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Category: Education

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to conference press release about time-restricted eating and weight loss in overweight or obese adults

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A conference press release presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO) in Malaga looks at time-restricted eating (TRE) and weight loss in obese adults. 

    Dr Adam Collins, Associate Professor of Nutrition, University of Surrey, said:

    “The finding that TRE protocols, whether early, late or self-selected eating windows, lead to weight loss, is consistent with other studies.  What is of interest here is that, strictly speaking, TRE protocols are not prescribed to reduce or restrict calories, just the eating window itself.  Yet inevitably, most people fail to squeeze all of what they used to eat daily into the new window; instead, they change their eating behaviour and end up eating less.  This may manifest as skipping whole meals, such as breakfast when abiding to late TRE windows.  Or omitting snacks and drinks (including alcohol), either between meals or later in the day/evening.  The latter may be significant in early time-restricted protocols.

    “The novelty of this new communicated study is in the follow-up of these participants after 12 months, with the observation that both early and late TRE groups managed to maintain their weight loss.  Interestingly, those who self-selected their window didn’t manage to keep the weight off as successfully.  It is possible that following the more regimented early and late TRE created more sustainable changes in eating behaviour and dietary habits, that remained after the intervention.

    “The originally published study was, I feel, robustly designed, with MRI-derived VAT as the primary outcome.  It is unclear in this follow-up a) how many (i.e. what proportion) of the original participants were measured at follow-up across the different intervention arms.  And b) what outcome measures were assessed (e.g. VAT).  This would be very important for context.

    “One general note of caution on TRE protocols is that altering the opportunities to eat, and potential for meal skipping, may compromise the nutritional adequacy of the diet.  This may be an issue for those whose diet was marginally nutritionally replete to start with.  To this end, we are midway through a study exploring the impact of TRE specifically on eating behaviour and nutritional adequacy of people’s diets.”

     

    Dr Maria Chondronikola, Principal Investigator and Lead for Human Nutrition, University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, University of Cambridge, said:

    “The research study described in the press release explores the effects of time-restricted eating (TRE) on weight management, a topic that has attracted significant interest attention due to its potential health implications.

    “While the press release provides an overview of the main outcomes of the study, it does not offer sufficient information to fully evaluate the scientific rigor and methodology of this investigation.  This is not surprising given that the summary is intended for a broader audience.  However, this limits the ability to assess the scientific value of the study in detail.  Nevertheless, the findings outlined in the release appear reasonable within the context of existing literature.

    “The 3-month results showing a 3–4% weight loss in response to the different TRE groups align with previous studies in the field.  These results suggest that TRE may have modest effects on weight management.  However, the novel finding in this study is the observation that the early and late TRE groups (but not the TRE group with the self-selected eating window) experienced greater weight loss maintenance over time.  This is an interesting development and warrants further exploration, particularly in how TRE might help individuals sustain weight loss.

    “It is important to note that this study did not include a caloric restriction group, and therefore, its results cannot be directly compared to other weight loss strategies that involve intentional caloric restriction.

    “Furthermore, additional information on participant adherence to the prescribed eating windows is crucial.  Understanding how well participants adhered to the timing of their meals, the level of their caloric intake and whether TRE changed any obesity-related metabolic outcomes would provide valuable insight into the true effectiveness of TRE.

    “In conclusion, while the study’s findings are interesting, more detailed data on study design and compliance rates are needed to fully evaluate the results.”

     

    Prof Alexandra Johnstone, Theme Lead for Nutrition, Obesity and Disease, Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, said:

    “Dr Alba Camacho-Cardenosa and colleagues have shared some preliminary comments on their research findings, which are to be presented to peers at an obesity-related conference.  With only the press release to refer to, this limits the scope of this commentary, and I am unable to comment on the robustness of the work.  For example, there are no statistics mentioned in the press release, and it is therefore rather vague to interpret the results.

    “I do, however, look forward to reading the paper when peer-reviewed, as there is a lot of interest in the role of chrono-nutrition and timing of eating as a dietary weight loss tool.  The team present interesting data that support a time-restricted eating approach, as a 16 hour fasting window (with 8 hours eating), with a 12 week intervention period and a one-year follow-up.  The TRE approach was useful to help participants maintain their weight loss.  Aside from looking at their reported percentage weight change, I am interested in how health parameters changed in response to the dietary approaches, and this information is not provided in the press release.

    “My own group already published work to show that timing of eating the largest meal of the day did not impact on weight loss (Cell Metabolism, https://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/pdfExtended/S1550-4131(22)00344-8).  Thus, these data are in line of our current understanding.”

     

     

     

    Press release: ‘3-month programme of time-restricted eating at any time of the day supports long-term weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity’. Authors are Alba Camacho-Cardenosa et al.

    This was presented as a poster at the European Congress on Obesity. The embargo lifted at 23:01 UK time on Saturday 10th May 2025. 

    There is no paper.

     

     

    Declared interests

    Dr Adam Collins: “No conflict of interest to declare.”

    Dr Maria Chondronikola: “I am currently leading a intervention study on the effects of time restricted eating in cardiometabolic health: https://trestudy.org.uk/#:~:text=Dr.,in%20the%20UK%20and%20worldwide.”

    Prof Alexandra Johnstone: “My COI is that I hold voluntary committee roles for The Nutrition Society, Association for The Study of Obesity and British Nutrition Foundation.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Best Instant Same-Day No Credit Check Payday Loans with Guaranteed Approval by Money Mutual

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    St Louis, May 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    In This Article, You’ll Discover:

    • What defines the best instant same-day payday loans and why they’re growing in demand
    • How no credit check payday loans with guaranteed approval work in real-world scenarios
    • An overview of MoneyMutual and its role as a lending marketplace, not a direct lender
    • The exact steps required to apply for a loan through MoneyMutual’s secure platform
    • The pros, cons, and financial implications of using payday loans for short-term emergencies
    • Disclaimers on approval expectations, fees, and pricing transparency (always check the official site, as pricing is subject to change)
    • How to borrow responsibly and avoid common pitfalls, especially for individuals with bad credit
    • The latest fintech trends influencing payday lending in 2025 and beyond

    TL;DR Summary

    If you’re in a financial pinch and searching for the best instant same-day no credit check payday loans with guaranteed approval, this article provides everything you need to make an informed decision. We explore how MoneyMutual, a leading loan connection platform, helps individuals gain access to fast cash loans online — even with bad credit — by matching them with verified lenders. You’ll learn why this platform stands out in the competitive online payday loan market, how to apply step-by-step, what to expect from the process, and what important disclaimers you need to consider regarding costs, terms, and approval reliability. This comprehensive guide is optimized for readers who value both urgency and clarity when addressing emergency financial needs.

    Introduction – Facing Financial Emergencies in 2025

    Why Fast Access to Money Matters More Than Ever

    Millions of Americans are caught off-guard every year by unexpected bills — whether it’s a sudden medical emergency, surprise car repairs, or missing work due to illness. These aren’t abstract issues. For someone living paycheck to paycheck, a $400 surprise can feel like a financial earthquake.

    In this environment, more people are searching for solutions like instant payday loans with no credit check, especially those that come with same-day approval. The appeal? Immediate access to cash — often within 24 hours — without a deep dive into your credit report.

    The Growing Demand for Same-Day Loans with Guaranteed Approval

    Recent trends in the fintech space show an explosive rise in users looking for no credit check payday loans online with guaranteed approval. It’s not just about getting a loan. It’s about the speed, convenience, and accessibility of borrowing platforms like MoneyMutual, a leading online loan marketplace that connects consumers to verified lenders.

    With more gig workers and freelancers in today’s economy, flexible, instant approval payday loans have moved from niche to necessity.

    Where MoneyMutual Fits In

    MoneyMutual isn’t a direct lender. It’sa smart, secure lending marketplace where borrowers fill out one simple form and get matched with lenders that may offer up to $5,000. With over two million users, it’s become a go-to resource for those seeking fast cash loans without credit checks.

    We’ll explore why this platform stands out in the saturated payday lending space — and how it’s helping people take control of urgent money needs in a smarter, safer way.

    Understanding Instant Same-Day Payday Loans

    What Are Instant Same-Day Payday Loans?

    Instant same-day payday loans are short-term borrowing solutions designed to provide rapid access to cash, typically within 24 hours or less. These loans are particularly appealing to individuals facing urgent expenses who may not have access to traditional lines of credit.

    The “instant” nature refers to the fast application and lender matching process — often completed entirely online. “Same-day” implies that, if approved early enough in the day, funds may be deposited into the borrower’s account before the day ends. However, while many borrowers experience fast disbursement, funding timelines can vary based on the lender and banking institution.

    These loans are generally small-dollar, ranging from $200 to $5,000, and are meant to be repaid with the borrower’s next paycheck or according to the terms set by the lender.

    Disclaimer: Loan disbursement timelines are subject to each lender’s policies and bank processing times. Not all applicants will receive same-day funding.

    Who Are These Loans Designed For?

    No credit check payday loans are often sought out by individuals who have limited access to traditional financing due to:

    • Low or poor credit scores
    • Lack of collateral for secured loans
    • No access to family or friends for short-term borrowing
    • Employment in gig or freelance jobs without stable income history
    • Past banking issues such as overdrafts or account closures

    These consumers often find themselves stuck between urgent expenses and a financial system that doesn’t cater to nontraditional profiles. That’s where online payday loans for bad credit step in — offering accessible, fast solutions without heavy scrutiny from major credit bureaus.

    The Appeal of No Credit Check and Guaranteed Approval

    Unlike traditional lenders that may rely on FICO scores and lengthy underwriting, lenders in the MoneyMutual network often perform soft checks or skip credit checks entirely, instead evaluating basic criteria such as:

    • Steady monthly income (typically at least $800/month)
    • An active checking account
    • Valid contact details and proof of residency

    When people search for terms like guaranteed approval payday loans, it reflects a desire for speed and certainty. While no lender can legally promise unconditional approval, many consumers qualify based on the limited and more flexible criteria.

    Disclaimer: “Guaranteed approval” typically refers to a higher likelihood of prequalification based on minimal eligibility criteria. It does not mean all applicants will be approved. Loan offers and terms vary.

    How Fast Is Fast?

    Speed is one of the primary selling points for this type of loan product. Through MoneyMutual, users often:

    • Complete an online form in under 5 minutes
    • Receive responses from lenders within minutes
    • Review loan terms immediately
    • Access funds as early as the same business day, depending on lendercut-off times

    This process removes many of the barriers typically associated with borrowing money, especially for individuals who need urgent access to funds but want to avoid predatory lending storefronts or pawn shops.

    Why Timing Matters for Approval

    To maximize the chances of same-day approval, it’s essential to apply early in the day and have all required documentation on hand. Some lenders have business-hour cutoffs, and delays in submitting income proof or banking details may affect disbursement speed.

    Additionally, some banks may not post deposits until the next business day. That’s why instant payday loans online aren’t guaranteed to result in immediate funding for every user — though many users report receiving money quickly.

    Always review loan terms, funding timelines, and conditions directly with the lender before accepting an offer. Terms and deposit times vary.

    Facing a cash crunch? Apply with MoneyMutual in minutes and get up to $5,000 fast—even with bad credit. No fees, no hassle. Start now!

    The Advantage of No Credit Check Loans

    Why Traditional Credit Checks Are a Barrier

    For many consumers, traditional credit scoring models create significant obstacles. A low credit score — whether due to missed payments, lack of credit history, or unexpected financial hardship — can result in loan denials, sky-high interest rates, or even complete disqualification.

    No credit check payday loans offer an alternative. Instead of relying on your FICO score, these loans focus on basic, verifiable financial information, such as your income and bank account status. This accessibility is what makes these products especially appealing to borrowers labeled as “subprime” or “nonprime” by traditional banks.

    How No Credit Check Payday Loans Work

    When using a platform like MoneyMutual, applicants are matched with lenders that often skip hard credit inquiries entirely. Instead, they review:

    • Employment status or monthly income
    • Active checking account history
    • Minimum income threshold (often $800/month)
    • Basic identification (age 18+, legal U.S. resident)

    Since the process does not typically involve the three major credit bureaus, these loans won’t show up as a hard inquiry or affect your score — which is a key draw for those actively trying to rebuild credit.

    Disclaimer: While most lenders on the MoneyMutual platform do not conduct hard credit checks, some may perform soft checks or alternative evaluations at their discretion.

    The Psychological Relief of Not Being Judged by a Credit Score

    Borrowers who’ve experienced rejection due to poor credit often feel stuck in a cycle. The ability to apply for a loan without fear of immediate disqualification provides relief, dignity, and confidence.

    Whether you’re dealing with emergency car repairs, covering a utility bill to avoid disconnection, or trying to bridge the gap before your next paycheck, same-day loans with no credit check help restore a sense of financial control.

    This type of loan isn’t just about money — it’s about removing barriers that keep people from participating in everyday financial life.

    A Word on Responsible Borrowing

    Just because no credit check is required doesn’t mean borrowers should overlook the importance of responsibility. These loans come with repayment obligations that should be planned for in advance.

    Borrowers are advised to:

    • Only take what is absolutely needed
    • Understand the full repayment schedule and interest terms
    • Set aside funds for repayment before the due date

    If your finances are too tight to accommodate repayment, this may not be the right borrowing option. It’simportant to weigh the cost of the loan against the urgency of the situation.

    If you’re unsure whether a payday loan is the right decision, consider speaking with a licensed financial advisor or nonprofit credit counselor.

    Avoiding the Cycle of Dependency

    One risk of no credit check payday loans is falling into repeat borrowing. Borrowers who use short-term loans frequently may find themselves stuck in a cycle of debt, using new loans to pay off old ones.

    To avoid this, consider using these loans only in true emergencies and focus on building an emergency fund as a long-term solution.

    Platforms like Money Mutual emphasize borrower education, and many of their lending partners provide transparent repayment options — but it’s ultimately up to the user to engage responsibly.

    Don’t let bills wait—get matched with payday lenders now. No credit check needed. Apply at MoneyMutual and get cash as soon as today!

    Guaranteed Approval – Understanding What It Really Means

    The Real Meaning Behind “Guaranteed Approval” Payday Loans

    The term “guaranteed approval payday loans” is one of the most searched phrases in the short-term lending world — and for good reason. It suggests certainty in a moment of uncertainty. But what does it actually mean?

    In reality, no lender can legally promise unconditional loan approval to every applicant. However, when you see “guaranteed approval” used in the context of no credit check payday loans, it typically refers to the high likelihood of approval if you meet a minimal set of qualifications.

    For example, lenders in the MoneyMutual network often work with borrowers who:

    • Are at least 18 years old
    • Have proof of consistent monthly income (typically $800 or more)
    • Possess an active checking account
    • Can provide valid contact and identification information

    When these basic boxes are checked, many applicants are quickly prequalified or conditionally approved. That’s where the “guaranteed” sentiment comes from — not from a legally binding guarantee, but from a proven track record of accessibility.

    Disclaimer: “Guaranteed approval” should not be interpreted as absolute. All lending decisions are ultimately made by individual lenders based on specific eligibility factors.

    Why This Matters to People with Bad Credit

    Borrowers with damaged credit histories are often automatically disqualified by banks and traditional financial institutions. When you see online payday loans with guaranteed approval, it offers hope that a system is finally working with them, not against them.

    By focusing on immediate financial standing — like verified income — rather than past credit mistakes, lenders can make fast decisions without judgment.

    For gig workers, part-time earners, or self-employed individuals with inconsistent tax documentation, this is especially important. The flexibility of alternative qualification opens doors for those who feel locked out of traditional finance.

    Red Flags: When “Guaranteed Approval” Becomes a Scam

    Unfortunately, the rise of this phrase has also opened the door for shady operations. Some bad actors misuse the “guaranteed approval” promise as bait to:

    • Charge upfront fees
    • Harvest personal information for resale
    • Lead consumers into predatory debt traps

    To protect yourself, only use trusted platforms like MoneyMutual that clearly explain how the process works and never ask for money upfront.

    Pro tip: If any “lender” promises guaranteed approval with no questions asked and requires a payment before delivering funds, it’s likely a scam.

    Transparency on the MoneyMutual Platform

    Unlike direct lenders that may offer unclear terms, MoneyMutual operates as a loan connection service. Once your information is submitted, the platform shares it securely with its network of licensed, reputable lenders.

    You then choose whether to accept an offer — and can review interest rates, repayment terms, and fees before signing anything. There’s no obligation, and you are never required to accept a loan if it doesn’t meet your needs.

    This model creates a safer space for borrowers looking for fast payday loans with a high likelihood of approval, especially during high-stress situations.

    Need emergency funds today? Apply with MoneyMutual in 5 minutes and see offers instantly. Fast cash up to $5,000—bad credit welcome!

    MoneyMutual – A Trusted Lending Marketplace That Works for You

    What Is MoneyMutual?

    MoneyMutual is not a direct lender. Instead, it’s a free, secure online marketplace that connects borrowers with a large network of short-term lenders who offer products such as:

    • Same-day payday loans
    • No credit check payday loans
    • Installment loans for bad credit

    By filling out a simple online form, you can be matched with lenders who are willing to work with your specific financial profile — even if your credit score is low or nonexistent. With over 2 million satisfied users, MoneyMutual is considered one of the most trusted names in the space for fast payday loan connections online.

    How MoneyMutual Works Step-by-Step

    The platform simplifies the borrowing process by allowing users to avoid searching lender by lender. Here’s how it functions:

    1. Complete the Secure Online Form: It takes just minutes to enter your name, employment status, income details, and banking info.
    2. Get Matched with Verified Lenders: Your information is shared securely with a network of over 60 lenders who may offer you a same-day loan.
    3. Review the Offers: If approved, you’ll receive loan terms to review — including interest rates, repayment deadlines, and fees. You can accept or decline any offer.
    4. Get Funded: Once you agree to the terms, funds may be deposited directly into your checking account — sometimes as fast as the same business day.

    Disclaimer: Actual funding times may vary depending on the lender’s processing and your bank’s policies. Not all users are guaranteed same-day deposits.

    Built-In Benefits of the Platform

    No Fees to Use the Platform

    Borrowers don’t pay anything to use MoneyMutual’s matching service. The platform earns from lender partnerships, not consumers.

    Works for Bad Credit

    The majority of lenders on the platform are willing to work with applicants who have poor or limited credit history — without hard credit pulls.

    Data Privacy and Encryption

    MoneyMutual uses AES256-bit encryption to keep your sensitive information secure during transmission and processing.

    Online Lenders Alliance (OLA) Member

    MoneyMutual is a member of the Online Lenders Alliance, an organization committed to best practices and ethical behavior in online lending.

    How MoneyMutual Stands Out

    In a crowded field of online loan providers and aggregators, MoneyMutual distinguishes itself through:

    • A reputation built over a decade
    • A fast, mobile-friendly application process
    • A transparent business model with no upfront fees
    • Lenders that specialize in fast cash for emergency expenses

    This is especially important for consumers looking for same-day payday loans with guaranteed approval, without being trapped by deceptive or aggressive loan terms.

    All lending decisions are made by third-party lenders. Users are strongly advised to review all loan terms carefully before agreeing to an offer.

    Urgent expense? No credit? No problem. MoneyMutual connects you with payday lenders fast. Apply now and receive offers in minutes!

    How to Apply – A Step-by-Step Application Process with MoneyMutual

    The Streamlined Application Process

    Applying for a loan through MoneyMutual is straightforward and designed for speed. The entire process can take less than 10 minutes from start to finish, making it one of the easiest ways to access instant same-day payday loans with no credit check.

    There are no paperwork hassles or in-person interviews. Everything is handled digitally through a secure, encrypted interface. Here’s how to do it.

    Step 1: Visit the Official MoneyMutual Website

    Start by navigating to https://www.moneymutual.com. This is the only verified websiteof the platform. To avoid scams, always ensure the URL is correct.

    Disclaimer: Never provide sensitive information to third-party websites claiming to be MoneyMutual. Use only the official site.

    Step 2: Complete the Short Online Form

    You’ll be asked to provide some basic personal and financial information including:

    • Full legal name and contact details
    • Income amount and source (must meet a minimum of $800/month)
    • Employment status
    • Banking details (an active checking account is required)

    This form takes only a few minutes and is the key to unlocking loan offers for bad credit with fast approval.

    Step 3: Get Matched with Lenders

    Once submitted, your data is transmitted securely to a network of over 60 lenders. If a match is found, you’ll receive one or more loan offers — typically within minutes.

    Each offer will include:

    • The loan amount
    • The repayment schedule
    • The APR or interest rate
    • Fees or additional charges (if applicable)

    Note: You are under no obligation to accept any offer you receive. This gives you full control and flexibility.

    Step 4: Review the Terms Carefully

    Before accepting an offer, read through all the terms. Focus on:

    • Repayment dates and frequency
    • Total repayment amount including fees
    • Interest rates and late payment penalties
    • Prepayment options (some lenders may allow early payoff with no penalties)

    Disclaimer: MoneyMutual is not a lender and does not determine or negotiate loan terms. Always consult directly with the lender to understand repayment obligations.

    Step 5: Accept the Loan and Receive Funds

    If you find an offer that suits your needs, simply click to accept. You may be redirected to the lender’swebsite to finalize the process.

    If accepted early in the day, funds may be deposited into your checking account the same day. For others, it may take one business day.

    Disclaimer: Funding times are determined by the lender and your banking institution. Same-day deposits are not guaranteed.

    Tips for a Smooth Application

    • Apply early in the day to increase your chances of same-day funding
    • Ensure your income and bank account details are accurate
    • Have documentation ready (like a pay stub or proof of benefits) in case it’s requested
    • Use a private, secure internet connection to protect your data

    Get cash now, worry less later—MoneyMutual makes it easy to get payday loan offers with no credit check. Apply online in minutes!

    The Pros and Cons of Payday Loans – Making an Informed Decision

    Why People Choose Payday Loans

    Payday loans have become an increasingly popular financial option for individuals who need instant access to cash — particularly when other funding sources are out of reach. Whether it’s a surprise medical bill, a car repair, or simply making ends meet between paychecks, same-day payday loans online with no credit check can feel like a lifeline.

    Borrowers often choose this option because:

    • It’sfast and easy — many get matched within minutes
    • There’sno hard credit check
    • Funds can arrive as quickly as the same day
    • Application requirements are minimal and inclusive
    • The process is entirely online, with no in-person visits

    These benefits make platforms like MoneyMutual especially appealing to individuals with bad credit or unpredictable income streams.

    The Pros of Payday Loans Through MoneyMutual

    Quick Application and Fast Approval

    The entire application can be completed online in minutes. Most users receive responses from lenders almost immediately, which is ideal in emergency situations.

    Access for All Credit Types

    Lenders in the MoneyMutual network often approve applicants based on income and banking details, not credit scores. This makes payday loans for bad credit far more accessible than traditional options.

    No Fees from MoneyMutual

    MoneyMutual does not charge any fees to borrowers. The service is completely free to use, and users are never obligated to accept a loan.

    Transparent Offers Before You Commit

    Each lender presents a full breakdown of the loan terms. You can compare offers and walk away at any time if the terms don’t work for you.

    The Cons to Be Aware Of

    High Interest Rates

    Short-term loans often come with higher interest rates compared to personal loans from a bank. These rates reflect the lender’s risk and the convenience of fast cash access.

    Disclaimer: Review the APR carefully before accepting any loan. The total cost of borrowing can be significant, especially if not repaid on time.

    Short Repayment Terms

    Most payday loans are due within 14 to 30 days. This can create repayment pressure if your income fluctuates.

    Risk of Repeat Borrowing

    Borrowers who roll over loans or take out new loans to repay old ones may enter a cycle of dependency, which can lead to long-term financial stress.

    If you’restruggling to repay a payday loan, consider speaking with a nonprofit credit counselor or financial advisor.

    When Payday Loans Might Be the Right Fit

    Payday loans can be an effective short-term solution when:

    • You have an urgent financial need with no other available funds
    • You expect to repay the loan in full by your next paycheck
    • You’ve reviewed the terms and can comfortably meet the repayment schedule
    • You’re aware of the total repayment amount and potential fees

    Used responsibly, these loans can provide temporary relief and prevent costlier consequences like eviction, utility shut-offs, or overdraft penalties.

    A Balanced View

    Every financial product has trade-offs. MoneyMutual provides a platform that emphasizes speed, flexibility, and inclusion — particularly for underserved credit segments. However, it’s critical that borrowers go in with full awareness of the costs, terms, and repayment expectations.

    Car repair or rent due? Apply now through MoneyMutual to access same-day payday loans online—no credit score needed to start!

    Tips for Responsible Borrowing and Financial Wellness

    Why Responsible Borrowing Matters

    While instant payday loans with no credit check offer critical short-term relief, they should be used strategically — not as a long-term solution to ongoing financial problems. Without proper planning, short-term loans can lead to repeat borrowing, debt stacking, or missed payments that worsen your financial situation.

    This section focuses on empowering borrowers with the right tools and mindset to make smart decisions when using same-day payday loans online through platforms like MoneyMutual.

    Tip 1: Only Borrow What You Can Afford to Repay

    It may be tempting to accept the maximum loan offer, but only take what you absolutely need. Keep in mind:

    • Interest rates are typically higher than traditional loans
    • Repayment is often due within 2–4 weeks
    • Failing to repay in full could result in late fees or default

    Use a realistic budget to calculate exactly how much you can afford to repay and choose your loan amount accordingly.

    Tip 2: Plan Your Repayment Before You Apply

    Before applying, examine your upcoming paychecks, bills, and financial obligations. Ask yourself:

    • Can I repay this loan without skipping rent, groceries, or utilities?
    • Will this loan reduce stress or create more in 30 days?

    If repayment will strain your budget, consider lower borrowing amounts or explore alternative assistance programs, such as community credit unions or nonprofit aid services.

    Disclaimer: Payday loans are designed for short-term use and are not a substitute for long-term financial planning. Consider your repayment capacity before applying.

    Tip 3: Avoid the Cycle of Reborrowing

    One of the biggest risks with payday loans is becoming stuck in a cycle of dependency. This happens when borrowers:

    • Take out another loan to repay a previous one
    • Delay payments and accumulate late fees
    • Continue borrowing instead of solving underlying income issues

    To avoid this trap:

    • Set a strict limit on how often you borrow
    • Treat payday loans as a last resort, not a regular habit
    • Start building an emergency fund, even $10–$20 at a time

    Tip 4: Understand the Total Loan Cost

    Payday loans can come with fees in addition to interest, especially if payments are missed or extended. Always review:

    • The Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
    • Late payment penalties
    • Roll-over fees or early payoff options

    Through MoneyMutual, lenders provide full loan terms upfront. You are never obligated to accept a loan unless you’re 100% comfortable with the cost.

    Disclaimer on Costs: Loan amounts, fees, and repayment terms vary by lender. Always check with the specific lender and consult the official MoneyMutual website for updated pricing details. Pricing is subject to change.

    Tip 5: Explore Other Financial Tools

    While online payday loans for bad credit provide speed, you may also want to explore other options if you qualify, such as:

    • Installment loans (longer terms, lower payments)
    • Peer-to-peer lending platforms
    • Credit-building secured cards
    • Community-based financial assistance

    MoneyMutual primarily focuses on fast connections to short-term lenders, but becoming financially resilient requires building other habits and strategies too.

    Apply once, get multiple payday loan offers instantly. No fees. No pressure. Just fast, secure options. Start now with MoneyMutual!

    Loan Costs, Terms, and Disclaimers – What You Need to Know About Pricing and Approval

    Transparency in Payday Loan Pricing

    When considering same-day payday loans with no credit check, understanding the true cost of borrowing is critical. Unlike traditional bank loans, payday loans can carry significantly higher interest rates due to their short-term nature and minimal qualification requirements.

    Through MoneyMutual, you won’t pay any fee to use the platform — but each lender sets their own rates and terms. Offers you receive will include:

    • The loan amount you qualify for (typically up to $5,000)
    • The repayment schedule, including due dates and payment amounts
    • The APR (Annual Percentage Rate), which varies based on loan type and lender
    • Any additional fees, such as late payment penalties or rollover charges

    Disclaimer: APRs and repayment terms vary widely depending on your lender and your qualifications. Always review the full loan agreement before proceeding. MoneyMutual does not determine these terms.

    Typical Loan Ranges and Repayment Windows

    While exact terms vary, most lenders in the MoneyMutual network offer:

    • Loan amounts ranging from $200 to $5,000
    • Repayment terms between 14 and 30 days, or sometimes longer for installment-style products
    • Flexible repayment options, depending on the lender’s policy

    Some lenders may offer weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly payments based on your pay schedule.

    Disclaimer on Pricing Accuracy: Always verify the loan offer directly with the lender. Visit the official MoneyMutual website to start your application and review the most current loan details. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice.

    Approval:What’s Realistic?

    There is no universal approval guarantee. However, most borrowers who meet the basic eligibility requirements receive at least one lender offer. These general requirements include:

    • Proof of income of $800/month or more
    • Being at least 18 years old
    • U.S. citizenship or legal residency
    • An active checking account

    Because most lenders do not run hard credit checks, many people with bad credit, limited credit, or even recent financial hardship may still qualify.

    Disclaimer: MoneyMutual is not a lender and does not make approval decisions. All lending terms, loan amounts, and approval criteria are set by third-party lenders.

    Additional Business Details and Protections

    No Cost to Use MoneyMutual

    There’s no charge for submitting your application through the MoneyMutual platform.The company is compensated by lenders, not consumers.

    No Obligation to Accept Offers

    You can decline any loan offer — even if you’re approved — without penalty. This puts you in full control of your borrowing decision.

    Data Security & Encryption

    MoneyMutual uses AES256-bit encryption and is a proud member of the Online Lenders Alliance, reinforcing its commitment to safe and ethical practices in the short-term lending industry.

    Warnings About Predatory Lending

    While MoneyMutual vets its partners, not all online lenders play by the same rules. Be cautious if a “lender”:

    • Asks for upfront payment before funding
    • Doesn’t provide a written loan agreement
    • Uses vague or pushy language like “no matter what, you’reapproved”

    Stick with reputable platforms like MoneyMutual that offer transparency and borrower protections.

    Stop stressing about surprise bills. Get a payday loan today with no credit check. Apply now with MoneyMutual and take control fast!

    Customer Support, Trust, and Contact Information – Where to Turn for Help or Questions

    Why Customer Support Matters with Online Loans

    When dealing with same-day payday loans online with no credit check, trust and transparency aren’t just bonuses —they’re essential. Given the speed and sensitivity of these transactions, it’s important to know where to go when you have questions, encounter issues, or need to confirm details.

    While MoneyMutual is not a direct lender, the platform provides robust customer service to support your experience from start to finish.

    Contacting MoneyMutual

    If you need assistance with using the platform or have general inquiries about how the service works, here are the official support channels:

    Note: If your question is about a specific loan (such as repayment terms or status), you will need to contact the lender directly after being matched through the MoneyMutual platform.

    Trust Signals That Set MoneyMutual Apart

    10+ Years in the Industry

    MoneyMutual has been operating since 2010, building a reputation for speed, convenience, and reliability in the online payday loan space.

    Online Lenders Alliance Member

    As a member of the Online Lenders Alliance (OLA), MoneyMutual adheres to industry standards for consumer safety, fair practices, and data protection.

    Encrypted and Secure Transactions

    All data entered on the platform is protected using AES256-bit encryption, ensuring that sensitive financial information is never exposed or compromised during transmission.

    Transparent, Fee-Free Use

    Borrowers pay nothing to access the marketplace. MoneyMutual’s compensation comes from its network of lenders, not from you — helping ensure that there are no hidden fees or surprise costs.

    Access to Support Resources

    In addition to direct contact options, the MoneyMutual website offers a range of helpful tools and information, including:

    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
    • Educational resources on payday loans
    • Step-by-step application guides
    • Articles on borrowing responsibly and improving financial wellness

    These tools are ideal for borrowers who want to better understand how online payday loans with guaranteed approval work and what to expect throughout the process.

    When to Reach Out

    Contact MoneyMutual if you:

    • Experience issues submitting your loan request
    • Haven’t heard back from a lender in a reasonable timeframe
    • Need to confirm that your information was successfully transmitted
    • Have questions about how your personal data is stored or shared
    • Want to report suspicious lender behavior

    For concerns involving repayment or loan disputes, contact the lender directly. Each lender sets their own terms and customer service policies.

    Fast cash when you need it most—MoneyMutual connects you with trusted lenders. Bad credit OK. Apply now and get funded as soon as today!

    Final Thoughts – Should You Use a Same-Day Payday Loan from MoneyMutual?

    Is a Payday Loan Right for You?

    If you’re facing an urgent financial crisis with no other options — like a medical co-pay, rent shortfall, or critical car repair — a same-day payday loan with no credit check can provide short-term breathing room.

    Through MoneyMutual, you can connect with lenders quickly, without worrying about credit score barriers. The platform’s streamlined, free-to-use system makes it a viable solution for people who value:

    • Speed – funding may arrive as fast as the same business day
    • Simplicity – one form connects you to a wide lender network
    • Flexibility – bad credit is not an automatic disqualifier
    • Control – you’re not obligated to accept any offer

    Disclaimer: Payday loans are not a long-term financial solution and may come with high interest rates. Use only in emergencies and review all loan terms carefully before proceeding.

    When to Proceed — and When to Pause

    You might consider using MoneyMutual when:

    • You have a verifiable source of income
    • You can repay the loan in full on time
    • The loan amount will resolve your immediate issue without leading to further borrowing
    • You understand all terms and have reviewed lender offers thoroughly

    However, if repayment will cause more harm than good, or if you’re in a cycle of dependency, this may not be the right tool. It’s worth exploring nonprofit credit counseling or income-based hardship programs in those cases.

    Why Money Mutual Is One of the Best in 2025

    In today’s evolving fintech landscape, platforms like MoneyMutual help democratize access to emergency funding. Their secure interface, massive lender network, and focus on user empowerment make them a standout in the world of instant payday loans online.

    With a strong reputation, no user fees, and a track record of over two million customers, MoneyMutual gives borrowers a safe space to navigate short-term financial needs without predatory tactics or hidden charges.

    How to Get Started

    If you’re ready to explore same-day payday loans online with no credit check, visit the official website below and complete the short online form.

    You’ll receive offers directly from licensed lenders — and you can accept or decline with no obligation. Always review the full agreement before accepting a loan.

    Disclaimer on Pricing: Loan terms, rates, and availability vary. Always check the official website for the most current information, as pricing and offers are subject to change at any time.

    Your emergency doesn’t wait—why should your loan? Apply now at MoneyMutual and get cash offers today, even if your credit isn’t perfect!

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    What is the best instant same-day payday loan with no credit check?

    The best instant same-day payday loan with no credit check depends on how fast you need funds, your ability to repay, and your credit situation. MoneyMutual stands out as one of the most trusted loan connection services, offering access to lenders who provide fast payday loans online, often without requiring a hard credit check. The process is quick, secure, and designed for those facing urgent expenses.

    Does MoneyMutual offer guaranteed approval payday loans?

    MoneyMutual helps connect users with lenders who may offer payday loans with high approval rates, even for those with bad credit. However, no lender can legally promise guaranteed approval to every applicant. Most offers are based on simple eligibility such as proof of income and a checking account.

    Disclaimer: Guaranteed approval typically means higher chances of prequalification, not a 100% approval guarantee.

    Can I get a same-day payday loan if I have bad credit?

    Yes. Many lenders in the MoneyMutual network specialize in helping borrowers with bad credit or no credit history. These lenders focus on income and banking activity rather than credit scores, making it possible to receive same-day payday loan approval even with financial setbacks in your past.

    How much money can I borrow through MoneyMutual?

    You can typically borrow between $200 and $5,000, depending on your income and the lender’s criteria. The loan amount you’re offered may vary based on your ability to repay and other factors determined by the lender.

    Disclaimer on Pricing: Always check loan amounts and repayment terms directly with the lender. Visit moneymutual.com for the most up-to-date information, as terms are subject to change.

    Is MoneyMutual a lender or a loan broker?

    MoneyMutual is not a lender. It is a free online marketplace that connects you with a network of trusted lenders. You’ll receive multiple loan offers (if eligible) and have the option to compare terms before choosing one. You are never obligated to accept any offer.

    Do I need a minimum income to qualify?

    Yes. Most lenders require a minimum monthly income of $800 or more. This helps ensure that borrowers have the capacity to repay the loan within the specified term.

    How fast can I receive funds from a lender?

    If you apply early in the day and are approved, you may receive funds as quickly as the same business day. Some lenders may take 24–48 hours depending on processing and bank transfer times.

    Disclaimer: Same-day funding is not guaranteed. Timing depends on lender approval and your bank’s processing schedule.

    Will applying affect my credit score?

    In most cases, no hard credit check is performed, which means your credit score will not be impacted. Lenders may use soft inquiries or alternative data to assess your eligibility. This is one reason no credit check payday loans are popular among borrowers with limited credit history.

    Can I decline a loan offer if I change my mind?

    Yes. After receiving loan offers through MoneyMutual, you are under no obligation to accept any of them. This allows you to review terms, compare rates, and make an informed decision that best suits your financial needs.

    Is MoneyMutual safe to use?

    Yes. MoneyMutual uses AES256-bit encryption to secure your personal and financial information. The company is also a member of the Online Lenders Alliance, reinforcing its commitment to transparency, ethical lending practices, and user protection.

    Fast loans made simple—MoneyMutual gives you access to multiple payday lenders with no credit check. Apply now and take control!

    • Company: MoneyMutual
    • Address: 2510 E. Sunset Rd. Ste 6, #85 Las Vegas NV, 89120
    • Email: customerservice@moneymutual.com
    • Phone Support: 844-276-2063

    Disclaimer and Affiliate Disclosure

    The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of publication, the publisher makes no guarantees regarding the correctness, completeness, or currentness of the content. All content is provided “as is,” without any express or implied warranties. Readers are advised to verify details directly with the official source or provider before making any financial decisions.

    Errors, omissions, or outdated information may be present in the content, and the publisher and all associated distribution or syndication partners expressly disclaim any responsibility or liability for any such inaccuracies. Use of this information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

    The operator of this website is not a lender, does not arrange, facilitate, or broker loans to lenders, and does not make short-term cash loans or credit decisions. The operator is not an agent, representative, arranger, facilitator, or broker of any lender, and does not endorse any lender or charge users for any service or product. This website does not constitute an offer or solicitation to lend.

    This site allows consumers to submit personal information to a third-party lender to determine eligibility for a short-term loan. However, the act of submitting information does not guarantee that a lender will contact the consumer, offer a loan, or approve a loan request. Cash advances should only be used to address immediate cash needs and are not intended as a long-term financial solution. Not all lenders offer loans up to $5,000, and transfer times for loan disbursement may vary by lender and by banking institution.

    Consumers are advised to contact their matched lender directly for any questions, terms, fees, or concerns regarding loan offers or repayment. Lender products and services may not be available in all states and are subject to individual lender requirements. This service is not available in the state of Connecticut. Additionally, this service is not offered to residents of New York or to New York borrowers due to regulatory interest rate restrictions under New York law.

    Some lenders may conduct credit checks or obtain consumer credit reports from national credit bureaus such as Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion, or use alternative credit data sources to assess eligibility. This may include verification of income, bank account status, or other relevant financial indicators.

    The publisher, its authors, and any distribution partners are not responsible for the actions of third-party lenders or for any consequences that may arise from the use of their products or services.

    Affiliate Disclosure:
    This article may include affiliate links, and the publisher may receive compensation from one or more of the companies or platforms referenced if users take qualifying actions, such as submitting an application or clicking on a referral link. This compensation does not influence the editorial integrity of the content, and users are never charged by the publisher. All opinions and reviews presented herein are independent and based on available information at the time of publication.

    Neither the publisher nor any third-party syndication partner shall be liable for any losses, direct or indirect damages, or claims arising from the use or misuse of the information contained in this publication. By reading this article, the user agrees to hold harmless the publisher, its content producers, and all affiliated parties.

    For the most current and accurate details regarding loan eligibility, terms, and conditions, readers are encouraged to visit the official website of the featured service provider.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Zippy Loan Under Review: Fast Personal Loans with Express Lending Options by ZippyLoan

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Las Vegas, May 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    In This Article, You’ll Discover:

    • Why millions of Americans are turning to fast personal loans in 2025 to cover emergency expenses
    • What makes ZippyLoan a unique and efficient loan matching service for borrowers across all credit types
    • How the ZippyLoan application process works from start to funding
    • The top benefits of using a digital loan marketplace like ZippyLoan over traditional banks or payday lenders
    • The eligibility requirements to qualify for ZippyLoan’s express lending options
    • What to expect in terms of interest rates, loan amounts, and repayment terms
    • First-hand insights from real ZippyLoan reviews and user experiences
    • Key security, privacy, and compliance measures in place to protect borrower information
    • Important disclaimers around pricing, APR ranges, and state-by-state availability
    • How ZippyLoan compares to other popular fintech personal loan platforms in 2025

    TL;DR – ZippyLoan Under Review: Fast Personal Loans with Express Lending Options

    ZippyLoan is a digital loan marketplace that connects borrowers with a network of trusted lenders offering fast personal loans ranging from $100 to $15,000. Designed for speed, flexibility, and financial inclusivity, ZippyLoan’s platform allows users to apply online in minutes and receive funds as soon as the next business day.

    Whether you’re dealing with an unexpected car repair, urgent rent payment, or a medical emergency, ZippyLoan’s streamlined application process and broad lender network make it a standout solution. Unlike traditional banks, ZippyLoan supports borrowers with poor or limited credit histories, offering express lending options and short-term financing without the lengthy paperwork or collateral requirements.

    This long-form article explores every aspect of ZippyLoan — from application steps and eligibility requirements to real customer feedback and rate disclosures. Readers will gain insight into the pros and cons of this loan matching service, learn how it compares to other fintech lending platforms, and understand how ZippyLoan fits into the evolving landscape of fast personal loans in the digital age.

    Disclaimer: ZippyLoan is not a direct lender. Loan terms, rates, and availability vary by lender and state. Pricing is subject to change at any time — always refer to the official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

    Understanding the Financial Stress Americans Face Today

    The Rise of Emergency Lending in the Modern Economy

    In recent years, an increasing number of Americans have found themselves just one unexpected expense away from a financial crisis. From surprise medical bills and urgent car repairs to missed rent payments and rising grocery costs, the need for fast personal loans has never been more pressing. Surveys consistently show that nearly 60% of U.S. adults live paycheck to paycheck — a statistic that underscores a widespread dependence on emergency funds that are often non-existent.

    While traditional banks and credit unions can offer relief, their loan approval processes are often lengthy and require higher credit thresholds. That leaves many individuals — especially those with bad credit or no credit history — without options when they need cash most urgently.

    Financial Pain Points in the U.S. Lending Landscape

    Consumers face several consistent barriers that deepen the strain when trying to access emergency loans:

    • Bad credit or no credit history leading to disqualification
    • Lack of collateral required by many traditional lenders
    • High APRs from payday lenders and predatory loan shops
    • Slow approval times that don’t match the urgency of the need
    • Limited access to financial literacy resources that could offer long-term solutions

    These obstacles frequently drive people toward short-term payday loans or high-risk financial decisions that can spiral into greater debt. What’s often needed is a digital loan marketplace that streamlines access to lenders offering flexible terms, quick approvals, and reasonable expectations.

    Changing Expectations and the Need for Real-Time Lending

    Consumers in 2025 expect more from their financial platforms. With the growing popularity of fintech lending, people want services that offer:

    • Real-time loan approval
    • Paperless processing
    • AI-powered lending recommendations
    • Mobile-first platforms for ease and speed

    These trending features are not just buzzwords — they’re redefining how personal loans are delivered. ZippyLoan, with its rapid, user-friendly loan matching system, has become a standout for consumers looking for express lending options and greater financial inclusion.

    Why It Matters Now

    In a post-pandemic world marked by inflation, job instability, and unpredictable life events, having quick access to funds can make the difference between recovery and deeper financial decline. Whether it’s a $300 utility bill or a $1,500 car repair, many Americans need fast personal loans to bridge these gaps safely and responsibly.

    The demand for same-day loan approval, emergency cash loans, and fast lending options for bad credit borrowers continues to trend upward. Platforms that meet these needs —without requiring invasive documentation or long wait times — are rapidly gaining traction.

    What Is ZippyLoan and How It Works

    A Modern Loan Matching Service for Fast Personal Financing

    ZippyLoan is a digital loan marketplace that connects individuals in need of fast personal loans with a curated network of lenders. Unlike traditional financial institutions, ZippyLoan is not a direct lender. Instead, it acts as a centralized platform that streamlines the borrowing experience by offering quick, secure access to multiple lenders through a single online application.

    Borrowers can apply for amounts ranging from $100 to $15,000, with repayment terms stretching from a few months up to 60 months depending on the lender and loan type. What sets ZippyLoan apart in 2025 is its ability to provide real-time results for borrowers of all credit backgrounds, including those with bad credit or thin credit files.

    How ZippyLoan Simplifies the Lending Experience

    The traditional loan process is often weighed down by in-person visits, paperwork, and long wait times. ZippyLoan eliminates these inefficiencies by offering:

    • A fully paperless application process
    • 24/7 online accessibility, allowing borrowers to apply at any time
    • AI-powered loan matching technology that increases the likelihood of approval
    • A lender network that includes partners willing to work with non-prime credit profiles

    These elements contribute to a faster, more inclusive, and user-friendly experience — especially critical when time is of the essence.

    How the Process Works Step by Step

    ZippyLoan’s process is designed for simplicity, speed, and security. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

    Step 1: Submit a Quick Online Form

    Applicants enter basic information including name, contact details, income status, employment type, and desired loan amount. This initial application does not affect credit scores.

    Step 2: Loan Matching Begins

    ZippyLoan’s system matches your profile with lenders that align with your qualifications. This stage often takes only a few minutes.

    Step 3: Review Lender Offers

    Borrowers are presented with one or more offers and can review the APR, repayment terms, and funding timeline. Offers vary by lender and borrower profile.

    Disclaimer: Rates, terms, and approval decisions are solely determined by the lender. ZippyLoan is not responsible for loan outcomes.

    Step 4: Finalize the Loan

    If a borrower accepts an offer, they complete the loan process directly through the selected lender’s website. Funding may be received as soon as the next business day in some cases.

    The Flexibility of Loan Use

    Loans obtained through ZippyLoan can be used for virtually any legitimate purpose, including:

    • Emergency bills and expenses
    • Home or auto repairs
    • Rent or utility payments
    • Medical costs not covered by insurance
    • Debt consolidation
    • Travel, tuition, or life event funding

    This open-ended structure provides borrowers with the financial versatility needed to navigate both planned and unexpected expenses.

    Key Advantages of ZippyLoan’s System

    • Access to a wide range of loan offers with just one application
    • No obligation to accept an offer if terms are not favorable
    • Speed — many users complete the process and receive funds in under 48 hours
    • Broad credit acceptance, including options for bad credit personal loans
    • Security protocols to protect sensitive financial and personal data

    ZippyLoan’s process is engineered to meet the expectations of today’s borrower: fast, private, and friction-free.

    Need cash fast? Apply with ZippyLoan in minutes and get up to $15,000 as soon as tomorrow. No credit? No problem—start your free application now!

    Pain Points Solved by ZippyLoan

    When Financial Stress Becomes a Crisis

    For many Americans, financial strain doesn’t build gradually—it hits suddenly and without warning. An unplanned expense, a job disruption, or even a medical emergency can create a cash gap that needs immediate resolution. In these situations, people are not only looking for money—they’re searching for speed, trust, and access.

    Unfortunately, traditional banking solutions are not always available to those in urgent need. Whether due to low credit scores, lack of collateral, or rigid lending criteria, borrowers are often left with few viable options.

    Key Challenges Faced by Today’s Borrowers

    ZippyLoan’s services are built to address these specific obstacles:

    Limited Access to Traditional Loans

    Conventional banks tend to favor borrowers with established credit histories and higher income levels. Many consumers—especially freelancers, gig workers, or those rebuilding after a financial setback—are excluded from these channels. ZippyLoan connects these underserved borrowers with alternative lending options through its loan matching platform.

    Long Approval Times

    Time is often the most critical factor. Medical bills, utility shutoff notices, and auto repairs can’t wait 10 to 14 days. ZippyLoan’s digital-first design delivers real-time loan approvals and funding in as little as one business day, helping consumers avoid cascading financial consequences.

    Credit Profile Barriers

    A history of missed payments, high credit utilization, or lack of borrowing activity can disqualify someone from traditional loans. ZippyLoan works with a network that includes lenders specializing in bad credit personal loans, offering realistic solutions even to those with challenged financial pasts.

    Inconvenient Application Processes

    Physically visiting a bank, submitting paperwork, or printing income documents are not feasible for everyone. ZippyLoan’s paperless loan process is optimized for mobile use, enabling loan applications to be submitted securely from anywhere, at any time.

    High-Pressure Loan Offers

    Payday lenders and cash advance stores often trap borrowers in cycles of debt due to aggressive repayment schedules and excessive fees. ZippyLoan’s lender partners typically offer installment loans online, giving borrowers a chance to repay their loans over weeks or months—not just days.

    Why ZippyLoan Is Designed for These Scenarios

    ZippyLoan’s platform delivers on multiple key priorities that align with borrower needs:

    • Speed: Application, approval, and funding all happen rapidly
    • Inclusion: Accepts all credit types without discrimination
    • Flexibility: Loan offers may vary in amount, term, and interest rate, allowing for user choice
    • Simplicity: One short application reaches multiple lenders

    This combination of features makes ZippyLoan especially appealing for those facing financial emergencies, living paycheck-to-paycheck, or managing uncertain incomes.

    The Role of ZippyLoan in Financial Recovery

    While ZippyLoan is not intended to solve long-term financial challenges on its own, it does serve as a bridge during times of instability.By making express lending options accessible to a broader base of borrowers, it supports a more inclusive and resilient financial ecosystem.

    Disclaimer: ZippyLoan does not guarantee loan approval or specific terms. All loan agreements are handled directly between the borrower and lender. Use of loan funds should be evaluated in the context of your overall financial health.

    Application Process Step-by-Step

    A Simplified, Secure Path to Fast Personal Loans

    One of the key advantages of ZippyLoan is the speed and simplicity of its application process. Designed to accommodate individuals in urgent financial need, the platform offers a paperless loan process that allows borrowers to apply entirely online, from any device. The entire process can take just a few minutes, and in many cases, qualified applicants receive loan offers almost immediately.

    Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to apply for a fast personal loan using ZippyLoan’s loan matching service:

    Step 1: Complete the Online Application Form

    Applicants begin by accessing the secure online application. This form requires basic personal and financial details, such as:

    • Full legal name and contact information
    • Employment or income status (including self-employment or benefits)
    • Estimated monthly income
    • Requested loan amount (between $100 and $15,000)
    • Purpose of the loan (optional but helps with matching)
    • Banking information to confirm ability to receive direct deposit

    Note: Completing this form does not trigger a hard credit check. ZippyLoan’s system uses the information to match you with lenders, not to determine creditworthiness independently.

    Step 2: Get Matched with Lenders

    After submitting your application, ZippyLoan runs your profile through its AI-powered loan matching platform, which pairs you with one or more lenders from its network that fit your criteria. These lenders may specialize in:

    • Short-term installment loans
    • Emergency personal loans
    • Bad credit loan options
    • Flexible repayment loans for self-employed borrowers

    This phase often takes less than five minutes.

    Step 3: Review Your Loan Offers Carefully

    If matches are found, you’ll be directed to the lender’s platform to review loan terms. Typical elements of the loan offers include:

    • Total loan amount offered
    • Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
    • Estimated monthly payment
    • Total repayment duration
    • Associated fees or penalties for early repayment

    Disclaimer: ZippyLoan is not a direct lender and does not control rates, fees, or approval decisions. Terms are set by the lender. Always read loan documents carefully before agreeing to terms.

    Step 4: Accept the Offer and Finalize the Loan

    If you accept a loan offer, you’ll complete the transaction directly on the lender’s website. Most lenders will perform a final verification, which may include a soft or hard credit inquiry, proof of income, or identity validation.

    Once approved, funds are typically deposited into your bank account by the next business day — though same-day funding may be possible depending on the time and day of application.

    Step 5: Begin Repayment Based on Agreed Terms

    Loan repayment is handled directly between you and the lender. Most lenders offer automated withdrawals from your bank account to simplify the process. Repayment terms can vary from 3 months to 60 months, depending on loan type and lender policy.

    Important Application Reminders

    • You are under no obligation to accept a loan offer presented to you.
    • Matching does not guarantee funding; the lender retains full discretion.
    • Always evaluate the total cost of a loan before making a commitment.

    Struggling with bills or repairs? ZippyLoan’s network offers fast personal loans for all credit types. Apply now and receive offers in minutes!

    ZippyLoan Eligibility Criteria Explained

    Who Can Apply for a ZippyLoan Personal Loan?

    One of the strengths of ZippyLoan’s platform is its accessibility. The company has designed its loan matching service to serve a wide range of borrowers, including those with poor or limited credit histories. However, to ensure responsible lending and compliance with federal and state regulations, certain minimum eligibility requirements must be met.

    Below are the key criteria applicants must fulfill to begin the process.

    Basic Requirements to Use ZippyLoan

    To qualify for a loan match through ZippyLoan, applicants must meet the following conditions:

    Age and Citizenship

    • You must be at least 18 years old
    • You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

    Income and Employment

    • You must have a regular source of income, which may include:
      • Full-time or part-time employment
      • Self-employment or freelance work
      • Social Security or disability income
      • Government benefits or retirement income
    • Income must be verifiable and sufficient to cover the potential loan repayment obligations

    Banking and Contact Information

    • You must have an active checking account in your name
    • A valid email address and working phone number are required to receive lender communications
    • The checking account must support direct deposit to receive loan funds

    Credit Score Considerations

    ZippyLoan does not set a minimum credit score requirement, and some of its lending partners offer loans to borrowers with:

    • Bad credit
    • No credit history
    • Past delinquencies or bankruptcies

    This is one of the reasons ZippyLoan is known as a platform that promotes financial inclusion. However, the actual offers and terms available will depend on your credit profile and lender policies.

    Disclaimer: While ZippyLoan accepts applicants with a wide range of credit histories, matching with a lender does not guarantee loan approval or funding. Final decisions are made by individual lenders.

    State-by-State Availability

    ZippyLoan services are available in most U.S. states, but availability may vary depending on local lending regulations. Some lenders in the ZippyLoan network may not operate in certain states.

    Pro Tip: You can verify availability by starting the application process and entering your ZIP code. The platform will notify you if service is not available in your location.

    Who Might Not Qualify?

    While ZippyLoan is designed to support borrowers across a wide financial spectrum, you may not qualify if you:

    • Do not have a valid U.S. checking account
    • Have unverified or insufficient income
    • Are not a resident or citizen of the United States
    • Fail to meet age requirements
    • Submit incomplete or incorrect information

    ZippyLoan’s Key Features and Benefits

    Designed for Speed, Flexibility, and Convenience

    ZippyLoan is more than just an application tool—it’s a comprehensive loan matching platform engineered to make borrowing faster, easier, and more accessible for consumers who don’t have time to waste or perfect credit scores. Whether you’re facing an emergency expense or consolidating debts, ZippyLoan offers a streamlined approach to fast personal loans that puts control back in the borrower’s hands.

    Feature-Rich Lending Access from One Application

    ZippyLoan simplifies the borrowing journey by offering these core features:

    Wide Loan Amount Range

    • Borrow from $100 to $15,000 depending on lender approval
    • Ideal for both minor short-term needs and larger financial challenges
    • Flexible use cases: rent, bills, repairs, consolidation, and more

    Quick Turnaround on Funding

    • Many approved borrowers receive loan funds by the next business day
    • The paperless loan process cuts down on delays
    • No in-person meetings, phone interviews, or long waits

    Inclusive Lending Network

    • Access to lenders serving bad credit, no credit, and fair credit profiles
    • Helps rebuild financial stability through installment loans online
    • Opportunities for credit-building over time with consistent on-time repayments

    Disclaimer: ZippyLoan is not a credit repair service. Any credit improvement resulting from loan repayment should be viewed as a potential benefit, not a guaranteed outcome.

    Customizable Repayment Terms

    • Loan durations vary between 3 and 60 months
    • Options for bi-weekly or monthly repayment, depending on lender
    • No obligation to accept a loan if the terms do not suit your financial goals

    One Application, Multiple Offers

    • Applying through ZippyLoan may return multiple lender offers to compare
    • Offers can be reviewed and accepted without pressure
    • No cost to apply or to review offers

    Borrower Control and Transparency

    ZippyLoan places power in the hands of the borrower by:

    • Not requiring collateral or personal guarantees
    • Allowing borrowers to decline offers without penalty
    • Ensuring lender disclosures include APRs, repayment terms, and all fees upfront

    These features are designed to build trust and transparency into what is often a stressful process.

    Optional Use of Funds

    Loans received through ZippyLoan’s partner lenders can be used for:

    • Emergency household expenses
    • Credit card debt consolidation
    • Auto repairs or home maintenance
    • Education or moving costs
    • Travel or unexpected life events

    There are no restrictions on how funds must be spent, as long as usage complies with legal and ethical standards.

    Security and Privacy Built In

    • End-to-end data encryption protocols to protect sensitive borrower information
    • Compliance with digital privacy standards for loan platforms
    • Only trusted lending partners gain access to application data

    Apply in 5 minutes, get up to $15,000—ZippyLoan makes borrowing quick, safe, and easy. Start now with no impact on your credit score!

    Potential Drawbacks to Consider

    A Balanced Look at ZippyLoan’s Limitations

    While ZippyLoan offers speed, access, and flexibility through its loan matching platform, it’s important for borrowers to understand potential limitations before proceeding. As with any financial service, being informed helps avoid surprises and promotes responsible borrowing.

    Not a Direct Lender

    One of the key distinctions about ZippyLoan is that it is not a lender itself. Instead, it operates as a digital loan marketplace that connects users with independent third-party lenders. This model allows for greater variety in loan offers but introduces some uncertainty in terms of:

    • Loan approval criteria
    • Interest rate ranges
    • Repayment schedules
    • Fee structures

    Because every lender operates under its own policies, applicants may find that the final offer terms vary significantly. This lack of standardization can be confusing for some borrowers, especially those comparing multiple offers.

    Disclaimer: ZippyLoan does not influence lending decisions, loan terms, or approval outcomes. All final loan agreements are made directly between borrower and lender.

    Interest Rates Can Be High for Some Borrowers

    While the ZippyLoan network includes lenders willing to work with borrowers with bad credit or no credit, the trade-off may be higher APRs or additional fees for riskier credit profiles. It’s not uncommon for personal loans aimed at subprime borrowers to carry interest rates above 30%—a rate that can significantly increase the total repayment amount.

    Borrowers are strongly encouraged to:

    • Review the total repayment cost of any loan
    • Understand the impact of higher interest rates on long-term affordability
    • Compare multiple offers before making a decision

    Disclaimer: Interest rates are determined solely by the lender. Always verify all fees and APRs directly with the lender before accepting an offer.

    Not Available in Every U.S. State

    Due to state lending laws, ZippyLoan and its partner lenders may not be able to serve borrowers in all 50 states. While most states are covered, availability can vary based on your location and the lender’s licensing status.

    To confirm service availability:

    • Begin the application process with your ZIP code
    • The system will automatically alert you if you’re in an unsupported region

    Loan Terms May Vary More Than Expected

    Because the lenders in ZippyLoan’s network operate independently, borrowers may find wide variation in terms, including:

    • Loan amounts (as low as $100 or as high as $15,000)
    • Repayment lengths (from 3 months up to 60 months)
    • Frequency of payments (monthly or bi-weekly)
    • Prepayment penalties or origination fees

    This variability means borrowers must stay vigilant and read the full terms and conditions before proceeding with any agreement.

    Borrower Responsibility and Over-Borrowing

    As with any financial tool, there’s a risk that borrowers may take on more debt than they can realistically repay, especially when offers are fast and accessible. ZippyLoan does not provide financial counseling or debt management services.

    Borrowers should consider:

    • Total cost of borrowing over the full loan term
    • How payments fit into their existing monthly budget
    • Whether the loan is a short-term fix or a long-term liability

    Pro Tip: Use loan calculators or speak with a trusted financial advisor before taking on new debt.

    Customer Testimonials and Third-Party Reviews

    Real User Experiences with ZippyLoan’s Loan Matching Platform

    When evaluating a service like ZippyLoan, firsthand feedback from real users offers valuable insight. While individual experiences vary depending on the lender matched through the platform, common themes have emerged in public reviews that speak to the speed, simplicity, and accessibility of ZippyLoan’s fast personal loans process.

    Positive Reviews and Common Praise

    Many customers report positive experiences, especially in regard to:

    Fast and Simple Application Process

    • Users consistently highlight the paperless loan application as easy to complete within minutes.
    • The instant lender matching process is often described as convenient and stress-free.
    • First-time borrowers frequently mention relief at receiving offers despite having bad credit or no traditional banking relationship.

    Speed of Funding

    • One of the most praised features is the next-day funding capability.
    • Users facing emergencies such as car repairs, overdue bills, or rent obligations report receiving funds in time to avoid larger consequences.

    Flexible Lender Options

    • Customers appreciate being able to review multiple loan offers after submitting a single application.
    • Several reviews mention the diverse lender network, which gives borrowers the ability to choose terms that best fit their needs.
    • Users who didn’t accept a loan still found value in the transparent process and the chance to compare options.

    Constructive Feedback and Common Complaints

    ZippyLoan, like any loan aggregator, also receives mixed reviews due to certain limitations of its model:

    Not Receiving Offers

    • Some users with extremely low income or inconsistent application data report not receiving any loan matches.
    • Others were matched but ultimately denied by the lender after further verification.

    Note: ZippyLoan does not guarantee that every user will receive an offer. Final approvals are determined by the individual lender’s criteria.

    High APRs from Some Lenders

    • Several users were surprised by the interest rates offered—especially those with poor credit histories.
    • Rates offered through the platform can be significantly higher than those of traditional banks, which may create long-term financial strainif not carefully evaluated.

    Disclaimer: Always review APRs, fees, and repayment schedules before agreeing to a loan. ZippyLoan does not control individual lender rates.

    Persistent Follow-Up Emails or Offers

    • A small number of users mention receiving follow-up offers or emails from third-party lenders after submitting an application.
    • While this is part of the matchmaking model, it may be perceived as excessive by users unfamiliar with the process.

    Third-Party Reviews and Consumer Ratings

    Independent reviews from financial comparison sites and consumer forums typically rate ZippyLoan favorably for:

    • Ease of use
    • Speed of approval
    • Accessibility for all credit types
    • Secure data processing

    However, many third-party sources also echo the importance of comparing loan offers carefully and understanding that ZippyLoan is not a lender, but a connector between consumers and independent financial institutions.

    Overall Borrower Sentiment

    In summary, borrower sentiment leans positive for users who:

    • Need emergency cash fast
    • Have limited access to traditional credit channels
    • Are comfortable reviewing loan offers online and acting quickly

    Those with higher credit scores or the ability to wait for traditional financing may prefer to compare ZippyLoan with other platforms.

    Fast cash for life’s surprises—ZippyLoan offers flexible personal loan options online. Apply now and get funded fast without the hassle.

    Security, Privacy, and Legal Compliance

    Protecting Borrower Information in the Digital Lending Age

    With any online financial transaction, data security and privacy are top concerns for consumers. ZippyLoan recognizes this and integrates safeguards to ensure that sensitive personal and financial information is handled with care and confidentiality throughout the loan matching process.

    End-to-End Encryption for Application Data

    ZippyLoan’s website uses SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption protocols, which protect data as it is transmitted between the user’s device and the platform. This ensures that key information such as:

    • Social Security numbers
    • Bank account details
    • Employment and income information
    • Contact credentials

    … is encrypted and secured during submission and processing. This is a standard across reputable digital loan marketplaces and provides the first layer of defense against cyber threats.

    Privacy Practices and Data Sharing

    ZippyLoan does not directly fund loans. Instead, it uses the information provided in your application to match you with potential lenders. Your data is only shared with the following:

    • Participating lenders in ZippyLoan’s network
    • Third-party financial partners that may offer additional services relevant to your application

    Disclaimer: By submitting an application through ZippyLoan, you consent to have your information shared with relevant third-party lenders. You are under no obligation to accept any loan offers presented to you.

    Borrowers can typically review and opt-out of further communications from individual lenders after their initial match.

    Regulatory and Legal Compliance

    ZippyLoan operates within the boundaries of federal U.S. lending laws and enforces the following policies among its network of lenders:

    • Truth in Lending Act (TILA) compliance, ensuring full disclosure of loan terms, APRs, and repayment schedules
    • Fair Lending standards, preventing discrimination based on race, gender, age, or credit history
    • State-by-state compliance, meaning offers are filtered based on the legal requirements of each borrower’s state of residence

    Your Role in Ensuring Privacy

    While ZippyLoan takes steps to protect your data, users should also practice good digital hygiene by:

    • Double-checking URLs to avoid phishing sites
    • Reviewing ZippyLoan’s Privacy Policy before submitting personal information
    • Using secure Wi-Fi networks when completing applications
    • Keeping antivirus software updated on your device

    Transparency in Third-Party Interactions

    Some borrowers may receive offers for financial products beyond personal loans (e.g., credit monitoring services or financial planning tools). These are typically sent by partner companies affiliated with ZippyLoan’s lender network.

    Pro Tip: You are not obligated to accept or engage with any third-party product or service offered outside your loan application. Always review terms and privacy policies independently.

    Pricing Transparency & APR Disclosure

    Understanding the Cost of Fast Personal Loans Through ZippyLoan

    While ZippyLoan provides borrowers with convenient access to fast personal loans, it’s important to understand that it does not set loan terms or pricing directly. Instead, all rates, fees, and repayment conditions are determined by the individual lenders within its network.

    This section outlines how pricing works, what to expect in terms of APR, and how to interpret loan costs before committing—ensuring that borrowers remain informed and in control.

    What Is APR and Why It Matters

    APR, or Annual Percentage Rate, is the total cost of borrowing expressed as a yearly percentage. It includes:

    • The interest rate charged by the lender
    • Any origination or processing fees
    • Other associated loan costs rolled into your repayment amount

    A high APR means the loan will cost more over time. For example:

    • A $1,000 loan with a 15% APR over 12 months may cost around $83/month
    • A $1,000 loan with a 30% APR over the same term could exceed $95/month

    APR Ranges Commonly Reported by ZippyLoan Lenders

    APR rates from lenders in ZippyLoan’s network typically fall within the following ranges:

    • As low as 5.99% for prime borrowers with excellent credit and strong income
    • As high as 35.99% or more for subprime borrowers with challenged credit

    These rates vary significantly based on:

    • Credit score
    • Loan amount
    • Term length
    • Income and employment status
    • Lender-specific underwriting standards

    Disclaimer: ZippyLoan does not control or guarantee APRs. All rates are determined by third-party lenders based on their internal criteria.

    Loan Amounts and Repayment Terms

    ZippyLoan lenders generally offer:

    • Loan amounts: $100 to $15,000
    • Repayment terms: 3 to 60 months (quarterly, monthly, or bi-weekly options may be available)
    • Payment methods: Typically via direct withdrawal from a linked checking account

    Each offer will include the total repayment amount, monthly payment schedule, and due dates.

    Pro Tip: Always ask lenders about prepayment penalties or early repayment discounts. Some may charge fees if you pay off your loan ahead of schedule, while others encourage it.

    Are There Any Hidden Fees?

    ZippyLoan itself charges no fee to submit an application. However, partner lenders may include:

    • Origination fees (typically 1% to 8%)
    • Late payment fees
    • Non-sufficient funds (NSF) fees for failed withdrawals
    • Prepayment penalties (varies by lender)

    Before signing any agreement, be sure to:

    • Read all fine print in the loan offer
    • Confirm whether fees are included in the APR or listed separately
    • Ask questions directly to the lender’s support team if something is unclear

    Pricing May Vary Over Time

    Because ZippyLoan works with a diverse group of financial institutions, pricing structures can change based on market conditions, lender policies, and borrower demand. Offers available today may not be available tomorrow.

    Skip the bank lines and paperwork—ZippyLoan offers instant loan matching for fast, reliable funding. Apply now and get cash by tomorrow!

    Alternatives to ZippyLoan and Competitive Analysis

    Evaluating the Digital Lending Landscape in 2025

    As personal loan demand surges, so does the number of platforms claiming to offer the best financing options. ZippyLoan’s model as a loan matching service offers distinct advantages, but it’s important to compare it with other digital lending platforms to understand how it stacks up in key areas like speed, flexibility, credit acceptance, and transparency.

    Below, we evaluate ZippyLoan against several leading competitors based on current features, user reviews, and industry positioning.

    How ZippyLoan Compares to Other Platforms

    ZippyLoan vs. LendingClub

    LendingClub is one of the most recognized peer-to-peer lending networks. It offers personal loans starting from $1,000 and caters mostly to borrowers with fair to good credit.

    Key Differences:

    • LendingClub performs a hard credit check during application; ZippyLoan does not at the initial stage
    • LendingClub’s approval and funding process may take several days
    • ZippyLoan focuses on fast personal loans, often within 24 hours

    Best For: Borrowers with fair to excellent credit who want a structured, longer-term loan

    ZippyLoan vs. Upgrade

    Upgrade provides unsecured personal loans with competitive rates and a heavy focus on debt consolidation.

    Key Differences:

    • Upgrade requires a minimum credit score (typically 580+)
    • ZippyLoan offers broader accessibility, including bad credit loan options
    • ZippyLoan may match you with multiple lenders through one form

    Best For: Borrowers with decent credit looking for debt payoff tools and budgeting features

    ZippyLoan vs. OppLoans

    OppLoans is geared toward subprime borrowers and positions itself as a more ethical alternative to payday loans.

    Key Differences:

    • OppLoans is a direct lender, ZippyLoan is a marketplace
    • OppLoans may offer fixed APRs but caps loan amounts lower than ZippyLoan
    • ZippyLoan provides loan amounts up to $15,000 through multiple lending partners

    Best For: Borrowers with poor credit seeking small installment loans without predatory practices

    ZippyLoan vs. Avant

    Avant focuses on mid-tier borrowers with stable income and fair credit. Loans typically range between $2,000–$35,000.

    Key Differences:

    • Avant targets higher loan amounts than most ZippyLoan matches
    • ZippyLoan accommodates smaller, short-term needs and emergency personal loans
    • ZippyLoan has broader network flexibility and quicker turnaround

    Best For: Borrowers with stable employment and moderate credit seeking structured repayments

    Where ZippyLoan Stands Out

    ZippyLoan differentiates itself with:

    • Speed: Same-day or next-day funding potential
    • Inclusion: Credit types from poor to excellent are welcomed
    • Simplicity: One application reaches a network of lenders
    • No upfront fees: The service is free for consumers to use

    ZippyLoan thrives in scenarios requiring urgent action, such as:

    • Avoiding late fees or eviction
    • Paying for emergency car repairs
    • Bridging a paycheck gap

    These situations demand express lending options, and ZippyLoan’s infrastructure is tailored to meet that need.

    When a Competitor May Be Better

    Some borrowers may find better alternatives if they:

    • Need very large loan amounts ($20,000 or more)
    • Have excellent credit and can qualify for low-APR credit union loans
    • Prefer a single lender relationship over marketplace variety
    • Want in-depth financial tools or budgeting software bundled with the loan

    Pro Tip: Always compare offers from ZippyLoan against those from other providers to ensure you’re receiving the most favorable terms for your financial goals.

    Need emergency funds? Apply now with ZippyLoan and access loan offers from $100 to $15,000 in just minutes—fast, easy, and credit-friendly!

    ZippyLoan’s Role in Financial Wellness

    A Bridge, Not a Band-Aid

    In the evolving landscape of consumer finance, services like ZippyLoan play a key role in promoting financial flexibility—especially for individuals facing time-sensitive cash needs. While not a substitute for long-term financial planning, ZippyLoan offers a critical support mechanism when access to traditional lending is limited or unavailable.

    The platform is especially valuable during financial inflection points, helping consumers avoid overdraft fees, manage shortfalls, or stay current on essential bills during periods of instability.

    Supporting Financial Inclusion

    Millions of Americans are either “credit invisible” or underserved by traditional banks. ZippyLoan’s loan matching service supports financial inclusion by:

    • Accepting applications from those with limited credit histories
    • Offering matches that don’t require high credit scores
    • Providing access to legitimate installment loans as alternatives to payday traps

    This accessibility allows a broader range of borrowers to access capital without resorting to high-risk lenders or unregulated financial sources.

    Disclaimer: ZippyLoan does not offer credit repair services or financial counseling. Users are encouraged to consult with certified financial advisors when managing debt or exploring credit-building strategies.

    A Tool for Responsible Short-Term Borrowing

    ZippyLoan is best used as a temporary solution—a tool that helps stabilize a financial situation rather than as a recurring resource. Examples include:

    • Covering a sudden medical co-pay not covered by insurance
    • Bridging the gap after a delayed paycheck
    • Paying for urgent car or home repairs
    • Managing temporary income shortfalls due to gig work volatility

    When used responsibly, the platform can help avoid further financial deterioration caused by missed payments, utility shutoffs, or emergency expenses left unpaid.

    Encouraging Repayment Discipline

    Because ZippyLoan’s lender partners typically offer installment-based repayment options, borrowers have more manageable timelines for repayment compared to short-term payday lenders. Staying current on these obligations can indirectly:

    • Improve one’s credit profile
    • Reduce reliance on high-cost financial products
    • Create a foundation for more favorable credit opportunities in the future

    Pro Tip: Set up auto-pay with your lender to reduce the risk of late payments and streamline your debt management.

    Not a Cure-All, But a Strategic Lifeline

    ZippyLoan should not be mistaken for a comprehensive financial solution. It does not replace savings, long-term financial planning, or high-limit lending institutions. However, in a moment of urgency, it provides:

    • Access to legitimate capital quickly
    • A structured process for comparing real offers
    • A confidential, secure lending experience with no upfront obligation

    Financial help shouldn’t take weeks—ZippyLoan matches you with lenders in minutes. Apply now and solve your money stress fast!

    Final Thoughts – Is ZippyLoan the Right Fit for You?

    A Streamlined Option for Fast, Flexible Lending

    ZippyLoan presents a compelling solution for borrowers seeking fast personal loans, especially those facing urgent cash needs or working with less-than-perfect credit. As a digital loan marketplace, ZippyLoan simplifies the borrowing experience by matching applicants with a variety of lenders through one secure, paperless process—often resulting in loan offers within minutes and funds by the next business day.

    If you’re navigating a financial emergency—whether it’s an unexpected repair bill, rent due, or a lapse in income—ZippyLoan’s speed and ease of use may make it a standout option. Unlike traditional banks or high-cost payday lenders, ZippyLoan offers a network-based approach that:

    • Supports bad credit borrowers
    • Allows for customized loan terms
    • Provides fast access to multiple offers
    • Requires no upfront fees to apply

    Ideal for:

    • Borrowers in need of same-day or next-day funding
    • Individuals without strong credit history who need access to legitimate lenders
    • Anyone looking to avoid payday loan traps by opting for structured installment loans

    May Not Be Ideal for:

    • Those seeking loan amounts above $15,000
    • Borrowers with excellent credit who can access lower-rate financing through a bank or credit union
    • Individuals uncomfortable comparing multiple offers online

    Use Responsibly

    It’s important to remember that a personal loan—no matter how fast or flexible—represents a financial obligation. Before accepting any offer, carefully review:

    • The full repayment schedule
    • All fees and APR disclosures
    • How loan payments will fit into your monthly budget

    Disclaimer: ZippyLoan is not a direct lender. All terms are set by third-party lenders. Always check the official ZippyLoan website for the most accurate and up-to-date details. Pricing is subject to change at any time.

    Final Recommendation

    If you need money quickly and value the flexibility of comparing multiple offers, ZippyLoan is a solid platform that delivers speed, convenience, and access. It’s not a long-term financial solution, but as a short-term lending bridge, it can provide vital relief during moments of financial uncertainty.

    Always borrow responsibly and consider how short-term loans fit into your broader financial plan.

    Real money, real fast—ZippyLoan delivers loan offers online with no pressure to accept. Apply now for funding options that fit your needs!

    Frequently Asked Questions (ZippyLoan FAQ)

    What is ZippyLoan and how does it work?

    ZippyLoan is a digital loan marketplace that matches borrowers with a network of independent lenders offering fast personal loans. Users complete a single online application and, within minutes, can be connected with lenders offering loan amounts from $100 to $15,000. The platform supports a wide range of credit profiles, including those with bad credit or limited credit history.

    Is ZippyLoan a direct lender?

    No. ZippyLoan is not a lender. It operates as a loan matching service, helping users find lenders who meet their needs. All decisions regarding loan approval, terms, interest rates, and funding are made by the individual lenders in ZippyLoan’s network.

    Disclaimer: All loan terms are established directly between the borrower and lender. ZippyLoan does not control the underwriting process or guarantee funding.

    How fast can I receive my loan?

    Borrowers who are approved by a lender may receive funds as soon as the next business day, depending on the lender and bank processing times. The application process itself typically takes only a few minutes.

    What types of loans can I get through ZippyLoan?

    Lenders in ZippyLoan’s network typically offer:

    • Installment loans online
    • Bad credit personal loans
    • Short-term emergency loans
    • Debt consolidation loans
    • Flexible repayment term loans (up to 60 months)

    These express lending options are designed to cover a wide variety of needs—from emergency expenses to home repairs.

    Can I apply for a loan with bad credit?

    Yes. ZippyLoan accepts applicants with all credit profiles, including those with bad credit, limited credit history, or previous financial difficulties. Many of its lending partners specialize in working with non-prime borrowers.

    Does applying with ZippyLoan affect my credit score?

    No. Submitting an initial application involves a soft credit pull and does not impact your credit score. If you choose to proceed with a loan offer, the lender may perform a hard credit inquiry before finalizing approval.

    What are the loan amounts and repayment terms available?

    Loan amounts typically range from $100 to $15,000, with repayment terms between 3 and 60 months. Monthly or bi-weekly repayment options may be available, depending on the lender.

    Disclaimer: Loan amounts, rates, and terms vary by lender and state. Always review loan documents carefully before accepting an offer.

    Is there a fee to use ZippyLoan?

    No. ZippyLoan does not charge any fees to use its platform. It is completely free to apply and review loan offers. However, individual lenders may charge:

    • Origination fees
    • Late payment fees
    • Non-sufficient funds (NSF) fees
    • Prepayment penalties (rare)

    Is my personal and financial information secure?

    Yes. ZippyLoan uses SSL encryption and adheres to strict data privacy protocols to ensure your information is protected during transmission. Data is only shared with lenders in the network to facilitate loan matching.

    Is ZippyLoan available in all U.S. states?

    ZippyLoan operates in most states, but some lenders may not offer services in certain locations due to state regulations. The application system automatically identifies location-based availability based on your ZIP code.

    Can I decline a loan offer?

    Yes. There is no obligation to accept any offer you receive. If the interest rate, terms, or lender policies don’t align with your needs, you are free to walk away without penalty.

    What can I use the loan for?

    Loans can typically be used for any legal and personal financial purpose, including:

    • Medical bills
    • Car or home repairs
    • Rent or utilities
    • Travel or relocation expenses
    • Consolidating high-interest credit card debt
    • Education or emergency expenses

    What should I know before accepting a loan?

    Before committing, carefully evaluate:

    • The APR (Annual Percentage Rate)
    • Total repayment amount
    • Loan fees and charges
    • Whether the payments are affordable on your current budget

    Get the cash you need without the wait—ZippyLoan connects you to lenders ready to fund your emergency. Apply now and breathe easier tomorrow!

    • Contact: Zippy Loan
    • Phone: 1-844-379-8621
    • Email: support@zippyloan.com

    Legal Disclaimer and Affiliate Disclosure

    The information provided in this content is for general informational and commercial purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy, timeliness, and completeness of the information, no guarantees are offered, and all information is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind. In the event of any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies—whether typographical or factual—no liability will be assumed by the publisher, content distributors, affiliates, or any syndicated partners.

    This article may contain references or links to services, products, or websites operated by third parties. Any such references are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation of the third-party services or entities mentioned.

    Zippyloan is not a financial institution, lender, loan broker, or an agent of a lender or loan broker. It does not originate loans, participate in the approval or underwriting process, or influence lending decisions in any manner. Zippyloan operates solely as a free, no-obligation intermediary that connects individuals seeking personal loan opportunities with a network of independent lenders who may offer such services.

    By submitting information through Zippyloan’s platform, individuals authorize the sharing of that data—including, but not limited to, personally identifiable information such as name, address, employment history, and banking details—with lending partners to assess potential compatibility. This submission does not constitute a loan application. Rather, it enables lenders to determine whether a prospective borrower may preliminarily qualify as a viable lead under their internal lending criteria.

    Zippyloan receives compensation from lenders for facilitating these introductions. The company does not collect, store, or sell loan applications, nor does it intervene or assist in the completion of any actual loan documentation. Any required application, verification, underwriting, or final approval processes are entirely at the discretion of the participating lender. Lending partners may conduct independent verifications through agencies such as CLVerify, Teletrack, or Accurint, among others.

    Loan terms, interest rates, fees, and credit approvals are determined exclusively by the lender, and may vary based on a variety of factors including income, credit profile, state of residence, and individual lender policies. There is no guarantee of approval or any specific loan amount. Not all applicants will qualify for the maximum amount advertised. Loan availability may also be restricted by geographic or regulatory limitations. This service is not available to residents of New York, West Virginia, or Oregon.

    All prospective borrowers are advised to perform due diligence before entering into any loan agreement. Zippyloan does not provide financial advice, nor does it guarantee that any lender introduced through its platform is licensed or legally permitted to offer loans in a given state. Borrowers are responsible for reviewing all terms and disclosures presented by any lender they may engage with. Interest rates, repayment terms, and associated fees may change at any time and without notice.

    By accessing or using the Zippyloan service, users acknowledge that they do so at their own risk and discretion. Neither the publisher, any affiliates, nor distribution partners accept any liability for decisions made based on the content of this article or the results of interactions with third-party service providers.

    This article may contain affiliate links, meaning the publisher may earn a commission if a reader chooses to engage with or purchase through a linked service. Such compensation has no impact on the objectivity, integrity, or factual basis of the information presented herein.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn’s Health Profession Programs Brings Interprofessional Education and Collaboration to Northeast Connecticut Communities

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    “Our committee has been engaged in a variety of efforts to collaborate with community partners to help address unmet health needs in communities in northeast Connecticut,” according to Devra Dang, clinical professor of pharmacy practice and a co-chair of CIPEH. Its Northeast CT Initiative was developed in response to a rural health summit hosted by State Comptroller Sean Scanlon.  

    CIPEH faculty at the Northeast CT Family Health and Wellness Day

    The event hosted interactive booths and activities aimed at promoting health and wellness for individuals of all ages. Attendees received free health screenings such as blood pressure and hearing loss tests, learned about lung health and asthma inhaler techniques, prescription medication affordability tips, healthy nutrition, and balance assessment and fall prevention. According to Stephanie Gernant, assistant professor of pharmacy practice and a CIPEH co-chair, “The focus was not just on learning about health conditions that attendees may already have developed, but also on prevention and wellness across the lifespan.” 

    Nicole Gallagher, a clinical professor of speech-language and CIPEH secretary was especially fond of the hands-on experiences the event provided children and their families: “The foundation of good health habits should start early in life. We all loved seeing the kids who attended the health fair be so engaged with our fun, interactive topics.” In addition, children and teens had opportunities to discuss health career options with UConn health profession students and got to visualize themselves as future healthcare professionals at the photo booth.  

    “[It] was excellent. Seeing all the different programs, and hearing from current students, really shows what a wonderful University we have, so close to home. Everyone we encountered was excited to share about their program, and very engaging with my kids!” - Cassie Kiley from Brooklyn, CT who attended with her family

    Community partner organizations were a key component of this collaborative event. The Northeast District Department of Health co-hosted the family health and wellness day and worked with Dang and two Master of Public Health students over a number of weeks to develop activities for this multi-faceted event. In total, nine community organizations brought a variety of health-related topics and resources, including Generations Family Health Center, Day Kimball Hospital, Hartford Healthcare Community Health, and AHEC/ Health Education Center. Participants from UConn’s Master Gardener Program provided science-based tips on gardening topics and distributed free seeds.  

    The event also provided an excellent avenue for UConn health profession students to engage in interprofessional education and collaboration, learning with, from, and about each profession as they teamed up to present health topics. “Brainstorming health fair plans and developing Psychological Sciences’ materials promoting stress management across the lifespan tapped into creative and collaborative skills. We enjoyed the planning process, learning from other UConn faculty and students, and look forward to strengthening future efforts to serve those in Northeast Connecticut,” stated Christine Yantz, assistant clinical professor and assistant director of the Psychological Services Clinic. 

    CIPEH consists of 11 UConn heath profession programs across three campuses (Storrs, Farmington, Hartford): athletic training/kinesiology, audiology, clinical psychology, dietetics, dental medicine, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, and social work, and reports to the health profession deans and the Vice Provost for Health Sciences and Interdisciplinary Initiatives, Amy Gorin. Established in 2013 with the support of the deans of health profession programs, CIPEH’s primary goal is to advance interprofessional collaboration in education, community outreach and patient care, and research. 

    Brother and sister at the health careers photo booth

    According to Dang, the Northeast Connecticut Family Health and Wellness Day was just one of several community-based events that CIPEH faculty and students have actively participated in at towns in Windham and Tolland County during this academic year. Other recent community outreach events included a health fair for older adults hosted by the town of Thompson, the Coventry Winter Farmers’ Market, and vaccine clinics at senior centers in collaboration with the Eastern Hyland Health District. A number of upcoming health-related outreach activities are being planned, including events during the summer.   

    Christine Haines, clinical professor of audiology noted that, “Interprofessional education within health profession training is crucial so that our students know how to best work together to optimize patient care when they become clinicians.”

    “I look forward to collaborating with students and faculty from across UConn health disciplines in supporting the wellbeing of Connecticut’s residents in future community engagement efforts.” – Christine Haines

    UConn programs and community organizations interested in collaborating with CIPEH on future health-related community outreach events can reach out to Devra Dang at devra.dang@uconn.edu. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: India-Pakistan ceasefire shouldn’t disguise fact that norms have changed in South Asia, making future de-escalation much harder

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Farah N. Jan, Senior Lecturer in International Relations, University of Pennsylvania

    A member of the Indian Border Security Force stands guard near the India-Pakistan border. Narinder Nanu/AFP via Getty Images

    India and Pakistan have seen the scenario play out before: a terror attack in which Indians are killed leads to a succession of escalatory tit-fot-tat measures that put South Asia on the brink of all-out war. And then there is a de-escalation.

    The broad contours of that pattern have played out in the most recent crisis, with the latest step being the announcement of a ceasefire on May 10, 2025.

    But in another important way, the flare-up – which began on April 22 with a deadly attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir, in which 26 people were killed – represents significant departures from the past. It involved direct missile exchanges targeting sites inside both territories and the use of advanced missile systems and drones by the two nuclear rivals for the first time.

    As a scholar of nuclear rivalries, especially between India and Pakistan, I have long been concerned that the erosion of international sovereignty norms, diminished U.S. interest and influence in the region and the stockpiling of advanced military and digital technologies have significantly raised the risk of rapid and uncontrolled escalation in the event of a trigger in South Asia.

    These changes have coincided with domestic political shifts in both countries. The pro-Hindu nationalism of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has heightened communal tensions in the country. Meanwhile Pakistan’s powerful army chief, Gen. Syed Asim Munir, has embraced the “two-nation theory,” which holds that Pakistan is a homeland for the subcontinent’s Muslims and India for Hindus.

    Newspapers with front page articles on the India-Pakistan conflict are displayed on May 8, 2025.
    Narinder Nanu/AFP via Getty Images

    This religious framing was even seen in the naming of the two countries’ military operations. For India, it is “Operation Sindoor” – a reference to the red vermilion used by married Hindu women, and a provocative nod to the widows of the Kashmir attack. Pakistan called its counter-operation “Bunyan-un-Marsoos” – an Arabic phrase from the Quran meaning “a solid structure.”

    The role of Washington

    The India-Pakistan rivalry has cost tens of thousands of lives across multiple wars in 1947-48, 1965 and 1971. But since the late 1990s, whenever India and Pakistan approached the brink of war, a familiar de-escalation playbook unfolded: intense diplomacy, often led by the United States, would help defuse tensions.

    In 1999, President Bill Clinton’s direct mediation ended the Kargil conflict – a limited war triggered by Pakistani forces crossing the Line of Control into Indian-administered Kashmir – by pressing Pakistan for a withdrawal.

    Similarly, after the 2001 attack inside the Indian Parliament by terrorists allegedly linked to Pakistan-based groups Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage engaged in intense shuttle diplomacy between Islamabad and New Delhi, averting war.

    And after the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which saw 166 people killed by terrorists linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, rapid and high-level American diplomatic involvement helped restrain India’s response and reduced the risk of an escalating conflict.

    As recently as 2019, during the Balakot crisis – which followed a suicide bombing in Pulwama, Kashmir, that killed 40 Indian security personnel – it was American diplomatic pressure that helped contain hostilities. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo later wrote in his memoirs, “I do not think the world properly knows just how close the India-Pakistan rivalry came to spilling over into a nuclear conflagration in February 2019.”

    A diplomatic void?

    Washington as peacemaker made sense: It had influence and a vested interest.

    During the Cold War, the U.S. formed a close alliance with Pakistan to counter India’s links with the Soviet Union. And after the 9/11 terror attacks, the U.S. poured tens of billions of dollars in military assistance into Pakistan as a frontline partner in the “war on terror.”

    Simultaneously, beginning in the early 2000s, the U.S. began cultivating India as a strategic partner.

    A stable Pakistan was a crucial partner in the U.S. war in Afghanistan; a friendly India was a strategic counterbalance to China. And this gave the U.S. both the motivation and credibility to act as an effective mediator during moments of India-Pakistan crisis.

    Today, however, America’s diplomatic attention has shifted significantly away from South Asia. The process began with the end of the Cold War, but accelerated dramatically after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. More recently, the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East have consumed Washington’s diplomatic efforts.

    Since President Donald Trump took office in January 2025, the U.S. has not appointed an ambassador in New Delhi or Islamabad, nor confirmed an assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian Affairs – factors that must have hampered any mediating role for the United States.

    And while Trump said the May 10 ceasefire followed a “long night of talks mediated by the United States,” statements from India and Pakistan appeared to downplay U.S. involvement, focusing instead on the direct bilateral nature of negotiations.

    Should it transpire that Washington’s role as a mediator between Pakistan and India has been diminished, it is not immediately obvious who, if anyone, will fill the void. China, which has been trying to cultivate a role of mediator elsewhere, is not seen as a neutral mediator due to its close alliance with Pakistan and past border conflicts with India. Other regional powers like Iran and Saudi Arabia tried to step in during the latest crisis, but both lack the power clout of the U.S. or China.

    This absence of external mediation is not, of course, a problem in itself. Historically, foreign interference – particularly U.S. support for Pakistan during the Cold War – often complicated dynamics in South Asia by creating military imbalances and reinforcing hardline positions. But the past has shown external pressure – especially from Washington – can be effective.

    Breaking the norms

    The recent escalation unfolded against the backdrop of another dynamic: the erosion of international norms since the end of the Cold War and accelerating after 2001.

    America’s “war on terror” fundamentally challenged international legal frameworks through practices such as preemptive strikes against sovereign states, targeted drone killings and the “enhanced interrogation techniques” of detainees that many legal scholars classify as torture.

    More recently, Israel’s operations in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria have drawn widespread criticism for violations of international humanitarian law – but have resulted in limited consequences.

    Security forces patrol the street near the Wuyan area of Pampore in south Kashmir on May 7, 2025.
    Faisal Khan/Anadolu via Getty Images

    In short, geopolitical norms have been ebbed away and military actions that were once deemed red lines are crossed with little accountability.

    For India and Pakistan, this environment creates both opportunity and risk. Both can point to behaviors elsewhere to justify assertive actions that they have undertaken that, in previous years, would have been deemed a step too far – such as attacks on places of worship and sovereignty violations.

    Multi-domain warfare

    But what truly distinguished the latest crisis from those of the past is, I believe, its multi-domain nature. The conflict is no longer confined to conventional military exchanges along the line of control – as it was for the first five decades of the Kashmir question.

    Both countries largely respected the line of control as a de facto boundary for military operations until the 2019 crisis. Since then, there has been a dangerous progression: first to cross-border airstrikes into each other’s territories, and now to a conflict that spans conventional military, cyber and information spheres simultaneously.

    Reports indicate Chinese-made Pakistani J-10 fighter jets shot down multiple Indian aircraft, including advanced French Rafale jets. This confrontation between Chinese and Western weapons represents not just a bilateral conflict but a proxy test of rival global military technologies – adding another layer of great-power competition to the crisis.

    In addition, the use of loitering drones designed to attack radar systems represents a significant escalation in the technological sophistication of cross-border attacks compared to years past.

    The conflict has also expanded dramatically into the cyber domain. Pakistani hackers, claiming to be the “Pakistan Cyber Force,” report breaching several Indian defense institutions, potentially compromising personnel data and login credentials.

    Simultaneously, social media and a new right-wing media in India have become a critical battlefront. Ultranationalist voices in India incited violence against Muslims and Kashmiris; in Pakistan, anti-India rhetoric similarly intensified online.

    Cooler voices prevailing … for now

    These shifts have created multiple escalation pathways that traditional crisis management approaches weren’t designed to address.

    Particularly concerning is the nuclear dimension. Pakistan’s nuclear doctrine is that it will use nuclear weapons if its existence is threatened, and it has developed short-range tactical nuclear weapons intended to counter Indian conventional advantages. Meanwhile, India has informally dialed back its historic no-first-use stance, creating ambiguity about its operational doctrine.

    Thankfully, as the ceasefire announcement indicates, mediating voices appear to have prevailed this time around. But eroding norms, diminished great power diplomacy and the advent of multi-domain warfare, I argue, made this latest flare-up a dangerous turning point.

    What happens next will tell us much about how nuclear rivals manage, or fail to manage, the spiral of conflict in this dangerous new landscape.

    Farah N. Jan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. India-Pakistan ceasefire shouldn’t disguise fact that norms have changed in South Asia, making future de-escalation much harder – https://theconversation.com/india-pakistan-ceasefire-shouldnt-disguise-fact-that-norms-have-changed-in-south-asia-making-future-de-escalation-much-harder-256285

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Update on suspected targeted phishing attack on schools and early years network

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    All secondary schools were open today to allow students who had exams early next week to attend in person to obtain a new password.

    On Friday afternoon we noticed some unusual e-mail activity on our schools and early years IT network. As a precautionary measure we reset passwords across our schools and early years network – including those of our students. 

    All secondary schools were open today from 10.15am to 12noon to allow students who had exams early next week to attend in person to obtain a new password.

    Education, Children and Families Convener Councillor James Dalgleish said:

    “We saw approximately 2,500 young people attend their secondary schools to reset their passwords this morning – and I’m delighted that our dedicated school staff were on hand to support them and minimise the impact on their exam preparations.

    “My thanks once again to our colleagues for their quick thinking and vigilance – without which this could have been far worse – and for their work throughout the weekend to ensure the attack was contained and our networks remain secure and protected.

    “Close monitoring will continue over the coming days and we’re keeping the Scottish Government and Police Scotland up-to-date.  

    “I’d like to wish all of our students sitting exams in the coming days and weeks the very best of luck.”

    Background

    No data has been compromised.

    Published: May 10th 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Video: So others may live! #training #rescueswimmer #uscg

    Source: US Coast Guard (video statements)

    So others may live!

    Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers A-School trainees and C-School students push and bodies endlessly to be Always Ready!
    As the United States’ premier Rescue Swimmers, they will be called upon in all weather conditions and environments to safeguard and protect lives.

    The USCG Rescues approximately 5,000 people annually, with a significant portion of those rescues involving our ASTs.

    Preserving future readiness is essential to fulfilling our missions and defending the homeland. Our Rescue Swimmers set the standard for physical readiness, and embody the Coast Guard’s commitment to preparedness.

    Video Courtesy of AST2 Jon Stamper

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qncT4nsiSk

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Meet the 2025 ACT Women’s Awards winners

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Educacion Diversa CEO and Founder Lauren Cannell has been named 2025 ACT Woman of the Year

    In brief:

    • Three Canberra women have been recognised at the 2025 ACT Women’s Awards.
    • The Awards recognise women and gender diverse people who have contributed to the lives of women and girls in the ACT.
    • This article introduces the three winners.

    Three impressive Canberrans have been recognised at the annual ACT Women’s Awards.

    The Awards recognise women and gender diverse people who have made an outstanding contribution to the lives of women and girls in the ACT.

    2025 ACT Woman of the Year

    Lauren Cannell – CEO and Founder, Educacion Diversa

    Lauren Cannell leads international not-for-profit Educacion Diversa.

    Educacion Diversa provides free inclusive art-based education in:

    • human rights
    • sexual and reproductive health
    • the elimination of violence.

    It has had significant impact on advancing the status of women and girls in the ACT.

    This is through educational programs, campaigns and projects, including:

    • petitioning to mandate teaching gender equality in schools
    • a Sports Puberty Program and Period Dignity project. This contributed to the early thinking about the ACT Government’s commitment to free period products.

    “[This award] is so important because it will help me to expand the program,” Lauren said.

    2025 ACT Senior of the Year

    Jayanti Gupta – Founder/Presenter, Gender Equity Matters

    Jayanti Gupta is the founder and presenter of Gender Equity Matters, a weekly 2XX radio program.

    Jayanti provides women with training in radio presentation and leadership skills. She has broadcast about issues relating to gender, women and girls in the ACT.

    Jayanti is the Founder and Chair of the Integrated Women’s Network (IWN). She is also one of the founders of Integrated Cultures ACT Inc.

    “I always like to fight for the underdog, and I realised that women are not getting the same rights as men,” Jayanti said.

    2025 ACT Young Woman of the Year Award

    Anjali Sharma – climate change activist

    Anjali Sharma co-introduced the Climate Change Amendment (Duty of Care and Intergenerational Equity) Bill.

    She also coordinated the Melbourne School Strike and was lead litigant in a court case that found the Federal Government had a duty of care towards future generations (later overturned).

    She works to develop the capacity of young women as climate activists in the ACT. Anjali is currently leading a team of young women in Canberra to advocate for and champion the Duty of Care Bill.

    “… the need to tackle [climate change] is focused on people, including women and young people, and the rights of all these communities to thrive and prosper the way generations before us have been able to,” Anjali said.

    See past winners of the ACT Women’s Awards on the ACT Women’s Honour Roll.

    Read more about the ACT Woman of the Year and Honour Roll.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Who killed Shireen Abu Akleh? Film names Israeli soldier but Biden, Israel ‘did best to cover up’

    Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. –

    NERMEEN SHAIKH: We begin today’s show looking at Israel’s ongoing targeting of Palestinian journalists. A recent report by the Costs of War Project at Brown University described the war in Gaza as the “worst ever conflict for reporters” in history.

    By one count, Israel has killed 214 Palestinian journalists in Gaza over the past 18 months, including two journalists killed on Wednesday — Yahya Subaih and Nour El-Din Abdo. Yahya Subaih died just hours after his wife gave birth to their first child.

    Meanwhile, new details have emerged about the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh, the renowned Palestinian American Al Jazeera journalist who was fatally shot by an Israeli soldier three years ago on 11 May 2022.

    She was killed while covering an Israeli army assault on the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank. Shireen and another reporter were against a stone wall, wearing blue helmets and blue flak jackets clearly emblazoned with the word “Press”.

    Shireen was shot in the head. She was known throughout the Arab world for her decades of tireless reporting on Palestine.

    AMY GOODMAN: Israel initially claimed she had been shot by Palestinian militants, but later acknowledged she was most likely shot by an Israeli soldier. But Israel has never identified the soldier who fired the fatal shot, or allowed the soldier to be questioned by US investigators.

    But a new documentary just released by Zeteo has identified and named the Israeli soldier for the first time. Below is the trailer to the documentary Who Killed Shireen?

    DION NISSENBAUM: That soldier looked down his scope and could see the blue vest and that it said “press.”

    ISRAELI SOLDIER: That’s what I think, yes.

    SEN. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN: US personnel have never had access to those who are believed to have committed those shootings.

    DION NISSENBAUM: No one has been held to account. Justice has not been served.

    FATIMA ABDULKARIM: She is the first American Palestinian journalist who has been killed by Israeli forces.

    DION NISSENBAUM: I want to know: Who killed Shireen?

    CONOR POWELL: Are we going to find the shooter?

    DION NISSENBAUM: He’s got a phone call set up with this Israeli soldier that was there that day.

    CONOR POWELL: We just have to go over to Israel.

    DION NISSENBAUM: Did you ever talk to the guy who fired those shots?

    ISRAELI SOLDIER: Of course. I know him personally. The US should have actually come forward and actually pressed the fact that an American citizen was killed intentionally by IDF.

    FATIMA ABDULKARIM: The drones are still ongoing, the explosions going off.

    CONOR POWELL: Holy [bleep]! We’ve got a name.

    DION NISSENBAUM: But here’s the twist.


    Who Shot Shireen Abu Akleh?  Video: Zeteo/Democracy Now!

    NERMEEN SHAIKH: The trailer for the new Zeteo documentary Who Killed Shireen? The film identifies the Israeli soldier who allegedly killed Shireen Abu Akleh as Alon Scagio, who would later be killed during an Israeli military operation last June in Jenin, the same city where Shireen was fatally shot.

    AMY GOODMAN: We’re joined right now by four guests, including two members of Shireen Abu Akleh’s family: her brother Anton, or Tony, and her niece Lina. They’re both in North Bergen, New Jersey. We’re also joined by Mehdi Hasan, the founder and editor-in-chief of Zeteo, and by Dion Nissenbaum, the executive producer of Who Killed Shireen?, the correspondent on the documentary, longtime Wall Street Journal foreign correspondent based in Jerusalem and other cities, a former foreign correspondent. He was twice nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.

    We welcome you all to Democracy Now! Dion, we’re going to begin with you. This is the third anniversary, May 11th exactly, of the death of Shireen Abu Akleh. Talk about your revelation, what you exposed in this documentary.

    DION NISSENBAUM: Well, there were two things that were very important for the documentary. The first thing was we wanted to find the soldier who killed Shireen. It had been one of the most closely guarded secrets in Israel. US officials said that if they wanted to determine if there was a crime here, if there was a human rights violation, they needed to talk to this soldier to find out what he was thinking when he shot her.

    And we set out to find him. And we did. We did what the US government never did. And it turned out he had been killed, so we were never able to answer that question — what he was thinking.

    But the other revelation that I think is as significant in this documentary is that the initial US assessment of her shooting was that that soldier intentionally shot her and that he could tell that she was wearing a blue flak jacket with “Press” across it.

    That assessment was essentially overruled by the Biden administration, which came out and said exactly the opposite. That’s a fairly startling revelation, that the Biden administration and the Israeli government essentially were doing everything they could to cover up what happened that day to Shireen Abu Akleh.

    NERMEEN SHAIKH: Well, let’s go to a clip from the documentary Who Killed Shireen?, in which Dion Nissenbaum, our guest, speaks with former State Department official Andrew Miller. He was Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Israeli-Palestinian Affairs in 2022 when Shireen was killed.

    ANDREW MILLER: It’s nearly 100 percent certain that an Israeli soldier, likely a sniper, fired the shot that killed or the shots that killed Shireen Abu Akleh. Based on all the information we have, it is not credible to suggest that there were targets either in front of or behind Shireen Abu Akleh.

    The fact that the official Israeli position remains that this was a case of crossfire, the entire episode was a mistake, as opposed to potentially a mistaken identification or the deliberate targeting of this individual, points to, I think, a broader policy of seeking to manage the narrative.

    DION NISSENBAUM: And did the Israelis ever make the soldier available to the US to talk about it?

    ANDREW MILLER: No. And the Israelis were not willing to present the person for even informal questioning.

    NERMEEN SHAIKH: That was State Department official — former State Department official Andrew Miller, speaking in the Zeteo documentary Who Killed Shireen? He was Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Israeli-Palestinian Affairs in 2022 when Shireen was killed.

    I want to go to Shireen’s family, whom we have as guests, Anton Abu Akleh and Lina, who are joining us from New Jersey. You both watched the film for the first time last night when it premiered here in New York City. Lina, if you could begin by responding to the revelations in the film?

    LINA ABU AKLEH: Hi, Amy. Hi. Thank you for having us.

    Honestly, we always welcome and we appreciate journalists who try to uncover the killing of Shireen, but also who shed light on her legacy. And the documentary that was released by Zeteo and by Dion, it really revealed findings that we didn’t know before, but we’ve always known that it was an Israeli soldier who killed Shireen. And we know how the US administration failed our family, failed a US citizen and failed a journalist, really.

    And that should be a scandal in and of itself.

    But most importantly, for us as a family, it’s not just about one soldier. It’s about the entire chain of command. It’s not just the person who pulled the trigger, but who ordered the killing, and the military commanders, the elected officials.

    So, really, it’s the entire chain of command that needs to be held to account for the killing of a journalist who was in a clear press vest, press gear, marked as a journalist.

    NERMEEN SHAIKH: And, Anton, if you could respond? Shireen, of course, was your younger sister. What was your response watching the documentary last night?

    ANTON ABU AKLEH: It’s very painful to look at all these scenes again, but I really extend my appreciation to Zeteo and all those who supported and worked on this documentary, which was very revealing, many things we didn’t know. The cover-up by the Biden administration, this thing was new to us.

    He promised. First statements came out from the White House and from the State Department stressed on the importance of holding those responsible accountable. And apparently, in one of the interviews heard in this documentary, he never raised — President Biden never raised this issue with Bennett, at that time the prime minister.

    So, that’s shocking to us to know it was a total cover-up, contradictory to what they promised us. And that’s — like Lina just said, it’s a betrayal, not only to the family, not only to Shireen, but the whole American nation.

    AMY GOODMAN: Mehdi Hasan, you’ve backed this documentary. It’s the first big documentary Zeteo is putting out. It’s also the first anniversary of the founding of Zeteo. Can you talk about the proof that you feel is here in the documentary that Alon Scagio, this — and explain who he is and the unit he was a part of? Dion, it’s quite something when you go to his grave. But how you can absolutely be sure this is the man?

    MEHDI HASAN: So, Amy, Nermeen, thanks for having us here. I’ve been on this show many times. I just want to say, great to be here on set with both of you. Thank you for what you do.

    This is actually our second documentary, but it is our biggest so far, because the revelations in this film that Dion and the team put out are huge in many ways — identifying the soldier, as you mentioned, Alon Scagio, identifying the Biden cover-up, which we just heard Tony Abu Akleh point out. People didn’t realise just how big that cover-up was.

    Remember, Joe Biden was the man who said, “If you harm an American, we will respond.” And what is very clear in the case of Shireen Abu Akleh, an American citizen who spent a lot of her life in New Jersey, they did not respond.

    In terms of the soldier itself, when Dion came to me and said, “We want to make this film. It’ll be almost like a true crime documentary. We’re going to go out and find out who did it” — because we all — everyone followed the story. You guys covered it in 2022. It was a huge story in the world.

    But three years later, to not even know the name of the shooter — and I was, “Well, will we be able to find this out? It’s one of Israel’s most closely guarded secrets.” And yet, Dion and his team were able to do the reporting that got inside of Duvdevan, this elite special forces unit in Israel.

    It literally means “the cherry on top.” That’s how proud they are of their eliteness. And yet, no matter how elite you are, Israel’s way of fighting wars means you kill innocent people.

    And what comes out in the film from interviews, not just with a soldier, an Israeli soldier, who speaks in the film and talks about how, “Hey, if you see a camera, you take the shot,” but also speaking to Chris Van Hollen, United States Senator from Maryland, who’s been one of the few Democratic voices critical of Biden in the Senate, who says there’s been no change in Israel’s rules of engagement over the years.

    And therefore, it was so important on multiple levels to do this film, to identify the shooter, because, of course, as you pointed out in your news headlines, Amy, they just killed a hundred Palestinians yesterday.

    So this is not some old story from history where this happened in 2022 and we’re going back. Everything that happened since, you could argue, flows from that — the Americans who have been killed, the journalists who have been killed in Gaza, Palestinians, the sense of impunity that Israel has and Israel’s soldiers have.

    There are reports that Israeli soldiers are saying to Palestinians, “Hey, Trump has our back. Hey, the US government has our back.” And it wasn’t just Trump. It was Joe Biden, too.

    And that was why it was so important to make this film, to identify the shooter, to call out Israel’s practices when it comes to journalists, and to call out the US role.

    AMY GOODMAN: I  just want to go to Dion, for people who aren’t familiar with the progression of what the Biden administration said, the serious cover-up not only by Israel, but of its main military weapons supplier and supporter of its war on Gaza, and that is Joe Biden, from the beginning.

    First Israel said it was a Palestinian militant. At that point, what did President Biden say?

    DION NISSENBAUM: So, at the very beginning, they said that they wanted the shooter to be prosecuted. They used that word at the State Department and said, “This person who killed an American journalist should be prosecuted.” But when it started to become clear that it was probably an Israeli soldier, their tone shifted, and it became talking about vague calls for accountability or changes to the rules of engagement, which never actually happened.

    So, you got to a point where the Israeli government admitted it was likely them, the US government called for them to change the rules of engagement, and the Israeli government said no. And we have this interview in the film with Senator Chris Van Hollen, who says that, essentially, Israel was giving the middle finger to the US government on this.

    And we have seen, since that time, more Americans being killed in the West Bank, dozens and dozens and dozens of journalists being killed, with no accountability. And we would like to see that change.

    This is a trajectory that you’re seeing. You know, the blue vest no longer provides any protection for journalists in Israel. The Israeli military itself has said that wearing a blue vest with “Press” on it does not necessarily mean that you are a journalist.

    They are saying that terrorists wear blue vests, too. So, if you are a journalist operating in the West Bank now, you have to assume that the Israeli military could target you.

    NERMEEN SHAIKH: Well, let’s go to another clip from the film Who Killed Shireen?, which features Ali Samoudi, Shireen Abu Akleh’s producer, who was with Shireen when she was killed, and was himself shot and injured. In the clip, he speaks to the journalist Fatima AbdulKarim.

    FATIMA ABDULKARIM: We are set up here now, even though we were supposed to meet at the location where you got injured and Shireen got killed.

    ALI SAMOUDI: [translated] We are five minutes from the location in Maidan al-Awdah. But you could lose your soul in the five minutes it would take us to reach it. You could be hit by army bullets. They could arrest you.

    So it is essentially impossible to get there. I believe the big disaster which prevented the occupation from being punished and repeating these crimes is the neglect and indifference by many of the institutions, especially American ones, which continue to defend the occupation.

    FATIMA ABDULKARIM: [translated] We’re now approaching the third anniversary of Shireen’s death. How did that affect you?

    ALI SAMOUDI: [translated] During that period, the occupation was making preparations for a dangerous scenario in the Jenin refugee camp. And for this reason, they didn’t want witnesses.

    They opened fire on us in order to terroriSe us enough that we wouldn’t go back to the camp. And in that sense, they partially succeeded.

    Since then, we have been overcome by fear. From the moment Shireen was killed, I said and continue to say and will continue to say that this bullet was meant to prevent the Palestinian media from the documentation and exposure of the occupation’s crimes.

    NERMEEN SHAIKH: That was Ali Samoudi, Shireen Abu Akleh’s producer, who was with Shireen when she was killed, and was himself shot and injured.

    We should note, Ali Samoudi was just detained by Israeli forces in late April. The Palestinian journalist Mariam Barghouti recently wrote, “Ali Samoudi was beaten so bad by Israeli soldiers he was immediately hospitalised. This man has been one of the few journalists that continues reporting on Israeli military abuses north of the West Bank despite the continued risk on his life,” Mariam Barghouti wrote.

    The Committee to Protect Journalists spoke to the journalist’s son, Mohammed Al Samoudi, who told CPJ, quote, “My father suffers from several illnesses, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and a stomach ulcer . . .  He needs a diabetes injection every two days and a specific diet. It appears he was subjected to assault and medical neglect at the interrogation center . . .

    “Our lawyer told us he was transferred to an Israeli hospital after a major setback in his health. We don’t know where he is being held, interrogated, or even the hospital to which he was taken. My father has been forcibly disappeared,” he said.

    So, Dion Nissenbaum, if you could give us the latest? You spoke to Ali Samoudi for the documentary, and now he’s been detained.

    DION NISSENBAUM: Yeah. His words were prophetic, right? He talks about this was an attempt to silence journalists. And my colleague Fatima says the same thing, that these are ongoing, progressive efforts to silence Palestinian journalists.

    And we don’t know where Ali is. He has not actually been charged with anything yet. He is one of the most respected journalists in the West Bank. And we are just seeing this progression going on.

    AMY GOODMAN: So, the latest we know is he was supposed to have a hearing, and that hearing has now been delayed to May 13th, Ali Samoudi?

    DION NISSENBAUM: That’s right. And he has yet to be charged, so . . .

    AMY GOODMAN: I want to go back to Lina Abu Akleh, who’s in New Jersey, where Shireen grew up. Lina, you were listed on Time magazine’s 100 emerging leaders for publicly demanding scrutiny of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians, the horror.

    And again, our condolences on the death of your aunt, on the killing of your aunt, and also to Anton, Shireen’s brother. Lina, you’ve also, of course, spoken to Ali Samoudi. This continues now. He’s in detention — his son says, “just disappeared”.

    What are you demanding right now? We have a new administration. We’ve moved from the Biden administration to the Trump administration. And are you in touch with them? Are they speaking to you?

    LINA ABU AKLEH: Well, our demands haven’t changed. From day one, we’re calling for the US administration to complete its investigation, or for the FBI to continue its investigation, and to finally release — to finally hold someone to account.

    And we have enough evidence that could have been — that the administration could have used to expedite this case. But, unfortunately, this new administration, as well, no one has spoken to us. We haven’t been in touch with anyone, and it’s just been radio silence since.

    For us, as I said, our demands have never changed. It’s been always to hold the entire system to account, the entire chain of command, the military, for the killing of an American citizen, a journalist, a Palestinian, Palestinian American journalist.

    As we’ve been talking, targeting journalists isn’t happening just by shooting at them or killing them. There’s so many different forms of targeting journalists, especially in Gaza and the West Bank and Jerusalem.

    So, for us, it’s really important as a family that we don’t see other families experience what we are going through, for this — for impunity, for Israel’s impunity, to end, because, at the end of the day, accountability is the only way to put an end to this impunity.

    AMY GOODMAN: I am horrified to ask this question to Shireen’s family members, to Lina, to Tony, Shireen’s brother, but the revelation in the film — we were all there last night at its premiere in New York — that the Israeli soldiers are using a photograph of Shireen’s face for target practice. Tony Abu Akleh, if you could respond?

    ANTON ABU AKLEH: You know, there is no words to describe our sorrow and pain hearing this. But, you know, I would just want to know why. Why would they do this thing? What did Shireen do to them for them to use her as a target practice? You know, this is absolutely barbaric act, unjustified. Unjustified.

    And we really hope that this US administration will be able to put an end to all this impunity they are enjoying. If they didn’t enjoy all this impunity, they wouldn’t have been doing this. Practising on a journalist? Why? You know, you can practice on anything, but on a journalist?

    This shows that this targeting of more journalists, whether in Gaza, in Palestine, it’s systematic. It’s been planned for. And they’ve been targeting and shutting off those voices, those reports, from reaching anywhere in the world.

    NERMEEN SHAIKH: And, Anton, if you could say — you know, you mentioned last night, as well, Shireen was, in fact, extremely cautious as a journalist. If you could elaborate on that? What precisely —

    ANTON ABU AKLEH: Absolutely. Absolutely. Shireen was very careful. Every time she’s in the field, she would take her time to put on the gear, the required helmet, the vest with “press” written on it, before going there. She also tried to identify herself as a journalist, whether to the Israelis or to the Palestinians, so she’s not attacked.

    And she always went by the book, followed the rules, how to act, how to be careful, how to speak to those people involved, so she can protect herself. But, unfortunately, he was — this soldier, as stated in the documentary, targeted Shireen just because she’s Shireen and she’s a journalist. That’s it. There is no other explanation.

    Sixteen bullets were fired on Shireen. Not even her helmet, nor the vest she was wearing, were able to protect her, unfortunately.

    NERMEEN SHAIKH: Mehdi Hasan, you wanted to respond.

    MEHDI HASAN: So, Tony asks, “Why? Why would you do this? Why would you target not just a journalist in the field, but then use her face for target practice?” — as Dion and his team reveal in the film. And there is, unfortunately, a very simple answer to that question, which is that the Israeli military — and not just the Israeli military, but many people in our world today — have dehumanised Palestinians.

    There is the removal of humanity from the people you are oppressing, occupying, subjugating and killing. It doesn’t matter if you’re an American citizen. It doesn’t matter if you have a press jacket on. It only matters that you are Palestinian in the sniper’s sights.

    And that is how they have managed to pull of the killing of so many journalists, so many children. The first documentary we commissioned last year was called Israel’s Real Extremism, and it was about the Israeli soldiers who go into Gaza and make TikTok videos wearing Palestinian women’s underwear, playing with Palestinian children’s toys. It is the ultimate form of dehumanisation, the idea that these people don’t count, their lives have no value.

    And what’s so tragic and shocking — and the film exposes this — is that Joe Biden — forget the Israeli military — Joe Biden also joined in that dehumanisation. Do you remember at the start of this conflict when he comes out and he says, “Well, I’m not sure I believe the Palestinian death toll numbers,” when he puts out a statement at the hundred days after October 7th and doesn’t mention Palestinian casualties.

    And that has been the fundamental problem. This was the great comforter-in-chief. Joe Biden was supposed to be the empath. And yet, as Tony points out, what was so shocking in the film is he didn’t even raise Shireen’s case with Naftali Bennett, the prime minister of Israel at the time.

    Again, would he have done that if it was an American journalist in Moscow? We know that’s not the case. We know when American journalists, especially white American journalists, are taken elsewhere in the world, the government gives a damn. And yet, in the case of Shireen, the only explanation is because she was a Palestinian American journalist.

    AMY GOODMAN: You know, in the United States, the US government is responsible for American citizens, which Biden pointed out at the beginning, when he thought it was a Palestinian militant who had killed her. But, Lina, you yourself are a journalist. And I’m thinking I want to hear your response to using her face, because, of course, that is not just the face of Shireen, but I think it’s the face of journalism.

    And it’s not just American journalism, of course. I mean, in fact, she’s known to hundreds of millions of people around world as the face and voice of Al Jazeera Arabic. She spoke in Arabic. She was known as that to the rest of the world. But to see that and that revealed in this documentary?

    LINA ABU AKLEH: Yeah, it was horrifying, actually. And it just goes on to show how the Israeli military is built. It’s barbarism. It’s the character of revenge, of hate. And that is part of the entire system. And as Mehdi and as my father just mentioned, this is all about dehumanizing Palestinians, regardless if they’re journalists, if they’re doctors, they’re officials. For them, they simply don’t care about Palestinian lives.

    And for us, Shireen will always be the voice of Palestine. And she continues to be remembered for the legacy that she left behind. And she continues to live through so many, so many journalists, who have picked up the microphone, who have picked up the camera, just because of Shireen.

    So, regardless of how the Israeli military continues to dehumanise journalists and how the US fails to protect Palestinian American journalists, we will continue to push forward to continue to highlight the life and the legacy that Shireen left behind.

    NERMEEN SHAIKH: Well, let’s turn to Shireen Abu Akleh in her own words. This is an excerpt from the Al Jazeera English documentary The Killing of Shireen Abu Akleh.

    SHIREEN ABU AKLEH: [translated] Sometimes the Israeli army doesn’t want you there, so they target you, even if they later say it was an accident. They might say, “We saw some young men around you.” So they target you on purpose, as a way of scaring you off because they don’t want you there.

    NERMEEN SHAIKH: So, that was Shireen in her own words in an Al Jazeera documentary. So, Lina, I know you have to go soon, but if you could just tell us: What do you want people to know about Shireen, as an aunt, a sister and a journalist?

    LINA ABU AKLEH: Yes, so, we know Shireen as the journalist, but behind the camera, she was one of the most empathetic people. She was very sincere. And something not a lot of people know, but she was a very funny person. She had a very unique sense of humor, that she lit up every room she entered. She cared about everyone and anyone. She enjoyed life.

    Shireen, at the end of the day, loved life. She had plans. She had dreams that she still wanted to achieve. But her life was cut short by that small bullet, which would change our lives entirely.

    But at the end of the day, Shireen was a professional journalist who always advocated for truth, for justice. And at the end of the day, all she wanted to do was humanise Palestinians and talk about the struggles of living under occupation. But at the same time, she wanted to celebrate their achievements.

    She shed light on all the happy moments, all the accomplishments of the Palestinian people. And this is something that really touched millions of Palestinians, of Arabs around the world. She was able to enter the hearts of the people through the small camera lens. And until this day, she continues to be remembered for that.

    AMY GOODMAN: Before we go, we’re going to keep you on, Mehdi, to talk about other issues during the Trump administration, but how can people access Who Killed Shireen?

    MEHDI HASAN: So, it’s available online at WhoKilledShireen.com, is where you can go to watch it. We are releasing the film right now only to paid subscribers. We hope to change that in the forthcoming days.

    People often say to me, “How can you put it behind a paywall?” Journalism — a free press isn’t free, sadly. We have to fund films like this. Dion came to us because a lot of other people didn’t want to fund a topic like this, didn’t want to fund an investigation like this.

    So, we’re proud to be able to fund such documentaries, but we also need support from our contributors, our subscribers and the viewers. But it’s an important film, and I hope as many people will watch it as possible, WhoKilledShireen.com.

    AMY GOODMAN: We want to thank Lina, the niece of Shireen Abu Akleh, and Anton, Tony, the older brother of Shireen Abu Akleh, for joining us from New Jersey. Together, we saw the documentary last night, Who Killed Shireen? And we want to thank Dion Nissenbaum, who is the filmmaker, the correspondent on this film, formerly a correspondent with The Wall Street Journal. The founder of Zeteo, on this first anniversary of Zeteo, is Mehdi Hasan.

    The original content of this Democracy Now! programme is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States Licence.

    This article was first published on Café Pacific.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Your guide to crafting groups in Canberra

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    There’s a group for all kinds of crafting activities here in our creative capital.

    In brief:

    • There are a lot of groups in Canberra for people who like to craft.
    • People can also pursue a passion through a class or workshop.
    • This article details some of what’s on offer.

    Canberra offers plenty of opportunities to craft in company.

    Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or looking around for a new hobby, you won’t need to look far for like-minded people.

    We’ve pulled together a range of ideas for your calendar.  You could:

    • handcraft treasured items for a charity
    • spend hours on your latest project at a crafternoon
    • drop into a crafting hour in your lunch break
    • head to the pub with your sketchpad
    • start your own workplace crafting group.

    Make a child something cosy via Roundabout

    Local charity Roundabout welcomes crafted items made with care.

    Roundabout provides vulnerable local families with packs of kids’ clothing and essentials.

    Adding a handmade item to each pack makes it even more special.

    You could:

    • knit a beanie
    • crochet a blanket
    • sew a book bag
    • repair an otherwise perfect item of clothing.

    Find a list of Roundabout’s most-needed crafted items as well as links to patterns.

    Create something comforting for a hospital patient

    You could also use your talent to handcraft a comfort item for someone in hospital.

    The Canberra Hospital Foundation Donation Station accepts handmade and new items. It’s located across from the Yamba Cafe in the Building 2 foyer.

    Knitted bears and padded toys are preferred.

    These offer distraction, comfort and a splash of colour in their room.

    It’s also reminder that a stranger in the community is thinking of them.

    Donation Station Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4.30pm.

    Read more about the Canberra Hospital Foundation Donation Station.

    Get involved with Good Omen Goodeze

    Good Omen Goodeze facilitates a host of events, including free knitting and crocheting workshops.

    Their workshops focus on building craft skills as well as self-care, mental health and wellness.

    You’ll find details and patterns on their website.

    They are also looking for volunteers.

    Find out more about how to get involved.

    Get along to a Crafternoon at Cafe Stepping Stone

    Relax with fellow crafters at one of Cafe Stepping Stone’s Crafternoons.

    These are held every second Sunday, 2pm–4pm, at the café’s Strathnairn location.

    Whatever your skill level you’re sure to enjoy this free afternoon of creativity and community.

    There is no need to register – just turn up.

    Craft away your lunch break at Smiths

    Fancy a spot of craft in your lunch hour? Smith’s Alternative has you covered.

    This city favourite runs relaxed social craft sessions each Wednesday, 12:30–1:30pm.

    Bring the project you’re working on and hang out with other crafty types.

    From bead stringing to wire weaving, embroidery to knitting, there’s a place for all crafts and crafters.

    Find out more

    Combine craft with conversation through Northside Community Service

    Whatever your crafting experience, you’ll find Craft and Conversation meet-ups welcoming and supportive.

    You’ll find the group at:

    • Majura Community Hall, Dickson – Thursdays, 10am–1pm
    • Margaret Hendry School Community Hub, Taylor – Thursdays, 1:30pm–3pm.

    Good Omen Goodeze volunteers teach knitting and crocheting. You don’t need any prior knowledge.

    Once you’ve nailed the basics, you’re welcome to handcraft gifts for Canberra Hospital patients.

    Find out more on the Northside Community Service website.

    Get crafty with Diversity ACT

    Diversity ACT in Kambah runs the Southside Queer Arts & Craft Collective.

    Join this inclusive event for LGBTQIA+ allies on the second Saturday of each month, from 2–4:30pm.

    It’s a great place to pick up some new skills and meet people.

    You don’t need to book – simply bring your artistic energy. They’ll provide the sewing machines and refreshments.

    Find the Facebook event

    Enjoy craft and a cuppa with Capital Crafters

    Capital Crafters is held at Duntroon Community Centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30am to 12:30pm.

    Bring what you’re working on and share ideas with like-minded people.

    You can also join one of the organised events run throughout the year.

    Both Defence and non-Defence members are welcome.

    Learn more about the group

    Head to a meetup with Canberra Knitters and Crocheters

    Canberra Knitters and Crocheters is a welcoming and inclusive group of local crafters.

    The group runs meetups many days of the week and inform members of other events taking place.

    There’s also an active Facebook group for members to chat all things yarn.

    Find out more on Facebook

    Embrace the body beautiful with life drawing

    You’ll find plenty of life drawing classes around Canberra.

    If you’re keen to pair your drawing with a drink, try The Tipsy Sketching Club. They run sessions in several local pubs and lounges.

    You can also search Class Bento for more options.

    Sign up for a class or workshop

    Canberra Institute of Technology offers loads of creative arts and crafts short courses.

    You can also find plenty of places that run workshops and classes. Some of these include:

    Note: This is but a small selection on what you can find in our crafty capital.

    Why craft?

    Whichever your craft of choice, it likely offers benefits beyond the final product.

    The activity is known to improve wellbeing. Crafting of all kinds can promote mindfulness, relieve stress and improve dexterity for people of all ages.

    Crafting groups also allow people to

    • build social connections
    • learn new skills
    • volunteer their time and talent
    • practise English.

    And of course, it’s lots of fun.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: NSFAS disputes claims of 2025 registration portal closure

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has distanced itself from a message currently circulating on social media platforms claiming that its 2025 registration portal has closed due to ongoing budget constraints.

    In a statement issued this week, NSFAS described the claims as “entirely misleading” and a “gross misrepresentation” of its current operations and funding position.

    “NSFAS strongly repudiates this inaccurate communication,” the scheme said.

    The misleading message allegedly originated from the Durban University of Technology (DUT).

    NSFAS has called on the institution to issue an immediate correction, warning that such inaccurate statements not only mislead students and stakeholders but also potentially undermine the reputation of the funding scheme.

    NSFAS explained that it had issued Circular Notice No. 4 of 2025, on 3 March 2025, confirming that the registration portal was open and ready to receive valid registration data from the institutions, form that date onwards.

    While the official cut-off date for submission of 2025 registration data was 31 March 2025, NSFAS said the universities were encouraged to submit by 14 March 2025 (close of business).

    “This earlier submission was recommended to ensure timely processing and subsequent disbursement of funds by the end of March 2025. It is therefore regrettable that some institutions, including the Durban University of Technology (DUT), did not adhere to the recommended deadline for the submission of the required registration data,” NSFAS explained.

    It said the non-compliance has unfortunately delayed the disbursement of tuition and living allowances to eligible students at these institutions.

    NSFAS confirmed that student allowance payments were released to the affected universities on 6 May 2025, and tuition fee payments are expected to follow in due course.

    The scheme reiterated its commitment to ensuring timely and efficient disbursement of funding and urged all institutions to comply with the stipulated data submission deadlines, to avoid unnecessary delays.

    Outstanding 2024 TVET Allowances

    Meanwhile, NSFAS has acknowledged ongoing concerns regarding unpaid 2024 allowances for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students.

    The scheme attributed the delays to transitional challenges experienced during the switch to direct payment partners, and the subsequent return of this function to NSFAS during the 2024 academic year.

    “This transition necessitated a complex reconciliation process, which has been undertaken concurrently with the commencement of the 2025 academic year. NSFAS is nearing the completion of this reconciliation process, and is committed to resolving the outstanding payments,” NSFAS said.

    NSFAS confirmed that the monthly TVET allowances for the 2025 academic year will be paid on 25 May 2025, while a special payment run to clear unpaid 2024 TVET allowances is scheduled for 31 May 2025.

    “NSFAS remains steadfast in its commitment to working collaboratively with the sector to meet its obligations and address systemic challenges to ensure the efficient disbursement of funds to eligible students.” – SAnews.gov.za
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Letsike reiterates call for multisectoral approach to end GBVF

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Deputy Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, has reiterated the urgent need for a multisectoral approach to effectively end Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).

    Speaking at a mini plenary session in the National Assembly, on Friday, Letsike emphasised that addressing GBVF requires coordinated efforts across all sectors of society.

    “This [approach] will help in bringing together government departments, civil society organisations, business, traditional leaders, and academic institutions to drive a coordinated efforts to confront GBVF as a national crisis and violation of human rights,” Letsike said.

    Letsike led a debate on addressing Gender Based Violence and Femicide as a national crisis, during the National Assembly’s mini plenary session, held in Cape Town, on Friday.

    The Deputy Minister, who led the parliamentary debate on “addressing Gender Based Violence and Femicide as a national crisis”, said South Africa continues to face a grim reality of GBV, where violence against women and girls persists at alarming levels, and undermines the nation’s collective vision of a democracy rooted in the principles of inclusivity, or Ubuntu.

    “The 2022 GBV Prevalence Study indicates that one in three women, roughly 7.3 million, have faced physical violence during their lives. This means nearly one in ten women report having encountered sexual violence, and over a quarter have suffered abuse from intimate partners,” Letsike said.

    During her address, Letsike outlined key priority issues that required collective action towards ending the scourge of Gender Based Violence and Femicide in South Africa.

    These include, among others: 
    •    The evolution of government plans towards dealing with Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.
    •    The government structures established to deal with GBVF.
    •    Educational and advocacy programmes available for societal consumption.
    •    Progress on the implementation of the GBVF National Strategic Plan towards ending Gender Based Violence and Femicide. 
    •    A need for Education for young boys through the adoption of a bottom-up approach to GBVF.

    Letsike also highlighted South Africa’s progress in strengthening the legal framework to address GBVF.

    Parliament passed key legislative amendments, aimed at improving victim protection, enhancing access to justice, and ensuring stricter accountability for perpetrators.

    Among the legislations passed include the Criminal and Related Matters Amendment Act, Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, and the Domestic Violence Amendment Act, in 2021. – SAnews.gov.za
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Who killed Shireen Abu Akleh? Film names Israeli soldier but Israel ‘did best to cover up’

    Democracy Now!

    NERMEEN SHAIKH: We begin today’s show looking at Israel’s ongoing targeting of Palestinian journalists. A recent report by the Costs of War Project at Brown University described the war in Gaza as the “worst ever conflict for reporters” in history.

    By one count, Israel has killed 214 Palestinian journalists in Gaza over the past 18 months, including two journalists killed on Wednesday — Yahya Subaih and Nour El-Din Abdo. Yahya Subaih died just hours after his wife gave birth to their first child.

    Meanwhile, new details have emerged about the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh, the renowned Palestinian American Al Jazeera journalist who was fatally shot by an Israeli soldier three years ago on 11 May 2022.

    She was killed while covering an Israeli army assault on the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank. Shireen and another reporter were against a stone wall, wearing blue helmets and blue flak jackets clearly emblazoned with the word “Press”.

    Shireen was shot in the head. She was known throughout the Arab world for her decades of tireless reporting on Palestine.

    AMY GOODMAN: Israel initially claimed she had been shot by Palestinian militants, but later acknowledged she was most likely shot by an Israeli soldier. But Israel has never identified the soldier who fired the fatal shot, or allowed the soldier to be questioned by US investigators.

    But a new documentary just released by Zeteo has identified and named the Israeli soldier for the first time. This is the trailer to the documentary Who Killed Shireen?

    DION NISSENBAUM: That soldier looked down his scope and could see the blue vest and that it said “press.”

    ISRAELI SOLDIER: That’s what I think, yes.

    SEN. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN: US personnel have never had access to those who are believed to have committed those shootings.

    DION NISSENBAUM: No one has been held to account. Justice has not been served.

    FATIMA ABDULKARIM: She is the first American Palestinian journalist who has been killed by Israeli forces.

    DION NISSENBAUM: I want to know: Who killed Shireen?

    CONOR POWELL: Are we going to find the shooter?

    DION NISSENBAUM: He’s got a phone call set up with this Israeli soldier that was there that day.

    CONOR POWELL: We just have to go over to Israel.

    DION NISSENBAUM: Did you ever talk to the guy who fired those shots?

    ISRAELI SOLDIER: Of course. I know him personally. The US should have actually come forward and actually pressed the fact that an American citizen was killed intentionally by IDF.

    FATIMA ABDULKARIM: The drones are still ongoing, the explosions going off.

    CONOR POWELL: Holy [bleep]! We’ve got a name.

    DION NISSENBAUM: But here’s the twist.

    NERMEEN SHAIKH: The trailer for the new Zeteo documentary Who Killed Shireen? The film identifies the Israeli soldier who allegedly killed Shireen Abu Akleh as Alon Scagio, who would later be killed during an Israeli military operation last June in Jenin, the same city where Shireen was fatally shot.

    AMY GOODMAN: We’re joined right now by four guests, including two members of Shireen Abu Akleh’s family: her brother Anton, or Tony, and her niece Lina. They’re both in North Bergen, New Jersey. We’re also joined by Mehdi Hasan, the founder and editor-in-chief of Zeteo, and by Dion Nissenbaum, the executive producer of Who Killed Shireen?, the correspondent on the documentary, longtime Wall Street Journal foreign correspondent based in Jerusalem and other cities, a former foreign correspondent. He was twice nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.

    We welcome you all to Democracy Now! Dion, we’re going to begin with you. This is the third anniversary, May 11th exactly, of the death of Shireen Abu Akleh. Talk about your revelation, what you exposed in this documentary.

    DION NISSENBAUM: Well, there were two things that were very important for the documentary. The first thing was we wanted to find the soldier who killed Shireen. It had been one of the most closely guarded secrets in Israel. US officials said that if they wanted to determine if there was a crime here, if there was a human rights violation, they needed to talk to this soldier to find out what he was thinking when he shot her.

    And we set out to find him. And we did. We did what the US government never did. And it turned out he had been killed, so we were never able to answer that question — what he was thinking.

    But the other revelation that I think is as significant in this documentary is that the initial US assessment of her shooting was that that soldier intentionally shot her and that he could tell that she was wearing a blue flak jacket with “Press” across it.

    That assessment was essentially overruled by the Biden administration, which came out and said exactly the opposite. That’s a fairly startling revelation, that the Biden administration and the Israeli government essentially were doing everything they could to cover up what happened that day to Shireen Abu Akleh.

    NERMEEN SHAIKH: Well, let’s go to a clip from the documentary Who Killed Shireen?, in which Dion Nissenbaum, our guest, speaks with former State Department official Andrew Miller. He was Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Israeli-Palestinian Affairs in 2022 when Shireen was killed.

    ANDREW MILLER: It’s nearly 100 percent certain that an Israeli soldier, likely a sniper, fired the shot that killed or the shots that killed Shireen Abu Akleh. Based on all the information we have, it is not credible to suggest that there were targets either in front of or behind Shireen Abu Akleh.

    The fact that the official Israeli position remains that this was a case of crossfire, the entire episode was a mistake, as opposed to potentially a mistaken identification or the deliberate targeting of this individual, points to, I think, a broader policy of seeking to manage the narrative.

    DION NISSENBAUM: And did the Israelis ever make the soldier available to the US to talk about it?

    ANDREW MILLER: No. And the Israelis were not willing to present the person for even informal questioning.

    NERMEEN SHAIKH: That was State Department official — former State Department official Andrew Miller, speaking in the Zeteo documentary Who Killed Shireen? He was Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Israeli-Palestinian Affairs in 2022 when Shireen was killed.

    I want to go to Shireen’s family, whom we have as guests, Anton Abu Akleh and Lina, who are joining us from New Jersey. You both watched the film for the first time last night when it premiered here in New York City. Lina, if you could begin by responding to the revelations in the film?

    LINA ABU AKLEH: Hi, Amy. Hi. Thank you for having us.

    Honestly, we always welcome and we appreciate journalists who try to uncover the killing of Shireen, but also who shed light on her legacy. And the documentary that was released by Zeteo and by Dion, it really revealed findings that we didn’t know before, but we’ve always known that it was an Israeli soldier who killed Shireen. And we know how the US administration failed our family, failed a US citizen and failed a journalist, really.

    And that should be a scandal in and of itself.

    But most importantly, for us as a family, it’s not just about one soldier. It’s about the entire chain of command. It’s not just the person who pulled the trigger, but who ordered the killing, and the military commanders, the elected officials.

    So, really, it’s the entire chain of command that needs to be held to account for the killing of a journalist who was in a clear press vest, press gear, marked as a journalist.

    NERMEEN SHAIKH: And, Anton, if you could respond? Shireen, of course, was your younger sister. What was your response watching the documentary last night?

    ANTON ABU AKLEH: It’s very painful to look at all these scenes again, but I really extend my appreciation to Zeteo and all those who supported and worked on this documentary, which was very revealing, many things we didn’t know. The cover-up by the Biden administration, this thing was new to us.

    He promised. First statements came out from the White House and from the State Department stressed on the importance of holding those responsible accountable. And apparently, in one of the interviews heard in this documentary, he never raised — President Biden never raised this issue with Bennett, at that time the prime minister.

    So, that’s shocking to us to know it was a total cover-up, contradictory to what they promised us. And that’s — like Lina just said, it’s a betrayal, not only to the family, not only to Shireen, but the whole American nation.

    AMY GOODMAN: Mehdi Hasan, you’ve backed this documentary. It’s the first big documentary Zeteo is putting out. It’s also the first anniversary of the founding of Zeteo. Can you talk about the proof that you feel is here in the documentary that Alon Scagio, this — and explain who he is and the unit he was a part of? Dion, it’s quite something when you go to his grave. But how you can absolutely be sure this is the man?

    MEHDI HASAN: So, Amy, Nermeen, thanks for having us here. I’ve been on this show many times. I just want to say, great to be here on set with both of you. Thank you for what you do.

    This is actually our second documentary, but it is our biggest so far, because the revelations in this film that Dion and the team put out are huge in many ways — identifying the soldier, as you mentioned, Alon Scagio, identifying the Biden cover-up, which we just heard Tony Abu Akleh point out. People didn’t realise just how big that cover-up was.

    Remember, Joe Biden was the man who said, “If you harm an American, we will respond.” And what is very clear in the case of Shireen Abu Akleh, an American citizen who spent a lot of her life in New Jersey, they did not respond.

    In terms of the soldier itself, when Dion came to me and said, “We want to make this film. It’ll be almost like a true crime documentary. We’re going to go out and find out who did it” — because we all — everyone followed the story. You guys covered it in 2022. It was a huge story in the world.

    But three years later, to not even know the name of the shooter — and I was, “Well, will we be able to find this out? It’s one of Israel’s most closely guarded secrets.” And yet, Dion and his team were able to do the reporting that got inside of Duvdevan, this elite special forces unit in Israel.

    It literally means “the cherry on top.” That’s how proud they are of their eliteness. And yet, no matter how elite you are, Israel’s way of fighting wars means you kill innocent people.

    And what comes out in the film from interviews, not just with a soldier, an Israeli soldier, who speaks in the film and talks about how, “Hey, if you see a camera, you take the shot,” but also speaking to Chris Van Hollen, United States Senator from Maryland, who’s been one of the few Democratic voices critical of Biden in the Senate, who says there’s been no change in Israel’s rules of engagement over the years.

    And therefore, it was so important on multiple levels to do this film, to identify the shooter, because, of course, as you pointed out in your news headlines, Amy, they just killed a hundred Palestinians yesterday.

    So this is not some old story from history where this happened in 2022 and we’re going back. Everything that happened since, you could argue, flows from that — the Americans who have been killed, the journalists who have been killed in Gaza, Palestinians, the sense of impunity that Israel has and Israel’s soldiers have.

    There are reports that Israeli soldiers are saying to Palestinians, “Hey, Trump has our back. Hey, the US government has our back.” And it wasn’t just Trump. It was Joe Biden, too.

    And that was why it was so important to make this film, to identify the shooter, to call out Israel’s practices when it comes to journalists, and to call out the US role.

    AMY GOODMAN: I  just want to go to Dion, for people who aren’t familiar with the progression of what the Biden administration said, the serious cover-up not only by Israel, but of its main military weapons supplier and supporter of its war on Gaza, and that is Joe Biden, from the beginning.

    First Israel said it was a Palestinian militant. At that point, what did President Biden say?

    DION NISSENBAUM: So, at the very beginning, they said that they wanted the shooter to be prosecuted. They used that word at the State Department and said, “This person who killed an American journalist should be prosecuted.” But when it started to become clear that it was probably an Israeli soldier, their tone shifted, and it became talking about vague calls for accountability or changes to the rules of engagement, which never actually happened.

    So, you got to a point where the Israeli government admitted it was likely them, the US government called for them to change the rules of engagement, and the Israeli government said no. And we have this interview in the film with Senator Chris Van Hollen, who says that, essentially, Israel was giving the middle finger to the US government on this.

    And we have seen, since that time, more Americans being killed in the West Bank, dozens and dozens and dozens of journalists being killed, with no accountability. And we would like to see that change.

    This is a trajectory that you’re seeing. You know, the blue vest no longer provides any protection for journalists in Israel. The Israeli military itself has said that wearing a blue vest with “Press” on it does not necessarily mean that you are a journalist.

    They are saying that terrorists wear blue vests, too. So, if you are a journalist operating in the West Bank now, you have to assume that the Israeli military could target you.

    NERMEEN SHAIKH: Well, let’s go to another clip from the film Who Killed Shireen?, which features Ali Samoudi, Shireen Abu Akleh’s producer, who was with Shireen when she was killed, and was himself shot and injured. In the clip, he speaks to the journalist Fatima AbdulKarim.

    FATIMA ABDULKARIM: We are set up here now, even though we were supposed to meet at the location where you got injured and Shireen got killed.

    ALI SAMOUDI: [translated] We are five minutes from the location in Maidan al-Awdah. But you could lose your soul in the five minutes it would take us to reach it. You could be hit by army bullets. They could arrest you.

    So it is essentially impossible to get there. I believe the big disaster which prevented the occupation from being punished and repeating these crimes is the neglect and indifference by many of the institutions, especially American ones, which continue to defend the occupation.

    FATIMA ABDULKARIM: [translated] We’re now approaching the third anniversary of Shireen’s death. How did that affect you?

    ALI SAMOUDI: [translated] During that period, the occupation was making preparations for a dangerous scenario in the Jenin refugee camp. And for this reason, they didn’t want witnesses.

    They opened fire on us in order to terroriSe us enough that we wouldn’t go back to the camp. And in that sense, they partially succeeded.

    Since then, we have been overcome by fear. From the moment Shireen was killed, I said and continue to say and will continue to say that this bullet was meant to prevent the Palestinian media from the documentation and exposure of the occupation’s crimes.

    NERMEEN SHAIKH: That was Ali Samoudi, Shireen Abu Akleh’s producer, who was with Shireen when she was killed, and was himself shot and injured.

    We should note, Ali Samoudi was just detained by Israeli forces in late April. The Palestinian journalist Mariam Barghouti recently wrote, “Ali Samoudi was beaten so bad by Israeli soldiers he was immediately hospitalised. This man has been one of the few journalists that continues reporting on Israeli military abuses north of the West Bank despite the continued risk on his life,” Mariam Barghouti wrote.

    The Committee to Protect Journalists spoke to the journalist’s son, Mohammed Al Samoudi, who told CPJ, quote, “My father suffers from several illnesses, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and a stomach ulcer . . .  He needs a diabetes injection every two days and a specific diet. It appears he was subjected to assault and medical neglect at the interrogation center . . .

    “Our lawyer told us he was transferred to an Israeli hospital after a major setback in his health. We don’t know where he is being held, interrogated, or even the hospital to which he was taken. My father has been forcibly disappeared,” he said.

    So, Dion Nissenbaum, if you could give us the latest? You spoke to Ali Samoudi for the documentary, and now he’s been detained.

    DION NISSENBAUM: Yeah. His words were prophetic, right? He talks about this was an attempt to silence journalists. And my colleague Fatima says the same thing, that these are ongoing, progressive efforts to silence Palestinian journalists.

    And we don’t know where Ali is. He has not actually been charged with anything yet. He is one of the most respected journalists in the West Bank. And we are just seeing this progression going on.

    AMY GOODMAN: So, the latest we know is he was supposed to have a hearing, and that hearing has now been delayed to May 13th, Ali Samoudi?

    DION NISSENBAUM: That’s right. And he has yet to be charged, so . . .

    AMY GOODMAN: I want to go back to Lina Abu Akleh, who’s in New Jersey, where Shireen grew up. Lina, you were listed on Time magazine’s 100 emerging leaders for publicly demanding scrutiny of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians, the horror.

    And again, our condolences on the death of your aunt, on the killing of your aunt, and also to Anton, Shireen’s brother. Lina, you’ve also, of course, spoken to Ali Samoudi. This continues now. He’s in detention — his son says, “just disappeared”.

    What are you demanding right now? We have a new administration. We’ve moved from the Biden administration to the Trump administration. And are you in touch with them? Are they speaking to you?

    LINA ABU AKLEH: Well, our demands haven’t changed. From day one, we’re calling for the US administration to complete its investigation, or for the FBI to continue its investigation, and to finally release — to finally hold someone to account.

    And we have enough evidence that could have been — that the administration could have used to expedite this case. But, unfortunately, this new administration, as well, no one has spoken to us. We haven’t been in touch with anyone, and it’s just been radio silence since.

    For us, as I said, our demands have never changed. It’s been always to hold the entire system to account, the entire chain of command, the military, for the killing of an American citizen, a journalist, a Palestinian, Palestinian American journalist.

    As we’ve been talking, targeting journalists isn’t happening just by shooting at them or killing them. There’s so many different forms of targeting journalists, especially in Gaza and the West Bank and Jerusalem.

    So, for us, it’s really important as a family that we don’t see other families experience what we are going through, for this — for impunity, for Israel’s impunity, to end, because, at the end of the day, accountability is the only way to put an end to this impunity.

    AMY GOODMAN: I am horrified to ask this question to Shireen’s family members, to Lina, to Tony, Shireen’s brother, but the revelation in the film — we were all there last night at its premiere in New York — that the Israeli soldiers are using a photograph of Shireen’s face for target practice. Tony Abu Akleh, if you could respond?

    ANTON ABU AKLEH: You know, there is no words to describe our sorrow and pain hearing this. But, you know, I would just want to know why. Why would they do this thing? What did Shireen do to them for them to use her as a target practice? You know, this is absolutely barbaric act, unjustified. Unjustified.

    And we really hope that this US administration will be able to put an end to all this impunity they are enjoying. If they didn’t enjoy all this impunity, they wouldn’t have been doing this. Practising on a journalist? Why? You know, you can practice on anything, but on a journalist?

    This shows that this targeting of more journalists, whether in Gaza, in Palestine, it’s systematic. It’s been planned for. And they’ve been targeting and shutting off those voices, those reports, from reaching anywhere in the world.

    NERMEEN SHAIKH: And, Anton, if you could say — you know, you mentioned last night, as well, Shireen was, in fact, extremely cautious as a journalist. If you could elaborate on that? What precisely —

    ANTON ABU AKLEH: Absolutely. Absolutely. Shireen was very careful. Every time she’s in the field, she would take her time to put on the gear, the required helmet, the vest with “press” written on it, before going there. She also tried to identify herself as a journalist, whether to the Israelis or to the Palestinians, so she’s not attacked.

    And she always went by the book, followed the rules, how to act, how to be careful, how to speak to those people involved, so she can protect herself. But, unfortunately, he was — this soldier, as stated in the documentary, targeted Shireen just because she’s Shireen and she’s a journalist. That’s it. There is no other explanation.

    Sixteen bullets were fired on Shireen. Not even her helmet, nor the vest she was wearing, were able to protect her, unfortunately.

    NERMEEN SHAIKH: Mehdi Hasan, you wanted to respond.

    MEHDI HASAN: So, Tony asks, “Why? Why would you do this? Why would you target not just a journalist in the field, but then use her face for target practice?” — as Dion and his team reveal in the film. And there is, unfortunately, a very simple answer to that question, which is that the Israeli military — and not just the Israeli military, but many people in our world today — have dehumanised Palestinians.

    There is the removal of humanity from the people you are oppressing, occupying, subjugating and killing. It doesn’t matter if you’re an American citizen. It doesn’t matter if you have a press jacket on. It only matters that you are Palestinian in the sniper’s sights.

    And that is how they have managed to pull of the killing of so many journalists, so many children. The first documentary we commissioned last year was called Israel’s Real Extremism, and it was about the Israeli soldiers who go into Gaza and make TikTok videos wearing Palestinian women’s underwear, playing with Palestinian children’s toys. It is the ultimate form of dehumanisation, the idea that these people don’t count, their lives have no value.

    And what’s so tragic and shocking — and the film exposes this — is that Joe Biden — forget the Israeli military — Joe Biden also joined in that dehumanisation. Do you remember at the start of this conflict when he comes out and he says, “Well, I’m not sure I believe the Palestinian death toll numbers,” when he puts out a statement at the hundred days after October 7th and doesn’t mention Palestinian casualties.

    And that has been the fundamental problem. This was the great comforter-in-chief. Joe Biden was supposed to be the empath. And yet, as Tony points out, what was so shocking in the film is he didn’t even raise Shireen’s case with Naftali Bennett, the prime minister of Israel at the time.

    Again, would he have done that if it was an American journalist in Moscow? We know that’s not the case. We know when American journalists, especially white American journalists, are taken elsewhere in the world, the government gives a damn. And yet, in the case of Shireen, the only explanation is because she was a Palestinian American journalist.

    AMY GOODMAN: You know, in the United States, the US government is responsible for American citizens, which Biden pointed out at the beginning, when he thought it was a Palestinian militant who had killed her. But, Lina, you yourself are a journalist. And I’m thinking I want to hear your response to using her face, because, of course, that is not just the face of Shireen, but I think it’s the face of journalism.

    And it’s not just American journalism, of course. I mean, in fact, she’s known to hundreds of millions of people around world as the face and voice of Al Jazeera Arabic. She spoke in Arabic. She was known as that to the rest of the world. But to see that and that revealed in this documentary?

    LINA ABU AKLEH: Yeah, it was horrifying, actually. And it just goes on to show how the Israeli military is built. It’s barbarism. It’s the character of revenge, of hate. And that is part of the entire system. And as Mehdi and as my father just mentioned, this is all about dehumanizing Palestinians, regardless if they’re journalists, if they’re doctors, they’re officials. For them, they simply don’t care about Palestinian lives.

    And for us, Shireen will always be the voice of Palestine. And she continues to be remembered for the legacy that she left behind. And she continues to live through so many, so many journalists, who have picked up the microphone, who have picked up the camera, just because of Shireen.

    So, regardless of how the Israeli military continues to dehumanise journalists and how the US fails to protect Palestinian American journalists, we will continue to push forward to continue to highlight the life and the legacy that Shireen left behind.

    NERMEEN SHAIKH: Well, let’s turn to Shireen Abu Akleh in her own words. This is an excerpt from the Al Jazeera English documentary The Killing of Shireen Abu Akleh.

    SHIREEN ABU AKLEH: [translated] Sometimes the Israeli army doesn’t want you there, so they target you, even if they later say it was an accident. They might say, “We saw some young men around you.” So they target you on purpose, as a way of scaring you off because they don’t want you there.

    NERMEEN SHAIKH: So, that was Shireen in her own words in an Al Jazeera documentary. So, Lina, I know you have to go soon, but if you could just tell us: What do you want people to know about Shireen, as an aunt, a sister and a journalist?

    LINA ABU AKLEH: Yes, so, we know Shireen as the journalist, but behind the camera, she was one of the most empathetic people. She was very sincere. And something not a lot of people know, but she was a very funny person. She had a very unique sense of humor, that she lit up every room she entered. She cared about everyone and anyone. She enjoyed life.

    Shireen, at the end of the day, loved life. She had plans. She had dreams that she still wanted to achieve. But her life was cut short by that small bullet, which would change our lives entirely.

    But at the end of the day, Shireen was a professional journalist who always advocated for truth, for justice. And at the end of the day, all she wanted to do was humanise Palestinians and talk about the struggles of living under occupation. But at the same time, she wanted to celebrate their achievements.

    She shed light on all the happy moments, all the accomplishments of the Palestinian people. And this is something that really touched millions of Palestinians, of Arabs around the world. She was able to enter the hearts of the people through the small camera lens. And until this day, she continues to be remembered for that.

    AMY GOODMAN: Before we go, we’re going to keep you on, Mehdi, to talk about other issues during the Trump administration, but how can people access Who Killed Shireen?

    MEHDI HASAN: So, it’s available online at WhoKilledShireen.com, is where you can go to watch it. We are releasing the film right now only to paid subscribers. We hope to change that in the forthcoming days.

    People often say to me, “How can you put it behind a paywall?” Journalism — a free press isn’t free, sadly. We have to fund films like this. Dion came to us because a lot of other people didn’t want to fund a topic like this, didn’t want to fund an investigation like this.

    So, we’re proud to be able to fund such documentaries, but we also need support from our contributors, our subscribers and the viewers. But it’s an important film, and I hope as many people will watch it as possible, WhoKilledShireen.com.

    AMY GOODMAN: We want to thank Lina, the niece of Shireen Abu Akleh, and Anton, Tony, the older brother of Shireen Abu Akleh, for joining us from New Jersey. Together, we saw the documentary last night, Who Killed Shireen? And we want to thank Dion Nissenbaum, who is the filmmaker, the correspondent on this film, formerly a correspondent with The Wall Street Journal. The founder of Zeteo, on this first anniversary of Zeteo, is Mehdi Hasan.

    The original content of this Democracy Now! programme is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States Licence.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Special Report: Standing on the Right Side of History and Justice – Op-Ed by Chinese President Xi Jinping Sparks Great Response from International Community

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, May 10 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping recently published an article entitled “Lessons from the Past for the Future” in the Rossiyskaya Gazeta newspaper, stressing the need to learn from history, draw wisdom and strength from the profound experience of World War II and the great victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, resolutely oppose all forms of hegemonism and power politics, and jointly create a better future for humanity.

    Representatives of many countries told Xinhua that in this article, the Chinese leader, based on the common interests of all mankind, looks at both the past and the present and puts forward a series of important proposals. Today, when unilateralism, hegemonism, tyranny and bullying have become serious threats, all countries in the world should stand on the right side of history, the side of justice, resolutely safeguard the post-war world order, firmly uphold international justice and work together for a bright future for mankind.

    “TO PROTECT HISTORICAL TRUTH, WE MUST WORK HARD”

    On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the Victory of the Soviet Union in the Great Patriotic War, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized that holding a correct view of the history of World War II is of great practical importance. In his opinion piece, the Chinese leader quoted a line from the well-known Soviet song “Katyusha”: “Apple and pear trees were in bloom.” This not only reminded us of the shared historical memory of the two peoples who fought shoulder to shoulder in World War II, but also that Russian-Chinese friendship has only grown stronger,” said Alexei Rodionov, a sinologist and professor at St. Petersburg State University.

    “The air raid sirens for the victims of the Nanjing Massacre still sound, and the railway tracks in front of the Auschwitz concentration camp still gleam coldly,” said Virun Phichaiwonphakdee, director of the Thailand-China Belt and Road Studies Center. “Historical memory and truth that are not erased by time provide us with inspiration and lessons, always reminding us of reality and pointing the way to the future,” he quoted Xi Jinping as saying. “Victory in World War II was achieved at the cost of blood and sacrifice. Protecting history is not only respecting history, but also protecting justice in the modern world,” the expert noted.

    “Any attempt to distort the historical truth about World War II and deny the victory in World War II will not succeed. The people of the world will not tolerate attempts to turn back history,” said Japanese biological weapons expert, Professor Emeritus of Shiga Medical University Kazuo Nishiyama. He fully agrees that humanity should draw wisdom and strength from the profound lessons of World War II and the great victory in the anti-fascist war. “In order to protect the historical truth, it is still necessary to work tirelessly to prevent the repetition of tragedies in the future,” the scientist believes.

    “World War II is a tragedy for all of humanity. We must tell history in a comprehensive and truthful manner, deeply understand the atrocities of war, and strengthen education for peace,” said Pawel Machcewicz, founding director of the Museum of World War II in Gdansk, Poland.

    “For Serbia, Xi Jinping’s article carries an important message: defending the truth requires great efforts. The state visit of President Xi Jinping to Russia is such an effort,” said Aleksandar Mitic, a research fellow at the Serbian Institute of International Politics and Economics. “Unfortunately, we still see how certain Western forces are trying to downplay the enormous sacrifices and contributions of China, Russia, Serbia and other countries to the historic victory over fascism and militarism, but these attempts are doomed to failure,” he said.

    According to French entrepreneur and commentator Arnaud Bertrand, Xi Jinping’s article contains many profound thoughts, especially when he compares the past and the present, points out that humanity is once again at a crossroads of “solidarity or division, dialogue or confrontation, win-win or zero-sum game,” and declares the need to resolutely defend the post-war international order and the authority of the UN. “President Xi Jinping’s opinion piece is a window into China’s contemporary strategic thinking. As a defender of the post-war world order, China is committed to countering hegemonic forces and is an important power that upholds the multilateral system and international law,” A. Bertrand noted.

    “CHINA, AS THE MAIN THEATER OF MILITARY OPERATIONS IN THE EAST, MADE AN OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE VICTORY IN WORLD WAR II”

    In his opinion article, Xi Jinping emphasized that, as the main theaters of military operations in Asia and Europe, China and the Soviet Union bore the brunt of the attacks of militaristic Japan and Nazi Germany, and made a decisive contribution to the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War. The international community generally believes that the victory on the main eastern front completely destroyed the ambitions of militarism and fascism and was of great global significance.

    “The victory was achieved thanks to the joint efforts of the anti-Hitler coalition, and the USSR and China were its most important part,” emphasized the scientific secretary of the Victory Museum in Moscow Boris Cheltsov. According to him, the peoples of the USSR and China fought shoulder to shoulder against fascism and militarism, supporting each other. As the main theater of military operations in the East, China made an invaluable contribution to the final defeat of Japanese militarism and the victory over fascism due to the enormous sacrifice of the entire people.

    Guzel Maitdinova, Director of the Center for Geopolitical Studies at the Russian-Tajik /Slavonic/ University, noted that China has always been the main force in the fight against Japanese militarism, and most of the Japanese army was held back on the Chinese front. The Chinese people, having made enormous sacrifices, held the main eastern front and made an outstanding contribution to the victory in World War II, she added.

    “Without China, World War II might not have ended in 1945,” said Faruk Borić, chairman of the Bosnian-Chinese Friendship Association. According to him, the front in China effectively held back the Japanese invaders and provided valuable time for victory in Europe, playing an important role in the global fight against fascism. He also noted that as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has always actively supported the multilateral order, firmly upholding the international system with the UN as the core and the world order based on international law. “China’s respect for history makes it an indispensable force in maintaining world peace,” the expert said.

    President Xi Jinping has emphasized that Taiwan’s return to China is an important part of the outcome of World War II and the post-war world order. Gu Xuewu, Director of the Center for Global Studies at the University of Bonn in Germany, noted that Taiwan’s return was one of the outcomes of the victory in World War II and was widely recognized by the international community. Undermining these outcomes would seriously disrupt the existing world order.

    Muhab Nassar, an associate professor of international law at Cairo University, said China’s sovereignty over Taiwan is a legally justified and recognized fact. Xi Jinping’s opinion piece once again expressed a firm position: the Taiwan issue concerns China’s fundamental interests, which China will not compromise under any circumstances.

    “TO ACHIEVE UNIVERSAL DEVELOPMENT AND PROSPERITY, THE WORLD NEEDS JUSTICE, NOT HEGEMONY”

    In his opinion article, President Xi Jinping stated that today’s world still faces a growing deficit in peace, development, security and governance. The vision of a community with a shared future for humanity, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative are designed to address this deficit, actively participate and join forces with other countries in advancing the reform of the global governance system through the prism of justice and fairness.

    Akkan Suver, chairman of Turkey’s Marmara Group Foundation for Strategic and Social Research, said the three global initiatives proposed by Xi Jinping “represent a fair concept of global governance that truly protects multilateralism.” “Amid the rise of unilateralism, China firmly opposes any form of hegemony and power politics, and is committed to upholding the international order and norms that serve the interests of developing countries. In the face of multiple conflicts, the world needs dialogue and cooperation rather than division, and global development needs reason and conscience rather than dictate,” he said.

    General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Kurdistan operating in Iraq Kawa Mahmud fully agrees with Xi Jinping’s statement that “the world needs justice, not hegemony.” He noted that today’s world still suffers from manifestations of hegemonism and power politics, which only increases uncertainty in the international situation. “To achieve universal development and prosperity, the world needs justice, not hegemony. Only a fair and rational system of global governance can meet the interests of all countries. The formation of a multipolar world based on mutual respect and mutual benefit has become the consensus of most states,” the politician emphasized.

    “The Middle East has long been an arena of instability, from the war in Iraq to the Syrian crisis, the conflict in Yemen and the Palestinian-Israeli issue. The peace deficit is only getting worse,” said Abdullah al-Dosari, editor-in-chief of the Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Arab, after reading Xi Jinping’s article. “The concept of a community with a common destiny for humanity that he proposed, the emphasis on dialogue rather than confrontation, on partnership rather than the creation of blocs, on mutually beneficial cooperation rather than a zero-sum game – all of this is important for ensuring peace and stability in the region,” the editor-in-chief is confident.

    Qaiser Nawab, Chairman of Pakistan’s Belt and Road Organization for Sustainable Development, said President Xi Jinping had deeply revealed China’s understanding of the world order, emphasizing dialogue, common development and respect for diversity, and calling for a more inclusive and fair international governance system. He said China’s three global initiatives are helping to shape a fairer and more inclusive world.

    “In his article, President Xi Jinping noted that light will dispel darkness, and justice will ultimately triumph over evil. This is not only a profound summary of the historical lessons of World War II, but also a reflection of the realities of the modern world: peace and justice do not come naturally, they must be firmly defended,” said Chuan Keng Koon, director of the Sun Yat-sen Centre of the Penang Science Society (Malaysia). “Today, when we recall that history, we do not do so for the sake of inciting hatred, but to gain wisdom and strength. By learning from the past, we resolutely oppose hegemonism and power politics, and always uphold the path of peace, development and mutually beneficial cooperation,” the expert emphasized. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: OFCA organises third 5G Campus Application Competition (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Riding on the success of the 5G Campus Application Competitions held in the past two years, the Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) organises the third edition of the Competition this year under the theme “5G x Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) – The Sky is the Limit for Knowledge” to enhance students’ understanding of the fifth generation mobile (5G) technology and the UAS, and encourage them to explore the application of 5G technology in the low-altitude economy, with a view to boosting their creativity and tapping their potential in innovative technologies.

         Speaking at the Kick-off Ceremony cum Seminar of the Competition today (May 10), the Director-General of Communications, Mr Chaucer Leung, said, “The 5G Campus Application Competition held last year focused on 5G and artificial intelligence (AI). It was encouraging to see the participating students’ innovative thinking and dedication to research and development in terms of 5G and AI applications, scenario design and collaboration, as demonstrated in the final entries. OFCA organises the third Competition this year to encourage participating students to make use of the unique advantages of 5G technology and explore how to collect data through drones for developing various application solutions for the low-altitude economy, so as to stimulate the innovation and technology potentials of the younger generation, expanding their knowledge and transform their creative thinking into practical solutions for the future.

         “In Hong Kong, drone systems have started to be deployed in applications and trials on the low-altitude economy. They generally operate in airspace within an altitude of 1 000 metres and could be used in scenarios such as emergency rescues, logistics, surveys, maintenance, safety inspections and show performances. The low-altitude economy not only activates low-altitude airspace as a new element for economic development, but also drives the development of communications technology, AI, and the digital industry, bringing new experiences of smart living to the public. The current well-developed 5G network of Hong Kong has laid a solid foundation for the development of the low-altitude economy,” Mr Leung added.

         This year’s Competition is co-organised by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) and will be held in stages, comprising the Kick-off Ceremony cum Seminar, the 5G x UAS Inspiration Training Workshop, the first-round adjudication, the Drone Operation and Mobile App Development Training Workshop, and the final-round adjudication cum award presentation ceremony. Participating teams are required to design an innovative mobile application and/or relevant prototype to demonstrate how the data collected by drones can be used and integrated with 5G technology for applications in the low-altitude economy so as to achieve at least one of the specific objectives of the Competition, such as enriching campus life, improving learning environment, optimising teaching resources or learning experience, improving nearby community environment or facilities, realising smart living development in real-life scenarios, and creating economic or social benefits.

         The Chief Digital Officer of the HKPC, Mr Edmond Lai, also officiated at the event today. Veteran practitioners of the innovative technology and education sectors were invited to share with students and other participants the latest developments of 5G technology and the low-altitude economy. A representative from the HKPC also briefed the audience about the requirements and points to note of the Competition.

         The Competition is supported by the communications sector as well as various educational organisations, including the Communications Association of Hong Kong, the Association of I.T. Leaders in Education, the Hong Kong Association for Computer Education, the Hong Kong Competence Education Foundation, the Association of Hong Kong Chinese Middle Schools, the Hong Kong Computer Society, the Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers and the Hong Kong STEM Education Alliance.

         The Competition is open to secondary students. The deadline of registration is May 30. Participants should take part as a school team consisting of three to five students and a teacher as team leader. To enrol in and learn more about the Competition, please visit OFCA’s website.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Local students’ Hexagon Art brings joy and connection to new ODHS Seaside office

    Source: US State of Oregon

    span dir=”ltr”>Visitors and staff have recently noticed a new visual spark as they enter the Child Welfare lobby of the Oregon Department of Human Services Seaside offices. As you walk into the Child Welfare main lobby, you can see on the wall to your right an array of hexagon-shaped art. There’s a painting of a soccer player, a sloth hanging upside down from a branch, a mountain with a lake at its feet, a rainbow, a gray and white dog and many more scenes. Some hexagons have inspiring words on them, such as “LOVE,”“You’re STRONG!,”“Kindness” and “Food Makes You Happy.”

    The art was created by 60 students from Warrenton Middle School and Warrenton Grade School especially for the ODHS new Seaside office. The office recently opened at 1111 Roosevelt Drive near the Seaside Outlet Mall stores. The office houses Child Welfare, Oregon Eligibility Partnership and Self-Sufficiency Programs, which support people with food and health care benefits and other services.

    “It’s been amazing. It’s the first thing everybody sees. A lot of people spend time admiring the art. Some of the words on the hexagons were created on the school’s 3-D printer. Everybody sees something different in the pieces,” Kaylin Hammond, Child Welfare Resource Developer, said.

    Hammond said she “had this off-the-wall idea” for the new office space, so she met with Warrenton Schools Art Teacher Heidi Lent and her students. It was the students came up with the hexagon idea symbolizing the interdependence of bringing the school and community together. It is modeled after the Interdependence Hexagon Project. The themes typically are social justice, identity, peace and the environment.

    “The hexagon is a compilation of interdependent lines, like human relationships. It shows, as an artist, how we are interconnected. Our focus was how are we interconnected in our community and our county and our school,” Lent said.

    On the back of each hexagon, students were asked to explain the meaning of their creation. Here are some of what the students wrote:

    • The softball players showing girls high-fiving each other: “Sports and kindness because usually at the end of games we give high-fives, thanking the other team. Being kind through your sports.”
    • Sloth – “The sloth was what I was connected to because my mom bought it for me and I care about my mom deeply.”
    • A body looking up at the words: ‘youth’ and ‘heart, 3-D printed: “Hey little one don’t waste your youth on a broken heart ’cause before you know it, it’ll be gone.” –Livingston, Atlas lyrics.
    • The boy sitting next to dog with a tennis ball: “Representing never being alone. The dog is there to comfort him and keep him safe.”
    • Dog and little girl, nose to nose: “My dog just passed away. Every time I was sad my dog was there to comfort me. How do you get comfort?”
    • Newspaper collage with the word ‘LOVE’ in it: “Love is in the middle. as we love our community.”
    • Mountain with trees” “Art is positive because it makes you feel closer to nature. It makes you feel joy to see.”
    • A bunch of flowers: “Because when people are sad and if I am close to them, I buy them flowers. It represents happy and beauty.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: HDOA and County of Hawaii Continue Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Treatments at Kona Airport

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    HDOA and County of Hawaii Continue Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Treatments at Kona Airport

    Posted on May 9, 2025 in Main

    May 9, 2025
    NR25-11

    HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA), with the assistance of the County of Hawai‘i Public Works Department (COH-PWD), began another round of treatment of palm trees at the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) on Tuesday, May 6,  in an effort to stop the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) from becoming established on Hawai‘i Island. This was a follow-up to treatment conducted last month at the airport.(Link to previous news release:  https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/blog/main/nr25-08-konacrbtreatments/ )

    “It really is ‘all hands on deck’ in West Hawai‘i and all our partner agencies are dedicating  everything they have to stop the establishment of CRB on Hawai‘i Island,” said Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture. “Mahalo, again, to Mayor Kimo Alameda and his public works crew– their resources and assistance have been phenomenal in this coordinated effort.”

    The County of Hawai‘i and HDOA have been working collaboratively since January 2025 after CRB was detected in the Kona area. COH-PWD has been providing the assistance of their boom trucks to treat the tops of palm trees.

    The following is a brief timeline of detections and intense treatments around West Hawai‘i:

    October 2023 A Waikoloa resident found six grubs (larvae) in a decaying palm tree stump. Increased surveillance continued throughout the island and more intensely on the Kona side.
    April 2024 The Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC) reported that four adult CRB were found in three traps in the Waikoloa area.
    September 2024 HDOA Plant Pest Control (PPC) personnel found a single CRB in a trap during routine monitoring in Waikoloa.
    January 2025 The County of Hawai‘i offered its resources and assistance to HDOA, including the use of its 75-foot boom truck to treat the crowns of palm trees.
    Jan. 14, 2025 Waikoloa Village – HDOA/COH team treated a total of 38 trees via crown treatments and 24 trees were treated via an injection system which provides systemic protection against CRB.
    March 3, 2025 BIISC reported one adult CRB in a detection trap along the boundary of KOA. A day later, BIISC reported that two more adult CRBs were found in traps at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai‘i (NELHA).
    March 14-19 2025 KOA – HDOA/COH and KOA airport staff used two boom trucks to treat 123 trees on the airport grounds and injected 12 more trees that were inaccessible to the boom trucks.
    April 7 & 8, 2025 NELHA – HDOA/COH crews treated the crowns of 44 trees and injected 14 trees due to the close proximity to water.
    April 15, 16 & 21, 2025 Honokōhau Small Boat Harbor and Marina – HDOA/COH crews treated 313 crowns and treated 50+ trees via injection due to the close proximity to water.
    April 24, 2025 West Hawai‘i Veteran’s Cemetery – 13 crowns treated. BIISC had reported finding one wing of an adult CRB. Although a full specimen was not found, HDOA treated all palms on the site as a precaution.
    May 6, 2025 KOA – HDOA/COH and Kona airport staff treated 86 palms via crown application.
    May 2025 Treatment at the Keāhole Ag Park is being scheduled later this month.
    Ongoing Surveillance for CRB continues around Hawai‘i Island by HDOA, BIISC, University of Hawai‘i, the County of Hawai‘i and the state Department of Health Vector Control Branch.
    March 2025 to present A total of 10 adult CRB have been reported in the areas of Keāhole Ag
    Park, NELHA, O‘oma, Kohanaiki and KOA.

    Staff from HDOA’s Plant Pest Control Branch and Pesticides Branch applied the treatments, both on the crown of the trees and via injection into the trees when necessary. All palms that were treated were tagged and surrounded with yellow tape to indicate treatment. Coconuts from treated trees should not be consumed. Questions regarding pesticide use may be addressed to HDOA’s Pesticides Branch at 808-973-9402.

    Residents on all islands are asked to be vigilant when purchasing mulch, compost and soil products, and to inspect bags for evidence of entry holes. CRB breed in decomposing plant and animal waste. An adult beetle is about 2-inches long, all black and has a single horn on its head. CRB leave distinctive V-shaped cuts and/or scalloped edges in palm leaves and bore holes may be visible in the trunks.

    Residents may go to the CRB Response website at:  https://www.crbhawaii.org/  to learn more about how to detect the signs of CRB damage and how to identify CRB life stages. Reports of possible CRB infestation may also be made to the state’s toll-free Pest Hotline at 808-643-PEST (7378).

    # # #

    Link to video by County of Hawai‘i: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sfY1cZxHJkVQeTkQzs2hPCRmzbO_RX54/view?usp=share_link

    Treatment on crowns of palm trees at Kona Airport

    Treatment on crowns of palm trees at Kona Airport

    Treatment on crowns of palm trees at Kona Airport

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement from Governor Lombardo on Democrats Rejecting Charter School Teacher Pay Raises

    Source: US State of Nevada

    CARSON CITY, NV – May 08, 2025

    Yesterday, legislative Democrats removed Governor Lombardo’s charter school teacher pay raises from the education budget. Please see the statement from Governor Lombardo below:

    “I’ve been clear and consistent on this. I will not sign an education budget that does not include equal pay for public charter school teachers and make teacher pay raises, including those for charter school teachers, permanent. Further, I will veto any education budget bill that falls short of addressing a serious need for accountability, transparency, and real parental choice. All 63 legislators have been aware of my position for months, and it is my expectation that they will pass a bill that improves education for all Nevada children.” -Governor Joe Lombardo

    Governor Lombardo recently introduced his Nevada Accountability in Education Act, which will implement accountability in K-12 education, empower and reward educators, expand opportunities for students, and ensure that families have a voice and choice in their child’s education.

    A fact sheet on the Nevada Accountability in Education Act is attached, and you can watch the Governor’s recent press conference on the legislation here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for May 10, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on May 10, 2025.

    Tracing radiation through the Marshall Islands: Reflections from a veteran Greenpeace nuclear campaigner
    SPECIAL REPORT: By Shaun Burnie of Greenpeace We’ve visited Ground Zero. Not once, but three times. But for generations, before these locations were designated as such, they were the ancestral home to the people of the Marshall Islands. As part of a team of Greenpeace scientists and specialists from the Radiation Protection Advisers team, we

    USP World Press Freedom Day warnings over AI, legal reform and media safety
    World Press Freedom Day is not just a celebration of the vital role journalism plays — it is also a moment to reflect on the pressures facing the profession and Pacific governments’ responsibility to protect it. This was one of the key messages delivered by two guest speakers at The University of the South Pacific

    Labor likely to gain 5 senators, cementing the left’s Senate dominance
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne I previously wrote about the Senate the morning after the election. About half the Senate is elected at each House of Representatives election. Those up for election

    The artist as creator of all things: Julie Fragar wins the Archibald for a portrait among the stars
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joanna Mendelssohn, Honorary Senior Fellow, School of Culture and Communication. Editor in Chief, Design and Art of Australia Online, The University of Melbourne Winner Archibald Prize 2025, Julie Fragar ‘Flagship Mother Multiverse (Justene)’, oil on canvas, 240 x 180.4 cm © the artist, image © Art Gallery

    The Kiwi heart surgeon, his wife and the film maker in Palestine
    Auckland film maker Paula Whetu Jones has spent nearly two decades working pro bono on a feature film about the Auckland cardiac surgeon Alan Kerr, which is finally now in cinemas. She is best known for co-writing and directing Whina, the feature film about Dame Whina Cooper. She filmed Dr Kerr and his wife Hazel

    Glyn Davis to quit as the prime minister’s top public servant
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Glyn Davis, Anthony Albanese’s hand-picked Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, will leave the post on June 16. Albanese paid tribute to Davis for rebuilding the public service. “One of the key priorities of our government’s

    Pope Leo XIV faces limits on changing the Catholic Church − but Francis made reforms that set the stage for larger changes
    ANALYSIS: By Dennis Doyle, University of Dayton Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States has been picked to be the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church; he will be known as Pope Leo XIV. Now, as greetings resound across the Pacific and globally, attention turns to what vision the first US pope will bring.

    Keith Rankin Analysis – Make Deficits Great Again: Maintaining a Pragmatic Balance
    Analysis by Keith Rankin. Donald Trump is a mercantilist, as noted in Trump’s tariffs: Short-term damage or long-term ruin? ‘The Bottom Line’, Al Jazeera, 11 April 2025 (or here on YouTube). But the United States, in today’s world, is not a mercantilist country. Or at least not a successful mercantilist country, though it is inhabited

    It’s almost winter. Why is Australia still so hot?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew King, Associate Professor in Climate Science, ARC Centre of Excellence for 21st Century Weather, The University of Melbourne This year, for many Australians, it feels like summer never left. The sunny days and warm nights have continued well into autumn. Even now, in May, it’s still

    Labor has promised to tackle homelessness. Here’s what homeless people say they need
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robyn Martin, Associate Dean, Social Work and Human Services, RMIT University Pressmaster/Shutterstock The 2025 election is over and now it’s time for Labor to deliver on campaign promises to address homelessness. Action on homelessness is long overdue. Affordable housing options remain scarce and public and community housing

    View from The Hill: two ministers and the Nationals discover the limits of loyalty in politics
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Labor’s extraordinary election result has triggered a power play that has exposed the uglier entrails of Labor factionalism. Even before the new caucus met in Canberra on Friday, the Labor right had dumped two of its cabinet ministers: Attorney-General Mark

    What’s the difference between probiotics and prebiotics? A dietitian explains
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Evangeline Mantzioris, Program Director of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Accredited Practising Dietitian, University of South Australia Simply Amazing/Shutterstock If you walk through your local pharmacy or supermarket you’re bound to come across probiotics and prebiotics. They’re added to certain foods. They come as supplements you can drink

    What will the Antichrist look like? According to Western thought, an authoritarian king – or the pope
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Philip C. Almond, Emeritus Professor in the History of Religious Thought, The University of Queensland Composite image by The Conversation. Images courtesy of TruthSocial/@realDonaldTrump and Wikimedia Commons The US presidency and the papacy came together on May 3 when Donald Trump posted an AI-generated photograph of himself

    ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for May 9, 2025
    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on May 9, 2025.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 25 Years of NASA Student Launch

    Source: NASA

    Students from the University of Massachusetts Amherst team carry their high-powered rocket toward the launch pad at NASA’s 2025 Student Launch launch day competition in Toney, Alabama, on April 4, 2025. More than 980 middle school, high school, and college students from across the nation launched more than 40 high-powered amateur rockets just north of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. This year marked the 25th anniversary of the competition.
    To compete, students follow the NASA engineering design lifecycle by going through a series of reviews for nine months leading up to launch day. Each year, a payload challenge is issued to the university teams, and this year’s task focused on communication. Teams were required to have “reports” from STEMnauts, non-living objects inside their rocket, that had to relay real-time data to the student team’s mission control. This Artemis Student Challenge took inspiration from the agency’s Artemis missions, where NASA will send astronauts to explore the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefit, and to build the foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars.
    See highlights from the 2025 Student Launch.
    Text credit: NASA/Janet Sudnik
    Image credit: NASA/Charles Beason

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: What NASA Is Learning from the Biggest Geomagnetic Storm in 20 Years

    Source: NASA

    One year on, NASA scientists are still making huge discoveries about the largest geomagnetic storm to hit Earth in two decades, the Gannon storm. The findings are helping us better understand and prepare for the ways in which the Sun’s activity can affect us.

    [embedded content]
    On May 10, 2024, the first G5 or “severe” geomagnetic storm in over two decades hit Earth. The event did not cause any catastrophic damages, but it did produce surprising effects on Earth. The storm, which has been called the best-documented geomagnetic storm in history, spread auroras to unusually low latitudes and produced effects spanning from the ground to near-Earth space. Data captured during this historic event will be analyzed for years to come, revealing new lessons about the nature of geomagnetic storms and how best to weather them. Credit: NASA/Joy Ng

    One year ago today, representatives from NASA and about 30 other U.S. government agencies gathered for a special meeting to simulate and address a threat looming in space. The threat was not an asteroid or aliens, but our very own life-giving Sun.
    The inaugural Space Weather Tabletop Exercise was supposed to be a training event, where experts could work through the real-time ramifications of a geomagnetic storm, a global disruption to Earth’s magnetic field. Driven by solar eruptions, geomagnetic storms can decimate satellites, overload electrical grids, and expose astronauts to dangerous radiation. Minimizing the impacts of such storms requires close coordination, and this meeting was their chance to practice.
    Then, their simulation turned into reality.
    “The plan was to run through a hypothetical scenario, finding where our existing processes worked and where they needed improvement,” said Jamie Favors, director of NASA’s Space Weather Program at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “But then our hypothetical scenario was interrupted by a very real one.”
    On May 10, 2024, the first G5 or “severe” geomagnetic storm in over two decades hit Earth. The event, named the Gannon storm in memory of leading space weather physicist Jennifer Gannon, did not cause any catastrophic damages. But a year on, key insights from the Gannon storm are helping us understand and prepare for future geomagnetic storms.

    The Gannon storm had effects on and off our planet.
    On the ground, some high-voltage lines tripped, transformers overheated, and GPS-guided tractors veered off-course in the Midwestern U.S., further disrupting planting that had already been delayed by heavy rains that spring.

    “Not all farms were affected, but those that were lost on average about $17,000 per farm,” said Terry Griffin, a professor of Agricultural Economics at Kansas State University. “It’s not catastrophic, but they’ll miss it.”
    In the air, the threat of higher radiation exposure, as well as communication and navigation losses, forced trans-Atlantic flights to change course.

    During the storm, Earth’s upper atmospheric layer called the thermosphere heated to unusually high temperatures. At 100 miles altitude, the temperature typically peaks at 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, but during the storm it surpassed 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit. NASA’s GOLD (Global-scale Observations of the Limb and Disk) mission observed the atmosphere expanding from the heat to create a strong wind that lofted heavy nitrogen particles higher.

    In orbit, the expanded atmosphere increased drag on thousands of satellites. NASA’s ICESat-2 lost altitude and entered safe mode while NASA’s Colorado Inner Radiation Belt Experiment (CIRBE) CubeSat deorbited prematurely five months after the storm. Others, such as the European Space Agency’s Sentinel mission, required more power to maintain their orbits and perform maneuvers to avoid collisions with space debris.
    The storm also dramatically changed the structure of an atmospheric layer called the ionosphere. A dense zone of the ionosphere that normally covers the equator at night dipped toward the South Pole in a check mark shape, causing a temporary gap near the equator.
    The Gannon storm also rocked Earth’s magnetosphere, the magnetic bubble surrounding the planet. Data from NASA missions MMS (Magnetospheric Multiscale) and THEMIS-ARTEMIS — short for Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions-Acceleration, Reconnection, Turbulence and Electrodynamics of the Moon’s Interaction with the Sun — saw giant, curling waves of particles and rolled-up magnetic fields along the edge of the CMEs. These waves were perfectly sized to periodically dump extra magnetic energy and mass into the magnetosphere upon impact, creating the largest electrical current seen in the magnetosphere in 20 years.
    Incoming energy and particles from the Sun also created two new temporary belts of energetic particles within the magnetosphere. Discovered by CIRBE, these belts formed between the Van Allen radiation belts that permanently surround Earth. The belt’s discovery is important to spacecraft and astronauts that can be imperiled by high-energy electrons and protons in the belts.

    The storm also ignited auroras around the globe, including places where these celestial light shows are rare. NASA’s Aurorasaurus project was flooded with more than 6,000 observer reports from over 55 countries and all seven continents.
    Photographers helped scientists understand why auroras observed throughout Japan were magenta rather than the typical red. Researchers studied hundreds of photos and found the auroras were surprisingly high — around 600 miles above the ground (200 miles higher than red auroras typically appear).

    In a paper published in the journal Scientific Reports, the research team says the peculiar color likely resulted from a mix of red and blue auroras, produced by oxygen and nitrogen molecules lofted higher than usual as the Gannon storm heated and expanded the upper atmosphere.
    “It typically needs some special circumstances, like we saw last May,” co-author Josh Pettit of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center said of Japan’s magenta auroras. “A very unique event indeed.”

    Impacts of the Sun’s amped-up solar activity didn’t end at Earth. The solar active region that sparked the Gannon storm eventually rotated away from our planet and redirected its outbursts toward Mars.
    As energetic particles from the Sun struck the Martian atmosphere, NASA’s MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution) orbiter watched auroras engulf the Red Planet from May 14 to 20.

    Solar particles overwhelmed the star camera on NASA’s 2001 Mars Odyssey orbiter (which uses stars to orient the spacecraft), causing the camera to cut out for almost an hour.
    On the Martian surface, images from the navigation cameras on NASA’s Curiosity rover were freckled with “snow” — streaks and specks caused by charged particles. Meanwhile, Curiosity’s Radiation Assessment Detector recorded the biggest surge of radiation since the rover landed in 2012. If astronauts had been there, they would have received a radiation dose of 8,100 micrograys — equivalent to 30 chest X-rays.

    The Gannon storm spread auroras to unusually low latitudes and has been called the best-documented geomagnetic storm in history. A year on, we have just begun unraveling its story. Data captured during this historic event will be analyzed for years to come, revealing new lessons about the nature of geomagnetic storms and how best to weather them.

    By Mara Johnson-Groh, Miles Hatfield, and Vanessa ThomasNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Isabel Schnabel: Keeping a steady hand in an unsteady world

    Source: European Central Bank

    Speech by Isabel Schnabel, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB, at Hoover Monetary Policy Conference “Finishing the Job and New Challenges”, Stanford University

    Stanford, 10 May 2025

    Standard theory of monetary policy rests on a simple premise: a stable relationship between inflation and the output gap. This is the logic behind the Phillips curve, which, in its most common form, relates inflation to a measure of economic slack, expected inflation and supply shocks.[1]

    The relationship between output and inflation was already under scrutiny well before the pandemic.

    After the global financial crisis of 2008, inflation didn’t fall nearly as much as had been implied by conventional Phillips curve estimates. And once economies around the world recovered and unemployment fell, the bounce-back in inflation fell short of model predictions.

    This is why that episode is known as the period of “missing deflation” and “missing inflation”.[2]

    The situation changed fundamentally in the aftermath of the pandemic, when the relationship between inflation and the output gap proved to be much stronger than what would have been expected based on historical estimates. We observed a noticeably steeper Phillips curve across advanced economies, including the euro area (Slide 2).[3]

    In my remarks today, I would like to draw lessons from the instability of the Phillips curve over the past 20 years for the optimal conduct of monetary policy. I will argue that the evidence of a re-flattening of the Phillips curve after the long period of high inflation suggests that, in the euro area, the most appropriate policy response to the potential risks to price stability arising from fiscal expansion and protectionism is to keep a steady hand and maintain rates close to where they are today – that is, firmly in neutral territory.

    Monetary policy and the slope of the Phillips curve

    The slope of the Phillips curve has first-order implications for the conduct of monetary policy.

    If the curve is steep, as it appeared to be in recent years, monetary policy is highly effective in reducing inflation, with only a limited impact on growth and employment. The smaller “sacrifice ratio” suggests that central banks should react more forcefully to deviations of inflation from target, even when the economy is hit by a supply shock that pushes inflation up and output down.[4]

    A steep Phillips curve hence improves the trade-off facing central banks, weakening the case for “looking through”, as forceful policy action minimises the risks of inflation expectations unanchoring and of inflation becoming entrenched.[5]

    Policy prescriptions differ fundamentally if the Phillips curve is flat.

    In this case, a large policy impulse is required to move output sufficiently to generate aggregate price effects. It can then be optimal for policy to tolerate moderate deviations of inflation from target, as the cost of closing a small inflation gap relative to the target may exceed the benefits.

    This prescription holds in both directions.

    When inflation is above the target, a flat Phillips curve would require a sharp rise in policy rates to bring medium-term inflation down from, say, 2.3% to 2%. Such a course of action may imply a substantial rise in unemployment and may thus not be welfare-improving for society at large – a trade-off central banks may face during the last mile of disinflation.[6]

    The experience of the 2010s, when inflation was persistently below the target, demonstrates that the argument also holds in the opposite direction.

    If bringing inflation up from 1.7% to 2%, for example, requires purchasing a large fraction of outstanding government bonds and making potentially time-inconsistent promises about the future path of interest rates, then the central bank must consider carefully whether the benefits outweigh the costs, such as making losses in the future, market dysfunction, rising wealth inequality, financial instability and threats to its reputation.[7]

    The role of inflation expectations

    However, the ability to tolerate moderate deviations of inflation from target critically hinges on a firm anchoring of inflation expectations – that is, a low sensitivity of inflation expectations to realised inflation.

    If inflation expectations are well-anchored, policymakers can tolerate moderate deviations from target, as fluctuations in inflation tend to fade away. If, however, inflation expectations are at risk of unanchoring, central banks should act forcefully.[8]

    There are two challenges to this strategy.

    One is that the anchoring of inflation expectations is endogenous. Central banks themselves can cause an unanchoring if inaction in the face of price shocks is perceived as weakening its commitment to securing price stability.[9]

    History shows that it can be costly to reestablish the credibility of the nominal anchor once it has been lost. This is also because inflation expectations are path-dependent. Research shows that the experience of high inflation may raise the sensitivity of inflation expectations to new inflation surprises.[10]

    The other challenge is that different measures of inflation expectations often yield different results (Slide 3). As such, robust trends cannot easily be identified in real time, much like the slope of the Phillips curve.[11]

    Measures of inflation expectations can even point in opposite directions. Research from the early days of the pandemic showed that most consumers expected the pandemic to raise prices, contrary to the views held by professional forecasters at the time.[12]

    State-dependent pricing and tight labour markets can explain steeper Phillips curve and post-pandemic inflation surge

    The recent period of high inflation illustrates how sensitive policy conclusions can be to the assessment of the slope of the Phillips curve and to measures of inflation expectations that central banks use in their analysis.

    Two key theories have been proposed to explain the post-pandemic inflation surge.[13]

    The first relates to firms’ price-setting behaviour.

    Standard New Keynesian models assume that the probability of firms resetting their prices is constant over time. This is a fair description of aggregate price movements when inflation is low and aggregate shocks are small (Slide 4).

    However, the past few years have demonstrated that this “linear” relationship breaks down in the face of large shocks.[14] When marginal costs increase rapidly and threaten to erode profit margins, firms tend to raise their prices more frequently. As a result, the Phillips curve steepens.

    This feedback loop is strongly asymmetric.[15] It acts as an inflation accelerator when firms face positive demand or adverse cost-push shocks.[16] But it does little to firms’ pricing strategies in the face of disinflationary shocks due to downward price rigidities.

    This helps explain why inflation did not fall much when the pandemic broke out but increased sharply after the reopening of our economies (Slide 5).[17]

    The second theory relates to the tightness of the labour market.

    Downward nominal wage rigidity has been a key factor explaining the “missing deflation” in the aftermath of the global financial crisis.[18] If nominal wages do not fall, or fall only very slowly, firms’ marginal costs change only moderately, and hence disinflationary pressures face a natural lower bound, even if slack is large.

    But when the labour market is tight, wages are more flexible as firms outbid each other in securing their desired workforce.

    Benigno and Eggertsson show that this channel led to a non-linear inflation surge in the United States whenever the number of job vacancies exceeded the number of unemployed workers (Slide 6).[19] In the euro area, the threshold was lower, but the curve still exhibited strong signs of non-linearity.

    Rising near-term inflation expectations may have shifted the Phillips curve up

    New research for the United States, however, suggests that the evidence in favour of the second theory is not very robust.

    Specifically, the finding of non-linearity depends critically on which measure is used to control for inflation expectations: non-linearity holds when controlling for expectations of professional forecasters, but it disappears once inflation expectations of households and firms are considered.[20]

    In other words, it is conceivable that the Phillips curve did not become steeper but rather shifted upwards as inflation expectations rose.[21] Non-linearity has also been rejected recently using a similar approach based on regional data for the euro area.[22]

    Moreover, the expectations that are relevant for such an upward shift are not necessarily the longer-term expectations that central banks typically pay most attention to.

    These have remained remarkably stable over the past few years (Slide 7).

    Rather, inflation expectations over the near term, such as the next 12 months, may be more important in driving macroeconomic outcomes.

    Bernanke and Blanchard, for example, show that one-year-ahead inflation expectations explain a significant share of the recent marked rise in nominal wages, and hence inflation, in the United States.[23] Similar evidence has been found for the euro area and other advanced economies.[24]

    Again, there appears to be an asymmetry: the risks that the Phillips curve shifts downwards are substantially lower. Research shows that consumers tend to respond more to inflationary than disinflationary news, as households value increases in their purchasing power and as they pay less attention to inflation when it is low.[25]

    The impact of tariffs on inflation in the euro area

    Understanding the reasons behind the recent inflation surge is not only important from a conceptual perspective. It also matters for setting monetary policy today, as we are once again confronted with historically large shocks.

    For central banks, this is a difficult environment to navigate.

    Memories of high inflation are still fresh after a long period of sharply rising prices. And just as during the pandemic, there is considerable uncertainty about how firms and households are going to respond to shocks that are largely outside the historical empirical range.

    Ultimately, the impact of current shocks on prices and wages, and hence the appropriate monetary policy response, will depend on the shape and location of the Phillips curve.

    Monetary policy should focus on the medium term and underlying inflation

    Let me illustrate this by looking at the euro area.

    Given the lags in policy transmission, the relevant horizon for monetary policy is the medium term. The past few years, however, demonstrated that inflation forecasting at times of large structural shocks is inherently difficult and plagued by large uncertainty.

    For this reason, the ECB and other central banks have increasingly turned to a data-dependent approach to monetary policy, where the observed dynamics of underlying inflation and the strength of monetary transmission are used to cross-check the inflation projections.[26]

    This approach remains valid today.[27] But data dependence is not in contrast to being forward-looking.

    In the current situation, the high level of economic uncertainty, together with the sharp fall in energy prices and a stronger euro exchange rate, will likely dampen headline inflation in the short run, potentially pushing it below our 2% target.

    The question is whether these developments provide meaningful signals about the net impact of current shocks on medium-term inflation.

    During the pandemic, for example, a strong appreciation of the euro against the US dollar, by nearly 14% over seven months, and a marked decline in energy prices were followed by a historical inflation surge.

    Data dependency hence requires examining the potential channels through which current shocks could affect underlying inflation over the medium term.

    In the euro area, there are two main forces that could have the size and persistence to pull underlying inflation sustainably away from our 2% medium-term target.

    One is fiscal policy, which is set to expand on a scale unseen outside periods of deep economic contraction.

    Germany has eased its constitutional debt brake for defence-related spending, and has committed to spending €500 billion, or more than 10% of GDP, on infrastructure and the green transition over the next 12 years. In addition, the European Commission has invited Member States to activate the national escape clause to accommodate increased defence expenditure across the EU.

    The impact of these measures on inflation will depend on how they are implemented, especially their impact on the supply side of the economy. But on balance, the fiscal impulse is likely to put upward pressure on underlying inflation over the medium term.

    Global fragmentation is the second force that could have a lasting impact on prices and wages.

    As we speak, the scale and scope of tariffs, the extent of retaliation as well as how financial markets respond to these developments all remain highly uncertain.

    Ongoing negotiations are a sign that mutually beneficial agreements may still be reached. An ideal outcome – the “zero-for-zero” tariff agreement advocated by the European Commission – could even boost growth and employment on both sides of the Atlantic.

    However, should these negotiations fail, the euro area will simultaneously face adverse supply and demand shocks, as the EU has announced that it will retaliate against higher tariffs.

    Similar to the pandemic, assessing the relative strength of these forces is inherently difficult. Overall, however, there are risks that a lasting and meaningful increase in tariffs will reinforce the upward pressure on underlying inflation arising from higher fiscal spending over the medium term.

    To see this, it is useful to look at the factors driving the macroeconomic propagation of tariffs.

    Euro area foreign demand may prove resilient, with limited effects on inflation

    The severity of the negative demand shock will depend on two factors.

    One is the hit to economic activity in the United States and to global demand from raising tariffs across the board. Under the 2 April tariff rates, the United States will face a supply shock of historic proportions. Inflation is poised to rise, real incomes to fall and unemployment to increase. Retaliatory tariffs would weaken the economy further.

    So even in the absence of demand reallocation, foreign demand can be expected to decline if there is a broad increase in tariffs. The depth and persistence of this decline will also depend on other policies, such as tax and spending cuts and deregulation.

    And it will crucially depend on the final outcome of tariff negotiations, which is likely to be far less severe than the 2 April announcement.

    The second factor affecting the severity of the demand shock relates to the degree of demand reallocation – that is, the elasticity of substitution between foreign and domestic products. This elasticity is highly uncertain and varies across industries, products and countries.[28]

    However, a robust finding in the literature is that products that are more differentiated tend to be relatively price-inelastic, as they are more difficult to substitute.

    This has great relevance for the euro area, where the bulk of exports to the United States comprise pharmaceuticals, machinery, vehicles and chemicals. These goods are typically highly differentiated (Slide 8, left-hand side).

    For instance, the supply of machines for producing semiconductors is basically monopolised by one Dutch company. Similarly, banknotes in the United States are overwhelmingly printed using machinery from a single German manufacturer.

    These and other machines are not easy to replace in the short run, giving euro area exporters leverage to pass higher costs on to foreign importers and limiting the hit to foreign demand.

    In addition, trade diversion may benefit euro area exports.

    Should prohibitive tariffs on Chinese imports remain in place, they will measurably raise the euro area’s price competitiveness in the US market. This can be expected to stimulate demand for euro area goods if there are no alternatives in the United States itself, especially as the number of industries in which both Chinese and euro area firms have comparative advantages has increased measurably over the past two decades (Slide 8, right-hand side).[29]

    New research corroborates this view.[30] It finds that the euro area stands to win in relative terms from a global trade war, as its net exports to the world will rise rather than fall as global demand is reallocated across the global network, offsetting the hit to domestic consumption.[31]

    In other words, for as long as tariffs are not prohibitive to trade and the uncertainty paralysing activity fades, aggregate euro area foreign demand may prove relatively resilient under a range of potential tariff outcomes.

    The recent appreciation of the euro does not refute this view.

    The euro has gone through two distinct phases since the US presidential election in November last year. It first depreciated in nominal effective terms by 3% until mid-February, before starting to appreciate. So, in net terms, the euro is trading just 2.6% above last year’s average.

    In addition, as most exports to the United States are invoiced in US dollars, the pass-through of changes in the exchange rate to import prices tends to be moderate – by recent estimates just about one-fifth.[32] And potential losses in price competitiveness in third countries are in part compensated by lower import costs, as euro area exports have, on average, a large import content.

    This price inelasticity is also reflected in recent surveys, with manufacturing firms reporting an expansion in output for the first time in more than two years (Slide 9). Also, fewer firms are reporting falling export orders.

    Even if part of these developments may reflect frontloading by firms, it is remarkable how resilient sentiment has remained in the face of the extraordinary increase in economic uncertainty.

    Supply shock puts upward pressure on inflation, reinforced by global supply chains

    The downward effects on inflation caused by lower demand are likely to be offset, partly or even fully, by the supply shock hitting the euro area through retaliatory tariffs imposed by the EU and other economies.

    The strength of this supply shock also depends on two factors.

    One is the extent to which firms pass higher tariffs on to consumers.

    In the United States, evidence from the 2018 tariff increase suggests that, in most cases, the pass-through to import prices was de facto complete.[33] At the same time, many firms chose to absorb part of the increase in import prices in their profit margins, thereby limiting the increase in consumer price inflation, at least in the short run.[34]

    Whether firms will respond similarly to a renewed rise in tariffs in the current environment is uncertain.

    On the one hand, the recent appreciation of the euro, if persistent, provides some margin for euro area firms to buffer cost increases from retaliatory tariffs. On the other hand, profit margins have already been squeezed by high wage growth and a sluggish economy, and the post-pandemic inflation surge may have lowered the bar for firms to pass higher costs on to consumers.

    Overall, recent surveys of companies in the United States and the euro area suggest that they plan to gradually pass higher tariffs on to consumers over the coming years.[35]

    In addition, in order to compensate for the hit to input costs, firms also tend to raise the prices of goods not directly affected by tariffs. There is evidence that retailers broadly adjust price markups even if only a subset of wholesale prices change.[36]

    The second, and related, factor determining the strength of the supply shock relates to global value chains.

    Unlike during the wave of protectionism in the 1930s, today the dominant share of international trade, about 70%, reflects multinational firms distributing production across countries and along the value chain to minimise costs. In this process, parts and components often cross borders many times.

    Prohibitive tariffs between the United States and China are already disrupting supply chains. Shipments of goods are declining, potentially causing future shortages of critical intermediate goods that could reverberate across the world.

    While current conditions are very different from those seen during the pandemic, when supply chain disruptions were a main factor driving the surge in inflation, the impact of tariffs is likely to be amplified as the increase in firms’ marginal costs propagates through the production network.

    ECB staff analysis shows that, even if the EU does not retaliate, higher production costs transmitted through global value chains could more than offset the disinflationary pressure coming from lower foreign demand, making tariffs inflationary overall (Slide 10, left-hand side).[37]

    These effects will become stronger with full retaliation, including intermediate goods. So far, the EU’s retaliatory measures have disproportionately targeted final consumer goods, such as beverages, food and home appliances – precisely to avoid broader cost effects being transmitted through value chains (Slide 10, right-hand side).

    But if the trade conflict intensifies, the scale of retaliation will widen and increasingly include intermediate goods, as these account for nearly 70% of euro area imports from the United States.

    In other words, retaliatory tariffs on intermediate goods would constitute a much broader cost-push shock for euro area firms, reminiscent of the post-pandemic supply chain disruptions.[38]

    It is possible that these effects will be mitigated by China redirecting goods originally destined for the United States towards the euro area and other economies at a discount.

    In practice, however, this mitigation channel is likely to be contained. India, for example, has already raised temporary tariffs on China to curb a surge in imports. Similarly, the European Commission has repeatedly clarified that it intends to protect euro area firms against dumping prices should imports from China rise significantly in response to the evolving trade conflict with the United States.[39]

    Policy implications

    How, then, should the ECB respond to the current shocks?

    The lessons from the post-pandemic surge in inflation suggest that, from today’s perspective, the appropriate course of action is to keep rates close to where they are today – that is, firmly in neutral territory.

    A “steady hand” policy provides the best insurance against a wide range of potential outcomes. In other words, it is robust to many contingencies.

    Specifically, it avoids reacting excessively to volatility in headline inflation at a time when domestic inflation remains sticky and new forces are putting upward pressure on underlying inflation over the medium term. Given lags in policy transmission, an accommodative policy stance could amplify risks to medium-term price stability.

    This steady hand policy also avoids overreacting to concerns that tariffs may destabilise inflation expectations once again.

    In recent months, households’ short-term inflation expectations have reversed and started rising again. According to the ECB’s Consumer Expectations Survey, expectations for inflation one year ahead increased to 2.9% in March from their trough of 2.4% in September 2024 (Slide 11, left-hand side). Qualitative inflation expectations, as measured by the European Commission, even rose to levels last seen in late 2022 (Slide 11, right-hand side).

    Currently, there are no indications that this rise is persistent, or that inflation expectations are at risk of unanchoring.

    Hence, we can afford to look through the rise in short-term inflation expectations. This could change if we see clear signs of a strong and front-loaded pass-through of potential tariff increases – something that could bring us back to the steep part of the Phillips curve. So far, however, evidence suggests that firms have notably slowed the frequency with which they revise their prices.

    A steady hand policy also addresses risks of a more substantial decline in aggregate demand in response to the trade conflict.

    If tight labour markets were the main culprit for the recent steepening of the Phillips curve, risks of a sharp decline in inflation caused by a rise in unemployment are much more moderate today.

    The reason for this is that in both the United States and the euro area, the vacancy-to-unemployment ratio has fallen markedly and is now at a level that suggests that labour markets are much more balanced (Slide 12).

    We are thus likely to be operating close to, or at, the flat part of the Phillips curve where a change in unemployment has only limited effects on underlying inflation, in stark contrast to the high inflation period.[40]

    We would only need to react more forcefully to the tariff shock if we observed a sharp deterioration in labour market conditions or an unanchoring of inflation expectations to the downside.

    Both seem unlikely at the current juncture.

    Despite the number of vacancies declining, the euro area labour market has proven resilient, with unemployment at a record low. And most measures of medium-term inflation expectations remain tilted to the upside, including those of professional forecasters (Slide 13).

    Conclusion

    My main message today, and with this I would like to conclude, is therefore simple: now is the time to keep a steady hand.

    In the current environment of elevated volatility, the ECB needs to remain focused on the medium term. Given long and variable transmission lags, reacting to short-term developments could result in the peak impact of our policy only unfolding when the current disinflationary forces have passed.

    Over the medium term, risks to euro area inflation are likely tilted to the upside, reflecting both the increase in fiscal spending and the risks of renewed cost-push shocks from tariffs propagating through global value chains.

    Therefore, from today’s perspective, an accommodative monetary policy stance would be inappropriate, also because recent inflation data suggest that past shocks may unwind more slowly than previously anticipated.

    By keeping interest rates near their current levels, we can be confident that monetary policy is neither excessively holding back growth and employment, nor stimulating it. We are thus in a good place to evaluate the likely future evolution of the economy and to take action if risks materialise that threaten price stability.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Isabel Schnabel: Keeping a steady hand in an unsteady world

    Source: European Central Bank

    Speech by Isabel Schnabel, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB, at Hoover Monetary Policy Conference “Finishing the Job and New Challenges”, Stanford University

    Stanford, 10 May 2025

    Standard theory of monetary policy rests on a simple premise: a stable relationship between inflation and the output gap. This is the logic behind the Phillips curve, which, in its most common form, relates inflation to a measure of economic slack, expected inflation and supply shocks.[1]

    The relationship between output and inflation was already under scrutiny well before the pandemic.

    After the global financial crisis of 2008, inflation didn’t fall nearly as much as had been implied by conventional Phillips curve estimates. And once economies around the world recovered and unemployment fell, the bounce-back in inflation fell short of model predictions.

    This is why that episode is known as the period of “missing deflation” and “missing inflation”.[2]

    The situation changed fundamentally in the aftermath of the pandemic, when the relationship between inflation and the output gap proved to be much stronger than what would have been expected based on historical estimates. We observed a noticeably steeper Phillips curve across advanced economies, including the euro area (Slide 2).[3]

    In my remarks today, I would like to draw lessons from the instability of the Phillips curve over the past 20 years for the optimal conduct of monetary policy. I will argue that the evidence of a re-flattening of the Phillips curve after the long period of high inflation suggests that, in the euro area, the most appropriate policy response to the potential risks to price stability arising from fiscal expansion and protectionism is to keep a steady hand and maintain rates close to where they are today – that is, firmly in neutral territory.

    Monetary policy and the slope of the Phillips curve

    The slope of the Phillips curve has first-order implications for the conduct of monetary policy.

    If the curve is steep, as it appeared to be in recent years, monetary policy is highly effective in reducing inflation, with only a limited impact on growth and employment. The smaller “sacrifice ratio” suggests that central banks should react more forcefully to deviations of inflation from target, even when the economy is hit by a supply shock that pushes inflation up and output down.[4]

    A steep Phillips curve hence improves the trade-off facing central banks, weakening the case for “looking through”, as forceful policy action minimises the risks of inflation expectations unanchoring and of inflation becoming entrenched.[5]

    Policy prescriptions differ fundamentally if the Phillips curve is flat.

    In this case, a large policy impulse is required to move output sufficiently to generate aggregate price effects. It can then be optimal for policy to tolerate moderate deviations of inflation from target, as the cost of closing a small inflation gap relative to the target may exceed the benefits.

    This prescription holds in both directions.

    When inflation is above the target, a flat Phillips curve would require a sharp rise in policy rates to bring medium-term inflation down from, say, 2.3% to 2%. Such a course of action may imply a substantial rise in unemployment and may thus not be welfare-improving for society at large – a trade-off central banks may face during the last mile of disinflation.[6]

    The experience of the 2010s, when inflation was persistently below the target, demonstrates that the argument also holds in the opposite direction.

    If bringing inflation up from 1.7% to 2%, for example, requires purchasing a large fraction of outstanding government bonds and making potentially time-inconsistent promises about the future path of interest rates, then the central bank must consider carefully whether the benefits outweigh the costs, such as making losses in the future, market dysfunction, rising wealth inequality, financial instability and threats to its reputation.[7]

    The role of inflation expectations

    However, the ability to tolerate moderate deviations of inflation from target critically hinges on a firm anchoring of inflation expectations – that is, a low sensitivity of inflation expectations to realised inflation.

    If inflation expectations are well-anchored, policymakers can tolerate moderate deviations from target, as fluctuations in inflation tend to fade away. If, however, inflation expectations are at risk of unanchoring, central banks should act forcefully.[8]

    There are two challenges to this strategy.

    One is that the anchoring of inflation expectations is endogenous. Central banks themselves can cause an unanchoring if inaction in the face of price shocks is perceived as weakening its commitment to securing price stability.[9]

    History shows that it can be costly to reestablish the credibility of the nominal anchor once it has been lost. This is also because inflation expectations are path-dependent. Research shows that the experience of high inflation may raise the sensitivity of inflation expectations to new inflation surprises.[10]

    The other challenge is that different measures of inflation expectations often yield different results (Slide 3). As such, robust trends cannot easily be identified in real time, much like the slope of the Phillips curve.[11]

    Measures of inflation expectations can even point in opposite directions. Research from the early days of the pandemic showed that most consumers expected the pandemic to raise prices, contrary to the views held by professional forecasters at the time.[12]

    State-dependent pricing and tight labour markets can explain steeper Phillips curve and post-pandemic inflation surge

    The recent period of high inflation illustrates how sensitive policy conclusions can be to the assessment of the slope of the Phillips curve and to measures of inflation expectations that central banks use in their analysis.

    Two key theories have been proposed to explain the post-pandemic inflation surge.[13]

    The first relates to firms’ price-setting behaviour.

    Standard New Keynesian models assume that the probability of firms resetting their prices is constant over time. This is a fair description of aggregate price movements when inflation is low and aggregate shocks are small (Slide 4).

    However, the past few years have demonstrated that this “linear” relationship breaks down in the face of large shocks.[14] When marginal costs increase rapidly and threaten to erode profit margins, firms tend to raise their prices more frequently. As a result, the Phillips curve steepens.

    This feedback loop is strongly asymmetric.[15] It acts as an inflation accelerator when firms face positive demand or adverse cost-push shocks.[16] But it does little to firms’ pricing strategies in the face of disinflationary shocks due to downward price rigidities.

    This helps explain why inflation did not fall much when the pandemic broke out but increased sharply after the reopening of our economies (Slide 5).[17]

    The second theory relates to the tightness of the labour market.

    Downward nominal wage rigidity has been a key factor explaining the “missing deflation” in the aftermath of the global financial crisis.[18] If nominal wages do not fall, or fall only very slowly, firms’ marginal costs change only moderately, and hence disinflationary pressures face a natural lower bound, even if slack is large.

    But when the labour market is tight, wages are more flexible as firms outbid each other in securing their desired workforce.

    Benigno and Eggertsson show that this channel led to a non-linear inflation surge in the United States whenever the number of job vacancies exceeded the number of unemployed workers (Slide 6).[19] In the euro area, the threshold was lower, but the curve still exhibited strong signs of non-linearity.

    Rising near-term inflation expectations may have shifted the Phillips curve up

    New research for the United States, however, suggests that the evidence in favour of the second theory is not very robust.

    Specifically, the finding of non-linearity depends critically on which measure is used to control for inflation expectations: non-linearity holds when controlling for expectations of professional forecasters, but it disappears once inflation expectations of households and firms are considered.[20]

    In other words, it is conceivable that the Phillips curve did not become steeper but rather shifted upwards as inflation expectations rose.[21] Non-linearity has also been rejected recently using a similar approach based on regional data for the euro area.[22]

    Moreover, the expectations that are relevant for such an upward shift are not necessarily the longer-term expectations that central banks typically pay most attention to.

    These have remained remarkably stable over the past few years (Slide 7).

    Rather, inflation expectations over the near term, such as the next 12 months, may be more important in driving macroeconomic outcomes.

    Bernanke and Blanchard, for example, show that one-year-ahead inflation expectations explain a significant share of the recent marked rise in nominal wages, and hence inflation, in the United States.[23] Similar evidence has been found for the euro area and other advanced economies.[24]

    Again, there appears to be an asymmetry: the risks that the Phillips curve shifts downwards are substantially lower. Research shows that consumers tend to respond more to inflationary than disinflationary news, as households value increases in their purchasing power and as they pay less attention to inflation when it is low.[25]

    The impact of tariffs on inflation in the euro area

    Understanding the reasons behind the recent inflation surge is not only important from a conceptual perspective. It also matters for setting monetary policy today, as we are once again confronted with historically large shocks.

    For central banks, this is a difficult environment to navigate.

    Memories of high inflation are still fresh after a long period of sharply rising prices. And just as during the pandemic, there is considerable uncertainty about how firms and households are going to respond to shocks that are largely outside the historical empirical range.

    Ultimately, the impact of current shocks on prices and wages, and hence the appropriate monetary policy response, will depend on the shape and location of the Phillips curve.

    Monetary policy should focus on the medium term and underlying inflation

    Let me illustrate this by looking at the euro area.

    Given the lags in policy transmission, the relevant horizon for monetary policy is the medium term. The past few years, however, demonstrated that inflation forecasting at times of large structural shocks is inherently difficult and plagued by large uncertainty.

    For this reason, the ECB and other central banks have increasingly turned to a data-dependent approach to monetary policy, where the observed dynamics of underlying inflation and the strength of monetary transmission are used to cross-check the inflation projections.[26]

    This approach remains valid today.[27] But data dependence is not in contrast to being forward-looking.

    In the current situation, the high level of economic uncertainty, together with the sharp fall in energy prices and a stronger euro exchange rate, will likely dampen headline inflation in the short run, potentially pushing it below our 2% target.

    The question is whether these developments provide meaningful signals about the net impact of current shocks on medium-term inflation.

    During the pandemic, for example, a strong appreciation of the euro against the US dollar, by nearly 14% over seven months, and a marked decline in energy prices were followed by a historical inflation surge.

    Data dependency hence requires examining the potential channels through which current shocks could affect underlying inflation over the medium term.

    In the euro area, there are two main forces that could have the size and persistence to pull underlying inflation sustainably away from our 2% medium-term target.

    One is fiscal policy, which is set to expand on a scale unseen outside periods of deep economic contraction.

    Germany has eased its constitutional debt brake for defence-related spending, and has committed to spending €500 billion, or more than 10% of GDP, on infrastructure and the green transition over the next 12 years. In addition, the European Commission has invited Member States to activate the national escape clause to accommodate increased defence expenditure across the EU.

    The impact of these measures on inflation will depend on how they are implemented, especially their impact on the supply side of the economy. But on balance, the fiscal impulse is likely to put upward pressure on underlying inflation over the medium term.

    Global fragmentation is the second force that could have a lasting impact on prices and wages.

    As we speak, the scale and scope of tariffs, the extent of retaliation as well as how financial markets respond to these developments all remain highly uncertain.

    Ongoing negotiations are a sign that mutually beneficial agreements may still be reached. An ideal outcome – the “zero-for-zero” tariff agreement advocated by the European Commission – could even boost growth and employment on both sides of the Atlantic.

    However, should these negotiations fail, the euro area will simultaneously face adverse supply and demand shocks, as the EU has announced that it will retaliate against higher tariffs.

    Similar to the pandemic, assessing the relative strength of these forces is inherently difficult. Overall, however, there are risks that a lasting and meaningful increase in tariffs will reinforce the upward pressure on underlying inflation arising from higher fiscal spending over the medium term.

    To see this, it is useful to look at the factors driving the macroeconomic propagation of tariffs.

    Euro area foreign demand may prove resilient, with limited effects on inflation

    The severity of the negative demand shock will depend on two factors.

    One is the hit to economic activity in the United States and to global demand from raising tariffs across the board. Under the 2 April tariff rates, the United States will face a supply shock of historic proportions. Inflation is poised to rise, real incomes to fall and unemployment to increase. Retaliatory tariffs would weaken the economy further.

    So even in the absence of demand reallocation, foreign demand can be expected to decline if there is a broad increase in tariffs. The depth and persistence of this decline will also depend on other policies, such as tax and spending cuts and deregulation.

    And it will crucially depend on the final outcome of tariff negotiations, which is likely to be far less severe than the 2 April announcement.

    The second factor affecting the severity of the demand shock relates to the degree of demand reallocation – that is, the elasticity of substitution between foreign and domestic products. This elasticity is highly uncertain and varies across industries, products and countries.[28]

    However, a robust finding in the literature is that products that are more differentiated tend to be relatively price-inelastic, as they are more difficult to substitute.

    This has great relevance for the euro area, where the bulk of exports to the United States comprise pharmaceuticals, machinery, vehicles and chemicals. These goods are typically highly differentiated (Slide 8, left-hand side).

    For instance, the supply of machines for producing semiconductors is basically monopolised by one Dutch company. Similarly, banknotes in the United States are overwhelmingly printed using machinery from a single German manufacturer.

    These and other machines are not easy to replace in the short run, giving euro area exporters leverage to pass higher costs on to foreign importers and limiting the hit to foreign demand.

    In addition, trade diversion may benefit euro area exports.

    Should prohibitive tariffs on Chinese imports remain in place, they will measurably raise the euro area’s price competitiveness in the US market. This can be expected to stimulate demand for euro area goods if there are no alternatives in the United States itself, especially as the number of industries in which both Chinese and euro area firms have comparative advantages has increased measurably over the past two decades (Slide 8, right-hand side).[29]

    New research corroborates this view.[30] It finds that the euro area stands to win in relative terms from a global trade war, as its net exports to the world will rise rather than fall as global demand is reallocated across the global network, offsetting the hit to domestic consumption.[31]

    In other words, for as long as tariffs are not prohibitive to trade and the uncertainty paralysing activity fades, aggregate euro area foreign demand may prove relatively resilient under a range of potential tariff outcomes.

    The recent appreciation of the euro does not refute this view.

    The euro has gone through two distinct phases since the US presidential election in November last year. It first depreciated in nominal effective terms by 3% until mid-February, before starting to appreciate. So, in net terms, the euro is trading just 2.6% above last year’s average.

    In addition, as most exports to the United States are invoiced in US dollars, the pass-through of changes in the exchange rate to import prices tends to be moderate – by recent estimates just about one-fifth.[32] And potential losses in price competitiveness in third countries are in part compensated by lower import costs, as euro area exports have, on average, a large import content.

    This price inelasticity is also reflected in recent surveys, with manufacturing firms reporting an expansion in output for the first time in more than two years (Slide 9). Also, fewer firms are reporting falling export orders.

    Even if part of these developments may reflect frontloading by firms, it is remarkable how resilient sentiment has remained in the face of the extraordinary increase in economic uncertainty.

    Supply shock puts upward pressure on inflation, reinforced by global supply chains

    The downward effects on inflation caused by lower demand are likely to be offset, partly or even fully, by the supply shock hitting the euro area through retaliatory tariffs imposed by the EU and other economies.

    The strength of this supply shock also depends on two factors.

    One is the extent to which firms pass higher tariffs on to consumers.

    In the United States, evidence from the 2018 tariff increase suggests that, in most cases, the pass-through to import prices was de facto complete.[33] At the same time, many firms chose to absorb part of the increase in import prices in their profit margins, thereby limiting the increase in consumer price inflation, at least in the short run.[34]

    Whether firms will respond similarly to a renewed rise in tariffs in the current environment is uncertain.

    On the one hand, the recent appreciation of the euro, if persistent, provides some margin for euro area firms to buffer cost increases from retaliatory tariffs. On the other hand, profit margins have already been squeezed by high wage growth and a sluggish economy, and the post-pandemic inflation surge may have lowered the bar for firms to pass higher costs on to consumers.

    Overall, recent surveys of companies in the United States and the euro area suggest that they plan to gradually pass higher tariffs on to consumers over the coming years.[35]

    In addition, in order to compensate for the hit to input costs, firms also tend to raise the prices of goods not directly affected by tariffs. There is evidence that retailers broadly adjust price markups even if only a subset of wholesale prices change.[36]

    The second, and related, factor determining the strength of the supply shock relates to global value chains.

    Unlike during the wave of protectionism in the 1930s, today the dominant share of international trade, about 70%, reflects multinational firms distributing production across countries and along the value chain to minimise costs. In this process, parts and components often cross borders many times.

    Prohibitive tariffs between the United States and China are already disrupting supply chains. Shipments of goods are declining, potentially causing future shortages of critical intermediate goods that could reverberate across the world.

    While current conditions are very different from those seen during the pandemic, when supply chain disruptions were a main factor driving the surge in inflation, the impact of tariffs is likely to be amplified as the increase in firms’ marginal costs propagates through the production network.

    ECB staff analysis shows that, even if the EU does not retaliate, higher production costs transmitted through global value chains could more than offset the disinflationary pressure coming from lower foreign demand, making tariffs inflationary overall (Slide 10, left-hand side).[37]

    These effects will become stronger with full retaliation, including intermediate goods. So far, the EU’s retaliatory measures have disproportionately targeted final consumer goods, such as beverages, food and home appliances – precisely to avoid broader cost effects being transmitted through value chains (Slide 10, right-hand side).

    But if the trade conflict intensifies, the scale of retaliation will widen and increasingly include intermediate goods, as these account for nearly 70% of euro area imports from the United States.

    In other words, retaliatory tariffs on intermediate goods would constitute a much broader cost-push shock for euro area firms, reminiscent of the post-pandemic supply chain disruptions.[38]

    It is possible that these effects will be mitigated by China redirecting goods originally destined for the United States towards the euro area and other economies at a discount.

    In practice, however, this mitigation channel is likely to be contained. India, for example, has already raised temporary tariffs on China to curb a surge in imports. Similarly, the European Commission has repeatedly clarified that it intends to protect euro area firms against dumping prices should imports from China rise significantly in response to the evolving trade conflict with the United States.[39]

    Policy implications

    How, then, should the ECB respond to the current shocks?

    The lessons from the post-pandemic surge in inflation suggest that, from today’s perspective, the appropriate course of action is to keep rates close to where they are today – that is, firmly in neutral territory.

    A “steady hand” policy provides the best insurance against a wide range of potential outcomes. In other words, it is robust to many contingencies.

    Specifically, it avoids reacting excessively to volatility in headline inflation at a time when domestic inflation remains sticky and new forces are putting upward pressure on underlying inflation over the medium term. Given lags in policy transmission, an accommodative policy stance could amplify risks to medium-term price stability.

    This steady hand policy also avoids overreacting to concerns that tariffs may destabilise inflation expectations once again.

    In recent months, households’ short-term inflation expectations have reversed and started rising again. According to the ECB’s Consumer Expectations Survey, expectations for inflation one year ahead increased to 2.9% in March from their trough of 2.4% in September 2024 (Slide 11, left-hand side). Qualitative inflation expectations, as measured by the European Commission, even rose to levels last seen in late 2022 (Slide 11, right-hand side).

    Currently, there are no indications that this rise is persistent, or that inflation expectations are at risk of unanchoring.

    Hence, we can afford to look through the rise in short-term inflation expectations. This could change if we see clear signs of a strong and front-loaded pass-through of potential tariff increases – something that could bring us back to the steep part of the Phillips curve. So far, however, evidence suggests that firms have notably slowed the frequency with which they revise their prices.

    A steady hand policy also addresses risks of a more substantial decline in aggregate demand in response to the trade conflict.

    If tight labour markets were the main culprit for the recent steepening of the Phillips curve, risks of a sharp decline in inflation caused by a rise in unemployment are much more moderate today.

    The reason for this is that in both the United States and the euro area, the vacancy-to-unemployment ratio has fallen markedly and is now at a level that suggests that labour markets are much more balanced (Slide 12).

    We are thus likely to be operating close to, or at, the flat part of the Phillips curve where a change in unemployment has only limited effects on underlying inflation, in stark contrast to the high inflation period.[40]

    We would only need to react more forcefully to the tariff shock if we observed a sharp deterioration in labour market conditions or an unanchoring of inflation expectations to the downside.

    Both seem unlikely at the current juncture.

    Despite the number of vacancies declining, the euro area labour market has proven resilient, with unemployment at a record low. And most measures of medium-term inflation expectations remain tilted to the upside, including those of professional forecasters (Slide 13).

    Conclusion

    My main message today, and with this I would like to conclude, is therefore simple: now is the time to keep a steady hand.

    In the current environment of elevated volatility, the ECB needs to remain focused on the medium term. Given long and variable transmission lags, reacting to short-term developments could result in the peak impact of our policy only unfolding when the current disinflationary forces have passed.

    Over the medium term, risks to euro area inflation are likely tilted to the upside, reflecting both the increase in fiscal spending and the risks of renewed cost-push shocks from tariffs propagating through global value chains.

    Therefore, from today’s perspective, an accommodative monetary policy stance would be inappropriate, also because recent inflation data suggest that past shocks may unwind more slowly than previously anticipated.

    By keeping interest rates near their current levels, we can be confident that monetary policy is neither excessively holding back growth and employment, nor stimulating it. We are thus in a good place to evaluate the likely future evolution of the economy and to take action if risks materialise that threaten price stability.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Padilla Celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week, Calls in to Congratulate 2025 California Teachers of the Year

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    WATCH: Padilla Celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week, Calls in to Congratulate 2025 California Teachers of the Year

    Padilla expresses gratitude for teachers’ hard work to educate and inspire the next generationWASHINGTON, D.C. — To celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) called in to the classrooms of some of the 2025 Teachers of the Year in California. Padilla dropped in to thank teachers from San Diego County, Los Angeles County, and Marin County for their inspiring service and dedication toward ensuring their students’ success.
    Kristen LoPrell, San Diego County

    WATCH: Senator Padilla congratulates Kristen LoPrellKristen LoPrell is a 2025 California Teacher of the Year for the California Department of Education and a high school Mathematics and AP Calculus teacher at Grossmont High School. LoPrell supports the Gender and Sexuality Alliance and Academic League at her school. She also serves as the freshman orientation coordinator, training older students to mentor incoming freshmen. She works to ensure that all students feel safe in her classroom so they feel comfortable taking risks in their thinking as they practice arithmetic using real-life examples.
    “Through it all, you’re hanging in there and doing great. You know, I can see by the biographical information I’ve read and by the look of the kids behind you, you’re truly inspiring, and that’s not a coincidence. It’s a reflection of who you are and your commitment and your service. So just thank you, thank you so much,” said Senator Padilla. “Some of the mentorship that you provide to a lot of the kids, especially in the times that we’re living in, it’s above and beyond, but much, much appreciated and very impactful. … Your joy and your commitment is shining through, and it’s not a surprise to everybody who knows you that you’re getting this recognition. So enjoy it.”
    Matthew Winheim, Los Angeles County

    WATCH: Senator Padilla congratulates Matthew WinheimMatthew Winheim is a 2025 California Teacher of the Year for the California Department of Education. He is a middle school STEM Aviation and Mathematics teacher at Space Aeronautics Gateway to Exploration Magnet Academy in the Palmdale Unified School District.
    “My background is in engineering if you weren’t aware, so to hear that you’re teaching STEM and inspiring students in STEM makes me even more excited to be here. … A big thank you, because obviously these recognitions come about for teachers that go above and beyond. Every teacher I know does it out of the goodness of their heart. It’s all about how are we teaching kids and molding kids because they are the next generation,” said Senator Padilla. “A message to the students here: what your teacher is saying is absolutely right. If you’re inspired to go into the field, you can work in the private sector, you can be an innovator, an inventor, very successful on the business side of things, but I could tell you as an engineer who’s now in government and in the public policy space, a lot of the biggest challenges that we have as a country right now are rooted in technology solutions.”
    Susan Wilkinson, Marin County
    WATCH: Senator Padilla congratulates Susan WilkinsonSusan Wilkinson is Marin County’s Teacher of the Year and a Finalist for 2025 California Teacher of the Year for the California Department of Education. She is an Early Intervention Special Education teacher at Marindale School in the Marin County Office of Education.
    A San Rafael resident, Wilkinson has been an early intervention specialist for children three to five years old at Marindale School in San Rafael since 2006. Wilkinson teaches a day class for students with autistic-like behaviors or severe language delays. She has been part of the special education team at the county education office since 1985.
    “Just seeing the kids brings a smile to my face. But just want to thank you for allowing me to join you for a few minutes today to say, not just congratulations, but more importantly, just thank you. It’s beyond an honorable profession you have,” said Senator Padilla. “The next generation is in your hands. I just admire your service, your commitment, your heart for your kids. Being a teacher, in and of itself, is not easy. I know that — my sister has been an educator her entire career. But tackling special needs, and in the times that we’re living in, between COVID to the elimination of the Department of Education, all sorts of other things going on, I’m sure it doesn’t make the job easier, but appreciate your commitment.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Remember history to illuminate future — Xi attends Victory Day commemorations in Moscow

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Remember history to illuminate future — Xi attends Victory Day commemorations in Moscow

    Chinese President Xi Jinping, along with other leaders, lays flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and observes a moment of silence, following the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. Leaders from more than 20 countries and international organizations are invited to the events. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MOSCOW, May 9 — Bouquet in hand before the Eternal Flame at the Red Square, Chinese President Xi Jinping joined Russian President Vladimir Putin and more than 20 other leaders to lay red flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

    The solemn ceremony marked a moment of remembrance and tribute to those who perished in the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War, as Russia celebrated the 80th anniversary of victory in that war on Friday.

    This year’s commemorations culminated in a grand military parade at the Red Square earlier in the day. At the main viewing stand, Xi and Putin sat side by side and talked from time to time.

    Chinese President Xi Jinping attends celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Over 11,500 military personnel, including contingents from more than 10 countries, took part in the parade. Among them was the Guard of Honor of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Xi rose from his seat when the PLA unit passed through the square.

    In the parade’s “historical” segment, Russian service members, clad in uniforms from the era of the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War, carried vintage military flags and weapons, evoking memories of the years of resistance against Fascism.

    The Guard of Honor of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) attend a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    On the night of May 8, 1945, Germany signed the surrender document in Karlshorst, Berlin, marking the end of WWII in Europe. Meanwhile in Moscow, it was already May 9, which was designated by the Soviet Union and later Russia as “Victory Day.” Since 1995, Russia has been holding military parades and other commemorative events every year on May 9.

    “The Soviet Union took upon itself the most ferocious, merciless blows of the enemy,” Putin said in an address ahead of the parade. “We shall always remember that the opening of the Second Front in Europe after the decisive battles on the territory of the Soviet Union brought victory closer.”

    “We highly value the contribution to our common struggle of Allied soldiers, members of the resistance, the courageous people of China, all those who fought for a peaceful future,” Putin said.

    The Soviet Union was the principal theater of World War II in Europe, losing 27 million lives, while China was the main theater in Asia, suffering 35 million casualties in its resistance against the bulk of Japanese militarist forces. Together, the two countries served as the mainstay of resistance against Japanese militarism and German Nazism, making pivotal contributions to the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War.

    Eighty years ago, in the face of brutal aggression of militarism and Nazism, the Chinese and Russian peoples stood united, fighting side by side against a common enemy and writing a remarkable and heroic chapter in history, Xi said when he and Putin jointly met the press on Thursday after their talks at the Kremlin.

    Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin jointly meet the press after their talks at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, May 8, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    This is the second time for Xi to attend Russia’s Victory Day celebrations after he traveled to Moscow upon the 70th anniversary 10 years ago. That same year, Putin also attended China’s Victory Day parade on Sept. 3 in Beijing to commemorate the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

    The past decade has been one of profound turbulence and transformation in the international landscape, Xi noted when meeting the press with Putin on Thursday.

    In the face of the changes of the world, of the times and of historical significance, China and Russia should keep a firm grasp on the development direction of bilateral ties and the general trend of the development of human society, Xi said, calling for greater joint efforts in safeguarding international fairness and justice.

    Ahead of his state visit to Russia, Xi published a signed article in Russian media titled “Learning from History to Build Together a Brighter Future.”

    “Indeed, historical memory and truth will not fade with the passage of time. They serve as inspirations that mirror the present and illuminate the future. We must learn from history, especially the hard lessons of the Second World War,” he wrote.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Budd Introduce Legislation to Empower Vocational Students, Unlock Workforce Potential

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.) introduced the Promoting Employment and Lifelong Learning (PELL) Act to expand Pell Grant eligibility to short-term, technical training programs. This legislation would make available financial assistance for low-income students looking to pursue in-demand and high-paying careers in skilled trades. 
    “Too many students are pushed into debt seeking a four-year degree that doesn’t suit job market demands. That needs to change. Our legislation will expand access to high-quality, short-term job training programs to close the skills gap, reduce college debt and ensure more students can enter the workforce in high-demand industries,” Grassley said.
    “We cannot build tomorrow’s workforce based on the blueprint for yesterday’s economy. By modernizing Pell Grant eligibility, we can open the door for millions of Americans to gain in-demand skills, while creating more family-sustaining careers. In as little as eight weeks, students can earn industry-recognized credentials and practical knowledge – the real currency of today’s labor market. It’s time to build a workforce strategy as modern and dynamic as the economy we’re preparing it for,” Budd said.
    Grassley and Budd are joined by Sens. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) and Jim Justice (R-W.Va.).
    The PELL Act served as the original framework for the House of Representatives’ Student Success and Taxpayer Savings Plan, which was recently included in the House Committee on Education and the Workforce’s reconciliation bill.
    Read the full bill text HERE.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Tracing radiation through the Marshall Islands: Reflections from a veteran Greenpeace nuclear campaigner

    SPECIAL REPORT: By Shaun Burnie of Greenpeace

    We’ve visited Ground Zero. Not once, but three times. But for generations, before these locations were designated as such, they were the ancestral home to the people of the Marshall Islands.

    As part of a team of Greenpeace scientists and specialists from the Radiation Protection Advisers team, we have embarked on a six-week tour on board the Rainbow Warrior, sailing through one of the most disturbing chapters in human history: between 1946 and 1958, the United States detonated 67 nuclear bombs across the Marshall Islands — equivalent to 7200 Hiroshima explosions.

    During this period, testing nuclear weapons at the expense of wonderful ocean nations like the Marshall Islands was considered an acceptable practice, or as the US put it, “for the good of mankind”.

    Instead, the radioactive fallout left a deep and complex legacy — one that is both scientific and profoundly human, with communities displaced for generations.

    The Rainbow Warrior coming into port in Majuro, Marshall Islands. Between March and April 2025 it embarked on a six-week mission around the Pacific nation to elevate calls for nuclear and climate justice; and support independent scientific research into the impacts of decades-long nuclear weapons testing by the US government. Image: © Bianca Vitale/Greenpeace

    Between March and April, we travelled on the Greenpeace flagship vessel, the Rainbow Warrior, throughout the Marshall Islands, including to three northern atolls that bear the most severe scars of Cold War nuclear weapons testing:

    • Enewetak atoll, where, on Runit Island, stands a massive leaking concrete dome beneath which lies plutonium-contaminated waste, a result of a partial “clean-up” of some of the islands after the nuclear tests;
    • Bikini atoll, a place so beautiful, yet rendered uninhabitable by some of the most powerful nuclear detonations ever conducted; and
    • Rongelap atoll, where residents were exposed to radiation fallout and later convinced to return to contaminated land, part of what is now known as Project 4.1, a US medical experiment to test humans’  exposure to radiation.

    This isn’t fiction, nor the distant past. It’s a chapter of history still alive through the environment, the health of communities, and the data we’re collecting today.

    Each location we visit, each sample we take, adds to a clearer picture of some of the long-term impacts of nuclear testing—and highlights the importance of continuing to document, investigate, and attempt to understand and share these findings.

    These are our field notes from a journey through places that hold important lessons for science, justice, and global accountability.

    As part of the Marshall Islands ship tour, a group of Greenpeace scientists and independent radiation experts were in Rongelap to sample lagoon sediments and plants that could become food if people came back. Image: © Greenpeace/Chewy C. Lin

    Our mission: why are we here?
     With the permission and support of the Marshallese government, a group of Greenpeace science and radiation experts, together with independent scientists, are in the island nation to assess, investigate, and document the long-term environmental and radiological consequences of nuclear weapons testing in the Marshall Islands.

    Our mission is grounded in science. We’re conducting field sampling and radiological surveys to gather data on what radioactivity remains in the environment — isotopes such as caesium-137, strontium-90 and plutonium-239/240. These substances are released during nuclear explosions and can linger in the environment for decades, posing serious health risks, such as increased risk of cancers in organs and bones.

    But this work is not only about radiation measurements, it is also about bearing witness.

    We are here in solidarity with Marshallese communities who continue to live with the consequences of decisions made decades ago, without their consent and far from the public eye.

    Stop 1: Enewetak Atoll — the dome that shouldn’t exist

    The Runit Dome with the Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior in the background. Image: © Greenpeace/Chewy C. Lin

    At the far western edge of the Marshall Islands is Enewetak. The name might not ring a bell for many, but this atoll was the site of 43 US nuclear detonations. Today, it houses what may be one of the most radioactive places in the world — the Runit Dome.

    Once a tropical paradise thick with coconut palms, Runit Island is capped by a massive concrete structure the size of a football field. Under this dome — cracked, weather-worn, and only 46 centimetres thick in some places — lies 85,000 cubic metres of radioactive waste. These substances are not only confined to the crater — they are also found across the island’s soil, rendering Runit Island uninhabitable for all time.

    The contrast between what it once was and what it has become is staggering. We took samples near the dome’s base, where rising sea levels now routinely flood the area.

    We collected coconut from the island, which will be processed and prepared in the Rainbow Warrior’s onboard laboratory. Crops such as coconut are a known vector for radioactive isotope transfer, and tracking levels in food sources is essential for understanding long-term environmental and health risks.

    The local consequences of this simple fact are deeply unjust. While some atolls in the Marshall Islands can harvest and sell coconut products, the people of Enewetak are prohibited from doing so because of radioactive contamination.

    They have lost not only their land and safety but also their ability to sustain themselves economically. The radioactive legacy has robbed them of income and opportunity.

    Measuring and collecting coconut samples. Image: © Greenpeace/Chewy C. Lin

    One of the most alarming details about this dome is that there is no lining beneath the structure — it is in direct contact with the environment, while containing some of the most hazardous long-lived substances ever to exist on planet Earth. It was never built to withstand flooding, sea level rise, and climate change.

    The scientific questions are urgent: how much of this material is already leaking into the lagoon? What are the exposure risks to marine ecosystems and local communities?

    We are here to help answer questions with new, independent data, but still, being in the craters and walking on this ground where nuclear Armageddon was unleashed is an emotional and surreal journey.

    Stop 2: Bikini — a nuclear catastrophe, labelled ‘for the good of mankind’

    Aerial shot of Bikini atoll, Marshall Islands. The Greenpeace ship, Rainbow Warrior can be seen in the upper left. Image: © Greenpeace/Chewy C. Lin

    Unlike Chernobyl or Fukushima, where communities were devastated by catastrophic accidents, Bikini tells a different story. This was not an accident.

    The nuclear destruction of Bikini was deliberate, calculated, and executed with full knowledge that entire ways of life were going to be destroyed.

    Bikini Atoll is incredibly beautiful and would look idyllic on any postcard. But we know what lies beneath: the site of 23 nuclear detonations, including Castle Bravo, the largest ever nuclear weapons test conducted by the United States.

    Castle Bravo alone released more than 1000 times the explosive yield of the Hiroshima bomb. The radioactive fallout massively contaminated nearby islands and their populations, together with thousands of US military personnel.

    Bikini’s former residents were forcibly relocated in 1946 before nuclear testing began, with promises of a safe return. But the atoll is still uninhabited, and most of the new generations of Bikinians have never seen their home island.

    As we stood deep in the forest next to a massive concrete blast bunker, reality hit hard — behind its narrow lead-glass viewing window, US military personnel once watched the evaporation of Bikini lagoon.

    Bikini Islanders board a landing craft vehicle personnel (LCVP) as they depart from Bikini Atoll in March 1946. Image: © United States Navy

    On our visit, we noticed there’s a spectral quality to Bikini. The homes of the Bikini islanders are long gone. In its place now stand a scattering of buildings left by the US Department of Energy: rusting canteens, rotting offices, sleeping quarters with peeling walls, and traces of the scientific experiments conducted here after the bombs fell.

    On dusty desks, we found radiation reports, notes detailing crop trials, and a notebook meticulously tracking the application of potassium to test plots of corn, alfalfa, lime, and native foods like coconut, pandanus, and banana. The potassium was intended to block the uptake of caesium-137, a radioactive isotope, by plant roots.

    The logic was simple: if these crops could be decontaminated, perhaps one day Bikini could be repopulated.

    We collected samples of coconuts and soil — key indicators of internal exposure risk if humans were to return. Bikini raises a stark question: What does “safe” mean, and who gets to decide?

    The US declared parts of Bikini habitable in 1970, only to evacuate people again eight years later after resettled families suffered from radiation exposure. The science is not abstract here. It is personal. It is human. It has real consequences.

    Stop 3: Rongelap — setting for Project 4.1

    The abandoned church on Rongelap atoll. Image: © Greenpeace/Chewy C. Lin

    The Rainbow Warrior arrived at the eastern side of Rongelap atoll, anchoring one mile from the centre of Rongelap Island, the church spire and roofs of “new” buildings reflecting the bright sun.

    n 1954, fallout from the Castle Bravo nuclear detonation on Bikini blanketed this atoll in radioactive ash — fine, white powder that children played in, thinking it was snow. The US government waited three days to evacuate residents, despite knowing the risks. The US government declared it safe to return to Rongelap in 1957 — but it was a severely contaminated environment. The very significant radiation exposure to the Rongelap population caused severe health impacts: thyroid cancers, birth defects such as “jellyfish babies”, miscarriages, and much more.

    In 1985, after a request to the US government to evacuate was dismissed, the Rongelap community asked Greenpeace to help relocate them from their ancestral lands. Using the first Rainbow Warrior, and over a period of 10 days and four trips, 350 residents collectively dismantled their homes, bringing everything with them — including livestock, and 100 metric tons of building material — where they resettled on the islands of Mejatto and Ebeye on Kwajalein atoll.

    It is a part of history that lives on in the minds of the Marshallese people we meet in this ship voyage — in the gratitude they still express, the pride in keeping the fight for justice, and in the pain of still not having a permanent, safe home.

    Greenpeace representatives and displaced Rongelap community come together on Mejatto, Marshall Islands to commemorate the 40 years since the Rainbow Warrior evacuated the island’s entire population in May 1985 due to the impacts of US nuclear weapons testing. Image: © Greenpeace/Chewy C. Lin

    Now, once again, we are standing on their island of Rongelap, walking past abandoned buildings and rusting equipment, some of it dating from the 1980s and 1990s — a period when the US Department of Energy launched a push to encourage resettlement declaring that the island was safe — a declaration that this time, the population welcomed with mistrust, not having access to independent scientific data and remembering the deceitful relocation of some decades before.

    Here, once again, we sample soil and fruits that could become food if people came back. It is essential to understand ongoing risks — especially for communities considering whether and how to return.

    This is not the end. It is just the beginning

    The team of Greenpeace scientists and independent radiation experts on Rongelap atoll, Marshall Islands, with the Rainbow Warrior in the background. Shaun Burnie (author of the article) is first on the left. Image: © Greenpeace/Chewy C. Lin

    Our scientific mission is to take measurements, collect samples, and document contamination. But that’s not all we’re bringing back.

    We carry with us the voices of the Marshallese who survived these tests and are still living with their consequences. We carry images of graves swallowed by tides near Runit Dome, stories of entire cultures displaced from their homelands, and measurements of radiation showing contamination still persists after many decades.

    There are 9700 nuclear warheads still held by military powers around the world – mostly in the United States and Russian arsenals. The Marshall Islands was one of the first nations to suffer the consequences of nuclear weapons — and the legacy persists today.

    We didn’t come to speak for the Marshallese. We came to listen, to bear witness, and to support their demand for justice. We plan to return next year, to follow up on our research and to make results available to the people of the Marshall Islands.

    And we will keep telling these stories — until justice is more than just a word.

    Kommol Tata (“thank you” in the beautiful Marshallese language) for following our journey.

    Shaun Burnie is a senior nuclear specialist at Greenpeace Ukraine and was part of the Rainbow Warrior team in the Marshall Islands. This article was first published by Greenpeace Aotearoa and is republished with permission.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WEEK 16 WINS: President Trump Advances America’s New Golden Age

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    This week, President Donald J. Trump advanced his America First agenda with remarkable successes that bolster the economy, enhance national security, and promote global stability. From a landmark trade agreement to bold steps to secure our borders and skies, President Trump is delivering results that matter to every American.
    Here is a non-comprehensive list of wins in week 16:
    President Trump announced a “breakthrough” trade deal with the United Kingdom that expands market access, curbs non-tariff barriers, and levels the playing field for American exporters.
    National Cattlemen’s Beef Association: “President Trump has delivered a tremendous win for American family farmers and ranchers … Thank you, President Trump, for fighting for American cattle producers.”
    National Corn Growers Association: “This is great news. We applaud President Trump and his administration for brokering this deal.”
    International Dairy Foods Association: “On behalf of America’s dairy processors and producers, IDFA applauds President Trump’s announcement today that the United States and the United Kingdom have reached the terms for a significant trade deal between our two markets that promises to expand access for U.S. agricultural goods, reduce tariffs, and remove barriers to trade.”

    President Donald J. Trump’s relentless pursuit of manufacturing dominance spurred onshoring and additional U.S. investment.
    The Wall Street Journal: Trump’s Tariffs Are Lifting Some U.S. Manufacturers
    The Washington Post: This U.S. manufacturer doesn’t mind Trump’s tariffs at all
    Bristol Myers Squibb announced a $40 billion investment over the next five years in its research, development, technology, and U.S.-based manufacturing operations.
    Gilead Sciences announced an $11 billion boost to its planned U.S.-based manufacturing investment.
    Invenergy announced a $1.7 billion investment in U.S. electric transmission.
    Merck Animal Health announced an $895 million investment to expand their manufacturing operation in Kansas.
    Wistron Corp., a Taiwanese electronics manufacturer and AI server maker, announced $455 million in additional U.S. investment.
    Lego announced a $366 million investment to build a new distribution center in Prince George County, Virginia.
    Hotpack, a Dubai-based maker of food packaging materials and related products, announced a $100 million investment to establish its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Edison, New Jersey.

    The Trump Administration unveiled a plan to completely overhaul the nation’s air traffic control system, building on the unprecedented actions already taken to secure America’s skies and improve air travel.
    American Airlines CEO Robert Isom: “This plan from President Trump and Secretary Duffy is absolutely the best opportunity that we’ve had in decades to do something about our outdated air traffic control infrastructure and build a best-in-class system that our country deserves.”
    Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian: “I want to especially thank Secretary Duffy and the Administration for gathering us all here today and taking such a strong approach to overhauling our air traffic control system in the U.S.”
    United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby: “This really is an historic day — a day I have been looking forward to my entire career when I felt like we have turned the corner and are on the path to give the United States the best-in-class air traffic control system that the citizens of the United States deserve.”
    Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan: “I cannot say enough thanks to Secretary Duffy, to the administration, to President Trump for the stellar leadership to bring everyone together on this problem.”

    President Trump continued to secure our borders, rid our communities of illegal immigrant criminals, and keep Americans safe.
    President Trump announced plans to house America’s most ruthless, violent criminals at Alcatraz prison.
    President Trump established “Project Homecoming” to encourage illegal immigrants to voluntarily depart the U.S.
    The Department of Justice announced the takedown of a massive drug and weapons trafficking organization in New Mexico, operated by the Sinaloa cartel — resulting in the largest fentanyl seizure in our nation’s history and the arrests of six high-level cartel members illegally in the U.S.
    The Department of Justice announced that 115 children were rescued and 205 child sex predators were arrested in just five days as part of Operation Restore Justice.
    The Department of Homeland Security announced it will offer financial assistance and stipends for illegal immigrants voluntarily returning to their home country via the CBP Home App — saving taxpayers as much as $1 million per illegal alien family in long-term costs of welfare and public support.
    Breitbart: Southern Border Migrant Apprehensions Continue Record-Shattering Decline
    Fox News: Daycare in wealthy enclave shutters after housing fugitive child predator arrested by ICE
    The percentage of Americans “who worry a great deal” about crime has fallen by ten points over last year.

    President Trump continued to pursue peace through strength around the world.
    President Trump announced a ceasefire with Houthi terrorists in Yemen, restoring freedom of navigation in the Red Sea for U.S.-flagged ships.
    The Department of the Treasury targeted a third teapot refinery for facilitating the delivery of Iranian oil as part of President Trump’s broad and aggressive maximum pressure campaign.
    The Department of State designated Haitian gangs as foreign terrorist organizations.
    The Department of State announced all hostages held by the Maduro regime at the Argentinian Embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, were rescued and brought safely to the U.S.

    A new survey showed 70% of farmers expect the President Trump’s tariffs to strengthen the agricultural economy in the long-term.
    President Trump announced his first wave of judicial nominations.
    President Trump ended federal funding for dangerous gain-of-function research in foreign countries.
    President Trump ended the racist and discriminatory Biden-era “Digital Equity Act,” which provided billions in handouts based on race.
    President Trump announced new tariffs on movies produced in foreign countries in an effort to boost the American film industry.
    President Trump signed an Executive Order to restore a robust domestic manufacturing base for prescription drugs and promote domestic production of critical medicines.
    President Trump eliminated useless water pressure standards that make household appliances less effective and more expensive.
    President Trump signed an Executive Order to provide better care to veterans, improve accountability for such care, and establish a National Center for Warrior Independence for homeless veterans.
    President Trump signed an Executive Order to ease the regulatory burden on Americans and ensure no one is transformed into a criminal for violating a regulation they have no reason to know exists.
    President Trump directed his administration to expeditiously implement the most effective mechanisms, barriers, and other measures to prevent the migration and expansion of invasive carp in the Great Lakes Basin and the surrounding region.
    President Trump directed the Office of the Federal Register to speed up publishing time and decrease costs, enabling agencies to more quickly and effectively restore freedom through President Trump’s deregulatory agenda.
    President Trump officially declared May 8 as “Victory Day for World War II” in commemoration of the unmatched might, strength, and power of the American Armed Forces.
    The Department of Education continued their rigorous oversight of secondary and higher education institutions to ensure compliance with federal law.
    The Department of Education opened an investigation into the Saratoga Springs City School District in New York for Title IX violations relating to male participation in female sports and occupation of female facilities.
    The Department of Education informed Harvard University that the federal government will no longer award new grants to the university amid their failure to uphold federal law.
    The Department of Education opened a formal foreign funding investigation into the University of Pennsylvania after a review of the university’s foreign reports revealed inaccurate and incomplete disclosures.
    The Department of Education initiated a Title IX investigation into Western Carolina University amid allegations the school failed to ensure sex-separated intimate spaces.
    The Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism announced a review of recent incidents of anti-Semitic violence at the University of Washington and its affiliates.

    The Department of Education resumed collections for student borrowers in default following a five-year pause and reminded institutions of their obligations to support student loan borrowers.
    The Department of Education directed states to maximize parental options for choosing the safest school setting for their children.
    The Department of Justice opened an investigation into a recent policy by Hennepin County, Minnesota, to consider race in plea deals.
    The Department of the Treasury announced a fast-track process to facilitate greater investment in U.S. businesses from ally and partner sources.
    The Department of Energy announced new policies to limit indirect costs of certain grant funding, which is projected to save taxpayers more than $935 million per year.
    The Department of Energy halted the Biden-era ban on fossil fuels in federal buildings, ensuring they’re utilizing the most efficient power available to lower taxpayer costs and curb regulatory overreach.
    The Department of State closed its “Office of Palestinian Affairs,” a Biden-era creation that encouraged Israel not to respond to the October 7 terrorist attacks.
    The Department of Health and Human Services warned medical schools that DEI admissions or employment practices violate federal law and must be eliminated, or the institution risks its federal funding.
    The National Institutes of Health announced all beagle experiments on its campus have been terminated.
    The Department of Agriculture announced the removal of hazardous fuels — such as dead or downed trees — that pose wildfire threats to communities, critical infrastructure, and recreation areas.
    The Department of Agriculture announced enhanced enforcement for making sure states are appropriately and lawfully preserving SNAP benefits for only eligible Americans.
    The Department of Housing and Urban Development, in collaboration with First Lady Melania Trump, announced an investment in a new program to prevent homelessness in Americans aging out of the foster care system.
    The Department of Labor recovered more than $1.4 million in back wages for more than 2,600 employees after finding a California company had failed to pay its employees proper rates.
    The Department of Labor announced additional funding to support disaster-relief jobs and continue employment training for Tennesseans and Floridians affected by last year’s tropical storms.
    The Department of Transportation terminated $54 million in woke, radical grant funding.
    The Office of the Director of National Intelligence released an additional 60,000 documents related to the assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy.
    The Supreme Court ruled the Trump administration can enforce its ban on individuals with gender dysphoria serving in the military, boosting efforts to restore a military focused on readiness rather than woke gender ideology.
    President Trump announced Washington, D.C., will host the NFL Draft in 2027.
    The House of Representatives passed a bill to codify President Trump’s “Gulf of America” Executive Order.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: USINDOPACOM Hosts National Defense University Capstone 25-3 Participants

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    HONOLULU, Hawaii — U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Joel Carey, chief of staff for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, welcomed retired Adm. Harry Harris, former U.S. ambassador to South Korea and the 24th USINDOPACOM commander, and the National Defense University Capstone 25-3 Fellows at the USINDPACOM headquarters on Camp H.M. Smith in Honolulu, May 9, 2025.

    MIL Security OSI –