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Category: Fisheries

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: India: Authorities should urgently rehabilitate thousands displaced in two years of ethnic violence in Manipur

    Source: Amnesty International

    The Government of India must prioritize humanitarian aid and immediately implement a clear, inclusive and time-bound plan for the safe and voluntary return of communities displaced by ethnic violence in Manipur, said Amnesty International, ahead of the second anniversary of the outbreak of violence.

    Since violence erupted on 3 May 2023 between the Meitei community and Kuki and other tribal hill communities, more than 50,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) from both communities continue to remain in relief camps across the state, living in inhumane conditions with limited access to healthcare, sanitation, and adequate nutrition.

    “It is unacceptable that the Indian government has failed to address the humanitarian needs and implement a comprehensive rehabilitation policy for displaced communities who remain in relief camps two years since the start of the ethnic violence in Manipur. This inaction has left tens of thousands in limbo, forced to endure life in inhumane conditions with no end in sight,” said Aakar Patel, chair of board, Amnesty International India.

    “Despite the devastating impact of the violence, including the loss of 260 lives, there has been no meaningful progress toward justice and accountability. The rehabilitation policy must also prioritize accountability for the grave human rights violations and abuses committed since May 2023.”

    According to the latest government data as per sources, more than 58,000 people are living in 281 relief camps across the state. Many others have fled to states like Mizoram and Meghalaya. Despite the imposition of President’s rule in Manipur in February 2025 which suspended the state government and extended central government’s rule in the state, the conditions have not improved.

    Fear and insecurity preventing return

    Key stakeholders in Manipur told Amnesty International that while many IDPs are desperate to return home because of the terrible living conditions, fear and insecurity persist. Numerous homes have been destroyed, while others remain occupied by vigilante groups, making return impossible without proper state intervention and guarantees of safety.

    Babloo Loitongbam, a human rights defender and lawyer from Imphal, said: “Thousands are still unable to return home – not by choice, but due to ongoing fear and insecurity.  As delays persist, frustration and resentment continue to grow among those affected… potentially creating a far more volatile and dangerous situation.”

    A community worker told Amnesty International: “If they go back to their homes, how can they sleep peacefully in a house where the roof and the walls are riddled with bullet holes? They need security and protection. And not many can afford to reconstruct their homes without assistance from the authorities.”

    Inhuman conditions in relief camps

    While the Union Home Ministry announced that it has provided INR 21,700,000 (256470 USD) for relief and rehabilitation during the 2024-25 fiscal year, the Home Minister Amit Shah on 3 April said that ‘discussions are ongoing’ regarding a rehabilitation package for the internally displaced people.

    A community worker from a relief camp, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told Amnesty International: “The health facilities in these camps are very bad. We regularly see outbreaks of measles, dysentery and fever…There are also people with illnesses like cancer and tuberculosis and many who need dialysis treatment. The only government hospital nearby doesn’t have the capacity to treat these patients and there aren’t many specialist doctors, which is worrying. We are getting some assistance from civil society and philanthropic organizations but nothing much from the state.”

    Another community worker told Amnesty International: “Sanitation is a big problem in these camps. More than 100 families are using two to three makeshift toilets right now. The living conditions are pathetic, cramped and very suffocating. My concern is also that they are provided with two meals a day and the quality of the food is not good.”

    Under international law, IDPs have the right to access to adequate housing, water, sanitation, health and other essential services, without discrimination, as anyone else living in India. The denial of access to these essential rights is a violation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), which India ratified in 1979 and the UN Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement.

    Failure to ensure accountability

    Since May 2023, homes, businesses, villages, and places of worship have been burned, attacked, looted, and vandalized in the ongoing ethnic violence. Two years on, the authorities have failed to bring the suspected perpetrators of the human rights violations to account, and to provide access to justice and effective remedies for victims, thereby contributing to impunity.

    Benjamin Mate, Chairman of the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust, said: “To ensure true progress in Manipur, the Government of India must appoint an independent commission to thoroughly investigate the role of senior officials, state bureaucrats, police officials, and armed groups during the ethnic violence over the past two years. Accountability is essential, and only through such a transparent and impartial inquiry can justice be delivered to the victims.”

    “The BJP-led administrations at both the state and central levels have not succeeded in bringing an end to the ongoing violence in Manipur. By consistently failing to hold those suspected of serious human rights violations accountable, the government risks signaling that such impunity will persist – ultimately paving the way for further abuses which unfortunately will impede any proposed rehabilitation policy in the coming days,” said Aakar Patel.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Hunting and Fishing Minister joins game bird season opening hunt

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager has joined the thousands of New Zealanders taking part in the annual game bird hunting season opening. 
    He spent the morning at Te Nohoaka o Tukiauau / Sinclair Wetlands, a 315-hectare portion of the Lakes Waihola-Waipori wetland south of Dunedin, hosted by Fish & Game New Zealand.
    “It was awesome being out there with fellow hunters as the sun rose on opening day,” Mr Meager says. 
    “This isn’t just recreation — it’s about sustainably harvesting food, teaching the next generation important skills, and maintaining connections to our heritage that stretch back for generations.”
    The game bird season opener saw an estimated 60,000 people head to wetlands and waterways across the country, many travelling significant distances from urban centres.
    “Fish & Game regions across the country do a great job managing the game-bird populations, looking after wetlands, waterways and wildlife habitats, and making sure this tradition stays sustainable for future generations,” Mr Meager says.
    “My priority is to make it as simple as possible for Kiwis to go hunting and fishing in New Zealand. What I saw today was people from all walks of life coming together to do just that.
    “Hunters understand the effort and responsibility involved in harvesting wild food, and there’s real value in that knowledge. We back our hunters to be part of the conservation solution and will continue to ensure Fish & Game are a responsible, responsive and collaborative organisation providing value for licence-holders’ money.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai meets Atlantic Council delegation

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Details
    2025-05-01
    President Lai meets Japan’s LDP Youth Division delegation
    On the morning of May 1, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Youth Division. In remarks, President Lai thanked the guests for demonstrating support for deepening Taiwan-Japan ties through concrete actions. The president expressed hope that Taiwan and Japan can continue to conduct exchanges in such areas as national defense, the economy, education, culture, sports, and the arts so that bilateral relations reach even greater heights. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I want to welcome our distinguished guests, who include Diet members in the LDP Youth Division and guests from Junior Chamber International (JCI) Japan, to the Presidential Office. It is also a pleasure to see LDP Youth Division Director Nakasone Yasutaka, House of Representatives Member Hiranuma Shojiro, and House of Councillors Member Kamiya Masayuki again today. I look forward to discussions with all our distinguished guests. The LDP Youth Division and JCI Japan have once again demonstrated support for deepening Taiwan-Japan ties through concrete actions. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I also want to thank the LDP Youth Division for launching a fundraising campaign to help those affected by the earthquake in Hualien County on April 3 last year. LDP Youth Division members will be important leaders in Japan’s political arena in the future. Taiwan deeply values our exchanges with the Youth Division and hopes to bring about concrete results from such exchanges. Peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are critical to the security and prosperity of the world, and Taiwan and Japan can work together to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Former Prime Ministers Abe Shinzo and Kishida Fumio, and current Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru have repeatedly stressed the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait at important international venues. Taiwan is deeply grateful to Japan’s current and former prime ministers for their concern and support for this issue. Taiwan and Japan can also cooperate in industry and the economy. As our industries are complementary, further cooperation can create win-win outcomes. In the semiconductor industry, for instance, Taiwan’s strengths lie in manufacturing, while Japan’s strengths lie in materials, equipment, and technology. If we work together, the semiconductor industry is sure to see even more robust development. In addition to the economy and national defense, Taiwan and Japan can also conduct exchanges in such areas as education, culture, sports, and the arts. Our countries have long shared deep ties – Director Nakasone’s grandfather, former Prime Minister Nakasone Yasuhiro, was stationed in Taiwan and lived in what is now the Mingde New Residential Quarter of Kaohsiung City’s Zuoying District. I am confident that on the basis of our already solid foundations, Taiwan-Japan relations can reach even greater heights. Director Nakasone then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for finding time in his busy schedule to meet with the visiting delegation. He said that the LDP Youth Division sends a visiting delegation to Taiwan each year and is always granted the opportunity to meet with the president, demonstrating his high regard for the delegation, for which the director again expressed his gratitude. He remarked that he, together with House of Representatives Member Suzuki Keisuke, visited Taiwan last July, and that whenever he visits Taiwan, it feels as if he is returning home. Director Nakasone recalled President Lai’s earlier remarks, saying that he hopes the young people of Taiwan and Japan can fully engage in exchanges in the areas of national defense, the economy, culture, education, and the arts. The director said he believes that in today’s complex and difficult international situation, such directives are necessary. This is especially so, he emphasized, during United States President Donald Trump’s second term, when things once taken for granted are no longer so, and when the global economy is undergoing significant changes. Director Nakasone expressed his full support for strengthening Taiwan and Japan’s practical and strategic cooperation. He said he believes each side will be able to benefit from such cooperation and hopes that exchanges will progress toward shared goals. He pointed out that, as maritime nations, Taiwan and Japan share the goals of protecting the ocean and using marine resources wisely, goals that we ought to cooperate on and devote our full efforts to. The peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait are critical to the peace and stability of East Asia and even the world, he said, so we must ensure that the world and its leaders recognize this point, and Japan will do its utmost to advocate for it. Director Nakasone said, on the topic of semiconductors, that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s new fab in Japan’s Kumamoto Prefecture has made the area very lively, adding that the Japanese government is providing more than 1.25 trillion yen in subsidies. Moving forward, the Japanese government plans to inject an additional 10 trillion yen, he said, to aid in the development of AI and other fields. Noting that Taiwan and Japan both excel in semiconductors, he expressed his hope that each can give free rein to its strengths to produce an even greater effect. Director Nakasone said that despite Taiwan’s facing formidable internal and external circumstances, it saw 4.6 percent economic growth last year under President Lai’s strong leadership, and it continued to promote measures to enhance overall societal resilience, all of which is admirable. In closing, the director thanked President Lai once again for taking the time to meet with them. Also in attendance were Japanese House of Representatives Members Nemoto Taku and Fukuda Kaoru, and Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office Chief Representative Katayama Kazuyuki.

    Details
    2025-04-29
    President Lai meets NBR delegation  
    On the morning of April 29, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR). In remarks, President Lai stated that as Taiwan stands at the very frontline of defense of global democracy, we are actively implementing our Four Pillars of Peace action plan, which includes continuing to enhance our national defense capabilities, demonstrating our commitment to defending freedom and democracy. The president said he hopes to further advance national security and industrial cooperation between Taiwan and the United States. He also expressed hope that this will help boost economic resilience for both sides and establish each as a key pillar of regional security, elevating our relations to even higher levels. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I am delighted to meet with Admiral John Aquilino again today. I also warmly welcome NBR President Michael Wills and our distinguished guests from the bureau to Taiwan. I look forward to exchanging views with you all on Taiwan-US relations and the regional situation. During his tenure as commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, Admiral Aquilino placed much attention on the Taiwan Strait issue. And the NBR has conducted a wealth of research and analysis focusing on matters of regional security. Thanks to all of your outstanding contributions and efforts, the international community has gained a better understanding of the role Taiwan plays in the Indo-Pacific region and in global democratic development. For this, I want to extend my deepest gratitude. Taiwan stands at the very frontline of defending global democracy and is located at a strategically important location in the first island chain. We are actively implementing our Four Pillars of Peace action plan, which includes continuing to enhance our national defense capabilities, building economic security, demonstrating stable and principled cross-strait leadership, and standing side-by-side with the democratic community to jointly demonstrate the strength of deterrence and safeguard regional peace and stability. At the beginning of this month, I announced an increase in military allowances for volunteer service members and combat troops. The government will also continue to reform national defense and enhance self-sufficiency in defense. In addition, we will prioritize special budget allocations to ensure that Taiwan’s defense budget exceeds 3 percent of GDP. These efforts continue to strengthen Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities and demonstrate our commitment to defending freedom and democracy. As we mark the 46th anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act, we thank the US government for continuing its arms sales to Taiwan and strengthening the Taiwan-US partnership over the years. We believe that, in addition to engaging in military exchanges and cooperation, Taiwan and the US can build an even closer economic and trade relationship, boosting each other’s economic resilience and establishing each as a key pillar of regional security. I expect that your continued assistance will help advance national security and industrial cooperation between Taiwan and the US, elevating our relations to even higher levels. Once again, I welcome our distinguished guests to Taiwan and wish you a pleasant and successful trip. I hope that through this visit, you gain a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of Taiwan’s economy and national defense. Admiral Aquilino then delivered remarks, thanking the Ministry of National Defense for the invitation and President Lai for receiving and spending time with them. Mentioning that this is his second visit in five months, he said he continues to be incredibly impressed with the president’s leadership and the actions he has taken to secure Taiwan and defend its people. Admiral Aquilino said that he has watched the efforts of the ministers on whole-of-society defense to demonstrate deterrence and added that the pace of the work is nothing short of inspiring. Admiral Aquilino noted that Taiwan’s thriving democracy is incredibly important to the peace and stability of the region. He stated that he, alongside the NBR, will continue to offer support, noting that President Wills and his team are an asset to Taiwan and the US that helps continue our close relationship and ensure peace and stability in the region.  

    Details
    2025-04-28
    President Lai meets Japanese Diet Member and former Minister of State for Economic Security Takaichi Sanae
    On the afternoon of April 28, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Member of the Japanese House of Representatives and former Minister of State for Economic Security Takaichi Sanae. In remarks, President Lai thanked the government of Japan for repeatedly emphasizing the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait at important international venues. The president expressed hope that in the face of China’s continually expanding red supply chains, Taiwan and Japan can continue to cooperate closely in such fields as semiconductors, energy, and AI technology to create non-red supply chains that enhance economic resilience and industrial competitiveness for both sides, and jointly pave the way for further prosperity and growth in the Indo-Pacific region. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: First, I would like to extend a warm welcome to Representative Takaichi as she returns for another visit to Taiwan. I am also very happy to have Members of the House of Representatives Kikawada Hitoshi and Ozaki Masanao, and Member of the House of Councillors Sato Kei all gathered together here to engage in these very important exchanges. Our visitors will be taking part in many exchange activities during this trip. Earlier today at the Indo-Pacific Strategy Thinktank’s International Political and Economic Forum, Representative Takaichi delivered a speech in which she clearly demonstrated the great importance she places upon the friendship between Taiwan and Japan. For this I want to express my deepest appreciation to each of our guests. The peoples of Taiwan and Japan have a deep friendship and mutual trust. We have a shared commitment to the universal values of democracy, freedom, and respect for human rights, but beyond that, we both have striven to contribute to regional peace and stability. I also want to thank the government of Japan for repeatedly emphasizing the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait at important international venues. Tomorrow you will all make a trip to Kaohsiung to visit a bronze statue of former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, who once said, “If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem.” We will always remember the firm support and friendship he showed Taiwan. Since taking office last year, I have worked hard to improve Taiwan’s whole-of-society defense resilience and implement our Four Pillars of Peace action plan. By strengthening our national defense capabilities, building up economic security, demonstrating stable and principled cross-strait leadership, and deepening partnerships with democratic countries including Japan, we can together maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and across the Taiwan Strait. At the same time, in the face of China’s continually expanding red supply chains, we hope that Taiwan and Japan, as important economic and trade partners, can continue to cooperate closely in such fields as semiconductors, energy, and AI technology to create non-red supply chains that further enhance economic resilience and industrial competitiveness for both sides. Going forward, Taiwan will work hard to play an important role in the international community and contribute its key strengths. I hope that, with the support of our guests, Taiwan can soon accede to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and sign an economic partnership agreement (EPA) with Japan so that we can jointly pave the way for further prosperity and growth in the Indo-Pacific region. Lastly, I thank each of you once again for taking concrete action to support Taiwan. I am confident that your visit will help deepen Taiwan-Japan ties and create even greater opportunities for cooperation. Let us all strive together to keep propelling Taiwan-Japan relations forward.  Representative Takaichi then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai and Taiwanese political leaders for the warm hospitality they extended to the delegation, and mentioning that the visiting delegation members are all like-minded partners carrying on the legacy of former Prime Minister Abe. July 8 this year will mark the third anniversary of the passing of former Prime Minister Abe, she said, and when the former prime minister unfortunately passed away, President Lai, then serving as vice president, was among the first to come offer condolences, for which she expressed sincere admiration and gratitude. Representative Takaichi stated that Taiwan and Japan are island nations that face the same circumstances and problems, and that Japan’s trade activities rely heavily on ocean transport, so once a problem arises nearby that threatens maritime shipping lanes, it will be a matter of life and death for Japan. Taiwan and Japan are similar, as once a problem arises, both will face food and energy security issues, and supply chains may even be threatened, she said. Regarding Taiwan-Japan cooperation, Representative Takaichi stated that both sides must first protect and strengthen supply chain resilience. President Lai has previously said that he wants to turn Taiwan into an AI island, she said, and in semiconductors, Taiwan has the world’s leading technology. Representative Takaichi went on to say that Taiwan and Japan can collaborate in the fields of AI and semiconductors, quantum computing, and dual-use industries, as well as in areas such as drones and new energy technologies to build more resilient supply chains, so that if problems arise, we can maintain our current standard of living with peace of mind. Representative Takaichi indicated that cooperation in the defense sector is also crucial, and that by uniting like-minded countries including Taiwan, the United States, Japan, the Philippines, and Australia, and even countries in Europe, we can build a stronger network to jointly maintain our security guarantees. Representative Takaichi expressed hope that Taiwan and Japan will continue to strengthen substantive non-governmental relations, including personnel exchange visits and information sharing, so that we can jointly face and respond to crises when they arise. Regarding the hope to sign a Taiwan-Japan EPA that President Lai had mentioned earlier, she also expressed support and said she looks forward to upcoming exchanges and talks. The visiting delegation also included Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office Chief Representative Katayama Kazuyuki.

    Details
    2025-04-23
    President Lai delivers remarks at International Holocaust Remembrance Day event
    On the afternoon of April 23, President Lai Ching-te attended an International Holocaust Remembrance Day event and delivered remarks, in which he emphasized that peace is priceless, and war has no winners, while morality, democracy, and respect for human rights are powerful forces against violence and tyranny. The president stated that Taiwan will continue to expand cooperation with democratic partners and safeguard regional and global peace and stability, defending democracy, freedom, and human rights. He said we must never forget history, and must overcome our differences and join in solidarity to ensure that the next generations live in a world that is more just and more peaceful. Upon arriving at the event, President Lai heard a testimony from the granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor, followed by a rabbi’s recitation of the prayer “El Maleh Rachamim.” He then joined other distinguished guests in lighting candles in memory of the victims. A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows: To begin, I want to thank the Israel Economic and Cultural Office (ISECO) in Taipei, German Institute Taipei, Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs for co-organizing this deeply significant memorial ceremony again this year. I also want to thank everyone for attending. We are here today to remember the victims of the Holocaust, express sympathy for the survivors, honor the brave individuals who protected the victims, and acknowledge all who were impacted by this atrocity. It was deeply moving to hear Ms. [Orly] Sela share the story of how her grandmother, Yehudit Biksz, escaped the Nazi regime. I want to thank her specially for traveling so far to attend this event. From the 1930s through World War II, the Nazi regime sought to exclude Jewish people from society. In their campaign, they perpetrated systematic genocide driven by their ideology. Policies and directives under the authoritarian Nazi regime resulted in the deaths of approximately 6 million Jews. Millions of others were persecuted, including Romani people, persons with disabilities, the gay community, and anyone who disagreed with Nazi ideology. It is one of the darkest chapters in human history. Many countries, including Taiwan, have enacted anti-massacre legislation, and observe a remembrance day each year. Those occasions help us remember the victims, preserve historical memory, and most importantly, reinforce our resolve to fight against hatred and discrimination. Twenty-three years ago, Chelujan (車路墘) Church in Tainan founded the Taiwan Holocaust Memorial Museum. It is the first Jewish museum in Taiwan, and the second Holocaust museum in Asia. Its founding mission urges us to forget hatred and love one another; put an end to war and advocate peace. Many of the exhibition items come from Jewish people, connecting Taiwan closer with Israel and helping Taiwanese better understand the experiences of Jewish people. In this way, we grow to more deeply cherish peace. When I was mayor of Tainan, I took part in an exhibition event at Chelujan Church. I was also invited by the Israeli government to join the International Mayors Conference in Israel, where I visited the World Holocaust Remembrance Center. I will never forget how deeply that experience moved me, and as a result, peace and human rights became even more important issues for me. These issues are valued by Taiwan and our friends and allies. They are also important links connecting Taiwan with the world. Peace is priceless, and war has no winners. We will continue to expand cooperation with democratic partners and safeguard regional and global peace and stability. We will also continue to make greater contributions and work with the international community to defend democracy, freedom, and human rights. This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. However, we still see wars raging around the world. We see a resurgence of authoritarian powers, which could severely impact global democracy, peace, and prosperous development. Today’s event allows for more than reflection on the past; it also serves as a warning for the future. We are reminded of the threats that hatred, prejudice, and extremism pose to humanity. But we are also reminded that morality, democracy, and respect for human rights are powerful forces against violence and tyranny. We must never forget history. We must overcome our differences and join in solidarity for a better future. Let’s work together to ensure that the next generations live in a world that is more just and more peaceful. Also in attendance at the event were Member of the Israeli Knesset (parliament) and Taiwan friendship group Chair Boaz Toporovsky, ISECO Representative Maya Yaron, and German Institute Taipei Deputy Director General Andreas Hofem.

    Details
    2025-04-23
    President Lai pays respects to Pope Francis  
    On the morning of April 23, President Lai Ching-te visited the Taipei Archdiocesan Curia to pay respects in a memorial ceremony for His Holiness Pope Francis. As officiant of the ceremony, President Lai burned incense and presented flowers, fruits, and wine to pay his respects to Pope Francis. At the direction of the master of ceremonies, the president then bowed three times in front of Pope Francis’s memorial portrait, conveying his grief and deep respect for the late pope. After hearing of Pope Francis’s passing on April 21, President Lai promptly requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to express sincere condolences from the people and government of Taiwan to the Vatican. The president also instructed Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) to convey condolences to the Holy See’s Apostolic Nunciature in Taiwan.  

    Details
    2025-04-06
    President Lai delivers remarks on US tariff policy response
    On April 6, President Lai Ching-te delivered recorded remarks regarding the impact of the 32 percent tariff that the United States government recently imposed on imports from Taiwan in the name of reciprocity. In his remarks, President Lai explained that the government will adopt five response strategies, including making every effort to improve reciprocal tariff rates through negotiations, adopting a support plan for affected domestic industries, adopting medium- and long-term economic development plans, forming new “Taiwan plus the US” arrangements, and launching industry listening tours. The president emphasized that as we face this latest challenge, the government and civil society will work hand in hand, and expressed hope that all parties, both ruling and opposition, will support the measures that the Executive Yuan will take to open up a broader path for Taiwan’s economy. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: My fellow citizens, good evening. The US government recently announced higher tariffs on countries around the world in the name of reciprocity, including imposing a 32 percent tariff on imports from Taiwan. This is bound to have a major impact on our nation. Various countries have already responded, and some have even adopted retaliatory measures. Tremendous changes in the global economy are expected. Taiwan is an export-led economy, and in facing future challenges there will inevitably be difficulties, so we must proceed carefully to turn danger into safety. During this time, I want to express gratitude to all sectors of society for providing valuable opinions, which the government regards highly, and will use as a reference to make policy decisions.  However, if we calmly and carefully analyze Taiwan’s trade with the US, we find that last year Taiwan’s exports to the US were valued at US$111.4 billion, accounting for 23.4 percent of total export value, with the other 75-plus percent of products sold worldwide to countries other than the US. Of products sold to the US, competitive ICT products and electronic components accounted for 65.4 percent. This shows that Taiwan’s economy does still have considerable resilience. As long as our response strategies are appropriate, and the public and private sectors join forces, we can reduce impacts. Please do not panic. To address the reciprocal tariffs by the US, Taiwan has no plans to adopt retaliatory tariffs. There will be no change in corporate investment commitments to the US, as long as they are consistent with national interests. But we must ensure the US clearly understands Taiwan’s contributions to US economic development. More importantly, we must actively seek to understand changes in the global economic situation, strengthen Taiwan-US industry cooperation, elevate the status of Taiwan industries in global supply chains, and with safeguarding the continued development of Taiwan’s economy as our goal, adopt the following five strategies to respond. Strategy one: Make every effort to improve reciprocal tariff rates through negotiations using the following five methods:  1. Taiwan has already formed a negotiation team led by Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun (鄭麗君). The team includes members from the National Security Council, the Office of Trade Negotiations, and relevant Executive Yuan ministries and agencies, as well as academia and industry. Like the US-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement, negotiations on tariffs can start from Taiwan-US bilateral zero-tariff treatment. 2. To expand purchases from the US and thereby reduce the trade deficit, the Executive Yuan has already completed an inventory regarding large-scale procurement plans for agricultural, industrial, petroleum, and natural gas products, and the Ministry of National Defense has also proposed a military procurement list. All procurement plans will be actively pursued. 3. Expand investments in the US. Taiwan’s cumulative investment in the US already exceeds US$100 billion, creating approximately 400,000 jobs. In the future, in addition to increased investment in the US by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, other industries such as electronics, ICT, petrochemicals, and natural gas can all increase their US investments, deepening Taiwan-US industry cooperation. Taiwan’s government has helped form a “Taiwan investment in the US” team, and hopes that the US will reciprocate by forming a “US investment in Taiwan” team to bring about closer Taiwan-US trade cooperation, jointly creating a future economic golden age.  4. We must eliminate non-tariff barriers to trade. Non-tariff barriers are an indicator by which the US assesses whether a trading partner is trading fairly with the US. Therefore, we will proactively resolve longstanding non-tariff barriers so that negotiations can proceed more smoothly. 5. We must resolve two issues that have been matters of longstanding concern to the US. One regards high-tech export controls, and the other regards illegal transshipment of dumped goods, otherwise referred to as “origin washing.” Strategy two: We must adopt a plan for supporting our industries. For industries that will be affected by the tariffs, and especially traditional industries as well as micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises, we will provide timely and needed support and assistance. Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) and his administrative team recently announced a package of 20 specific measures designed to address nine areas. Moving forward, the support we provide to different industries will depend on how they are affected by the tariffs, will take into account the particular features of each industry, and will help each industry innovate, upgrade, and transform. Strategy three: We must adopt medium- and long-term economic development plans. At this point in time, our government must simultaneously adopt new strategies for economic and industrial development. This is also the fundamental path to solutions for future economic challenges. The government will proactively cooperate with friends and allies, develop a diverse range of markets, and achieve closer integration of entities in the upper, middle, and lower reaches of industrial supply chains. This course of action will make Taiwan’s industrial ecosystem more complete, and will help Taiwanese industries upgrade and transform. We must also make good use of the competitive advantages we possess in such areas as semiconductor manufacturing, integrated chip design, ICT, and smart manufacturing to build Taiwan into an AI island, and promote relevant applications for food, clothing, housing, and transportation, as well as military, security and surveillance, next-generation communications, and the medical and health and wellness industries as we advance toward a smarter, more sustainable, and more prosperous new Taiwan. Strategy four: “Taiwan plus one,” i.e., new “Taiwan plus the US” arrangements: While staying firmly rooted in Taiwan, our enterprises are expanding their global presence and marketing worldwide. This has been our national economic development strategy, and the most important aspect is maintaining a solid base here in Taiwan. We absolutely must maintain a solid footing, and cannot allow the present strife to cause us to waver. Therefore, our government will incentivize investments, carry out deregulation, and continue to improve Taiwan’s investment climate by actively resolving problems involving access to water, electricity, land, human resources, and professional talent. This will enable corporations to stay in Taiwan and continue investing here. In addition, we must also help the overseas manufacturing facilities of offshore Taiwanese businesses to make necessary adjustments to support our “Taiwan plus one” policy, in that our national economic development strategy will be adjusted as follows: to stay firmly rooted in Taiwan while expanding our global presence, strengthening US ties, and marketing worldwide. We intend to make use of the new state of supply chains to strengthen cooperation between Taiwanese and US industries, and gain further access to US markets. Strategy five: Launch industry listening tours: All industrial firms, regardless of sector or size, will be affected to some degree once the US reciprocal tariffs go into effect. The administrative teams led by myself and Premier Cho will hear out industry concerns so that we can quickly resolve problems and make sure policies meet actual needs. My fellow citizens, over the past half-century and more, Taiwan has been through two energy crises, the Asian financial crisis, the global financial crisis, and pandemics. We have been able to not only withstand one test after another, but even turn crises into opportunities. The Taiwanese economy has emerged from these crises stronger and more resilient than ever. As we face this latest challenge, the government and civil society will work hand in hand, and I hope that all parties in the legislature, both ruling and opposition, will support the measures that the Executive Yuan will take to open up a broader path for Taiwan’s economy. Let us join together and give it our all. Thank you.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘Super antibodies’ for snake toxins: how a dangerous DIY experiment helped scientists make a new antivenom

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christina N. Zdenek, Associate Researcher, The University of Queensland

    Scientists in the United States have created a new snake antivenom using the blood of a man who deliberately built up immunity to snakebites by injecting himself with many different kinds of venom more than 800 times over 18 years.

    The researchers showed “super antibodies” from the man’s blood prevented toxic damage from neurotoxins found in the venoms of 19 different snake species, including mambas and cobras.

    The new study may represent a welcome advance in antivenom production. Most current techniques are more than a century old and involve injecting venom into horses and other animals, then harvesting antibodies from their blood.

    Even so, new treatments are only part of the challenge of addressing the huge global problem of snakebites, which kill and maim hundreds of thousands of people around the world each year.

    How was this new antivenom made?

    Tim Friede describes himself as an “autodidact herpetologist and venom expert”. He deliberately immunised himself with increasing doses of a number of snake venoms over an 18-year period, in a risky practice known as “mithridatism” that we don’t recommend. Some issues include: Friede nearly died several times, and immunity can drop in weeks.

    Scientists took a small sample of Friede’s blood and isolated the antibodies his immune system had developed to counteract the venoms. Next, they determined which of the antibodies were broadly effective against two important types of neurotoxins found in the venoms of elapid snakes, a family of species including cobras, mambas, and taipans.

    The next step was to sequence the DNA from Friede’s b-cells (a type of immune cell) that produced those two antibodies, then insert the genes responsible into a kind of virus called a bacteriophage. Then, using the modified bacteriophage and human cells as mini factories, the researchers produced lots of the antibodies to use in their work.

    How is antivenom usually made?

    Antivenom is currently the only specific treatment available for snakebites. It is usually produced by first collecting venom (which is dangerous), then “hyper-immunising” a domesticated animal (such as a horse) by routinely injecting it with small but increasing doses of that venom.

    Christina Zdenek and Chris Hay extracting venom from a coastal taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus).
    Russell Shakespeare

    The horse’s blood is extracted and its antibodies purified. The antibodies can then be injected into a snakebite victim, where they stick to toxins. This prevents the toxins from binding to targets in the body, and it also flags them for elimination by the immune system.

    Traditional antivenoms have their problems. They can cause a severe allergic response known as an anaphylactic reaction (up to 50% of the time, in some countries). They may also have limited effectiveness due to differences in venom composition in snakes from different regions, or at different stages of the snake’s life.

    Broad-spectrum or “polyvalent” antivenoms are made by injecting horses with mixtures of venom from different species or different populations of snakes. However, the elevated antibody content per dose can increase the risk of adverse reactions.

    Another challenge with mixed antivenoms is that some toxins that produce a strong immune response can suppress the production of antibodies against other equally dangerous toxins.

    Why has it taken so long to improve antivenom production?

    Antivenom production is not presently a very profitable business. The expenses are huge, there is limited economy of scale, the effectiveness of antivenoms can be geographically specific, and the products have a short shelf-life and may have strict refrigeration requirements.

    Snakebite is also a disease of poverty. The people most affected are those least able to afford treatment.

    In Australia, the government has been supporting onshore antivenom production since 2020.

    Christina Zdenek retrieves snake venoms from a freezer for antivenom tests in the lab.
    Russell Shakespeare

    How else can we treat snakebite?

    In the past decade, more precise, ethical, and potentially cost-effective methods of producing snakebite therapeutics have emerged. These include monoclonal antibodies produced in the lab, as well as more conventional drugs.

    For example, varespladib is one drug that has progressed to phase II clinical trials. It works extremely well against a major component found in many snake venoms worldwide.

    Hybrid products containing “designer antibodies” and inhibitors like varespladib may be the future of snakebite treatment.

    The new “universal elapid antivenom” is in many ways an improvement on traditional antivenoms. However, there are still several deadly toxins present in elapid snake venoms it does not address, such as the coagulotoxin (blood-attacking) prothrombinase found in the venom of eastern brown snakes and taipans.

    Why do we need antivenom?

    Many people around the world live with the daily threat of being bitten by a venomous snake. Farmers, graziers, children walking barefoot to school, and many rural and remote workers in tropical and subtropical region, are at risk.

    The World Health Organisation deems snakebite a neglected tropical disease. It kills one person roughly every four minutes. As many as 2.7 million people are bitten annually, resulting in up to 138,000 deaths and around 400,000 people permanently maimed.

    An eastern brown snake (Pseudonaja textilis) passes through a suburban backyard in eastern Australia.
    Chris Hay

    Will this new medicine reduce snakebite deaths?

    When it comes to reducing the number of people who die from snakebite, novel snakebite treatments are undoubtedly important. However, developing new drugs is the relatively easy part of the problem.

    A drug is only as good as your capacity to deliver it when and where it’s needed. For snakebites, time is short and locations may be remote.

    Several antivenoms available in Australia.
    Christina N. Zdenek

    Far more attention and resources need to be devoted to all aspects of health infrastructure in the tropics, including the availability and distribution of life-saving medicines.

    Prevention is also critical. Reducing the number of snakebites will reduce the burden on health infrastructure by saving lives and limbs.

    To achieve this, we need far more resources devoted to research on snake behaviour, snake ecology, human–snake interactions, and public education about snakes. Snakebite is the result of an ecological encounter between two organisms, and we know disappointingly little about the circumstances in which it occurs.

    Christina N. Zdenek co-owns and works for the Australian Reptile Academy, a Queensland-based company that provides venomous-snake identification and handling courses for industry and the public.

    Timothy N.W. Jackson is co-head of the Australian Venom Research Unit, which has previously received funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council, Department of Health, and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

    – ref. ‘Super antibodies’ for snake toxins: how a dangerous DIY experiment helped scientists make a new antivenom – https://theconversation.com/super-antibodies-for-snake-toxins-how-a-dangerous-diy-experiment-helped-scientists-make-a-new-antivenom-255611

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In Seattle, Senator Murray Highlights Consequences of Trump & Elon’s Cuts & Layoffs at NIH—Hears from Leading Researchers, Patients, and Early Career Scientists

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    ICYMI: At Hearing, Senator Murray Slams Trump Administration for Threatening Biomedical Research and Jeopardizing Americans’ Health
    NIH Investments support more than $3 billion in economic activity across Washington State and more than 12,000 jobs – MORE HERE
    ***AUDIO HERE; PHOTOS and B-ROLL HERE***
    Seattle, WA— Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, held a roundtable discussion in Seattle highlighting why the investments the federal government makes in biomedical research are so vital, what’s at stake for patients and families as Trump takes a wrecking ball to this research, and why Congress must forcefully push back. Murray was joined by Seattle area leaders in biomedical research of national renown, patients who have benefitted directly from NIH research, and early career researchers who can speak directly to how Trump’s cuts and chaos are jeopardizing the future of biomedical research in America.
    During the roundtable, Senator Murray was joined by Dr. Jeff Sperring, Seattle Children’s Chief Executive Officer; Dr. Vittorio Gallo, Seattle Children’s Chief Scientific Officer; Dr. Mary-Claire King, American Cancer Society Professor of Medicine and Genome Sciences, UW School of Medicine; Dr. Jane Hoyt Buckner, M.D., President of Benaroya Research Institute; Kristin Weinstein, PhD candidate at UW School of Medicine; and Alisa Vitello along with her daughter, Olivia Vitello, who benefitted from medication developed through an NIH clinical trial.
    President Trump and his administration has systematically undermined NIH and the research it funds, which is having devastating impacts on biomedical research, innovation, and ultimately, the lives of millions of patients and families. The Trump administration’s actions are delaying funding and stalling research for lifesaving treatments and cures, weakening our biomedical workforce, cancelling vital ongoing studies and trials, and threatening to undo decades of hard-won progress.
    “Medical research is an economic powerhouse—it supports millions of jobs across the country, especially here in Washington state, and generates billions in economic activity. NIH funding is the cornerstone of our medical research enterprise, while medical research accounts for less than 1 percent of the federal budget, NIH has contributed to over 99 percent of drugs approved by FDA in recent years,” said Senator Murray. “But the real impact isn’t economic, it isn’t jobs, it isn’t awards, it is miracles that give people hope and more time with loved ones. That could mean a new vaccine to protect us from a disease. It could mean new treatment that saves lives. Or a breakthrough discovery that revolutionizes care and research, like Dr. King’s work showing a gene tied to breast cancer.”
    “That is all invaluable—but with President Trump—it is all on the chopping block,” continued Senator Murray. “He has already axed 800 grants, over a billion dollars in research for HIV prevention, breast cancer, pregnancy, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and more. He has also blocked $2 billion in grant funding from going out to universities and research institutions across the country.He slapped a $1 limit on NIH researchers’ payment cards—meaning labs can’t get gloves, pipettes, and vials—the basics they need to keep research going.He wants to massively cut funding for basic costs that keep labs running.And Trump is calling for at least an $18 billion cut to NIH funding. And it’s not just funding Trump has cut—it’s the workforce. Trump has pushed out nearly 5,000 people at NIH and counting.He is slashing grants to support early educators. And he is pushing out and scaring away international students. We are seeing canceled trials and delayed research. We must keep up the public pressure. People need to know what is happening. They need to know what is at stake.”
    Murray’s roundtable discussion follows a bipartisan Senate Appropriations Committee hearing she co-led this week, where she invited testimony from Washington state mom and patient advocate, Emily Stenson, whose daughter Charlie was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer at just three years old but who, thanks to a National Cancer Institute clinical trial at Seattle Children’s Hospital, has been cancer free since December 2024.
    “Children are our future, and we drive advances—like improving survival rates for children with brain tumors, developing new therapies for rare diseases, and transforming care for kids with complex behavioral health needs—through research,” said Dr. Vittorio Gallo, Chief Scientific Officer at Seattle Children’s. “Without sustained NIH investment, nearly 200 clinical trials at Seattle Children’s could be delayed or paused. Funding is critical for us to deliver on our mission to provide hope, care and cures.”
    “I wanted to first tell you what’s happened to me in consequence of this craziness. I am now owed—4 months later—$1.8 million of a noncompetitive renewal on a project that has been approved at all scientific levels. The Notice of Grant Award has been signed. It was to begin last January 1. It has simply not been sent. It’s not canceled. It just hasn’t come. Somehow it is frozen. No reason has been given. There is no DEI component, it’s only sequencing of DNA…There are probably thousands more like me. That estimate of the of the total cost—the total deficit into those 800 [grants]—I think is only a very small fraction of the actual amount of money that we need as researchers, that has been guaranteed for us. They will need to burn this money if they don’t send it. This money is allocated to the University of Washington. They can’t use it for anything else. They might as well take out the bills and just burn them. In addition to the research itself, it supports 4 young investigators. We’re now 4 months in with their having no salaries from that grant. I’m using my own salary, I’m using gifts that I’ve been accumulating for 50 years to pay them. So far so good, but we’ll run out pretty quickly. Grants like this need to be dislodged from the iceberg in which they are now frozen,” said Dr. Mary-Claire King, American Cancer Society Professor of Medicine and Genome Sciences at UW School of Medicine. Dr. King was the first person to show that breast cancer can be inherited due to mutations in the gene she called BRCA1. Dr. King also shared the story of a woman who participated in one of her projects, “She said, ‘My mother died of breast cancer when I was 14. She missed my high school graduation. She missed the decisions about my going to college. She missed my college graduation. She missed my marriage. She missed the birth of her granddaughter. When I learned that it was possible to have testing to learn if I was predisposed to breast cancer, I was tested right away. I have a mutation in BRCA 1, that surely is what killed her. As soon as I was old enough, I had the same surgery that Angelina Jolie had, and I am now fine. My daughter graduates from high school this June, and I will be there. Just thought, you want to know.’ We owe it to her to bring the NIH back to health. So, thanks very much for what you’re doing.”
    “We study immune diseases, particularly autoimmune diseases and allergies. [Autoimmune diseases] affect 25 to 50 million Americans. [Allergies] affect 25% of Americans, in fact two kids in every classroom. And we’re funded 70% by the National Institute of Health, and that work you know, that supports fundamentally understanding these diseases and also clinical trials to test the next new therapy. As well as ways to prevent ever getting a disease like type one diabetes. We want kids never to have to face using insulin every day…I do this because I’m also a physician and a rheumatologist, so I care for people with arthritis, and I’ve been doing that for 30 years. And for the first 10 years of my career, we didn’t have much for my patients and our waiting rooms were filled with wheelchairs. You had to reorganize furniture for our patients. And then drugs called biologics were discovered—in fact, one of the first ones came from the Seattle area—and literally, patients got out of wheelchairs and walked in a week. That research started 30 years before, and that was funded by NIH research, and it would have actually never become a product if those studies hadn’t been done. Today, I still see patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and they’re doing so much better. We don’t have wheelchairs in our waiting rooms anymore,” said Dr. Jane Hoyt Buckner, M.D., President of Benaroya Research Institute. “You may not know you need the cure that is going to be discovered through this research, but in 10 years you may, or your family member may, and by not funding the NIH, some of those cures won’t be there in 10 years. And I also think some of our young people who are trying to choose a career in science are going to be turned away. And it’s only been 100 days, but the chaos that’s been created in that 100 days is already impacting people. We see it now, people choosing not to go to graduate school, people choosing alternative careers, scientists thinking I should move out of the United States. And I can also say I’m fortunate to work very closely with many people at the NIH, particularly on clinical trials trying to cure diseases of the immune system, and they are struggling to continue to do that work. They’re understaffed, they aren’t able to get things out, and they don’t know what’s going to happen next. I know they’re really looking to Congress to help us find a way out of this.”
    “Unstable funding from the NIH for biomedical research will have long-lasting, devastating impacts. Early career scientists like myself will be forced to go abroad to continue our training, patients will unnecessarily suffer or die from the diseases that this research could cure, and the United States will cede its position as the global leader in biomedical research,” said Kristin Weinstein, PhD candidate at UW School of Medicine. “I am holding onto the hope that the American public and its leadership will recognize the vital importance of biomedical research, reinstate federal funding for this work, and support our hard-working scientists. At the end of the day, I just want to be in the lab doing what I love most: Making scientific discoveries that will lead to cures for diseases like cancer and autoimmunity.”
    Trump and Elon Musk’s DOGE have terminated nearly 800 NIH grants across the country, cutting off more than $1.1 billion in essential research and trials and continue to terminate more grants every week. So far this year, he has slow walked roughly $2 billion in vital NIH funding that should be going out the door to fund the research that might discover the next treatment or cure that will change—or save—a patient’s life.  
    These grant terminations are a result of the Trump Administration’s Executive Orders against whatever it deems DEI and targeted attacks on specific academic research institutions, which are disrupting landmark diabetes research, targeting promising mRNA vaccines, and spreading vaccine hesitancy amidst a measles outbreak. A full list of HHS grant terminations can be found here. To date, NIH grant terminations include: 
    Grants that fund research on HIV prevention, breast cancer, uterine cancer, stroke risk, cardiac health, suicide prevention, smoking cessation, eating disorders, COVID-19, pain, alcohol use disorder, depression, violence prevention in children, pregnancy health disparities, diabetes and obesity, and Alzheimer’s disease; 
    More than 270 grants totaling at least $125 million for research focused on improving the health of LGBTQ Americans; 
    Stop work orders for all NIH training grants that support diverse undergraduate and graduate students and early career scientists, including the Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (U-RISE), the Maximizing Opportunities for Scientific and Academic Independent Careers (MOSAIC), and F31 Diversity training programs. 
    The Trump Administration’s actions, including directly terminating early career training programs funded by NIH, are devastating the pipeline of early career researchers and threatening the next generation of breakthroughs, treatments, and cures. On March 31st, an open letter signed by nearly 2,000 of the country’s top scientists including a number of Nobel Prize winners urged the Administration to stop its wholesale assault on U.S. science, which is decimating research, driving scientists to leave the country and putting America at risk of losing a generation of scientists. 
    Trump has illegally sought to cut billions in funding for universities to conduct this vital research by illegally capping the indirect cost rate in direct violation of bipartisan appropriations law—a federal judge has issued a nationwide injunction against the cap on indirect costs, but the Trump administration is appealing the ruling. The uncertainty around NIH’s indirect cost rate policy has led universities and research institutions around the country to implement hiring freezes, rescind graduate student admissions offers, and shutter entire graduate school programs. 
    President Trump has pushed out nearly 5,000 NIH employees and 4,000 FDA employees—decimating the very work responsible for discovering lifechanging treatments and cures and ensuring they can safely get to market. He also reportedly plans to propose to nearly halve NIH’s budget.
    Senator Murray has been leading the charge against the Trump administration’s efforts to gut lifesaving research at NIH and pushed out nearly 5,000 NIH skilled scientists, grants administrators, and other employees at the agency. When the Trump administration attempted to illegally cap indirect cost rates at 15 percent, Senator Murray immediately and forcefully condemned the move, led the entire Senate Democratic caucus in a letter decrying the proposed change, and introduced amendments to Senate Republicans’ budget resolution to reverse it, which Republicans blocked.
    As a longtime appropriator and former Chair of the Senate HELP Committee, Murray has led Congressional efforts to boost biomedical research. Previously, over her years as Chair of the Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Murray secured billions of dollars in increases for biomedical research at NIH, and during her time as Chair of the HELP Committee she established the new ARPA-H research agency as part of her PREVENT Pandemics Act to advance some of the most cutting-edge research in the field. Senator Murray was also the lead Democratic negotiator of the bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act, which delivered a major federal investment to boost NIH research, among many other investments. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: WEEK 15 WINS: President Trump’s 100th Day Marked by More Success

    Source: The White House

    This week, President Donald J. Trump celebrated his 100th day in office — and set the course for the next 100 days of growth, prosperity, and success for the American people.

    Here is a non-comprehensive list of wins in week 15:

    • The economy added 177,000 new jobs in April, according to the latest jobs report — smashing expectations for another month as the workforce grows and businesses onshore jobs.
    • President Donald J. Trump’s relentless pursuit of manufacturing dominance spurred onshoring and additional U.S. investment.
      • Mercedes-Benz announced it will move production of another vehicle to its Tuscaloosa, Alabama, manufacturing facility.
      • AstraZeneca announced it will shift production of some medicines from Europe to the U.S.
      • Walmart expanded its support for American-made products.
      • IBM announced a $150 billion investment over the next five years in its U.S.-based growth and manufacturing operations.
      • Pratt Industries announced a $5 billion investment that will result in 5,000 new manufacturing jobs across several key industrial states.
      • Kimberly-Clark announced a $2 billion investment in its U.S. manufacturing sites, which will create 900 new jobs.
      • Corning announced it is expanding its Michigan manufacturing facility investment to $1.5 billion.
      • Merck & Co. announced a $1 billion investment to build a new state-of-the-art biologics manufacturing plant in Delaware, which will create at least 500 new jobs — part of the company’s commitment to invest more than $9 billion over the next four years.
        • “Since the advent of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Merck has allocated more than $12 billion to enhance our domestic manufacturing and research capabilities, with additional planned investments of more than $9 billion over the next four years.”
      • Amgen announced a $900 million investment in its Ohio-based manufacturing operation.
        • “Pro-growth policies like the @POTUS @WhiteHouse 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act helped make investments like this possible. Since enactment, Amgen has invested ~$5B in capital expenditures. This amounts to an additional downstream output to the U.S. economy of approximately $12B.”
      • The Bel Group announced a $350 million investment to expand its U.S.-based production, including at its South Dakota, Idaho and Wisconsin facilities — which will create 250 new jobs.
    • President Trump continued to secure our border and rid our communities of illegal immigrant criminals.
      • New York Post: Illegal border crossings remained near historic lows in April after President Trump’s crackdown
      • The Trump Administration directed an operation at an underground nightclub in Colorado “frequented by TdA and MS-13 terrorists” that resulted in 100 illegal immigrant arrests.
      • ICE arrested more than 1,000 illegal immigrants in Florida in just six days as part of Operation Tidal Wave.
      • Uzbekistan agreed to pay for and accept 131 illegal immigrants from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.
    • President Trump continued to pursue peace through strength around the world.
      • President Trump secured a historic agreement with Ukraine that gives the U.S. an economic stake in securing a free, peaceful, and sovereign future for Ukraine and allows for the long-term reconstruction and modernization of the country after Russia’s invasion.
      • President Trump announced secondary sanctions on any country or person who purchases Iranian oil.
      • President Trump secured the release of a wrongfully detained U.S. citizen in Belarus and a U.S. citizen imprisoned in Kuwait — for a total of 47 detained citizens abroad freed since President Trump took office.
      • The Trump Administration brokered a joint pledge for peace between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
      • The Department of the Treasury cracked down on vessels delivering oil derivatives to Houthi terrorists in Yemen.
      • The Department of the Treasury sanctioned six Iranian and Chinese firms linked to procuring missile propellant ingredients for the Iranian regime.
    • The Trump Administration forged ahead on its unprecedented effort to secure American energy dominance.
      • Woodside Energy Group financially approved a $17.5 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) project.
      • The Environmental Protection Agency granted an emergency waiver that allows Americans to buy cheaper, higher-ethanol gasoline through the summer, which will save Americans money.
    • President Trump took a series of executive actions to improve Americans’ lives.
      • President Trump strengthened the ability of state and local law enforcement to pursue criminals and protect innocent Americans.
      • President Trump signed an executive order to protect Americans in so-called “sanctuary” jurisdictions from dangerous criminal illegal immigrants.
      • President Trump established the Religious Liberty Commission to safeguard and promote America’s founding principle of religious freedom.
      • President Trump incentivized American automobile production.
      • President Trump ordered that commercial truck drivers must be properly qualified and proficient in English.
      • President Trump ended the taxpayer subsidization of NPR and PBS.
    • President Trump unveiled his proposed budget, which would save taxpayers $163 billion in wasteful spending, gut the weaponized deep state, and provide historic increases for defense and border security.
    • President Trump launched the FEMA Review Council to help fix the broken disaster response system and return power to the states.
    • President Trump announced Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan will soon be home to the new F-15EW Eagle II fighter jets.
    • President Trump renamed May 8 as “Victory Day for World War II” and November 11 as “Victory Day for World War I” in recognition of America’s role in winning the two wars.
    • The Department of Health and Human services released a comprehensive review of so-called “gender-affirming care,” finding no strong medical or scientific evidence exists to support the treatment’s irreversible effects.
    • The Trump Administration ended the Biden-era lawfare against South Dakota cattle ranchers who were wrongfully persecuted over a minor land dispute.
    • The Department of State designated Haitian gangs Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.
    • The Department of Education launched a civil rights investigation into the New York Department of Education over its threat to withhold funding from the Massapequa School District if it does not eliminate its Native American mascot.
    • The Department of Education announced its finding that the University of Pennsylvania violated Title IX, notifying the institution that they have ten days to resolve the violations or risk a referral to the Department of Justice for enforcement proceedings.
    • The Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services announced investigations into Harvard University and the Harvard Law Review based on reports of race-based discrimination permeating the operations of the journal.
    • The Department of the Interior announced 42 new proposed hunting opportunities across 87,000 acres within the National Wildlife Refuge System and National Fish Hatchery System, which would more than triple the number of opportunities and quintuple the number of stations opened or expanded compared to the previous administration.
    • The Department of Energy announced it will lift a range of unnecessary regulations on certain indoor and outdoor gas products — expanding choice and lowering costs for consumers.
    • The Department of Transportation unveiled a new package of actions to further supercharge the air traffic controller workforce.
    • Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard added counter narcotics to the National Counter Terrorism Center in order to “focus intelligence and vetting resources against these terrorists who traffic deadly narcotics into the country.”
    • The Department of Justice arrested two individuals on charges of operating an international child exploitation enterprise.
    • The Department of Agriculture secured an agreement with Mexico for an immediate transfer of water from international reservoirs to Texas farmers and ranchers.
    • The White House Council on Environmental Quality established the Permitting Innovation Center to cut red tape and accelerate the environmental review process.
    • The National Institutes of Health announced it will publish studies it funds online for free to empower Americans’ own research and promote maximum transparency.
    • PepsiCo announced it will remove artificial ingredients from some popular food offerings by the end of the year following the Trump Administration’s push to end artificial food dyes.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Man arrested after trying to evade police at Parafield Gardens

    Source: New South Wales – News

    A man has been arrested after trying to evade police at Parafield Gardens last night.

    At 8.30pm on Friday 2 May police spotted a red Holden sedan on Martins Road, Parafield Gardens and directed the driver to stop.

    The driver refused and took off at speed. The vehicle wasn’t pursued by police as fortunately PolAir was in the area and tracked the vehicle from above. The vehicle was tracked onto John Rice Avenue and the Grove Way where it will be alleged it reached speeds of 120 km/h.

    Patrols successfully spiked the vehicle on two occasions on the Grove Way.

    The vehicle continued into Fairview Park before stopping on Hamilton Road and the driver attempted to run from the car.

    He was swiftly arrested after a short foot chase.

    Checks revealed the 32-year-old driver from Banksia Park was currently disqualified from driving.

    He was arrested and charged with fail to stop, drive dangerously to escape police, speed dangerous, drive disqualified and resist police.

    His vehicle was impounded, and he was bailed to appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court on 18 June.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Collins Releases Statement Celebrating Full Restoration of Sea Grant Funding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins today released the following statement after the University of Maine announced it has received full funding for Maine Sea Grant.
    After a February announcement from the Department of Commerce that the program was being defunded, Senator Collins contacted Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and the Trump administration to explain all that is at stake for Maine’s coastal communities with the loss of Sea Grant funding. At the urging of Senator Collins, Secretary Lutnick directed NOAA to renegotiate the terms and conditions of the work to be performed by Maine Sea Grant to ensure that it focuses on advancing Maine’s coastal economies, working waterfronts, and sustainable fisheries, and, this week, they received their funding.
    “I am thrilled that Maine Sea Grant has received its full funding so that the important work they do to conduct research, support a robust pipeline of skilled labor, and enrich our coastal economies can continue unimpeded,” said Senator Collins. “Maine Sea Grant provides valuable services for fishermen, lobstermen, hospitality workers, and so many others that rely on our coastal economy.”
    “The groundswell of support for Maine Sea Grant and the stories that have surfaced about its incredible impact on our state’s working waterfronts have been extraordinary and effective. We are deeply appreciative of Senator Collins’ leadership and relentless advocacy on behalf of Maine Sea Grant and the hard-working Mainers it has long served,” said UMaine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy. “We look forward to continuing our long-standing partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce and our state’s coastal communities to promote resilient local jobs and opportunities and a globally competitive marine economy through research-informed innovation.” 
    Maine Sea Grant is a direct investment in Maine’s coastal communities, driving economic growth, creating jobs, and supporting fisheries and the seafood industry, including local businesses like Ready Seafood:
    “Maine Sea Grant has been supporting Ready Seafood since we started as a small lobster company on Hobson’s Pier in Portland in 2004, and helped propel our business to become the largest lobster processing company in the world,” said Curt Brown, lobsterman and marine biologist for Ready Seafood. “Senator Collins’ tireless leadership has once again delivered a huge victory for Maine’s coastal communities. From Kittery to Cutler, Maine’s coastal economy is stronger today, thanks to her efforts!” 
    Consistent with the original four-year agreement, the award made by the Commerce Department this week is for $1,499,374, which will be matched by $809,905 from non-federal sources, including industry and State research and development funding, over the next year. The Department will provide an additional $3,023,749 to Maine Sea Grant through Jan. 31, 2028, to be matched by $1,646,169. 
    Facts about Maine Sea Grant:
    Maine Sea Grant contributed to $23.5 million in documented economic benefits in 2023 alone. For every $1 of funding, there’s a $15 return.
    Sea Grant has more than 700 established partnerships with businesses, researchers, community organizations, and local and county governments.
    In 2023, Sea Grant created or supported 332 businesses and 565 jobs.
    Sea Grant supports American seafood competitiveness by enhancing the sustainability and profitability of Maine’s $600 million lobster industry and growing aquaculture sector, helping maintain American leadership in global seafood markets.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Blackburn Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen After School Programs, Reduce Crime Among At-Risk Youth

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) reintroduced the bipartisan Advancing Frequent and Tailored Education to Rebuild Safe Communities and Help Orchestrate Opportunities and Learning (AFTER SCHOOL) Act. This bill would create and support after school programs focused on reducing violent crime. 
    “Providing young Nevadans in at-risk neighborhoods with after school activities not only enriches their lives, but also reduces crime,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Unfortunately, many communities across the Silver State don’t have the resources they need to fund these programs. This bipartisan legislation fills that gap.”
    A recent study found a 28 to 35 percent reduction of total arrests and a 45 to 50 percent reduction in violent crime by youth participating in specific after school programs, as well as a 21 percent reduction in recidivism. The AFTER SCHOOL Act would establish a grant program through the Department of Justice to help schools and non-profits establish, maintain, and strengthen these after school programs that are so effective. School districts and non-profits in counties with a juvenile offense rate higher than 10 percent would be eligible to receive funds through the non-competitive grant. 
    You can find the full bill text here.
    Senator Cortez Masto has delivered critical support to students and schools across Nevada. She helped secure nearly $12 million in funding for the Communities in Schools (CIS) program, which works with local partner organizations to provide eligible students and their families with essential services, including mental health care and access to high-quality afterschool and leadership programs. She has also secured $950,000 to help Clark County School District better support students recovering from substance abuse and mental health struggles. Cortez Masto’s provision to increase the number of mental health professionals in schools was included in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which was signed into law. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Israel/OPT: Two months of humanitarian aid ban in Gaza is ‘genocide in action’ – harrowing testimonies from residents

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Israel’s ban on aid and goods into Gaza has now entered its second month

    Starvation and denial of life-saving essentials are being used as weapons of war

    ‘You may send your child to bring water only for him to return in a body bag. Every day is like this here’ – Gaza resident

    ‘Israel has relentlessly and mercilessly turned Gaza into an inferno of death and destruction’ – Erika Guevara Rosas

    Israel must immediately end its devastating siege on the occupied Gaza Strip which constitutes a genocidal act, a blatant form of unlawful collective punishment, and the war crime of using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare, said Amnesty International.

    By blocking the entry of supplies critical for the survival of the population, Israel continues its policy of deliberately imposing conditions of life on Palestinians in Gaza calculated to bring about their physical destruction; this constitutes an act of genocide.  

    Harrowing new testimonies, gathered by Amnesty throughout April, reveal the catastrophic human cost of Israel’s two-month long total siege, where starvation and denial of life-saving essentials are being used as weapons of war in flagrant violation of international law. 

    Erika Guevara Rosas, Amnesty International’s Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy, and Campaigns, said:

    “The extent of human suffering in Gaza for the past 19 months has been unimaginable, and it is a direct consequence of Israel’s ongoing genocide. Apart from a brief respite during the temporary truce, Israel has relentlessly and mercilessly turned Gaza into an inferno of death and destruction.

    “For the past two months, Israel has completely cut off the supply of humanitarian aid and other items indispensable to the survival of civilians in a clear and calculated effort to collectively punish over two million civilians and to make Gaza unliveable. This is genocide in action.  

    “The international community must not continue to stand by as Israel perpetrates these atrocities with impunity. Governments, especially Israel’s allies, must act now and take concrete measures to pressure Israel into immediately lifting its total siege and allowing the unhindered entry of humanitarian aid and its safe distribution across all of Gaza. A sustained ceasefire is essential to ensure that can happen.” 

    Testimonies from residents and internally displaced people

    Amnesty conducted interviews with 35 internally displaced people seeking shelter in Gaza City and six residents of Beit Lahia, which paint a grim picture of a population teetering on the brink of survival.  

    In addition to blocking entry of all aid, Israel’s decision to cut power to Gaza’s main desalination plant on 9 March has further crippled access to clean water. The plant was the only facility in Gaza reconnected to Israel’s electricity grid in November 2024, after a full electricity blackout had been imposed since 11 October 2023.  

    The collapse of the truce with Israel’s resumption of attacks on 18 March, which have killed at least 2,325 people, including 820 children, shattered any semblance of hope for Palestinians in Gaza.  

    A resident told Amnesty:

    “We thought we would finally have a chance to mourn our dead in peace, to bury those we couldn’t bury and to start life. Conditions were very tough, but at least we could start planning for something other than death.” 

    Expansive “evacuation” orders and no-go zones now engulf nearly 70% of the Gaza Strip, forcing people to abandon what is left of the scarce sources of sustenance and access to livelihoods for farmers and fishermen.  

    The consequences are irreversible damage to the Palestinian population. Basic food items -including fish and meat- have become prohibitively expensive, pushing countless families into hunger. 

    One fisherman described the deadly gamble he is forced to take due to the risk of being shot at by the Israeli military while at sea: 

    “When I go fishing, I know that the danger of not returning home to my family is great… but we have no other option. My family’s survival depends on the money we can get out of selling the fish in the market – and it may cost you your life.”  

    The severe food scarcity is being exploited and exacerbated by individuals hoarding or looting supplies, selling them at extortionate prices. Amidst a severe cash liquidity crisis, commissions to withdraw money may reach 30%. Most Palestinians in Gaza now can only rely on overcrowded community kitchens, where displaced people endure hours-long waits for minimal sustenance, often just a single meal per day.  

    A displaced parent said:

    “We don’t ask if food is nutritious or not, if it’s fresh or good; that’s a luxury, we just want to fill the stomachs of our children. I don’t want my child to die hungry.”

    Throughout the conflict, including during the truce, local authorities in Gaza have failed to take any meaningful steps to stop such exploitation and profiteering. Their apparent disregard for civilians has prompted hundreds of protesters in Gaza, particularly in Beit Lahia, to take to the streets demanding the downfall of Hamas in recent weeks.   

    The crisis has had a particularly devastating impact on infants and breastfeeding and pregnant mothers. According to OCHA, 92% of infants aged 6-23 months and pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are not meeting their nutrient requirements.   

    Water scarcity, an endemic problem in Gaza due to Israel’s 17 year-long blockade, has now become critical, with some resorting to drinking seawater. Damaged infrastructure and fuel shortages have severely limited access to clean water. Residents in Beit Lahia said they had no water for domestic use for five consecutive days.  

    Another resident said:

    “I woke up thirsty, not even able to speak. If we wanted to get just a few bottles of drinking water, I had to send my son to queue for water for hours and he had to walk long distances. With the relentless bombardment and danger lurking everywhere, you don’t know. You may send your child to bring water only for him to return in a body bag. Every day is like this here.” 

    The lack of cooking gas and the scarcity and unaffordability of wood are forcing people to burn hazardous materials like waste and nylon for cooking and heating, leading to widespread respiratory illnesses, particularly among women, who often are the ones making fire for cooking.   

    Gaza’s healthcare system has largely collapsed under Israel’s military attacks and denial of humanitarian aid access. Doctors at the Al-Rantissi pediatric hospital in Gaza City, which only managed to reopen during the truce, report critical shortages of essential medical supplies and equipment.  

    A doctor said:

    “We are the only hospital in Gaza dedicated to providing dialysis for children… following the siege, we’ve been having shortages, including in AV fistulas which doctors need to prepare patients for dialysis treatment. We also notice the impact of the hunger on the children who come here to receive treatment: they are fading… you recommend that the parent give the child specific attention, specific food, and you know that what you are recommending is an impossibility.” 

    Another doctor highlighted the growing number of severely malnourished children, including infants lacking baby formula, and a critical shortage of life-saving medications like insulin. 

    Amnesty opposes any attempts to weaponise aid, use it for forced displacement, or create discriminatory aid distribution zones, all of which would violate international law. 

    ICJ hearings this week

    This week in the Hague, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is holding public hearings to examine Israel’s obligations in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations and other international organisations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), including the provision of humanitarian assistance. Amnesty reiterates the critical urgency of allowing UNRWA, other UN agencies and humanitarian organisations, to carry out their life-saving work across the OPT without obstructions.  

    Israel’s refusal to allow aid into Gaza also flouts repeated ICJ orders to ensure Palestinians have access to sufficient humanitarian assistance and basic services. 

    System of apartheid

    Since June 2007, Israeli authorities have imposed an illegal land, sea and air blockade on Gaza, effectively controlling the entire strip and depriving residents of their most basic rights. This blockade has isolated Palestinians in Gaza from the rest of the OPT, and helped maintain Israel’s system of apartheid. Immediately following the Hamas-led 7 October attacks, Israel imposed a full siege on Gaza for almost two weeks, but even after Israel was pressured into lifting the total siege, it has maintained suffocating restrictions on the delivery of aid into and inside Gaza.  

    Erika Guevara Rosas at Amnesty added:

    “Governments contemptible failure to live up to their legal responsibilities to prevent and bring an end to Israel’s genocide in Gaza, as well as their obligation to ensure respect for international humanitarian law throughout the OPT, is deplorable. Decades of inaction helped establish pervasive impunity for Israel’s persistent violations and it is now exacting an unprecedent toll of death, destruction and suffering on Palestinians.

    “Governments must take action to render Israel’s violations against Palestinians politically, diplomatically and economically unsustainable – the siege on Gaza must end now. They must impose a comprehensive arms embargo on Israel and fully support and cooperate with the International Criminal Court.” 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons, Tillis, colleagues introduce bipartisan, bicameral legislation to restore American innovation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Judiciary Committee’s Intellectual Property Subcommittee, and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, reintroduced the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act (PERA). This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will restore patent eligibility to important inventions across many fields while also resolving legitimate concerns over the patenting of mere ideas, the mere discovery of what already exists in nature, and social and cultural content that everyone agrees is beyond the scope of the patent system. It also affirms the basic principle that the patent system is central to promoting technology-based innovation.
    Representatives Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.) and Scott Peters (D-Calif.) introduced a companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.
    “When American innovators know their ideas are eligible for patent protection, they take the risks that push us into the future – whether that’s the next medical test or the latest AI technology,” said Senator Coons. “PERA restores clarity to the law on what can be patented and what cannot – guidance that federal courts have been requesting for years and that the Supreme Court has refused to provide. Congress must step up to provide America’s inventors with the stable legal foundation they need to produce the cutting-edge technologies that power our economy.”
    “Clear, reliable, and predictable patent rights are imperative to enable investments in the broad array of innovative technologies that are critical to the economic and global competitiveness of the United States, and to ensuring the national security of our great country,” said Senator Tillis. “Unfortunately, a series of Supreme Court decisions have rendered patent eligibility law unclear, unreliable, and unpredictable, resulting in U.S. inventors being unable to obtain patents in areas where our economic peers offer patent protection. This is particularly concerning in the economically critical areas of biotechnology and artificial intelligence. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation maintains the existing statutory categories of eligible subject matter, which have worked well for over two centuries, while addressing inappropriate judicially created eligibility limitations by creating clear rules for what is eligible. We cannot allow foreign adversaries like China to overtake us in key areas of technology innovation due to the current state of patent eligibility law. I look forward to continuing to work with all stakeholders on this important matter. Passing patent eligibility reform is one of my top legislative priorities.”
    “American innovators have been at a disadvantage in recent years because of the U.S. patent system,” said Representative Kevin Kiley. “Convoluted Supreme Court rulings and tests on subject matter eligibility have made it increasingly difficult for inventors to receive patents, leading to foreign companies overtaking our own. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the bi-partisan Patent Eligibility Restoration Act, which will dramatically reverse this trend, and unleash a tide of economic growth and job creation here at home.”
    “For more than two centuries, a U.S. patent has guaranteed inventions will be protected from theft, helping the U.S. become the innovation capital of the world. San Diego, in particular, is the proud home of a thriving life sciences and technology ecosystem that has benefited from these protections,” said Representative Peters. “Over the last 15 years, however, several Supreme Court decisions have created confusion about what exactly is eligible for a patent. Innovators, consumers, and even the judges who adjudicate patent law have called on Congress to provide clarity on what can be patented. I look forward to working with Congressman Kiley, Senator Coons, and Senator Tillis to advance our Patent Eligibility Restoration Act and protect American innovation.” 
    Due to a series of Supreme Court decisions, patent eligibility law in the United States has become confused, constricted, and unclear in recent years. This has resulted in a wide range of well-documented negative impacts – inconsistent case decisions, uncertainty in innovation and investment communities, and unpredictable business outcomes.
    In 2021, all 12 then-sitting judges of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit lamented the state of the law. Witnesses and stakeholders from a wide array of industries, fields, interest groups, and academia have testified and submitted comments confirming the uncertainty and detailing the detrimental effects of patent eligibility confusion in the United States. There is now widespread bipartisan agreement in Congress and across all recent administrations that reforms are necessary to restore the United States to a position of global strength and leadership in key areas of technology and innovation, such as medical diagnostics, biotechnology, personalized medicine, artificial intelligence, and 5G technology.
    The Patent Eligibility Restoration Act achieves this critical goal by restoring patent eligibility to important inventions across many fields, while also resolving legitimate concerns over patenting of mere ideas, the mere discovery of what already exists in nature, and social and cultural content that everyone agrees is beyond the scope of the patent system, which is a system aimed at promoting technology-based innovation. As a general approach, the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act maintains the existing statutory categories of eligible subject matter, which have worked well for over two centuries, but eliminates the overly malleable set of current judicial exceptions – replacing them with five specific and clear statutory exclusions. By eliminating and replacing the current judicial exceptions, the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act provides predictable patent eligibility for important computer-implemented technological developments and medical advances, creating a solid bedrock for America’s innovation future.
    The following organizations support the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act: Innovation Alliance, C4IP, AUTM, AIPLA, IEEE-USA, USIJ, MDMA, BIO, NCLifeSci, Adeia, Nokia, Sisvel, Conservatives for Property Rights, Eagle Forum Education & Legal Defense Fund, U.S. Business & Industry Council, Center for a Free Economy, Center for Individual Freedom, American Policy Center, Less Government, 60 Plus Association, American Association of Senior Citizens, Frontiers of Freedom, Consumer Action for a Strong Economy, Center for American Principles, Prosperity for Us Foundation, Market Institute, Inventors Defense Alliance, Lauder Partners, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Heritage Action, 21C, Netlist, and FICPI.
    “Congress has not made substantive changes to what subject matter is patentable in the United States since the Patent Act of 1793, making it difficult for courts, inventors, and the public to understand how 21st-century technologies fit within an 18th Century patent statute,” said Andrei Iancu, board co-chair of C4IP and former Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and USPTO Director from 2018 to 2021. “I commend Congress for advancing PERA in order to finally modernize our patent laws and promote U.S. global leadership in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and other modern technologies.” 
    “PERA provides the clarity needed to unlock the full potential of cutting-edge technologies and solidify U.S. leadership in scientific and technological breakthroughs,” said David Kappos, board co-chair of C4IP and former Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and USPTO Director from 2009 to 2013. “We cannot allow legal uncertainty to stall the next wave of American innovation.”
    “Patent Eligibility is an important issue for cancer patients – both for life-saving, early diagnosis and for promising new treatments.  PERA will provide the certainty needed to enable innovative breakthroughs to reach patients. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute applauds Congress for introducing and advancing this important bill – the patients are waiting,” said the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
    “Passing PERA is essential if the US is to catch up to Europe and Asia, especially China,” said Judge Paul Michel (retired). “They make eligible for patenting many classes of inventions held ineligible here. The very uncertainty of the zone of eligibility is itself an obstacle to companies getting the investments they need to compete both domestically and globally. Only Congress can fix this chaotic mess because the courts are trapped in their own harmful precedents.” 
    “In my former court, which hears patent cases on appeal, concurring and dissenting opinions in patent eligibly cases have proliferated,” said Judge Kathleen O’Malley (retired). “Veteran jurists have described the state of affairs as ‘incoherent,’ ‘unclear,’ ‘fraught,’ and ‘inconsistent.’ The Patent Eligibility Restoration Act would return clarity to patent eligibly law and encourage continued innovation in key emerging technologies – technologies that are central to the United States remaining the world’s innovation leader.”
    “NCLifeSci thanks Senator Tillis for reintroducing the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act of 2025, which restores the confidence in our nation’s patent laws by bringing much needed clarity to Section 101 of the Patent Act. Confidence that the life sciences industry needs to robustly invest in the future of medicine. For too long, fields like diagnostics, precision medicine, cell and gene therapy, RNA medicine, and digital health have been threatened by unclear and uncertain patent-eligibility standards that put America’s innovators at a disadvantage, and that discourage local investment. Through this legislation, our members – which include leading innovators who operate cutting-edge gene therapy manufacturing facilities here in North Carolina and research potential treatments and cures for Alzheimer’s and cancer —will be able to continue to take the bold risks and make the high levels of investment necessary to take fields like these to their next level, with the confidence that our patent laws will continue to hold up through future waves of technological progress,” said the NC Life Sciences Organization.
    “The Innovation Alliance applauds Senators Tillis and Coons and Representatives Kiley and Peters for sponsoring the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act, which will provide much needed predictability and clarity to the hopelessly confused law of patent eligibility.  The Supreme Court has provided no workable framework to guide patent owners or the courts, and it has repeatedly refused to clarify the law, rejecting requests by the Federal Circuit and others to do so time and again. Investment dollars are flowing out of the United States as a result, jeopardizing the future of America’s innovation economy. It is past time for Congress to act,” said the Innovation Alliance.  
    “This bipartisan and much-needed bill would strike a decade of judicial tinkering that has needlessly turned the question of patent eligibility into a confusing mess and harmed the U.S. versus our economic competitors. While the U.S. has spent a decade holding back innovations in areas such as fintech, diagnostic solutions and medical devices trying to figure out whether they are ‘abstract’ or not, our competitors are moving forward and protecting these inventions. PERA would be particularly beneficial to American startups and innovators by providing the clarity needed to attract investment for new ventures in essential areas such as medical devices, diagnostics, manufacturing and a whole new range of advancements powered by software,” said the Alliance of U.S. Startups & Inventors for Jobs.
    “AUTM – the association representing technology transfer professionals – thanks Senators Tillis and Coons and others for their leadership in introducing PERA. This legislation is crucially needed to address the ambiguities that the courts have created about what is, and what is not, patent eligible. At a time when the U.S. is competing for innovation leadership, its patent system needs to clearly delineate this process so that it can move forward on numerous discoveries that otherwise would wither on the vine,” said AUTM.
    “The reintroduction of the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act (PERA) marks a pivotal move toward restoring clarity and consistency in U.S. patent law. By providing clear statutory guidelines, PERA offers inventors, entrepreneurs, and research institutions the certainty needed to innovate confidently. We commend Senator Tillis and Senator Coons for their leadership on this critical issue and remain committed to collaborating with Congress to support a patent system that fosters transparency and predictability,” said the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA).
    “The Coalition for 21st Century Patent Reform applauds Congress for reintroducing PERA. This legislation represents a significant step forward in clarifying patent eligibility while maintaining necessary standards on what is ultimately patentable. 21C applauds these efforts as they will make sure that the United States remains the most attractive place in the world to invest, invent, and grow,” said the Coalition for 21st Century Patent Reform (21C).
    The text of the bill is available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Press Freedom, Peacekeeping, Syria & other topics – Daily Press Briefing | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:
    – World Press Freedom Day
    – International Days
    – Secretary-General/Peacekeeping
    – Syria
    – Occupied Palestinian Territory
    – UNIFIL
    – Ukraine
    – Haiti
    – Myanmar
    – Somalia

    WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY
    Tomorrow is World Press Freedom Day. It is a constant reminder that free and independent journalism is an essential public good.
    In his message, the Secretary-General says that when journalists are unable to work, we all lose. Tragically, this is becoming more difficult every year.
    “We are seeing a sharp rise in the number of journalists killed in conflict areas — particularly in Gaza,” he said.
    And this year’s theme is “the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom” – The Secretary-General added that artificial intelligence can support freedom of expression — or stifle it.

    INTERNATIONAL DAYS
    Today is World Tuna Day. Tuna is rich in Omega-3, and it also contains minerals, proteins, and vitamin B12, among other advantages. Unfortunately, though, its popularity has led to overfishing in so many parts of the world.

    SECRETARY-GENERAL/PEACEKEEPING
    This morning, the Secretary-General took part in a dialogue with peacekeeping troop-contributing countries.
    This was a closed meeting, so we won’t be sharing the Secretary-General’s full remarks. But I can tell you that, as you can imagine, he thanked the troop-contributing countries.
    Peacekeeping is multilateralism in action, he said, a direct, collective and tangible commitment to peace.
    He added that peacekeeping is also a partnership that depends on global political support as well as on the ideas, insights and continued commitment of Member States in the face of a range of increasingly complex risks and challenges, financing for peacekeeping is one of those challenges.
    The Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin, in two weeks, the Secretary-General said, will be an opportunity to build on this important work.

    SYRIA
    The Secretary-General has been monitoring with alarm the reports of violence in the Druze-majority suburbs of Damascus and in the south of Syria, including reports of civilian casualties and assassination of local administration figures. He condemns all violence against civilians, including acts which could risk inflaming sectarian tensions.
    In this context, he also condemns Israel’s violation of Syria’s sovereignty, including the latest airstrike near the presidential palace in Damascus. It is essential that these attacks stop and that Israel respect Syria’s sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, and independence.
    The Secretary-General unequivocally calls on all concerned to cease all hostilities, exercise utmost restraint and avoid further escalation.
    He is encouraged by intra-Syrian efforts to de-escalate the violence and maintain security and stability.
    He takes note of the statement by interim President al-Sharaa, prioritizing “dialogue and cooperation within the framework of national unity,” and appeals to the interim authorities to transparently and openly investigate all violations.
    The Secretary-General further underscores that it is imperative to support a credible, orderly and inclusive political transition in Syria, in line with the key principles of resolution 2254 (2015).

    Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=02%20May%202025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7Qei4f4r4M

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: This Week at Interior May 2, 2025

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    This Week: Interior marks the first 100 days of President Trump’s administration; Interior implements emergency energy permitting procedures; Secretary Burgum attends a cabinet meeting and outlines Interior’s energy efforts; Secretary Burgum visits an oil rig and LNG export facility; the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management announced it’s intent to revise the Biden administration’s offshore bonding requirements for oil and gas operation; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces new hunting and fishing areas; the U.S. Geological Survey maps underwater minerals; the National Park Service hosts royalty; and our Picture of the Week takes us to Utah’s Arches National Park.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNQ2W_33GVo

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Investing $62M in SUNY Nursing Simulation Centers

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that nursing simulation centers will be established on three SUNY campuses as part of her signature legislation to expand simulation-based education in SUNY nursing programs. The $62 million investment includes $35 million in direct SUNY capital awards, with the remaining funds contributed by campus matches. The three nursing simulation centers will be located on the University at Buffalo, SUNY Canton and Stony Brook University campuses.

    “By investing in nurses of the future, we’re investing in the talent of aspiring professionals across our state and in the health care workforce we all rely on,” Governor Hochul said. “The SUNY nursing simulation centers will make extraordinary strides toward preparing students and strengthening the pipeline of excellence in our SUNY system and beyond.”

    The University at Buffalo has been designated a SUNY System-Wide Nursing Simulation Center of Excellence, envisioned as a cutting-edge hub for simulation-based education and innovation across the system. SUNY Canton and Stony Brook University have been named SUNY Regional Nursing Simulation Centers, and will serve as critical resources for the North Country and Long Island regions.

    SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “SUNY is committed to strengthening New York’s healthcare workforce, and today’s groundbreaking investment in nursing simulation is a testament to this commitment, and a reminder of the key role public higher education plays in health outcomes and workforce development. Following enactment of Governor Hochul’s 2023 law championed by Senators Stavisky and Fahy and Assemblymember Lupardo to establish nursing simulation, SUNY is at the forefront of simulation-based nursing education – transforming how we prepare our students to address the healthcare workforce shortage and evolving healthcare needs of New Yorkers.”

    SUNY Board Trustee Eric Corngold said, “This landmark investment takes us a step closer to providing nursing simulation centers across The Empire State and further advances our work with Governor Hochul and State leadership to address local and regional workforce shortages that are affecting many of our communities. We look forward to our continued progress in providing students interested in healthcare with the resources they need and deserve to obtain an excellent public education at the best value.”

    The selected campuses will provide high-quality, hands-on training for some of the most needed clinical practice areas in health care, such as labor and delivery, high acuity cases, and community health. With their investments, each campus has committed to significant prelicensure nursing program enrollment growth, leveraging the legislation Governor Hochul signed in May of 2023 permitting nursing students to complete up to one-third of their clinical training through high-quality simulation experiences.

    This further enhances the Governor’s other transformative initiatives to increase the state’s health care workforce, including Nurses and Healthcare Workers For Our Future Scholarships and free associate degrees at community colleges for students pursuing high-demand fields, including health care fields, all advancing Governor Hochul’s goal of growing New York’s health care workforce by 20 percent.

    SUNY’s goal to fully leverage nursing simulation aligns with recommendations from the SUNY Future of Health Care Workforce Task Force , a group convened to guide SUNY in addressing the critical health care workforce shortage. In its findings, the task force identified fully leveraging nursing simulation as one of its four priority areas for short-term action and investment. The $62 million investment will directly support prelicensure nursing program enrollment increases. Collectively, the three designated simulation centers are projected to add hundreds of new prelicensure nursing students annually, while also expanding training capacity at partner SUNY campuses across the State.

    The nursing simulation investment will have the following impact across participating campuses:

    • At the University at Buffalo, the new system-wide nursing simulation center will support a 34 percent increase in prelicensure nursing enrollment in the first-year post-project completion, with a projected 67 percent increase over the next decade. By leveraging cutting-edge simulation technology and telepresence robots, UB will enable expanded in-person and remote participation in hyper-realistic clinical scenarios while fostering collaboration across campuses.
    • At SUNY Canton, the new regional nursing simulation center will support significant growth across all levels of undergraduate nursing programs, including a 133 percent increase at the practical nursing level, a 160 percent increase at the associate’s level, and a 192 percent increase at the baccalaureate level within five years post-project completion. SUNY Canton’s simulation space will support nursing education in the North Country, where limited clinical placement opportunities present significant challenges in training future nurses, particularly in obstetrics, labor and delivery, and pediatric care.
    • At Stony Brook University, the new regional nursing simulation center will support a 19 percent increase in prelicensure nursing enrollment in the first-year post-project completion, with a projected 27 percent increase over the next five years. Stony Brook will significantly expand its simulation space footprint to enhance in-person nursing education while also leveraging advanced simulcast software technology to provide remote learning opportunities across Long Island.

    State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky said, “I am delighted to see SUNY continuing its significant investment in its nursing simulation program. The creation of three centers at University at Buffalo, SUNY Canton, and Stony Brook University will not only address the shortage of nurses but ensure that they receive first-class training. The capacity of nursing programs will hopefully increase dramatically across all SUNY campuses. No longer will schools have to turn away qualified applicants. This is exactly the result I envisioned when the Governor signed Assemblymember Lupardo and my nursing simulation bill into law in 2023.”

    State Senator April N. M. Baskin said, “This generous grant will have a profound impact on the lives of countless patients who will benefit from the training and expertise of the nurses that were fortunate to learn at the University at Buffalo, SUNY Canton, and Stony Brook University campuses. This cutting-edge medical simulation training can only improve clinical skills and enhance the professionalism of nursing students. Hands-on work by SUNY students will undoubtedly enhance actual clinical scenarios when patients’ lives are in their hands.”

    State Senator Anthony Palumbo said, “This critical funding to establish a Nursing Simulation Center at Stony Brook University will help New York’s flagship university remain on the cutting edge of medical advancements in the field of nursing and will provide students with the skills and experience needed to meet today’s growing healthcare challenges. As home to Long Island’s Regional Nursing Simulation Center, SBU will equip the next generation of nurses—helping them provide the highest quality of care to patients throughout Long Island and the greater metropolitan region.”

    Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, “There is no experience quite like hands-on experience and with these investments, SUNY is ensuring that students in the nursing programs at the University at Buffalo, Canton and Stony Brook, are equipped with the very best tools to learn and fill in the gaps within our health care workforce.”

    Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman said, “This $62 million investment in SUNY’s nursing simulation centers is not only a victory for our students, but a critical step forward in building a more equitable and prepared healthcare workforce. As someone who proudly represents communities with some of the most dedicated future healthcare professionals, I know how transformative access to cutting-edge training can be. These new centers—from Buffalo to Canton to Stony Brook—will expand opportunity, increase enrollment, and prepare more nurses to serve in areas where they’re needed most. I applaud SUNY and Governor Hochul for this bold investment in the future of healthcare in New York State.”

    Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest said, “As a nurse and a SUNY graduate, I’m happy to see this year’s record investment in nursing simulation centers at SUNY. Sims are absolutely critical in any nurse’s training and I’m glad to see SUNY creating regional centers that can help educate future nurses across the SUNY system.”

    Assemblymember Rebecca Kassay said, “As SUNY Stony Brook’s representative in the New York State Assembly, I am thrilled to see this transformative investment in our region’s nursing education infrastructure. The establishment of a Regional Nursing Simulation Center at Stony Brook University is a critical step toward building a stronger, more resilient healthcare workforce on Long Island and across New York State. This initiative will not only expand access to high-quality, hands-on training for our aspiring nurses but will also support our hospitals, clinics, and communities by preparing more qualified professionals. I am grateful for SUNY’s leadership in pioneering innovative, simulation-based education that meets the moment and addresses our state’s urgent nursing shortage.”

    Assemblymember Scott A. Gray said, “This new regional nursing simulation center represents a game-changer for SUNY Canton and the North Country. We will not only see substantial growth across our nursing programs, but more importantly, we will be able to provide our students with critical training that limited clinical placement opportunities have hindered in the past, especially in high-demand specialties like obstetrics, labor, and delivery, and pediatric care. This will ultimately lead to better healthcare outcomes for our communities.”

    SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran said, “This major and transformative investment further establishes SUNY Canton as the North Country’s regional nursing education simulation center. It also will allow us to more than double access to our quality programs at all levels, allowing us to help fill the local and state-wide need for highly qualified nurses. The new simulation center will augment our hands-on learning opportunities and further strengthen SUNY Canton’s commitment to offering affordable, accessible and applied experiences with the School of Science, Health and Criminal Justice.”

    University at Buffalo School of Nursing Dean Annette Wysocki said, “The School of Nursing at the University at Buffalo is grateful to Governor Hochul and honored to have been selected to establish the new SUNY System-Wide Nursing Simulation Center of Excellence that will be a major resource for SUNY system schools of nursing across New York State. The design and construction of a new simulation center will lead to educating faculty and the expert nursing workforce of the future where therapeutic advances are leading to new clinical challenges. This combined $34 million dollar investment to establish the SUNY System-Wide Nursing Simulation Center of Excellence at the University at Buffalo School of Nursing represents the largest investment ever made to develop resources for the School of Nursing and advance the future success of the nursing profession in New York state.”

    Stony Brook University School of Nursing Dean Dr. Patricia Bruckenthal said, “We are grateful to Governor Hochul, SUNY, and Stony Brook University for this opportunity to expand and enhance nursing education through simulation-based learning. The Stony Brook School of Nursing NEXUS Innovation Center epitomizes our commitment to advancing nursing education through innovation and collaboration. By integrating cutting-edge simulation technologies, we are not only enhancing the clinical competencies of our students and nursing students across our region but also fostering an environment where interdisciplinary teams can engage in transformative learning experiences. This center stands as a testament to our dedication to preparing nurse leaders who will shape the future of healthcare delivery.”

    Executive Vice President for Stony Brook Medicine Dr. William A. Wertheim said, “As Suffolk County’s only academic medical center, Stony Brook University is proud to be at the forefront of healthcare education and workforce development. This designation as a SUNY Regional Nursing Simulation Center reflects our long-standing commitment to preparing the next generation of nurses. Through this important partnership with SUNY, we will significantly expand access to high-quality, hands-on clinical training — helping to address the critical nursing shortage, grow the healthcare workforce and ensure our communities have the skilled professionals they need to thrive.”

    This announcement builds on a series of efforts by SUNY to expand and enhance nursing education through simulation-based learning. In October, Chancellor King announced the inaugural class of the SUNY Nursing Simulation Fellowship, a key initiative to further advance the integration of simulation into SUNY nursing programs. Additionally, SUNY has invested $3.7 million through its High Needs Nursing Fund to further advance simulation-based education across 40 of SUNY’s nursing programs. Over two consecutive years, the SUNY High Needs Nursing Fund has equipped SUNY campuses with the necessary tools, training, and resources to modernize and expand simulation experiences for students.

    To further support simulation-facing faculty and staff across the SUNY system, an additional SUNY System-Wide Nursing Simulation Center of Excellence dedicated to faculty training and professional development in nursing simulation is expected to be announced in the near future.

    About The State University of New York

    The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY’s 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the country’s oldest school of maritime, the state’s only college of optometry, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.4 million students amongst its entire portfolio of credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.16 billion in fiscal year 2024, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and one in three New Yorkers with a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit www.suny.edu.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McConnell Statement on FY26 Budget Request Defense Topline

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell
    LOUISVILLE, KY – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman, Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, released the following statement on the outlined President’s budget request:
    “It is peculiar how much time the President’s advisors spend talking about restoring peace through strength, given how apparently unwilling they’ve been to invest accordingly in the national defense or in other critical instruments of national power. In March, the Trump Administration missed a tremendous opportunity to answer their predecessors’ chronic underinvestment in the U.S. military with robust, full-year funding for FY25. Now, it appears the Trump Administration’s FY26 defense budget request will double down on the Biden Administration’s material neglect for the glaring national security threats challenges about which they speak with great alarm.
    “Make no mistake: a one-time influx reconciliation spending is not a substitute for full-year appropriations. It’s a supplement. OMB accounting gimmicks may well convince Administration officials and spokesmen that they’re doing enough to counter the growing, coordinated challenges we face from China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and radical terrorists. But they won’t fool Congress. The correct response to the most dangerous threats to U.S. interests in decades is not a fifth straight budget request that proposes a real-dollar cut to the U.S. military.
    “America cannot expect our allies to heed calls for greater annual defense spending if we are unwilling to lead by example. Fortunately, Presidential budget requests are just that: requests. Congress will soon have an opportunity to ensure that American power – and the credibility of our commitments – are appropriately resourced. I hope and expect that my colleagues will join me in placing America’s national security first as we begin the FY26 appropriations process.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Can vitamin D help prevent colorectal cancer? The science is promising – but not straightforward

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Justin Stebbing, Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University

    Yulia Furman/Shutterstock

    The potential role of vitamin D in preventing and treating colorectal cancer (CRC) has attracted growing research interest – especially as CRC rates are rising, particularly among younger adults. This isn’t a new area of study. Low vitamin D levels have long been linked to a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer.

    One large study involving over 12,000 participants found that people with low blood levels of vitamin D had a 31% greater risk of developing CRC compared to those with higher levels. Similarly, another study reported a 25% lower CRC risk among individuals with high dietary vitamin D intake.

    Data from the Nurses’ Health Study – a long-term investigation of American nurses – showed that women with the highest vitamin D intake had a 58% lower risk of developing colorectal cancer compared to those with the lowest intake.

    Now, a review highlights vitamin D’s promise in colorectal cancer prevention and treatment – but also underscores the complexity and contradictions in current research.

    While observational data, which follow people’s use of vitamin D, and mechanistic studies, to investigate how vitamin D works in the laboratory, suggest protective effects, this isn’t confirmed by larger trials.

    In fact, randomised controlled trials (RCTs), in which some people receive vitamin D and others don’t, the gold standard by which treatments are judged, reveal inconsistent outcomes. This highlights the need for a balanced approach to its integration into public health strategies.

    Vitamin D is synthesised in the skin in response to sunlight and exerts its biological effects through vitamin D receptors (VDRs) found throughout the body, including in colon tissue. When activated, these receptors help regulate gene activity related to inflammation, immune response and cell growth – processes central to cancer development and progression.

    Preclinical studies have shown that the active form of vitamin D (calcitriol) can suppress inflammation, boost immune surveillance (the immune system’s ability to detect abnormal cells), inhibit tumour blood vessel growth and regulate cell division – a key factor in cancer development, as demonstrated in my recent research.

    Epidemiological studies, which track health outcomes across large populations over time, consistently find that people with higher blood levels of vitamin D have a lower risk of developing CRC. This paints a hopeful picture, suggesting that something as simple as getting more vitamin D – via sun exposure, diet, or supplements – could lower cancer risk.

    But the story gets more complicated.

    Mixed results

    When it comes to medical decision-making, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are the gold standard. These studies randomly assign participants to receive either a treatment (like vitamin D) or a placebo, helping eliminate bias and isolate cause-and-effect relationships.

    Unfortunately, RCTs on vitamin D and CRC have produced mixed results.

    For example, the VITAL trial – a major RCT involving over 25,000 participants – found no significant reduction in overall colorectal cancer incidence with 2,000 IU/day of vitamin D supplementation over several years.

    However, a meta-analysis of seven RCTs did show a 30% improvement in CRC survival rates with vitamin D supplements, suggesting potential benefits later in the disease course rather than for prevention.

    On the other hand, the Vitamin D/Calcium Polyp Prevention Trial found no reduction in the recurrence of adenomas (pre-cancerous growths) with supplementation, raising questions about who benefits most, and at what dosage.

    Adding to the uncertainty is the question of causation. Does low vitamin D contribute to cancer development? Or does the onset of cancer reduce vitamin D levels in the body? It’s also possible that the observed benefits are partly due to increased sunlight exposure, which itself may have independent protective effects.

    The big picture

    These discrepancies highlight the importance of considering the “totality of evidence” – treating each study as one piece of a larger puzzle.

    The biologic plausibility is there. Observational and mechanistic studies suggest a meaningful link between vitamin D and lower CRC risk. But the clinical evidence isn’t yet strong enough to recommend vitamin D as a standalone prevention or treatment strategy.

    That said, maintaining sufficient vitamin D levels – at least 30 ng/mL – is a low-risk, cost-effective health measure. And when combined with other strategies like regular screening, a healthy diet, physical activity, and personalised care, vitamin D could still play a valuable role in overall cancer prevention.

    Vitamin D is not a miracle cure – but it is part of a much broader picture. Its role in colorectal cancer is promising but still being defined. While it’s not time to rely on supplements alone, ensuring adequate vitamin D levels – through sun exposure, diet, or supplements – remains a smart choice for your health.

    Colorectal cancer is a complex disease, and tackling it requires an equally nuanced approach. For now, that means focusing on evidence-based lifestyle changes, regular screenings, and staying informed as new research unfolds.

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

    – ref. Can vitamin D help prevent colorectal cancer? The science is promising – but not straightforward – https://theconversation.com/can-vitamin-d-help-prevent-colorectal-cancer-the-science-is-promising-but-not-straightforward-255025

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Glitter’s sparkle hides a darker side – it can change the chemistry of our oceans

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Juan Diego Rodriguez-Blanco, Ussher Associate Professor in Nanomineralogy, Trinity College Dublin

    Glitter is festive and fun – a favourite for decorations, makeup and art projects. But while it may look harmless, beautiful even, glitter’s sparkle hides a darker side. Those shimmering specks often end up far from party tables and greeting cards. You can even spot them glinting on beaches, washed in with the tide.

    In our recent research, we discovered that glitter – specifically, the kind made from a common plastic polymer called polyethylene terephthalate (PET) – is not merely polluting the ocean. It could actively interfere with marine life as it forms shells and skeletons, which is a much bigger deal than it might sound.

    Put simply: glitter helps the formation of crystals that nature did not plan for. And those crystals can break the glitter into even smaller pieces, making the pollution problem worse and more long-lasting.

    We tend to think of microplastics as tiny beads from face scrubs or fibres from clothes, but glitter is in its own special category. It is often made of layered plastic film with metal coatings – the same stuff found in craft supplies, cosmetics, party decorations and clothing. It is shiny, colourful and durable – and extremely tiny. That makes it hard to clean up and easy for marine animals to eat, because it looks tasty.

    New research reveals that PET-based glitter microplastics in the sea can actively influence a process known as biomineralisation.

    However, our research paper in the journal Environmental Sciences Europe suggests that what really sets glitter apart from other microplastics is the way it behaves once it enters the ocean. It actively interacts with its surroundings; it’s not drifting passively.

    In our lab, we recreated seawater conditions and added glitter to the mix to explore whether glitter would affect how minerals – like the ones marine animals use to make their shells – form. What we saw was surprisingly fast and incredibly consistent: the glitter was kickstarting the formation of minerals such as calcite, aragonite and other types of calcium carbonates in a process known as “biomineralisation”.

    These minerals are the building blocks that many marine creatures – including corals, sea urchins and molluscs – use to make their hard parts. If glitter is messing with that process, we could be looking at a serious threat to ocean life.

    A crystal-growing machine

    Under the microscope, we saw that glitter particles acted like little platforms for crystal growth. Minerals formed all over their surfaces, especially around cracks and edges. It was not a slow build-up – crystals appeared within minutes.

    This can complicate natural processes. Marine creatures use very precise conditions to make their shells the right shape and strength. When something like glitter comes along and changes the rules – speeding up crystal growth, changing the types of crystals that form – it could mess with those natural processes. Like baking a cake and suddenly having the oven heat up to 1,000ºC, you might still get a cake – but it will not be the one you intended to cook.

    Worse still, as the crystals grow, they push against the layers of glitter, causing it to crack, flake and break apart. That means the glitter ends up turning into even smaller pieces, known as nanoplastics, which are more easily absorbed by marine life and nearly impossible to remove from the environment.

    Microplastics are eaten by marine life, from fish and turtles to oysters and plankton. This affects how animals feed, grow and survive. When we eat seafood, these microplastics become part of our own diet.

    But our findings show that glitter does not just get eaten. It changes the chemistry of the ocean in tiny but important ways. By promoting the wrong kind of mineral growth, glitter might interfere with how ocean animals form their shells or skeletons in the first place.

    This problem does not stop with wildlife. The ocean plays a key role in regulating Earth’s climate, and mineral formation is part of that equation. If calcium carbonate formation in the ocean changes, it could also affect how carbon moves through the planet.

    So, the next time you see glitter on a birthday card or in a makeup palette, remember this: it might look like harmless sparkle, but in the ocean, it behaves more like a flashy chemical troublemaker. What seems small and shiny to us could be a big, silent disruptor for the marine world.

    And once it is out there, it is not going away.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

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

    – ref. Glitter’s sparkle hides a darker side – it can change the chemistry of our oceans – https://theconversation.com/glitters-sparkle-hides-a-darker-side-it-can-change-the-chemistry-of-our-oceans-255155

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Expand Great American Outdoors Act, Protect Public Lands

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner joined Sens. Steve Daines (R-MT) and Angus King (I-ME) in introducing the America the Beautiful Act, legislation that builds on the senators’ landmark Great American Outdoors Act by strengthening and reauthorizing the Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF) and addressing the serious maintenance backlog in national parks and public lands.
    “Our Great American Outdoors Act was transformative for America’s national public lands and the many communities whose economies depend on them,” said Sen. Warner. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to continue this great work. Investing in our beautiful natural treasures is a not only boosts our tourism economy but preserves these landmarks for generations to come.”
    Specifically, this legislation reauthorizes the LRF through 2033 and increases funding to $2 billion per year to help address the maintenance backlog in national parks and public lands. Currently, the maintenance backlog for each agency is as follows:
    U.S. Park Service: $23.26 billion
    U.S. Forest Service: $8.695 billion
    U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: $2.65 billion
    U.S. Bureau of Land Management: $5.72 billion
    U.S. Bureau of Indian Education: $804.5 million
    Joining Sens. Warner, Daines, and King in introducing this legislation are Sens. Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). The senators’ Great American Outdoors Act was one of the largest-ever investments in conservation and public lands in our nation’s history. Signed into law by President Trump in 2020, the bipartisan legislation provided billions of dollars to improve infrastructure and expand recreation opportunities in national parks and other public lands after years of underinvestment led a massive backlog in needed maintenance and repairs to Park Service sites. In Virginia alone, this historic legislation has provided over $470 million for projects at Virginia’s 22 park service units and supported thousands of jobs.
    The America the Beautiful Act is supported by over 40 public lands, conservation and recreation groups.
    “America’s parks are our legacy to uphold — and bold action is essential to fulfill that promise. The National Park Foundation applauds Senators Daines and King for their leadership in introducing bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund. Since its establishment through the Great American Outdoors Act, this vital program has already delivered billions toward transformative infrastructure projects across our national parks. As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, reauthorizing this investment affirms a bold democratic ideal — that every generation deserves to experience our parks as we do today. We look forward to working with Congress to ensure these magnificent landscapes and historic sites can continue welcoming visitors for generations to come,” said Jeff Reinbold, President and CEO, National Park Foundation.
    “The National Forest Foundation thanks Sens. Daines, King, Cramer and Warner for their leadership in investing in the future of America’s public lands.  The investments in recreation infrastructure as outlined in the America the Beautiful Act will benefit the economies of local communities and enhance the enjoyment of the millions of visitors who hike, camp, hunt, fish, paddle, and play in our nation’s 193-million acres of National Forests and Grasslands,” said Dieter Fenkart-Froeschl, President and CEO, National Forest Foundation.
    “The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is grateful for the leadership of Senators Daines, King, Cramer, and Warner for the America the Beautiful Act. Chronic underinvestment, extreme weather events, and heavy use have left our public lands in a precarious position. The Appalachian Trail relies on more than 5,000 volunteers and dozens of partners to keep it accessible to people and functional for nature. With ATC in its 100th year, the long-term care needs for the A.T. and its connected national parks and forests have never been clearer. This legislation will increase the monetary support, public awareness, and the impact of partners like the ATC in addressing critical deferred—and cyclic—maintenance needs for our public lands. We are proud to strongly endorse this legislation and will work diligently for its enactment,” said Sandra Marra, President and CEO, The Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
    Full text of the bill is available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Vermont Delegation Introduces the Nulhegan River and Paul Stream Wild and Scenic River Study Act to Protect Vermont Waterways

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Becca Balint (VT-AL)

    Washington, D.C. — The Vermont Congressional Delegation, U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-At Large) this week reintroduced the bicameral Nulhegan River and Paul Stream Wild and Scenic River Study Act. This bill would protect the ecological, recreational, and economic value of Northern Vermont waterways by commissioning a study to determine whether the Nulhegan River and Paul Stream could be included in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. 
     
    “Keeping Vermont’s rivers healthy is crucial to the success of our outdoor recreation and tourism industries. We’re proud to once again introduce this legislation as a Delegation help protect our State’s natural beauty and boost our economy,” said the Vermont Congressional Delegation. “This bill is an important step forward in preserving and protecting the Nulhegan River and Paul Stream for future generations of Vermonters to enjoy.” 
     
    The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System protects free-flowing rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, or recreational value. Since its creation in 1968, the system has grown to encompass more than 13,400 miles of rivers across the country, including segments of the Missisquoi and Trout Rivers in Vermont. Depending on their characteristics, rivers may be classified as wild, scenic, or recreational. Wild and Scenic rivers are managed to maintain their free-flowing condition, high water quality, and outstanding recreational opportunities, from rafting to fishing. 

    The Nulhegan River and Paul Stream Wild and Scenic River Study Act is supported by a broad coalition of local municipalities, cultural and regional organizations, and environmental conservation groups, including American Rivers, the Connecticut River Joint Commission, Connecticut River Conservancy, Essex County Conservation District, Nature Conservancy, Northeastern Vermont Development Association, Northern Forest Canoe Trail, Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk – Abenaki Nation, Trout Unlimited (including the David and Francis Smith Northeast Kingdom Chapter), Vermont Chapter of the Native Fish Coalition, and the Vermont River Conservancy. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Premier Heads to Spain, United Kingdom for Trade Mission

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Premier Tim Houston will leave on Sunday, May 4, for a provincial trade mission in two critical markets – Spain and the United Kingdom.

    The Premier and Kent Smith, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, will head to Barcelona, Spain, to promote Nova Scotia’s seafood sector at events scheduled May 5-10. The Premier will also be attending meetings regarding defence and security as well as renewable energy before heading to London, England, for meetings and speaking opportunities to promote Nova Scotia to leaders in the United Kingdom.

    “It is a privilege to represent Nova Scotians on these provincial trade missions. Leaders and the business community from other countries repeatedly tell me how highly they think of our province, people and products,” said Premier Houston. “Spain and the United Kingdom are top destinations for Nova Scotia’s fish and seafood exports. We want to strengthen that partnership as well as explore additional opportunities to do more trade with them. Nova Scotia has a lot to offer, and we’re making sure the world knows it.”

    While in Spain, Premier Houston and Minister Smith will attend Seafood Expo Global, the largest international seafood event, which attracts serving industry professionals and buyers, at all points of the supply chain, from around the world. The Premier will also speak to international buyers, media and culinary decision-makers and influencers at an event promoting Nova Scotia’s seafood industry.

    During his stop in London, Premier Houston will be the keynote speaker at the annual general meeting of the Canada-United Kingdom Chamber of Commerce at the House of Lords on May 13. Premier Houston will speak to chamber members and attendees about the long-standing ties between Nova Scotia and the United Kingdom and the opportunities that exist to strengthen cultural connections and the trade relationship.

    Nova Scotia is currently focused on making the province more self-reliant by investing in the seafood sector, wind resources and critical minerals. The Province is also developing a comprehensive trade action plan to facilitate internal trade, enhance productivity and drive critical sectors with input from businesses and industry.

    Quotes:

    “The European market represents a great opportunity to grow Nova Scotia’s seafood industry. By promoting our premium-quality seafood, we are helping our companies expand internationally, driving economic growth and securing a sustainable future for our coastal communities.”
    — Kent Smith, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture

    Quick Facts:

    • Nova Scotia continued to be Canada’s seafood export leader in 2024; top global export destinations were the United States ($1.2 billion), China ($614.2 million), South Korea ($61.5 million), Japan ($58.9 million) and France ($48.9 million)
    • seafood exports to the European Union reached $218.3 million; top markets were France, Belgium ($43.5 million), the Netherlands ($35.9 million), Spain ($31.9 million) and Denmark ($22.5 million)
    • mission delegates are Premier Houston; Minister Smith; Nicole LaFosse Parker, Chief of Staff and General Counsel; Jason Hollett, Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture; Executive Deputy Minister Tracey Taweel; and Mike McMurray, Executive Director, International Relations and Military Relations

    Additional Resources:

    Canada-United Kingdom Chamber of Commerce: https://www.canada-uk.org/

    Seafood Expo Global: https://www.seafoodexpo.com/global/

    Information about Nova Scotia seafood and exporters is available at: https://nsseafood.com/

    Other than cropping, Province of Nova Scotia Photos are not to be altered in any way.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Boston arrests criminal alien fugitive convicted of homicide, firearms crime in Brazil

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    MARLBORO, Mass. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in partnership with U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, apprehended a criminal alien fugitive wanted by Brazilian authorities for failing to serve a sentence after convictions for homicide and illegal possession of a firearm. Officers from ICE Boston and agents from DEA New England arrested Jomar Henrique Souza-Santos, 33, in Marlboro March 20.

    “Jomar Henrique Souza-Santos murdered a person in his native country and attempted to subvert justice by hiding out in Massachusetts,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “By his own selfish refusal to repay his debt to society, he presented a threat to the residents of New England. ICE Boston will not allow our communities to become safe havens for the world’s reprobates. We will continue to prioritize the safety of our public by removing criminal alien threats from our neighborhoods.”

    U.S. Border Patrol arrested Souza-Santos July 23, 2022, after he illegally entered the United States near El Paso, Texas. On Sept. 23, 2022, ICE Boston issued Souza-Santos a notice to appear before a Justice Department immigration judge and released him on an order of recognizance.

    Brazilian authorities issued a criminal arrest warrant for Souza-Santos Oct. 27, 2023, for failure to serve a sentence after his convictions for homicide and illegal possession of a firearm.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X at @EROBoston.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: REPS LIEU AND CALVERT REINTRODUCE RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH NATIONAL SPACE DAY

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ted Lieu (33 District of California)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) and Ken Calvert (R-CA) reintroduced a resolution to establish May 2 as National Space Day. The resolution recognizes the aerospace community’s significant positive impact on the scientific and economic development of the United States. 

    “The United States must continue to lead the world in space research and exploration,” said Congressman Lieu. “I am fortunate to have some of our nation’s foremost aerospace facilities in my district, including Space Systems Command at the Los Angeles Air Force Base. The aerospace community is vital to advancing America’s scientific and technological leadership, as well as our national security. As Co-Chairs of the California Aerospace Caucus, I’m pleased to partner with Congressman Calvert on this resolution to recognize the stellar work of our aerospace community and promote continued development and discovery.” 

    “As a Co-Chair of the California Aerospace Caucus, I’m proud to work in a bipartisan manner with my colleagues to introduce a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Space Day,” said Congressman Calvert. “California’s rich history of innovation and technological discovery has left an indelible mark on American space exploration.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: The CBSA reminds private boaters of reporting requirements

    Source: Government of Canada News

    May 2, 2025
    Ottawa, Ontario

    With boating season fast approaching, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reminds all private boaters of their entry and reporting obligations when navigating Canadian waters or entering Canada by boat. Understanding the reporting requirements will help keep our borders secured and ensure an enjoyable season on the water.

    Tips for boaters entering Canada:

    • Know before you go. Before lifting anchor, be sure to review the CBSA’s Reporting requirements for private boaters. All travellers entering Canada by boat must report to the CBSA without delay. Requirements vary depending on your itinerary, your nationality and number of passengers onboard.
    • Making stops along the way? If you enter Canadian waters for a day and make no stops before leaving Canadian waters, you are not required to present yourself to CBSA. However you must report to the CBSA, if you:
      • land on Canadian soil
      • anchor, moor or come alongside another boat while in Canadian waters
      • disembark or embark people or goods in Canada
    • If you are a foreign national, you must be admissible under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
    • All passengers onboard, regardless of their nationality, should have acceptable identification, such as a passport, CANPASS authorization or NEXUS card.
    • Canadian boaters returning to Canada: If you leave and re-enter Canadian waters, you are not required to present yourself and report your goods to the CBSA if you:
      • did not land outside Canada and did not anchor, moor or make contact with another conveyance while outside of Canadian waters
      • did not embark or disembark any people or goods while outside Canada
    • Surtaxes on certain US goods. If you’ve purchased goods in the U.S. and are bringing them into Canada, you may have to pay a 25% surtax in addition to regular duties and taxes. The lists of these products are on the Department of Finance website: products surtaxed as of March 4 and as of March 13. For residents of Canada, this surtax applies only to goods exceeding your personal exemptions limit. Visit the CBSA website for more details on how these surtaxes apply at the border.
    • Where do I declare? Most private boaters have two ways to report to the CBSA:
    • Exceptionally, private vessels carrying 30 or more passengers must seek clearance at a designated marine reporting site, and in writing, to advise the local CBSA office of the intention to clear at least 72 hours before arrival.
    • Failure to report to the CBSA, even if it is to refuel, may result in detention, seizure or forfeiture of the boat and/or monetary penalties. The minimum fine for failing to report to the CBSA upon entry to Canada is $1,000.
    • Know what’s onboard. Restricted and prohibited goods include, but are not limited to, firearms and ammunition and weapons; food, plants, animals and related products; explosives and fireworks. You must report these goods to the CBSA and obtain the necessary permits, even if the goods meet the conditions for a reporting exception.
    • Planning to fish in Canadian waters? You can bring your tackle box, but some fishing bait is not permitted to be brought into Canada for personal use and may be seized at the border.
    • If you’re bringing your own boat into Canada, make sure to clean, drain, and dry it before you arrive, otherwise, it may not be permitted entry into Canada until it is fully decontaminated. Learn more on decontamination : Import Prohibitions and Requirements for Commercial Importers of Aquatic Species and for Travellers Under the Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations.
    • Cannabis: Don’t bring it in. Don’t take it out. Bringing cannabis across the border in any form, including oils containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD), without a permit or exemption authorized by Health Canada is a serious criminal offence, despite the legalization of cannabis in Canada. A medical prescription from a doctor does not count as Health Canada authorization.
    • NEXUS members can call the NEXUS Telephone Reporting Centre at 1-866-99-NEXUS. For more information on NEXUS reporting procedures, visit How to use NEXUS to enter Canada.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Plan ahead: SR 18 to close for five full days at I-90 bridges starting May 15

    Source: Washington State News 2

    Extended closure will help complete diverging diamond interchange project this summer

    SNOQUALMIE – Both directions of State Route 18 will close around the clock for more than five days beginning Thursday night, May 15, near Interstate 90 to build the southern end of a new diverging diamond interchange. 

    This extended closure should allow crews to complete the interchange portion of the I-90/SR 18 Interchange Improvements project this summer. Travelers should seek detour routes and add extra travel time to their plans during the closure.

    SR 18 closure details

    From 9 p.m. Thursday, May 15, through 5 a.m. Wednesday, May 21, traffic will not be allowed on either direction of SR 18 beneath the I-90 bridges.

    Any closure is disruptive, but the Washington State Department of Transportation chose these closure dates to avoid busy travel weekends on Mother’s Day (May 11) and Memorial Day (May 26). The work requires dry weather and may be rescheduled if it rains.

    The extended closure will eliminate the need for 10 consecutive nights of ramp and intersection closures near the interchange and fewer traffic shifts, which improves safety for workers and people driving through the work zone. It also reduces the chances that opening the new interchange is delayed.

    During the closure, contractor crews working for WSDOT will install new drainage and electrical crossings, pave the new roadway and build concrete islands that will form a portion of the new I-90/SR 18 diverging diamond interchange. The work also includes constructing a left turn pocket for traffic turning from westbound SR 18 onto Southeast 104th Street and a signalized U-turn south of I-90 that will allow eastbound SR 18 traffic to head westbound toward Auburn.

    The extended closure will allow both the left turn pocket from westbound SR 18 to Southeast 104th Street and the signalized U-turn to westbound SR 18 to open while work on the rest of the interchange is completed.

    What to expect 

    Eastbound and westbound I-90 traffic will not be affected during the closure, but people traveling through the area should be aware that:

    • Vehicles will not be permitted on either direction of SR 18 beneath the I-90 bridges.
    • Traffic on the eastbound I-90 off-ramp will only be able to turn south onto westbound SR 18. No left turns onto eastbound SR 18/Snoqualmie Parkway will be allowed.
    • Traffic on the westbound I-90 off-ramp will only be able to turn north onto Snoqualmie Parkway or continue onto the westbound I-90 on-ramp. No left turns onto westbound SR 18 will be allowed.
    • Eastbound SR 18 traffic must use the eastbound I-90 on-ramp and follow a detour.
    • Southbound traffic on Snoqualmie Parkway must use the westbound I-90 on-ramp and follow a detour.

    Detour options

    People can detour around the closure using eastbound and westbound I-90 and loop around at the Preston-Fall City (exit 22) and Southeast North Bend Way (exit 27) interchanges. 

    Westbound I-90 freight traffic should use either the Preston-Fall City exit to loop back and take westbound SR 18 or continue on westbound I-90 to southbound I-405. Freight traffic should not use Issaquah city streets or Issaquah-Hobart Road, which are not suitable for semi-trucks. Similarly, eastbound SR 18 freight traffic cannot use Issaquah city streets to access I-90.

    All people traveling through the I-90/SR 18 interchange during the closure should expect delays and add time to their travel plans. Real-time traffic information is available on the WSDOT app and WSDOT’s statewide travel map and social media channels.

    After the closure

    When SR 18 reopens Wednesday, May 21, most of the construction on the southern end of the new interchange will be complete. Work remains under the I-90 bridges and on the northern end of the project before traffic can be shifted into the final diverging diamond configuration later this summer.

    In addition to building the new interchange, the project is:

    • Widening more than 2 miles of SR 18 south of I-90 to two lanes in each direction.
    • Building new four-lane bridges over Lake and Deep creeks that will allow fish and wildlife to pass beneath SR 18.
    • Constructing a new two-lane bridge over Raging River next to the existing SR 18 bridge.

    SR 18 widening is expected to finish later this year.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Marine inspired mural project unveiled at annual Ryde town meeting 2 May 2025 Marine inspired mural project unveiled at annual Ryde town meeting

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    Plans for an exciting new mural project along Appley Seafront were unveiled at Ryde’s annual town meeting by the Isle of Wight Council.

    The project, entitled ‘Sheltered: Art, Ecology and Belonging on the Appley Coast’, sees the collaboration of Island artists Alice Malia and Laura Hathaway, with the project being joint funded by Ryde Town Council, the Isle of Wight Council and Arts Council England.

    A total of 14 artworks will be painted along Appley seafront to revitalise its shelters, transforming them into a celebration of the diverse marine species found in the Appley area. Through creative imagery and accessible information, these shelters will become educational resources, encouraging awareness and appreciation for the local marine ecosystem.

    The designs take inspiration from a familiar piece of work at another Island location — Alice Malia’s Sea Eagle mural on the Columbine Building in East Cowes. Completed in 2024, the 12×65 metre artwork included an underwater element, featuring seagrass meadows, fish and cuttlefish.

    The selection of species has been carefully curated in consultation with local marine biologist and underwater photographer Theo Vickers, ensuring scientific accuracy and a meaningful connection to the local environment.

    Alice Malia, artist and project co-lead, said: “It’s fantastic to have this opportunity to highlight these fascinating local marine species through art, and contribute to regeneration of this much loved public space.”

    Laura Hathaway, artist and project co-lead, said: “For me, this project is about making space for people to feel connected—to the coast, to the species that live here, and to each other. I want the murals to feel inviting and full of life, like they belong here.

    “I’m really excited to see all of our ideas come to life and to transform these shelters into spaces that people want to sit in, enjoy, and spend time in—spaces that celebrate creativity, this special stretch of shoreline and the amazing marine life it supports.”

    With a completion date set for July 2025, Islanders and visitors alike will be able to enjoy the vibrant addition to their beach days just in time for summer.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Best Guaranteed Installment Loans For Bad Credit – Online Approval No Credit Check Direct Lenders Only – By Green Trust Cash

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LAS VEGAS, May 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Do you want to apply for a loan that gives you an easy repayment option? Then you must apply for installment bad credit loans with guaranteed approval. Fortunately, direct lenders have made it possible for you to get cash easily and instantly as they have removed all the hectic formalities.

    Today’s Top Direct Lender For Installment Loans With Guaranteed Approval

    Here are the leading direct lender that provide guaranteed installment loans for people with bad credit:

    #1 Green Trust Cash – is known for offering no credit check installment loans . Green Trust Cash provides emergency funding of up to $5000, with a straightforward application process that can lead to quick approvals. Also specializes in bad credit installment loans with guaranteed approval. Their application process is designed to be simple and quick, requiring only a few minutes to complete. Importantly, they do not conduct hard credit checks, making them a viable option for many borrowers.

    Click Here To APPLY For Guaranteed Installment Loan >>

    Guaranteed Installment Loans For Bad Credit

    Installment loans with guaranteed approval are becoming more and more popular among borrowers with bad credit histories. Because basically this is an unsecured loan i.e. you don’t need to pledge collateral for the borrowed money. All the risk is taken by installment loan lenders. That’s why these loans are available to you with high interest rates.

    The reimbursement term for this loan type is quite convenient. You can make a settlement in easy monthly installments. Unsecured format allows you to have cash even in the absence of collateral. Under this format you can get cash in the range of $100-$5000 without any hassle. So if you are a citizen of the USA, your age is above 18 years and you have a valid bank account then you can easily get guaranteed approval for installment bad credit loans.

    Key Features of Guaranteed Bad Credit Installment Loans

    1. Accessibility: One of the primary advantages of no credit check installment loans is their accessibility. These loans do not require a formal review of the borrower’s credit history or score, making them an attractive option for those with poor or no credit.
    2. Quick Approval Process: The absence of a credit check often leads to a faster approval process. Borrowers can receive funds quickly, which is particularly beneficial in emergencies or when immediate financial assistance is needed.
    3. Predictable Payments: With fixed monthly payments, borrowers can budget more effectively. This predictability helps in planning finances and avoiding the pitfalls of fluctuating payments associated with other types of loans.
    4. Larger Loan Amounts: Many lenders offer substantial loan amounts through installment loans, allowing borrowers to cover significant expenses, such as medical bills, home repairs, or unexpected emergencies.
    5. Potential for Credit Improvement: While these loans do not require a credit check, timely repayments can positively impact a borrower’s credit score over time. This can open doors to better financing options in the future.

    Click Here To APPLY For Guaranteed Installment Loan >>

    Installment Loans With No Credit Check

    No credit check installment loans are actually meant for those persons who are facing some monetary problems and want them to be resolved within a short period of time. These installment loans help them in solving their difficulties in a single day and the best part is that their past credit profile will not interfere with recent credit worthiness.

    Getting a loan is not a problem these days. The problem is with repayment of the loan. Most of the short term loans are to be repaid within a month or so. They are usually to be repaid in one go only. This is where the problem starts. Borrowers generally find it very difficult to repay the debt taken with interest in a single part. To overcome this today lenders have introduced installment loans with no credit check. This type of personal loan is very simple to obtain and then the loan may be repaid in easy weekly or bi-weekly or monthly installments.

    Considerations When Choosing No Credit Check Installment Loans

    While the benefits are appealing, borrowers should also be aware of certain considerations:

    • Interest Rates: Installment loans no credit check may come with higher interest rates compared to traditional loans. It is essential for borrowers to understand the total cost of borrowing before committing.
    • Loan Terms: The terms of these loans can vary significantly between direct lenders. Borrowers should carefully review the repayment terms, including the duration and any associated fees.
    • Lender Reputation: It is crucial to choose a reputable direct installment loan lender. Researching reviews and ratings can help ensure that borrowers are working with trustworthy institutions.

    Click Here To APPLY For No Credit Check Installment Loan >>

    Online Installment Loans Direct Lenders Only

    The direct lender installment loans with no credit check, is the fastest way to get instant cash. It is the best financial support for people in tough times. You can repay this money in small and easy cash installments.

    What Are Direct Lenders?

    Direct lenders are financial institutions or companies that provide loans directly to consumers without involving intermediaries. This means that borrowers can apply for installment loans, receive approval, and manage their repayments all through the same entity. Working with direct lenders can simplify the borrowing process and often leads to more favorable terms.

    Today you can easily find numerous installment loan providers on the internet. You just need to discover the one who can offer you credit with easy terms and circumstances and a low rate of interest. Some of the top direct lenders available today are listed in this guide. You can select one of them to meet your financial needs and apply for an installment loan online.

    Pros of Choosing Direct Lenders for Installment Loans

    When considering installment loans, opting for direct lenders only can offer several advantages:

    1. Streamlined Process: Borrowers can complete the entire loan process—from application to funding—without dealing with third parties, which can reduce delays and confusion.
    2. Transparent Terms: Direct lenders typically provide clear information regarding interest rates, fees, and repayment schedules, allowing borrowers to make informed decisions.
    3. Potentially Lower Costs: By eliminating intermediaries, direct lenders may offer more competitive rates and lower fees compared to loans obtained through brokers.
    4. Flexible Options: Many direct lenders provide a range of loan amounts and repayment terms, catering to the diverse needs of borrowers.

    Benefits Of Guaranteed Bad Credit Installment Loans Online

    Guaranteed bad credit installment loans offer a range of benefits that can significantly aid individuals struggling with poor credit. From the opportunity to rebuild credit scores to predictable repayment terms and quick access to funds, these loans can serve as a crucial financial tool

    1. Credit Building Opportunities
      • One of the most significant advantages of guaranteed bad credit installment loans is the potential for credit improvement. By making regular, on-time payments, borrowers can gradually enhance their credit scores. This improvement can open doors to better financial opportunities in the future, such as lower interest rates and more favorable loan terms.
    2. Predictable Monthly Payments
      • Installment loans typically come with fixed interest rates and set repayment schedules. This predictability allows borrowers to budget effectively, as they know exactly how much they need to pay each month. This can alleviate the stress often associated with variable-rate loans.
    3. Access to Larger Loan Amounts
      • Unlike some short-term loans, installment loans often provide access to larger sums of money. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals facing significant expenses, such as medical bills, home repairs, or other urgent financial needs. The ability to cover larger expenses can help borrowers avoid falling into deeper financial distress.
    4. Quick Funding Process
      • Many lenders offering guaranteed bad credit installment loans have streamlined their application processes, allowing for quick funding. This means that borrowers can receive the funds they need in a timely manner, which is crucial in emergency situations.
    5. No Collateral Required
      • Most guaranteed bad credit installment loans are unsecured, meaning borrowers do not need to provide collateral to secure the loan. This feature makes them accessible to a broader range of individuals, including those who may not have valuable assets to pledge.

    A little research is recommended to be done before applying for such loans. This may be done on the internet too. Here you may compare the rates and other charges of different lenders like Green Trust Cash available in the market and can select the best one for the loan.

    Requirements For No Credit Check Installment Loans For Bad Credit

    While these loans do not require a credit check, there are still several essential requirements that applicants must meet:

    1. Proof of Income: Direct lenders typically require documentation of a stable income source, such as pay stubs or bank statements, to ensure the borrower can repay the loan.
    2. Age and Residency: Applicants must be at least 18 years old and a resident of the state where they are applying for the loan.
    3. Bank Account: A valid checking account is often necessary for the disbursement of funds and for automatic repayment of the loan.
    4. Identification: Borrowers must provide valid identification, such as a driver’s license or state ID, to verify their identity.

    One of the best parts of guaranteed installment loans is there is no matter if you contain a bad credit record. Lenders offer the loan without any credit check procedure. People with a poor credit history are eligible for this credit facility, but they have to pay a slightly higher interest rate in comparison to normal borrowers.

    So the conditions that are laid down by the direct lenders for being eligible to avail such loans are simple and can be easily qualified upon. It includes conditions such as:

    • The borrower should be citizen of U.S
    • The borrower should be of 18 years of age or above
    • The borrower should be having a bank account in his own name

    Even if you are not able to fulfill all the conditions, still you can approach the lender and can ask for an exception by showing your repayment capability to the lender. It can be easily done by showing your current income which is the basis of granting such loans.

    How To Apply For Easiest Installment Loans From Direct Lenders Only

    A market research and comparison of the rates and charges of different lenders would help you in getting the best lender at least rate.

    These loans are widely available over the web. You just need to fill up an online application form that provides mandatory information about the borrower like name, age, gender, bank account number, contact information, income proof, employment status, etc. and submit it online. The online direct lender will verify the details and if satisfied, he will transfer the requested loan amount into your bank account within 24 hours.

    Click Here To APPLY For Easiest Installment Loan For Bad Credit >>

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. What are guaranteed installment loans for bad credit?

    Guaranteed installment loans are loans that claim to approve applicants regardless of their credit history. These loans provide fixed repayment terms, meaning borrowers repay in scheduled installments instead of a lump sum.

    2. Are guaranteed installment loans truly guaranteed?

    No legitimate lender can 100% guarantee approval without reviewing an applicant’s income, financial situation, and ability to repay. Some lenders may have high approval rates, but responsible lenders still assess risk.

    3. How do installment loans differ from Green Trust Cash loans?

    Installment loans have longer repayment periods, often ranging from 3 months to several years, allowing borrowers to make regular payments. Green Trust Cash loans typically require full repayment within 14–30 days, making them riskier.

    4. Do guaranteed installment loans require a credit check?

    It depends on the lender. Some may perform a soft credit check, which doesn’t affect credit scores, while others may skip credit checks altogether but evaluate income and employment stability.

    5. What are the typical interest rates for these loans?

    Interest rates can be high, often ranging from 30% to 300% APR, depending on the lender, loan type, and borrower’s credit profile. Borrowers should compare rates and read the terms carefully.

    6. Can I get an installment loan with no job?

    Most lenders require proof of steady income, but some may accept alternative income sources like government benefits, pensions, or self-employment earnings.

    Media Details:
    Project Name: Green Trust Cash
    Website: https://www.greentrustcashs.com/
    Contact Person: Latonya M Bowman
    Email Id: L_Bowman@greentrustcashs.com
    Address: 9620 Las Vegas Blvd S Las Vegas, NV 89123

    Disclaimer: This announcement contains general information about Green Trust Cash services and should not be considered financial advice. Green Trust Cash services does not guarantee loan approval, and loan terms may vary by applicant and lender requirements.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ed547b54-0f92-4913-9859-9d5cdcf58b0c

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: San Antonio Man Sentenced to Over 11 Years in Federal Prison for Smuggling Meth and Fentanyl from Mexico

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio man who had resided in Coahuila, Mexico was sentenced in a federal court Thursday to 135 months in prison for smuggling more than 10 kgs of fentanyl and nearly 35 kgs of methamphetamine into the United States.

    According to court documents, Ruben Martinez Martinez, 22, was stopped by a Guadalupe County Sheriff’s deputy on Sept. 15, 2023 for traffic violations on Interstate 10. A return on the vehicle’s license plate indicated that the vehicle had crossed into Mexico on Aug. 11, 2023 and returned into the U.S. the morning of Sept. 15. When questioned by the deputy, Martinez provided responses that were inconsistent and became visibly nervous.

    A K9 search of the vehicle revealed a container of methamphetamine hidden in the fold of a collapsed center seat in the front of the vehicle. A search of the vehicle’s camper shell led to the discovery of a compartment inside the roof. After the vehicle was relocated for further inspection, an X-ray revealed the outlines of bundles inside the roof that contained a white substance and other white and blue pills.

    Approximately 39 packages were removed from the roof, and subsequent laboratory testing confirmed the white substance to be 34.9 kgs of methamphetamine and that there were 95,417 pills containing fentanyl. Martinez stated that he had followed directions to pick up the camper shell near Piedras Negras, Mexico the day prior to the traffic stop. He said he was transporting the narcotics to a location in Houston, where arrangements would be made for him to transfer the camper shell to someone else.

    “Fentanyl and methamphetamine have been poisoning our communities and even causing the deaths of friends, neighbors, and loved ones throughout this district and across the nation,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas. “Working with our law enforcement partners to stop the illicit trafficking of these incredibly dangerous drugs is a top priority.”

    “DEA, along with its local partner, the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office, successfully halted Ruben Martinez Martinez from funneling over 95,000 fentanyl pills into our communities, which could have resulted in a tragic number of deaths,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge William Kimbell for the Drug Enforcement Administration Houston Division. “These deadly doses could have shattered the lives of many families in the San Antonio area, but fortunately lives were saved, and it’s all due to our collaborations with our state, local, and federal partners that have always shown to be a true force multiplier.” 

    The DEA investigated the case with valuable assistance from the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office and Guadalupe County Narcotics Task Force.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney John Fedock prosecuted the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ohio County Reptile Dealer Admits to Wildlife Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Kandis, age 64, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to wildlife trafficking in violation of the Lacey Act.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Kandis is reptile dealer and operates a reptile house in Wheeling. During a covert investigation of reptile shows in the Midwest, Kandis illegally purchased snakes, dozens of which were bullsnakes. Bullsnakes are native to Indiana, where their sale is illegal under state law. Kandis then transported the snakes to West Virginia and sold them.

    The Lacey Act prohibits the importation, exportation, transportation, sale, receipt, acquisition, or purchase of any fish or wildlife or plant taken, possessed, transported, or sold in violation of any law, treaty, or regulation of the United States.

    Kandis faces up to one year in prison and a fine of $100,000 or twice the gain or loss of the crime. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Maximillian Nogay and Trial Attorney Lauren D. Steele, Environmental Crimes Section, Environment and Natural Resources Division, U.S. Department of Justice, are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

    The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources investigated.

    U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Direct Lender Tribal Loans No Teletrack – Guaranteed Approval For Bad Credit With No Credit Check Easiest To Get Online by Apache Lending

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LAS VEGAS, May 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The tribal lending landscape is growing rapidly, making it tough to choose the best online tribal lenders with no credit check from so many options available today. This guide explores some of the top direct lenders offering tribal loans with guaranteed approval, providing insights into their offerings and what borrowers can expect.

    Today’s Top Direct Lender For Tribal Loans With Guaranteed Approval

    #1 Apache Lending – Top choice for many happy borrowers who already took advantage of their direct lender tribal loans. Known for its good reputation, Apache Lending helps borrowers access tribal loans with guaranteed approval.

    Click Here To APPLY For Easy Tribal Loan >>

    Tribal Loans With No Credit Check

    According to recent research in the tribal lending industry, people with low credit scores often face refusal from traditional payday lenders. Fortunately, tribal lenders work in a different way. They offer guaranteed tribal loans with higher interest rates. These loans are available without any hassle of credit checks and lengthy documentation with the flexible repayment terms. Most tribal lenders will not bother you for any of the documents and the no credit check tribal loan is approved in the shortest period of time.

    The application process has become so fast that you get the money in your bank account the same day you apply for the loan. Another best thing about these tribal loans with no credit check is that you are not required to fax any documents or any other paper to get this loan. So if you are planning to get yourself a tribal loan without any credit checks then you can go for these loans from top rated tribal lenders like Apache Lending.

    Benefits of No Credit Check Tribal Loans

    Tribal loans with no credit check present several advantages for borrowers with bad credit:

    • Accessibility: These loans are often more accessible than traditional loans, as tribal lenders may not rely heavily on credit scores for approval.
    • Quick Approval Process: Many tribal lenders offer a streamlined application process, allowing borrowers to receive funds quickly, sometimes on the same day.
    • Flexible Terms: Borrowers may find more flexible repayment terms with tribal loans, accommodating their financial situations better than conventional loans.

    Guaranteed Tribal Loans For Bad Credit

    Getting a traditional payday loan with bad credit isn’t guaranteed, but is very possible. Most people think that if they have poor credit or no credit at all, they’re out of the running for borrowing any money. That just isn’t true when they turn to tribal lending companies.

    Among the options available online, guaranteed tribal loans have emerged as a viable solution for those facing challenges due to bad credit. Whether you need money for car repair, unexpected medical expenses or urgent home improvement, tribal lenders such as Apache Lending deliver a top-tier loan application experience.

    Guaranteed tribal loans for bad credit are usually better known as payday loans or cash advance loans. Either way, you can find many lenders online that offer quick loan approval and same day deposits. These tribal lenders with guaranteed approval offer a quick and easy application process that takes less than 5 minutes. After all, such tribal loans are the only option for many borrowers with bad credit and can be accessed without any hassles.

    Types of Guaranteed Tribal Loans

    1. Tribal Payday Loans: These are short-term loans designed to cover immediate expenses. They typically have higher interest rates and are meant to be repaid quickly, often by the next payday.
    2. Tribal Installment Loans: Unlike payday loans, installment loans allow borrowers to repay the loan in smaller, manageable amounts over a longer period. This option can be beneficial for those needing larger sums of money.
    3. Personal Loans: Many tribal lenders offer personal loans that can be used for various purposes, including medical expenses, home repairs, or debt consolidation.

    Click Here To APPLY For Easy Tribal Loan >>

    Tribal Loans With No Teletrack

    No teletrack tribal loans are designed for borrowers who may have a less-than-perfect credit score. The term “no teletrack” indicates that the tribal lender does not utilize teletrack services to assess the applicant’s creditworthiness. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have faced financial difficulties in the past, as it allows them to access funds without the burden of their credit history weighing against them.

    Key Features of No Teletrack Tribal Loans

    1. Guaranteed Approval: Many direct lenders offering no teletrack tribal loans advertise guaranteed approval, which means that applicants are likely to receive funding regardless of their credit score.
    2. Quick Processing: These loans typically feature a streamlined application process, allowing borrowers to receive funds quickly, often within a day or two.
    3. Flexible Terms: Tribal loans often come with flexible repayment terms, which can be tailored to fit the borrower’s financial situation.
    4. Higher Interest Rates: It is important to note that while these loans provide access to cash, they often come with higher interest rates compared to traditional payday loans. Borrowers should be aware of the total cost of borrowing before proceeding.

    No teletrack tribal cash advance is basically a short term small cash loan that is granted without any security or collateral as such. These loans are totally of unsecured nature. The amount of loan is usually not fixed. It varies from $100 to $5000. The best thing about such loans is that even people with low credit scores may apply for these money advances. Tribal lenders such as Apache Lending are not at all worried about your credit history. You just have to fulfill some of the very basic conditions and if you fulfill them all, you may very easily get no teletrack loan approved.

    Benefits Of Direct Lender Tribal Payday Loans Online

    For many individuals, tribal payday loans from direct lenders represent a viable option for obtaining necessary funds. This is especially true for those who may have been turned away by conventional lenders due to their credit history. The appeal lies in the combination of accessibility and the potential for quick cash relief.

    Who Should Consider Tribal Payday Loans Online?

    Direct lender tribal loans may be suitable for:

    • Individuals with Bad Credit: Those who have experienced financial setbacks and have low credit scores may find these loans to be a lifeline.
    • Emergency Situations: Borrowers in urgent need of cash for unexpected expenses, such as medical bills or car repairs, may benefit from the rapid approval process.
    • Short-Term Financial Needs: These loans are often intended for short-term use, making them appropriate for individuals who can repay the loan quickly.

    Top benefits for direct lender tribal payday loans include:

    1. Straightforward application process. There aren’t weeks of meetings and discussions to get your cash loan approved. Tribal lenders like Apache Lending offer quick and easy application processes online.

    2. Spend it how you like. You know more than anyone what you need the money for. Whether you need a new tire on your car, the washing machine needs fixing or it’s your daughter’s 16th birthday – the tribal cash loan lets you spend it on what you want.

    3. Same day cash. Many people that take out cash loans do so because they need the money quickly and efficiently. As well as same day approval, tribal cash loans can be transferred to your account on the same day too.

    Requirements For Guaranteed Approval Tribal Installment Loans

    Guaranteed tribal installment loans can offer an immediate solution whenever an emergency situation arises. It is one of the quickest resolutions to any financial need. The requirements are minimal and the submission is less tedious compared to other loans. The application process could also be approved within 1 hour, ideal if you urgently need cash.

    Although the requirements vary depending on tribal lender policies, there are still general requirements that need to be accomplished to get the tribal installment loans application approved. This includes active direct deposit, an established checking or savings account, a minimum monthly take-home pay, and an established employment history. Borrowers need to be at least 18 years old and must be a citizen of the USA. Understanding these requirements can help potential borrowers navigate the application process more effectively.

    Click Here To APPLY For Easy Tribal Loan >>

    How To Apply For Easiest Tribal Loans To Get Online

    Applying for a quick and easy tribal loan is simple. The online application form is available on the official site of direct tribal lenders like Apache Lending. The application process is simple and easy to understand. The applicant can file the application directly on the lender’s site and should provide information about the loan amount required and the purpose of the loan.

    Considerations Before Applying

    While guaranteed tribal loans can be beneficial, potential borrowers should consider the following:

    • Interest Rates: Tribal loans can come with higher interest rates compared to traditional loans. It is essential for borrowers to understand the total cost of borrowing.
    • Regulatory Differences: Tribal lenders operate under different regulations than state-licensed lenders. This can affect the terms of the loan and the rights of the borrower.
    • Repayment Terms: Borrowers should carefully review the repayment terms to ensure they can meet the obligations without falling into a cycle of debt.

    Click Here To APPLY For Easy Tribal Loan >>

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. What are tribal loans?

    Tribal loans for bad credit are personal loans offered by lenders that are affiliated with Native American tribes. These lenders operate under tribal sovereignty, which means they may not be subject to state regulations but still comply with federal laws and their own tribal lending codes.

    2. How do tribal loans differ from traditional payday loans?

    While both may offer quick funding, guaranteed tribal loans often have longer repayment terms compared to payday loans, which typically require full repayment within a short period (such as two weeks). Tribal loans may also allow installment payments rather than a lump sum repayment.

    3. Are tribal loans legal?

    Best tribal lenders operate under the sovereignty of their respective Native American tribes. While some states challenge their legality, federal laws and tribal governance generally allow these lenders to function independently of state restrictions.

    4. What are the typical interest rates on tribal loans?

    Interest rates on no credit check tribal loans can be higher than those of traditional personal loans due to the risk lenders take in offering credit to borrowers who may not qualify elsewhere. Rates vary, but they can range anywhere from 100% to over 400% APR, so it’s crucial to review loan terms carefully.

    5. Do tribal lenders report to credit bureaus?

    Some tribal lenders report payment history to major credit bureaus, while others do not. If building credit is a priority, check with the lender beforehand to confirm whether they report payments.

    6. Can I get a tribal loan with bad credit?

    Yes, many tribal lenders with guaranteed approval accept borrowers with low or poor credit scores. However, this often comes with higher interest rates and stricter repayment terms.

    7. How fast can I get a tribal loan?

    Tribal lenders often provide fast funding, with many offering same-day or next-business-day deposits after approval.

    Media Contact
    Apache Lending
    Sarah Smiths
    sarah@apachelending.com
    https://www.apachelending.com
    9620 Las Vegas Blvd S #454 | Las Vegas, NV 89123

    Disclaimer: This announcement contains general information about Apache Lending services and should not be considered financial advice. Apache Lending services does not guarantee loan approval, and loan terms may vary by applicant and lender requirements. Loans are available to U.S. residents only.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0e0d566d-747d-4cb8-a0c1-6adc824e74f3

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: IMS Polymer Program Alumni Feature: Mark Adams

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Mark Adams received his Ph.D. in Polymer Science from the University of Connecticut in 1993. After an 11-year tenure with Dow Chemical, Adams joined Henry Company in various vice president and senior vice president roles. Following his tenure at Henry Company, Adams joined Associated Materials, acting in senior vice president and later executive vice president positions. Since May of 2023, Adams has served as the Chief Operating Officer of HASA Inc., a large water treatment company based in southern California.

    IMS reached out to Adams with five questions about his breadth of professional experience since obtaining his Ph.D., and how his time at UConn shaped it. Adams shows us that with grit, passion, and a strong support system, career growth occurs naturally.

    Why did you choose to pursue your Ph.D. in polymer science at UConn?  

    My plan was to go to medical school after completing a B.S. in Chemistry from UConn. While working on my B.S., I took Physical Chemistry with Professor Andrew Garton. One day about halfway through the semester, he approached me after class and asked about what I was going to do after undergrad. I told him I was planning to go to medical school. He asked if I had ever considered grad school.

    (contributed photo)

    He went on to talk about an opportunity to go to the Institute of Materials Science for a Ph.D. in Polymer Science, working with him under a grant from NASA. Curious about the opportunity, I went to visit him at IMS, and the rest is history. I changed direction and worked to earn my Ph.D. on a research project for NASA, studying the degradation of polymeric spacecraft materials in the low earth orbit.

    Who were some of the people who helped or inspired you most during your time at UConn, and how did their influence carry over into your professional career?

    Obviously, Professor Garton had a huge impact on my academic career. He was incredibly energetic and excited about his research, which was infectious in his research group. When he passed away suddenly, prior to me completing my thesis, I was shocked and somewhat lost. My mentor in research was gone, and I was uncertain about the future and the choices I made. Fortunately, Sam Huang took me on to complete my degree.

    Dr. Garton and other faculty at IMS taught me the importance of first principles and how to do research, but Dr. Garton is responsible for teaching me how to apply learning.  How to identify a problem, develop root cause, research/develop technology needed, and implement technology solutions. He also helped me develop continuous improvement skills that have become the backbone of my career. Advanced research is interesting and fun but, using that to develop products and solutions is exciting.

    A lot of your professional experience is more on the business side rather than in a lab or research setting. How did your Ph.D. and heavy scientific background impact your trajectory for success in so many executive-level corporate roles? 

    The first few roles early in my career were focused on technology and product development, which heavily leveraged my Ph.D. Successfully translating these efforts into value-creating opportunities required a complex voice of the customer requirements, which was only obtained and validated through observation and communication with end users. It’s at this interface where my unique skills started to develop, and when my career started taking turns from R&D leadership to new business development, sales, commercial leadership, and operations leadership. I have been fortunate to work with exceptional executive leaders that continually challenged and developed me, which has produced a myriad of different and challenging roles. This would not have been possible without the solid foundation I received from IMS and UConn.

    What advice do you have for current polymer science students who may be unsure of their career paths? 

    Figure out your “internal” job description as early as possible. In other words, determine what you like to do most in combination with the skills and experience you have developed. When you figure out what your internal job description is, and you find a role that matches, you will experience dramatically accelerated growth. In my case, that was away from pure and applied research, and more focused on deploying all kinds of chemistry and engineering to develop solutions that rapidly grow businesses. Once you figure that out, job opportunities come faster than will be comfortable.

    What are you most proud of having accomplished so far in your current position, and what do you most hope to accomplish going forward?

    I am currently the Chief Operations Officer at a specialty chemical company specializing in water treatment. This role is truly the culmination of all my years of experience in multiple functions and companies. I am responsible for Operations at 12 sites, Engineering, Product/Process Development, EH&S, Continuous Improvement, Quality, and Transportation.

    My biggest accomplishment so far with this company has been successfully restructuring and realigning our engineering group into a segmented portfolio management approach. We had way too many projects, worked on all of them at once, with too few resources, and no prioritization. Everything was delayed and above budget. Now, we are executing on time and on budget across the board on a full spectrum of projects from large new site design-builds, down to site specific capex projects.

    My biggest challenge is developing and implementing automation technology in our packaging plants. We still require too much manual labor in an environment that is ergonomically challenging. Also, working with hazardous and corrosive materials poses unique challenges to metals and circuitry, so we needed to develop materials, machines, and now robots that reliably operate in challenging environments with hazardous chemicals. I guess it’s kind of like my Ph.D. work that analyzed polymers in low earth orbit, also a challenging and unforgiving environment.

    IMS thanks Mark Adams very much for his willingness to share his unique journey, and we are excited to see where he takes HASA next.

    MIL OSI USA News –