NewzIntel.com

Category: Education

  • MIL-OSI Security: Columbus Man Sentenced to More Than Four Years in Prison for Cyberstalking, Sextorting Young Gay Men He Targeted on Dating Apps

    Source: US FBI

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – Omoruyi O. Uwadiae, 29, of Columbus, was sentenced in federal court here today to 51 months in prison for harassing, cyberstalking, extorting and stealing the identities of victims in multiple states including Ohio, Colorado and Washington.

    For several months in 2019, Uwadiae committed crimes targeting gay and bisexual men.

    According to court documents, Uwadiae obtained sexually explicit photographs and videos from potential victims and then used the content to threaten them. Uwadiae threatened to distribute the explicit material widely on the internet and specifically to victims’ friends, family members, employers and others.

    The defendant demanded money from some victims. From others, he demanded they meet him, have sex with him, or make damaging admissions such as admissions that they were racist. On multiple occasions, Uwadiae carried through with his threats. He sent sexually explicit photographs and videos to the victims’ friends, family members (including at least one victim’s mother, at least one victim’s brother, and at least one victim’s sister), employers and acquaintances, and also posted sexually explicit photographs and videos widely on the internet.

    Multiple victims had not publicly disclosed their sexual orientation, which Uwadiae’s actions disclosed, contrary to their wishes. The defendant also used victims’ identifications to create false accounts on social media and post the victims’ personal information and explicit images online.

    Uwadiae targeted young gay men on Grindr and other online sites. He would obtain their sexually explicit photographs and videos consensually and then use them to extort. In some cases, he posted their nude images on Male General and other websites without their consent and then demanded money or other things of value to take down the images. Male General is a blog marketed to gay men containing, among other things, boards where users can post images and text.

    For example, one victim was a student at The Ohio State University who communicated with Uwadiae on Grindr. Uwadiae ultimately demanded that the victim either pay him $200 or have sex with him. When the victim did not comply, Uwadiae created false social media accounts using true photos of the victim, stating, “this guy is gay, see pics for evidence.” The victim had not disclosed his sexual orientation to his family and had told Uwadiae he was concerned that his family would react negatively if they learned he was bisexual.

    Another victim was a minor at the time of Uwadiae’s crimes. When he and Uwadiae first communicated, he told Uwadiae that he was 18 years old, when in fact he was 17.  After Uwadiae began distributing explicit images of the victim, members of the victim’s family told Uwadiae that he was 17, and Uwadiae ultimately acknowledged that fact.  Even after Uwadiae knew the victim was a minor, he continued to distribute sexually explicit images of the victim, sending them to the victim’s mother and others, and also creating a publicly viewable Facebook page with the explicit images.

    Uwadiae was charged in the Southern District of Ohio in April by a bill of information and pleaded guilty in May to 22 total counts, including cyberstalking, making interstate communications with the intent to extort and seven count of unlawfully using a means of identification.

    Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Michael H. Watson. Assistant United States Attorney Peter K. Glenn-Applegate and Senior Litigation Counsel Heather A. Hill are representing the United States in this case, which was investigated by the FBI.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Large IT businesses view Novosibirsk State University as a key university for training specialists in this industry for Siberia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    A strategic session with the participation of representatives of one of the largest Russian IT holdings, the T1 Group of Companies, was held at Novosibirsk State University. Following the meeting, the parties expressed mutual interest in deepening cooperation and announced the start of work on roadmaps for the implementation of joint projects in the educational and technological tracks.

    Opening the meeting, the rector of NSU, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Mikhail Fedoruk noted:

    — Cooperation with T1 is developing rapidly. This distinguishes the holding from many other companies wishing to become our industrial partners. We hope that further joint work will bring tangible and mutually beneficial results.

    According to Mikhail Knigin, head of the Integration domain of the holding, T1 plans to build systematic work on training personnel specifically in the Novosibirsk region:

    — We work all over the country, Siberia is an important region for us, and we want to see NSU as a flagship university here. Already now, about 80 NSU graduates work in our companies — the growth of this number will become one of the metrics of the partnership’s effectiveness.

    Ksenia Rumbest, Director of the Corporate Training and Talent Development Department and Head of the T1 Digital Academy, spoke about the practice of training young specialists. One of the largest projects was the T1 IT Camp, where about 1,000 participants were trained last year. The best 150 were invited to the in-person stage of the program, and some of them then became employees of the holding’s companies.

    This year, according to her, it is planned to launch regional camps based at universities. The introduction of the “open schools” format was also discussed – five-week intensive courses to develop professional competencies. About 40% of graduates of such schools get jobs at T1, the rest go to other leading Russian and international IT companies.

    “We are ready to offer these courses to the university as additional education, and also invite students for internships during the academic year,” Rumbest emphasized.

    Cooperation between NSU and the holding can develop not only in the educational, but also in the scientific and technological sphere. The session presented the project “SPHERE” – a domestic platform for managing the full cycle of software development, including tools for project management, code analysis, testing, monitoring and automation of business processes.

    An additional area of interaction may be joint work in the field of artificial intelligence. The AI Center, which develops technologies for the digitalization of the urban environment, has been operating at NSU for the second year. The head of the center, Alexander Lyulko, spoke about developments in creating platforms for managing urban infrastructure, creating intelligent systems for monitoring the environmental situation, as well as AI solutions for transport, medicine and construction. The latest projects have attracted the greatest interest from representatives of the holding.

    Reference:

     

    T1 is one of the leaders of the domestic IT market with more than 30 years of history. The holding includes companies providing a full range of IT services: from software development and system integration to cloud solutions, big data analysis, artificial intelligence, information security and industrial outsourcing. Key areas of work include digital transformation of businesses and government agencies. The company has more than 26 thousand employees, revenue for 2024 is 249.6 billion rubles.

    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.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arizona Man Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation Offenses in Connection with Catfishing Scheme That Targeted Young Boys

    Source: US FBI

    PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Donald Michael, aka “Baseball Fun,” 47, of Queen Creek, Arizona, entered a plea of guilty before United States District Court Judge Mark A. Kearney yesterday to multiple child pornography offenses.

    Michael was charged by indictment in July of last year with one count of conspiracy to manufacture child pornography, one count of conspiracy to receive and distribute child pornography, one count of distribution and attempted distribution of child pornography, and two counts of receipt of child pornography. He pleaded guilty to all the charges against him.

    The defendant, who served as a baseball coach of minor boys for more than 20 years, engaged in an online child exploitation catfishing scheme for more than 18 months with co-conspirators Andrew Wolf, a former teacher at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy (SCH), and Kray Strange, of Carthage, New York, both of whom were previously convicted and sentenced.

    Michael conspired with Wolf and Strange to target minor boys who were Wolf’s current and former students at SCH and to coerce and induce them to produce sexually explicit images and send them to the defendant and his co-conspirators over the internet. They did so by creating multiple fake online profiles where they pretended to be teenaged girls, engaging each of their victims in sexually explicit and graphic chats, and distributing child pornography to the minor boys, in an effort to get them to reciprocate with their own images.

    When the boys refused to continue to engage, Michael and his co-conspirators used blackmail and extortion to manipulate them into continuing to produce images. After Wolf and Strange were arrested and incarcerated, this defendant continued his catfishing scheme by targeting and victimizing minor boys who were Little League World Series players.

    The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on August 14 and faces a mandatory minimum term of 15 years’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release, and a maximum possible term of 110 years’ imprisonment and lifetime supervised release. He will also be required to register as a child sex offender under both state and federal law. 

    “Donald Michael and his co-conspirators strategized at length about how to ‘bait’ young boys into taking and sending explicit images of themselves,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “They reveled in the anonymity that the internet provided them to target and catfish their young victims. Unmasking these predators is a priority for my office and the FBI, as we work to protect children everywhere from sexual exploitation.”

    “The sexual exploitation of children remains one of the most devious crimes the men and women of the FBI investigate,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “This serves as a reminder how seriously the FBI and our partners take the online victimization of minors. We will continue to work tirelessly to protect children from abuse and exploitation, and that ensure that those who harm them will be held accountable.”

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit projectsafechildhood.gov.

    The case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly Harrell and Michelle Rotella.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: David K. Porter Named Special Agent in Charge of the Honolulu Field Office

    Source: US FBI

    Director Christopher Wray has named David K. Porter as the special agent in charge of the Honolulu Field Office. Mr. Porter most recently served as the chief of staff for the Deputy Director at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

    Mr. Porter began his career with the FBI as a special agent in 2006, initially assigned to the Pittsburgh Field Office Joint Terrorism Task Force. In 2010, Mr. Porter transferred to the Detroit Field Office, where he investigated counterterrorism matters. In addition to his work as a special agent in the Pittsburgh and Detroit Field Offices, Mr. Porter also served as an operator on the FBI Pittsburgh and Detroit SWAT Teams.

    In 2013, Mr. Porter was promoted to associate division counsel in the Detroit Field Office and later promoted to supervisory special agent of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights programs in 2015.

    Mr. Porter was selected as an assistant section chief to the Cyber Division at FBI Headquarters in 2019. He was detailed full-time to the Counterintelligence Division’s Foreign Influence Task Force, where he led investigative operations, intelligence production, and interagency policy engagement with the National Security Council.

    Mr. Porter returned to Detroit in May 2021 as the crisis response supervisory special agent. In July 2021, he was then selected as an assistant special agent in charge of the Detroit Field Office, with operational responsibility for the Western District of Michigan and oversight of six resident agencies spanning 49 counties.

    Immediately prior to joining the FBI, Mr. Porter served as counsel for the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. He also has previous experience practicing law as a corporate litigation attorney, and he served as a high school history teacher. Mr. Porter earned bachelor’s degrees in American history and literature from Calvin University and a juris doctor degree from the University of Michigan Law School.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Sacramento Celebrates 2024 Graduates of the FBI National Academy

    Source: US FBI

    Did you know that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) began providing standardized, professional training to law enforcement professionals in 1935? Since its founding, the FBI National Academy has trained 55,797 law enforcement professionals from across the globe. This training aims to enhance the administration of justice in police departments and agencies both domestically and abroad, raising law enforcement standards, knowledge, and cooperation worldwide.

    The FBI Sacramento Field Office referred 16 law enforcement professionals to this program in 2024. They represent law enforcement agencies based within the 34-county region the FBI Sacramento Field Office serves. FBI National Academy graduates in 2024 include:

    • Deputy Division Chief Luke Blehm
      California Alcoholic Beverage Control
    • Captain Andrew Beasley
      California Highway Patrol
    • Lieutenant Noah Hawkins
      California Highway Patrol
    • Captain Anthony Horner
      California Highway Patrol
    • Lieutenant Lou Wright
      Folsom Police Department
    • Captain Brandon Pursell, Jr.
      Fresno County Sheriff’s Office
    • Lieutenant Jerardo “Charlie” Chamalbide
      Fresno Police Department.
    • Chief Deputy Erik Levig
      Kern County Sheriff’s Office
    • Captain Ray Reyna
      Modesto Police Department
    • Chief Brandon Gillespie
      Modesto Police Department
    • Chief Investigator Mary Green
      Placer County District Attorney’s Office
    • Lieutenant Mark Lopez
      Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office
    • Captain Vance Chandler
      Sacramento Police Department
    • Chief Rudolfo Alcaraz
      Selma Police Department
    • Lieutenant Craig Collins
      Solano County Sheriff’s Office
    • Octavio Lopez
      Tracy Police Department.

    Following graduation, each officer may join the FBI National Academy Associates, Inc., a dynamic organization of more than 14,000 law enforcement professionals who continue improving the level of competency, cooperation, and integrity among the global law enforcement community.

    Courses during the rigorous, 10-week program include intelligence theory, terrorism and terrorist mindsets, management science, law, behavioral science, law enforcement communication, and forensic science. Students and their respective law enforcement agencies receive tuition, books, equipment, meals, lodging, or travel to and from the training facility at no cost.

    The FBI National Academy program was originally launched as the “FBI Police Training School” in response to the 1930 Wickersham Commission report recommending standardization and professionalization of law enforcement in the United States through centralized training. At the time, courses included scientific aids in crime detection, preparation of reports, and criminal investigation techniques as well as administration and organization. To learn more about the FBI National Academy, visit https://www.fbi.gov/services/training-academy/national-academy.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Harvard Morgue Manager Pleads Guilty To Trafficking Stolen Human Remains

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Cedric Lodge, age 57, of Goffstown, New Hampshire, pled guilty yesterday before Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann to interstate transport of stolen human remains. 

    According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, Lodge admitted that, from 2018 through at least March 2020, he participated in the sale and interstate transport of human remains stolen from Harvard Medical School morgue, located in Boston, Massachusetts.  Lodge, who was then employed as the manager of the Harvard Medical School Morgue, removed human remains, including organs, brains, skin, hands, faces, dissected heads, and other parts, from donated cadavers after they had been used for research and teaching purposes but before they could be disposed of according to the anatomical gift donation agreement between the donor and the school. Lodge took the remains without the knowledge or permission of his employer, the donor, or the donor’s family, and transport the remains to his home in New Hampshire.  After he and his wife Denise Lodge sold the remains, they would ship the remains to the buyers in other states or the buyer would take possession directly and transport the remains themselves.  Remains stolen and sold by Lodge were transported from the morgue in Boston to locations in Salem, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania.

    Lodge admitted to having sold remains to Joshua Taylor and Andrew Ensanian, among others.  Many of the remains purchased from Lodge were resold for a profit, including to Jeremy Pauley, who previously entered a guilty plea to conspiracy and interstate transportation of stolen human remains.

    Several other defendants have previously entered guilty pleas in related cases, including Lodge’s wife, Denise Lodge, Joshua Taylor, Andrew Ensanian, Matthew Lampi, and Angelo Pereyra.  Lampi was sentenced to 15 months in prison and Pereyra was sentenced to 18 months.  Denise Lodge and Joshua Taylor are still awaiting sentencing.  Additionally, Candace Chapman-Scott, who stole remains from an Arkansas crematorium where she was employed and sold them to Pauley in Pennsylvania, entered a plea of guilty in Arkansas federal court and was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

    The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the East Pennsboro Township Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan Martin is prosecuting the case. 

    The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Apple products transform care at Emory Healthcare

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Apple products transform care at Emory Healthcare

    May 22, 2025

    UPDATE

    Apple products transform care at Emory Healthcare

    At Emory Hillandale Hospital, Apple’s ecosystem of products — powered by the suite of Epic healthcare apps — is elevating care delivery and the patient experience

    At Emory Hillandale Hospital in Lithonia, Georgia, Apple products are now the standard, marking a first-of-its-kind technology transformation for clinicians and patients. Propelled by the availability of Epic Systems on Mac, Emory Healthcare has introduced Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch across Emory Hillandale Hospital, enabling clinicians to work more efficiently and stay connected with their teams, from anywhere.

    “We’re not just changing technology, we’re changing a culture,” says Ravi I. Thadhani, MD, MPH, executive vice president for health affairs of Emory University and executive director of Emory’s Woodruff Health Sciences Center. “Emory Healthcare is redefining both the patient and clinician experiences with a more efficient and intuitive technology-driven process.”

    Apple products like iPhone and iPad have unlocked new levels of mobility, efficiency, and collaboration for clinicians, leading to better patient experiences and satisfaction. The introduction of Mac across Emory Hillandale Hospital replaces its legacy devices and marks an entirely new chapter for the healthcare industry.

    “As clinicians, we join the field with a deep commitment to serving those in need,” says Vikram Narayan, MD, assistant professor of urology at Emory University and a urologic oncologist at Emory Healthcare. “But the reality of healthcare delivery is inherently complex and multifaceted. Across the industry as a whole, the administrative burden, combined with a shrinking workforce, is resulting in an uptick in burnout of frontline workers.”

    “By integrating Epic on Mac across Emory Hillandale Hospital, we are showing the world how best to embrace technology to improve workflow for clinicians so they can continue to put patients first,” says Dr. Thadhani.

    To alleviate some of that administrative burden, laptops and desktop computers across the 100-bed hospital have been replaced with Mac computers running Epic. Nursing stations are equipped with iMac and Mac mini, and physicians are able to manage patient care journeys from wherever they are thanks to the portability of MacBook Air.

    Care teams are able to access patient-specific data — such as allergies, precautions, and other relevant information — using a magnetically attached iPad outside of each patient room. This helps improve communication and coordination between care teams as information shown on iPad updates in real time. Additionally, every nurse and physician is issued their own iPhone to stay connected, and physicians are using Apple Watch to more quickly respond to patient needs as they arise. For example, critical lab result notifications from Epic’s Limerick app can be viewed in real time directly on their wrist.

    “I can stay up to date with my patients in a way that wasn’t possible before,” says Rashida La Barrie, MD, a hospitalist and medical director of utilization review at Emory Hillandale Hospital. Being able to transition between iPhone and Apple Watch to receive notifications has helped Dr. La Barrie stay connected no matter where she is, ultimately leading to better care for her patients. “Healthcare has historically been slow to adopt technology, which I think is such a mistake. We can use technology to provide better and more efficient care, especially now, for our patients.”

    Prior to the Emory Hillandale deployment, Emory conducted a proof of concept program at Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital. After deploying iMac, MacBook, and iPhone for shared use by registered nurses and clinicians, care team satisfaction surged, and nurse retention has remained strong. Nurses and clinicians cited improvements like faster login time with Apple devices, ease of documentation, and less eyestrain with the iMac high-resolution Retina display. Additional documentation efficiency research, led by Emory’s Dr. Narayan, found that combining Apple technology with Epic and Abridge ambient documentation saves him an average of two hours a day compared to legacy systems.

    Additionally, Apple devices help enhance the inpatient experience with the MyChart Bedside app on iPad. Each patient bed is equipped with an iPad so patients can have easy access to their medical records, view their care plans, order meals, and communicate with their care teams, allowing them to stay engaged with their health.

    “The technology we’re utilizing today at Emory Hillandale has improved the workflows for our nursing staff as a whole,” says Edna Brisco, MSN, RN, vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer at Emory Hillandale Hospital. “Mac lets the nurses move through their day more swiftly, while iPad brings important health information to our patients’ fingertips. It’s a game changer for how we provide care.”

    Emory Healthcare — and healthcare systems in general — host some of the most private and personal data, whether it’s health records or a patient’s personal information. Around the world, hospitals are facing increased cybersecurity threats that could put their staff and patients at risk.

    Apple products are designed with privacy and security at their core, working to keep healthcare organizations’ and their patients’ data safe.

    Looking ahead, Emory Healthcare and Epic are exploring new ways to innovate patient care and support with Apple devices. Clinicians are also testing new technology like Apple Vision Pro in their surgical planning and research, paving the way for the next phase of care.

    “I want to be involved in everything related to this transformation,” says Dr. La Barrie. “I think this is the future of healthcare, and as healthcare providers, we should always be looking toward the horizon.”

    Press Contacts

    Zaina Khachadourian

    Apple

    zkhachadourian@apple.com

    Andrea Schubert

    Apple

    a_schubert@apple.com

    Apple Media Helpline

    media.help@apple.com

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Colonial-era borders create conflict in Africa’s oceans – how to resolve them

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Ifesinachi Okafor-Yarwood, Lecturer in Sustainable Futures, University of St Andrews

    Africa has 38 coastal and island nations. Their maritime industries – including energy, tourism, maritime transport, shipping and fishing – play a crucial role in developing these nations.

    Key to harnessing these resources are Africa’s maritime boundaries – lines on a map showing the legal divisions of the ocean between neighbouring coastal states.

    Some of these boundaries were created by colonial powers and kept after independence. Their purpose was to achieve territorial security and ensure the exclusive exploitation of resources and to maintain navigational freedom.

    But Africa’s maritime boundaries sometimes lead to conflict, prevent cooperation on resource management and create room for maritime crimes, like illegal fishing. This is because they are often contested. Countries have overlapping claims and varying interests in resource exploration. This is common in maritime areas rich in oil, gas and fisheries, and deep seabed resources.

    In our recent paper we found that using international law to resolve maritime boundaries does not always bring peace, especially when it results in ceding the disputed area to one party. It can result in animosity between countries and breed room for continued distrust among peoples.

    Today, Africa has the most unresolved maritime boundary disputes in the world and the lowest number of settled boundary disputes.

    As more ocean resources are discovered, climate change may heighten disputes. Rising sea levels can gradually submerge maritime zones, potentially affecting the baselines from which these zones are measured. This could create uncertainty or trigger new conflicts.

    In our paper, we suggest a collaborative approach to resolving maritime disputes. We hope that this will help prevent many African countries from missing out on the benefits of their oceans.

    Price of disputed boundaries

    Disagreements over maritime boundaries can have many negative effects.

    Research has shown that criminal activities tend to increase in disputed maritime boundaries. For instance, illegal fishers are aware that because there is dispute over a border, there will also be enforcement gaps.

    Countries in dispute will also not work together and will not be sending patrols to contested areas. For instance, in 2016, a Chinese vessel escaped into Sierra Leone to avoid capture. When Guinean naval forces boarded the vessel for enforcement, there was an exchange of fire and 11 Guineans were detained by Sierra Leone.

    When boundaries are disputed, it also means that local fishers are likely to encroach into neighbouring waters, often unknowingly, in search of better catches. Given the significance of fisheries to coastal livelihoods and the extent of depletion, this threatens peace and security. It fuels tension between communities and countries over access to dwindling resources.

    Disagreements over maritime boundaries also diminish maritime security cooperation, complicate joint patrols, and divert attention from tackling shared threats such as piracy.

    Colonialism never ended

    Unfortunately, resolving maritime boundary disputes is complicated by a principle in international law known as uti possidetis juris – “as you possess under law”.

    The principle says that when countries argue over borders, international law, built around colonial-era boundaries, is used to decide who gets what. This creates a “winner-takes-all” approach – one side gains control over the disputed area and resources. International courts, like the International Court of Justice and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, follow the provisions of law reinforcing uti possidetis.

    Our examination of maritime boundary disputes in west and central Africa found that the principle of uti possidetis juris had failed to alleviate maritime boundary tensions. In some cases, it has exacerbated them.

    One example is a maritime dispute between Cameroon and Nigeria decided in 2002. The dispute was over who had control of Bakassi, an oil-rich region, and its maritime frontier.

    The uti possidetis juris principle upheld the lines drawn at the time of Nigeria’s independence and resulted in the ceding of Bakassi to Cameroon. The impact of the resolution lingers. To date, thousands of displaced Bakassi people that returned to Nigeria have yet to be resettled and reintegrated. Disputes also continue between fishers from Nigeria and Cameroonian law enforcement agents. In extreme cases, it results in death, like the alleged killing of 97 Nigerian fishers by Cameroonian marine police.

    The way forward

    In our paper, we recommend that courts, tribunals or disputing countries consider joint management agreements to resolve maritime disputes. Under such agreements, countries share and manage disputed maritime resources.

    These agreements will allow for the joint management of shared resources. It will also encourage cooperation and collaboration in other areas, such as joint operations to combat illegal fishing and piracy. While international courts may apply uti possidetis juris as required by law, countries should be encouraged to negotiate special arrangements – such as joint development agreements – as part of the resolution process. Especially in cases where livelihoods and longstanding community ties risk being disrupted by unilateral decisions or the ceding of disputed areas to one party.

    While not perfect, this approach has already improved cooperation on security and resource use at sea. It has worked in places like Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal and Guinea-Bissau. Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire also have a joint management framework in place for their shared boundaries to avoid future disputes.

    Prolonged boundary disputes only enable criminal actors to exploit Africa’s resources, undermining collective progress. A shift towards collaborative solutions is essential for achieving a sustainable and prosperous future for the continent.

    Ifesinachi Okafor-Yarwood receives funding from the PEW Charitable Trust and the Research Council of Norway. The St Andrews Research Internship Scheme (StARIS) supported the initial peer-reviewed research.

    Elizabeth Nwarueze 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.

    – ref. Colonial-era borders create conflict in Africa’s oceans – how to resolve them – https://theconversation.com/colonial-era-borders-create-conflict-in-africas-oceans-how-to-resolve-them-248577

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Vaccines: why these young Africans are hesitant about them and what might change their minds

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Oluwaseyi Dolapo Somefun, Research associate, University of the Western Cape

    Vaccines have proved to be one of the most effective tools in fighting infectious diseases, but convincing people to get vaccinated can be tough. Especially young people.

    During the global COVID-19 pandemic, declared by the World Health Organization on 11 March 2020, many countries reported high levels of vaccine hesitancy among younger population groups. Negative healthcare experiences and general distrust of government have cultivated vaccine hesitancy across Africa. Misleading information about vaccine side-effects on social media adds to this challenge.

    This hesitancy continues today. A 2024 study on adolescents and young adults (aged 10 to 35) in sub-Saharan Africa found a vaccine acceptance rate of just 38.7%.

    These concerns were echoed in a recent study we carried out among 165 young adults in Nigeria, South Africa and Zambia, looking at attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccine. We wanted to know what could be done to help improve future vaccine acceptance, inform campaigns and prepare for future public health responses.

    Participants were hesitant to be vaccinated, for various reasons, and suggested what policymakers could do to improve vaccine uptake.

    Understanding young people’s perspectives on vaccine hesitancy and what can be done to address this is crucial for improving vaccine acceptance in the future.

    What young adults told us

    Our research gathered data through focus groups and interviews.

    The participants described a fear of injections, uncertainty about side effects, distrust in healthcare systems and rude healthcare workers.

    Some participants were worried about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine, particularly how it might affect those with pre-existing health conditions.

    Many believed that the vaccine was developed too quickly without sufficient testing and a lack of accessible information.

    Many expressed a strong fear of needles. A young South African woman aged 19 commented:

    I am afraid of injections, so for me, it would be better if there was something that could be taken orally, something you can drink.

    Getting over the hurdle

    We found young people often felt left out of vaccine conversations. They wanted to be part of the solution and make informed choices but needed the right tools and support to do so.

    Participants suggested practical ideas to help boost vaccine acceptance among their peers.

    Several highlighted the importance of assessing individual health status before administering vaccines, to avoid adverse interactions with existing medical conditions and treatments. They believed that situations where vaccines were mistakenly blamed for pre-existing illnesses or ongoing treatments could be avoided.

    Participants suggested innovative strategies to make vaccines more accessibile. Mobile vaccination sites and community-based outreach programmes were some of the suggestions.

    They must introduce mobile clinics, so that people don’t find themselves having to travel long distances to vaccinate. – 18-year-old male, South Africa

    Young people also suggested household visits to people who were immobile because of age, illness or disability.

    Many advocated for non-injectable vaccine options, such as oral medications or microneedle patches, which could improve accessibility and reduce anxiety.

    The oral polio vaccine, which has been widely used in global polio eradication efforts, is an example of a non-injectable vaccine.

    COVID-19 microneedle patch prototypes are being explored for clinical testing.

    The youth urged public figures, including politicians, celebrities and influencers, to publicly endorse the vaccine.

    It would be nice if the president could be shown on television receiving a vaccine so that we can see for ourselves whether he is given the same thing that everyone else receives. – 20-year-old male, South Africa

    More engaging videos, interactive interviews and testimonials from vaccinated individuals could be shared across social media platforms.

    The young people also emphasised the importance of comprehensive training for healthcare providers. They highlighted the need for healthcare professionals to provide respectful and empathetic care. They suggested that, by fostering respectful communication, healthcare providers could create a more welcoming and comfortable environment for their clients.

    In addition, providing vaccine education in schools could educate pupils so that they could make decisions on their own.

    Way forward

    Engaging young people as active participants in shaping public health strategies can help increase vaccine acceptance and ensure a healthier future for all.

    We believe that our findings can be applied in two ways.

    First, to inform the design of tailored interventions that better resonate with young people’s desires and needs, paving the way for increased vaccine uptake and acceptability.

    Second, to highlight areas where young people may need further information and engagement, to better understand some of the broader issues and why some of their recommendations might not be feasible in the short or longer term.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Vaccines: why these young Africans are hesitant about them and what might change their minds – https://theconversation.com/vaccines-why-these-young-africans-are-hesitant-about-them-and-what-might-change-their-minds-249629

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Lauren Boebert’s Bipartisan Zip Code Bill Passes Through Committee

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lauren Boebert (Colorado, 3)

    EATON, CO— Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (CO-04) successfully passed her bipartisan Zip Code bill, H.R. 3095, through the House Oversight Committee this morning. H.R. 3095 directs the United States Postal Service to create unique zip codes for more than 65 cities, towns, and communities across the country. The bill, which includes a dozen communities in Colorado and 30 cosponsors, is a reintroduction of the Congresswoman’s similar effort in the 118th Congress which passed through the U.S. House in December 2024.

    Cities and towns like Castle Pines, Lone Tree, and Severance all have their sales tax revenue, insurance rates, mail delivery rates, and response times for first responders negatively impacted by the lack of a unique zip code for their community. This legislation will address these issues and directly improve the quality of life for Coloradans and Americans living in these communities.

    “For too long, small cities and towns across Colorado and America have been stuck with higher insurance rates, longer response times, inconsistent mail delivery, and less revenue for public services because they lack their own unique zip code,” said Congresswoman Boebert. “It may not be an issue that draws headlines, but zip code reform is a topic I continue to be passionate about because it impacts the daily lives of so many small-town residents in the 4th District and beyond. Mayors and community leaders from every part of Colorado have made it clear fixing this problem is a priority for them and I am determined to finish the job this Congress after getting our bill through the House Oversight Committee this morning.”

    “We are so appreciative of Congresswoman Boebert’s leadership in addressing the vast number of challenges communities face with the USPS across the country,” said Castle Pines Mayor Tracy Engerman. “Lauren’s bill includes over 65 communities that have worked for years, and in some cases decades, to get a unique zip code from the USPS. We value our relationship with the Congresswoman and, on behalf of our National Zip Code Coalition, I personally want to thank her for unwavering leadership on this issue. Lauren knows this is not a partisan issue and has worked across the aisle to make this bill happen. I believe this will be the year that she gets this bill through Congress.”

    “The Postal Service structures the delivery of mail around ZIP Codes—five-digit numbers that organize how to deliver the mail. H.R. 3095, which will create new ZIP Codes for communities across the nation, is the product of various Members’ advocacy. I thank Rep. Boebert for her work on this bill,” said House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (KY-01).

    BACKGROUND:

    The full text of Congresswoman Boebert’s H.R. 3095 can be read HERE. The Congresswoman’s remarks from today’s Committee hearing can be found HERE.

    The following news stories are a mixture of recent news articles and coverage on Congresswoman Boebert’s previous effort on zip codes in the 118th Congress:

    Fox 31: Proposed bill could give these Colorado areas a new zip code

    CBS News Colorado: New zip codes could improve Colorado towns’ income, safety

    The Orange County Register: Could North Tustin get its own zip code? Proposed congressional effort underway to do that

    The Zip Code system was instituted in America in the 1960s. The Postal Service utilizes the zip code system to deliver mail, but it is also heavily used and relied on by economic developers, insurers and emergency personnel. 

    Communities that do not have a unique Zip Code often experience associated problems that include the loss of economic development, loss of sales tax, unjustifiably high insurance rates, tax remittance and commercial licensing issues, diminished public safety and reduced emergency response times, identity issues, and efficiency issues.

    For example, first responders often go to the wrong streets and people needing help experience delays due to Zip Code issues that would be addressed by this legislation.

    Small towns and cities can petition the Postal Service for a new Zip Code but it is rarely approved and if it is denied they cannot appeal this decision for up to 10 years. Congress has intervened on these matters and last passed a law enacting four new Zip Codes through the Post Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006. 

    The current list of 30 cosponsors for H.R. 3095 includes Rep. Young Kim [CA-40], Rep. Brittany Pettersen [CO-07], Rep. Jason Crow [CO-06], Rep. Gabe Evans [CO-08], Rep. Joe Courtney [CT-02], Rep. Byron Donalds [FL-19], Rep. Mikie Sherrill [NJ-11], Rep. Nancy Mace [SC-01], Rep. Jared Moskowitz [D-FL-23], Rep. Keith Self [TX-03], Rep. Brandon Gill [TX-26], Rep. H. Morgan Griffith [VA-09], Rep. Bryan Steil [WI-01], Rep. Gwen Moore [WI-04], Rep. Scott Fitzgerald [WI-05], Rep. Harriet M. Hageman [WY-AL], Rep. Emilia Strong Sykes [D-OH-13], Rep. Andy Barr [KY-06], Rep. Nicholas A. Langworthy [NY-23], Rep. Nick LaLota [NY-01], Rep. Troy E. Nehls [TX-22], Rep. Mark Harris [NC-08], Rep. Pat Fallon [TX-04], Rep. Clay Higgins [LA-03], Rep. Mark E. Amodei [NV-02], Rep. Brad Finstad [MN-01], Rep. Sean Casten [IL-06], Rep. Gilbert Ray Cisneros [CA-31], Rep. Linda T. Sanchez [D-CA-38], and Rep. Julia Letlow [R-LA-5].

    The full list of communities included can be found below:

    (1) Canyon Lake, California.

    (2) Hidden Hills, California.

    (3) Industry, California.

    (4) North Tustin, California.

    (5) Tehachapi, California.

    (6) Castle Pines, Colorado.

    (7) Centennial, Colorado.

    (8) Cherry Hills Village, Colorado.

    (9) Greenwood Village, Colorado.

    (10) Highlands Ranch, Colorado.

    (11) Keystone, Colorado.

    (12) Lone Tree, Colorado.

    (13) Mountain Village, Colorado.

    (14) Mt. Crested Butte, Colorado.

    (15) Severance, Colorado.

    (16) Silver Cliff, Colorado.

    (17) Sterling Ranch, Colorado.

    (18) Superior, Colorado.

    (19) Telluride, Colorado.

    (20) Hollywood, Florida.

    (21) Oakland Park, Florida.

    (22) Lighthouse Point, Florida.

    (23) Coconut Creek, Florida.

    (24) Parkland, Florida.

    (25) Deerfield Beach, Florida.

    (26) Wilton Manors, Florida.

    (27) Burr Ridge, Illinois.

    (28) Carmel, Indiana.

    (29) Noblesville, Indiana.

    (30) Westfield, Indiana.

    (31) Zionsville, Indiana.

    (32) Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

    (33) Montz, Louisiana.

    (34) Springwater Township, Minnesota.

    (35) Grass Valley, Nevada.

    (36) Swanzey, New Hampshire.

    (37) Kinnelon, New Jersey.

    (38) Flanders, New York.

    (39) Glendale, New York.

    (40) Riverside, New York.

    (41) Pendleton, New York.

    (42) Harnett County, North Carolina.

    (43) Weddington, North Carolina.

    (44) Goose Creek, South Carolina.

    (45) Fairview, Texas.

    (46) Fate, Texas.

    (47) Heath, Texas.

    (48) Murphy, Texas.

    (49) Northlake, Texas.

    (50) Parker, Texas.

    (51) Sargent, Texas.

    (52) Fairlawn, Virginia.

    (53) Caledonia, Wisconsin.

    (54) Franklin, Wisconsin.

    (55) Glendale, Wisconsin.

    (56) Greenfield, Wisconsin.

    (57) Village of Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin.

    (58) Village of Somers, Wisconsin.

    (59) Village of Harrison, Wisconsin.

    (60) Hochatown, Oklahoma.

    (61) Green, Ohio.

    (62) Rochester, Wisconsin.

    (63) Quartzite Township, Minnesota.

    (64) Frederick, Colorado.

    (65) Camargo, Kentucky.

    (66) Wheatfield, New York.

    (67) Mauldin, South Carolina.

    (68) Josephine, Texas.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Mann, Colleagues Invest in Land Grant Universities and Agriculture Innovation

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Tracey Mann (Kansas, 1)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01) and Kim Schrier (WA-08), alongside Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Mazie Hirono (D-HI), reintroduced the bipartisan, bicameral AuGmenting Research and Educational Sites to Ensure Agriculture Remains Cutting-edge and Helpful (AG RESEARCH) Act. The Ag Research Act bolsters federal investments in land-grant universities, institutions, and facilities like Kansas State University and Haskell University that conduct food and agricultural research.

    “Over the years, land-grant universities have surpassed their original vision of agricultural education and now conduct cutting-edge agricultural research that supports food security around the globe,” said Rep. Mann. “The U.S. sees a $20 return on every dollar we invest in agricultural research, yet funding for these institutions has declined in real dollars over the past two decades and handcuffed their ability to maintain up-to-date facilities. Our bill supports agricultural research, development, and innovation at these land grant universities and puts taxpayer dollars in places with a guaranteed return on investment. When we make strong investments in food and agricultural research, we invest in the next generation of America, and in our food security and national security.” 

    “Our agriculture industry employs thousands of hardworking Washingtonians and is vital to our nation’s long-term strength, security, and prosperity. In the face of a changing climate, tariffs, input costs, and increased pressure on our food supply, we must support our farmers in any way we can,” said Rep. Schrier, M.D. “Research institutions are essential for our farmers’ success – they discover solutions to agriculture’s most pressing challenges and are fundamental to successful food production and soil health. For far too long, these institutions have been underfunded, putting us at risk of falling behind the rest of the world. My bill will put the necessary investment into these institutions and provide much-needed assistance for our farmers.”

    “For American farmers and ranchers to continue producing the best food, fuel and fiber in the world, we must maintain the best research institutions in the world,” said Sen. Moran. “This legislation will support the work at institutions like Kansas State University by allowing them to modernize their facilities and continue a long history of innovation and supporting the agricultural industry.”

    “Agriculture research institutions are crucial in supporting farming communities and driving innovation in the agriculture industry,” said Sen. Hirono. “Decades of underinvestment have left many of these institutions across our country with significant maintenance backlogs, and this legislation will provide much-needed financial support to enable agriculture schools and research facilities to make the critical upgrades and updates they need. I’m glad to join my colleagues in reintroducing the AG RESEARCH Act to support these institutions and strengthen our agricultural communities.”

    A 2015 study reported that there was an estimated total of $8.4 billion in deferred maintenance at U.S. schools of agriculture. A 2021 reportconfirmed the effects of the insufficient funding to address maintenance backlogs at these facilities, reporting that 69% of these agricultural school buildings were at the end of their useful lives and that the cost of addressing deferred maintenance grew to $11.5 billion.

    To address the deferred maintenance of these facilities, the AG RESEARCH Act will do the following:

    Provide $500 million in mandatory funding per fiscal year over five years in grants;

    • Require a 1-to-1 match of grant funds unless waived by the Secretary of Agriculture;
    • Direct that grants be distributed equitably to the maximum extent practicable; and
    • Limit grant funds awarded to any one state to no more than 20 percent

    The AG RESEARCH Act is endorsed by Kansas State University, Haskell University, and the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU). 

    “The AG RESEARCH Act is an investment in America’s agricultural competitiveness,” said Kansas State University President Linton. “As our research infrastructure ages, we risk falling behind global competitors. Modern facilities at land-grant universities drive economic growth across the nation, from rural farms to urban agribusiness, while developing solutions that keep American agriculture at the forefront of innovation. This legislation will help transform outdated labs into economic engines that attract talent, create jobs and maintain our nation’s leadership in the global food system.”

    “Investment in the Research Facilities Act will be transformative, and we applaud Senators Moran and Hirono, as well as Representatives Mann and Schrier, for their commitment to ensuring our agricultural scientists have the tools they need to spur the next generation of agricultural innovation,” said Dr. Doug Steele, Vice President of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources at APLU. 

    ###

     

    For more information about Representative Mann, visit: www.mann.house.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Forbes University Rankings: HSE University Has the Best Reputation Among Employers

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    On May 22, Forbes Education presented an updated rating 100 best universities in Russia for 2025. The Higher School of Economics retained 2nd place, establishing itself as the university with the highest level of reputation among employers. The top 20 included 12 Moscow universities, three universities from St. Petersburg, two from Tatarstan, and one educational institution each from the Sverdlovsk, Novosibirsk, and Tomsk regions.

    Forbes Education continues to monitor dynamic changes in the field of higher education, identifying universities that demonstrate high standards of quality and demand. In the new, seventh, ranking of the best universities in Russia, the assessment was carried out according to 17 different criteria, grouped into key metrics: quality of networking, reputation among employers, international image, academic environment. The Forbes factor was also taken into account, thanks to which universities received additional points if among their graduates there were participants in the Russian Forbes list or winners of the rating “30 under 30” 2024.

    This year, HSE retained its 2nd place in the list, ahead of Moscow State University by 0.7 points and confirming its status as the university with the highest reputation among employers. The leaders in individual metrics were also MIPT (the best university in terms of admission quality), Moscow State University (the leader in the category “International Reputation”), and Innopolis University (the winner in terms of quality of the academic environment).

    In total, 564 higher education institutions were included in the long list. The analysis was conducted based on data from the Monitoring of the Activities of Educational Organizations of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia, the results of a survey the best employers in the country and information from open sources.

    To analyze the reputation of universities among employers, a survey was conducted in large companies included in the list of the best employers in Russia. During the survey, universities were identified whose graduates are considered the most qualified and are ready to be hired first. The companies also indicated universities that, in their opinion, provide the best quality of training for specialists in such areas as economics, information technology, technical sciences, marketing and communications, natural sciences, humanities and creative industries. The survey covered 43 industries and different regions of Russia.

    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.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: “Meaningful inclusion of women is not optional, it is essential”: Member States reinforce support for women in peacekeeping at Ministerial

    Source: United Nations – Peacekeeping

    Written by Sophie Boudre and Lesley Myers.

    Ms. Boudre is Deputy Chief, UN Peacekeeping’s Strategic Communications Section, and expert on gender and accountability issues.
    Ms. Myers is the Digital Editor for UN Peacekeeping’s Strategic Communications Section and expert in strategic planning and peacekeeping impact.

    “Inclusive missions are not only fair–but also smarter and more legitimate”, said Ms. Roselinda Soipan Tuya, Cabinet Secretary for Defence of Kenya, at last week’s Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin. More than 130 Member States gathered to discuss the future of peacekeeping, including how to create environments where both men and women are empowered to serve together.  

    Despite progress, women remain underrepresented and face barriers to full participation. This is not only a matter of equality—it also affects effectiveness. Studies123 find that peacekeeping missions are more successful when women are meaningfully represented among military, police, and civilian staff, including at the senior leadership level.  

    During the Ministerial, UN Member States committed to enhancing women’s participation at all levels by fostering an environment where they can thrive. “We need to look at how to make this work in our context,” said Ms. Tuya. “We cannot continue to leave out women… it is like going into a football match without half of the team.”

    Inclusive teams make peacekeeping more effective 

    In the peacekeeping mission in Abyei (UNISFA), an area nestled between Sudan and South Sudan, women peacekeepers were instrumental in building trust with community leaders and women’s groups. This engagement enabled access to new information, which helped UNISFA detect early warnings of attacks and prevent violence.  

    In the peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) a military unit from Ghana was deployed that is comprised of 20% women. The unit reports a significant increase of trust in UNIFIL and its forces in the communities where they have patrolled, as well as an increase willingness of women to interact with the mission.  

    Women are often uniquely able to build rapport with community members, granting access to critical security information, such as areas at risk for conflict-related sexual violence, helping us better protect the populations we serve.  

    Visible participation by women in UN peace operations also helps dismantle barriers that prevent local women from engaging in peace and political processes. Women peacekeepers serve as role models, inspiring women and girls to pursue non-traditional paths, in turn acting as catalysts for inclusive societies where women are represented and active at every level. 

    Many steps forward, and more to go 

    Women peacekeepers in civilian, military, and police roles have been rising steadily over the last several years. The share of women in military roles has doubled since 2018, for example, but still sits at just 10%.  

    Persistent barriers continue to limit women’s access to peacekeeping roles—especially in military and leadership positions. Equipment such as flak jackets and helmets are often not designed for women, compromising safety. Inadequate sanitation facilities can prevent women participating in long-range patrols.  

    Creating an inclusive environment—where all personnel, regardless of gender or background, feel empowered and respected—is critical for advancing peace effectively. 

    The UN and Member States are working to address remaining barriers by deploying more women peacekeepers and fostering a work culture that enables them to serve effectively and meaningfully. Recruitment pipelines are being established to increase the pool of women available for deployment, including in leadership roles. Facilities, accommodations, health services, and equipment are being improved to support the needs of all personnel and increased efforts are being made to protect them from sexual harassment.  

    Gen. Mohan Subramanian, Force Commander of the peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, underscored the important role mission leaders play in advancing these objectives: “The most important thing to support uniformed women is to ensure leaders [have] the right mindset,” he said.

    Redoubling efforts

    During the Ministerial, Member States made key commitments to continue progress, particularly in military roles.  These included providing gender-sensitive equipment, deploying mixed-gender platoons trained to engage with host communities, and funding “barrier assessments” to identify and address challenges uniformed women face in countries that deploy peacekeepers to UN missions.“An enabling environment begins at home: participation of uniformed women at all levels and all roles at Member State level. All Member States must advance this at a national level,” underscored Brigadier General Jürgen Schrödl, Head of Sub-division III, Directorate-General for Military Strategy and Operations for Germany’s Ministry of Defence.  

    These initiatives aim to remove obstacles preventing women from joining peacekeeping operations and serve to their full potential. With global conflicts at their highest since 1945 and peacekeeping budgets declining, we cannot afford to overlook any measure that enhances our effectiveness. Supporting women’s participation is critical to the success of our mandates. “Meaningful inclusion of women is not optional, it is essential” stressed Monica Bolaños Pérez, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala. “It is a matter of operational effectiveness.”

    Background: What is the Women, Peace and Security Agenda?  

    Adopted in October 2000, the landmark Security Council resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) recognizes the vital role of women in peace and security. It calls for increased participation of women at all decision-making levels, protection of women and girls from gender-based violence, and the integration of gender perspectives in peacekeeping and conflict resolution efforts. 

    Since its adoption, UN Peacekeeping has been advancing on integrating gender perspectives and advancing the implementation of the 1325 Agenda including in the current scope of seven peacekeeping missions. 

    In 2018, the UN introduced the Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy as a key step towards meeting WPS goals in UN peacekeeping. It aims to increase the meaningful participation of women in military, police and justice and corrections roles across all missions by addressing barriers, setting concrete targets, and fostering inclusive environments.  

    This year marks the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the resolution.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Colonial-era borders create conflict in Africa’s oceans – how to resolve them

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Ifesinachi Okafor-Yarwood, Lecturer in Sustainable Futures, University of St Andrews

    Africa has 38 coastal and island nations. Their maritime industries – including energy, tourism, maritime transport, shipping and fishing – play a crucial role in developing these nations.

    Key to harnessing these resources are Africa’s maritime boundaries – lines on a map showing the legal divisions of the ocean between neighbouring coastal states.

    Some of these boundaries were created by colonial powers and kept after independence. Their purpose was to achieve territorial security and ensure the exclusive exploitation of resources and to maintain navigational freedom.

    But Africa’s maritime boundaries sometimes lead to conflict, prevent cooperation on resource management and create room for maritime crimes, like illegal fishing. This is because they are often contested. Countries have overlapping claims and varying interests in resource exploration. This is common in maritime areas rich in oil, gas and fisheries, and deep seabed resources.

    In our recent paper we found that using international law to resolve maritime boundaries does not always bring peace, especially when it results in ceding the disputed area to one party. It can result in animosity between countries and breed room for continued distrust among peoples.

    Today, Africa has the most unresolved maritime boundary disputes in the world and the lowest number of settled boundary disputes.

    As more ocean resources are discovered, climate change may heighten disputes. Rising sea levels can gradually submerge maritime zones, potentially affecting the baselines from which these zones are measured. This could create uncertainty or trigger new conflicts.

    In our paper, we suggest a collaborative approach to resolving maritime disputes. We hope that this will help prevent many African countries from missing out on the benefits of their oceans.

    Price of disputed boundaries

    Disagreements over maritime boundaries can have many negative effects.

    Research has shown that criminal activities tend to increase in disputed maritime boundaries. For instance, illegal fishers are aware that because there is dispute over a border, there will also be enforcement gaps.

    Countries in dispute will also not work together and will not be sending patrols to contested areas. For instance, in 2016, a Chinese vessel escaped into Sierra Leone to avoid capture. When Guinean naval forces boarded the vessel for enforcement, there was an exchange of fire and 11 Guineans were detained by Sierra Leone.

    When boundaries are disputed, it also means that local fishers are likely to encroach into neighbouring waters, often unknowingly, in search of better catches. Given the significance of fisheries to coastal livelihoods and the extent of depletion, this threatens peace and security. It fuels tension between communities and countries over access to dwindling resources.

    Disagreements over maritime boundaries also diminish maritime security cooperation, complicate joint patrols, and divert attention from tackling shared threats such as piracy.

    Colonialism never ended

    Unfortunately, resolving maritime boundary disputes is complicated by a principle in international law known as uti possidetis juris – “as you possess under law”.

    The principle says that when countries argue over borders, international law, built around colonial-era boundaries, is used to decide who gets what. This creates a “winner-takes-all” approach – one side gains control over the disputed area and resources. International courts, like the International Court of Justice and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, follow the provisions of law reinforcing uti possidetis.

    Our examination of maritime boundary disputes in west and central Africa found that the principle of uti possidetis juris had failed to alleviate maritime boundary tensions. In some cases, it has exacerbated them.

    One example is a maritime dispute between Cameroon and Nigeria decided in 2002. The dispute was over who had control of Bakassi, an oil-rich region, and its maritime frontier.

    The uti possidetis juris principle upheld the lines drawn at the time of Nigeria’s independence and resulted in the ceding of Bakassi to Cameroon. The impact of the resolution lingers. To date, thousands of displaced Bakassi people that returned to Nigeria have yet to be resettled and reintegrated. Disputes also continue between fishers from Nigeria and Cameroonian law enforcement agents. In extreme cases, it results in death, like the alleged killing of 97 Nigerian fishers by Cameroonian marine police.

    The way forward

    In our paper, we recommend that courts, tribunals or disputing countries consider joint management agreements to resolve maritime disputes. Under such agreements, countries share and manage disputed maritime resources.

    These agreements will allow for the joint management of shared resources. It will also encourage cooperation and collaboration in other areas, such as joint operations to combat illegal fishing and piracy. While international courts may apply uti possidetis juris as required by law, countries should be encouraged to negotiate special arrangements – such as joint development agreements – as part of the resolution process. Especially in cases where livelihoods and longstanding community ties risk being disrupted by unilateral decisions or the ceding of disputed areas to one party.

    While not perfect, this approach has already improved cooperation on security and resource use at sea. It has worked in places like Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal and Guinea-Bissau. Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire also have a joint management framework in place for their shared boundaries to avoid future disputes.

    Prolonged boundary disputes only enable criminal actors to exploit Africa’s resources, undermining collective progress. A shift towards collaborative solutions is essential for achieving a sustainable and prosperous future for the continent.

    – Colonial-era borders create conflict in Africa’s oceans – how to resolve them
    – https://theconversation.com/colonial-era-borders-create-conflict-in-africas-oceans-how-to-resolve-them-248577

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Vaccines: why these young Africans are hesitant about them and what might change their minds

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Oluwaseyi Dolapo Somefun, Research associate, University of the Western Cape

    Vaccines have proved to be one of the most effective tools in fighting infectious diseases, but convincing people to get vaccinated can be tough. Especially young people.

    During the global COVID-19 pandemic, declared by the World Health Organization on 11 March 2020, many countries reported high levels of vaccine hesitancy among younger population groups. Negative healthcare experiences and general distrust of government have cultivated vaccine hesitancy across Africa. Misleading information about vaccine side-effects on social media adds to this challenge.

    This hesitancy continues today. A 2024 study on adolescents and young adults (aged 10 to 35) in sub-Saharan Africa found a vaccine acceptance rate of just 38.7%.

    These concerns were echoed in a recent study we carried out among 165 young adults in Nigeria, South Africa and Zambia, looking at attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccine. We wanted to know what could be done to help improve future vaccine acceptance, inform campaigns and prepare for future public health responses.

    Participants were hesitant to be vaccinated, for various reasons, and suggested what policymakers could do to improve vaccine uptake.

    Understanding young people’s perspectives on vaccine hesitancy and what can be done to address this is crucial for improving vaccine acceptance in the future.

    What young adults told us

    Our research gathered data through focus groups and interviews.

    The participants described a fear of injections, uncertainty about side effects, distrust in healthcare systems and rude healthcare workers.

    Some participants were worried about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine, particularly how it might affect those with pre-existing health conditions.

    Many believed that the vaccine was developed too quickly without sufficient testing and a lack of accessible information.

    Many expressed a strong fear of needles. A young South African woman aged 19 commented:

    I am afraid of injections, so for me, it would be better if there was something that could be taken orally, something you can drink.

    Getting over the hurdle

    We found young people often felt left out of vaccine conversations. They wanted to be part of the solution and make informed choices but needed the right tools and support to do so.

    Participants suggested practical ideas to help boost vaccine acceptance among their peers.

    Several highlighted the importance of assessing individual health status before administering vaccines, to avoid adverse interactions with existing medical conditions and treatments. They believed that situations where vaccines were mistakenly blamed for pre-existing illnesses or ongoing treatments could be avoided.

    Participants suggested innovative strategies to make vaccines more accessibile. Mobile vaccination sites and community-based outreach programmes were some of the suggestions.

    They must introduce mobile clinics, so that people don’t find themselves having to travel long distances to vaccinate. – 18-year-old male, South Africa

    Young people also suggested household visits to people who were immobile because of age, illness or disability.

    Many advocated for non-injectable vaccine options, such as oral medications or microneedle patches, which could improve accessibility and reduce anxiety.

    The oral polio vaccine, which has been widely used in global polio eradication efforts, is an example of a non-injectable vaccine.

    COVID-19 microneedle patch prototypes are being explored for clinical testing.

    The youth urged public figures, including politicians, celebrities and influencers, to publicly endorse the vaccine.

    It would be nice if the president could be shown on television receiving a vaccine so that we can see for ourselves whether he is given the same thing that everyone else receives. – 20-year-old male, South Africa

    More engaging videos, interactive interviews and testimonials from vaccinated individuals could be shared across social media platforms.

    The young people also emphasised the importance of comprehensive training for healthcare providers. They highlighted the need for healthcare professionals to provide respectful and empathetic care. They suggested that, by fostering respectful communication, healthcare providers could create a more welcoming and comfortable environment for their clients.

    In addition, providing vaccine education in schools could educate pupils so that they could make decisions on their own.

    Way forward

    Engaging young people as active participants in shaping public health strategies can help increase vaccine acceptance and ensure a healthier future for all.

    We believe that our findings can be applied in two ways.

    First, to inform the design of tailored interventions that better resonate with young people’s desires and needs, paving the way for increased vaccine uptake and acceptability.

    Second, to highlight areas where young people may need further information and engagement, to better understand some of the broader issues and why some of their recommendations might not be feasible in the short or longer term.

    – Vaccines: why these young Africans are hesitant about them and what might change their minds
    – https://theconversation.com/vaccines-why-these-young-africans-are-hesitant-about-them-and-what-might-change-their-minds-249629

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Free Gaelic language courses to be launched in Perth and Kinross

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    For complete beginners, a new eight-week gentle introduction to Gaelic has been developed, and will be offered on a rolling basis, with plans to rotate locations around Perth and Kinross. 

    This is an ideal pre-cursor to the second option of a supported self-study course for new learners, based on the “Speak Gaelic” A1 programme.  This will be available year-round and is suitable for ambitious beginners and lapsed Gaelic learners.

    Both courses will be open to any Perth and Kinross resident interested in learning Gaelic.

    These courses form part of Perth and Kinross Council’s Gaelic Language Plan. Councillors on Perth and Kinross Council’s Learning and Families Committee will be updated on its progress when they meet on Wednesday, May 28.

    The Gaelic Language Plan is based on three pillars: using Gaelic, learning Gaelic and promoting Gaelic.

    A Perth and Kinross Gaelic network is being established to link together people involved in, or with an interest in Gaelic. 

    It is hoped to recruit Gaelic ‘ambassadors’ from the Perth and Kinross communities, who will help to share information about Gaelic events to people not on social media and potentially act as a Gaelic focal point in their communities.

     A Perth and Kinross Council Staff Gaelic network has also been established, to encourage staff to engage with Gaelic and encourage use of Gaelic in the workplace.

    Efforts to promote Gaelic include the Gaelic in Perthshire Facebook page, which was relaunched in February as part of World Gaelic Week.

    This year also marked the 25th anniversary of Gaelic Medium Education at Goodlyburn Primary School in Perth, which was celebrated with a concert in February.

    Learning and Families Convener Councillor John Rebbeck said: “Gaelic is an enormously important part of Scotland’s culture.

    “We want to see Gaelic thriving in Perth and Kinross and we have some fantastic initiatives underway to support those who speak the language and encourage more people to start learning it.

    “Our new eight-week introduction to Gaelic will be an ideal way for those who’ve fancied learning Gaelic to get a grounding in the basics in a relaxed environment, while the guided self-study course will give them the option of taking their Gaelic to the next level.

    “The Action Plan reaffirms our commitment to supporting the Gaelic language and culture, ensuring it continues to thrive across Perth and Kinross.”

    Perth and Kinross Council’s’ Gaelic Ambassador Councillor John Duff said: “It is fantastic to see such support for the Gaelic language and I encourage everyone with an interest in learning the language to sign up to one of the courses.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Silvercrest Asset Management Group Appoints Van Martin as Head of U.S. Consultant Relations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Silvercrest Asset Management Group (NASDAQ: SAMG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Van Martin as Head of U.S. Consultant Relations. In this role, Mr. Martin will oversee the firm’s initiatives to strengthen its partnerships with new and existing institutional investors, deepen consultant relationships, and expand the growth of Silvercrest’s institutional business in the U.S.

    Since joining Silvercrest in 2014, Mr. Martin has been instrumental in expanding the firm’s intermediary and institutional client base, building relationships with broker-dealers, consulting firms, and key U.S.-based institutional investors. As a Partner and Managing Director at Silvercrest, Mr. Martin brings over a decade of experience and a deep understanding of the firm’s U.S.-based investment capabilities.

    Allen Gray, Global Head of Silvercrest’s Institutional Business, remarked, “We are immensely proud of Van’s contributions and his longstanding collaboration with our U.S.-focused equity investment teams over the past 11 years. We are very pleased to have Van leading our Consultant Relations efforts in the U.S. Marketplace.”

    Mr. Martin is based in the firm’s headquarters in New York City and will report to Allen Gray, Global Head of Silvercrest’s Institutional Business. The team will leverage their combined experience and market knowledge to optimize consultant and client activities, ensuring the best outcomes for institutional clients both in the U.S. and around the globe.

    “I am thrilled to lead Silvercrest’s U.S. institutional consultant relations efforts,” Mr. Martin commented. “I look forward to working with our clients and partners to strengthen our relationships and build upon Silvercrest’s legacy of delivering an exceptional client experience through the high-quality expertise of our talented investment teams.”

    About Van Martin

    Van Martin is a Managing Director and Head of U.S. Consultant & Client Relations, focusing on Silvercrest’s Institutional Asset Management business. Prior to joining Silvercrest in 2014, Mr. Martin held various roles in the Equity Capital Markets division of Sterne Agee & Leach (now Stifel Nicolaus), where he served as an Associate on the Institutional Equity Sales & Trading desk and later as the Associate Director of the newly formed Equity Product Management desk. A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Mr. Martin attended the University of Mississippi, where he graduated with a B.A. in Managerial Finance, a B.A. in Banking & Commerce, and a Minor in Real Estate Finance.

    About Silvercrest Asset Management

    Silvercrest was founded in April 2002 as an independent, employee-owned registered investment adviser. With offices in New York, Boston, Virginia, Atlanta, New Jersey, California, Wisconsin, and Singapore, Silvercrest provides traditional and alternative investment advisory and family office services to wealthy families and select institutional investors. As of March 31, 2025, the firm reported assets under management of $34.3 billion.

    Contact:
    J. Allen Gray
    Managing Director, Head of Institutional Business
    212-649-0765
    agray@silvercrestgroup.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Marathon runners rely on family and experts to succeed, while races rely on passionate volunteers

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Julia Yarkoni, Fellow in Global Journalism, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto

    This past April, the Boston Marathon attracted more than 32,000 runners and approximately half a million spectators. With such a huge crowd on hand, it’s easy to think that the athletes’ major source of support comes from fans of the sport. More than a million people annually run marathon races, and most of them have a team of people behind them.

    Marathoners rely on the strengths of a community of people. Families, coaches, marathon volunteers, race directors and health professionals dedicate time and energy to the runners’ dreams. And each group protects the health of the athletes in a different way. These unsung heroes make the impossible possible and they do it because the sport of long-distance running is a community endeavour.

    Families lay the foundation; research found that partners are “strikingly co-operative” as the non-running partner often picks up chores and child care uncomplainingly because they believe in the end goal. And a [2023 New York Times] article reported that athletes reciprocate by giving their partner recreational time.

    Running is a lifestyle

    When a family member is training to complete a marathon, families recognize there is safety in sticking together. Registered dietitian Kristy Baumann, owner of Marathon Nutritionist in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn., has run 13 marathons. She describes how her mother would accompany her when she trained for hours.

    “My mom would bike with me on my long runs,” she says.

    In a 2015 article for Runner’s World, runner Courtney Crandell described how her family made sure she ate, maintained her health insurance and had a ride home after the race.

    Long-distance running draws people together who are not family. Coaches get to know their runners intimately and can prevent racers from ending up in dangerous situations. For example, Molly Monk, an athlete with unpredictable blood pressure, relied on her coach to help her train so that she avoided passing out during the marathon.

    Preparing physically and mentally

    Andy Jones-Wilkins, an American endurance running coach and writer, takes pride in being able to train marathon racers for four to six months because he values his relationships with runners. Jones-Wilkins, 57, is currently coaching 24 athletes scattered across the U.S.

    “My job as a coach is to give them not just the physical but also the mental and emotional tools to not just prepare for the race but to execute and to finish,” he says.

    Jones-Wilkins stays in contact with his athletes to debrief and to discuss with them the next step forward, particularly if they were disappointed on race day.

    Thirty-four years of long-distance running has taught Jones-Wilkins who the true unsung heroes are: “The people who put on these events (race directors) are the heart and soul of this sport.”

    Supporting runners

    Jones-Wilkins’ admiration for race directors led him to write “The Race Director Chronicles,” an online series profiling different race directors. He says they are often unpaid, deal with thousands of race details and invariably face negative feedback. He particularly admires the talent these individuals have for networking.

    Long-distance running brings together introverts and extroverts. Tim Bradley is one of those extroverts. A volunteer co-ordinator specializing in running events in Los Angeles, he works 11 races a year and also created a volunteer registration platform to help other volunteer co-ordinators: “I can’t think of other sports that recruit so many volunteers and are so dependent on them.”

    He typically starts recruitment four months before a race and registers 4,000 volunteers in preparation for race day. Volunteer responsibilities include raising funds, registering runners, building spectator stands, operating refreshment stations, regulating traffic, offering first aid, tracking and publishing results and cleaning up.

    Volunteers at major races go beyond first aid, and prepare volunteers to treat dehydration, heat stroke, low sodium levels and orthopedic injuries. They also provide a sweep medical bus to pick up runners who cannot finish the race.

    More than the run

    Sometimes the most important role a person can play in a marathon runner’s life is to tell them when there’s a higher priority requiring attention than the marathon itself. As a dietitian, Baumann says she encounters young women who struggle with nutrition issues that come to light when they start to train.

    “My job is twofold: helping people fuel for performance, feel their best and finish their race strong but also a lot that comes with it for many people is healing their relationship with food,” she says.

    Marathons get their name from the Greek legend of the messenger Pheidippides, who ran 40 kilometres from the town of Marathon to Athens to announce Greece’s victory over Persia in a battle on the plain of Marathon.

    Today a marathon runner’s successful finish is celebrated by many people who love the sport of long-distance running because its message is that solidarity wins.

    Julia Yarkoni 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.

    – ref. Marathon runners rely on family and experts to succeed, while races rely on passionate volunteers – https://theconversation.com/marathon-runners-rely-on-family-and-experts-to-succeed-while-races-rely-on-passionate-volunteers-252581

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Superbowl UK opening creates over 30 new jobs for Wolverhampton residents

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, Councillor Stephen Simkins, and Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, Councillor Chris Burden, dropped in to wish the staff – all from the city – good luck.

    Situated off Victoria Street, Superbowl UK’s £2.4million investment, in what is its 15th branch, boosts the city centre’s leisure offer and comes on the back of the council’s transformation works to improve and pedestrianise the area.

    The venue is fitted with 12 bowling lanes, Crazy Club Soft Play, interactive darts, bar and diner and SEGA Prize Zone Arcade, and brings the company’s distinctive brand of family entertainment and competitive socialising to the city.

    Opening times are Monday to Thursday (9am to 11pm) and Friday to Saturday (9am to midnight).

    Councillor Stephen Simkins said: “This commitment shows great confidence in our city centre which is seeing a huge amount of investment driven by the council’s compelling vision based on better connectivity, more homes, jobs, skills and learning opportunities, and investment in the visitor economy.

    “Superbowl UK’s development has brought empty retail units back to life, further delivering on our ambitions for the city centre and illustrating how high streets up and down the country must change and adapt.”

    Kate Quaintance, Acquisitions Director for Superbowl UK, said: “The opening of Wolverhampton as our 15th branch is part of our significant growth in the last 5 years.

    “Superbowl UK Wolverhampton brings the company’s distinctive brand of family entertainment and competitive socialising to Wolverhampton, and we are delighted we can now start welcoming the people of Wolverhampton to enjoy our fantastic offer.”

    Councillor Chris Burden added: “Superbowl UK’s new venue will serve as a catalyst for further investment and the council continues to work with the owners of the Mander Centre, Catella APAM, on attracting other new leisure and food and beverage occupiers.

    “Alongside Superbowl UK, the city centre will also be boosted by the opening of the new 4 screen Lockworks Cinema in the Chubb Building this summer and a new indoor climbing facility coming to the former Express & Star offices in Queen Street.

    “Working alongside popular venues like the art gallery, Grand Theatre and University of Wolverhampton at The Halls, this will all drive footfall to support local businesses.”
     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Frank Elderson: Nature’s bell tolls for thee, economy!

    Source: European Central Bank

    Keynote speech by Frank Elderson, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB and Vice-Chair of the Supervisory Board of the ECB, at the Naturalis Biodiversity Center

    Leiden, 22 May 2025

    Thank you for inviting me to speak at this annual biodiversity dinner. The wide range of speakers here this evening – on international biodiversity day – is testament to the relevance of biodiversity across disciplines.

    Nature isn’t just the roots and shoots of biologists, macroecologists and natural scientists. Beyond its intrinsic value, nature provides vital services that are relevant for all of us – for entrepreneurs, workers, policymakers and bankers, but also for central bankers and financial supervisors.

    A thriving natural environment provides vital benefits that sustain our well-being and serve as a crucial driving force for the global economy. Think of fertile soils, pollination, timber, fishing stocks, clean water and clean air.

    But we are well aware of the daunting facts that confirm the dire state of ecosystem services. Intensive land use, the climate crisis, pollution, overexploitation and other human pressures are rapidly and severely damaging our natural resources.

    75% of land surface ecosystems and 66% of ocean ecosystems have been damaged, degraded or modified.

    We are using natural resources 1.7 times faster than ecosystems can regenerate them. Consequently, the contribution that nature can make to our economies – and our way of life – is steadily diminishing every day.

    These fateful facts and figures confront us as vividly as Edvard Munch’s iconic scream. Yet, accounting for nature and the services it provides is challenging. What nature provides to the economy is typically not measured directly in statistics like GDP.

    We price portfolios instead of pollinators, we monitor markets instead of mangroves and we watch wages instead of water supplies. However, the reality is that while our economies are heavily reliant on ecosystem services, the economic value of those pollinators, mangroves and water supplies is not sufficiently taken into account.

    Nature is too often still wrongly seen as a free good, readily available and abundant in supply, without opportunity costs. For such a good, there is no market – and therefore no price.

    So, why can’t governments intervene by pricing and creating a market for nature as has been done for emissions?

    Unlike for the climate crisis – which can be quantified through carbon emissions and their direct links to rising temperatures – there is no single metric that can be used to quantify the wide range of ecosystem services.

    What is the common denominator of clean air, fertile soils and coasts protected by mangrove forests? Nature is beautifully complex, but this complexity makes it harder to establish a market for nature than a market for climate, such as the carbon markets created through emissions trading systems.

    For central banks to effectively fulfil their mandates, we need to enhance our capacity to measure the vital services that nature provides to our economy and identify the financial risks caused by the degradation of these services. And while this is admittedly not an easy task, it is encouraging that multiple stakeholders are making progress, including academia, firms and also the ECB. We are enhancing our tools, methodologies and data to assess the economic implications of ecosystems and their degradation. And I am pleased to be able to share some of our latest insights this evening.

    I will argue that while nature services may appear to be freely available, they are in fact not abundant at all and there are substantial costs to using and losing them. Costs that we currently overlook when headlines report on GDP growth.

    Accounting for nature in monetary policy and banking supervision

    Nature being of vital importance for the economy and the financial system is hardly a novel insight. Besides scientists, a number of central banks and prudential supervisors have also been highlighting their interlinkages for several years now.[1] And while the climate crisis has received most of the attention, it is encouraging that work on nature-related risks has also significantly evolved.

    Moreover, the ECB has taken significant steps to account for nature-related risks in the pursuit of its mandate. For instance, we take into account the effects nature degradation can have on banks’ balance sheets. The degradation of nature could damage companies’ production processes and consequently weaken their creditworthiness, which might in turn impair loans granted by banks. In our role as the supervisor of Europe’s largest banks, we therefore aim to ensure that the banks we supervise adequately manage both climate-related and nature-related risks.[2] Encouragingly, we are seeing a growing set of good practices among the banks we supervise in terms of identifying, quantifying and managing nature-related risks.

    But are we fully aware of – and sufficiently alert to – how nature degradation could eventually hit balance sheets?

    Advancing our understanding does not mean that economists and supervisors should start studying ants in Aragon, ladybirds in Lombardy or honeybees in Holland (although it is very important that entomologists do!).

    Instead, central banks and supervisors need to gain a better understanding of just how vulnerable the economy and the financial system are to nature degradation.[3]

    Capturing the risks related to ecosystem degradation

    An ECB study in 2023 found that nearly 75% of banks’ corporate lending goes to firms that are highly dependent on at least one ecosystem service.[4] This finding underscores just how interconnected nature, the economy and the financial system really are.[5] But that study does not tell us exactly how much of our economic activity is at risk, or which economic sectors and regions will be most affected.

    To better understand this impact, the ECB has teamed up with the Resilient Planet Finance Lab at the University of Oxford.

    The interdisciplinary team has developed systemic risk indicators that move beyond dependency analysis to a comprehensive assessment of nature-related financial risks. In essence, this indicator assesses the economic implications of the deteriorating state of ecosystems. It shows how much of the economic value added by a particular industry– what economists call “gross value added” – is at risk when ecosystem services degrade. Tomorrow we will publish a blog post showing some of the preliminary results of our work, but I can already share some findings with you this evening.

    Water – the natural currency underwriting purchases, investments and trades

    Our preliminary findings indicate two things. First, water – too little, too much or too dirty water that is –has been identified as posing the most significant risk to the euro area economy. Losses related to water scarcity, poor water quality and flood protection emerge as the most critical from a value added perspective. Concretely, surface water scarcity alone puts almost 15% of the euro area’s economic output at risk. This is not surprising because water is not just any resource – it is one of the most essential natural resources we possess. Second, agriculture is the most exposed sector, as it would suffer the largest proportional output losses due to a decline in surface water. But other sectors are also likely to be significantly affected.

    Chart 1

    Proportion of national gross value added (GVA) at risk due to surface water scarcity in Europe and globally (supply chain risks)

    Water is, for instance, an indispensable resource in industry. In the Netherlands, industry alone uses over 2.6 trillion litres of fresh water a year.[6] This water usage is more than three times the total annual water consumption of all households in the Netherlands. Water is also essential for energy production, not only in hydropower plants but also in thermal power plants – including nuclear – where it is used for cooling and steam generation. It is consumed in vast quantities for mining and mineral processing, which are crucial for the energy transition, as well as in the construction sector for producing concrete, to name just a few examples.

    The risk posed by water scarcity is not hypothetical, we are already experiencing the impact today. I am sure that many of you remember when the summers of 2018, 2019 and 2020 brought severe droughts and heatwaves even to the Netherlands. In 2018 alone, economic losses in the Netherlands were up to €1.9 billion for agriculture and €155 million for shipping, with widespread but hard-to-quantify damage to ecosystems. This year’s drought is especially alarming: spring 2025 is on track to become the driest ever recorded in the Netherlands, likely surpassing the previous record set nearly 50 years ago. And droughts are only projected to increase further as the climate crisis continues to develop. Worryingly, in the driest scenario an average summer in the 2040s will be about as dry as an extremely dry summer now.

    Effective water management will thus be crucial for sustaining production. However, the risk persists that during periods of drought, production might need to be scaled down. Some industrial processes may become economically unviable and might need to relocate.

    For example, some have even gone as far as to point at a risk that more frequent droughts could render traditional tulip-growing regions such as the Bollenstreek unsuitable for bulb cultivation.[7] This may compel growers to explore better-positioned locations where water is more reliably available to safeguard the iconic Dutch tulip industry.

    Hence, as a consequence of water scarcity, our economies could produce less, and production costs are likely to rise during any inevitable transition phase.

    Let me also point out that biodiversity is a critical – and often underestimated – factor in ensuring the availability and quality of fresh water. Ecosystems such as forests and wetlands regulate the quantity, timing and purity of water flows by stabilising soils and filtering pollutants. Maintaining healthy and diverse ecosystems will be crucial for resilient water provisioning as climate change intensifies, particularly in regions facing growing water stress.

    Beyond these macroeconomic impacts, ecosystem degradation can significantly affect financial stability, for example through the loans that banks grant to households and firms. In essence, the greater the impact on firms, the higher the risk of defaults and the higher the risk on banks’ balance sheets.

    For example, in our research with the University of Oxford we found that more than 34% of banks’ total outstanding nominal amount – over €1.3 trillion – is currently extended to sectors exposed to high water scarcity risk.

    As the next step in our research, we will examine changes in the probability of default in the sectors most affected by dwindling ecosystems. Think about it as stress-testing the resilience of banks’ credit portfolios to nature degradation. We plan to publish these results later this year, complete with a more in-depth analysis on the topic, so stay tuned.

    Multiple stakeholders are taking action

    Encouragingly, our work with the University of Oxford is not an isolated case. We are in fact seeing a wide range of stakeholders taking action to better account for ecosystem services.

    For instance, I hear that our host this evening – the Naturalis Biodiversity Center – has teamed up with banks to combine insights from science and finance to further develop indicators quantifying ecosystem services.

    We are also seeing a growing set of good practices among the banks we supervise in terms of identifying, quantifying and managing nature-related risks. Banks typically conduct materiality assessments to understand where they are most affected. And banks also grapple with the challenge that nature-related risks are difficult to express in a single metric. Once they know where they are exposed, they then typically conduct deep dives on specific topics.

    One bank, for example, has conducted a quantitative scenario analysis to understand how the profitability of its customers could be affected if a water pollution tax were to be implemented.

    Other banks design customer scorecards and engage with the most vulnerable counterparties, sometimes offering small discounts or other incentives when customers meet key performance indicators that increase their resilience.

    It is also encouraging that progress is being made at the international level. The Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS) – a network of 145 central banks and supervisors from around the world – has developed a conceptual framework offering central banks and supervisors a common understanding of nature-related financial risks and a principle-based risk assessment approach.[8][9] And the Financial Stability Board recently took stock of supervisory and regulatory initiatives among its members, finding that a growing number of financial authorities are considering the potential implications of nature-related risks for the financial sector.[10]

    So scientists, banks, policymakers and supervisors are in fact taking action. That’s good news. Given the high level of uncertainty regarding impacts, non-linearities, tipping points and irreversibility, continuous scientific input and engagement are essential to determine the transmission channels from nature to our economies.

    Reliable and comparable data are key to managing risks and identifying opportunities

    Before I conclude, let me stress a vital enabler to better measure ecosystem services: data. Closer cooperation with natural scientists can help us better understand the data they have available on the status of nature and the ecosystem services it provides. The National Hub for Biodiversity Information provided by our host tonight is an excellent example.[11]

    Moreover, continuous engagement with the scientific community can also help improve our understanding of non-linearities, tipping points and the irreversibility of the biodiversity crisis.

    Similarly, the availability of reliable and comparable data from companies is essential for us to know where the risks are hiding and where opportunities can be found. Such data can, for example, provide insights into companies’ reliance on fresh water for their production processes. In this context, the reporting requirements in the EU’s sustainable finance framework are not merely a “nice to have”, they are providing indispensable information about financial risks and are a solution to the patchwork of different reporting criteria.

    Does that mean that there is no room for simplification? Does it mean that there is no room to ease the reporting burden on smaller firms?

    Of course not.

    As the ECB noted in its recent opinion[12] on the Commission’s omnibus package, striking the right balance is crucial – the balance between how much data firms report and how many firms are required to do so. Excluding too many firms from the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive may reduce the availability of vital data needed to assess climate-and nature related financial risks.

    So when carefully calibrating a balanced degree of simplification, one should look at what data points we need most and make sure that sufficient companies report on precisely those data. Not only because reliable and comparable data are important for identifying economic impacts and managing financial risks, but also because such data helps identify investment opportunities to unlock a clean, green and competitive European economy.

    Conclusion

    Let me conclude.

    Encouragingly, multiple stakeholders are making progress in better accounting for ecosystem services. That’s good news, and this work must continue. Because dwindling ecosystems are no longer peripheral – they are central to financial stability, the economy and, ultimately, our daily lives.

    When you saw the title of my remarks this evening, some of you might have recognised a reference to John Donne’s poem “For Whom the Bell Tolls”. Donne beautifully expresses that we are all part of a bigger whole: “No man is an island, Entire of itself.”

    Nor is our economy an island – it is not “entire of itself”, it depends on nature.

    If nature’s services suffer,
    And they do!
    Send not to know
    For whom the bell tolls.
    It tolls for thee, ECOnomy!

    Thank you for your attention.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Councillor Teresa Heritage elected as new Mayor of the City and District of St Albans

    Source: St Albans City and District

    Publication date:

    Councillor Teresa Heritage has been elected the new Mayor of the City and District of St Albans and will support two charities during her year in office.

    She was made Mayor for 2025/26 at the Annual Meeting of the Council on Wednesday 21 May with Councillor Sue Griffiths becoming Deputy Mayor.

    Mayor Heritage, who succeeds Cllr Jamie Day, will raise money for Community First Responders and Pancreatic Cancer UK.

    She has also decided that the themes of her civic year will be encouraging volunteering and supporting small businesses.

    Mayor Heritage has been a District Councillor since 2002 and represents Harpenden South ward. She is the City’s 481st Mayor with the first having been appointed in 1553.

    She will chair Full Council meetings and represent the City at a variety of events, often involving voluntary and charity groups. 

    Mayor Heritage said:

    It is an honour to be elected to this historic position and I am looking forward to an exciting year ahead.

    During my time in office, I will be promoting volunteering, throwing some light on the selfless work people undertake to strengthen our communities. I will also seek to highlight our local businesses which provide so many jobs and services.

    Pancreatic Cancer UK is a cause close to my heart as the illness recently took away my dear friend Brian Ellis, a former District Councillor.

    Communities First Responders are volunteers, trained to attend local medical emergencies and save lives before an ambulance arrives.

    I will be urging people to donate to these wonderful causes and will start my fund-raising efforts with a sponsored slim.

    To charities and community groups across the District, I say please invite me to your events, so I can highlight your work in encouraging cohesion and inclusivity, so nobody feels left behind.

    Mayor Teresa Heritage

    Teresa has been a District Councillor for 23 years, serving on numerous Committees, and was formerly both a Town and County Councillor.

    Hertfordshire born and bred, she grew up in Borehamwood and went to work for Lloyds Bank after leaving school at 18.

    She later qualified as a Chartered Secretary and began a career in the City, rising to become Assistant Company Secretary and Investor Relations Manager for Lonrho.

    Teresa spent 26 years with Lonrho, being involved in high-profile takeovers and other major business dealings, and later joined a consultancy.

    She has also enjoyed a long career in public service, becoming a District Councillor in 2002 and a County Councillor six years later.

    As a County Councillor, she served in many roles including Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for Children’s Services.

    In addition, she became a Mental Health Champion, joined the Royal British Legion and chaired Hertfordshire SSAFA, the armed forces’ charity. 

    Teresa has been heavily involved for many years in community and charity work in Harpenden and is currently President of Harpenden Village Rotary Club.

    She has been a school governor and a founding member of Harpenden Connect and Harpenden Seniors Forum.

    Her husband David, a retired businessman, is a District and Town Councillor. The couple have a son and three grandchildren.

    Deputy Mayor Sue Griffiths

    Sue, who is a District Councillor for Harpenden North ward, was born and raised in Liverpool where she attended university before going into banking.

    Work took her south and she held senior positions with the former Midland Bank, reaching the final of the Young Businesswoman of the Year in 1989.

    Sue later trained as a teacher in Business Studies and gained an MA in Education from the University of Hertfordshire while teaching at Marlborough Science Academy in St Albans.

    She later moved to Sir John Lawes School in Harpenden, where she has lived since 1987, and became Head of Faculty for Business and Economics

    She continues to work in education at Sir John Lawes and as a business lecturer at Oaklands College. 

    Sue is a supporter of Young Enterprise, a national charity to equip young people for the world of work, and has received their long service award.

    She also supports the Open Door homeless shelter in St Albans, cooking regular evening meals as part of a team.

    Her husband Roy is a retired banker and the couple have three children and two grandchildren.

    Charity contacts

    You can find out more information about Communities First Responders, including opportunities for volunteering, here. 

    More information about Pancreatic Cancer UK is available here.

    Pictures: top, the Mayor, Cllr Teresa Heritage; bottom, the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Sue Griffiths.

    Contact for the Mayor’s office: Alison Orde, the Mayor’s Civic Officer, 01727 819544,  mayoralty@stalbans.gov.uk.

    Contact for the media: John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer, 01727-819533,  john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Contractor’s renewal refused

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn today said that the Buildings Department has refused the application for registration renewal of Aggressive Construction Company which will be removed from the register of general building contractors on June 20.

    The company was involved in three serious incidents, including a fatal incident in 2022 involving the collapse of a tower crane at a construction site at Anderson Road; a fatal incident in July 2020 involving the electrocution of a worker at a construction site at Wang Chin Street; and a fatal incident in October 2023 involving a worker falling from height at a construction site at To Wah Road. These incidents resulted in a total of five deaths.

    As a registered general building contractor, the registration of the company expired in April 2023.

    The department referred the renewal application to the Contractors Registration Committee for interview and assessment in accordance with the Buildings Ordinance.

    The committee is established under the ordinance and its key members are nominated by the relevant building professional registration boards and the industry.

    After interviews, the committee was not satisfied that the authorised signatories of the company were competent and capable in site supervision and safety management to act on behalf of the company for the purpose of the ordinance, and was not satisfied that the contractor had proper site safety management.

    After careful consideration of the committee’s recommendation, the department has decided to refuse the company’s application for registration renewal.

    The department issued a letter to the company today as notification of its removal from the register of general building contractors on June 20, and that it will not be allowed to carry out any building works under the ordinance from that date onwards.

    The company was also requested to inform the authorised persons (APs) of the building sites of the relevant private development projects under its charge in accordance with the law, including submitting to the APs a notice of cessation of appointment, certifying that the building works carried out are in accordance with the provisions of the ordinance and its regulations, and giving a clear account of the scope of the completed building works.

    At the same time, the department also issued a letter to inform the APs responsible for the relevant building sites that the application for renewal of registration of the company has been refused, reminding them that they should make arrangements for the remaining works as soon as possible, including proposing to the owner of the project the appointment of another registered contractor to follow up the outstanding building works.

    The company is currently the main contractor for six development projects, three of which are public housing projects, one is a public works project for the construction of a new Chai Wan Government Complex, one is a subsidised sale housing project on Anderson Road by the Hong Kong Housing Society, while the remaining one is a student and staff dormitory project of the University of Hong Kong on Pok Fu Lam Road.

    With the company being removed from the register of general building contractors, it will no longer be allowed to carry out five of the above-mentioned residential and hostel projects according to the law or contract terms.

    As for the public works project of Chai Wan Government Complex, although it is neither bound by the ordinance or relevant contract terms to employ a contractor from the register of general building contractors for this project, in view of the slow progress over the past months and the fact that the performance of the contractor is far below contract requirements, the relevant works department will terminate the contract as soon as possible in accordance with the contractual mechanism.

    The Housing Authority and the relevant works department will follow up with the company as soon as possible to arrange for a new contractor to take over the project sites within two months of the company leaving the site.

    In order to minimise the impact to current workers and subcontractors, the Government encourages new contractors for the projects concerned to take priority in engaging current workers and subcontractors.

    Additionally, special consultation counters have been set up at ten Regional Offices of the Labour Relations Division under the Labour Department to provide appropriate assistance to affected workers.

    Ms Linn said that refusing the company’s application for renewal of registration is only one of a series of follow-up actions taken by the Government following construction site fatal incidents.

    In 2023, the Buildings Department and the Labour Department instigated prosecutions against the company and related individuals under their respective ordinances regarding the collapse of a tower crane on Anderson Road. The case will be heard in January 2026. The company’s involved authorised signatory was also charged with manslaughter in 2024, which will be heard in July this year.

    As for the other two serious incidents, the company and related individuals were convicted and fined under labour ordinances for the 2020 incident, while the 2023 incident will be heard in July 2025.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Severe Thunderstorm Watch 311 Status Reports

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Medical Students Nationally Present ENT Research Findings

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    UConn School of Medicine medical students had a strong showing at a national otolaryngology conference to present their research findings.

    The Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meetings took place in New Orleans on May 14-18 with several rising fourth-year UConn medical students participating.

    “Research experience is important for our UConn medical students because it helps with refinement of their problem-solving skills and understanding how medicine advances,” says ENT Professor Dr. Kourosh Parham, program director for the Division of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at UConn School of Medicine. “Our students recognize the need for hard work and the necessity to engage in a large range of extracurricular activities from volunteerism/community service to research and leadership.  Consequently, our students get involved early ‐ most in their first year of medical school. What is impressive is that each of our students takes on multiple research projects, some of which they are the lead on. Many publish their results in leading journals.”

    For the second year in a row, UConn medical students had a big presence at the national ENT conference.

    UConn medical student Patrick Adamczyk presenting.

    Patrick Adamczyk delivered a well-received podium presentation on a clinical investigation of tinnitus biomarkers.

    Heather McClure of the UConn SOM Class of 2026.

    Heather McClure presented the results of her multi-institutional (UConn, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, and Johns Hopkins) collaborative research on workplace accommodation for workers with hearing loss.

    Rising fourth-year UConn medical student Mohsin Mirza.

    Mohsin Mirza presented the results of his original research defining newly discovered symptoms of hyperparathyroidism.

    Class of 2026′ Fleur Kabala of UConn.

    Fleur Kabala presented the surgical management protocol for primary hyperparathyroidism.

    UConn SOM student Gabrielle Caron presenting her poster.

    Gabrielle Caron presented the surgical management of a nasal dermoid.

    SOM Class of 2026 medical student Rohit Makol.

    Rohit Makol presented the results from one of the studies he conducted during his research fellowship at NYU.  This study focused on AI-powered speech recognition models in evaluating cochlear implant users.

    In addition, Tyler Pion, DO, a third-year otolaryngology resident at UConn, presented the results of an investigation led by Uma Mehta, a rising fourth-year medical student.

    Tyler Pion, DO, a PGY3 otolaryngology resident at UConn.

    These medical students entering their last year of medical school are all interested in pursuing ENT residency and plan on participating in the 2026 National Match Day.

    UConn medical student Patrick Adamczyk with Dr. Parham.

    “Matching for a competitive field such as ENT demands that the applicants have a solid research background,” says Parham who shared how the national statistics show the average number of research projects an applicant to ENT residency participated in at the 2025 match was more than a dozen.

    Parham adds, “The mentorship by ENT faculty have been very fruitful as demonstrated by the number of presentations by our medical students at national meetings and the successful results of the 2025 match with five students successfully matching to ENT.  That was the largest number of students from a UConn medical school class to match to ENT.”

    He concludes, “We hope that the presence of our students on the national stage this year will be a predictor of another successful match in 2026.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The top Democrats leading the fight against Trump’s agenda

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Fernando Pizarro, Lecturer, Department of Journalism, City St. George’s, University of London, City St George’s, University of London

    The first five months of Donald Trump’s second presidency have been brutal for the Democratic party, which has been almost completely unable to stop his aggressive agenda. In March, CNN polling showed the favourability rating for the Democrats at just 29% – a record low in CNN polls dating back to 1992.

    The problem with the Democratic party “isn’t a lack of talent”, says Federico de Jesús, a Democratic strategist and spokesman for Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign who I interviewed for this story. It is a “problem of vision and strategy”, he argues.

    “A lot of people, in theory, agree with the Democrats on a lot of issues. But they don’t necessarily feel comfortable with the direction the party is taking.” De Jesús told me that the Democrats allowed themselves to become identified by “woke issues” by many voters who abandoned them in November.

    However, the Democrats now have some reasons to celebrate. In early April, a Democratic-backed judge called Susan Crawford secured a seat in Wisconsin’s Supreme Court. This kept liberal control of the state’s highest court intact. And a Reuters/Ipsos poll released a few weeks later showed that only 37% of US voters approve of Trump’s handling of the economy.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    As a Washington political correspondent for almost two decades, I have witnessed how the parties changed the guard after painful election cycles. This time, in the absence of clear leaders, the challenge is quite high for the Democrats.

    But who are the Democrats positioning themselves to lead the struggle against Trump’s policies? The acts of defiance are coming from two fronts: lawmakers in Congress and governors.

    Senate minority leader Charles Schumer has predicted that the Democrats will win back control of the Senate after the 2026 midterm elections. “The electorate will desert the Republican candidates who embraced Trump in an overwhelming way”, he said on April 23.

    Others, like California senator Adam Schiff and Maryland congressman Jamie Raskin, are using tactics like holding town halls in strong Republican districts to rally the opposition. Michigan congressman Shri Thanedar even filed articles of impeachment against Trump on April 28, but top Democrats shot down the effort as impractical.

    At the same time, House of Representatives minority leader Hakeem Jeffries is facing an intra-party effort to unseat many long-time lawmakers in solid Democratic districts. David Hogg, vice-chair of the Democratic National Committee, is pledging US$20 million (£15 million) to end a culture of “seniority politics” which allows “asleep at the wheel” lawmakers to stay in office.

    But it is New York congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez who has been stealing the headlines. She is setting fundraising records, preparing for an effort to challenge Schumer in a New York senatorial primary in 2028. Surveys this early are rarely predictive, but an April head-to-head poll has Ocasio-Cortez leading Schumer by double digits.

    Three Democrat governors are standing out at present: Pennsylvania’s Josh Shapiro, Minnesota’s Tim Walz and California’s Gavin Newsom.

    Shapiro is very popular with voters in his crucial swing state, and gets good marks even from Republicans on his bipartisan record. Walz was Kamala Harris’s running mate in November’s election, and his campaign performance was well received by his party. Walz is an obvious contender to run for the White House in 2028.

    But Newsom is probably the most notable of the three. While he’s been critical of his party, telling the Hill newspaper on April 21 that Democrats haven’t performed a thorough autopsy of what led to the loss in November, he is seen as someone who can address Republican voters well.

    A second tier of governors include Michigan’s Gretchen Whitmer, whose soft criticism of the Trump administration’s tariff regime saw Trump praise her for doing an “excellent job”. She is joined by Maryland’s Wes Moore, who is young and popular in his state, and JB Pritzker of Illinois.

    Pritzker called for “mass mobilisations and disruption” against Trump at a Democratic event in New Hampshire in late April. “These governors need to stand out”, said de Jesús, “either by fighting against Trump, or either [by] achieving something memorable.”

    Harris had largely kept a low profile since November’s election. But on April 30 she sharply criticised Trump’s first 100 days in office during a speech in San Francisco. She may decide to enter the race for California governor in the summer of 2025.

    Dark horse leader

    There could also be a dark horse leader waiting in the wings: Rahm Emanuel. As former Chicago mayor, Illinois congressman, Obama and Bill Clinton aide and US ambassador to Japan, he is considered a political heavyweight.

    Emanuel has hinted he may again run for public office, while criticising the party’s focus on gender issues and not on “kitchen table” issues as reasons for November’s defeat.

    Progressives chafe at the idea of dialling down the talk about certain policies, such as gender and identity issues. But both Newsom and Emanuel are among those suggesting that the focus should instead shift to defending changes that most voters can relate to.

    At the moment, the party still lacks a clear leader and direction to recover from the 2024 defeat. Newsom, for instance, told the Hill that he doesn’t “know what the party is”. “I’m still struggling with that,” he added.

    According to de Jesús, “people don’t necessarily want someone to just hate Trump, but to identify the issues voters care about and co-opt that populist message.”

    Fernando Pizarro 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.

    – ref. The top Democrats leading the fight against Trump’s agenda – https://theconversation.com/the-top-democrats-leading-the-fight-against-trumps-agenda-254869

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Golden Dome: what Trump should learn from Reagan’s ‘Star Wars’ missile defence system plan

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Matthew Powell, Teaching Fellow in Strategic and Air Power Studies, University of Portsmouth

    Donald Trump has unveiled plans for a new “next-generation” missile defence system which he says will by “capable even of intercepting missiles launched from the other side of the world, or launched from space”. The US president says “Golden Dome”, which is reportedly partly inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome system that protects the country from missile attacks, will be operational by the end of his current four-year term of office.

    But critics say that it’s much harder to design a defence system to protect a land mass the size of the United States. This is particularly the case in an era characterised by the threat from hypersonic missiles, such as those used by Russia against Ukraine, as well as attacks from space.

    Ever since the first aerial attacks on civilian populations, there have been increasing calls to provide systems that can defend and destroy the potential for an adversary to attack people, governments and infrastructure.

    This developed from relatively basic defence systems, such as those employed by the UK from 1917 to protect London and the south-east of England from attack during the first world war, which developed further to provide a relatively large degree of protection during the Battle of Britain in the summer and autumn of 1940.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    During the cold war, which followed the dropping of atomic bombs on Japan in 1945, research accelerated globally into ways of providing greater protection against nuclear attack. The most eye-catching of these ideas was the announcement by Ronald Reagan in 1983 of plans to develop a massive (and hugely expensive) land and space-based missile defence system.

    The project, officially called the Strategic Defence Initiative quickly became known colloquially – if slightly mockingly – as “Star Wars”.

    The concept behind the missile defence system was that it would provide a way of effectively making nuclear weapons obsolete. Through the application of a defensive system that incorporated both land and space-based missiles, it was believed that any nuclear warhead fired would be destroyed before it was able to re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere.

    This would not only prevent intercontinental ballistic missiles from striking their intended target, but their destruction so high above the Earth would mean that they would not pose a threat in terms of nuclear radiation and fallout.

    It’s important to note that what was announced by Reagan in March 1983 was not about the development, construction or application of an actual defensive system. It was about funding research into the technologies that would be required for such a system.

    Reagan claimed this was a move to create a more peaceful world by making nuclear weapons effectively obsolete. But it was certainly not seen this way in Moscow.

    It was also something of a half truth. The move should be seen within the wider context of cold war relations and developments. The Reagan administration was seeking to bring the Soviet Union to the negotiating table to discuss reductions in strategic weapons.

    By developing a defensive system that would make strategic nuclear weapons almost obsolete, it was hoped this would force the hand of the Soviets and effectively compel them to agree to talks.

    The ‘Star Wars’ era: Ronald Reagan hoped his planned missile defence system would force the USSR to the negotiating table. He was right.
    Yuryi Abramochkin/RIA Novosti archive., CC BY

    But at the same time, as far as the decision-makers in the Kremlin were concerned, such a system – if developed and deployed – would give the United States a colossal strategic advantage. By the mid-1980s, it was highly unlikely that the Soviets could ever afford the investment in research and development and production capabilities to design their own system. This would mean that the Soviet Union was now highly vulnerable to a nuclear attack, while the US would be protected.

    This would place the United States in a similar position to that which it had enjoyed between 1945 and 1949, when it was the only nation that had the ability launch nuclear weapons. The theory of mutually assured destruction would fall almost overnight, meaning that the US had very little to fear from launching a nuclear attack, as any Soviet response would be futile.

    Given the potential for nuclear blackmail by the all-powerful US, it might cause the Kremlin to consider launching a pre-emptive strike against the US before such a system could be developed or implemented. Rather than making the world a safer place and diminishing the place of nuclear weapons, the world would become more dangerous.

    Pie in the sky?

    The Strategic Defence Initiative never really got off the ground. The initial mockery from large parts of the public of the US hid many real challenges to the development of such a defensive system. The research and development aspect alone came with a very large price tag. This was largely out of step with Reagan’s ideas about small government and limited public spending.

    In order to fund such a programme, money would have to be diverted from other domestic and social programmes, such as health and education. Despite the cold war context, this may well have risked unrest and protest from large swaths of the US population.

    The new technologies that were supposed to be developed as a part of this initiative were untested. It became evident that the only real way to test the efficacy and capability would be to expose the world to a nuclear attack and hope that the theoretical concepts that had been developed actually worked in practice.

    The Soviet Union also found ways of countering the potential developments that may emerge from the Strategic Defence Initiative, making the system almost redundant before it had begun.

    Proposed defence systems, like the Strategic Defence Initiative or the Golden Dome, can appear to be a panacea to defensive worries caused by heavily armed adversaries. Announcements about their development can cause global headlines and speculation about what this means for relations between nations and the international system.

    Take a step back from the US president’s hype, however, and it’s clear that Golden Dome will be hugely expensive and challenging to operate. Moreover it will require significant capabilities that do not yet exist and have yet to be tested operationally.

    Matthew Powell 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.

    – ref. Golden Dome: what Trump should learn from Reagan’s ‘Star Wars’ missile defence system plan – https://theconversation.com/golden-dome-what-trump-should-learn-from-reagans-star-wars-missile-defence-system-plan-257372

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Best 5 No Credit Check Loans Same Day Guaranteed Approval In 2025: Top Online Loans Same Day Guaranteed Approval – RadCred

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Glendale, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RadCred, a trusted online financial platform, is being spotlighted as the top choice for Americans seeking no credit check loans with same-day guaranteed approval in 2025. In an era where traditional banks often turn away those with poor credit, RadCred’s innovative lending marketplace offers a lifeline, providing quick, secure access to emergency funds without the usual hurdles. 

    This comprehensive report explores how RadCred has emerged as the best no credit check loan provider for fast, guaranteed approvals and what borrowers can expect when using this service.

    Key Takeways

    • How to find the best no credit check loans with same-day guaranteed approval in 2025 – and why RadCred stands out as the #1 platform for fast, hassle-free funding.
    • Why RadCred has become a leading online loan marketplace for urgent borrowing, especially for consumers with bad or no credit.
    • The specific features that make a no credit check loan safe, fast, and accessible – from instant approvals to flexible terms – and how RadCred delivers on these criteria.
    • The exact steps to apply for a personal loan through RadCred’s simple, three-step system, including how the platform works and what to expect at each stage.
    • Real-world scenarios and customer testimonials that highlight how RadCred’s same-day loans have solved urgent financial challenges for everyday people.
    • A detailed look at RadCred’s eligibility criteria, pros and cons, and commitment to customer safety and data security, including how it protects borrowers from fraud.
    • A comparison of RadCred vs. traditional lenders, illustrating how RadCred’s no-credit-check, fast approval approach offers a superior alternative for those with less-than-perfect credit.
    • Important disclaimers on “guaranteed” approvals, interest rates, and responsible borrowing practices to ensure readers make informed financial decisions in 2025.

    Best No Credit Check Loans Same Day Guaranteed Approval in 2025 – RadCred Tops the List. 

    For U.S. borrowers with poor or no credit history—over 28 million adults carry a FICO® score below 600—getting approved for a bank loan can feel impossible..This article explains why RadCred is the best solution in 2025 for no credit check loans with same-day approval, offering a fast, reliable way to obtain emergency cash when traditional lenders won’t help. We break down how

    RadCred connects users with a broad network of third-party lenders for quick loans, often providing near-instant approvals and funds deposited by the next business day. 

    You’ll learn how RadCred’s easy online application (with no hard credit checks), flexible loan options, and robust security measures make it a standout choice for those in a financial crunch. 

    We also compare RadCred’s service to conventional loans from banks, outline the platform’s pros and cons, share real customer reviews, and provide tips on safe borrowing. If time is short and credit is low, here’s why RadCred is the go-to platform for fast, guaranteed-approval loans in 2025.

    Low credit score holding you back? Click “Apply Now” to unlock instant, no-credit-check approvals up to $5,000.

    Why Getting a Loan with Bad Credit Feels Impossible?

    For millions of Americans, trying to secure a loan when you have bad credit feels like hitting a brick wall. Many people with less-than-perfect credit find themselves shut out of traditional financing, whether it’s due to unexpected medical bills, a job layoff, or an emergency expense that led to debt. Banks and credit unions typically demand high credit scores, extensive paperwork, and even collateral to approve a loan. 

    As a result, borrowers with poor credit scores are often left with no options or offered only predatory, high-interest products. It’s not uncommon for a bank to outright reject an application if the applicant’s FICO score doesn’t meet a strict threshold. In short, the conventional lending system hasn’t been kind to those who don’t have excellent credit.

    Yet life doesn’t wait for your credit score to catch up. When urgent expenses strike car repairs, medical emergencies, rent due by tomorrow, you name it – people need a quick solution, not a drawn-out loan process. 

    This is exactly the situation countless Americans faced in recent years, fueling a search for alternatives that don’t rely on the traditional credit check. Enter the rise of no credit check loans, a form of lending designed to serve folks the banks turn away.

    Need rent money fast? Start with RadCred and match to lenders ready to deposit cash by tonight—no collateral required.

    Rise of No Credit Check Loans in 2025

    No credit check loans in 2025 have moved from the fringes to the financial mainstream, thanks to digital platforms that specialize in fast approvals for people with bad credit. 

    These loans bypass the lengthy credit verification that banks insist upon. Instead, lenders focus on what really matters to desperate borrowers: speed, accessibility, discretion, and control. Here’s why this type of loan has surged in popularity:

    • Speed: Applications can take mere minutes, and some lenders are able to fund loans within 24 hours of approval. There’s no waiting weeks for an answer – decisions are often made almost instantly.
    • Accessibility: Most no-credit-check lenders require only basic personal and income information. There are no hard credit inquiries, meaning applying won’t ding your credit score, and even those with a rocky credit history can qualify.
    • Discretion: Because the process is online, borrowers avoid the embarrassment or judgment that can come with an in-person bank denial. Everything is handled privately through a secure website.
    • Control: Borrowers can receive multiple offers and choose the one that best fits their needs, with no obligation to accept any particular offer. You’re not at the mercy of a single bank’s decision; you have options.

    Online money sites now use smart computer programs to match people with lenders fast. Even if your credit score is low, you can fill out one short form and see loan offers in minutes—no bank visit, no long wait. These sites save you time and keep your information private. 

    RadCred is the best of these services, giving no-credit-check loans with same-day approval. The next parts show why RadCred shines and how it can put cash in your account quickly.

    Overview of RadCred – A Top Platform for Same-Day No Credit Check Loans

    RadCred is a relatively new but rapidly growing player in the online lending space, and it has quickly earned a reputation as one of 2025’s best no credit check loan providers. In essence, RadCred operates as an online loan marketplace or intermediary – it is not a direct lender itself, but rather a platform that connects borrowers with a vast network of trusted third-party lenders. 

    This network is one of RadCred’s greatest strengths. With plenty of lenders in its system, the chances of finding a loan offer for a qualified borrower are very high, even if you have a poor credit score.What RadCred Offers: Quick Bad-Credit

    Loans, $300 – $35,000

    RadCred’s marketplace lets borrowers request no credit check loans as small as $300 or personal-installment loans up to $35,000—higher than most rivals. One short form reaches dozens of partner lenders, covering payday cash advances and larger debt-consolidation options.

    Guaranteed Approval for Low Scores

    RadCred’s partners run only a soft inquiry, so your score stays untouched. Because lenders focus on income (≥ $800 / month) instead of FICO, approval rates top 80 percent for applicants with scores under 600—far better than a single bank’s odds.

    Same-Day or Next-Day Funding

    Speed matters: accept an offer before noon on a weekday, and you could see money in your checking account that evening; later approvals usually fund the following morning. RadCred aims for a < 24-hour turnaround whenever banking hours allow.

    Zero Platform Fees, No Hidden Costs

    Applying is 100 percent free. RadCred never adds charges; any interest or fees come directly from the lender’s transparent offer. You’re free to decline and walk away.

    Trusted, Secure, and Educative

    With 2 million+ users and OLA membership, RadCred meets strict ethical-lending standards. The site uses 256-bit SSL encryption and publishes scam-avoidance tips, underscoring its commitment to consumer safety.

    Bottom line: RadCred blends speed, access, and trust to deliver fast cash for bad-credit borrowers without the usual headaches.

    Emergency medical bill? Tap “Get Started” for a quick, same-day cash advance without hurting your credit.

    RadCred vs. Top Competitors

    Here’s how RadCred compares to other known lenders in the market.

    Platform Credit Check Type Approval Time Max Loan Funding Speed APR Range
    Radcred Soft only to match 1–5 min $5,000 Same day–24 h 6 %–35.99 %
    MoneyMutuall None/Soft 5 min $5,000 24 h 60 % + (payday)
    CashUSA Soft 3 min $10,000 24 h 5.99 %–35.99 %
    BadCredit Loans Soft 4 min $10,000 24 h 5.99 %–35.99 %
    Personal Loans Soft-hard at funding 5 min $35,000 1–2 days 5.99 %–35.99 %

    *APR ranges compiled from lender disclosures and CFPB complaint data (2024–2025).

    Self-employed and denied elsewhere? RadCred welcomes 1099 income—apply free and secure fast funding.

    No Credit Check Loans: RadCred’s 3-Step Online Application for Instant Approval & Same-Day Funding

    Getting money with RadCred is super easy. Forget big bank forms and long lines. Just open the RadCred site, fill out a short five-minute online loan application (no hard credit check), and hit submit. Right away, bad-credit lenders review your info and send offers. 

    Pick the deal you like, sign online, and cash can land in your bank often the same day. Fast, simple, and perfect when you need an online payday loan alternative without the hassle.

    1. Five-Minute Online Application

    Visit RadCred, hit “Apply Now,” and complete a brief form containing your name, phone number, state, monthly income, bank details, and desired amount. No uploads, faxing, or collateral. RadCred pulls only a soft inquiry, so your score is untouched while you shop for bad credit personal loan options or small payday loans online.

    2. Real-Time Lender Matching

    RadCred’s algorithm instantly compares your profile with 60 + lending partners that specialize in fast cash for bad credit. Within 1–3 minutes, you’ll see multiple offers displaying loan limit, APR, fees, and repayment term. 

    This side-by-side view lets you choose the lowest rate or most comfortable payment—no obligation, no upfront fees.

    3. E-Sign & Get Same-Day Funds

    Select an offer, sign electronically, and the lender initiates an ACH transfer. Many borrowers receive money the same day; late-day approvals fund the next morning. Use it for car repairs, medical bills, or any quick emergency loan need.

    Because everything is digital, no branch visits, no piles of paperwork, RadCred moves you from application to cash in under 24 hours, delivering no credit check loan same day without a hard credit check.

    Looking for debt relief? Consolidate high-interest balances today with one easy, no-credit-check application.

    Eligibility Criteria for RadCred No Credit Check loans Same day Guaranteed Approval 

    One reason RadCred has become so popular among people with poor credit is that the eligibility requirements are very accessible. You do not need a perfect credit score, a high income, or any collateral to use the platform. 

    In fact, RadCred’s basic requirements mirror those of similar reputable bad-credit loan providers and are quite minimal. Essentially, if you meet the following basic criteria, there’s a good chance you can qualify to use RadCred and get matched with a lender:

    • At Least 18 Years Old: You must be a legal adult (18 or older). This is a standard requirement for any loan contract. RadCred will verify your age by asking for info like your date of birth and possibly requiring a government-issued ID during the lender’s final approval stage
    • U.S. Residency: RadCred’s services are available only to U.S. residents/citizens. You should be a legal citizen or permanent resident of the United States with a valid U.S. address
    • Steady Income Source: You don’t need to be traditionally “employed” in a 9-to-5 job, but you do need a regular source of income to show you can repay the loan. This income could be from a job, self-employment, gig work, disability, Social Security benefits, or even a pension. 

    RadCred’s application will ask you to report your monthly income. Generally, lenders in the network expect at least roughly $800 per month or more in income, but this can include various income types. There’s flexibility here – the key is you have some money coming in that you could use to make loan payments.

    • Active Checking Account: To receive your funds (and to make automated repayments), you’ll need an active checking account in your name. This is where lenders will deposit the loan money if you’re approved. It also allows for convenient electronic withdrawals for your repayments. You’ll provide your bank routing and account number during the application.
    • Contact Details: You should have a valid email address and phone number so lenders can reach you if needed and so RadCred can communicate updates. During the process, you may receive an email confirmation or even a phone call if a lender needs to clarify something. Accurate contact info is important to keep things moving quickly.

    You don’t need a high credit score, car title, or other collateral to start with RadCred. As long as you’re an adult U.S. citizen or permanent resident, have a checking account in your name, and earn steady income, you unlock the no credit check loan application. 

    RadCred’s engine then filters out any lender whose rules don’t match your profile, sparing you wasted effort. Borrowers under 18, with no bank account, or without verifiable income are screened out automatically.

    This simple checklist makes RadCred the best option for bad credit personal loans, welcoming self-employed workers, freelancers, part-timers, and anyone with past credit problems. Meet the basics, and you’ll see tailored offers that can lead to instant approval, same-day funding, and the fast cash traditional banks won’t provide.

    Need a $1,000 boost? Fill out RadCred’s short form and get matched to real lenders—no hard inquiry, no pressure.

    Pros and Cons of Using RadCred For No Credit Check Loans Guaranteed Approval

    Every financial service has its advantages and drawbacks. As part of an honest review of RadCred as the best no credit check loan platform of 2025, it’s important to consider both the pros and cons. Below, we outline the key benefits that make RadCred stand out, as well as some potential limitations to be aware of.

    Pros of RadCred:

    • High Approval for Bad Credit
      This platform focuses on bad-credit personal loans, so approvals come far more often than at banks. Its large lender pool means someone almost always says yes, even with a sub-600 score.
    • Same-Day Funding
      Thanks to an all-digital flow, many borrowers receive instant approval and cash in their accounts within 24 hours, a true lifesaver when emergencies strike.
    • No Hard Inquiry
      The initial request triggers only a soft credit check, protecting your score while you shop multiple no credit check loan offers.
    • Zero Fees, No Obligation
      Submitting a request is free, and you can walk away from any loan quote that doesn’t fit—risk-free comparison shopping.
    • Flexible Loan Sizes
      Choose anything from a $300 online payday loan to a $35,000 installment product for debt consolidation or large expenses.
    • Transparent, Vetted Lenders
      All partners follow Online Lenders Alliance guidelines; APR, fees, and terms are shown upfront—no hidden costs.
    • Bank-Level Security
      Data moves through 256-bit SSL encryption and daily security scans, keeping personal information safe.
    • Responsive Support
      Live agents are available weekdays, 6 a.m.-7 p.m. PT, plus email assistance 24/7, which is valuable when questions arise.
    • Strong User Ratings
      An average 4.3-star score highlights quick approvals, an easy process, and overall customer satisfaction.

    Cons of RadCred:

    • U.S.–Only Availability
      The platform serves American borrowers exclusively. In certain states with strict rules on payday or installment products, lender options for no credit check loans may be limited or unavailable.
    • Intermediary, Not Lender
      It acts as a marketplace, connecting you to third-party providers. Questions about APR, repayment dates, or late fees must be directed to the chosen lender, adding an extra communication step.
    • Higher APR for Bad Credit
      Rates on bad credit loans can range roughly 6 %-35.99 %, and short-term online payday loans may cost more. Borrow only what you can comfortably repay.
    • Short Terms on Small Loans
      Amounts under $500 often require payoff by your next payday, making monthly payments steep. Larger installment offers give multi-month terms but still demand discipline.
    • Possible Follow-Up Calls
      Submitting a request can trigger emails or calls from competing lenders. While some welcome the extra offers, others may find the outreach inconvenient.
    • Bank Account and Income Required
      A checking account and verifiable income- salary, gig earnings, or benefits- remain mandatory for instant-approval matching.

    Overall, the pros of RadCred far outweigh the cons for the audience it serves. The platform delivers exactly what its target users need: fast and accessible loans when others say no. The drawbacks are mostly inherent to the industry (higher interest for higher-risk borrowers, etc.) or minor inconveniences. 

    Borrowers should be aware of the terms and only borrow amounts they can reasonably repay. RadCred provides the tools and opportunities, but it’s up to each individual to use them wisely.

    Bad credit payday loan alternative. Secure funds privately—apply in minutes, repay flexibly.

    Real Customer Case Studies & Testimonials

    Case Study 1: Emergency Medical-Bill Loan for a Single Dad

    Name: Brian K.
    Location: Orlando, FL

    Situation: Brian’s young son needed an unexpected outpatient procedure that required a $750 up-front payment the following morning. With a FICO score in the low 500s, Brian’s bank rejected a personal-loan request, and his credit-card cash-advance limit was only $300.

    Solution: At 9 p.m. Brian completed RadCred’s five-minute form on his phone. He was matched instantly with a lender that offered an $800 short-term installment loan, no hard credit inquiry required. Funds landed in his checking account by 10 a.m., in time to cover the hospital payment.

    “RadCred felt like a lifesaver. They didn’t grill me about my score, just got me the money before the doctor’s office opened.”

    Case Study 2: Emergency Utility-Relief Loan for a Single Mom

    Name: Jasmine L.
    Location: Richmond, VA

    Situation: Jasmine, a single mom, fell behind on utilities after a week of unpaid sick leave. Two traditional lenders declined her $500 request because of a 560 credit score and a recent late payment.

    Solution: Through RadCred, she received three competing offers within minutes; the winning lender approved $600 without a hard pull and wired the money the next business morning. High approval odds—even after prior denials—spared her a shut-off notice and late-fee penalties.

    “I’d started to think nobody would help me. RadCred connected me with a lender who said ‘yes’ when everyone else said ‘no.’”

    Case Study 3: Transparent Debt-Consolidation Loan for a Gig-Worker

    Name: Marco D.
    Location: Albuquerque, NM

    Situation: Marco juggles rideshare driving and freelance design. He wanted to consolidate two payday balances totalling $1,200, but was wary of hidden fees after past bad experiences with storefront lenders.

    Solution: Marco applied via RadCred during a ride-share break. Within five minutes, he received an offer for a $1,500 six-month installment loan at a clearly stated 29.9 % APR, with no origination fee and the option to prepay without penalties. The terms he accepted matched exactly what was advertised on the offer page.

    “Everything was up front. No surprises at signing or in the repayment schedule. That transparency made me comfortable going ahead.”

    Key Takeaways Across Cases

    RadCred Promise Real-World Outcome
    Speed Same-day or next-day funding in all three cases
    Ease Five-minute mobile application; no collateral or paperwork uploads
    High Approval Odds Borrowers previously denied elsewhere received affirmative offers
    Transparency & Trust Loan terms delivered matched online disclosures; no bait-and-switch reports

    These stories mirror RadCred’s 4.3-star average rating: borrowers consistently praise the platform for fast approvals, clear terms, and dependable support, qualities that have propelled RadCred to the forefront of no-credit-check loans lending in 2025.

    Apply for a bad credit loan online—30-second form, no hard inquiry.

    RadCred vs. Traditional Lenders: No Credit Check, Same-Day Loan Advantage

    It’s worth comparing RadCred’s approach to lending with more traditional options (like banks or credit unions) and even other online lenders. For a consumer with bad credit, these differences are often what make RadCred such an attractive choice in 2025. Here’s a side-by-side look at how RadCred compares to conventional lenders in several key areas:

    Credit Requirements

    Traditional banks insist on hard pulls, high scores (600-650+), and often collateral. By contrast, this online loan marketplace uses a soft inquiry only, welcoming applicants with limited or bad credit– even those below 580. 

    Approval hinges on present income and repayment ability, not past mistakes, and no car title or property is needed. That makes the platform dramatically more accessible than a bank, giving everyday borrowers a realistic shot at fast cash when other doors slam shut.

    Speed of Approval & Funding

    Bank underwriting takes days; weekend requests stall until Monday. Here, the entire no credit check loan process runs on internet speed. Applications finish in minutes, offers appear almost instantly, and ACH deposits often arrive the same day, or the next morning for late-evening approvals. 

    This around-the-clock service is crucial when rent or car repairs can’t wait. Some online lenders in the network have funded users within hours, proving lifesaving during tight deadlines.

    Convenience & Accessibility

    Branch visits, appointments, and paper forms are still common at traditional lenders. In contrast, this platform is fully mobile-friendly: self-employed workers, gig drivers, or part-timers can apply anytime, anywhere. The user interface is straightforward, guiding applicants through each field without jargon. 

    Because the service operates 24 / 7, customers receive help on their own schedule, not the banker’s. It’s true on-demand financial assistance, replacing legacy bureaucracy with click-to-cash simplicity.

    Loan Terms & Flexibility

    Bank loans may advertise low APRs, but qualifying is tough, and minimum amounts can be rigid. The marketplace, however, offers a wide menu- small payday loan alternatives for $300 or installment loans up to $35,000 with terms reaching 73 months. 

    Early repayment is generally allowed, and many lenders will negotiate extensions if you hit a snag. This flexibility lets borrowers tailor the loan size and timeline to their actual needs rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all package.

    Cost & Fees

    Interest is higher than prime bank rates because lenders assume greater risk on bad credit personal loans. Still, marketplace offers are often cheaper than credit-card cash advances, pawn shops, or storefront payday lenders charging triple-digit APRs. 

    The platform itself is fee-free, has no application charge, and has no rate-shopping penalty. Competitive pressure among online lenders helps keep rates within the 6 %-35.99 % bracket for installment products, allowing cost-conscious borrowers to choose the best available deal.

    Transparency & Choice

    A single bank grants one yes-or-no verdict. Here, multiple vetted lenders bid for your business, promoting a competitive environment that can lower rates or fees. All offers show APR, monthly payment, and total cost upfront, no hidden fine print. 

    Comparative shopping tools let you sort by rate, amount, or funding speed in seconds. The result is a clear, consumer-driven experience that transforms loan hunting from opaque guesswork into an informed, side-by-side decision.

    RadCred’s online marketplace beats banks on access, speed, and privacy for subprime borrowers. Their no credit check loans and bad-credit personal loans deliver near-instant approval and same-day funding, eliminating traditional lenders’ paperwork and collateral demands. 

    Where a bank might dismiss you, the platform matches you to receptive lenders in minutes, quietly and securely, right from your phone. That discreet, user-first model turns a once-impossible task of getting cash with a low score into a fast, dignified, and dependable solution.

    Conclusion: Why RadCred is the Best Choice in 2025 for No Credit Check, Same-Day Loans

    In conclusion, RadCred has earned its position as the premier destination for no credit check, same-day loans in 2025 by combining technological innovation with a human-centric understanding of borrowers’ challenges. Its platform proves that “bad credit” does not have to mean “no options.” Instead, RadCred flips the script, giving consumers a fast, safe option to obtain cash when it’s needed, all while treating them with respect and dignity.

    RadCred has proven that when it comes to helping people weather life’s financial storms, it truly “has your back.” If you’re in a bind and worried that your credit score will hold you back, RadCred may well be the lifeline to get you through quickly, safely, and with your peace of mind intact.

    FAQ

    1. How fast can I get money from a no-credit-check loan?

    Most online marketplaces return offers within minutes; accepted loans are often deposited the same or next business day, depending on bank cut-off times and lender policies. 

    2. Does it cost anything to apply through RadCred?

    No. Submitting the online form is free; the platform is paid by participating lenders, so borrowers face no application fees or hidden platform charges. 

    3. Are no-credit-check loans safe to use?

    They’re safe when obtained from vetted, licensed lenders using encrypted websites; avoid advance-fee demands, unsecured pages, or unsolicited offers to steer clear of common personal-loan scams. 

    4. What’s the typical APR on bad-credit personal loans?

    Installment products on reputable networks range roughly 6 %–35.99 % APR, while short-term payday loans can exceed 200 % in permissive states—compare offers carefully before signing. 

    5. Who qualifies for no-credit-check loans?

    Applicants must be at least 18, possess an active U.S. checking account, and show steady income; hard credit scores are not mandatory for approval.

    Disclaimer: RadCred is an online loan marketplace, not a direct lender. Loan approval, terms, APRs, and funding speeds are determined by third-party lenders and state regulations. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval or specific terms. Borrow responsibly and read all lender disclosures before accepting any offer.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Canada’s skills crisis is growing — here’s how we can fix it

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Stephen Murgatroyd, Instructor, Faculty of Education, University of Alberta

    Canada needs to rethink how to prepare Canadians for the workforce. (Shutterstock)

    Canada is facing a significant skills shortage. According to recent data, 77 per cent of Canadian businesses surveyed say they are unable to find suitably skilled candidates for the jobs they have available.

    Even among those who apply with relevant skills, 44 per cent don’t have the required level of proficiency to secure employment. At present, there are about 700,000 job vacancies across the country.

    This mismatch persists despite Canada having one of its largest-ever graduating classes — nearly 360,000 students from colleges, universities and trade schools.

    As labour shortages deepen across sectors, the disconnect between formal education and real-world job requirements is becoming harder to ignore.

    Skills shortage will likely worsen

    Canada’s skills shortage is expected to worsen in the coming years. Between now and 2028, 700,000 workers in the skilled trades are due to retire.

    Canada’s antiquated apprenticeship system is struggling to produce enough workers to fill this gap. It is slow, outdated and has low completion rates: just 32 per cent of male and 35 per cent of female candidates complete their training.

    Some employers are losing confidence in using qualifications as a basis for hiring.
    (Shutterstock)

    Completing an apprenticeship can take up to four years in Canada, while many other nations have much higher completion rates in two years or less.

    It is not just trades that Canada has challenges with. If current trends continue, Canada is projected to face a shortage of 100,000 nurses by 2030. Significant shortages are also expected in technology-related positions, construction engineering and K-12 education, where demand for teachers and school administrators is rising.

    Meanwhile, rising demand is expected for jobs related to artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing and supply chain management.

    Rethinking how to prepare people for work

    Some employers are losing confidence in using qualifications as a basis for hiring. Increasingly, they feel degrees and diplomas don’t adequately prepare people for work.

    As a result, some organizations have moved to skills-based or competency-based hiring where candidates share skills portfolios and work testimonials to secure a position. As of 2024, approximately 80 per cent of Canadian companies have implemented some form of skills-based hiring practices, up from 74 per cent in 2023.



    Read more:
    Employers should use skill-based hiring to find hidden talent and address labour challenges

    Other companies, like Shopify, take candidates from high school and put them through custom programs designed to ensure they have the skills needed to work in a particular organization or industry.

    Colleges and universities have long been seen as the primary pipelines for skilled labour. But as employer expectations evolve, Canada needs to reconsider the role these institutions play in producing skilled workers.

    Simply expanding existing programs or opening new programs will not solve the underlying problem. What’s needed is a fundamental rethinking of how we prepare Canadians for the workforce.

    5 steps Canada should take

    Canada’s new government, in collaboration with provinces, territories and industry, needs to pursue a five-pronged strategy to address the country’s deepening skills crisis:

    1. Modernize the apprenticeship system.

    Canada must transition from a traditional, time-based apprenticeship model to a flexible, competency-based system. Instead of being tied to rigid journeyperson-to-apprentice ratios and multi-year timelines, learners should be able to demonstrate their skills on demand anywhere, anytime. The goal should be to reduce completion times to two years or less.

    Learning should be accessible through multiple formats, including workplace mentorship, YouTube tutorials, boot camps, micro-credentials and virtual labs. What matters is not where learning takes place, but whether a learner can demonstrate competence.

    Learners should be able to demonstrate their skills on demand anywhere, anytime.
    (Shutterstock)

    2. Accelerate skills recognition through micro-credentials.

    Canada should fast-track the adoption of micro-learning, stackable micro-credentials and competency-based certification. Micro-credentials are short, focused learning experiences that recognize specific skills or knowledge.

    In fields like IT, project management and supply chain management, many professionals succeed without formal academic degrees, instead relying on industry-recognized certifications.

    This model must expand into other sectors, especially health care, manufacturing and finance, where skills-based hiring could address labour shortages.

    3. Recognize informal and experiential learning.

    Millions of Canadians develop valuable skills through informal, self-directed and work-based learning.

    Yet Canada’s prior learning assessment and recognition systems, which convert informal learning into certified learning, remains fragmented, under-utilized and overly bureaucratic.

    Canada needs a nationally coherent, on-demand competency-based assessment system. Certified assessors should be able to validate individuals’ skills and link them to job profiles, occupational standards and credentials. This is not just an equity issue, but is an economic imperative. Other countries are much better at this than Canada is.

    4. Shorten and re-design post-secondary programs.

    The misalignment between program outcomes and labour market demands is well-documented. Closing this gap should be a top priority for post-secondary reform.

    Many college and university programs could be made shorter, more agile and more aligned with workforce needs — especially programs linked to workforce needs and skills in demand.

    Competency-based, work-integrated learning models that are designed with industry and delivered in two- or three-year formats could dramatically increase job readiness.

    5. Incentivize employer investment in upskilling and reskilling.

    Canada needs a stronger incentive framework for continuous learning. Canada’s training credit — a refundable tax credit that helps offset the cost of eligible training fees — helps some individuals, but employers still view training as a cost rather than a driver of productivity, retention and competitiveness.

    A new approach should include tax incentives for employers and employees investing in learning; co-funded, industry-led training partnerships; industry-sponsored micro-credentials; and public recognition for employers who demonstrate leadership in workforce development.

    Canada cannot meet today’s workforce challenges with outdated systems and thinking. Doing more of the same and expecting different results is no longer an option. What is needed is evidence-informed and future-focused reforms that prioritize skills, flexibility and inclusion.

    Stephen Murgatroyd 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.

    – ref. Canada’s skills crisis is growing — here’s how we can fix it – https://theconversation.com/canadas-skills-crisis-is-growing-heres-how-we-can-fix-it-256864

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council pledges to protect under-threat heritage building

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Thursday, 22nd May 2025

    Efforts are being stepped up to safeguard the long-term future of an historic grade II listed building in Stoke-on-Trent.

    The city council is moving to protect the former Burslem Indoor Market building, in Queen Street, which is in an extremely poor condition.

    The building is in desperate need of emergency safeguarding works to ensure that it is safe, watertight and will not deteriorate any further.

    Now Stoke-on-Trent City Council is seeking grant funding from Historic England to enable it to carry out emergency repairs to the roof, to stop the building falling into further disrepair.

    The council previously secured an emergency repair package made up of £318,000 from Historic England and £1.3 million from local Levelling Up Partnership funds to pay for safeguarding works at a number of historic buildings in Burslem.

    Now it is looking to apply for further support from Historic England in the form of a grant of up to £1 million.

    If successful, the additional money will go towards emergency repair works to the roof of the Burslem Indoor Market building, along with refurbishment of the building’s exterior.

    Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Cabinet is being asked to agree to procure contractors to undertake the works, subject to a successful grant application, at a meeting on Tuesday 27 May.

    Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “Our heritage buildings aren’t just the symbol of our proud past – they are part of our rich cultural heritage and can drive tourism and economic growth.

    “We are absolutely committed to doing everything we can to protect them. That means working in partnership with local organisations and businesses, Historic England – and the government, too.

    “The Burslem Indoor Market building is deteriorating quickly and investment now could potentially save far greater expenditure in the future – and more importantly, prevent it from falling into further disrepair.”

    The grade II listed indoor market opened in 1879 as a symbol of the city’s wealth and pride during the Victorian era. At its height it boasted 90 stalls – but that had dropped to 14 by the time the market closed in 2003 after the ceiling collapsed.

    Cllr Ashworth added: “Stoke-on-Trent is currently facing a heritage crisis. Many of our historic buildings are in a poor state of repair but we are spearheading efforts to identify funding streams, and potential new uses, to bring these buildings back to life.

    “We want to protect our heritage assets and safeguard them for the benefit of our residents now and for future generations.”

    In addition to Burslem Indoor Market, Stoke-on-Trent City Council is continuing to explore a number of options for the grade II* listed Wedgwood Institute which has fallen into disuse, due partly to water leaking in and causing damage.

    This includes using potential funds from the Schools Capital Programme for the extensive refurbishment of each of the rooms on the ground floor of the building so it can be used for education purposes in the future.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: NOAA’s 2025 hurricane forecast warns of a busy season – a storm scientist explains why and what meteorologists are watching

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Colin Zarzycki, Associate Professor of Meteorology and Climate Dynamics, Penn State

    U.S. forecasters are expecting an above-normal 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, with 13 to 19 named storms, and 6 to 10 of those becoming hurricanes.

    Every year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and other forecasters release preseason outlooks for the Atlantic’s hurricane season, which runs June 1 through November 30.

    So, how do they know what’s likely to happen months in the future?

    I’m an atmospheric scientist who studies extreme weather. Let’s take a look at what Atlantic hurricane forecasts are based on and why those forecasts can shift during the season.

    What goes into a seasonal forecast

    Think of the preseason hurricane forecast as the 30,000-foot view: It can’t predict if or when a storm will hit a particular location, but it can offer insight into how many storms are likely to form throughout the entire Atlantic, and how active the season overall might be.

    These outlooks rely heavily on two large-scale climate factors.

    The first is the sea surface temperature in areas where tropical cyclones tend to form and grow. Hurricanes draw their energy from warm ocean water. So when the Atlantic is unusually warm, as it has been in recent years, it provides more fuel for storms to form and intensify.

    Once water temperatures are 79 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius), hurricanes can form. Most of the Gulf was above that by late May 2025.
    NOAA/NESDIS

    The second key ingredient that meteorologists have their eye on is the El Niño–Southern Oscillation, which forecasters refer to as ENSO. ENSO is a climate cycle that shifts every few years between three main phases: El Niño, La Niña, and a neutral space that lives somewhere in between.

    During El Niño, winds over the Atlantic high up in the troposphere – roughly 25,000 to 40,000 feet – strengthen and can disrupt storms and hurricanes. La Niña, on the other hand, tends to reduce these winds, making it easier for storms to form and grow. When you look over the historical hurricane record, La Niña years have tended to be busier than their El Niño counterparts, as we saw from 2020 through 2023.

    We’re in the neutral phase as the 2025 hurricane season begins, and probably will be for at least a few more months. That means upper-level winds aren’t particularly hostile to hurricanes, but they’re not exactly rolling out the red carpet either.

    At the same time, sea surface temperatures are running warmer than the 30-year average, but not quite at the record-breaking levels seen in some recent seasons.

    Taken together, these conditions point to a moderately above-average hurricane season.

    It’s important to emphasize that these factors merely load the dice, tilting the odds toward more or fewer storms, but not guaranteeing an outcome. A host of other variables influence whether a storm actually forms, how strong it becomes, and whether it ever threatens land.

    The smaller influences forecasters can’t see yet

    Once hurricane season is underway, forecasters start paying close attention to shorter-term influences.

    These subseasonal factors evolve quickly enough that they don’t shape the entire season. However, they can noticeably raise or lower the chances for storms developing in the coming two to four weeks.

    One factor is dust lofted from the Sahara Desert by strong winds and carried from east to west across the Atlantic.

    These dust plumes tend to suppress hurricanes by drying out the atmosphere and reducing sunlight that reaches the ocean surface. Dust outbreaks are next-to-impossible to predict months in advance, but satellite observations of growing plumes can give forecasters a heads-up a couple weeks before the dust reaches the primary hurricane development region off the coast of Africa.

    Dust blowing in from the Sahara Desert can tamp down hurricane activities by shading the ocean over the main development region for hurricanes and drying out the atmosphere, just off the African coast. This plume spread over 2,000 miles in June 2020.
    NASA

    Another key ingredient that doesn’t go into seasonal forecasts but becomes important during the season are African easterly waves. These “waves” are clusters of thunderstorms that roll off the West African coast, tracking from east to west across the ocean. Most major storms in the Atlantic basin, especially in the peak months of August and September, can trace their origins back to one of these waves.

    Forecasters monitor strong waves as they begin their westward journey across the Atlantic, knowing they can provide some insight about potential risks to U.S. interests one to two weeks in advance.

    Also in this subseasonal mix is the Madden–Julian Oscillation. The MJO is a wave-like pulse of atmospheric activity that moves slowly around the tropics every 30 to 60 days. When the MJO is active over the Atlantic, it enhances the formation of thunderstorms associated with hurricanes. In its suppressed phase, storm activity tends to die down. The MJO doesn’t guarantee storms – or a lack of them – but it turns up or down the odds. Its phase and position can be tracked two or three weeks in advance.

    Lastly, forecasters will talk about the Loop Current, a deep river of warm water that flows from the Caribbean into the Gulf of Mexico.

    When storms pass over the Loop Current or its warm eddies, they can rapidly intensify because they are drawing energy from not just the warm surface water but from warm water that’s tens of meters deep. The Loop Current has helped power several historic Gulf storms, including Hurricanes Katrina in 2005 and Ida in 2021.

    The Loop Current stretched well into the Gulf in May 2022. The scale, in meters, shows the maximum depth at which temperatures were 78 F (26 C) or greater.
    Nick Shay/University of Miami, CC BY-ND

    But the Loop Current is always shifting. Its strength and location in early summer may look very different by late August or September.

    Combined, these subseasonal signals help forecasters fine-tune their outlooks as the season unfolds.

    Where hurricanes form shifts over the months

    Where storms are most likely to form and make landfall also changes as the pages of the calendar turn.

    In early summer, the Gulf of Mexico warms up faster than the open Atlantic, making it a notable hotspot for early-season tropical storm development, especially in June and July. The Texas coast, Louisiana, and the Florida Panhandle often face a higher early-season risk than locations along the Eastern seaboard.

    These are generally the busiest areas during each month of hurricane season, but that doesn’t mean hurricanes won’t make landfall elsewhere.
    NOAA

    By August and September, the season reaches its peak. This is when those waves moving off the coast of Africa become a primary source of storm activity. These long-track storms are sometimes called “Cape Verde hurricanes” because they originate near the Cape Verde Islands off the African coast. While many stay over open water, others can gather steam and track toward the Caribbean, Florida or the Carolinas.

    Later in the hurricane season, storms are more likely to form in the western Atlantic or Caribbean, where waters are still warm and upper-level winds remain favorable. These late-season systems have a higher probability of following atypical paths, as Sandy did in 2012 when it struck the New York City region and Milton did in 2024 before making landfall in Florida.

    At the end of the day, the safest way to think about hurricane season is this: If you live along the coast, don’t let your guard down. Areas susceptible to hurricanes are never totally immune from hurricanes, and it only takes one to make it a dangerous – and unforgettable – season.

    Colin Zarzycki’s research lab receives funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

    – ref. NOAA’s 2025 hurricane forecast warns of a busy season – a storm scientist explains why and what meteorologists are watching – https://theconversation.com/noaas-2025-hurricane-forecast-warns-of-a-busy-season-a-storm-scientist-explains-why-and-what-meteorologists-are-watching-257223

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –