battery standards and continue to raise awareness about new infant sleep and toppling furniture standards.”
“The dangers of button batteries, unstable furniture, and unsafe infant sleep products impact families every day and we want to ensure the standards don’t just exist, but are understood, implemented and enforced so children are kept safe,” Ms Lowe said.
The ACCC will continue to support the safe use of lithium-ion batteries, which power everything from smartphones to e-bikes, and are used in home solar systems. As the use of lithium ion batteries grows, the ACCC continues to focus on the safety of these products.
“Raising consumer awareness about the safe purchase, storage, use and disposal of lithium-ion batteries, and monitoring recalls of unsafe lithium-ion battery products, will be another major focus this year,” Ms Lowe said.
The ACCC will begin a series of expedited reviews of existing mandatory standards from July 2025, following recent amendments to the Australian Consumer Law. These reviews will consider which voluntary overseas and international standards should be added as compliance options for mandatory standards. This will help ensure that mandatory standards are up to date, and can lower compliance costs for businesses.
The ACCC will also work to continue to improve product safety data to help us identify risks and protect consumers. This will include strategies to increase reporting of product safety incidents to the ACCC, working with other regulators and stakeholders to increase data sharing and undertaking new consultation and research to understand the key risks affecting Australian consumers.
“The priorities I have outlined today reflect the environment we’re operating in – one defined by digital acceleration and rising complexity,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.
“These priorities are designed to respond to known harms, and to anticipate the emerging risks that could shape the future of consumer safety. They reflect our commitment to protect Australian consumers and build and maintain their trust in markets in an era of change and uncertainty.”
We are looking to expand the pledge and strengthen its commitments and reporting requirements to address the unsafe products available for sale on online marketplaces.
Please attribute to Counties Manukau District Commander, Superintendent Shanan Gray:
Police are continuing with a critical incident investigation surrounding the events leading up to a fatal crash in Manurewa overnight.
We are now in a position to release further information as our enquiries continue.
The driver of the Mitsubishi vehicle remains in a critical condition at Middlemore Hospital, and was due to undergo surgery today.
Police have spoken with the man taken into custody at the scene this morning.
At this stage, the 56-year-old man has been charged with driving dangerously causing death, dangerous driving causing injury and driving while forbidden.
He will appear in Manukau District Court today.
Police enquiries will continue, and further charges cannot be ruled out as we investigate further.
While matters are before the Court, we can advise that parties in both vehicles were known to each other.
Until the next of kin notifications have been carried out, further details regarding the deceased are unable to be released.
We would like to acknowledge the impact this event will have had on the community and our thoughts are with everyone involved.
There are now several investigations underway, including a critical incident investigation.
Police are still seeking information from any witnesses who may have been in the area at the time, or prior to this incident occurring.
If you have information, please update Police online now or call 105.
Please use reference number 250627/8090 or cite ‘Operation Highbury’.
Abortion-rights demonstrators holds a sign in front of the Supreme Court building in Washington as the Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic case is heard on April 2, 2025.Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images
Having the freedom to choose your own health care provider is something many Americans take for granted. But the U.S. Supreme Court’s conservative supermajority ruled on June 25, 2025, in a 6-3 decision that people who rely on Medicaid for their health insurance don’t have that right.
The case, Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, is focused on a technical legal issue: whether people covered by Medicaid have the right to sue state officials for preventing them from choosing their health care provider. In his majority opinion, Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote that they don’t because the Medicaid statute did not “clearly and unambiguously” give individuals that right.
The case started with a predicament for South Carolina resident Julie Edwards, who is enrolled in Medicaid. After Edwards struggled to get contraceptive services, she was able to receive care from a Planned Parenthood South Atlantic clinic in Columbia, South Carolina.
Planned Parenthood and Edwards sued South Carolina. They argued that the state was violating the federal Medicare and Medicaid Act, which Congress passed in 1965, by not letting Edwards obtain care from the provider of her choice.
A ‘free-choice-of-provider’ requirement
Medicaid, which mainly covers low-income people, their children and people with disabilities, operates as a partnership between the federal government and the states. Congress passed the law that led to its creation based on its power under the Constitution’s spending clause, which allows Congress to subject federal funds to certain requirements.
Two years later, due to concerns that states were restricting which providers Medicaid recipients could choose, Congress added a “free-choice-of-provider” requirement to the program. It states that people enrolled in Medicaid “may obtain such assistance from any institution, agency, community pharmacy, or person, qualified to perform the service or services required.”
While the Medicaid statute does not, by itself, allow people enrolled in that program to enforce this free-choice clause, the question at the core of this case was whether another federal statute, known as Section 1983, did give them a right to sue.
The Supreme Court has long recognized that Section 1983 protects an individual’s ability to sue when their rights under a federal statute have been violated. In fact, in 2023, it found such a right under the Medicaid Nursing Home Reform Act. The court held that Section 1983 confers the right to sue when a statute’s provisions “unambiguously confer individual federal rights.”
In Medina, however, the court found that there was no right to sue. Instead, the court emphasized that “the typical remedy” is for the federal government to cut off Medicaid funds to a state if a state is not complying with the Medicaid statute.
The ruling overturned lower-court decisions in favor of Edwards. It also expressly rejected the Supreme Court’s earlier rulings, which the majority criticized as taking a more “expansive view of its power to imply private causes of action to enforce federal laws.”
This dispute is just one chapter in the long fight over access to abortion in the U.S. In addition to the question of whether it should be legal, proponents and opponents of abortion rights have battled over whether the government should pay for it – even if that funding happens indirectly.
Through a federal law known as the Hyde Amendment, Medicaid cannot reimburse health care providers for the cost of abortions, with a few exceptions: when a patient’s life is at risk, or her pregnancy is due to rape or incest. Some states do cover abortion when their laws allow it, without using any federal funds.
McMaster explained that he removed “abortion clinics,” including Planned Parenthood, from the South Carolina Medicaid program because he didn’t want state funds to indirectly subsidize abortions.
After the Supreme Court ruled on this case, McMaster said he had taken “a stand to protect the sanctity of life and defend South Carolina’s authority and values – and today, we are finally victorious.”
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster stands outside the Supreme Court building in Washington in April 2025 and speaks about this case. Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images
Consequences beyond South Carolina
This ruling’s consequences are not limited to Medicaid access in South Carolina.
It may make it harder for individuals to use Section 1983 to bring claims under any federal statute. As Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, joined by Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan, wrote in her dissent, the court “continues the project of stymying one of the country’s great civil rights laws.”
The dissent also criticized the majority decision as likely “to result in tangible harm to real people.” Not only will it potentially deprive “Medicaid recipients in South Carolina of their only meaningful way of enforcing a right that Congress has expressly granted to them,” Jackson wrote, but it could also “strip those South Carolinians – and countless other Medicaid recipients around the country – of a deeply personal freedom: the ‘ability to decide who treats us at our most vulnerable.’”
The decision could also have far-reaching consequences. Arkansas, Missouri and Texas have already barred Planned Parenthood from getting reimbursed by Medicaid for any kind of health care. More states could follow suit.
In addition, given Planned Parenthood’s role in providing contraceptive care, disqualifying it from Medicaid could restrict access to health care and increase the already-high unintended pregnancy rate in America.
With this ruling, the court is allowing a patchwork of state exclusions of Planned Parenthood and other medical providers from the Medicaid program that could soon resemble the patchwork already seen with abortion access.
The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) joined Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas), Roger Wicker (R-Missouri), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Dave McCormick (R-Pennsylvania), Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina) and Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska) in introducing a Senate resolution in support of U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, including Operation Midnight Hammer, and praising President Trump’s efforts to reestablish deterrence and achieve lasting peace in the region as deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize. Text is below, and you can view the full resolution here.
“Whereas, in August 2002, the Islamic Republic of Iran’s secret nuclear program was revealed, including the existence of a fuel enrichment plant in Natanz, Iran, and the heavy-water plant in Arak, Iran;
Whereas, on April 11, 2006, the Islamic Republic of Iran announced that it had enriched uranium for the first time to a level close to 3.5 percent at the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant in Natanz, Iran;
Whereas, in 2018, during a raid on a warehouse in Tehran’s Turquzabad district, Israel’s Mossad seized a vast nuclear archive of approximately 100,000 documents (commonly known as ‘‘Iran’s Atomic Archive’’), which revealed Iran’s AMAD Plan, a structured nuclear weapons program aimed at producing 5 nuclear warheads, including detailed designs, high explosive tests, detonator development and integration of a warhead into the Shahab 3 ballistic missile;
Whereas, on May 31, 2021, it was reported that the Islamic Republic of Iran failed to provide any explanation for the uranium remnants found at undeclared sites in Iran, and such an explanation had not been provided as of the date of the enactment of this resolution;
Whereas, on May 30, 2022, the International Atomic Energy Agency (referred to in this preamble as the ‘‘IAEA’’) reported that the Islamic Republic of Iran had achieved a stockpile of 43.3 kilograms (95.5 pounds) of 60 percent highly enriched uranium, which is roughly enough material to construct a nuclear weapon;
Whereas, on February 27, 2023, the IAEA reported that the Islamic Republic of Iran had enriched uranium to 83.7 percent, which is just short of the 90 percent threshold for weapons-grade fissile material;
Whereas, on September 16, 2023, the IAEA reported that the Islamic Republic of Iran banned the activities of nearly one-third of the IAEA’s most experienced nuclear inspectors in Iran, a decision that, according to IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi, harmed the IAEA’s ability to monitor Iran’s nuclear program;
Whereas, on December 28, 2023, the Governments of the United States, of France, of Germany and of the United Kingdom jointly declared, ‘‘The production of high-enriched uranium by Iran has no credible civilian justification;”
Whereas, on July 23, 2024, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence published an assessment, in accordance with the Iran Nuclear Weapons Capability and Terrorism Monitoring Act of 2022 (22 U.S.C. 8701 note; section 5593 of Public Law 117–263), stating that the Islamic Republic of Iran has ‘‘undertaken activities that better position it to produce a nuclear device, if it chooses to do so;”
Whereas, on November 15, 2024, the IAEA reported that the Islamic Republic of Iran has continued to expand its enrichment facilities and install additional advanced centrifuges, including at the Natanz Nuclear Facility, where there are 15 cascades of advanced centrifuges, and the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, where there are advanced preparations for the expansion of the facility;
Whereas, on February 26, 2025, the IAEA reported that the Islamic Republic of Iran has between 5 and 7 metric tons of enriched uranium and had increased its total stockpile of 60 percent highly enriched uranium to 274.8 kilograms (605.83 pounds), which, if further enriched, could be sufficient to produce 6 nuclear weapons;
Whereas, on May 31, 2025, the IAEA released a comprehensive report detailing Iran’s noncompliance with its Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons safeguards obligations, noting that Iran—
(1) increased its stockpile of 60 percent highly enriched uranium to 408.6 kilograms as of May 17, 2025, which constitutes a 50 percent increase compared to its February 2025 report, a stockpile sufficient for approximately 9 nuclear weapons (if further enriched);
(2) conducted undeclared nuclear activities at four sites—Lavisan-Shian, Varamin, Marivan, and Turquzabad—involving nuclear material and equipment; and
(3) provided inaccurate or contradictory explanations, which severely obstructed IAEA verification efforts and raises serious concerns about the peaceful nature of its nuclear program;
Whereas, on April 7, 2025, President Donald Trump stated, “You know, it’s not a complicated formula. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. That’s all there is;”
Whereas, on April 8, 2025, a senior official of the Islamic Republic of Iran rejected the dismantlement of its nuclear program by stating, “Trump wants a new deal: end Iran’s regional influence, dismantle its nuclear program and halt its missile work. These are unacceptable to Tehran. Our nuclear program cannot be dismantled;”
Whereas, on April 15, 2025, in an ultimatum issued to the Islamic Republic of Iran, President Trump—
(1) demanded that a new nuclear deal be signed within 60 days to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program; and
(2) warned that failure to comply with this demand would result in military action to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons;
Whereas, on April 16, 2025, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran rejected United States demands and asserted its right to maintain its nuclear program and missile capabilities, escalating tensions and setting the stage for subsequent military operations by Israel and the United States;
Whereas, on June 13, 2025, Israel began Operation Rising Lion with strikes against the Iranian nuclear program, key Iranian military leaders and other strategic targets; and
Whereas, on June 21, 2025, the United States launched Operation Midnight Hammer, conducting targeted strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, which significantly degraded Iran’s nuclear program;
Whereas Iran has developed advanced ballistic missile systems, including the Shahab-3, Ghadr and Khorramshahr missiles, with ranges of up to 2,000 kilometers and payloads capable of carrying nuclear warheads, which poses a significant threat as delivery systems for nuclear weapons to targets in the Middle East and parts of Europe;
Whereas Iran, currently the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of United States citizens, including more than 600 United States servicemembers in Iraq through Iranian-backed militias, and other terrorist activities: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate—
supports the United States’ decisive military strikes under Operation Midnight Hammer to degrade Iran’s nuclear program;
affirms that the Islamic Republic of Iran must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapons capability, which would threaten the security of the United States and its allies and partners;
commends the Trump administration for taking resolute military action and praises the bravery of United States servicemembers who participated in Operation Midnight Hammer;
concurs that President Trump’s efforts to reestablish deterrence are aimed at achieving lasting peace in the Middle East and worthy of consideration for the Nobel Peace Prize;
reaffirms the right of the United States Government to take any necessary measures to prevent the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons;
commends Israel for its targeted strikes under Operation Rising Lion against Iran’s nuclear facilities, ballistic missile infrastructure and regime targets, including the Natanz enrichment facility and missile launchers, and recognizes these actions are critical to neutralizing existential threats to Israel and its allies; and
condemns the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran for launching missiles at United States forces in Qatar and Iraq, and for launching 21 missile attacks that indiscriminately target Israeli civilians.”
Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) led Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Katie Britt (R-AL), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Rick Scott (R-FL), Jim Justice (R-WV), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ted Budd (R-NC), and Deb Fischer (R-NE) in introducing a Senate resolution in support of U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, including Operation Midnight Hammer, and praising President Trump’s efforts to reestablish deterrence and achieve lasting peace in the region as deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize. Text is below, and you can view the full resolution here.
“Whereas, in August 2002, the Islamic Republic of Iran’s secret nuclear program was revealed, including the existence of a fuel enrichment plant in Natanz, Iran, and the heavy-water plant in Arak, Iran;
Whereas, on April 11, 2006, the Islamic Republic of Iran announced that it had enriched uranium for the first time to a level close to 3.5 percent at the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant in Natanz, Iran;
Whereas, in 2018, during a raid on a warehouse in Tehran’s Turquzabad district, Israel’s Mossad seized a vast nuclear archive of approximately 100,000 documents (commonly known as ‘‘Iran’s Atomic Archive’’), which revealed Iran’s AMAD Plan, a structured nuclear weapons program aimed at producing 5 nuclear warheads, including detailed designs, high explosive tests, detonator development, and integration of a warhead into the Shahab 3 ballistic missile;
Whereas, on May 31, 2021, it was reported that the Islamic Republic of Iran failed to provide any explanation for the uranium remnants found at undeclared sites in Iran, and such an explanation had not been provided as of the date of the enactment of this resolution;
Whereas, on May 30, 2022, the International Atomic Energy Agency (referred to in this preamble as the ‘‘IAEA’’) reported that the Islamic Republic of Iran had achieved a stockpile of 43.3 kilograms (95.5 pounds) of 60 percent highly enriched uranium, which is roughly enough material to construct a nuclear weapon;
Whereas, on February 27, 2023, the IAEA reported that the Islamic Republic of Iran had enriched uranium to 83.7 percent, which is just short of the 90 percent threshold for weapons-grade fissile material;
Whereas, on September 16, 2023, the IAEA reported that the Islamic Republic of Iran banned the activities of nearly one-third of the IAEA’s most experienced nuclear inspectors in Iran, a decision that, according to IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi, harmed the IAEA’s ability to monitor Iran’s nuclear program;
Whereas, on December 28, 2023, the Governments of the United States, of France, of Germany, and of the United Kingdom jointly declared, ‘‘The production of high-enriched uranium by Iran has no credible civilian justification;”
Whereas, on July 23, 2024, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence published an assessment, in accordance with the Iran Nuclear Weapons Capability and Terrorism Monitoring Act of 2022 (22 U.S.C. 8701 note; section 5593 of Public Law 117–263), stating that the Islamic Republic of Iran has ‘‘undertaken activities that better position it to produce a nuclear device, if it chooses to do so;”
Whereas, on November 15, 2024, the IAEA reported that the Islamic Republic of Iran has continued to expand its enrichment facilities and install additional advanced centrifuges, including at the Natanz Nuclear Facility, where there are 15 cascades of advanced centrifuges, and the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, where there are advanced preparations for the expansion of the facility;
Whereas, on February 26, 2025, the IAEA reported that the Islamic Republic of Iran has between 5 and 7 metric tons of enriched uranium and had increased its total stockpile of 60 percent highly enriched uranium to 274.8 kilograms (605.83 pounds), which, if further enriched, could be sufficient to produce 6 nuclear weapons;
Whereas, on May 31, 2025, the IAEA released a comprehensive report detailing Iran’s noncompliance with its Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons safeguards obligations, noting that Iran—
(1) increased its stockpile of 60 percent highly enriched uranium to 408.6 kilograms as of May 17, 2025, which constitutes a 50 percent increase compared to its February 2025 report, a stockpile sufficient for approximately 9 nuclear weapons (if further enriched);
(2) conducted undeclared nuclear activities at 4 sites—Lavisan-Shian, Varamin, Marivan, and Turquzabad—involving nuclear material and equipment; and
(3) provided inaccurate or contradictory explanations, which severely obstructed IAEA verification efforts and raises serious concerns about the peaceful nature of its nuclear program;
Whereas, on April 7, 2025, President Donald Trump stated, “You know, it’s not a complicated formula. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. That’s all there is;”
Whereas, on April 8, 2025, a senior official of the Islamic Republic of Iran rejected the dismantlement of its nuclear program by stating, “Trump wants a new deal: end Iran’s regional influence, dismantle its nuclear program, and halt its missile work. These are unacceptable to Tehran. Our nuclear program cannot be dismantled;”
Whereas, on April 15, 2025, in an ultimatum issued to the Islamic Republic of Iran, President Trump—
(1) demanded that a new nuclear deal be signed within 60 days to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program; and
(2) warned that failure to comply with this demand would result in military action to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons;
Whereas, on April 16, 2025, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran rejected United States demands and asserted its right to maintain its nuclear program and missile capabilities, escalating tensions and setting the stage for subsequent military operations by Israel and the United States;
Whereas, on June 13, 2025, Israel began Operation Rising Lion with strikes against the Iranian nuclear program, key Iranian military leaders, and other strategic targets; and
Whereas, on June 21, 2025, the United States launched Operation Midnight Hammer, conducting targeted strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, which significantly degraded Iran’s nuclear program;
Whereas Iran has developed advanced ballistic missile systems, including the Shahab-3, Ghadr, and Khorramshahr missiles, with ranges of up to 2,000 kilometers and payloads capable of carrying nuclear warheads, which poses a significant threat as delivery systems for nuclear weapons to targets in the Middle East and parts of Europe;
Whereas Iran, currently the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of United States citizens, including more than 600 United States servicemembers in Iraq through Iranian-backed militias, and other terrorist activities: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate—
supports the United States’ decisive military strikes under Operation Midnight Hammer to degrade Iran’s nuclear program;
affirms that the Islamic Republic of Iran must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapons capability, which would threaten the security of the United States and its allies and partners;
commends the Trump administration for taking resolute military action and praises the bravery of United States servicemembers who participated in Operation Midnight Hammer;
concurs that President Trump’s efforts to reestablish deterrence are aimed at achieving lasting peace in the Middle East and worthy of consideration for the Nobel Peace Prize;
reaffirms the right of the United States Government to take any necessary measures to prevent the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons;
commends Israel for its targeted strikes under Operation Rising Lion against Iran’s nuclear facilities, ballistic missile infrastructure, and regime targets, including the Natanz enrichment facility and missile launchers, and recognizes these actions are critical to neutralizing existential threats to Israel and its allies; and
condemns the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran for launching missiles at United States forces in Qatar and Iraq, and for launching 21 missile attacks that indiscriminately target Israeli civilians.”
Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
Senators Will Delay Department of Commerce Nominees Until States Receive Funding.
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) joined Senators Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), and 12 Democratic Senators in a letter condemning the Trump Administration’s reckless decision to rescind approval for states to receive their share of Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce. The BEAD program was created to connect families in the hardest-to-serve communities to high-speed internet and close the digital divide for students, families, and small businesses.
“We write to express our deep concern with the recent guidance the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) issued regarding the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. This guidance will add needless delay to connecting millions of Americans to high-speed internet, while going against Congressional intent and betraying unconnected Americans in the process,” wrote the Senators. “Until states receive the entire amount of BEAD funds they are owed, including nondeployment funds, we will not consent to expedited consideration of any related Commerce Department nominees on the Senate floor.”
The Trump Administration’s new guidance rescinded the final approval of three states, including Nevada and Delaware, and forces all states to redo burdensome steps in theirprocesses, hindering states’ ability to connect communities to high-speed internet. In their letter to the Secretary of Commerce, the Senators committed to blocking all related Department of Commerce nominees until states receive their full BEAD allocation.
“With three states fully approved and ready to put shovels in the ground and 42 other states having completed or started the process of receiving project bids and selecting BEAD subgrantees, NTIA’s new guidance upends years of work and threatens to delay the program at a critical point… Simply claiming states will be able to comply with NTIA’s new requirements within 90 days does not make it true,” the Senators’ letter continued. “With this in mind, we implore you to provide states with the maximum flexibility possible and ensure states receive the full amount of funding they are owed. Should you fail to do so, we will continue to block the expeditious advancement of all Commerce Department nominees overseeing broadband policy, along with any related nominees.”
Read the full letter here.
As part of her Innovation State Initiative, Senator Cortez Masto has led efforts to improve broadband access and strengthen Nevada’s economy. She successfully called for increased accountability for federal broadband programs through efforts like the FCC broadband map which helped deliver the State of Nevada additional BEAD funding through more accurate broadband accessibility data. The Senator has also pushed for greater transparency and tracking of federal broadband dollars through her bipartisan mapping tool she created in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and passed her bipartisan ACCESS Broadband Act to establish a broadband oversight office in the Commerce Department, which administers the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law BEAD funding, provides technical assistance to communities, and tracks taxpayer dollars.
Kevin Joseph McKay of the Scottish Liberal Democrats (left) and Returning Officer for Edinburgh Paul Lawrence (right).
The Fountainbridge/Craiglockhart by-election result has been announced at Waverley Court.
Kevin Joseph McKay of the Scottish Liberal Democrats has been duly elected to serve in the City of Edinburgh Council as a member for the Fountainbridge/Craiglockhart ward.
The declaration was made in the early hours of Friday 27 June by Returning Officer for Edinburgh, Paul Lawrence.
Returning Officer for Edinburgh Paul Lawrence, said:
Thanks to everyone who took part in this by-election. I would like to welcome Kevin as a new councillor, and I look forward to working with him. Kevin will now have a key role in representing his constituents on matters affecting the ward and the wider city.
My thanks also go to our elections team and other council colleagues who have been working hard to deliver this by-election smoothly and securely.
The current electorate is 18,945. The turnout for the by-election was 33.1% (6,264).
A youth has been arrested and charged in relation to a burglary in Pukete on Wednesday.
The burglary happened at around 2:20am on Wednesday morning at a restaurant on Church Road.
Two youths in a stolen vehicle smashed a glass door and took around 35 bottles of alcohol and 17 electronic tablets before fleeing the scene.
Police were notified later that morning, and a scene examination was conducted. Upon receiving CCTV, fast working officers identified and arrested one of the offenders the following morning.
The stolen vehicle was recovered, and all the tablets have been returned to the victim.
A 16-year-old appeared in the Hamilton Youth Court Thursday afternoon charged with burglary and unlawfully using a motor vehicle.
Police continue to make enquiries to identify the second offender involved.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 47-year-old male in relation to an aggravated robbery in Pinelands yesterday afternoon.
Around 5:00pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of a disturbance involving a male allegedly armed with a machete on the Stuart Highway in Pinelands.
It is alleged a trailer containing construction equipment was stolen from a business premises along the Stuart Highway in Pinelands, before the victim observed it was missing a short time later. The victim drove around before stopping nearby after noticing the suspected stolen property attached to a vehicle broken down on the side of the road nearby.
Initial investigations indicate the alleged offender threatened the victim with a machete after the victim approached him. The offender then allegedly entered the victims vehicle to jump start his own personal vehicle before fleeing the scene.
Shortly after, the vehicle broke down nearby the Stuart Highway and Tiger Brennan Drive on-ramp, where the male fled into nearby bushland.
The Dog Operations Unit and general duties members attended on scene swiftly.
Patrol Dog (PD) Wedge was deployed and tracked the alleged offender 400 metres where they located and apprehended him while concealed within the bush.
The male was arrested and is likely to be charged later today.
A machete was seized and the stolen property was returned to the victim.
The Crime Command has carriage of the investigation.
Acting Superintendent Meacham King stated, “This is another good example of the essential work the dog operations unit undertakes in tracking violent offenders and apprehending them.
PD Wedge and his handler are a highly effective team protecting the community.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident, particularly anyone with dash cam footage from the area at the time, is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25171430. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Not for distribution to United States news wire services or for dissemination in the United States.
TORONTO, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitcoin Treasury Corporation (TSXV: BTCT) (“Bitcoin Treasury” or the “Corporation”), further to its press releases dated June 17, 2025, and June 24, 2025, is pleased to announce that the Corporation’s common shares (the “Bitcoin Treasury Shares”) have been listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSXV”) with an immediate trading halt and, pursuant to a bulletin issued by the TSXV on June 26, 2025, the Bitcoin Treasury Shares will resume trading freely on June 30, 2025 under the symbol BTCT, CUSIP Number: 09175U103. There are 10,075,080 Bitcoin Treasury Shares issued and outstanding.
Bitcoin Treasury Share Offering
The Corporation also wishes to announce that, as of today, it has completed its brokered offering (the “Offering”) of 426,650 Bitcoin Treasury Shares at a price of $10.00 per Bitcoin Treasury Share (the “Offered Shares”). The Offering, combined with the Concurrent Financing (as defined in the Corporation’s press release dated June 23, 2025), resulted in aggregate gross proceeds to the Corporation of $125,000,000. The Offered Shares are eligible for investment in RRSPs, RESPs, RRIFs, RDSPs, TFSAs, FHSAs and DPSPs, but are subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus one day from today, June 26, 2025, being the date the Offered Shares were issued, in accordance with Applicable Canadian Securities Laws. As announced in a press release of the Corporation dated June 24, 2025, the TSXV issued a bulletin on June 24, 2025, providing that the Corporation had met all final listing requirements assuming completion of the Offering.
Canaccord Genuity and Stifel acted as co-lead agents, together with National Bank Financial Markets, BMO Capital Markets, CIBC Capital Markets, Wellington-Altus, Greenhill, a Mizuho affiliate, Research Capital, Haywood Securities, ATB Capital Markets, Independent Trading Group, Richardson Wealth and Ventum Capital Markets (collectively, the “Agents”) in connection with the Offering. As consideration for their services, the Corporation paid to the Agents cash fees of $178,950.
Bitcoin Acquisition
On June 26, 2025, following the closing of its concurrent financing, the Corporation acquired 292.80 Bitcoin for a total purchase price of CAD $43,127,353. The Corporation now holds 292.80 Bitcoin on its balance sheet. This acquisition marks the official launch of BTCT’s Bitcoin accumulation plan. The Corporation will disclose its initial Bitcoin per Share (BPS) once this phase of the program is complete.
BTCT intends to leverage its Bitcoin holdings to offer institutional lending solutions that provide liquidity to counterparties, while prioritizing financial security and disciplined risk management. The Corporation views Bitcoin not only as a long-term reserve asset, but also as a core component of its operating model and revenue generation strategy.
About Bitcoin Treasury
Bitcoin Treasury Corporation is a Canadian-based company focused on institutional-grade Bitcoin services, initially offering Bitcoin-denominated loans., including lending, liquidity, and collateral solutions. Bitcoin Treasury’s core strategy is to build shareholder value through the strategic accumulation and active deployment of Bitcoin. Recognizing Bitcoin’s finite supply and long-term potential, the Corporation intends to maintain a robust treasury position while supporting the development of its service offerings.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
This news release includes certain “forward-looking statements” under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Any statements that involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expect”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “budget”, “scheduled”, or variations of such words and phrases) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information and are intended to identify forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: business integration risks; the Corporation’s operating results will experience significant fluctuations due to the highly volatile nature of Bitcoin; the Corporation operates in a heavily regulated environment and any material changes or actions could lead to negative adverse effects to the business model, operational results, and financial condition of the Corporation; evolving cryptocurrency regulatory requirements and the impact on the Corporation’s business plan; Bitcoin value risk; reliance on key personnel; implementation of the Corporation’s business plan; lack of operating history; competitive conditions; de banking and financial services risk; anti money laundering and corrupt business practices; additional capital; financing risks; global financial conditions; insurance and uninsured risks; cybersecurity risks; changes to bank fees or practices, or payment card networks; audit of tax filings; market for the Bitcoin Treasury Shares; market price of the Bitcoin Treasury Shares; conflicts of interest; internal controls; tariffs and the imposition of other restrictions on trade could adversely affect the Corporation’s business; risk of litigation; pandemics or other health crisis; acquisitions and integration; risk of dilution of Bitcoin Treasury securities; dividend policy; Bitcoin price volatility; custodial risks; technological vulnerabilities; Bitcoin transactions are irreversible and may result in significant losses; short history risk; limited history of the Bitcoin market; potential decrease in the global demand for Bitcoin; economic and political factors; top Bitcoin holders control a significant percentage of the outstanding Bitcoin; availability of exchange traded products liquidity; security breaches; the requirements that accompany being a publicly traded company may put a strain on the Corporation’s resources, divert attention from management, and adversely affect its ability to maintain and attract management and qualified board members; liquidity risk; leverage risk; and share price fluctuations.
Although management of the Corporation believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions and have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and the Corporation does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward -looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, change in management’s estimates or opinions, future circumstances or events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities law.
The TSXV has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.
Not for distribution to United States news wire services or for dissemination in the United States.
TORONTO, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitcoin Treasury Corporation (TSXV: BTCT) (“Bitcoin Treasury” or the “Corporation”), further to its press releases dated June 17, 2025, and June 24, 2025, is pleased to announce that the Corporation’s common shares (the “Bitcoin Treasury Shares”) have been listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSXV”) with an immediate trading halt and, pursuant to a bulletin issued by the TSXV on June 26, 2025, the Bitcoin Treasury Shares will resume trading freely on June 30, 2025 under the symbol BTCT, CUSIP Number: 09175U103. There are 10,075,080 Bitcoin Treasury Shares issued and outstanding.
Bitcoin Treasury Share Offering
The Corporation also wishes to announce that, as of today, it has completed its brokered offering (the “Offering”) of 426,650 Bitcoin Treasury Shares at a price of $10.00 per Bitcoin Treasury Share (the “Offered Shares”). The Offering, combined with the Concurrent Financing (as defined in the Corporation’s press release dated June 23, 2025), resulted in aggregate gross proceeds to the Corporation of $125,000,000. The Offered Shares are eligible for investment in RRSPs, RESPs, RRIFs, RDSPs, TFSAs, FHSAs and DPSPs, but are subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus one day from today, June 26, 2025, being the date the Offered Shares were issued, in accordance with Applicable Canadian Securities Laws. As announced in a press release of the Corporation dated June 24, 2025, the TSXV issued a bulletin on June 24, 2025, providing that the Corporation had met all final listing requirements assuming completion of the Offering.
Canaccord Genuity and Stifel acted as co-lead agents, together with National Bank Financial Markets, BMO Capital Markets, CIBC Capital Markets, Wellington-Altus, Greenhill, a Mizuho affiliate, Research Capital, Haywood Securities, ATB Capital Markets, Independent Trading Group, Richardson Wealth and Ventum Capital Markets (collectively, the “Agents”) in connection with the Offering. As consideration for their services, the Corporation paid to the Agents cash fees of $178,950.
Bitcoin Acquisition
On June 26, 2025, following the closing of its concurrent financing, the Corporation acquired 292.80 Bitcoin for a total purchase price of CAD $43,127,353. The Corporation now holds 292.80 Bitcoin on its balance sheet. This acquisition marks the official launch of BTCT’s Bitcoin accumulation plan. The Corporation will disclose its initial Bitcoin per Share (BPS) once this phase of the program is complete.
BTCT intends to leverage its Bitcoin holdings to offer institutional lending solutions that provide liquidity to counterparties, while prioritizing financial security and disciplined risk management. The Corporation views Bitcoin not only as a long-term reserve asset, but also as a core component of its operating model and revenue generation strategy.
About Bitcoin Treasury
Bitcoin Treasury Corporation is a Canadian-based company focused on institutional-grade Bitcoin services, initially offering Bitcoin-denominated loans., including lending, liquidity, and collateral solutions. Bitcoin Treasury’s core strategy is to build shareholder value through the strategic accumulation and active deployment of Bitcoin. Recognizing Bitcoin’s finite supply and long-term potential, the Corporation intends to maintain a robust treasury position while supporting the development of its service offerings.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
This news release includes certain “forward-looking statements” under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Any statements that involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expect”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “budget”, “scheduled”, or variations of such words and phrases) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information and are intended to identify forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: business integration risks; the Corporation’s operating results will experience significant fluctuations due to the highly volatile nature of Bitcoin; the Corporation operates in a heavily regulated environment and any material changes or actions could lead to negative adverse effects to the business model, operational results, and financial condition of the Corporation; evolving cryptocurrency regulatory requirements and the impact on the Corporation’s business plan; Bitcoin value risk; reliance on key personnel; implementation of the Corporation’s business plan; lack of operating history; competitive conditions; de banking and financial services risk; anti money laundering and corrupt business practices; additional capital; financing risks; global financial conditions; insurance and uninsured risks; cybersecurity risks; changes to bank fees or practices, or payment card networks; audit of tax filings; market for the Bitcoin Treasury Shares; market price of the Bitcoin Treasury Shares; conflicts of interest; internal controls; tariffs and the imposition of other restrictions on trade could adversely affect the Corporation’s business; risk of litigation; pandemics or other health crisis; acquisitions and integration; risk of dilution of Bitcoin Treasury securities; dividend policy; Bitcoin price volatility; custodial risks; technological vulnerabilities; Bitcoin transactions are irreversible and may result in significant losses; short history risk; limited history of the Bitcoin market; potential decrease in the global demand for Bitcoin; economic and political factors; top Bitcoin holders control a significant percentage of the outstanding Bitcoin; availability of exchange traded products liquidity; security breaches; the requirements that accompany being a publicly traded company may put a strain on the Corporation’s resources, divert attention from management, and adversely affect its ability to maintain and attract management and qualified board members; liquidity risk; leverage risk; and share price fluctuations.
Although management of the Corporation believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions and have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and the Corporation does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward -looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, change in management’s estimates or opinions, future circumstances or events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities law.
The TSXV has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.
Bloomberg’s Mishal Husain delivered the keynote address about image, voice and trust in the age of AI
HONG KONG, June 26, 2025 – The Society of Publishers in Asia (SOPA), a Hong Kong-based not-for-profit organization dedicated to encouraging the highest standards in journalism, announced the winners of its prestigious annual Awards for Editorial Excellence. (full list of winners also available here:
The awards recognize outstanding journalistic work from the past year in the Asia-Pacific region and were given out at a celebratory dinner in Hong Kong on Thursday June 26, marking the 27th consecutive year of the awards.
Global, regional/local, and Chinese-language media outlets submitted more than 700 entries in 21 categories including Bahasa Indonesia, which has been part of the lineup for the past three years.
Submissions from regional and local publications rose substantially from a year earlier, showing the growing voices of smaller publications around the region. To help showcase grassroots coverage, SOPA offered reduced entry fees to small media outlets and first-time entrants from a dozen countries and regions. Several took home prizes including Mekong Eye, which won the top regional/local award in Investigative Reporting for Cattle Hustle, and Hong Kong’s HK Feature got Honorable Mention in the Chinese-language Feature Writing category for ‘Democracy pineapple’ caught in political dilemma across the Taiwan Strait. Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism won the top regional/local award in Explanatory Reporting for Renewed Attention on Political Dynasties in the Philippines.
China’s economy and tensions with the U.S. over technology continued to be a focus, while brewing issues on a number of fronts sparked an increase in India-related entries.
Here are some highlights:
EXCELLENCE IN REPORTING ON WOMEN’S ISSUES
The New York Times with The Fuller Project won the top global award for The Brutality of Sugar, with judges calling it an “eye-opening” account “revealing the horrendous conditions facing women in India’s sugar industry.”
The Wire won the top regional/local award for Breaking The Nets, which the judges said offered “a fascinating insight into the knock-on effects of India’s patriarchal society” and how women contend with them.EXCELLENCE IN AUDIO REPORTING
Mongabay won the top regional/local award for Wild Frequencies: How listening to India’s animals inspires people to protect wildlife, which judges praised as showing how sounds are a clue to “whether an ecosystem is healthy or imperiled.”
EXCELLENCE IN HUMAN RIGHTS REPORTING
The Collective HK won the top Chinese-language award for Five Years After Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill Movement: How are they?, which focused on four personalities in the 2019 social movement in Hong Kong and the judges said is “full of drama” without “emotive writing.”
EXCELLENCE IN FEATURE WRITING
The Australian Financial Review won the top regional/local award for Inside the ‘unending chaos’ at Andrew Forrest’s Fortescue, which the judges called “an impressive portrait” of an Australian businessman involved in tackling climate change.
Initium Media won the top Chinese-language group award for Chinese Fighting for Russia: Money, Thrill and Becoming Influencers, which the judges noted had “sparked significant attention and discussion.”
EXCELLENCE IN TECHNOLOGY REPORTING
Nikkei Asia won the top global award for China’s tech industry fights back, which the judges called “a well-reported exploration of China’s drive for tech primacy in the face of U.S. restrictions.”
EXCELLENCE IN ARTS AND CULTURE REPORTING
The Economist’s 1843 Magazine won the top global award for How I became the Taliban’s portrait artist, which the judges called “a gripping account” of how the author’s own kidnapping in Afghanistan showed an unexpected side of today’s Taliban.
EXCELLENCE IN REPORTING BREAKING NEWS
Reuters won the top global and regional/local award for South Korea’s martial law crisis, which judges said, “kept global audiences informed about one of the biggest breaking stories last year.”EXCELLENCE IN OPINION WRITING
Singapore’s The Straits Times won the regional/local award for No country for young men: Where is Malaysia’s next generation of leaders? The judges said it “demystifies the complex web of personalities shaping Malaysian politics.”
The judges selected Qianer Liu of The Information for the SOPA Award for Young Journalist citing her “unique insights into the tech competition between the U.S. and China.”
The Wall Street Journal won the coveted SOPA Award for Public Service Journalism for A Vicious New Scam Industry Metastasizes that detailed the brutal reality of the global criminal enterprise of “pig butchering” cyber fraud.
“Congratulations to all the winners, honorable mentions and finalists,” said Bill Ridgers, Asia Digital Editor at The Economist and Co-Chair of SOPA’s Editorial Committee. “The high quality of entries for the SOPA 2025 awards is proof that the media continues to perform a critical role in informing readers in Asia Pacific and elsewhere about this region and helping shape public discourse.”
SOPA would like to thank Bloomberg’s Mishal Husain who spoke on image, voice and trust in the age of AI. Her keynote address will be available on SOPA’s YouTube channel from 28 June, 2025. (link: https://www.youtube.com/@sopaasia)
We also extend thanks to our nearly 120 volunteer judges and to Karen Koh for being our Master of Ceremonies, and to the University of Hong Kong’s Journalism and Media Studies Centre, which has administered the awards since 2011.
Critical to presenting the awards are our sponsors. Factiva is an Associate Sponsor and Telum Media is a Supporting Partner.
Awards Ceremony Dinner photos can be accessed here:
The Society of Publishers in Asia (SOPA) is a Hong Kong-based not-for-profit organization that was founded in 1982 to champion freedom of the press, promote excellence in journalism and endorse best practices for all local and regional publishing platforms in the Asia-Pacific region.
Today, SOPA is the voice of Asia’s media and publishing industry, and continues to work to uphold media standards and freedoms while celebrating and supporting professional journalism and publishing. The SOPA Awards for Editorial Excellence are the annual,flagship awards, serving as a regional benchmark for quality, professional journalism and have been given out every year since 1999.
Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council
Investigation into Post Office Horizon scandal gathers momentum
Scope increased with 6m documents to review
Currently seven main suspects under investigation
Six months since the police team investigating the Post Office Horizon scandal was strengthened to 100, their work continues to gather pace with the scope ever increasing.
Currently, there are over 45 individuals under investigation as enquiries progress, with seven formally identified as suspects.
At its introduction, the team, made up of officers and staff from around the country, began with around 1.5 million documents to review and through evidence gathering this has now increased to 6 million, with both the number of documents, suspects and victims expected to rise.
The investigation is overseen by the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the Metropolitan Police, led by Commander Stephen Clayman. He said:
“Victims remain at the heart of this investigation and our contact with the many people affected by the Post Office Horizon scandal continues to increase. This week (25 June) the whole investigation team met in person for the first time during our operational development day, a valuable opportunity to come together and reaffirm our focus on the investigative strategy and discuss next steps.
“To date, four individuals have been interviewed. Two in late 2021, one in late 2024 and most recently one in early 2025. Formally identifying a suspect and preparing to question them takes a significant amount of time due to the volume of material and enquiries necessary so these numbers will continue to rise as the team’s work progresses.
“We are making progress and laying the foundations for what is to come. We all have a personal commitment to this investigation which goes far beyond documents and evidence. It is about the thousands of lives the Post Office Horizon scandal has impacted and we remain focussed on our goal of securing justice for those affected.”
Four Regional Investigation Teams (RITs) are made up from police forces across England and Wales with Police Scotland and the Police Service of Northern Ireland also making contributions.
Additional national oversight of the investigation is provided by a Platinum group, led by NPCC Chair, Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, and comprised of nationally appointed leads for the investigation, finance, Crown Prosecution Service and victim engagement. Its role is to ensure the national team remains resourced to agreed strengths, along with oversight of the financial management of the investigation and support infrastructure.
The investigation is unprecedented in both its scale and complexity and is truly national in its scope – with most areas across England and Wales affected, along with Scotland and Northern Island. It was determined that a national policing response would be required to effectively investigate the actions of Post Office Limited and its investigators, managers, legal teams and executive oversight, along with staff and executives within Fujitsu. This will involve reviewing millions of documents to identify actions which could amount to criminal offences on both an individual and corporate basis.
Op Olympos is investigating perjury and perverting the course of justice offences in relation to the prosecutions. These prosecutions and the sub postmasters span all police forces with potential suspects across the country.
Op Olympos is not a reinvestigation of these wrongful prosecutions. Whilst the sub postmasters are victims of tainted or missing evidence being presented about them, the offences under investigation are against the Post Office.
The action taken against the sub postmasters provides part of the evidence for perverting the course of justice, however it is not necessary to review each and every case. This strategy has been reviewed and agreed by Crown Prosecution Service throughout and is deemed to meet disclosure and evidential requirements, whilst remaining focussed and proportionate. This will require continuous scrutiny in order to prevent the scope becoming too large and less focussed.
Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council
Investigation into Post Office Horizon scandal gathers momentum
Scope increased with 6m documents to review
Currently seven main suspects under investigation
Six months since the police team investigating the Post Office Horizon scandal was strengthened to 100, their work continues to gather pace with the scope ever increasing.
Currently, there are over 45 individuals under investigation as enquiries progress, with seven formally identified as suspects.
At its introduction, the team, made up of officers and staff from around the country, began with around 1.5 million documents to review and through evidence gathering this has now increased to 6 million, with both the number of documents, suspects and victims expected to rise.
The investigation is overseen by the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the Metropolitan Police, led by Commander Stephen Clayman. He said:
“Victims remain at the heart of this investigation and our contact with the many people affected by the Post Office Horizon scandal continues to increase. This week (25 June) the whole investigation team met in person for the first time during our operational development day, a valuable opportunity to come together and reaffirm our focus on the investigative strategy and discuss next steps.
“To date, four individuals have been interviewed. Two in late 2021, one in late 2024 and most recently one in early 2025. Formally identifying a suspect and preparing to question them takes a significant amount of time due to the volume of material and enquiries necessary so these numbers will continue to rise as the team’s work progresses.
“We are making progress and laying the foundations for what is to come. We all have a personal commitment to this investigation which goes far beyond documents and evidence. It is about the thousands of lives the Post Office Horizon scandal has impacted and we remain focussed on our goal of securing justice for those affected.”
Four Regional Investigation Teams (RITs) are made up from police forces across England and Wales with Police Scotland and the Police Service of Northern Ireland also making contributions.
Additional national oversight of the investigation is provided by a Platinum group, led by NPCC Chair, Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, and comprised of nationally appointed leads for the investigation, finance, Crown Prosecution Service and victim engagement. Its role is to ensure the national team remains resourced to agreed strengths, along with oversight of the financial management of the investigation and support infrastructure.
The investigation is unprecedented in both its scale and complexity and is truly national in its scope – with most areas across England and Wales affected, along with Scotland and Northern Island. It was determined that a national policing response would be required to effectively investigate the actions of Post Office Limited and its investigators, managers, legal teams and executive oversight, along with staff and executives within Fujitsu. This will involve reviewing millions of documents to identify actions which could amount to criminal offences on both an individual and corporate basis.
Op Olympos is investigating perjury and perverting the course of justice offences in relation to the prosecutions. These prosecutions and the sub postmasters span all police forces with potential suspects across the country.
Op Olympos is not a reinvestigation of these wrongful prosecutions. Whilst the sub postmasters are victims of tainted or missing evidence being presented about them, the offences under investigation are against the Post Office.
The action taken against the sub postmasters provides part of the evidence for perverting the course of justice, however it is not necessary to review each and every case. This strategy has been reviewed and agreed by Crown Prosecution Service throughout and is deemed to meet disclosure and evidential requirements, whilst remaining focussed and proportionate. This will require continuous scrutiny in order to prevent the scope becoming too large and less focussed.
