The Department of Justice filed a civil forfeiture complaint today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against more than $225.3 million in cryptocurrency. According to the complaint, law enforcement used blockchain analysis and other investigative techniques to determine that the cryptocurrency is connected to the theft and laundering of funds from victims of cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes, commonly referred to as “cryptocurrency confidence scams.”
The complaint alleges that the cryptocurrency addresses that held the over $225.3 million in cryptocurrency were part of a sophisticated blockchain-based money laundering network that executed hundreds of thousands of transactions and was used to disperse proceeds of cryptocurrency investment fraud across many cryptocurrency addresses and accounts on the blockchain to conceal the source of the illegally obtained funds.
“Today’s civil forfeiture complaint is the latest action taken by the Department to protect the American public from fraudsters specializing in cryptocurrency-based scams, and it will not be the last,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “These schemes harm American victims, costing them billions of dollars every year, and undermine faith in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Our investigators and prosecutors are relentlessly pursuing these scammers and their ill-gotten gains, and we will relentlessly pursue recovery of victim funds.”
“Under my leadership, with the support of President Trump and Attorney General Bondi, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia is taking a leading role in the fight against crypto-confidence scams, partnering with law enforcement throughout the country to seize and forfeit stolen funds and rip them from the hands of foreign criminals, all with the eye toward making victims whole,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro for the District of Columbia.
“The forfeiture of these illicit funds is a powerful tool in the FBI’s toolbox to stop the fraudsters who are operating online from stealing from the American people,” said Assistant Director Jose A. Perez of the FBI Criminal Division. “The FBI will not standby while these criminals target unsuspecting victims who believe they are making legitimate investments. The hard work of the FBI and our partners continues as we work with victims and potential victims across the country to put an end to these scams and warn others about their devastating effects.”
“This seizure of $225.3 million in funds linked to cryptocurrency investment scams marks the largest cryptocurrency seizure in U.S. Secret Service (USSS) history,” said Special Agent in Charge Shawn Bradstreet of the USSS San Francisco Field Office. “These scams prey on trust, often resulting in extreme financial hardship for the victims. The USSS, FBI, and our private partners worked diligently to trace these illicit transactions, identify victims and seize these funds so that they can eventually be returned to their rightful owners.”
As part of the investigation of the laundering network, over 400 suspected victims are believed to have lost funds after being duped into believing that they were making legitimate cryptocurrency investments. The complaint recounts millions of dollars in victim losses. According to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center’s 2024 Internet Crime Report, cryptocurrency investment fraud caused more than $5.8 billion in reported losses in 2024 alone. The USSS San Francisco Field Office and FBI San Francisco Field Offices investigated the case. The Department of Justice thanks Tether for its proactive assistance in this investigation.
Trial Attorneys Stefanie Schwartz and Ethan Cantor of the Justice Department’s Computer Crime & Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Rosenberg and Rick Blaylock Jr. for the District of Columbia are handling the matter.
Members of the public who believe they are victims of cryptocurrency investment fraud and other cyber-enabled crime should contact the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. If you believe you may be a victim of one of the scams alleged in the government’s complaint, add the code “BT06182025” in the narrative of your complaint, and if you have previously filed a related complaint, make note of the prior complaint in the narrative.
The Department of Justice filed a civil forfeiture complaint today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against more than $225.3 million in cryptocurrency. According to the complaint, law enforcement used blockchain analysis and other investigative techniques to determine that the cryptocurrency is connected to the theft and laundering of funds from victims of cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes, commonly referred to as “cryptocurrency confidence scams.”
The complaint alleges that the cryptocurrency addresses that held the over $225.3 million in cryptocurrency were part of a sophisticated blockchain-based money laundering network that executed hundreds of thousands of transactions and was used to disperse proceeds of cryptocurrency investment fraud across many cryptocurrency addresses and accounts on the blockchain to conceal the source of the illegally obtained funds.
“Today’s civil forfeiture complaint is the latest action taken by the Department to protect the American public from fraudsters specializing in cryptocurrency-based scams, and it will not be the last,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “These schemes harm American victims, costing them billions of dollars every year, and undermine faith in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Our investigators and prosecutors are relentlessly pursuing these scammers and their ill-gotten gains, and we will relentlessly pursue recovery of victim funds.”
“Under my leadership, with the support of President Trump and Attorney General Bondi, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia is taking a leading role in the fight against crypto-confidence scams, partnering with law enforcement throughout the country to seize and forfeit stolen funds and rip them from the hands of foreign criminals, all with the eye toward making victims whole,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro for the District of Columbia.
“The forfeiture of these illicit funds is a powerful tool in the FBI’s toolbox to stop the fraudsters who are operating online from stealing from the American people,” said Assistant Director Jose A. Perez of the FBI Criminal Division. “The FBI will not standby while these criminals target unsuspecting victims who believe they are making legitimate investments. The hard work of the FBI and our partners continues as we work with victims and potential victims across the country to put an end to these scams and warn others about their devastating effects.”
“This seizure of $225.3 million in funds linked to cryptocurrency investment scams marks the largest cryptocurrency seizure in U.S. Secret Service (USSS) history,” said Special Agent in Charge Shawn Bradstreet of the USSS San Francisco Field Office. “These scams prey on trust, often resulting in extreme financial hardship for the victims. The USSS, FBI, and our private partners worked diligently to trace these illicit transactions, identify victims and seize these funds so that they can eventually be returned to their rightful owners.”
As part of the investigation of the laundering network, over 400 suspected victims are believed to have lost funds after being duped into believing that they were making legitimate cryptocurrency investments. The complaint recounts millions of dollars in victim losses. According to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center’s 2024 Internet Crime Report, cryptocurrency investment fraud caused more than $5.8 billion in reported losses in 2024 alone. The USSS San Francisco Field Office and FBI San Francisco Field Offices investigated the case. The Department of Justice thanks Tether for its proactive assistance in this investigation.
Trial Attorneys Stefanie Schwartz and Ethan Cantor of the Justice Department’s Computer Crime & Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Rosenberg and Rick Blaylock Jr. for the District of Columbia are handling the matter.
Members of the public who believe they are victims of cryptocurrency investment fraud and other cyber-enabled crime should contact the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. If you believe you may be a victim of one of the scams alleged in the government’s complaint, add the code “BT06182025” in the narrative of your complaint, and if you have previously filed a related complaint, make note of the prior complaint in the narrative.
Headline: Strengthen business resilience with Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop
Build a future-ready IT strategy with secure, scalable cloud solutions
In the face of today’s complex and interconnected work ecosystems, resilience isn’t just a safeguard; it’s a strategic imperative for IT leaders driving sustainable transformation. True resilience means building an environment that proactively minimizes disruptions through robust systems, secured architectures and operational foresight. Resilience means an organization can anticipate, respond and recover swiftly, maintaining continuity without compromise. Security plays a foundational role in this approach.
That’s why cloud-powered solutions such as Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop are essential; they empower organizations to build resilience from the ground up. By enabling secure and scalable Windows experiences, these services help minimize disruptions, support flexible work and protect business continuity. Whether it’s seamless access to apps and data or built-in security and compliance, customers rely on these solutions to stay productive and protected, no matter where or how they work.
Building on that foundation, we’re introducing new experiences across Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop, each designed to strengthen organizational resilience through simplified, secured and flexible Windows solutions.
And to make it easier for organizations to take the first step, new customers can take advantage of a limited-time 20% discount on all Windows 365 plans. Visit Windows 365 todayto take advantage of the 20% promotional offer.
Introducing Windows 365 Reserve: uninterrupted access, secured and ready when users need it
Unexpected disruptions such as a lost, stolen, delayed or malfunctioning device can bring productivity to a halt and lead to considerable financial and operational losses. A recent study, which surveyed 1,000 ITDMs across a range of industries, highlighted the impact on business operations caused by device thefts and resulting data breaches. Seventy-six percent of those surveyed reported having been impacted by incidents of device theft in the last two years, with 33% reporting they were subjected to legal or regulatory consequences due to compromised data and 32% citing disruption to employee productivity. 1
With Windows 365 Reserve, a new offering from Microsoft, employees can have instant access to a temporary, pre-configured Cloud PC when their primary device is unavailable. Windows 365 Reserve provides a secure, cloud-hosted Windows desktop that looks and feels like a physical PC, and is accessible from any device, anywhere, so employees can continue being productive.
Device disruptions are more than an inconvenience — they’re a business risk that can lead to lost revenue, delayed service and reduced employee productivity.
Windows 365 Reserve helps mitigate these risks by enabling:
Business continuity during device loss, theft, delivery delays or outages
Temporary access for onboarding, remote work delays or testing new OS/app configurations
Faster recovery from disruptions, reducing downtime and IT burden
Windows 365 Reserve isn’t your traditional virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solution — it’s a modern, secured and scalable offering designed for any type of worker across the entire organization to stay uninterrupted and productive, without the hassle or cost of managing cumbersome loaner PCs, temporary backup PC solutions or legacy VDI access. Each Reserve Cloud PC is preloaded with Microsoft 365 apps,2 corporate settings and security policies — ensuring data protection and compliance. IT teams can manage both physical and Cloud PCs — including these new Reserve Cloud PCs — through Microsoft Intune, streamlining endpoint oversight and reducing complexity. And because users can connect to their Reserve Cloud PC within minutes from any device using the Windows App or a browser to access the Windows 11 experience, there is minimal disruption to their workflow and business continuity.
Windows 365 Reserve will soon be available for preview. Complete this form or contact your Microsoft account team to express interest in participating in the preview.
Windows 365 Cloud Apps: app streaming without the full desktop
Now in private preview, Windows 365 Cloud Apps let organizations deliver secure access to individual apps hosted on Cloud PCs, without requiring a dedicated Cloud PC for every user. Windows 365 Cloud Apps are a great fit for enterprise customers whether they’re experienced with VDI or just starting their cloud journey. They also give IT teams more flexibility to support a range of user needs and scenarios, while maintaining centralized control. Organizations can use Windows 365 Cloud Apps to:
Streamline app delivery for frontline, seasonal or remote workers
Provide information workers with the line of business apps they require
Simplify management with Windows 365 and Microsoft Intune integration
Accelerate migration from on-premises VDI to the cloud
Windows 365 Cloud Apps will soon be available for preview. Complete this form or contact your Microsoft account team to express interest in participating in the preview.
Windows 365 Link: purpose-built Cloud PC device gets even better
Windows 365 Link — the first Cloud PC device purpose-built by Microsoft for Windows 365 — became generally available in select markets in April 2025 and is expanding to more markets later this year. To make the experience of using Windows 365 Link even better, we are excited to introduce the following updates:
Connection Center: access multiple Cloud PCs with ease
The Connection Center makes accessing multiple Cloud PCs from a Windows 365 Link simple and intuitive. For users with more than one Cloud PC and no default set, the Connection Center prompts them to choose the Cloud PC they want to use right at sign-in. This means less confusion and more control.
The Connection Center also empowers users with self-service tools to reboot, restore and manage their Cloud PCs without needing IT support. If something goes wrong, people can quickly access troubleshooting options — minimizing downtime and boosting productivity.
This experience is now generally available, and starting mid-July, the Connection Center can also be launched from the Ctrl+Alt+Delete screen, making it even more accessible.
Connection Center showing multiple Cloud PCs after sign-in
Enhanced multi-monitor support for a more flexible Windows 365 Link experience
For users who rely on multiple monitors to stay productive, Windows 365 Link now offers expanded display settings — available in preview. Users can easily configure duplicate or extend monitors, giving them the flexibility to mirror their screen or expand their workspace across displays.
We have also added intuitive controls to adjust resolution, scale and orientation — all fully integrated into the Cloud PC settings. That means they can personalize their display setup directly from the familiar Display Settings menu, just like on a local PC.
With these latest updates, Windows 365 Link makes it even easier to work more efficiently, multitask seamlessly and tailor your Cloud PC experience to meet your unique workflows.
Accessing display settings for Windows 365 Link
Making sign-in even easier with NFC reader support
We have heard from customers that using near-field communication (NFC) readers helps streamline the Windows sign-in experience — especially in environments where speed and security are critical. That is why, based on your feedback, we introduced preview support for NFC readers for FIDO2 security keys with the launch of Windows 365 Link in April 2025. Today, we’re excited to announce that NFC reader support is now generally available. Users can simply tap their FIDO2 security key on a USB NFC reader and enter their PIN to sign in. This enhancement helps organizations improve both security posture and user productivity, especially in shared device or frontline scenarios. To learn more, check out the documentation.
To purchase Windows 365 Link for desk-based and frontline users in your organization, contact your Microsoft account team or select resellers in Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. We continue to expand availability to new markets, including Denmark, France, India, Netherlands and Sweden, with Switzerland anticipated later this year.
Cross-region Disaster Recovery is available for Windows 365 Frontline
Disaster recovery is a critical consideration for any IT desktop strategy. When it comes to virtualization, most organizations consider disaster recovery a primary objective. Since its introduction, Windows 365 has provided robust business continuity and disaster recovery options. Whether for compliance requirements, natural disasters, technical failure or human error, putting greater distance between your primary and backup environments can add an extra sense of security and peace of mind to any IT desktop strategy.
On July 1, 2024, we introduced Cross-region Disaster Recovery, an add-on feature for Windows 365 Enterprise that creates “snapshots” of Cloud PCs. These snapshots are placed in customer-defined, geographically distant locations, and they can be recovered to Cloud PCs running in the selected location during a disaster recovery event.
Today, we are excited to announce Cross-region Disaster Recovery is available in public preview as an add-on for Windows 365 Frontline. Now, in addition to Windows 365 Enterprise users, any user assigned to a dedicated Windows 365 Frontline Cloud PC will also be shielded against regional outages. If you’re interested in signing up for the public preview, please use this form. To learn more, read Cross-region Disaster Recovery in Windows 365 | Microsoft Learn.
Secure by default: New security settings for Windows 365 Cloud PCs
New default security settings are available for new and newly reprovisioned Cloud PCs. These updates mean Cloud PCs are more secure by default and include:
Disabling select redirections, such as USB and clipboard, making it easier for organizations to protect their data
Enabling additional security controls, including virtualization-based security, to better protect against credential theft and kernel-level exploits
These updates are part of Microsoft’s commitment to making our products more secure by default, one of the core principles of our Secure Future Initiative.
Powering high-performance scenarios: GPU support now available in HP Anyware for Windows 365
We’re expanding our collaboration with HP Anyware to support GPU-enabled Windows 365 Enterprise Cloud PCs, now in preview. This integration brings the power of PC-over-IP (PCoIP) — a protocol known for delivering high-definition, low-latency performance — to Windows 365, making it ideal for graphics-intensive workloads such as 3D modeling, video editing and data visualization.
With HP Anyware for Windows 365, users can securely access their Cloud PCs through a familiar digital workspace, while IT admins benefit from simplified deployment and management with Intune — no additional gateways or network reconfiguration required.
To learn more or join the public preview of HP Anyware for Windows 365 GPU-enabled Enterprise Cloud PCs, contact your Microsoft account team or sign up to be notified.
Bridge legacy and modern app delivery: App-V support now available for App attach in Azure Virtual Desktop
Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) for Windows is now supported by App attach in Azure Virtual Desktop and is generally available, marking a major step forward in application delivery for virtual environments.
Organizations can incorporate existing App-V packages into the App attach framework without repackaging. This capability streamlines the transition to Azure Virtual Desktop by preserving investments in legacy applications while enabling more modern and scalable delivery.
The time for this update is critical, as App-V enters a phase of extended support. By bridging the gap between legacy application virtualization and modern desktop infrastructure, App attach combines continuity with innovation to help teams maintain stability while evolving their cloud strategy. To learn more about App-V support in App attach and to find information about partner solution integration with App attach visit our Azure Virtual Desktop documentation pages.
Windows App updates: better Microsoft Teams, printing and remote access
The Windows App is your gateway to securely connect to Windows on any device across Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, Remote PC, Remote Desktop Services, Microsoft Dev Box and more. Available on Windows, macOS, iOS, iPadOS,3 web browsers and now Android,4 it brings a unified, modern experience across platforms, making it easier than ever to access your Cloud PCs, virtual machines (VMs) and remote resources anywhere on any device. With the latest updates, we are excited to announce several new capabilities that will enhance your experience and productivity.
Better Microsoft Teams performance on mobile: in public preview for Windows App on Android and iOS/iPadOS
Building on last year’s Teams optimizations for Windows App on Windows, new exclusive optimizations for the Windows App on Android and iOS/iPadOS will soon be available in the newest versions of Windows App. These enhancements improve audio and sound quality in Teams, reducing issues and enhancing the overall user experience. Learn more.
New Remote App launcher in Windows App on web
People connecting to Windows App via the web can access the Remote App launcher directly from the toolbar inside the web client. The Remote App launcher can be used to launch additional apps from the same workspace without switching between tabs, making app discovery and launching apps more seamless.
New printing capabilities in Windows App on web
Windows App on web now supports new printing capabilities for locally attached printers on Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop. Users can easily print documents directly to their locally attached printers, streamlining the printing process and eliminating extra steps between viewing and printing documents.
Native access to remote sessions in Windows App on web
You can now utilize the Windows App on web to access Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop remote sessions natively. By simply selecting the “Connect in desktop app” option from the dropdown menu, you can open the desktop version of the Windows App.
Users can also access their desktops and apps using direct launch URLs in Windows App on web. Learn more.
Resilience starts with the right tools so organizations can stay agile, secured and ready
Organizational resilience isn’t just convenient; it’s an essential approach to remain functional, flexible, prepared and competitive. With the latest enhancements to Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop, Microsoft is enabling organizations to safeguard business continuity, navigate disruptions with confidence and maintain control. Now is the time to explore how these innovations can help strengthen your resilience strategy.
Get 20% off Windows 365 today
Microsoft is currently offering a 20% discount on all Windows 365 plans for the first 12 months for new customers, making it an even more compelling option for those looking to transition smoothly. Visit Windows 365 today to take advantage of the 20% promotional offer.*
* Notice: Microsoft reserves the right to discontinue this promotion, and to modify these policies and the promotion’s terms and conditions at any time.
This offer runs from May 1 to Oct. 31, 2025, and is for customers not currently subscribing to Windows 365. Transactions must be processed through Microsoft’s operations center before 11:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Oct. 31, 2025. This offer is non-transferable and cannot be combined with any other offer or discount on Windows 365. This offer is available only once per customer. The discount price will be in effect for the duration of the purchase commitment. Purchases made prior to the effective date of the offer are not eligible. Taxes, if any, are the sole responsibility of the recipient.
Source: Study Highlights Prevalence of Device Theft and the Impacts on Businesses in U.S. and Europe. April 22, 2025; Methodology: study conducted by market research firm, Vanson Bourne on behalf of Kensington Computer Products Group; Survey size: 1,000 IT decision-makers.
Microsoft 365 subscription is required.
macOS and iPadOS are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries and regions. IOS is a trademark or registered trademark of Cisco in the U.S. and other countries and is used under license.
The African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference – taking place September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town – will host an Energy Finance Track, dedicated to exploring the opportunities, challenges and emerging trends across Africa’s investment environment. The Energy Finance Track – hosted across the three-day main conference agenda – covers a variety of topics and aims to reduce risk perception, identify strategic investment avenues while exploring innovative finance models that drive projects forward in Africa.
The Energy Finance Track features a suite of companies, all of which will tackle strategic topics. These include African and global national oil companies, global energy and intelligence firms, energy and technology service providers, downstream regulators, upstream operators, African E&P firms, renewable energy developers, and many more. From access to finance to investment risks to Merger & Acquisition (M&A) activity, regional projects and development finance, the track will support decision-making and deal-signing in Africa’s energy sector.
AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visitwww.AECWeek.comfor more information about this exciting event.
Africa’s energy sector continues to witness a surge in investment, as both operators and financiers expand their portfolios across the continent. In 2025, capital expenditure across the continent is projected to hit $43 billion, rising to $54 billion by 2030. Onshore projects are expected to represent the lion’s share of expenditure at 56%, while natural gas is estimated to draw the majority of capital by 2030, accounting for over 60% of hydrocarbon investment during this period. Deepwater exploration is also on the rise, particularly in frontier markets such as Namibia and Ivory Coast. Financing exploration and production projects remains a key challenge, however, as the global capital pool continues to decline. The AEW: Invest in African Energies Energy Finance Track will address this challenge, with panels geared towards exploring innovative strategies to raise capital for oil and gas projects. Sessions include Reducing Barriers to Entry in African Energy Investments; Financing Upstream Projects for Domestic Energy Security; Sourcing International and African Capital for the Acquisition and Development of Marginal and Undeveloped Fields; and African Equity Risk Premium.
Africa’s M&A landscape has also proven to be dynamic in recent years, with future projections showing a positive growth trajectory as companies seeks new investment and partnership opportunities across the continent. Driven by rising capital expenditure, a surge in exploration and a focus on frontier basins across the continent, M&A activity continues to grow in Africa. Amid this growth, the Energy Finance Track will address strategies for supporting future M&A activity. Sessions on Strategic Financing for M&A and Navigating Risk and Insurance in African M&A, will examine identified risk and liabilities between buyers and sellers and how access to capital, regulatory hurdles and shifting investment trends are impacting Africa’s M&A landscape.
Beyond oil and gas, Africa’s renewable energy and power landscape is on track for significant growth, as countries diversify their energy systems and seek to support broader economic growth. With over 600 million people living without access to electricity across the continent, African countries are accelerating the pace and development of power infrastructure, from generation to transmission to storage. Yet, financing challenges remain. The International Energy Agency projects that to meet the continent’s energy access, climate and development goals, Africa requires annual energy investments to more than double to over $240 billion by 2030. Key sectors include energy access, power systems and emerging industries such as clean energy technologies.
The Energy Finance Track will unpack the role innovative financing mechanisms and regional collaboration plays in achieving the continent’s energy and development goals. Sessions on Intra-Africa Commodities Trading and Financing Cross-Border Pipelines and Shared Infrastructure Projects will explore how increased regional trade can serve as a catalyst for economic development in Africa. Additionally, sessions on Integrated Energy Projects: Is Financing Easier and Energy Finance Strategies: Lessons Across Africa will examine how blended finance, public-private partnership models and development finance can support energy development.
“The AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 Energy Finance Track offers a unique opportunity for African financiers to gain insight into emerging opportunities across the continent. At the same time, the track offers project developers, governments and public institutions the chance to explore new methods of financing, while addressing critical challenges to energy development,” stated Oré Onagbesan, AEW: Invest in African Energies Program Director.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
ATLANTA (June 18, 2025) — Recently, Lt. Governor Burt Jones appointed Sen. Emanuel Jones (D–Decatur) to the Senate Study Committee on Making Georgia the No. 1 State for Tourism.
“I’m grateful to Lt. Governor Burt Jones for appointing me to this important study committee,” said Sen. Jones. “We have an opportunity to bring inclusive growth and investments to communities across Georgia by showcasing the best attributes of our state. From neighborhood revitalization to job creation, a strong tourism strategy can uplift families and support small businesses. I look forward to working with my colleagues to help Georgia reach its full potential as a premier destination—one that truly reflects the richness and diversity of our state.”
The Senate Study Committee on Making Georgia the No. 1 State for Tourism is tasked with discovering opportunities to promote and develop tourism in all regions of the state. Sen. Drew Echols (R-Gainesville) will serve as Chairman of the committee. Additional Senate members appointed to the committee include Sen. Frank Ginn (R–Danielsville), Sen. Russ Goodman (R–Cogdell) and Sen. Sonya Halpern (D–Atlanta).
More information about Senate Study Committees can be found here.
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Sen. Emanuel Jones represents the 10th Senate District, which includes a portion of DeKalb County. He may be reached at 404.656.0502 or via email atemanuel.jones@senate.ga.gov.
For all media inquiries, please reach out toSenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.
ATLANTA (June 18, 2025) — Yesterday, the Georgia Senate Republican Caucus announced that Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry) has been selected as its nominee for President Pro Tempore of the Georgia State Senate, following today’s internal caucus vote. Walker, who has served the 20th Senate District since 2015, will stand for formal election by the full Senate body at the start of the new legislative session in January 2026.
“I’m honored by the support and confidence of my Republican colleagues,” said Sen. Walker. “This nomination reflects our shared vision for a Senate that remains fair, efficient and stands in service to the people of Georgia. While January’s full Senate vote is still to come, I’m prepared to bring forward my experience and commitment to this important role.”
In the position of President Pro Tempore, Walker would preside over Senate sessions in the absence of the Lieutenant Governor and collaborate closely with Senate leadership to streamline legislative procedure and enhance transparency.
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Sen. Larry Walker III serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor. He represents the 20th Senate District, which includes Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Treutlen, Pulaski and Wilcox counties, as well as portions of Houston County. He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-0095 or by email atLarry.Walker@senate.ga.gov.
For all media inquiries, please reach out toSenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.
A Texas man is facing federal charges after allegedly purchasing powerful explosives in New Mexico and expressing plans to use them to harm law enforcement officers and government officials during riots in California.
According to court documents, on June 12, 2025, Grzegorz Vandenberg, 48, visited a travel center in Lordsburg, New Mexico, to purchase fireworks. During the transaction, Vandenberg requested assistance in selecting fireworks that could be thrown directly at people to cause harm. He told store employees that he was prior special forces military and claimed he could make pipe bombs. Vandenberg further stated that he was traveling to Los Angeles, California, for the riots, with the intent to kill law enforcement officers or government officials.
“This man allegedly intended to use the chaotic riots in Los Angeles as an opportunity to commit deadly violence against law enforcement officers,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Threats like these strike at the heart of law and order — we will not hesitate to bring federal charges against anyone who seeks to harm law enforcement or endanger the safety of our communities.”
“Our message is clear: If you come after law enforcement officers, the FBI will spare no effort to find you and bring you to justice,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This defendant allegedly intended to use explosives to attack police officers currently conducting law enforcement operations in Los Angeles and – with the help of a store cashier who took down his license plate information – we were able to put a stop to that plan. Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to serve the American people and the FBI will always do our part to protect them.”
“Targeting law enforcement with violence is not protest – it’s a crime,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison for the District of New Mexico. “Anyone who attempts to harm officers or undermine public safety will be held accountable. Protecting the safety of our communities and upholding the integrity of lawful demonstrations are priorities, and those who cross the line into violence will be prosecuted swiftly and to the fullest extent of the law.”
Store staff reported that Vandenberg asked for the largest explosives available and invited an employee to join him and his platoon in California. He also claimed to have mortar explosives in his possession and reiterated his plan to use them at the riots to kill officers. Vandenberg purchased six mortars, each containing 60 grams of gunpowder, and 36 large fireworks before leaving the store in a vehicle with Montana license plates, heading west on Interstate 10.
Vandenberg is charged with transporting explosives in interstate commerce with the knowledge and intent that they would be used to kill, injure, or intimidate individuals. He will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Vandenberg faces up to 10 years in federal prison.
The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Tucson Resident Agency of the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office, Tucson Police Department, U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joni Stahl and Grant Gardner for the District of New Mexico are prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance provided by Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Gov. Kelly Armstrong today helped break ground on an expansion project that will double the number of inpatient beds at Altru Behavioral Health Center in Grand Forks, highlighting the state’s significant investments to address behavioral health needs across North Dakota.
Armstrong recently signed legislation providing a $12.96 million grant to expand the number of inpatient behavioral health beds at the Altru facility from 24 to 48 beds. The grant was included in the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) budget, House Bill 1012, and requires Altru to provide matching funds of $3.24 million.
“This is a game-changer for behavioral health services in Grand Forks and the surrounding region, because when it comes to meeting the mental health needs of our citizens in their most vulnerable moments, every single bed counts,” Armstrong said.
He noted the Legislature also approved $16 million for 30 behavioral health beds in Bismarck with a focus on youth and $3.4 million for 10 behavioral health beds in Williston. In addition, lawmakers approved $300 million for construction of a new State Hospital in Jamestown, which will provide 140 treatment beds to serve those most in need of acute mental health services.
Armstrong thanked state Rep. Emily O’Brien of Grand Forks, Rep. Jon Nelson of Rugby and other lawmakers for their support for the Altru project and broader work on expanding behavioral health services, as well as Altru President Dr. Josh Deere and CEO Todd Forkel, Universal Health Services’ Behavioral Health Division President Matt Peterson, Grand Forks Mayor Brandon Bochenski and the DHHS Behavioral Health Division including Executive Director Pam Sagness for their commitment to North Dakotans’ mental health.
The Altru Behavioral Health Center expansion is expected to be completed by fall 2026.
Humanitarian needs are rising around the world. At the same time, major donors such as the US and the UK are pulling back support, placing increasing strain on already overstretched aid systems.
Global humanitarian needs have quadrupled since 2015, driven by new conflicts in Sudan, Ukraine and Gaza. Added to these are protracted crises in Yemen, Somalia, South Sudan, and DR Congo, among others. Yet donor funding has failed to keep pace, covering less than half of the requested US$50 billion in 2024, leaving millions without assistance.
As funding shortfalls widen, humanitarian agencies increasingly face tough choices: reducing the scale of operations, pausing essential services, or cancelling programmes altogether. Disruptions to aid delivery have become a routine feature of humanitarian operations.
Yet few rigorous studies have provided hard evidence of the consequences for affected populations.
A recent study from one of the world’s largest refugee camps in Kenya fills this gap.
Our research team from the University of Oxford and the University of Antwerp was already studying Kakuma camp and then had an opportunity to see what happened when aid was cut. We observed the impact of a 20% aid cut that occurred in 2023.
The study reveals that cuts to humanitarian assistance had dramatic impacts on hunger and psychological distress, with cascading effects on local credit systems and prices of goods.
Kakuma refugee camp
Kakuma is home to more than 300,000 refugees, who mostly came from South Sudan (49%), Somalia (16%), and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) (10%). They have been housed here since 1992. With widespread poverty, lack of income opportunities, and aid making up over 90% of household income, survival in the camp hinges on humanitarian support from UN organisations.
When the research began in late 2022, most refugees in Kakuma received a combination of in-kind and cash transfers from the World Food Programme. Transfers were worth US$17 per person per month, barely enough to cover the bare essentials: food, firewood and medicine.
Over the span of a year, the research team tracked 622 South Sudanese refugee households, interviewing them monthly to monitor how their living conditions evolved in response to the timing and level of aid they received. We also gathered weekly price data on 70 essential goods and conducted more than 250 in-depth interviews with refugees, shopkeepers, and humanitarian staff to understand the broader impacts.
Then came the cut. In July 2023, assistance was reduced by 20%, just as the research team was conducting its eighth round of data collection. This sudden reduction in humanitarian aid created a rare opportunity to assess the effects of an aid cut on both recipients and the markets they depend on.
Consequences of aid cut
The 20% cut in humanitarian aid had cascading effects, affecting not just hunger, but local credit systems, prices, and well-being.
1. Hunger got worse. As a Somali refugee interviewed by the researchers put it: “After the aid reduction, the lives of refugees become hard. That was the money sustaining them. […] Things are insufficient, and hunger is visible.”
Food insecurity was already widespread before the cut, with more than 90% of refugees classified as food insecure. Average caloric intake stood below 1,900 kcal per person per day – well under the World Food Programme’s 2,100 kcal target and about half the average daily calorie supply available to a US citizen.
Food insecurity further increased following the aid cut, with caloric intake falling by 145 kcal, a 7% decrease. The share of households eating one meal or less increased by 8 percentage points, from about 29% to 37%. At the same time, dietary diversity narrowed, indicating that households tried to mitigate the negative impacts of the aid cut by reducing the variety of foods they consumed.
2. Credit collapsed. As a refugee shopkeeper of Ethiopian origin reported: “When we give out credit we have a limit; since the aid is reduced, the credit is also reduced.”
Cash assistance in Kakuma is delivered through aid cards, which refugees routinely use as collateral to access food on credit. When transfers are delayed or unexpected expenses arise, refugees hand over their aid cards as a guarantee to trusted shopkeepers, allowing them to borrow food against next month’s aid.
But when assistance was cut, the value of this informal collateral plummeted. Retailers, fearing default, reduced lending or refused lending altogether. Informal credit from shopkeepers shrank by 9%. Many refugees reported being refused food on credit or having to repay past debt before receiving any new goods.
3. Households liquidated assets. With no access to credit, households began selling off possessions and drawing down food reserves. The average value of household assets fell by over 6% after the aid cut.
4. Psychological distress increased. The aid cut reduced self-reported sleep quality and happiness, indicating that reductions in aid go beyond physical impacts and also have psychological effects.
5. Prices fell. With reduced expenditure and purchasing power, the demand for food dropped, and food prices went down, partially offsetting the negative effects of the aid cut.
First, aid in contexts like Kakuma should not be treated as optional or discretionary, but as a structural necessity. It is the backbone of daily life. Mechanisms are needed to protect it from abrupt donor withdrawals.
Second, informal credit is not peripheral, it is central to economic life in refugee settings. In many camps, shopkeepers act as retailers and de facto financial institutions. When aid transfers serve as both income and collateral, cutting them risks collapsing this fragile credit system. Cash transfer programmes must therefore be designed with these dynamics in mind.
Olivier Sterck receives research funding from the IKEA Foundation, the World Bank, and The Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO).
Vittorio Bruni is affiliated with Oxford University
The Nigerian economy grew at a robust rate of 3.4% in 2024, the highest it has been since 2019 (except 2021 when the COVID rebound occurred).
This should have been cheering news, worthy of firecrackers and champagne-popping. Rather it came with a catch: the country’s poverty profile worsened.
In its annual review of the country, the World Bank applauded Nigeria for its economic reforms. These include the removal of fuel subsidies, liberalisation of the foreign exchange market and maintenance of a contractionary monetary policy. This is a policy of raising interest rates, reducing money supply and increasing borrowing costs to rein in inflation.
But the bank also drew attention to the fact that the country’s poverty profile has become grim. About 31% of Nigerians lived in poverty prior to the COVID-19 epidemic. Since then, an additional 42 million have become poor, increasing the poverty rate to about 46% in 2024.
Poverty is even worse in Nigeria’s rural communities: 75.5% live on US$2.15 or less per day (based on 2017 prices). The average poverty rate for sub-Saharan African countries was 36.5% in 2024 and 0.8% for East Asia and the Pacific.
Nigeria’s poverty rate would have been higher if the multidimensional poverty index had been used. In addition to income, the index considers access to education, health, decent housing, nutrition, sanitation, electricity and water. Access to these critical services has worsened for many Nigerians, despite improvements in macroeconomic stability.
A challenge for policy makers is how to translate impressive macroeconomic outcomes into high-paying jobs, lower poverty rates and access to health, good sanitation, education, electricity and affordable housing. The question is even more acute for people in rural areas.
As an economist who has studied the Nigerian economy for over four decades and lived in a rural community, I believe Nigeria needs a radical shift in its economic policy approach.
One major step should be a change in the country’s growth drivers. Oil, information and communications technology and finance are the major drivers of growth in Nigeria.
These sectors are not employment-intensive, and they require skills that most Nigerians don’t have. Because of the lack of employment opportunities in these sectors, most Nigerians gravitate towards the informal sector, which accounts for about 90% of employment in the country.
By continuing to urge Nigerians to be patient for economic reforms to have a positive impact on their living conditions, the Tinubu administration appears to assume that improvements in macroeconomic performance will eventually manifest in lower unemployment and poverty rates. This notion of “trickle-down economics” is misconceived and illusory.
The government needs to intentionally create transmission mechanisms through which economic growth and macroeconomic stability can raise living standards.
Fostering growth with development
Concerted efforts will be needed to target poverty in general, and rural poverty in particular.
Five key policies could get Nigeria closer to this goal:
Building productive capacities: People who live in rural areas in Nigeria are eager to work and full of creative ideas and entrepreneurial spirit. But they lack the resources and opportunity to fully unleash their potential.
Building their productive capacities would entail giving them access to basic education, technical and managerial skills, and other productive resources such as tools, equipment, finance and land. The government should identify the comparative advantage of different rural communities, and put in place policies that encourage those communities to use their comparative advantage and distinctive competencies.
Opportunity to diversify incomes: In developed countries, many people hold multiple jobs. Most rural dwellers in Nigeria, however, rely on agriculture as their only source of livelihood.
Because of limited access to inputs and modern technology, and outdated agricultural practices, their productivity is often very low. Their low income makes it difficult to save and invest in education, health and housing.
Non-agricultural activities, especially manufacturing, need to be located in rural communities, to give rural dwellers the opportunity to diversify their income sources.
Agriculture-led industrial strategy: This would involve the location of manufacturing plants close to the sources of agricultural raw materials.
Nigerian manufacturers locate their factories in urban areas. The result of urban-biased development strategy in Nigeria has been the lack of employment opportunities in rural communities, and a decline in the rural population, from about 85% in 1960 to 46% in 2023.
Moving manufacturing to rural areas would require massive investment in infrastructure such as electricity, water, roads and health services.
Ending patriarchy and male domination: Women disproportionately bear the burden of rural poverty in Nigeria. A study in rural south-east Nigeria found that the poverty rate among women was 98%, compared to 85% for men. Men are often given preference regarding access to land, education, skills acquisition and financial inclusion.
Women are also imbued with the responsibility of caring for children, the elderly and the sick, as well as household chores. This leaves them with little time for paid work or opportunities to acquire marketable skills.
Ability to absorb shocks and vulnerability: Rural poverty is often exacerbated by shocks and vulnerability such as extreme weather conditions, attacks by insurgents and other criminal groups, and illness. With no safety nets, and little or no saving, most rural dwellers are unable to withstand shocks.
The Tinubu administration plans to disburse N25,000 (about US$17) each to 60 million Nigerians. But these kinds of support are too small, non-pervasive, irregular and unpredictable.
Nigeria could do well to borrow from the Indian model of an institutionalised safety net.
India issues “ration cards” to eligible households. The cards enable poor people to purchase essential food items such as grains, milk, eggs, cooking oil and bread at subsidised prices from designated stores.
Nigeria could finance this kind of programme with a special tax on oil companies and financial institutions, which frequently post huge after-tax profits.
China has had an impressive record of poverty reduction. Using the US$1.90 poverty line, China’s poverty rate decreased from 88.1% in 1981 to 0.3% in 2018.
The fall in rural poverty is even more dramatic, from 96% in 1980 to 1% in 2019.
This reduction was accomplished in stages, starting with an increase in agricultural productivity. It then shifted focus to the development of non-agricultural sectors of the economy, including manufacturing. These sectors were able to draw surplus labour from the agricultural sector, giving them skills that led to higher wages and poverty alleviation.
The World Bank in its report noted that addressing pressing social and humanitarian challenges remains critical to ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth in Nigeria.
Cash transfers and social assistance programmes could provide temporary relief for the poor in rural communities. But a long-term solution is to build their productive capacities and transform rural communities in ways that provide opportunities for income diversification.
Stephen Onyeiwu does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)
President Cyril Ramaphosa engages with members of the media during a doorstop interaction, following his participation at the G7 Outreach Leaders Summit in Kananaskis, Canada.
Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)
President Cyril Ramaphosa arrives at the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge for the G7 Leaders Outreach Summit.
The President is welcomed by Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)
President Cyril Ramaphosa arrives at the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge for the G7 Leaders Outreach Summit.
The President is welcomed by Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Stephen Onyeiwu, Professor of Economics & Business, Allegheny College
The Nigerian economy grew at a robust rate of 3.4% in 2024, the highest it has been since 2019 (except 2021 when the COVID rebound occurred).
This should have been cheering news, worthy of firecrackers and champagne-popping. Rather it came with a catch: the country’s poverty profile worsened.
In its annual review of the country, the World Bank applauded Nigeria for its economic reforms. These include the removal of fuel subsidies, liberalisation of the foreign exchange market and maintenance of a contractionary monetary policy. This is a policy of raising interest rates, reducing money supply and increasing borrowing costs to rein in inflation.
But the bank also drew attention to the fact that the country’s poverty profile has become grim. About 31% of Nigerians lived in poverty prior to the COVID-19 epidemic. Since then, an additional 42 million have become poor, increasing the poverty rate to about 46% in 2024.
Poverty is even worse in Nigeria’s rural communities: 75.5% live on US$2.15 or less per day (based on 2017 prices). The average poverty rate for sub-Saharan African countries was 36.5% in 2024 and 0.8% for East Asia and the Pacific.
Nigeria’s poverty rate would have been higher if the multidimensional poverty index had been used. In addition to income, the index considers access to education, health, decent housing, nutrition, sanitation, electricity and water. Access to these critical services has worsened for many Nigerians, despite improvements in macroeconomic stability.
A challenge for policy makers is how to translate impressive macroeconomic outcomes into high-paying jobs, lower poverty rates and access to health, good sanitation, education, electricity and affordable housing. The question is even more acute for people in rural areas.
As an economist who has studied the Nigerian economy for over four decades and lived in a rural community, I believe Nigeria needs a radical shift in its economic policy approach.
One major step should be a change in the country’s growth drivers. Oil, information and communications technology and finance are the major drivers of growth in Nigeria.
These sectors are not employment-intensive, and they require skills that most Nigerians don’t have. Because of the lack of employment opportunities in these sectors, most Nigerians gravitate towards the informal sector, which accounts for about 90% of employment in the country.
By continuing to urge Nigerians to be patient for economic reforms to have a positive impact on their living conditions, the Tinubu administration appears to assume that improvements in macroeconomic performance will eventually manifest in lower unemployment and poverty rates. This notion of “trickle-down economics” is misconceived and illusory.
The government needs to intentionally create transmission mechanisms through which economic growth and macroeconomic stability can raise living standards.
Fostering growth with development
Concerted efforts will be needed to target poverty in general, and rural poverty in particular.
Five key policies could get Nigeria closer to this goal:
Building productive capacities: People who live in rural areas in Nigeria are eager to work and full of creative ideas and entrepreneurial spirit. But they lack the resources and opportunity to fully unleash their potential.
Building their productive capacities would entail giving them access to basic education, technical and managerial skills, and other productive resources such as tools, equipment, finance and land. The government should identify the comparative advantage of different rural communities, and put in place policies that encourage those communities to use their comparative advantage and distinctive competencies.
Opportunity to diversify incomes: In developed countries, many people hold multiple jobs. Most rural dwellers in Nigeria, however, rely on agriculture as their only source of livelihood.
Because of limited access to inputs and modern technology, and outdated agricultural practices, their productivity is often very low. Their low income makes it difficult to save and invest in education, health and housing.
Non-agricultural activities, especially manufacturing, need to be located in rural communities, to give rural dwellers the opportunity to diversify their income sources.
Agriculture-led industrial strategy: This would involve the location of manufacturing plants close to the sources of agricultural raw materials.
Nigerian manufacturers locate their factories in urban areas. The result of urban-biased development strategy in Nigeria has been the lack of employment opportunities in rural communities, and a decline in the rural population, from about 85% in 1960 to 46% in 2023.
Moving manufacturing to rural areas would require massive investment in infrastructure such as electricity, water, roads and health services.
Ending patriarchy and male domination: Women disproportionately bear the burden of rural poverty in Nigeria. A study in rural south-east Nigeria found that the poverty rate among women was 98%, compared to 85% for men. Men are often given preference regarding access to land, education, skills acquisition and financial inclusion.
Women are also imbued with the responsibility of caring for children, the elderly and the sick, as well as household chores. This leaves them with little time for paid work or opportunities to acquire marketable skills.
Ability to absorb shocks and vulnerability: Rural poverty is often exacerbated by shocks and vulnerability such as extreme weather conditions, attacks by insurgents and other criminal groups, and illness. With no safety nets, and little or no saving, most rural dwellers are unable to withstand shocks.
The Tinubu administration plans to disburse N25,000 (about US$17) each to 60 million Nigerians. But these kinds of support are too small, non-pervasive, irregular and unpredictable.
Nigeria could do well to borrow from the Indian model of an institutionalised safety net.
India issues “ration cards” to eligible households. The cards enable poor people to purchase essential food items such as grains, milk, eggs, cooking oil and bread at subsidised prices from designated stores.
Nigeria could finance this kind of programme with a special tax on oil companies and financial institutions, which frequently post huge after-tax profits.
China has had an impressive record of poverty reduction. Using the US$1.90 poverty line, China’s poverty rate decreased from 88.1% in 1981 to 0.3% in 2018.
The fall in rural poverty is even more dramatic, from 96% in 1980 to 1% in 2019.
This reduction was accomplished in stages, starting with an increase in agricultural productivity. It then shifted focus to the development of non-agricultural sectors of the economy, including manufacturing. These sectors were able to draw surplus labour from the agricultural sector, giving them skills that led to higher wages and poverty alleviation.
The World Bank in its report noted that addressing pressing social and humanitarian challenges remains critical to ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth in Nigeria.
Cash transfers and social assistance programmes could provide temporary relief for the poor in rural communities. But a long-term solution is to build their productive capacities and transform rural communities in ways that provide opportunities for income diversification.
– Nigeria’s economy is growing but rural poverty is rising: 5 key policies to address the divide – https://theconversation.com/nigerias-economy-is-growing-but-rural-poverty-is-rising-5-key-policies-to-address-the-divide-257152
Humanitarian needs are rising around the world. At the same time, major donors such as the US and the UK are pulling back support, placing increasing strain on already overstretched aid systems.
Global humanitarian needs have quadrupled since 2015, driven by new conflicts in Sudan, Ukraine and Gaza. Added to these are protracted crises in Yemen, Somalia, South Sudan, and DR Congo, among others. Yet donor funding has failed to keep pace, covering less than half of the requested US$50 billion in 2024, leaving millions without assistance.
As funding shortfalls widen, humanitarian agencies increasingly face tough choices: reducing the scale of operations, pausing essential services, or cancelling programmes altogether. Disruptions to aid delivery have become a routine feature of humanitarian operations.
Yet few rigorous studies have provided hard evidence of the consequences for affected populations.
A recent study from one of the world’s largest refugee camps in Kenya fills this gap.
Our research team from the University of Oxford and the University of Antwerp was already studying Kakuma camp and then had an opportunity to see what happened when aid was cut. We observed the impact of a 20% aid cut that occurred in 2023.
The study reveals that cuts to humanitarian assistance had dramatic impacts on hunger and psychological distress, with cascading effects on local credit systems and prices of goods.
Kakuma refugee camp
Kakuma is home to more than 300,000 refugees, who mostly came from South Sudan (49%), Somalia (16%), and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) (10%). They have been housed here since 1992. With widespread poverty, lack of income opportunities, and aid making up over 90% of household income, survival in the camp hinges on humanitarian support from UN organisations.
When the research began in late 2022, most refugees in Kakuma received a combination of in-kind and cash transfers from the World Food Programme. Transfers were worth US$17 per person per month, barely enough to cover the bare essentials: food, firewood and medicine.
Over the span of a year, the research team tracked 622 South Sudanese refugee households, interviewing them monthly to monitor how their living conditions evolved in response to the timing and level of aid they received. We also gathered weekly price data on 70 essential goods and conducted more than 250 in-depth interviews with refugees, shopkeepers, and humanitarian staff to understand the broader impacts.
Then came the cut. In July 2023, assistance was reduced by 20%, just as the research team was conducting its eighth round of data collection. This sudden reduction in humanitarian aid created a rare opportunity to assess the effects of an aid cut on both recipients and the markets they depend on.
Consequences of aid cut
The 20% cut in humanitarian aid had cascading effects, affecting not just hunger, but local credit systems, prices, and well-being.
1. Hunger got worse. As a Somali refugee interviewed by the researchers put it: “After the aid reduction, the lives of refugees become hard. That was the money sustaining them. […] Things are insufficient, and hunger is visible.”
Food insecurity was already widespread before the cut, with more than 90% of refugees classified as food insecure. Average caloric intake stood below 1,900 kcal per person per day – well under the World Food Programme’s 2,100 kcal target and about half the average daily calorie supply available to a US citizen.
Food insecurity further increased following the aid cut, with caloric intake falling by 145 kcal, a 7% decrease. The share of households eating one meal or less increased by 8 percentage points, from about 29% to 37%. At the same time, dietary diversity narrowed, indicating that households tried to mitigate the negative impacts of the aid cut by reducing the variety of foods they consumed.
2. Credit collapsed. As a refugee shopkeeper of Ethiopian origin reported: “When we give out credit we have a limit; since the aid is reduced, the credit is also reduced.”
Cash assistance in Kakuma is delivered through aid cards, which refugees routinely use as collateral to access food on credit. When transfers are delayed or unexpected expenses arise, refugees hand over their aid cards as a guarantee to trusted shopkeepers, allowing them to borrow food against next month’s aid.
But when assistance was cut, the value of this informal collateral plummeted. Retailers, fearing default, reduced lending or refused lending altogether. Informal credit from shopkeepers shrank by 9%. Many refugees reported being refused food on credit or having to repay past debt before receiving any new goods.
3. Households liquidated assets. With no access to credit, households began selling off possessions and drawing down food reserves. The average value of household assets fell by over 6% after the aid cut.
4. Psychological distress increased. The aid cut reduced self-reported sleep quality and happiness, indicating that reductions in aid go beyond physical impacts and also have psychological effects.
5. Prices fell. With reduced expenditure and purchasing power, the demand for food dropped, and food prices went down, partially offsetting the negative effects of the aid cut.
First, aid in contexts like Kakuma should not be treated as optional or discretionary, but as a structural necessity. It is the backbone of daily life. Mechanisms are needed to protect it from abrupt donor withdrawals.
Second, informal credit is not peripheral, it is central to economic life in refugee settings. In many camps, shopkeepers act as retailers and de facto financial institutions. When aid transfers serve as both income and collateral, cutting them risks collapsing this fragile credit system. Cash transfer programmes must therefore be designed with these dynamics in mind.
– What happens when aid is cut to a large refugee camp? Kenyan study paints a bleak picture – https://theconversation.com/what-happens-when-aid-is-cut-to-a-large-refugee-camp-kenyan-study-paints-a-bleak-picture-259055
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Sexual predator has prison sentence increased
A sexual predator who posed as a 12-year-old to obtain explicit photos from children has sentence increased following the Solicitor General’s intervention.
Joshua Wilson (26) from Bedworth, Warwickshire, had his sentence increased by one year and ten months after the case was referred to the Court of Appeal by the Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP, under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.
The Court heard that between May and September 2023, Wilson contacted two children on social media. He requested nude images and sent sexually explicit images of himself to one of them.
In October 2024, following his arrest and whilst on bail, Wilson contacted a nine-year-old girl on social media.
Posing as a 12-year-old boy, Wilson video called her and requested she show her genitals to him.
Wilson was also found to be in possession of numerous indecent images of children and had uploaded some onto an instant messaging service.
The Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP said:
Joshua Wilson’s crimes were sickening. He sought to befriend and sexually exploit vulnerable children.
I welcome the Court of Appeal’s decision to increase his sentence following my intervention.
On 7 March 2025, Wilson was sentenced to four years imprisonment for three counts of making indecent photographs of children, one count of attempting to cause a child to watch a sexual act, one count of distributing indecent photographs of children, four counts of sexual communication with a child, one count of causing a child to watch a sexual act, and one count of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.
On 17 June 2025, Wilson’s sentence was increased to five years and 10 months after it was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
An observational study published in JAMA looks at addictive screen use, suicidal behaviours and mental health in adolescents.
Dr Amy Orben, Programme Leader Track Scientist at the MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, said:
“The study suggests that poor mental health in young people is not directly linked to how much time they spend using technologies like social media. Instead, those who increasingly feel they use technologies compulsively, use them to avoid their problems, or feel their use is harming their lives (e.g., schoolwork) are more likely to report mental health issues or suicidal thoughts later on. The study cannot prove that technologies use causes these problems, and it could be that other unmeasured factors, such as young people’s ability to self-control, is the root cause for both higher reported problems with technology use and lower mental health. Yet the study importantly highlights that why and how young people use technologies, and how they feel technologies affect their lives, may matter more to their mental health than the time spent online. As those reporting such issues are not a small proportion of the population, supporting them should be taken seriously.”
Prof Lisa Henderson, Head of Department of Psychology, University of York, said:
“This paper is critical and timely, contributing a much-needed large-scale longitudinal analysis to the debate on digital harms in young people. The data points span a relatively recent period (2016-22), relatively more representative of the current digital landscape than many existing longitudinal datasets and meta-analyses. The authors adopt an innovative, fine-grained measurement approach, going beyond simple screen time metrics (which incidentally did not correlate with the mental health outcome measures) to model trajectories of additive use via latent class linear mixed models, separately for gaming, social media and phone use. The latter is particularly crucial, with existing evidence suggesting that the type (not just the amount) of digital activity is important when considering risks for mental health. The findings are alarming, showing that 1 in 2 had a high addictive use trajectory for video games, 1 in 3 for social media and 1 in 4 for mobile phone use, although some caution should be taken in extrapolating these findings to now given this study spanned the pandemic. We also need to determine the neurobiological and psychological mechanisms that underlie the relationships between addictive use and mental health outcomes. For example, converging evidence suggests that sleep disturbance may be a mediating mechanism here. Relatedly, this study did not directly address bidirectionality – that young people at greater risk of mental health problems may be more likely to turn to digital activities such as video gaming and social media, with this in turn feeding a further downward spiral in mental health. Finally, despite the innovative approach to characterising screen time, the study is nevertheless limited by a reliance on self-report measures which are prone to subjectivity and bias.”
Prof Chris Ferguson, Professor of Psychology, Stetson University, said:
“There are two take aways from this study. One is that time spent on screens does not predict mental health. The second is that for some kids overusing screens can be a red flag for other problems. It would be a mistake to think that removing screens would solve those problems…this study doesn’t show that. However, screen overuse can be a sign that kids are stressed in other areas. Other studies suggest this typically comes from schools and families not the screens themselves.”
‘Addictive Screen Use Trajectories and Suicidal Behaviors, Suicidal Ideation, and Mental Health in US Youths’ by first author et al. was published in JAMA at 16:00 UK time on Wednesday 18th June.
DOI: 10.1001/jama.2025.7829
Declaredinterests
Dr Amy Orben: “In the past 36 months, AO has received funding from the Jacobs Foundation, UK Research and Innovation (incl. Medical Research Council, Economic and Social Research Council and Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council), the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, National Institute of Health, University of Cambridge, Emmanuel College of the University of Cambridge and the Livelihood Impact Fund. She was an unpaid member of the ESRC Smart Data Research UK Programme Board, British Academy Public Policy Committee, UK Department for Education Science Advisory Council, UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport College of Experts, Australian eSafety Commissioner Social Media Minimum Age Evaluation Academic Advisory Group, and a paid member of the Digital Futures for Children Centre Advisory Board. She has received payment for lectures from SWGfL and Apple University; she also received consulting fees from Innovate UK through Opalescent LTD.”
Prof Lisa Henderson: I have no conflicts of interest to declare.
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council is launching a new video campaign to help shine a light on the important work of the ABC Community Food Hub and our network of Social Supermarkets and Wraparound Services.
The campaign will feature ten short, easy-to-watch videos that explain what social supermarkets are, how they support people through tough times with food and essentials, the wraparound services provided by partners such as Community Advice ABC and practical suggestions on how the public and local businesses can get involved. These will be shared across social media platforms throughout June, July and beyond.
At a time when many people are feeling the pressure of the cost-of-living crisis, social supermarkets offer a vital helping hand to the most vulnerable residents in our borough. The ABC Community Food Hub already plays a key role in tackling food insecurity—and now, with more awareness and support, we can all help it go further.
“Our social supermarkets and food hubs play a crucial role in supporting vulnerable people throughout the year,” said Alderman Stephen Moutray, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon.
“This campaign is a great way to raise awareness and encourage everyone – residents and businesses alike – to come together and make a real difference in our community.”
Whether you’re a resident who wants to lend a hand or a business looking to give back, there are lots of ways to support. From food donations to financial help and volunteering, every contribution makes a real difference.
Even the smallest donation can go a long way. A tin of soup, a bag of rice, or a few toiletries can help feed a family and remind someone that their community cares.
Let’s work together to support the food banks and social supermarkets that are doing incredible work every day across the ABC Borough.
Watch the videos, spread the word, and help us help others.
Social Supermarket and Wraparound Service personnel and two engagement organisations. Freedom Foods Pantry ABC Community Food Hub The Bridge Pantry, Banbridge Stepping Stones Pantry, Armagh Community Advice, ABC Café IncredAble St John the Baptist College The Larder Pantry, Via WingsLord Mayor Alderman Stephen Moutray launches the new video campaign to highlight the vital work of social supermarkets. He is pictured with organisations who work with council to ensure social supermarkets are available to all.
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
A “University of Entrepreneurs” will appear in Moscow. It will start working on September 1, 2025. This is a joint project Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Development of the City of Moscow, the Agency for Strategic Initiatives (ASI) and the ANO “Human Capital Development”. The key element in it will be workshops of famous Russian businessmen, where they, using scientific developments and the infrastructure of partner universities, will work together with students and research staff to create new business projects.
During the session “Interaction of Science, Business and the State as the Basis of Russia’s Technological Sovereignty” held on June 18 at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, organized by the Moscow Government and ASI, experts discussed how to translate scientific knowledge and university research into working business products and what models of interaction between all parties – the state, the business sector and universities – allow this to be done effectively.
Leading representatives of business, science and government took part in the dialogue. Among them was the head of the Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Development of the City of Moscow Kristina Kostroma, General Director of the ANO “University of Entrepreneurs” Grigory Gorchakov, Rector of the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology Dmitry Livanov and others.
“The potential of modern universities allows them to become full-fledged participants in the innovative transformation that our country is actively experiencing today. Thanks to research and high-tech projects, universities are becoming centers for generating ideas and innovative solutions. The University of Entrepreneurs, which is based on the symbiosis of business and science, will allow fundamental projects to quickly find application in the real sector of the economy, creating an opportunity for the formation of start-ups and the commercialization of scientific developments,” noted Kristina Kostroma.
The experts also discussed the development strategy and the plan for implementing the university’s program for 2025. The main focus was on approaches to overcoming the difficulties of coordination between universities, the scientific community and business when introducing technological products to the market. The participants considered the mechanisms of effective interaction necessary for the successful launch and implementation of projects aimed at achieving technological sovereignty.
Following the discussion, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Aquarius Group of Companies, Alexey Kalinin, presented a manifesto on the interaction of science, business and the state, initiated by the ANO University of Entrepreneurs and the Gorki International Business School. The document emphasizes that the creation and development of a technology business, as well as the achievement of technological sovereignty, should be based not only on commercial and innovative components, but also on the common value guidelines of all participants in the process.
“This platform is critically important for discussing approaches to coordinating the efforts of universities, science and entrepreneurs. Each of these groups has its own characteristics and interests. Our task is to create conditions under which these interests will be taken into account, which will ensure a high-quality contribution to science and the subsequent transformation of scientific developments into technologies in demand by the market. The presentation of the manifesto is an important step in the formation of this cooperation based on common values,” said Alexander Vaino, Director of the Young Professionals direction of the ASI, member of the Supervisory Board of the University of Entrepreneurs program.
Twenty entrepreneurs — market leaders — have already confirmed their participation in the project. They include Andrey Krivenko (JSC VkusVill, agrotechnologies), Mikhail Goncharov (JSC Teremok, foodtech), Andrey Davidyuk (co-founder of Motorika) and others. The University of Entrepreneurs will become a place for business where entrepreneurs will have direct access to the best developments of leading Russian universities, scientific infrastructure, laboratories, and intellectual capital.
The result of the interaction of the “University of Entrepreneurs” with business will be the launch of hundreds of technological startups, the integration of scientific developments into business practice and the formation of a sustainable ecosystem. In this environment, entrepreneurs will gain access to promising ideas, and students will gain invaluable practical experience and opportunities to scale their developments to the level of a market product, contributing to the strengthening of Russia’s technological sovereignty.
After the session, a ceremonial signing of cooperation agreements took place between the ANO “University of Entrepreneurs” and eight leading universities of the country. Among them are the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, the National Research University “Higher School of Economics”, the National Research Nuclear University “Moscow Engineering Physics Institute”, the National University of Science and Technology “MISIS”, the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, the First Moscow State Medical University named after I.M. Sechenov and the Central University. As part of the signed agreements, a project was created where scientists, business teams and students will develop innovative solutions for key sectors of the Russian economy.
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.
Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 18 (Xinhua) — Shi Taifeng, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Organizational Work Department of the CPC Central Committee, met in Beijing on Wednesday with a delegation of senior cadres of the Sri Lanka People’s Liberation Front (SPLF) Party led by Party General Secretary Tilwin Silva.
As Shi Taifeng noted, China is ready to work with Sri Lanka, using the important agreements reached by the heads of state as a strategic guideline, to develop mutually beneficial cooperation in such areas as high-quality collective construction of the Belt and Road, deepen the exchange of experience in governing the party and state, and jointly build a community of shared future for China and Sri Lanka.
T. Silva, for his part, assured that Sri Lanka is ready to implement the important agreements reached by the leaders of the two countries, further deepen inter-party ties and strengthen Sri Lankan-Chinese friendship. –0–
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
YEREVAN, June 18 (Xinhua) — Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has dismissed Director of the National Security Service (NSS) Armen Abazyan, who has held the post since November 2020. The corresponding decree was published on the website of the Armenian government on Wednesday.
The reasons for this decision are not stated in the official document, but N. Pashinyan, during a conversation with journalists in the National Assembly /parliament/ of Armenia, said: “The entire process of his tenure in this post was extremely difficult. I think he deserves a little rest, because working for five years in tense conditions as the director of the National Security Service, as you understand, is not easy.”
The head of the Armenian government temporarily assigned the duties of the head of the service to the deputy director of the National Security Service Andranik Simonyan. –0–
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
ANKARA, June 18 (Xinhua) — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday said he supports Iran’s right to self-defense in the conflict with Israel.
Addressing his party members in parliament, he noted that “it is legitimate and lawful for Iran to defend itself against the banditry and state terrorism of Israel.”
“We are doing everything in our power to stop this inhuman aggression not only against Gaza, but also against Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and our neighbor Iran. The end of Israeli aggression is necessary for all humanity,” the Turkish leader emphasized.
R.T. Erdogan added that Turkey is preparing for possible problems and different scenarios due to the ongoing Israeli-Iranian conflict. “All our institutions are on high alert due to the possible consequences of these attacks on Turkey,” the president said. –0–
Authorities are urging people to avoid unlawfully feeding wildlife after a close encounter with a cassowary.
Security video from south Mission Beach on May 09 shows a habituated male cassowary and his chick approaching a home in the hopes of being fed.
The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation is urging people in cassowary habitat to stop feeding them.
Wildlife Ranger Jeff Lewis said feeding cassowaries changes their behaviour, creating significant risks for people and our iconic endangered birds.
“This incident is one of several cassowary interactions in the area which are linked to unlawful feeding,” Mr Lewis said.
“Thankfully the mother and child were able to get inside to safety, but it’s an important reminder to not interfere with wildlife.
“In April, a man in his seventies was kicked in the leg by a cassowary which approached him expecting food. He was treated for a cut to his leg and was lucky the injuries weren’t worse.
“These incidents are stark examples of the dangers of feeding cassowaries.
“Local wildlife rangers have been warning people of the risks, installing signage and providing education, but the unlawful feeding persists.
“When cassowaries associate humans with food, they can become impatient and aggressive, particularly when accompanied by chicks.
“We encourage anyone with information in relation to unlawful feeding to report it to the Department.”
If you encounter a cassowary displaying concerning behaviour or see one injured, contact 1300 130 372. For general sightings.
Cassowaries can inflict serious injuries to people and pets by kicking out with their large, clawed feet. People are asked to Be cass-o-wary at all times in the Wet Tropics.
Never approach cassowaries.
Never approach chicks – male cassowaries will defend them.
Never feed cassowaries – it is illegal, dangerous and has caused cassowary deaths.
Always discard food scraps in closed bins and ensure compost bins have secure lids.
Slow down when driving in cassowary habitat.
Never stop your vehicle to look at cassowaries on the road.
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
SPC AC 181254
Day 1 Convective Outlook NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 0754 AM CDT Wed Jun 18 2025
Valid 181300Z – 191200Z
…THERE IS AN ENHANCED RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS PARTS OF SOUTHEAST MISSOURI INTO SOUTHERN/EASTERN ILLINOIS…WESTERN KENTUCKY…INDIANA…WESTERN OHIO…AND SOUTHERN LOWER MICHIGAN…
…SUMMARY… Severe thunderstorms are expected today from parts of southern Missouri northeastward to the southern Great Lakes. Scattered to numerous damaging winds, isolated large hail, and a few tornadoes all appear possible. Strong to severe thunderstorms may also develop across parts of the southern Plains, northern Plains/Upper Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic.
…Mid Mississippi/Ohio Valleys to the Southern Great Lakes… Embedded within large-scale upper troughing, a well-defined MCV evident on radar and visible satellite imagery over MO this morning will quickly advance northeastward today across the mid MS Valley into the Midwest, and eventually the southern Great Lakes this evening. This feature will likely aid robust thunderstorm development across parts of eastern IL into IN and vicinity by late morning/early afternoon. Sufficient low-level and deep-layer shear will exist across the Midwest for updraft organization, including supercells. However, convection may quickly become linear; so, it remains unclear how long a supercell hail/tornado threat will exist. Regardless, filtered daytime heating of a rather moist low-level airmass will aid the development of at least moderate instability downstream of any convection that develops.
With 40-50 kt of low/mid-level southwesterly flow forecast across parts of the mid MS Valley into the OH Valley/Midwest and steepening low-level lapse rates through the day, scattered to perhaps numerous damaging winds appear likely with organized clusters/bows spreading east-northeastward across these regions through the afternoon and early evening. The severe wind threat should extend as far north as parts of southern Lower MI, along/near a surface front. Some risk for line-embedded tornadoes may also exist. By mid to late evening, these clusters should gradually weaken as they continue eastward into a less unstable environment across the OH Valley. But, they may still pose some threat for damaging winds for as long as they can remain surface based.
…Southern Plains to the Mid-South… Ongoing convection across central OK may continue to pose an isolated hail/wind threat in the short term this morning, before eventually weakening as the nocturnal low-level jet aiding this activity slowly subsides. In the wake of these early-day thunderstorms, ample daytime heating of a seasonably moist airmass is anticipated along/south of a convectively reinforced cold front, with moderate to strong instability expected. The southern Plains will be on the southern periphery of upper troughing across the mid/upper MS Valley today, but enhanced mid-level winds should still be present from parts of OK eastward into AR and the Mid-South.
Multiple bands/clusters should form this afternoon along/south of the front in a favorable thermodynamic environment given the continued presence of steep mid-level lapse rates, especially across OK/TX. While deep-layer shear is not forecast to be overly strong, it should still be sufficient for updraft organization, including the potential for a few supercells. Initial development this afternoon may pose more of a severe hail threat, before clustering occurs and the risk for severe/damaging winds increases with eastward/southward extent later in the afternoon and continuing into the evening.
…Northern Plains/Upper Midwest… Behind upper troughing over the mid/upper MS Valley, northwesterly mid-level flow around 25-40 kt should be present today over portions of the northern Plains and Upper Midwest. Low-level moisture is expected to remain fairly limited, with surface dewpoints mostly in the 50s. Even so, steepened low/mid-level lapse rates are anticipated through the afternoon, along with weak to moderate instability. While large-scale ascent should remain weak, widely scattered thunderstorms may still form and spread east-southeastward, with some threat for isolated severe wind gusts and marginally severe hail this afternoon and early evening. Modest deep-layer shear should keep the overall severe threat fairly isolated/marginal.
…Mid-Atlantic… Within modestly enhanced mid-level southwesterly flow, an embedded weak perturbation is forecast move northeastward today from the southern/central Appalachians across the southern Mid-Atlantic. A moist low-level airmass in place across this region, with surface dewpoints generally in the upper 60s to low 70s. Ample daytime heating will likely foster moderate to locally strong instability along/east of the Blue Ridge Mountains by mid afternoon. Current expectations are for thunderstorms to develop initially over the higher terrain and move eastward in a modest deep-layer shear environment. Some thunderstorm organization should occur, with multicells as the main convective mode. This activity may pose some threat for damaging winds this afternoon and evening until it moves off the Atlantic Coast or weakens with the loss of daytime heating.
..Gleason/Kerr.. 06/18/2025
CLICK TO GET WUUS01 PTSDY1 PRODUCT
NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 1 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 1630Z
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Current Mesoscale DiscussionsUpdated: Wed Jun 18 15:09:02 UTC 2025 No Mesoscale Discussions are currently in effect.
Notice: The responsibility for Heavy Rain Mesoscale Discussions has been transferred to the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) on April 9, 2013. Click here for the Service Change Notice. Archived Convective ProductsTo view convective products for a previous day, type in the date you wish to retrieve (e.g. 20040529 for May 29, 2004). Data available since January 1, 2004.
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Note: The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports. SEL2
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Tornado Watch Number 432 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 945 AM CDT Wed Jun 18 2025
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Tornado Watch for portions of Central and Southern Illinois Eastern Missouri
* Effective this Wednesday morning and afternoon from 945 AM until 400 PM CDT.
* Primary threats include… A couple tornadoes possible Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2 inches in diameter possible
SUMMARY…Thunderstorms are expected to rapidly develop over eastern Missouri and western Illinois this morning, tracking northeastward across the watch area. Large hail and damaging winds are possible, along with an increasing risk of a few tornadoes with time.
The tornado watch area is approximately along and 80 statute miles east and west of a line from 50 miles north northeast of Peoria IL to 30 miles south of Carbondale IL. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU2).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.
&&
AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 2 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector 24035.
…Hart
SEL2
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Tornado Watch Number 432 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 945 AM CDT Wed Jun 18 2025
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Tornado Watch for portions of Central and Southern Illinois Eastern Missouri
* Effective this Wednesday morning and afternoon from 945 AM until 400 PM CDT.
* Primary threats include… A couple tornadoes possible Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2 inches in diameter possible
SUMMARY…Thunderstorms are expected to rapidly develop over eastern Missouri and western Illinois this morning, tracking northeastward across the watch area. Large hail and damaging winds are possible, along with an increasing risk of a few tornadoes with time.
The tornado watch area is approximately along and 80 statute miles east and west of a line from 50 miles north northeast of Peoria IL to 30 miles south of Carbondale IL. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU2).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.
&&
AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 2 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector 24035.
…Hart
Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas. SAW2 WW 432 TORNADO IL MO 181445Z – 182100Z AXIS..80 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE.. 50NNE PIA/PEORIA IL/ – 30S MDH/CARBONDALE IL/ ..AVIATION COORDS.. 70NM E/W /17NE BDF – 51ESE FAM/ HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..2 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS. MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 24035.
LAT…LON 41338777 37348779 37349071 41339085
THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS FOR WOU2.
Watch 432 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.
Note: Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes
Probability of 2 or more tornadoes
Mod (40%)
Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes
Low (20%)
Wind
Probability of 10 or more severe wind events
Mod (60%)
Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots
Low (20%)
Hail
Probability of 10 or more severe hail events
Mod (40%)
Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches
Mod (30%)
Combined Severe Hail/Wind
Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events
High (90%)
For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.
Researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory wanted to find out whether tomatoes would grow better using a specifically designed light filter that leverages a rapidly emerging photovoltaic cell technology that’s more flexible, lightweight, and inexpensive. Image by Wayne Hicks, NREL
Experiments lead to a greater understanding, deeper insights, and sometimes they even bear fruit. That was certainly the case last summer at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), where researchers nurtured a dozen tomato plants.
Tucked into a corner on the second floor of the Field Test Laboratory Building, the plants were housed in two custom greenhouses. Six were exposed to the full solar spectrum, serving as a control to the six plants grown under less light. The reduced sunlight reaching the other plants was filtered through purplish panels so that only the spectrum most beneficial to the tomatoes would reach them.
The experiment was meant to prove the effectiveness of what is called a BioMatch, which enables the exact spectrum of light that best suits the physiological needs of the plant to pass through organic semiconducting materials found in solar cells. Now in the second year of the multi-disciplinary project known as “No Photon Left Behind,” the researchers determined limiting the spectrum made the tomatoes grow faster and bigger than those under direct sunlight.
“When light comes into contact with a plant, there are a lot of things that can happen. Different physiological pathways are triggered based on the type and amount of light. Those physiological pathways often determine productivity of the plant,” said Bryon Larson, an NREL chemist with expertise in organic photovoltaics (OPV) and principal investigator on the project. “We are studying what happens to plants when sunlight is filtered into only the spectrum and dose the plant needs, which is the plant light requirement, and we can produce that through the concept of BioMatched spectral harvesting, while using the light plants don’t need to make electricity with transparent OPV modules.”
Earlier Efforts Focused on Algae
Researchers grew the tomatoes adjacent to a lab space devoted to algae. In fact, the initial experiments on this project involved algae. They covered bottles containing the single-cell organism with a BioMatched photovoltaic filter intended to stimulate optimal growth. Rather than the months it takes to grow tomatoes, the work on algae proved fruitful over a single weekend.
Lieve Laurens, a plant biologist who heads NREL’s algae research, serves as the co-PI on the project. “We demonstrated that the cells grew faster, yielding more biomass, even though a large part of the spectrum was removed and the algae received fewer photons overall,” she said. “We found that photosynthetic algae had a much higher rate of converting photons to electrons to biomass, so it was great. So naturally we asked the question if the same effects would translate to plants and crops, where you could get the same yield with only the light spectrum the crop needs, without needing to bounce back the light it doesn’t need as wasted photons.”
Those findings showed the science was sound, provided preliminary data, and gave the researchers confidence to make their pitch for funding from the Laboratory Directed Research and Development program. A dedicated greenhouse would have been ideal, but the scientists had to make do with the available space.
NREL researchers Bryon Larson and Lieve Larens pose in the Field Test Laboratory Building where a variety of plants are grown, including tomatoes. Photo by Gregory Cooper, NREL
Photovoltaics capture sunlight and convert it to electricity. The OPV filters for the algae and the tomatoes do not generate electricity, but the eventual goal would be to incorporate BioMatched materials into semitransparent solar panels that supply power to a greenhouse while letting plant light shine through.
“When full spectrum light shines on a plant, the light contains both productive and damaging photons, and plants have to deal with un-needed light by expending energy to protect itself,” Larson said. “Algae have to do that. Regular plants have to do that. If you were to take the useful vs non-useful wavelengths of light that you need to separate out, collect the non-useful part for electricity and send the other bit through for plant growth, you’ve now designed a system that’s overall more efficiently using solar energy because it’s spectrally binning it into different functions—plant growth through photosynthesis versus electricity generation through photovoltaics. This is a unique element of our work, hence, No Photon Left Behind.”
The makeshift greenhouses each stand about eight feet tall, four feet wide. The sunlight coming into the room appears from a wall of windows behind the plants and skylights above them. Three evaporative coolers on the roof keep moist air circulating. A refrigerator sits on the other side of the room, filled with ripe beefsteak tomatoes. Many are the size of a baseball. The tomatoes won’t win any prizes for looks; they were plucked on a schedule, which gave the skin on some of the fast-growing fruit time to split.
Seth Steichen, a biologist who works with Laurens, has kept a close watch on the tomatoes, assisted by Kelly Groves. They have seen the plants grown under the OPV BioMatched Light stretch higher than the neighboring plants treated to full sun exposure. Even though the control plants receive 30% more light, the OPV plants are selectively bathed in the slice of the solar spectrum they crave.
“For laboratory experiments, these particularly bright tomatoes are pretty much unheard of,” Steichen said. “Basically, no one does lab experiments on these. Because of their size, their relatively long lifecycle, those are the reasons why they’re not commonly used for lab experiments. These are the most commonly grown variety of tomato in greenhouses in the U.S., so that is the reason why these are growing here right now, to make the most real-world connection possible.”
The regularly conducted tests considered such factors as size, weight, and photosynthetic yield, which measures how well the plants convert light into biomass. The tomatoes grown under BioMatched filters came out ahead.
“By and large, these are slightly more efficient in terms of photosynthetic yield than the control plants,” Steichen said, gesturing toward the plants under the filtered light. “The overall concept here is that you can still remove some of the light and convert it to electrons while still maintaining the same amount of fruit yield. This is just a test of whether or not that works with this given light-filtering chemistry, basically.”
Researcher Seth Steichen inspects tomato plants in NREL’s Field Test Laboratory Building. Photo by Gregory Cooper, NREL
Plants Absorb Light To Fuel Growth
The most widely used solar cells are inorganic and made from a singular material, specifically silicon. But NREL researchers have been pioneering work in solar cells based on organic semiconductors, which are made using synthetic chemistry. These organic photovoltaic devices have shown promise and potential to produce highly efficient cells that are also flexible, lightweight, and inexpensive.
Larson has accumulated a database of organic semiconductor properties during his more than 15 years at NREL, which allows him to select—or BioMatch—compounds that will produce the right spectrum for a particular plant. Plants convert light to chemical energy needed for growth. After calculating the amount of light a plant needs, the team uses a software program they created to generate BioMatch compositions based on a given plant light requirement. The team then scales up thin-film deposition processes to produce appropriate filters to allow only the desired spectrum to reach the plants. To show the reverse is also true, they have shown the anti-BioMatch filters will quickly starve a plant of light.
“I was worried when summer arrived nine months into the project, ideal conditions for tomato experiments,” Larson said about the shift from experimenting with algae. “What if we’re taking too big of a jump going from these single-cell organisms to far more complicated multicellular plants?”
But being able to put the BioMatch concept to test against growing tomatoes, he said, “is a bit of a dream come true. I mean, the fact that we got to grow tomatoes in the first year was way ahead of what the project was originally drawn up to do.” The confidence gained from experimenting with model algae strains convinced the researchers to take advantage of the summer growing season right then rather than wait until the second year of the project.
“When you’re doing experiments that rely on the weather, you don’t have much of a choice but to ‘make hay when the sun is shining’ as they say,” Larson said. “It was a choice to pull forward the experiment. Not wait for it. It panned out.”
The research could play an important role in the emerging field of agrivoltaics, in which various plants are grown near and beneath rows of solar panels, or help design next-generation energy-efficient greenhouses. The panels can be tailored to BioMatch the ideal light spectrum a plant needs, regardless of what species, or where on the planet you want to grow it, within reason.
But How Do They Taste?
With the experiment concluded that revealed the tomatoes grown beneath the OPV had accelerated growth, one final test had to be conducted.
“We’ve been all just licking our lips, waiting for the taste test,” said Larson, adding that he would be “personally very sad” if the tomatoes turned out to be tasteless given how promising the plants appeared by eye. The light reaching the tomatoes activates different functions, such as making sugar to sweeten the fruits and proteins to change the texture. “The taste test will be the final hurrah.”
Unlike most experiments conducted at NREL, this project ended with a taste test. Photo by Gregory Cooper, NREL
Science demands variables, so Larson purchased organically grown industry reference greenhouse tomatoes as part of the test. He chopped up the various tomatoes, put them on plates, and mixed them up so even he could not tell which were which. Only the labels on the bottom of the plates held the answer. The researchers tried the tomatoes by themselves, with some salt, with some pepper, with some crackers, and then ranked each in order of preference.
The store-bought tomatoes came in last place. The consensus was split between whether the tomatoes grown under the OPV were a favorite, or the control tomatoes grown under regular sunlight. Larson said he took those results as a win for Steichen and the biology team, who were responsible for caring for the tomatoes six days a week for nearly five months.
With the initial experiment completed, and tasty at that, the researchers are on their way to a greater understanding of the interplay between light and plant growth.
Learn more about NREL’s research in the areas of bioenergy and bioeconomy, organic photovoltaic solar cells, and agrivoltaics.
