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Maurie Stack, a prominent figure in New South Wales law, has passed away at seventy-seven. He co-founded Stacks Law Firm, growing it from a small Taree office to fifteen locations across the east coast. Stacks Law Firm, established by his father during the Great Depression, became known for its work with farmers and rural communities. Maurie, a partner from 1971 to 2003 and later chairman of Stacks Law Group, was respected for his advocacy for injured people and his role in the Australian Lawyers Alliance. He served as president of the New South Wales Law Society in 1995. Beyond law, Maurie was deeply involved in his local community, serving as an alderman and Rotarian, and even becoming governor of Rotary District 9650 in 2015. He championed numerous charitable projects, including building a hospital in Indonesia after the 2004 tsunami, earning an Order of Australia in 2001. Maurie Stack is survived by his wife, siblings, children, and eight grandsons. His legacy of community service and legal advocacy will be remembered.

Meta faces scrutiny for running ads for GIM Trading, accused of defrauding investors. Victim Sai Skipworth lost $300,000, causing immense stress. Meta denies claims of insufficient action against scams, stating it removes fraudulent content and collaborates with authorities. ACCC and ASIC express concern, with ASIC securing a court order to prevent GIM director from leaving the country. No charges have been laid, but ASICs work is part of a broader investigation into offshore criminal syndicates defrauding Australians.

Electricity companies may soon be barred from charging loyal customers more than new ones, as the Australian Energy Market Commission proposes significant changes to power prices. The commission suggests a shift towards a simple subscription fee for electricity, similar to phone or insurance bills, aiming to make energy costs more predictable. The current system, which relies on constant price shopping, is deemed unfair and inefficient. The commission also addresses the growing use of rooftop solar and smart meters, aiming to ensure fair pricing as Australia transitions to a more sustainable energy future.

Federal politician Andrew Willcox, a Nationals Member of Parliament, has spent over eighty thousand dollars on family travel expenses in the last two years, sparking debate about parliamentary entitlements and public expectations. Despite defending his spending as legitimate and cost-saving, critics argue for restrictions, questioning the need for family members to fly business class and the overall transparency of these expenses. The ongoing debate underscores the tension between current rules and public perceptions of taxpayer money usage.

Gavin Fineff, a former financial planner serving a nine-year sentence for defrauding clients, is suing three betting agencies and two former VIP managers for enabling his gambling addiction. Fineff stole millions from victims to fuel his addiction and now seeks to recover these funds for his victims. The case, filed in the Federal Court, aims to challenge betting industry practices and could lead to significant reforms. Fineff, sentenced in 2023 for defrauding victims of over $3 million, urges the government to act on gambling reform.

In 1978, a daring heist at New Yorks JFK Airport netted millions, making it one of the largest cash heists in U.S. history. The mastermind, Jimmy Burke, a notorious hijacker, allegedly orchestrated the operation with Lufthansa cargo supervisor Louis Werner. The heist, depicted in Goodfellas, involved seven masked men, a black van, and meticulous planning, resulting in a haul of $5 million in cash and jewels. However, the aftermath was brutal, with ten people connected to the heist allegedly murdered by Burke to cover his tracks. Decades later, mobster Vincent Asaro was arrested, but was acquitted, leaving the Lufthansa heist a captivating tale of crime and betrayal.

Lando Norris Crowned New Formula One World Champion, Ending Max Verstappens Four-Year Reign The 2025 Formula One World Championship has concluded, with Lando Norris emerging as the new champion, ending Max Verstappens four-year winning streak. The season was filled with intense rivalries, strategic battles, and crucial penalties, culminating in a dramatic three-way battle for the top spots in the final race. Australian driver Oscar Piastri secured third place overall. Norriss victory marks a significant shift in the sport, bringing fresh energy and competition to Formula One. The 2025 season will be remembered as a pivotal year in Formula One history, setting the stage for even more exciting races to come.

Households in eastern Australia will now face direct upfront charges of over two thousand dollars for new gas connections, as regulators approve new rules ending the practice of spreading connection costs across shrinking customer bases. This shift is due to government initiatives promoting electric alternatives and a projected thirty percent decrease in residential gas use over the next decade. The new rule aims to protect existing gas users from rising costs and support a more gradual transition away from gas.

Wall Street holds steady, with the S&P 500 near record highs, as the Dow gains and Nasdaq dips. All eyes on the Feds upcoming decision. Australian market set for a positive start. GE Vernova surges, Palantir boosts on US Navy partnership. GameStop drops, Cracker Barrel gains on better results. Treasury yields ease as Fed rate cut anticipation builds.