Source: United States Air Force
In this week’s look Around the Air Force, the Air Force Aid Society announces new aid categories to support DAF families; DoD is expanding child care initiatives to provide more options to military families; and Eielson AFB reaches a groundbreaking milestone for U.S. energy security.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
New York, N.Y., June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) (“NANO Nuclear” or “the Company”), a leading advanced nuclear energy and technology company focused on developing clean energy solutions, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Namibia Industrial Development Agency (NIDA) to explore collaborative opportunities focused on developing the domestic nuclear fuel supply chain infrastructure within the Republic of Namibia.
The MoU represents a shared vision between NANO Nuclear and NIDA to add significant value to the country’s uranium resources, support industrial development, and create new opportunities for Namibian citizens within the global nuclear energy market. With Namibia already ranked among the world’s top uranium producers, the collaboration aims to help position the country as a key player in the emerging secure and diversified global nuclear fuel supply chain.
Figure 1 -NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. Chief Executive Officer James Walker and Richwell Lukonga, Chief Executive Officer of the Namibia Industrial Development Agency following the signing of the MoU.
“This first step with NIDA reflects our long-term commitment to helping NIDA build a stable, localized, and internationally respected nuclear fuel supply chain in Namibia,” said James Walker, Chief Executive Officer of NANO Nuclear. “We are proud to work alongside Namibia to ensure that its natural resources can power not only domestic progress but also global energy resilience.”
Under the MoU, NANO Nuclear and NIDA will work together to evaluate opportunities related to the development of infrastructure, technology transfer, education, job creation, and local workforce development in support of Namibia’s national nuclear energy development goals. NIDA will help coordinate government and stakeholder engagement, while NANO Nuclear will lead assessments related to industrial capability, fuel logistics, and potential international nuclear fuel supply contracts for NIDA.
“This collaboration with Namibia highlights our mission to position the Company as a leader in the global clean energy transition and reinforces our strategic intent to secure the resources necessary to fuel the future of nuclear energy in the United States and abroad,” said Jay Yu, Founder and Chairman of NANO Nuclear. “NANO Nuclear brings the advanced nuclear expertise and commercial vision that align well with NIDA’s development mandate. Through education, infrastructure, and responsible industrial development, this collaboration will unlock meaningful opportunities for the Namibian people while supporting NANO Nuclear’s broader strategy to de-risk and decentralize the nuclear fuel supply chain.”
Figure 2 – NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. Chief Executive Officer James Walker and Richwell Lukonga, Chief Executive Officer of the Namibia Industrial Development Agency at the signing of the MoU.
As the world accelerates toward low-carbon energy solutions, the nuclear industry is experiencing a renaissance. By establishing Namibia as a trusted link in the global nuclear fuel supply chain, this collaboration will support energy security, economic diversification, and scientific advancement in southern Africa and beyond.
Initial work under the MoU will focus on identifying viable areas for investment, conducting feasibility studies, and facilitating engagements with other government bodies, technical institutions, and international stakeholders. The MoU also envisions expanding the collaboration into areas of training, joint venture development, and nuclear-ready industrial site planning.
NANO Nuclear and NIDA will also work to negotiate and enter into definitive agreement related to the collaboration in the future.
About Namibia Industrial Development Agency (NIDA)
The Namibia Industrial Development Agency (NIDA) is a commercial state-owned enterprise under Namibia’s Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade. NIDA’s mission is to drive inclusive and sustainable industrial development through investment facilitation, infrastructure development, and support for key growth sectors aligned with Namibia’s national development plans.
About NANO Nuclear Energy, Inc.
NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) is an advanced technology-driven nuclear energy company seeking to become a commercially focused, diversified, and vertically integrated company across five business lines: (i) cutting edge portable and other microreactor technologies, (ii) nuclear fuel fabrication, (iii) nuclear fuel transportation, (iv) nuclear applications for space and (v) nuclear industry consulting services. NANO Nuclear believes it is the first portable nuclear microreactor company to be listed publicly in the U.S.
Led by a world-class nuclear engineering team, NANO Nuclear’s reactor products in development include patented KRONOS MMR™Energy System, a stationary high-temperature gas-cooled reactor that is in construction permit pre-application engagement U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in collaboration with University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (U. of I.), “ZEUS”, a solid core battery reactor, and “ODIN”, a low-pressure coolant reactor, and the space focused, portable LOKI MMR™, each representing advanced developments in clean energy solutions that are portable, on-demand capable, advanced nuclear microreactors.
Advanced Fuel Transportation Inc. (AFT), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is led by former executives from the largest transportation company in the world aiming to build a North American transportation company that will provide commercial quantities of HALEU fuel to small modular reactors, microreactor companies, national laboratories, military, and DOE programs. Through NANO Nuclear, AFT is the exclusive licensee of a patented high-capacity HALEU fuel transportation basket developed by three major U.S. national nuclear laboratories and funded by the Department of Energy. Assuming development and commercialization, AFT is expected to form part of the only vertically integrated nuclear fuel business of its kind in North America.
HALEU Energy Fuel Inc. (HEF), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is focusing on the future development of a domestic source for a High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel fabrication pipeline for NANO Nuclear’s own microreactors as well as the broader advanced nuclear reactor industry.
NANO Nuclear Space Inc. (NNS), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is exploring the potential commercial applications of NANO Nuclear’s developing micronuclear reactor technology in space. NNS is focusing on applications such as the LOKI MMR™ system and other power systems for extraterrestrial projects and human sustaining environments, and potentially propulsion technology for long haul space missions. NNS’ initial focus will be on cis-lunar applications, referring to uses in the space region extending from Earth to the area surrounding the Moon’s surface.
For more corporate information please visit: https://NanoNuclearEnergy.com/
Email: IR@NANONuclearEnergy.com
Business Tel: (212) 634-9206
PLEASE FOLLOW OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES HERE:
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Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements
This news release and statements of NANO Nuclear’s management in connection with this news release contain or may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this context, forward-looking statements mean statements related to future events, which may impact our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “potential”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “would” or “may” and other words of similar meaning. In this press release, forward-looking statements include those regarding NANO Nuclear’s plans to collaborate with NIDA, and the goals of such collaboration, as described in this press release. These and other forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this news release and represent management’s current views and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control. For NANO Nuclear, particular risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the following: (i) risks related to our U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) or related state or non-U.S. nuclear fuel licensing submissions or risks related to operations in Namibia, (ii) risks related the development of new or advanced technology and the acquisition of complimentary technology or businesses, including difficulties with design and testing, cost overruns, regulatory delays, integration issues and the development of competitive technology, (iii) our ability to obtain contracts and funding to be able to continue operations, (iv) risks related to uncertainty regarding our ability to technologically develop and commercially deploy a competitive advanced nuclear reactor or other technology in the timelines we anticipate, if ever, (v) risks related to the impact of U.S. and non-U.S. government regulation, policies and licensing requirements, including by the DOE and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, including those associated with the enacted ADVANCE Act and the May 23, 2025 presidential executive orders seeking to support nuclear energy, and (vi) similar risks and uncertainties associated with the operating an early stage business a highly regulated and rapidly evolving industry. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in any forward-looking statement, and NANO Nuclear therefore encourages investors to review other factors that may affect future results in its filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov and at https://ir.nanonuclearenergy.com/financial-information/sec-filings. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this news release, except as required by law.
Attachment
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Founder Group Limited (NASDAQ: FGL) (“Founder Group” or the “Company”), a leading engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning (EPCC) solutions provider for solar photovoltaic systems in Malaysia, assures investors that the Company will not be impacted by a U.S. Senate panel’s proposed wind down of solar power tax credits by 2028.
“Founder Group operates primarily in Malaysia and doesn’t have operations in the U.S. Therefore, the Company should not be affected by the sentiments currently causing selloffs of U.S. solar power stocks,” said Lee Seng Chi, Chief Executive Officer of Founder Group Limited. “Although we are listed on Nasdaq and trade alongside U.S. solar power stocks, we will not be impacted by the possible elimination of those tax credits.”
“Our revenue is predominantly generated from the Malaysian market hence we are not affected by the changes suggested by President Donald Trump’s tax cut and spending bill,” Mr. Lee continued. “In the near future, our expansion will focus on regional expansion in Southeast Asia only. Expansion to the U.S. is not in our current plans.”
About Founder Group Limited
Founder Group Limited is a pure-play, end-to-end EPCC solutions provider for solar PV facilities in Malaysia. The company’s primary focus is on two key segments: large-scale solar projects and commercial and industrial (C&I) solar projects. The company’s mission is to provide customers with innovative solar installation services, promote eco-friendly resources and achieve carbon neutrality.
For more information on the Company, please visit https://www.founderenergy.com.my/.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect our current expectations and views of future events. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including those listed under “Risk Factors” in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. You can identify some of these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “is/are likely to,” “potential,” “continue” or other similar expressions. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. These forward-looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
For media queries, please contact:
Founder Group Limited
info@founderenergy.com.my
Investor Relations Inquiries:
Skyline Corporate Communications Group, LLC
Scott Powell, President
1177 Avenue of the Americas, 5th Floor
New York, New York 10036
Office: (646) 893-5835
Email: info@skylineccg.com
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — West Bancorporation, Inc. (Nasdaq: WTBA) (the “Company”), parent company of West Bank, will report its results for the second quarter of 2025 on Thursday, July 24, 2025 before the markets open.
The Company will discuss its results in a conference call scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Central Time on Thursday, July 24, 2025. The telephone number for the conference call is 800-715-9871. The conference ID for the conference call is 7846129. A recording of the call will be available until August 7, 2025, by dialing 800-770-2030. The conference ID for the replay call is 7846129, followed by the # key.
West Bancorporation, Inc. is headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa. Serving its customers since 1893, West Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of West Bancorporation, Inc., is a community bank that focuses on lending, deposit services and trust services for consumers and small- to medium-sized businesses. The Bank has six offices in the greater Des Moines, Iowa area, one office in Coralville, Iowa, and four offices in Minnesota, in the cities of Rochester, Mankato, Owatonna and St. Cloud.
For more information contact:
Jane Funk, Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (515) 222-5766
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — West Bancorporation, Inc. (Nasdaq: WTBA) (the “Company”), parent company of West Bank, will report its results for the second quarter of 2025 on Thursday, July 24, 2025 before the markets open.
The Company will discuss its results in a conference call scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Central Time on Thursday, July 24, 2025. The telephone number for the conference call is 800-715-9871. The conference ID for the conference call is 7846129. A recording of the call will be available until August 7, 2025, by dialing 800-770-2030. The conference ID for the replay call is 7846129, followed by the # key.
West Bancorporation, Inc. is headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa. Serving its customers since 1893, West Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of West Bancorporation, Inc., is a community bank that focuses on lending, deposit services and trust services for consumers and small- to medium-sized businesses. The Bank has six offices in the greater Des Moines, Iowa area, one office in Coralville, Iowa, and four offices in Minnesota, in the cities of Rochester, Mankato, Owatonna and St. Cloud.
For more information contact:
Jane Funk, Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (515) 222-5766
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
Glendale, California, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Radcred has launched its new platform for personal loans for individuals with bad credit, offering a streamlined and flexible process to secure loans despite poor credit scores. This innovative platform enables those with credit scores below 600 to secure quick, collateral-free loans, focusing on income and repayment ability rather than just credit scores.
With fast approval times, flexible repayment terms, and no collateral required, Radcred’s platform provides a straightforward and transparent way for borrowers to access financial relief during times of urgent need. This new offering is designed to help individuals navigate unexpected expenses without the constraints of traditional credit-based lending practices.
Why People with Poor Credit Scores Turn to Personal Loans for Bad Credit?
Individuals with credit scores below 600 often face difficulties accessing traditional loan options. Traditional lenders typically rely on credit scores as the primary qualification metric, making it hard for people with poor credit to secure financial assistance. This gap in financial services has led to a growing demand for personal loans for individuals with bad credit, which offer a more flexible approach.
Radcred’s platform addresses this need by considering borrowers’ income and repayment capacity, rather than focusing solely on their credit scores. Many people with bad credit turn to Radcred’s loan platform to cover urgent financial needs, such as medical bills, car repairs, or rent payments. The platform provides a lifeline to those who would otherwise be rejected by traditional lenders, offering quick and accessible loans based on their ability to repay rather than their credit history. This offers a crucial opportunity for individuals to meet their financial goals without the burden of an unacceptable credit score.
Key Features of Radcred’s Personal Loans for Bad Credit Platform
Radcred’s platform is designed to offer borrowers a seamless, fast, and secure way to obtain personal loans, even with bad credit. The user-friendly process streamlines access to funds, prioritising income and repayment capacity over credit scores. With quick approvals, no collateral required, and flexible terms, Radcred provides an efficient and transparent loan experience. Key features include:
These features combine to create an easy-to-use platform that simplifies the loan process for those who need it most. Radcred’s commitment to providing fast, transparent, and flexible personal loans makes it an excellent solution for individuals with poor credit.
GET THE FINANCIAL RELIEF YOU NEED
How Radcred’s Personal Loans for Bad Credit Platform Works?
Applying for a personal loan on Radcred’s platform is simple, quick, and user-friendly. The process is designed to be accessible for individuals with bad credit. With just a few easy steps, borrowers can complete the application online, receive instant approval, and get matched with lenders offering personalized loan terms based on their income and ability to repay.
Radcred’s platform focuses on providing accessible, fast, and flexible loan options for individuals with bad credit, offering a quick and straightforward process that ensures you can get the financial help you need without long waits or complex procedures.
Why Borrowers Turn to Radcred’s Personal Loans for Bad Credit?
Many individuals with bad credit often find themselves facing limited borrowing options, especially when they need money quickly. This is where Radcred steps in, providing a lifeline to borrowers who traditional lenders may have rejected. The platform’s unique approach focuses on income and repayment capacity, rather than credit scores, making it easier for individuals with poor credit histories to secure loans.
Radcred’s flexibility is a significant appeal, as it offers quick and easy access to loans that can help cover urgent expenses, such as medical bills, car repairs, or household costs. The fast approval process and same-day funding provide borrowers with immediate relief. The online application and matching with multiple lenders make the process seamless and efficient. By considering a borrower’s financial situation rather than focusing solely on their credit score, Radcred offers a truly accessible solution for those in need.
COMPARE PERSONALIZED LOAN OFFERS WITH RADCRED
Eligibility Requirements for Radcred’s Personal Loans for Bad Credit
To qualify for Radcred’s Personal Loans for Bad Credit, applicants must meet the following requirements: be at least 18 years old, a U.S. resident, and have a valid bank account for direct deposit. Proof of income is required to demonstrate the ability to repay the loan, and Radcred uses a soft-pull credit check that won’t affect your credit score.
The Benefits of Radcred’s Personal Loans for Bad Credit
Radcred’s platform offers several key benefits that set it apart from traditional loan providers. These include quick approval times, often within minutes, and same-day funding for eligible borrowers. With flexible repayment terms ranging from 1 to 3 years, no collateral required, and transparent fees, Radcred provides accessible loans tailored to individuals with bad credit.
These benefits make Radcred’s platform an excellent option for individuals in need of financial relief but who struggle with traditional lenders.
LEARN MORE ABOUT RADCRED’S LOAN PLATFORM
How Radcred Connects Borrowers with Licensed Payday Lenders?
Radcred operates as a marketplace, connecting borrowers with a network of licensed and vetted lenders. The platform carefully selects its lending partners to ensure they meet industry standards and comply with relevant regulatory requirements. Each lender in Radcred’s network is thoroughly vetted to guarantee they follow responsible lending practices and provide fair, transparent loan terms.
By working with multiple lenders, Radcred provides borrowers with access to a range of loan options, enabling them to compare rates, terms, and conditions before selecting the best deal. This competitive environment ensures that borrowers receive personalized offers suited to their financial needs. Moreover, Radcred ensures consumer protection by partnering only with licensed lenders who adhere to legal standards, providing a safe and secure borrowing experience.
About Radcred
Radcred is a fintech company dedicated to offering accessible and transparent financial solutions for individuals with poor credit. With a focus on customer empowerment, Radcred provides personal loans based on income and ability to repay rather than credit scores. The platform’s mission is to provide fast and flexible loan options to underserved populations. Radcred has helped thousands of borrowers secure affordable loans quickly and continues to expand its platform to meet the growing demand for accessible financial solutions.
Final Thoughts: Radcred Provides Essential Relief for Low Credit Consumers
Radcred’s Personal Loans for Bad Credit platform offers a fast, flexible, and transparent solution for individuals struggling with poor credit. The platform’s quick approval process, no collateral requirements, and focus on income rather than credit score make it a valuable tool for those in need of urgent financial assistance.
Whether it’s medical bills or unexpected expenses, Radcred provides an essential service for those who may otherwise be excluded from traditional lending options. Visit Radcred.com today to apply for a personal loan and take control of your financial future.
Disclaimer
Loans are subject to approval and available only to qualified applicants. Eligibility requirements vary by state. Radcred uses a soft-pull credit check, and credit scores are considered but not the sole determining factor. Loan terms, amounts, and approval times depend on the lender. Availability may be limited based on geographic restrictions.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
Glendale, California, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Radcred has launched its new platform for personal loans for individuals with bad credit, offering a streamlined and flexible process to secure loans despite poor credit scores. This innovative platform enables those with credit scores below 600 to secure quick, collateral-free loans, focusing on income and repayment ability rather than just credit scores.
With fast approval times, flexible repayment terms, and no collateral required, Radcred’s platform provides a straightforward and transparent way for borrowers to access financial relief during times of urgent need. This new offering is designed to help individuals navigate unexpected expenses without the constraints of traditional credit-based lending practices.
Why People with Poor Credit Scores Turn to Personal Loans for Bad Credit?
Individuals with credit scores below 600 often face difficulties accessing traditional loan options. Traditional lenders typically rely on credit scores as the primary qualification metric, making it hard for people with poor credit to secure financial assistance. This gap in financial services has led to a growing demand for personal loans for individuals with bad credit, which offer a more flexible approach.
Radcred’s platform addresses this need by considering borrowers’ income and repayment capacity, rather than focusing solely on their credit scores. Many people with bad credit turn to Radcred’s loan platform to cover urgent financial needs, such as medical bills, car repairs, or rent payments. The platform provides a lifeline to those who would otherwise be rejected by traditional lenders, offering quick and accessible loans based on their ability to repay rather than their credit history. This offers a crucial opportunity for individuals to meet their financial goals without the burden of an unacceptable credit score.
Key Features of Radcred’s Personal Loans for Bad Credit Platform
Radcred’s platform is designed to offer borrowers a seamless, fast, and secure way to obtain personal loans, even with bad credit. The user-friendly process streamlines access to funds, prioritising income and repayment capacity over credit scores. With quick approvals, no collateral required, and flexible terms, Radcred provides an efficient and transparent loan experience. Key features include:
These features combine to create an easy-to-use platform that simplifies the loan process for those who need it most. Radcred’s commitment to providing fast, transparent, and flexible personal loans makes it an excellent solution for individuals with poor credit.
GET THE FINANCIAL RELIEF YOU NEED
How Radcred’s Personal Loans for Bad Credit Platform Works?
Applying for a personal loan on Radcred’s platform is simple, quick, and user-friendly. The process is designed to be accessible for individuals with bad credit. With just a few easy steps, borrowers can complete the application online, receive instant approval, and get matched with lenders offering personalized loan terms based on their income and ability to repay.
Radcred’s platform focuses on providing accessible, fast, and flexible loan options for individuals with bad credit, offering a quick and straightforward process that ensures you can get the financial help you need without long waits or complex procedures.
Why Borrowers Turn to Radcred’s Personal Loans for Bad Credit?
Many individuals with bad credit often find themselves facing limited borrowing options, especially when they need money quickly. This is where Radcred steps in, providing a lifeline to borrowers who traditional lenders may have rejected. The platform’s unique approach focuses on income and repayment capacity, rather than credit scores, making it easier for individuals with poor credit histories to secure loans.
Radcred’s flexibility is a significant appeal, as it offers quick and easy access to loans that can help cover urgent expenses, such as medical bills, car repairs, or household costs. The fast approval process and same-day funding provide borrowers with immediate relief. The online application and matching with multiple lenders make the process seamless and efficient. By considering a borrower’s financial situation rather than focusing solely on their credit score, Radcred offers a truly accessible solution for those in need.
COMPARE PERSONALIZED LOAN OFFERS WITH RADCRED
Eligibility Requirements for Radcred’s Personal Loans for Bad Credit
To qualify for Radcred’s Personal Loans for Bad Credit, applicants must meet the following requirements: be at least 18 years old, a U.S. resident, and have a valid bank account for direct deposit. Proof of income is required to demonstrate the ability to repay the loan, and Radcred uses a soft-pull credit check that won’t affect your credit score.
The Benefits of Radcred’s Personal Loans for Bad Credit
Radcred’s platform offers several key benefits that set it apart from traditional loan providers. These include quick approval times, often within minutes, and same-day funding for eligible borrowers. With flexible repayment terms ranging from 1 to 3 years, no collateral required, and transparent fees, Radcred provides accessible loans tailored to individuals with bad credit.
These benefits make Radcred’s platform an excellent option for individuals in need of financial relief but who struggle with traditional lenders.
LEARN MORE ABOUT RADCRED’S LOAN PLATFORM
How Radcred Connects Borrowers with Licensed Payday Lenders?
Radcred operates as a marketplace, connecting borrowers with a network of licensed and vetted lenders. The platform carefully selects its lending partners to ensure they meet industry standards and comply with relevant regulatory requirements. Each lender in Radcred’s network is thoroughly vetted to guarantee they follow responsible lending practices and provide fair, transparent loan terms.
By working with multiple lenders, Radcred provides borrowers with access to a range of loan options, enabling them to compare rates, terms, and conditions before selecting the best deal. This competitive environment ensures that borrowers receive personalized offers suited to their financial needs. Moreover, Radcred ensures consumer protection by partnering only with licensed lenders who adhere to legal standards, providing a safe and secure borrowing experience.
About Radcred
Radcred is a fintech company dedicated to offering accessible and transparent financial solutions for individuals with poor credit. With a focus on customer empowerment, Radcred provides personal loans based on income and ability to repay rather than credit scores. The platform’s mission is to provide fast and flexible loan options to underserved populations. Radcred has helped thousands of borrowers secure affordable loans quickly and continues to expand its platform to meet the growing demand for accessible financial solutions.
Final Thoughts: Radcred Provides Essential Relief for Low Credit Consumers
Radcred’s Personal Loans for Bad Credit platform offers a fast, flexible, and transparent solution for individuals struggling with poor credit. The platform’s quick approval process, no collateral requirements, and focus on income rather than credit score make it a valuable tool for those in need of urgent financial assistance.
Whether it’s medical bills or unexpected expenses, Radcred provides an essential service for those who may otherwise be excluded from traditional lending options. Visit Radcred.com today to apply for a personal loan and take control of your financial future.
Disclaimer
Loans are subject to approval and available only to qualified applicants. Eligibility requirements vary by state. Radcred uses a soft-pull credit check, and credit scores are considered but not the sole determining factor. Loan terms, amounts, and approval times depend on the lender. Availability may be limited based on geographic restrictions.
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Daniella McCahey, Assistant Professor of History, Texas Tech University
As Midwinter Day approaches in Antarctica – the longest and darkest day of the year – those spending the winter on the frozen continent will follow a tradition dating back more than a century to the earliest days of Antarctic exploration: They will celebrate having made it through the growing darkness and into a time when they know the Sun is on its way back.
The experience of spending a winter in Antarctica can be harrowing, even when living with modern conveniences such as hot running water and heated buildings. At the beginning of the current winter season, in March 2025, global news outlets reported that workers at the South African research station, SANAE IV, were “rocked” when one worker allegedly threatened and assaulted other members of the station’s nine-person winter crew. Psychologists intervened – remotely – and order was apparently restored.
The desolate and isolated environment of Antarctica can be hard on its inhabitants. As a historian of Antarctica, the events at SANAE IV represent a continuation of perceptions – and realities – that Antarctic environments can trigger deeply disturbing behavior and even drive people to madness.
The very earliest examples of Antarctic literature depict the continent affecting both mind and body. In 1797, for instance, more than two decades before the continent was first sighted by Europeans, the English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge wrote “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” It tells a tale of a ship blown by storms into an endless maze of Antarctic ice, which they escape by following an albatross. For unexplained reasons, one man killed the albatross and faced a lifetime’s torment for doing so.
In 1838, Edgar Allan Poe published the story of “Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket,” who journeyed into the Southern Ocean. Even before arriving in Antarctica, the tale involves mutiny, cannibalism and a ship crewed by dead men. As the story ends, Pym and two others drift southward, encountering an enormous, apparently endless cataract of mist that parts before their boat, revealing a large ghostly figure.
H.P. Lovecraft’s 1936 story “At the Mountains of Madness” was almost certainly based on real stories of polar exploration. In it, the men of a fictitious Antarctic expedition encounter circumstances that “made us wish only to escape from this austral world of desolation and brooding madness as swiftly as we could.” One man even experiences an unnamed “final horror” that causes a severe mental breakdown.
The 1982 John Carpenter film “The Thing” also involves these themes, when men trapped at an Antarctic research station are being hunted by an alien that perfectly impersonates the base members it has killed. Paranoia and anxiety abound, with team members frantically radioing for help, and men imprisoned, left outside or even killed for the sake of the others.
Whether to gird themselves for what may come or just as a fun tradition, the winter-over crew at the United States’ South Pole Station watches this film every year after the last flight leaves before winter sets in.
These stories of Antarctic “madness” have some basis in history. A long-told anecdote in modern Antarctic circles is of a man who stabbed, perhaps fatally, a colleague over a game of chess at Russia’s Vostok station in 1959.
More certain were reports in 2018, when Sergey Savitsky stabbed Oleg Beloguzov at the Russian Bellingshausen research station over multiple grievances, including the one most seized upon by the media: Beloguzov’s tendency to reveal the endings of books that Savitsky was reading. A criminal charge against him was dropped.
In 2017, staff at South Africa’s sub-Antarctic Marion Island station reported that a team member smashed up a colleague’s room with an ax over a romantic relationship.
Concerns over mental health in Antarctica go much further back. In the so-called “Heroic Age” of Antarctic exploration, from about 1897 to about 1922, expedition leaders prioritized the mental health of the men on their expeditions. They knew their crews would be trapped inside with the same small group for months on end, in darkness and extreme cold.
American physician Frederick Cook, who accompanied the 1898-1899 Belgica expedition, the first group known to spend the winter within the Antarctic Circle, wrote in helpless terms of being “doomed” to the “mercy” of natural forces, and of his worries about the “unknowable cold and its soul-depressing effects” in the winter darkness. In his 2021 book about that expedition, writer Julian Sancton called the ship the “Madhouse at the End of the Earth.”
Cook’s fears became real. Most men complained of “general enfeeblement of strength, of insufficient heart action, of a mental lethargy, and of a universal feeling of discomfort.”
“When at all seriously afflicted,” Cook wrote, “the men felt that they would surely die” and exhibited a “spirit of abject hopelessness.”
And in the words of Australian physicist Louis Bernacchi, a member of the 1898-1900 Southern Cross expedition, “There is something particularly mystical and uncanny in the effect of the grey atmosphere of an Antarctic night, through whose uncertain medium the cold white landscape looms as impalpable as the frontiers of a demon world.”
A few years later, the Australasian Antarctic Expedition, which ran from 1911 to 1914, experienced several major tragedies, including two deaths during an exploring trip that left expedition leader Douglas Mawson starving and alone amid deeply crevassed terrain. The 100-mile walk to relative safety took him a month.
A lesser-known set of events on that same expedition involved wireless-telegraph operator Sidney Jeffryes, who arrived in Antarctica in 1913 on a resupply ship. Cape Denison, the expedition’s base, had some of the most severe environmental conditions anyone had encountered on the continent, including winds estimated at over 160 miles an hour.
Jeffryes, the only man in the crew who could operate the radio telegraph, began exhibiting signs of paranoia. He transmitted messages back to Australia saying that he was the only sane man in the group and claiming the others were plotting to kill him.
In Mawson’s account of the expedition, he blamed the conditions, writing:
“(T)here is no doubt that the continual and acute strain of sending and receiving messages under unprecedented conditions was such that he eventually had a ‘nervous breakdown.’”
Mawson hoped that the coming of spring and the possibility of outdoor exercise would help, but it did not. Shortly after his return to Australia in February 1914, Jeffryes was found wandering in the Australian bush and institutionalized. For many years, his role in Antarctic exploration was ignored, seeming a blot or embarrassment on the masculine ideal of Antarctic explorers.
Unfortunately, the general widespread focus on Antarctica as a place that causes disturbing behavior makes it easy to gloss over larger and more systemic problems.
In 2022, the United States Antarctic Program as well as the Australian Antarctic Division released reports that sexual assault and harassment are common at Antarctic bases and in more remote field camps. Scholars have generally not linked those events to the specifics of the cold, darkness and isolation, but rather to a continental culture of heroic masculinity.
As humans look to live in other extreme environments, such as space, Antarctica represents not only a cooperative international scientific community but also a place where, cut off from society as a whole, human behavior changes. The celebrations of Midwinter Day honor survival in a place of wonder that is also a place of horror, where the greatest threat is not what is outside, but what is inside your mind.
Daniella McCahey does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. At Antarctica’s midwinter, a look back at the frozen continent’s long history of dark behavior – https://theconversation.com/at-antarcticas-midwinter-a-look-back-at-the-frozen-continents-long-history-of-dark-behavior-253906
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Daniella McCahey, Assistant Professor of History, Texas Tech University
As Midwinter Day approaches in Antarctica – the longest and darkest day of the year – those spending the winter on the frozen continent will follow a tradition dating back more than a century to the earliest days of Antarctic exploration: They will celebrate having made it through the growing darkness and into a time when they know the Sun is on its way back.
The experience of spending a winter in Antarctica can be harrowing, even when living with modern conveniences such as hot running water and heated buildings. At the beginning of the current winter season, in March 2025, global news outlets reported that workers at the South African research station, SANAE IV, were “rocked” when one worker allegedly threatened and assaulted other members of the station’s nine-person winter crew. Psychologists intervened – remotely – and order was apparently restored.
The desolate and isolated environment of Antarctica can be hard on its inhabitants. As a historian of Antarctica, the events at SANAE IV represent a continuation of perceptions – and realities – that Antarctic environments can trigger deeply disturbing behavior and even drive people to madness.
The very earliest examples of Antarctic literature depict the continent affecting both mind and body. In 1797, for instance, more than two decades before the continent was first sighted by Europeans, the English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge wrote “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” It tells a tale of a ship blown by storms into an endless maze of Antarctic ice, which they escape by following an albatross. For unexplained reasons, one man killed the albatross and faced a lifetime’s torment for doing so.
In 1838, Edgar Allan Poe published the story of “Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket,” who journeyed into the Southern Ocean. Even before arriving in Antarctica, the tale involves mutiny, cannibalism and a ship crewed by dead men. As the story ends, Pym and two others drift southward, encountering an enormous, apparently endless cataract of mist that parts before their boat, revealing a large ghostly figure.
H.P. Lovecraft’s 1936 story “At the Mountains of Madness” was almost certainly based on real stories of polar exploration. In it, the men of a fictitious Antarctic expedition encounter circumstances that “made us wish only to escape from this austral world of desolation and brooding madness as swiftly as we could.” One man even experiences an unnamed “final horror” that causes a severe mental breakdown.
The 1982 John Carpenter film “The Thing” also involves these themes, when men trapped at an Antarctic research station are being hunted by an alien that perfectly impersonates the base members it has killed. Paranoia and anxiety abound, with team members frantically radioing for help, and men imprisoned, left outside or even killed for the sake of the others.
Whether to gird themselves for what may come or just as a fun tradition, the winter-over crew at the United States’ South Pole Station watches this film every year after the last flight leaves before winter sets in.
These stories of Antarctic “madness” have some basis in history. A long-told anecdote in modern Antarctic circles is of a man who stabbed, perhaps fatally, a colleague over a game of chess at Russia’s Vostok station in 1959.
More certain were reports in 2018, when Sergey Savitsky stabbed Oleg Beloguzov at the Russian Bellingshausen research station over multiple grievances, including the one most seized upon by the media: Beloguzov’s tendency to reveal the endings of books that Savitsky was reading. A criminal charge against him was dropped.
In 2017, staff at South Africa’s sub-Antarctic Marion Island station reported that a team member smashed up a colleague’s room with an ax over a romantic relationship.
Concerns over mental health in Antarctica go much further back. In the so-called “Heroic Age” of Antarctic exploration, from about 1897 to about 1922, expedition leaders prioritized the mental health of the men on their expeditions. They knew their crews would be trapped inside with the same small group for months on end, in darkness and extreme cold.
American physician Frederick Cook, who accompanied the 1898-1899 Belgica expedition, the first group known to spend the winter within the Antarctic Circle, wrote in helpless terms of being “doomed” to the “mercy” of natural forces, and of his worries about the “unknowable cold and its soul-depressing effects” in the winter darkness. In his 2021 book about that expedition, writer Julian Sancton called the ship the “Madhouse at the End of the Earth.”
Cook’s fears became real. Most men complained of “general enfeeblement of strength, of insufficient heart action, of a mental lethargy, and of a universal feeling of discomfort.”
“When at all seriously afflicted,” Cook wrote, “the men felt that they would surely die” and exhibited a “spirit of abject hopelessness.”
And in the words of Australian physicist Louis Bernacchi, a member of the 1898-1900 Southern Cross expedition, “There is something particularly mystical and uncanny in the effect of the grey atmosphere of an Antarctic night, through whose uncertain medium the cold white landscape looms as impalpable as the frontiers of a demon world.”
A few years later, the Australasian Antarctic Expedition, which ran from 1911 to 1914, experienced several major tragedies, including two deaths during an exploring trip that left expedition leader Douglas Mawson starving and alone amid deeply crevassed terrain. The 100-mile walk to relative safety took him a month.
A lesser-known set of events on that same expedition involved wireless-telegraph operator Sidney Jeffryes, who arrived in Antarctica in 1913 on a resupply ship. Cape Denison, the expedition’s base, had some of the most severe environmental conditions anyone had encountered on the continent, including winds estimated at over 160 miles an hour.
Jeffryes, the only man in the crew who could operate the radio telegraph, began exhibiting signs of paranoia. He transmitted messages back to Australia saying that he was the only sane man in the group and claiming the others were plotting to kill him.
In Mawson’s account of the expedition, he blamed the conditions, writing:
“(T)here is no doubt that the continual and acute strain of sending and receiving messages under unprecedented conditions was such that he eventually had a ‘nervous breakdown.’”
Mawson hoped that the coming of spring and the possibility of outdoor exercise would help, but it did not. Shortly after his return to Australia in February 1914, Jeffryes was found wandering in the Australian bush and institutionalized. For many years, his role in Antarctic exploration was ignored, seeming a blot or embarrassment on the masculine ideal of Antarctic explorers.
Unfortunately, the general widespread focus on Antarctica as a place that causes disturbing behavior makes it easy to gloss over larger and more systemic problems.
In 2022, the United States Antarctic Program as well as the Australian Antarctic Division released reports that sexual assault and harassment are common at Antarctic bases and in more remote field camps. Scholars have generally not linked those events to the specifics of the cold, darkness and isolation, but rather to a continental culture of heroic masculinity.
As humans look to live in other extreme environments, such as space, Antarctica represents not only a cooperative international scientific community but also a place where, cut off from society as a whole, human behavior changes. The celebrations of Midwinter Day honor survival in a place of wonder that is also a place of horror, where the greatest threat is not what is outside, but what is inside your mind.
Daniella McCahey does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. At Antarctica’s midwinter, a look back at the frozen continent’s long history of dark behavior – https://theconversation.com/at-antarcticas-midwinter-a-look-back-at-the-frozen-continents-long-history-of-dark-behavior-253906
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Samuel Perry, Associate Professor, Baylor University
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s affiliation with the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches – commonly called the CREC – drew attention even before his confirmation hearings in January 2025. More recently, media reports highlighted a Pentagon prayer led by Hegseth and his pastor, Brooks Potteiger, in which they praised President Donald Trump, who they said was divinely appointed.
As a scholar of the Christian right, I have studied the CREC. Hegseth’s membership in a church that belongs to the CREC drew attention because prominent members of the church identify as Christian nationalists, and because of its positions on issues concerning gender, sexuality and the separation of church and state.
The CREC is most easily understood through three main parts: churches, schools and media.
The CREC church is a network of churches. It is associated with the congregation of Doug Wilson, the pastor who founded Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho. Wilson grew up in the town, where his father was an evangelical minister.
Wilson co-founded the CREC in 1993 and is the public figure most associated with the network of churches. Christ Church operates as the hub for Logos Schools, Canon Press and New Saint Andrews College, all located in Moscow. Logos is a set of private schools and homeschooling curriculum, Canon Press is a publishing house and media company, and New Saint Andrews College is a university, all of which were founded by Wilson and associated with Christ Church. All espouse the view that Christians are at odds with – or at war with – secular society.
While he is not Hegseth’s pastor, Wilson is the most influential voice in the CREC, and the two men have spoken approvingly of one another.
As Wilson steadily grew Christ Church in Moscow, he and its members sought to spread their message by making Moscow a conservative town and establishing churches beyond it. Of his hometown, Wilson plainly states, “Our desire is to make Moscow a Christian town.”
The CREC doctrine is opposed to religious pluralism or political points of view that diverge from CREC theology. On its website, the CREC says that it is “committed to maintaining its Reformed faith, avoiding the pitfalls of cultural relevance and political compromise that destroys our doctrinal integrity.”
CREC churches adhere to a highly patriarchal and conservative interpretation of Scripture. Wilson has said that in a sexual relationship, “A woman receives, surrenders, accepts.”
In a broader political sense, CREC theology includes the belief that the establishment clause of the Constitution does not require a separation of church and state. The most common reading of the establishment clause is that freedom of religion precludes the installation of a state religion or religious tests to hold state office.
The CREC broadly asserts that the government and anyone serving in it should be Christian. For Wilson and members of CREC churches, this means Christians and only Christians are qualified to hold political office in the United States.
Researcher Matthew Taylor explained in an interview with the Nashville Tennessean, “They believe the church is supposed to be militant in the world, is supposed to be reforming the world, and in some ways conquering the world.”
While the CREC may not have the name recognition of some large evangelical denominations or the visibility of some megachurches, it boasts churches across the United States and internationally. The CREC website claims to have over 130 churches and parishes spread across North America, Europe, Asia and South America.
Like some other evangelical denominations, the CREC uses “church planting” to grow its network. Plant churches do not require a centralized governing body to ordain their founding. Instead, those interested in starting a CREC congregation contact the CREC. The CREC then provides materials and literature for people to use in their church.
The CREC’s expansion also owes a debt to Wilson’s entrepreneurship. As the church expanded, Wilson founded an associated K-12 school called “Logos” in September 1981, which since then has grown into a network of many schools.
In conjunction with its growth, Logos develops and sells “classical Christian” curriculum to private schools and home-school families through Logos Press. Classical Christian Schools aim to develop what they consider a biblical worldview. In addition to religious studies, they focus on classic texts from Greece and Rome. They have grown in popularity in recent years, especially among conservatives.
Logos’ classical Christian curriculum is designed to help parents “raise faithful, dangerous Christian kids who impact the world for Christ and leave craters in the world of secularism.” Logos press regularly asserts, “education is warfare.”
According to the website, Logos schools enroll more than 2,000 students across 16 countries. Logos also has its own press that supplies the curriculum to all of these schools. On the heels of Logos’ success, Wilson founded the Association of Classical Christian Schools in 1993 as an accrediting body for like-minded schools. The ACCS now boast 500 schools and more than 50,000 students across the United States and around the world.
Additionally, Wilson founded New Saint Andrews College in Moscow, Idaho. New Saint Andrews is a Christian university that takes the classical Christian approach to education championed by Wilson into higher education.
The New Saint Andrews College is consistent with other CREC institutions. It considers secularism a weakness of other universities and society more generally. Its website explains: “New Saint Andrews has long held a principled and clear voice, championing the truth of God’s word and ways, while so many other colleges veer into softness and secularism.” The school is governed by the elders of Christ Church and does not accept federal funding.
In addition to the Logos Press, which produces the CREC school curriculum, Wilson founded Canon Press. Canon Press produces books, podcasts, a YouTube channel and assorted merchandise including apparel and weapons, such as a flamethrower. The YouTube channel has over 100,000 followers.
Books published by Canon include children’s picture books to manuals on masculinity. A number of books continue the theme of warfare.
The politics page of the press contains many books on Christian nationalism. Christian political theorist Stephen Wolfe’s book “The Case for Christian Nationalism” is one of the most popular among books on Christian nationalism. The website has dozens of books on Christian nationalism and media dedicated to the construction of a Christian government.
Author Joe Rigney, a fellow of theology at New Saint Andrews College and an associate pastor at Christ Church, warns of the “Sin of Empathy.” Rigney claims that empathizing with others is sinful because it requires compromise and makes one vulnerable in the fight against evil.
As the church network has grown, it has drawn attention and scrutiny. Wilson’s 1996 publication of a book positively depicting slavery and claiming slavery cultivated “affection among the races” drew national attention.
Accusations of sexual abuse and the church’s handling of it have also brought national news coverage. Vice’s Sarah Stankorb interviewed many women who talked about a culture, especially in marriage, where sexual abuse and assault is common. The Vice reporting led to a podcast that details the accounts of survivors. In interviews, Wilson has denied any wrongdoing and said that claims of sexual abuse will be directed to the proper authorities.
Hegseth’s actions as secretary of defense concerning gender identity and banning trans people from serving in the military, in addition to stripping gay activist and politician Harvey Milk’s name from a Navy ship, have brought more attention to the CREC. I believe that given Hegseth’s role as secretary of defense, his affiliation with the CREC will likely remain a topic of conversation throughout the Trump presidency.
Samuel Perry does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. What is CREC? The Christian nationalist group has a vision for America − and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s support – https://theconversation.com/what-is-crec-the-christian-nationalist-group-has-a-vision-for-america-and-defense-secretary-pete-hegseths-support-258273
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Samuel Perry, Associate Professor, Baylor University
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s affiliation with the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches – commonly called the CREC – drew attention even before his confirmation hearings in January 2025. More recently, media reports highlighted a Pentagon prayer led by Hegseth and his pastor, Brooks Potteiger, in which they praised President Donald Trump, who they said was divinely appointed.
As a scholar of the Christian right, I have studied the CREC. Hegseth’s membership in a church that belongs to the CREC drew attention because prominent members of the church identify as Christian nationalists, and because of its positions on issues concerning gender, sexuality and the separation of church and state.
The CREC is most easily understood through three main parts: churches, schools and media.
The CREC church is a network of churches. It is associated with the congregation of Doug Wilson, the pastor who founded Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho. Wilson grew up in the town, where his father was an evangelical minister.
Wilson co-founded the CREC in 1993 and is the public figure most associated with the network of churches. Christ Church operates as the hub for Logos Schools, Canon Press and New Saint Andrews College, all located in Moscow. Logos is a set of private schools and homeschooling curriculum, Canon Press is a publishing house and media company, and New Saint Andrews College is a university, all of which were founded by Wilson and associated with Christ Church. All espouse the view that Christians are at odds with – or at war with – secular society.
While he is not Hegseth’s pastor, Wilson is the most influential voice in the CREC, and the two men have spoken approvingly of one another.
As Wilson steadily grew Christ Church in Moscow, he and its members sought to spread their message by making Moscow a conservative town and establishing churches beyond it. Of his hometown, Wilson plainly states, “Our desire is to make Moscow a Christian town.”
The CREC doctrine is opposed to religious pluralism or political points of view that diverge from CREC theology. On its website, the CREC says that it is “committed to maintaining its Reformed faith, avoiding the pitfalls of cultural relevance and political compromise that destroys our doctrinal integrity.”
CREC churches adhere to a highly patriarchal and conservative interpretation of Scripture. Wilson has said that in a sexual relationship, “A woman receives, surrenders, accepts.”
In a broader political sense, CREC theology includes the belief that the establishment clause of the Constitution does not require a separation of church and state. The most common reading of the establishment clause is that freedom of religion precludes the installation of a state religion or religious tests to hold state office.
The CREC broadly asserts that the government and anyone serving in it should be Christian. For Wilson and members of CREC churches, this means Christians and only Christians are qualified to hold political office in the United States.
Researcher Matthew Taylor explained in an interview with the Nashville Tennessean, “They believe the church is supposed to be militant in the world, is supposed to be reforming the world, and in some ways conquering the world.”
While the CREC may not have the name recognition of some large evangelical denominations or the visibility of some megachurches, it boasts churches across the United States and internationally. The CREC website claims to have over 130 churches and parishes spread across North America, Europe, Asia and South America.
Like some other evangelical denominations, the CREC uses “church planting” to grow its network. Plant churches do not require a centralized governing body to ordain their founding. Instead, those interested in starting a CREC congregation contact the CREC. The CREC then provides materials and literature for people to use in their church.
The CREC’s expansion also owes a debt to Wilson’s entrepreneurship. As the church expanded, Wilson founded an associated K-12 school called “Logos” in September 1981, which since then has grown into a network of many schools.
In conjunction with its growth, Logos develops and sells “classical Christian” curriculum to private schools and home-school families through Logos Press. Classical Christian Schools aim to develop what they consider a biblical worldview. In addition to religious studies, they focus on classic texts from Greece and Rome. They have grown in popularity in recent years, especially among conservatives.
Logos’ classical Christian curriculum is designed to help parents “raise faithful, dangerous Christian kids who impact the world for Christ and leave craters in the world of secularism.” Logos press regularly asserts, “education is warfare.”
According to the website, Logos schools enroll more than 2,000 students across 16 countries. Logos also has its own press that supplies the curriculum to all of these schools. On the heels of Logos’ success, Wilson founded the Association of Classical Christian Schools in 1993 as an accrediting body for like-minded schools. The ACCS now boast 500 schools and more than 50,000 students across the United States and around the world.
Additionally, Wilson founded New Saint Andrews College in Moscow, Idaho. New Saint Andrews is a Christian university that takes the classical Christian approach to education championed by Wilson into higher education.
The New Saint Andrews College is consistent with other CREC institutions. It considers secularism a weakness of other universities and society more generally. Its website explains: “New Saint Andrews has long held a principled and clear voice, championing the truth of God’s word and ways, while so many other colleges veer into softness and secularism.” The school is governed by the elders of Christ Church and does not accept federal funding.
In addition to the Logos Press, which produces the CREC school curriculum, Wilson founded Canon Press. Canon Press produces books, podcasts, a YouTube channel and assorted merchandise including apparel and weapons, such as a flamethrower. The YouTube channel has over 100,000 followers.
Books published by Canon include children’s picture books to manuals on masculinity. A number of books continue the theme of warfare.
The politics page of the press contains many books on Christian nationalism. Christian political theorist Stephen Wolfe’s book “The Case for Christian Nationalism” is one of the most popular among books on Christian nationalism. The website has dozens of books on Christian nationalism and media dedicated to the construction of a Christian government.
Author Joe Rigney, a fellow of theology at New Saint Andrews College and an associate pastor at Christ Church, warns of the “Sin of Empathy.” Rigney claims that empathizing with others is sinful because it requires compromise and makes one vulnerable in the fight against evil.
As the church network has grown, it has drawn attention and scrutiny. Wilson’s 1996 publication of a book positively depicting slavery and claiming slavery cultivated “affection among the races” drew national attention.
Accusations of sexual abuse and the church’s handling of it have also brought national news coverage. Vice’s Sarah Stankorb interviewed many women who talked about a culture, especially in marriage, where sexual abuse and assault is common. The Vice reporting led to a podcast that details the accounts of survivors. In interviews, Wilson has denied any wrongdoing and said that claims of sexual abuse will be directed to the proper authorities.
Hegseth’s actions as secretary of defense concerning gender identity and banning trans people from serving in the military, in addition to stripping gay activist and politician Harvey Milk’s name from a Navy ship, have brought more attention to the CREC. I believe that given Hegseth’s role as secretary of defense, his affiliation with the CREC will likely remain a topic of conversation throughout the Trump presidency.
Samuel Perry does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. What is CREC? The Christian nationalist group has a vision for America − and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s support – https://theconversation.com/what-is-crec-the-christian-nationalist-group-has-a-vision-for-america-and-defense-secretary-pete-hegseths-support-258273
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jennifer D. Oliva, Professor of Law, Indiana University
Over the past decade, health insurance companies have increasingly embraced the use of artificial intelligence algorithms. Unlike doctors and hospitals, which use AI to help diagnose and treat patients, health insurers use these algorithms to decide whether to pay for health care treatments and services that are recommended by a given patient’s physicians.
One of the most common examples is prior authorization, which is when your doctor needs to
receive payment approval from your insurance company before providing you care. Many insurers use an algorithm to decide whether the requested care is “medically necessary” and should be covered.
These AI systems also help insurers decide how much care a patient is entitled to — for example, how many days of hospital care a patient can receive after surgery.
If an insurer declines to pay for a treatment your doctor recommends, you usually have three options. You can try to appeal the decision, but that process can take a lot of time, money and expert help. Only 1 in 500 claim denials are appealed. You can agree to a different treatment that your insurer will cover. Or you can pay for the recommended treatment yourself, which is often not realistic because of high health care costs.
As a legal scholar who studies health law and policy, I’m concerned about how insurance algorithms affect people’s health. Like with AI algorithms used by doctors and hospitals, these tools can potentially improve care and reduce costs. Insurers say that AI helps them make quick, safe decisions about what care is necessary and avoids wasteful or harmful treatments.
But there’s strong evidence that the opposite can be true. These systems are sometimes used to delay or deny care that should be covered, all in the name of saving money.
Presumably, companies feed a patient’s health care records and other relevant information into health care coverage algorithms and compare that information with current medical standards of care to decide whether to cover the patient’s claim. However, insurers have refused to disclose how these algorithms work in making such decisions, so it is impossible to say exactly how they operate in practice.
Using AI to review coverage saves insurers time and resources, especially because it means fewer medical professionals are needed to review each case. But the financial benefit to insurers doesn’t stop there. If an AI system quickly denies a valid claim, and the patient appeals, that appeal process can take years. If the patient is seriously ill and expected to die soon, the insurance company might save money simply by dragging out the process in the hope that the patient dies before the case is resolved.
This creates the disturbing possibility that insurers might use algorithms to withhold care for expensive, long-term or terminal health problems , such as chronic or other debilitating disabilities. One reporter put it bluntly: “Many older adults who spent their lives paying into Medicare now face amputation or cancer and are forced to either pay for care themselves or go without.”
Research supports this concern – patients with chronic illnesses are more likely to be denied coverage and suffer as a result. In addition, Black and Hispanic people and those of other nonwhite ethnicities, as well as people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, are more likely to experience claims denials. Some evidence also suggests that prior authorization may increase rather than decrease health care system costs.
Insurers argue that patients can always pay for any treatment themselves, so they’re not really being denied care. But this argument ignores reality. These decisions have serious health consequences, especially when people can’t afford the care they need.
Unlike medical algorithms, insurance AI tools are largely unregulated. They don’t have to go through Food and Drug Administration review, and insurance companies often say their algorithms are trade secrets.
That means there’s no public information about how these tools make decisions, and there’s no outside testing to see whether they’re safe, fair or effective. No peer-reviewed studies exist to show how well they actually work in the real world.
There does seem to be some momentum for change. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS, which is the federal agency in charge of Medicare and Medicaid, recently announced that insurers in Medicare Advantage plans must base decisions on the needs of individual patients – not just on generic criteria. But these rules still let insurers create their own decision-making standards, and they still don’t require any outside testing to prove their systems work before using them. Plus, federal rules can only regulate federal public health programs like Medicare. They do not apply to private insurers who do not provide federal health program coverage.
Some states, including Colorado, Georgia, Florida, Maine and Texas, have proposed laws to rein in insurance AI. A few have passed new laws, including a 2024 California statute that requires a licensed physician to supervise the use of insurance coverage algorithms.
But most state laws suffer from the same weaknesses as the new CMS rule. They leave too much control in the hands of insurers to decide how to define “medical necessity” and in what contexts to use algorithms for coverage decisions. They also don’t require those algorithms to be reviewed by neutral experts before use. And even strong state laws wouldn’t be enough, because states generally can’t regulate Medicare or insurers that operate outside their borders.
In the view of many health law experts, the gap between insurers’ actions and patient needs has become so wide that regulating health care coverage algorithms is now imperative. As I argue in an essay to be published in the Indiana Law Journal, the FDA is well positioned to do so.
The FDA is staffed with medical experts who have the capability to evaluate insurance algorithms before they are used to make coverage decisions. The agency already reviews many medical AI tools for safety and effectiveness. FDA oversight would also provide a uniform, national regulatory scheme instead of a patchwork of rules across the country.
Some people argue that the FDA’s power here is limited. For the purposes of FDA regulation, a medical device is defined as an instrument “intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease.” Because health insurance algorithms are not used to diagnose, treat or prevent disease, Congress may need to amend the definition of a medical device before the FDA can regulate those algorithms.
If the FDA’s current authority isn’t enough to cover insurance algorithms, Congress could change the law to give it that power. Meanwhile, CMS and state governments could require independent testing of these algorithms for safety, accuracy and fairness. That might also push insurers to support a single national standard – like FDA regulation – instead of facing a patchwork of rules across the country.
The move toward regulating how health insurers use AI in determining coverage has clearly begun, but it is still awaiting a robust push. Patients’ lives are literally on the line.
Jennifer D. Oliva currently receives funding from NIDA to research the impact of pharmaceutical industry messaging on the opioid crisis among U.S. Military Veterans. She is affiliated with the UCSF/University of California College of the Law, San Francisco Consortium on Law, Science & Health Policy and Georgetown University Law Center O’Neill Institute for National & Global Health Law.
– ref. How artificial intelligence controls your health insurance coverage – https://theconversation.com/how-artificial-intelligence-controls-your-health-insurance-coverage-253602
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jennifer D. Oliva, Professor of Law, Indiana University
Over the past decade, health insurance companies have increasingly embraced the use of artificial intelligence algorithms. Unlike doctors and hospitals, which use AI to help diagnose and treat patients, health insurers use these algorithms to decide whether to pay for health care treatments and services that are recommended by a given patient’s physicians.
One of the most common examples is prior authorization, which is when your doctor needs to
receive payment approval from your insurance company before providing you care. Many insurers use an algorithm to decide whether the requested care is “medically necessary” and should be covered.
These AI systems also help insurers decide how much care a patient is entitled to — for example, how many days of hospital care a patient can receive after surgery.
If an insurer declines to pay for a treatment your doctor recommends, you usually have three options. You can try to appeal the decision, but that process can take a lot of time, money and expert help. Only 1 in 500 claim denials are appealed. You can agree to a different treatment that your insurer will cover. Or you can pay for the recommended treatment yourself, which is often not realistic because of high health care costs.
As a legal scholar who studies health law and policy, I’m concerned about how insurance algorithms affect people’s health. Like with AI algorithms used by doctors and hospitals, these tools can potentially improve care and reduce costs. Insurers say that AI helps them make quick, safe decisions about what care is necessary and avoids wasteful or harmful treatments.
But there’s strong evidence that the opposite can be true. These systems are sometimes used to delay or deny care that should be covered, all in the name of saving money.
Presumably, companies feed a patient’s health care records and other relevant information into health care coverage algorithms and compare that information with current medical standards of care to decide whether to cover the patient’s claim. However, insurers have refused to disclose how these algorithms work in making such decisions, so it is impossible to say exactly how they operate in practice.
Using AI to review coverage saves insurers time and resources, especially because it means fewer medical professionals are needed to review each case. But the financial benefit to insurers doesn’t stop there. If an AI system quickly denies a valid claim, and the patient appeals, that appeal process can take years. If the patient is seriously ill and expected to die soon, the insurance company might save money simply by dragging out the process in the hope that the patient dies before the case is resolved.
This creates the disturbing possibility that insurers might use algorithms to withhold care for expensive, long-term or terminal health problems , such as chronic or other debilitating disabilities. One reporter put it bluntly: “Many older adults who spent their lives paying into Medicare now face amputation or cancer and are forced to either pay for care themselves or go without.”
Research supports this concern – patients with chronic illnesses are more likely to be denied coverage and suffer as a result. In addition, Black and Hispanic people and those of other nonwhite ethnicities, as well as people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, are more likely to experience claims denials. Some evidence also suggests that prior authorization may increase rather than decrease health care system costs.
Insurers argue that patients can always pay for any treatment themselves, so they’re not really being denied care. But this argument ignores reality. These decisions have serious health consequences, especially when people can’t afford the care they need.
Unlike medical algorithms, insurance AI tools are largely unregulated. They don’t have to go through Food and Drug Administration review, and insurance companies often say their algorithms are trade secrets.
That means there’s no public information about how these tools make decisions, and there’s no outside testing to see whether they’re safe, fair or effective. No peer-reviewed studies exist to show how well they actually work in the real world.
There does seem to be some momentum for change. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS, which is the federal agency in charge of Medicare and Medicaid, recently announced that insurers in Medicare Advantage plans must base decisions on the needs of individual patients – not just on generic criteria. But these rules still let insurers create their own decision-making standards, and they still don’t require any outside testing to prove their systems work before using them. Plus, federal rules can only regulate federal public health programs like Medicare. They do not apply to private insurers who do not provide federal health program coverage.
Some states, including Colorado, Georgia, Florida, Maine and Texas, have proposed laws to rein in insurance AI. A few have passed new laws, including a 2024 California statute that requires a licensed physician to supervise the use of insurance coverage algorithms.
But most state laws suffer from the same weaknesses as the new CMS rule. They leave too much control in the hands of insurers to decide how to define “medical necessity” and in what contexts to use algorithms for coverage decisions. They also don’t require those algorithms to be reviewed by neutral experts before use. And even strong state laws wouldn’t be enough, because states generally can’t regulate Medicare or insurers that operate outside their borders.
In the view of many health law experts, the gap between insurers’ actions and patient needs has become so wide that regulating health care coverage algorithms is now imperative. As I argue in an essay to be published in the Indiana Law Journal, the FDA is well positioned to do so.
The FDA is staffed with medical experts who have the capability to evaluate insurance algorithms before they are used to make coverage decisions. The agency already reviews many medical AI tools for safety and effectiveness. FDA oversight would also provide a uniform, national regulatory scheme instead of a patchwork of rules across the country.
Some people argue that the FDA’s power here is limited. For the purposes of FDA regulation, a medical device is defined as an instrument “intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease.” Because health insurance algorithms are not used to diagnose, treat or prevent disease, Congress may need to amend the definition of a medical device before the FDA can regulate those algorithms.
If the FDA’s current authority isn’t enough to cover insurance algorithms, Congress could change the law to give it that power. Meanwhile, CMS and state governments could require independent testing of these algorithms for safety, accuracy and fairness. That might also push insurers to support a single national standard – like FDA regulation – instead of facing a patchwork of rules across the country.
The move toward regulating how health insurers use AI in determining coverage has clearly begun, but it is still awaiting a robust push. Patients’ lives are literally on the line.
Jennifer D. Oliva currently receives funding from NIDA to research the impact of pharmaceutical industry messaging on the opioid crisis among U.S. Military Veterans. She is affiliated with the UCSF/University of California College of the Law, San Francisco Consortium on Law, Science & Health Policy and Georgetown University Law Center O’Neill Institute for National & Global Health Law.
– ref. How artificial intelligence controls your health insurance coverage – https://theconversation.com/how-artificial-intelligence-controls-your-health-insurance-coverage-253602
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) held its first-ever Civil Society Open Day in Lomé, Togo, on 3 June. The event brought together representatives from the Togolese government, around 30 national and international civil society organisations (CSOs), and Bank staff — all committed to strengthening development partnerships in Togo.
The key personalities at the event all emphasised this shared vision.
Opening the event, Stéphane Akaya, Secretary General of Togo’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, stressed the importance of civil society: “This open day with the African Development Bank reaffirms our joint commitment to inclusive and transparent progress. We are seeking to strengthen a tripartite partnership, where civil society is engaged from conception through to evaluation in order to ensure effective, people-centred development.”
Seconding Mr Akaya’s point, Wilfrid Abiola, Head of the Togo Country Office of AfDB Group, said: “The African Development Bank Group remains committed to strengthening collaboration with Togolese civil society, which is a key player in sustainable development.”
The CSO Open Day in Lomé aimed to strengthen collaboration between the Bank and civil society by sharing information on the Bank’s development operations and projects in Togo. It also sought to encourage dialogue on the role of CSOs throughout the project cycle — from planning and preparation to implementation, supervision, and completion.
“We are keen to strengthen our partnership with civil society organisations in Togo, encouraging open dialogue and promoting their full participation in the projects that we support,” Zeneb Touré, Head of the AfDB’s Civil Society and Community Engagement Division, said.
Minemba Traore, Senior Civil Society Officer for West Africa at the Bank Group, shared information on the institution’s engagement with CSOs, while Ndey Oley Cole, Senior Programme Officer in the AfDB’s Gender, Women and Civil Society Department, presented a summary of the exchanges.
Key outcomes and next steps from the discussions included:
The Open Day laid the foundations for closer partnerships, which can provide spaces for exchange, consultation and collaboration between the Bank, CSOs and other stakeholders in Togo.
Such an approach will enable the AfDB to better understand local priorities, discuss partnership opportunities and receive input from civil society on the projects that it finances in Togo.
The initiative is aligned with the Bank Group’s Civil Society Engagement Action Plan 2024-2028, which was approved last year. Under Pillar 3 of this action plan, particular attention will be paid to strengthening dialogue with civil society organisations in the countries where the Bank works. Holding of civil society open days in regional member countries of the Bank is a key mechanism for operationalising this commitment.
– on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Link to photo album:
https://apo-opa.co/4kMeIrx
Media contact:
Evelia Gadegbeku
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org
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Source: United States Navy
Acting Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jim Kilby visited the BlackSea Technologies (BlackSea) headquarters and production facilities in Baltimore, June 18, to see first-hand how BlackSea supports the U.S. Navy’s Small Unmanned Surface Vehicles (sUSV) program and how it plans to continue to expand its capabilities to support fleet operations.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) called on the State Department to reinstate student visa programs for the benefit of Maine schools and the state’s local economy. In a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, King outlined the immediate impact of revoking student visas on schools in Maine like Thornton Academy, the University of New England (UNE), Foxcroft Academy, College of the Atlantic and the University of Maine (UMaine) System.
Senator King began, “I write to underscore the critically harmful impacts that the Department of State’s decision to pause new visa interviews for international students, as well as the Department’s threats to revoke visas of Chinese students, are having on schools across the state of Maine.”
“These actions are deterring international families from sending their students to the U.S.—the tuition of which contributes significantly to the revenue of secondary schools and institutions of higher education in Maine. Thornton Academy, which functions as the public high school for students in Saco, and its neighboring towns in Maine, has already seen a loss of $120,000 in revenue due to the withdrawal of Chinese education programs from their summer camp. Thornton Academy anticipates a potential annual loss of $6.6 million should the Administration’s policy remain in place—a loss of one third of the school’s annual budget for employee salary payments,” King continued.
King concluded, “International students studying at schools in Maine are subsidizing the cost of local education, saving taxpayers money, and providing Maine students with unmatched opportunities. These are not funds coming from the pockets of our community, the taxes of our businesses, or from the federal government. These are funds brought in from outside of the United States and used to the benefit of all our students both domestic and international.
King has long supported the impact and contributions of international students. Earlier this year, he introduced legislation to streamline the bureaucratic process for international students to obtain legal status and bolster the United States’ STEM labor force.
The full text of the letter can be found here and below.
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Dear Secretary Rubio:
I write to underscore the critically harmful impacts that the Department of State’s decision to pause new visa interviews for international students, as well as the Department’s threats to revoke visas of Chinese students, are having on schools across the state of Maine.
These actions are deterring international families from sending their students to the U.S.—the tuition of which contributes significantly to the revenue of secondary schools and institutions of higher education in Maine. Thornton Academy, which functions as the public high school for students in Saco, and its neighboring towns in Maine, has already seen a loss of $120,000 in revenue due to the withdrawal of Chinese education programs from their summer camp. Thornton Academy anticipates a potential annual loss of $6.6 million should the Administration’s policy remain in place—a loss of one third of the school’s annual budget for employee salary payments. College of the Atlantic, a small liberal arts college in Bar Harbor, Maine, projects a loss of thirty five percent of their net tuition due to these policies. These are just a few examples—schools across Maine report that real and projected reductions in international student enrollments, and the corresponding loss of revenue associated with their tuition, will almost certainly result in staff layoffs. These layoffs will not only harm students but also have a damaging ripple effect on our local economies.
The non-monetary contributions of these students to Maine communities cannot be overstated. Our state university system hosts students from 85 countries. Foxcroft Academy, a day and boarding school in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, hosts about 20% of its entire student population from countries around the world. These students bring diverse cultures and perspectives to their new communities and create an opportunity for all Maine students to consider the world with a far greater exposure than otherwise possible.
Not only does Maine benefit from these students, but the education that they receive in our state has also taken them far—international students who studied in Maine have participated in global academic competitions, become published authors, and have even become professors themselves. The Administration has yet to provide a compelling reason for its decision to rob our communities of this worthwhile exchange.
International students studying at schools in Maine are subsidizing the cost of local education, saving taxpayers money, and providing Maine students with unmatched opportunities. These are not funds coming from the pockets of our community, the taxes of our businesses, or from the federal government. These are funds brought in from outside of the United State and used to the benefit of all our students both domestic and international.
I urge you to reconsider the Department of State’s policies regarding international student visa pauses and revocations, for the benefit of Maine and the entire nation.
Sincerely,
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –
The geopolitical fragmentation of the global economy opens up new opportunities for Russia to cooperate with the countries of the Global South and strengthen its own role in global processes. This is stated in the HSE report presented at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum as part of the VTB session.
Analysts emphasize that the global economy is currently divided into three large blocs – the United States, China and non-aligned countries, which is accompanied by a reduction in trade and investment between them by 12% and 20% since 2022. Despite this, developing countries are increasing their share in world trade: the volume of trade between the countries of the Global South has grown from $2.3 trillion in 2007 to $5.6 trillion in 2023. This indicates the formation of new economic ties and growth centers.
The report notes that the reversal of trade imbalances in 2024 – with the US deficit widening and China’s surplus rising, and the EU moving into positive balance – creates risks of new trade wars and investment reallocation, requiring companies to diversify supplies and expand their partner networks. Logistics challenges caused by conflicts in the Middle East and problems in the Suez and Panama Canals are stimulating the development of alternative routes, including the Northern Sea Route and “green corridors” for the accelerated delivery of critical cargo.
Particular attention is paid to the role of the so-called connector countries – Malaysia, Vietnam and India, which are strengthening trade ties with individual partners, while Russia, Australia and the EU are reducing their dependence on traditional markets, which contributes to the formation of sustainable regional trade turnover.
In the Russian context, experts note that human capital is becoming the main resource for economic growth: the average length of education for Russians aged 25–44 is 14 years, which is higher than in the US and Europe, but further investment in science and R&D is needed to realize this potential. In the context of the crisis, Russia has seen an increase in the production of high-tech products, the development of domestic tourism and paid services, as well as an increase in exports, which are less sensitive to sanctions.
Investment activity is most noticeable in the small and medium enterprise sector and in the production of investment goods, which contributes to the diversification of the economy and the creation of new jobs. Key challenges include tightening monetary policy, rising credit costs, labor shortages and tax pressure, especially in the manufacturing industry.
The authors of the report emphasize that a balanced budget policy and support for those employed in the public sector are necessary for macroeconomic stability, and sustainable growth is possible only with the simultaneous strengthening of the internal and external sustainability of the economy. In conditions of turbulence, Russia can play a key role in the formation of a new architecture of the global economy, focused on cooperation with the countries of the Global South and the creation of alternative development models.
The report was prepared as part of the VTB session “In Search of New Sources of Growth: Is a Different Model of Global Financial and Trade Architecture Possible” at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. The session was attended by: Andrey Kostin, President and Chairman of the Management Board of VTB Bank; Yaroslav Kuzminov, Academic Director of the Higher School of Economics; Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Sayyed, Minister of State for Foreign Trade of Qatar; Oleg Deripaska, Founder, En Group; Serhat Keksal, President of the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank; Alexey Overchuk, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation; Benedict Okey Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank; Anton Siluanov, Minister of Finance of the Russian Federation.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)
Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) hosted a roundtable discussion with industry leaders to discuss her Repair Expenditures Support Infrastructure, Labor Investment, Energy Needs, and Creates Equity Act of 2025 (RESILIENCE Act of 2025). This bipartisan legislation introduced by Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) and Brad Schneider (D-IL) will allow utilities to deduct repair costs from the Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax and will ensure that these companies are treated fairly.
Click here for bill text.
“The Inflation Reduction Act picked winners and losers in energy production, and hard-working Americans suffered the most by having to pay more for everything, including utilities. The Resilience Act of 2025 would fix the unfair tax treatment of utilities under the Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax by allowing regulated utilities to fully deduct repair expenditures. This bill would increase energy affordability for consumers and ensures tax fairness, ultimately creating a more resilient and reliable energy grid,” said Congresswoman Miller.
The RESILIENCE Act of 2025 is supported by American Water, the Edison Electric Institute, Appalachian Power, Exelon, and FirstEnergy:
“We were honored to host Congresswoman Miller at West Virginia American Water for this robust discussion on her RESILIENCE Act. Water utilities are capital-intensive industries. American Water and other providers invest billions to maintain and improve their systems, ensuring safe, clean and reliable service. As it stands without a repairs adjustment, costs for utilities are increased. Congresswoman Miller’s legislation would codify this adjustment, benefiting customers – we applaud her for this forward-looking policy,” said Christine Keck, Vice President, Chief Legislative and External Affairs Officer at American Water.
“Electric companies make substantial investments in the nation’s energy grid every year—investments that are critical to meeting growing electricity demand and to maintaining the availability of reliable, affordable, and resilient energy for hundreds of millions of customers nationwide. We appreciate Representative Miller hosting a roundtable with industry and labor stakeholders to discuss the RESILIENCE Act. This important bipartisan bill will support our industry’s ability to enhance grid reliability while helping to keep customer bills as low as possible. We look forward to working with Congress to ensure this cost-effective, common-sense legislation is enacted into law,” said Kristen Siegele, Executive Director of Government Relations at the Edison Electric Institute.
“Allowing Appalachian Power and other utility companies to deduct the cost of critical repairs saves our customers money. Last year, Appalachian Power experienced devastating damage from severe weather events, where we replaced approximately 2,000 poles, 700 transformers and 270 miles of wire to get customers back up and running. Securing this common-sense solution for these activities would free up funds to invest in other areas of our operations to improve the resiliency and reliability of the power grid. We applaud Rep. Carol Miller’s continued focus on this important issue,” said Appalachian Power, an AEP company.
“We applaud Representatives Miller and Schneider for their bipartisan leadership and thank Congresswoman Miller for convening this important roundtable. The RESILIENCE Act of 2025 addresses a critical tax fairness issue and will help lower energy costs for our customers, freeing up resources to invest in a more reliable and resilient grid,” said Exelon.
“Repair and maintenance are critical investments that provide a reliable and resilient electric grid. We applaud Congresswoman Miller for her bipartisan leadership and for bringing us together for yesterday’s important and timely discussion. The RESILIENCE Act will allow electric companies to deduct these investments, helping to keep rates manageable for customers while strengthening our electric infrastructure,” said Chris Beam, FirstEnergy Vice President of Generation Project Development.
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Source: Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission
Medical practitioner, Dr Jan Wallace
Dr Jan Wallace has been a pioneering force in Antarctic medicine, with a career spanning over 40 years as a general practitioner, remote medicine specialist, educator, and mentor.
She has served across all Australian Antarctic stations, Macquarie Island, and aboard Antarctic vessels, providing medical care in some of the world’s most remote and challenging environments. Her roles have included not only direct clinical care, but also leadership in research, education, and support for both expeditioners and fellow medical practitioners.
Dr Wallace’s research into first aid training for expeditioners directly shaped the Australian Antarctic Division’s first aid program, resulting in improved safety and operational protocols.
She has guided generations of Antarctic medical practitioners and inspired many, including future doctors and women in medicine, to pursue careers in remote and expeditionary healthcare.
“I felt quite overwhelmed and emotional that my fellow expeditioners considered me worthy of a nomination,” Dr Wallace said.
“I am particularly proud that the medal citation mentions that my research into expeditioner first aid training has improved safety for our teams down south.”
Dr Wallace’s dedication, compassion, and pragmatic leadership have helped set the standard for Antarctic medical care, strengthened the wellbeing of the Australian Antarctic community, and ensured the next generation of practitioners are well prepared for the unique challenges of polar medicine.
“Receiving this honour is the cherry on top of my amazing Antarctic journey over many years, which would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of many others in the Antarctic family,” she said.
Dr Jan Wallace (seen here at Mawson station) has been a pioneering force in Antarctic medicine. Photo: Geoff Wallace
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that, on June 13, 2025, KENTRELL MAHONEY SCOTT (“SCOTT”), age 39, a resident of St. Tammany Parish, was charged, via bill of information, with one count of bribery of a public official, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 201, and two counts of wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343.
According to the charging document, SCOTT was a public official who, directly or indirectly, accepted something of value in return for being induced to do an act, and omit to do an act in violation of his official duty, and in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 201(b)(2). Specifically, in exchange for a $300 payment that he directly and corruptly sought and accepted from a supervisee under his charge, SCOTT agreed to assist a supervisee in violating the terms of supervision by obscuring the detection of the supervisee’s GPS monitoring.
Additionally, SCOTT was also charged with wire fraud, for advertising and selling unlawful brake tags and temp tags. SCOTT, who was not licensed or approved by the City of New Orleans or the State of Louisiana, advertised the sale of brake tags and temp tags on Facebook and encouraged interested parties to message him. Thereafter, SCOTT met the purchasers in person to complete the transaction.
Finally, SCOTT was charged with a second act of wire fraud, for making false and fraudulent submissions to the Louisiana Workforce Commission for the CARES Act Funded Unemployment Insurance Program. Specifically, in order to both remain eligible for unemployment insurance and to maximize the unemployment insurance benefits he received, SCOTT underreported his wages and later, falsely certified that he was unemployed.
If convicted of the bribery charge, SCOTT faces up to 15 years in prison, up to 3 years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. As to each of the wire fraud counts, SCOTT faces up to 20 years in prison, up to 3 years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that a bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andre J. Lagarde of the Public Integrity Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
PORTLAND, Maine: A Gorham man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Portland to distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material.
According to court records, Cody J. Merrill, 33, who had been previously convicted of unlawful sexual conduct involving a minor in York County Superior Court, sent a video file depicting child sexual abuse material to an undercover Special Agent from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) over a messaging application. In February 2025, HSI executed a search warrant at his residence, resulting in the seizure of multiple digital media devices that contained child sexual abuse material files. During a recorded interview with investigators, Merrill admitted to accessing, viewing, and distributing child sexual abuse material over the internet.
Merrill faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a maximum supervised release term of life. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
HSI investigated the case.
To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child sexual abuse material: Child sexual abuse material – referred to in legal terms as “child pornography” – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer revictimization every time the images are viewed. In 2023, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children received 36 million reports of the possession, manufacture, or distribution of child sexual abuse materials. To file a report with NCMEC, go to https://report.cybertip.org or call 1-800-843-5678. If you are in Maine and you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or abused, you can get help by calling the free, private 24-hour statewide sexual assault helpline at 1-800-871-7741.
Project Safe Childhood: This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/psc.
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Source: Office of United States Attorneys
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that two men were sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven for offenses related to their distribution of counterfeit pills containing methamphetamine and fentanyl, and fentanyl powder laced with xylazine. MARKEYESE KELLY, also known as “Curry” and “Keyse,” 46, of West Haven, was sentenced to 138 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release, and JAQUAN PRICE, also known as “Sub,” 34, of New Haven, was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 2023, the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Gang Task Force began investigating a drug trafficking organization led by Kelly. The investigation, which included controlled purchases of narcotics in February and March 2024, revealed that Kelly, Price, and their associate Robert Covington sold various controlled substances, including multi-colored pills pressed to look like ecstasy that actually contained methamphetamine, counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, powder fentanyl laced with xylazine, and PCP.
Kelly, Price, and Covington were arrested on May 14, 2024. On that date, investigators executed multiple search warrants and seized more than a kilogram of methamphetamine pills, and an additional quantity of meth powder, more than 100 grams of fentanyl pills and powder, approximately 50 grams of cocaine, three handguns, two loaded gun magazines, ammunition, and more than $11,000 in cash.
On February 21, 2025, Kelly pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl. On March 21, 2025, Price pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Kelly and Price have been detained since their arrests.
In April 2015, Price was sentenced in Bridgeport federal court to 30 months of imprisonment for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
Covington pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Gang Task Force, the New Haven Police Department, the West Haven Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The Task Force includes personnel from the East Haven Police Department, Milford Police Department, Wallingford Police Department, Connecticut State Police, and Connecticut Department of Correction.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie T. Levick and Nathan Guevremont through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Program. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
ALBUQUERQUE – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico today announced the first two convictions under Title 50 U.S.C. § 797, Violation of Defense Property Security Regulations, and Title 18 U.S.C. § 1382, Military Trespass, following the recent designation of a military-controlled National Defense Area (NDA) along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Title 50 U.S.C § 797 and Title 18 U.S.C. § 1382 are among the federal statutes that establish criminal penalties for unlawful intrusions into areas designated as National Defense Areas. Title 50 USC § 797 refers to the willful violation of a defense property security regulation, which, pursuant to lawful authority, was approved by the Secretary of Defense—or a military commander designated by the Secretary of Defense—for the protection or security of Department of Defense property. Title 18 USC § 1382 subjects anyone to criminal penalties who, within the jurisdiction of the U.S., entered upon a military post, fort, or yard—in these cases, the New Mexico National Defense Area—for a purpose prohibit by law or lawful regulation, that is, illegal entry into the United States. These laws allow for prosecution of unauthorized entry into the NDA as a federal misdemeanor, carrying penalties of up to one year in prison and/or a fine.
In the first case, Andres De Los Santos-Martinez, a citizen of Mexico, pled guilty to re-entry after deportation, willfully violating a defense property security regulation, and military trespass by entering the New Mexico National Defense Area (NMNDA), a restricted military zone established in April 2025. De Los Santos-Martinez was apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol agents on June 1, 2025, in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, after crossing the border at a location not designated as a lawful port of entry. De Los Santos-Martinez had previously been apprehended in the NMNDA on May 7, 2025, and was advised in Spanish that unauthorized entry into the restricted military area was prohibited and subject to federal prosecution.
In the second case, Eduardo Herrera-Juvencio, also a Mexican national, pled guilty to re-entry after deportation, willfully violating a defense property security regulation, and military trespass by entering the New Mexico National Defense Area (NMNDA), a restricted military zone established in April 2025. Herrera-Juvencio was apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol agents on June 1, 2025, in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, after crossing the border at a location not designated as a lawful port of entry. Herrera-Juvencio had previously been apprehended in the NMNDA on May 7, 2025, and was advised in Spanish that unauthorized entry into the restricted military area was prohibited and subject to federal prosecution.
These are the first convictions in the District of New Mexico under the new federal enforcement strategy, which grants the military expanded authority over an approximately 60-foot-wide, 170-mile-long strip of land along the New Mexico border, now managed by the U.S. Army as a National Defense Area. The NDA is marked with signs in English and Spanish warning that unauthorized entry is prohibited and subject to federal prosecution.
“These first convictions reflect the resolve of the United States Attorney’s Office to do its part in securing our nation’s southern border,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison. “I am tremendously proud of our staff in the Las Cruces Branch Office, the U.S. Border Patrol, and the U.S. military for their relentless efforts to secure our southern border. This partnership is a prime example of what can be accomplished through coordinated enforcement of existing federal laws. New Mexico—and the entire country—is more secure because of these efforts.”
“Let this send the message that entering the United States illegally is a crime; and if you do so in an area marked as a National Defense Area, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and removed far from the border,” said Chief Patrol Agent Walter N. Slosar.
The Court has ordered both defendants to remain in custody pending sentencing. Upon completion of their sentences, they will be subject to deportation proceedings.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Chief Patrol Agent Walter N. Slosar of the U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector made the announcement.
The U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector investigated the cases. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Saltman and Alyson Hehr are prosecuting the cases.
USA Ellison speaks during a news conference on the southern border
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
Saul Morales-Garcia, an Illegal Alien, Charged with Attempted Second-Degree Murder
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Tuesday June 17, after leaving his office in downtown Albany, United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III was the victim of a life-threatening incident. Saul Morales-Garcia, an illegal alien from El Salvador, who entered the United States in 2021 after a prior deportation, lunged at Sarcone while brandishing a knife and yelling aggressively in a foreign language Sarcone could not readily identify. Sarcone ran to the lobby of the Hilton Hotel and Morales-Garcia stopped and still shouting in a foreign language turned and started to walk away. Sarcone immediately contacted Albany County Sheriff Craig D. Apple Sr. Sarcone went back to the street and maintained a safe distance and yelled out to Garcia-Morales to gain his attention to prevent Morales-Garcia from disappearing as Sarcone believed an innocent person would be killed by Morales-Garcia. Before law enforcement arrived, Morales-Garcia charged at Sarcone again screaming and yelling at Sarcone in a foreign language while wielding the knife to make a slitting-the-throat gesture at Sarcone. Sarcone again ran to the lobby of the Hilton where again Morales-Garcia stopped, turned and began to walk away but was apprehended when Sheriff’s deputies arrived. Morales-Garcia was taken into custody and the knife was recovered.
Sarcone was physically unharmed, but emotionally rattled and stated, “I felt an obligation to the public as the chief Federal law enforcement officer in the district that includes the city of Albany. I feared for my life but I couldn’t let this individual harm and potentially kill others.”
Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple said: “U.S. Attorney John Sarcone’s selfless actions likely saved lives.”
Morales-Garcia was charged with attempted second-degree murder, criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, and menacing in the second degree and remanded without bail. He made an appearance in Albany City Court yesterday and an order of protection was issued for Sarcone. Morales-Garcia may also face federal charges; the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Homeland Security Investigations are involved in the ongoing investigation.
Sarcone was appointed U.S. Attorney in the Northern District of New York by Attorney General Pamela Bondi in March. “Public safety is our highest priority,” said U.S. Attorney Sarcone. “I am relieved that no one was harmed. I appreciated the swift response by the Albany County Sheriff’s office which was within minutes although it seemed like an eternity.” Sarcone emphasized that such brazen and violent behavior underscores the importance of public vigilance and the need for a strong collaboration between federal and local authorities. At Sarcone’s request, his office is recused from prosecuting Morales-Garcia for illegal re-entry into the country, which is a felony, and the case has been assigned to the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York for prosecution.
Sarcone stated, “I have spent the last three months going to 27 of the 32 counties thus far in my district conducting meetings with the District Attorneys, Sheriffs, State Police and local police Chiefs accompanied by the heads of all the Federal law enforcement agencies in the Northern District to offer assistance from federal law enforcement and my office to help combat the infiltration of gangs, drug, human traffickers, and sexual predators. My offer of help has been well-received, and the results have been tremendous in helping these communities get rid of violent criminals. The citizens of Albany, and visitors who come to Albany, should be able to feel safe walking down our streets.”
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
Acting United States Attorney Ellison C. Travis announced that federal criminal complaints and arrest warrants were issued charging three Baton Rouge men with multiple offenses stemming from an undercover firearm-trafficking operation that turned violent on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Torion Bobbs, age 20, and Cordell Simms, age 19, are each charged with assault on a federal officer and robbery, and Caylup Anderson, age 18, is charged robbery and aiding and abetting.
The criminal complaints and supporting affidavits allege that on June 17, 2025, agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Task Force arranged two separate purchases of a firearm equipped with a machine-gun conversion device (sometimes called a “Glock switch”) outside the Triple S Food Mart on North Foster Drive. When agents moved to detain the suspects, an exchange of gunfire followed, injuring one ATF agent and Sims. All three suspects fled before Sims was arrested nearby, with Anderson and Bobb being apprehended thereafter.
“Our office has zero tolerance for assaults on law enforcement officers,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Travis. “When criminals raise a gun at those who protect our communities, we will answer with the full force of federal law. Yesterday’s swift federal charges reflect the seamless teamwork of the FBI, ATF, Baton Rouge Police Department, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Louisiana State Police. Their rapid, coordinated response ensured these defendants were taken off the streets within hours of the crime.”
“ATF’s primary focus is to support public safety and address violent crime with our federal, state, and local partners. This is particularly true when it comes to crimes perpetuated through illegal possession and use of firearms,” said ATF New Orleans SAC Joshua Jackson. “These swift charges represent another example of ATF working with our law enforcement partners to hold those accountable who choose to use firearms to engage in violent crime within our communities.”
“The rapid response of the FBI and our law enforcement partners to the events on North Foster Street proves that we will not tolerate any assault on law enforcement officers nor will we tolerate violent criminals who put the community in danger,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. “With the continued assistance of the public, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to get violent criminals off our streets.”
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eli Abad.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
BENTON, Ill. – A southern Illinois jury found a Du Quoin man guilty of possessing a firearm as a felon in Franklin County.
A jury convicted Marcus T. Moore, 42, of one count of felon in possession of a firearm.
“To help protect the public and keep guns away from dangerous individuals, convicted felons lose the right to legally possess firearms. As this case demonstrates, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work to hold repeat criminal offenders accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.
According to court documents, a Sesser police officer initiated a traffic stop on Moore’s vehicle on Sept. 10, 2023. After Moore failed a field sobriety test, he fled on foot as officers attempted to take him into custody. He was apprehended after being tased, and a firearm was discovered secured to his ankle.
Moore had a prior federal conviction from 2007, which prohibited him from legally possessing a firearm. Moore was on federal supervised release at the time of his arrest.
Moore’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 7 at the federal courthouse in Benton. Convictions for felon in possession of a firearm are punishable by up to 15 years’ imprisonment.
The Sesser Police Department led the investigation with support from ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Sanders and Tom Leggans are prosecuting the case.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
Charges against defendants include serious drug trafficking, firearm and other offenses.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman announced today the immediate success of Operation Take Back America in Alaska. In just over four months since its inception, the District of Alaska has already criminally charged 39 defendants under Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, repel the invasion of illegal immigration, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime and drug trafficking.
“Operation Take Back America has already been a huge success in Alaska. By concentrating our efforts on national law enforcement priorities and aggressively charging individuals for perpetrating crimes that most significantly impact public safety, our communities are becoming safer,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “The road ahead will be challenging, but I want to thank our federal, state and local partners for these early successes and look forward to the continued mission.”
“DEA’s core mission is protecting America from drug traffickers and others who seek to do harm to our communities,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “We are proud to collaborate with our partners in Alaska as we work collectively to aggressively implement Operation Take Back America. The amazing results so far speak to DEA’s commitment to work with our partners to make Alaska safe.”
“Transnational criminal organizations responsible for violent crime and drug trafficking in Alaska not only endanger communities, but are also a threat to our national security,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Through Operation Take Back America, Alaskans can expect to see continued results in our mission to disrupt and dismantle criminal enterprises in furtherance of public safety.”
“When law enforcement agencies at all levels unite, each contributing its distinct strengths, the collective effort enhances the safety of all Americans in the fight against violent crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais of the ATF Seattle Field Division.
Among the 28 cases charged between Jan. 21, 2025, and June 10, 2025, the following three cases highlight the impact of Operation Take Back America in Alaska:
U.S. v. Mobley
On Nov. 14 and 15, 2024, Sean Mobley, 45, allegedly distributed carfentanil to two people, one adult and one minor. Carfentanil is a highly potent opioid not approved for human use. It is 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl. Both victims allegedly used the substance and overdosed. The adult victim was revived by Narcan, but the minor victim died. Mobley then allegedly dumped her body onto a secluded ATV trail in Wasilla in the middle of the night. If convicted, he faces a minimum of 20 years and up to life in prison.
U.S. v. Clifton et al
Between August 2024 and February 2025, Corey Clifton, 51, and Elizabeth Cruickshank, 44, allegedly conspired together, and with others, to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 4.5 kilograms of fentanyl in Alaska. Specifically, on one occasion, Clifton allegedly shipped a parcel from Washington to Cruickshank in Alaska. The parcel contained over 4.2 kilograms of fentanyl pills (over approximately 42,000 pills) packaged in small baggies with stickers inside drink mix containers. The indictment also alleges that between April 2024 to 2025, Clifton and Cruickshank conspired together to launder over one-half million dollars in drug proceeds. Clifton is also accused of possessing two firearms and ammunition as a felon. If convicted, they face a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison.
U.S. v. Kawanishi
On Oct. 21, 2024, Alexander Kawanishi, 32, allegedly purchased illegal narcotics from an individual at an Anchorage motel. Court documents allege that Kawanishi provided the individual with $100 in cash, but later demanded the money back. When the individual refused, Kawanishi allegedly shot the individual with a pistol in the lower back/hip area before fleeing the scene. On Nov. 15, 2024, law enforcement located Kawanishi slumped over the wheel of a vehicle that was stuck on a snowbank. When Kawanishi woke up and exited the vehicle, he was wearing body armor and had two pistols on his person. During Kawanishi’s arrest, law enforcement, discovered a third firearm, methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine. At the time of the alleged conduct, Kawanishi had two felony convictions in Alaska Superior Court, making him a felon in possession of multiple firearms. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison.
Below is the full list of cases charged as part of Operation Take Back America in Alaska (in alphabetical order):
| U.S. v. Benson (DT) | U.S. v. Melvin(VC) | U.S. v. Santiago-Martinez (I) |
| U.S. v. Carroll (VC) | U.S. v. Miles et al. (DT) | U.S. v. Schaefer et al. (DT) |
| U.S. v. Clifton et al (DT) | U.S. v. Mobley(DT) | U.S. v. Cody Severance (VC) |
| U.S. v. Cotton(DT) | U.S. v. Owens (VC) | U.S. v. Sergio Severance (VC) |
| U.S. v. Facey(DT) | U.S. vs. Parker (DT) | U.S. v. Spann (VC) |
| U.S. v. Garrett (DT) | U.S. v. Ritchie (DT) | U.S. v. Steffensen (DT) |
| U.S. v. Greydanus et al. (DT) | U.S. v. Rodgers et al. (DT) | U.S. v. Walker (VC) |
| U.S. v. Katelnikoff et al. (DT) | U.S. v. Ronquillo (I) | U.S. v. Washington et al. (DT) |
| U.S. v. Kawanishi (VC) | U.S. v. Rowcroft-Ivy (VC) | U.S. v. Woods (DT) |
| U.S. v. Lemana (VC) |
*Drug Trafficking (DT)
*Violent Crime (VC)
*Immigration (I)
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Heyman commends the FBI Anchorage Field Office, DEA Seattle Field Division, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Seattle Field Division, U.S. Postal Inspection Service Anchorage Domicile and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations for their investigations that lead to these charges. He also thanks the state and local law enforcement partners that assisted with the operations in these cases.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys with the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Alaska are prosecuting the cases.
A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
Glendale, California, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In 2025, same day payday loans have become a crucial solution for individuals facing urgent financial needs. These loans offer quick access to funds without the traditional delays associated with standard lending processes. With a growing number of platforms offering no-credit-check options, they are especially attractive for those in need of fast payday loans but who may have difficulty securing traditional credit.
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Source: The Conversation – USA – By Ivis García, Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Texas A&M University
Imagine that a hurricane has destroyed your home.
The roof is gone. The floors are flooded. Your family’s belongings are ruined.
When this happens, you can apply for federal disaster aid, hoping for a lifeline. For many low-income families and other people of modest means, funding for that aid is often channeled to the states through the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program.
Known as CDBG-DR, this program mainly provides funding to repair and rebuild homes belonging to people of low-to-moderate income who either have no insurance at all or whose coverage falls short of what is needed to making housing safe again.
When homes are damaged beyond repair or located in areas where it’s too dangerous to rebuild because of the likelihood of future bouts of flooding in the same place, the CDBG-DR program can help pay for residents to move somewhere else that is less prone to disasters. In both cases, it covers costs that the Federal Emergency Management Agency does not pay for.
But in 2025, with hurricane season underway, the rules for who gets help and how it’s distributed have changed significantly.
As an urban planner who has researched disaster recovery efforts, I’m alarmed by Memorandum 2025-02, which HUD published on its website in March 2025.
The memo changes the rules for nearly US$12 billion in disaster recovery funding approved by Congress for disasters occurring in 2023 and 2024. And HUD is implementing these changes early in the process, before any of this money has been distributed.
The memo does away with the civil rights certifications, fair housing assessments, environmental standards and citizen advisory groups
that have long been mandatory for the recipients of disaster recovery funds.
Civil rights certification means that CDBG-DR grantees must verify that disaster aid will be distributed without discrimination based on race, ethnicity, age, disability status, or other characteristics known as “protected classes.” Without this certification, there’s no formal process to ensure disaster aid is distributed fairly.
Fair housing obligations are assessments of whether middle- and lower-income families, people of color or people with disabilities can find safe, affordable housing without facing any discrimination.
In addition, HUD no longer requires detailed demographic reporting on who is applying for or receiving aid. This includes information such as gender, race, age, disability status and the language someone speaks.
Another change is that HUD’s updated disaster recovery guidelines no longer require economic development funds to emphasize people of modest incomes or their communities. Under the new rules, any business hit by a disaster can get recovery funds. It doesn’t matter how much money the owners make, as long as they can show that the disaster affected them.
And several important environmental protections have been rolled back. HUD previously mandated that disaster recovery projects comply with federal building standards.
Those codes are tougher than the local housing codes. These included rules for building homes higher off the ground to avoid future flooding and using stronger construction methods to withstand extreme weather events. Without them, new construction may be less durable and less safe – especially in areas hit hard by hurricanes or other natural disasters.
Strong energy efficiency standards help keep long-term utility costs low and reduce pressure on power grids during extreme weather events. They also make rebuilt homes more sustainable by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
HUD has also removed a requirement for the nonprofits, local governments and other recipients of CDBG-DR grants to create and convene citizen advisory groups. That change took effect on March 24, 2025.
These groups, which have long made it easier for local communities to have a say regarding federally funded disaster recovery efforts, have played an important role in making sure those efforts reflect the needs and priorities of local residents – especially those most affected.
While eliminating this step may make it easier and faster for local governments to spend the recovery funds allocated for their communities, it also means there’s less opportunity for their own communities to influence how those funds are spent. Without that input, recovery efforts fail to resolve the real challenges people are facing.
The White House’s 2026 budget proposal retains the HUD program that distributes disaster recovery grants while eliminating the related Community Development Block Grant program, which helps people experiencing homelessness and also funds everything from child care to services for older people.
I’m concerned about how CDBG-DR grants will be distributed, apart from the program’s changes. HUD’s Office of Community Planning and Development, which administers the CDBG-DR program, is slated to lose 84% of its staff, according to widespread media reports published earlier this year.
The Trump administration is also calling for cutting HUD’s staff, and President Donald Trump’s proposed 2026 budget would cut the agency’s entire budget in half.
In its March 25 HUD memo, the Trump administration framed these policy changes as a way to streamline recovery efforts and provide greater flexibility in the use of federal disaster funds. The memo also asserted that the changes were needed for compliance with executive orders that banned the use of diversity, equity and inclusion criteria and hiring practices that the administration considers to be discrimintory.
But critics of the policy rollbacks, including the National Low Income Housing Coalition, which advocates affordable housing, worry that removing long-standing safeguards could weaken the CDBG-DR program’s core mission of equitably distributing aid and building resilient communities. The standards and community input systems HUD has abandoned, the coalition says, have historically helped ensure that disaster recovery funds reach the people who need them most.
Ivis García does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Low-income homeowners hit by disasters may get less help from the government, as Trump administration nixes rules on fairness, community input and resilience – https://theconversation.com/low-income-homeowners-hit-by-disasters-may-get-less-help-from-the-government-as-trump-administration-nixes-rules-on-fairness-community-input-and-resilience-257439
Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense
By Wang Hui and Xing Yang
The third China-ASEAN Defense Think Tank Exchange kicks off in Guiyang City, southwest China’s Guizhou Province on June 19, 2025.
GUIYANG, China, June 20 — The third China-ASEAN Defense Think Tank Exchange kicked off in Guiyang City, southwest China’s Guizhou Province on June 19, 2025. More than 160 participants including defense policy officials, relevant experts and scholars, and representatives of think tanks from China, ASEAN countries, and Timor-Leste attended the event.
Themed on “Jointly Promote Regional Peace and Build a Safe and Secure Home”, the three-day event is hosted by the Academy of Military Sciences of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
During the event, the representatives had in-depth discussions on the central topic of “Shared Future: Current Situation and Vision of China-ASEAN Defense Cooperation”. They reviewed the positive progress made in China-ASEAN defense cooperation, analyzed new opportunities and challenges in the current regional security situation, and shared views on how to deepen mutual trust, expand fields of cooperation, innovate in cooperation mechanisms, and effectively respond to common security threats. They will also have deeper exchanges on four key topics, namely “Roles of ASEAN in the Evolving International Landscape”, “Institutional Innovation in Regional Security Architecture”, “Cooperation in Maritime Security and Crisis Management”, and “Military Applications and Governance of Emerging Technologies”.
The first China-ASEAN Defense Think Tank Exchange was held in October 2019.
Participants from home and abroad attend the third China-ASEAN Defense Think Tank Exchange in Guiyang City, southwest China’s Guizhou Province on June 19, 2025.
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