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  • MIL-OSI USA: Salinas, Lofgren, Padilla, Bennet Reintroduce Legislation to Provide Disaster Relief for Farmworkers

    Source: US Representative Andrea Salinas (OR-06)

    Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Andrea Salinas (OR-06), the daughter of a former farmworker and a leader in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and Rep. Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), along with U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Michael Bennet (D-CO), reintroduced the Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act. This legislation would provide compensation for farmworkers who lose out on wages due to extreme weather, public health emergencies, and other disasters beyond their control. The bill was first introduced in the 118th Congress.

    “Extreme weather and natural disasters are only getting worse with climate change. Unfortunately, many of the hardworking individuals who grow and harvest our food do not receive direct financial support when they are forced to miss work and lose wages as a result of these disasters,” said Rep. Salinas. “My legislation would finally correct this injustice by providing federal disaster relief for farmworkers. This change is well-deserved and long-overdue, and I will continue to advocate for the brave men and women who help feed America.”

    “When extreme weather occurs, farmworkers across our country continue to feed the nation. And yet, these essential workers and their families face great uncertainty when unexpected disasters harm their communities and livelihood. For example, hundreds of farmworkers in my congressional district faced displacement and lost wages after severe flooding devastated the Pajaro community in early 2023. We owe them – and all farmworkers – more. The Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act ensures America’s indispensable farmworkers can receive disaster relief funding they need and have earned,” said Rep. Lofgren.

    “California’s farm workers often work under extreme conditions to help put food on the table for hundreds of millions of Americans,” said Sen. Padilla. “But increasingly frequent natural disasters, including historic flooding in Pajaro, have devastated California’s agricultural communities. We must protect the heart of our nation’s food supply by providing critical emergency assistance to these essential workers.”

    “Agriculture is the backbone of Colorado’s economy and central to our Western way of life, but as climate-fueled disasters become increasingly common, our state’s farm workers are paying the price,” said Sen. Bennet. “Our bill will help ensure the people that grow America’s fruits, vegetables, and other crops get the assistance they need in the wake of emergencies like drought, wildfires, and other natural disasters.”

    Oregon is home to over 100,000 farmworkers, many of whom live and work in the Willamette Valley and power the state’s $42 billion agriculture economy. Yet despite their importance to our food systems, the average farmworker family in Oregon earns less than $25,000 per year. Ninety-six percent reported living in overcrowded housing and about thirty percent are living below the poverty line. When farmworkers cannot work due to extreme weather or other unexpected disasters, they can lose wages and even their jobs—pushing them deeper into housing and food insecurity.

    The Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act would address this problem by providing direct relief funding for farmworkers. Specifically, this bill would:

    • Make grants available to eligible farmworker organizations to provide emergency relief to farm workers affected by a disaster.
    • Ensure USDA develops and executes a promotional plan prior to and throughout the distribution of the relief grants to increase awareness of the assistance available.
    • Require USDA to work with eligible farmworker organizations.
    • Provide definitions for a covered disaster, eligible farmworker organization, and migrant or seasonal farmworker.
    • Amend Section 2281 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to allow for emergency assistance for farmworkers.

    In addition to Reps. Salinas and Lofgren, the Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act is cosponsored by Reps. Nanette Barragán (CA-44), André Carson (IN-07), Judy Chu (CA-28), Jim Costa (CA-21), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Paul Tonko (NY-20), and Juan Vargas (CA-52).

    The legislation is endorsed by the following organizations, in alphabetical order: A Better Balance, Alianza Americas, Alianza Nacional de Campesinas, Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs (AFOP), Borderlands Resource Initiative, California Human Development, Campesinos Sin Fronteras, Care in Action, CASA of Oregon, Center for Employment Training, Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), Central Valley Opportunity Center, Centro de los Derechos del Migrante, Inc (CDM), Child Labor Coalition, CHILDREN AT RISK, CIERTO, Civic Empowerment Coalition, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), Columbia Legal Services, CRLA Foundation, Davidson County Local Food Network, El Futuro es Nuestro, Farm Worker Ministry Northwest, Farmworker and Landscaper Advocacy Project-FLAP, Farmworker Housing Development Corporation (FHDC), Farmworker Justice, Food Empowerment Project, GALEO Impact Fund, Hand in Hand/Mano en Mano, Hispanic Affairs Project, Hispanic Federation, Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative, Immigrant Defenders Law Center, La Union del Pueblo Entero (LUPE), Latino Outdoors, League of Conservation Voters, Make the Road CT, Make the Road NJ, Make the Road NV, Make the Road NY, Make the Road PA, Make the Road States, Michiganders for a Just Farming System, National Association of Social Workers, National Association of Social Workers – Florida and Virgin Islands Chapter, National Consumers League, National Domestic Workers Alliance, National Employment Law Project, National Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Association, NC FIELD, Inc., NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, North Carolina Council of Churches, North Carolina Farmworker Advocacy Network, North Carolina Justice Center, Nourish Up, Opportunity Arizona, Oregon Human Development Corporation, Organización en California de Lideres Campesinas, Inc, PCUN, Oregon’s Farmworker Union, Pesticide Action and Agroecology Network (PAN), Popular Democracy, Presente.org, Progress Michigan, Proteus Inc., Puente de la Costa Sur, Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), Slow Food USA, Student Action with Farmworkers, Sur Legal Collaborative, TODEC Legal Center, Toxic Free North Carolina, UFW Foundation, Unidos Yamhill County, United Farm Workers, Voces Unidas de las Montañas.

    “Farm workers are always on the front lines of fires, floods, and storms — yet are too often excluded from federal disaster relief programs,” said Teresa Romero, President of United Farm Workers (UFW). “If the federal government can provide emergency support to farm owners who lose crops in natural disaster, then the federal government can emergency provide support to farm workers who lose work in that same disaster. The Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act will ensure that farm workers who put food on all our tables can continue to put food on their family’s table when disaster strikes.”

    “Every year we see an alarming number of natural disasters that drastically and disproportionately impact the farm worker community. As climate change gets worse, these types of disasters will only worsen and farm workers are the ones who are affected the most by these calamities. Just last year, we saw heavy California rains flooding Ventura County farm areas and Hurricane Helen devastating Georgia’s farm worker communities, leading to organizations like ours stepping up to do what we can. But that is not enough. We must have a federal response to these kinds of disasters. From wildfires to tornadoes to hurricanes, farm workers have little to no safety net to help them recover from unexpected disasters,” said Erica Lomeli Corcoran, Chief Executive Officer at UFW Foundation. “This is exactly why the UFW Foundation is supporting the Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act. It would provide resources and aid to those who truly need it and would ensure that those responsible for our nation’s food supplies are not overlooked, as they have been in the past. Farm workers have been largely ignored and neglected by the law, shut out from basic protections provided to all workers. It is time that Congress acts and ensures that our nation’s farm workers are given the support they need to overcome times of emergencies and to provide equity to all workers.” 

    “Farmworkers are frontline workers, which means they are the hardest hit by the impacts of extreme weather conditions across the country. Many farmworkers feel that they are risking their health with extreme heat and colder days, but losing even one day of work is not an option for their families’ economic situation. Outdoor protections are important, yet there are days that are becoming too extreme to even be outside. Our vision is to be a resilient workforce for the agricultural industry. Disaster relief means we can start investing in addressing the issues that workers are facing today by building resilience for climate change in the future, without sacrificing the economic well-being of farmworkers,” said Reyna Lopez, Executive Director of Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noreste (PCUN).

    To read the full text of the legislation, click here.

     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada to host national ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands and Victory in Europe (V-E) Day

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Toronto, ON – Veterans Affairs Canada will host a public commemorative event in Toronto to mark the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands and Victory in Europe (V-E) Day that will include the official Government of Canada delegation and feature the lighting of the CN Tower as a beacon of peace, a lantern-lighting ceremony, and a symbolic presentation of the commemorative combat boots underscoring the themes of remembrance, peace, and the homecoming of soldiers.

    The delegation will be joined by Her Honour, The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Harman Idema, Consul-General of the Netherlands, Her Worship Olivia Chow, Mayor, City of Toronto, Brigadier-General Joe Robinson, Deputy Commander 4th Canadian Division and Joint Task Forces Central, Canadian Armed Forces, and other dignitaries.

    The event will include remarks from dignitaries, participation of a delegation of Second World War Veterans, Canadian Armed Forces members, and Cadets, as well as performances by the HMCS York band, the Hamilton Children’s Choir, the Borden Military Wives Choir, the East Side 6 Swing Dancers, and the youth of Toronto All-Star Big Band.

    Location:  Canada Lands Square (CN Tower)
                      290 Bremner Boulevard
                      Toronto, ON
                      M5V 2T6

    Date:        Thursday, 8 May 2025

    Time:        20:00 EDT

    Notes for media:

    Media who wish to participate must register by 15:00 EDT on Thursday, 8 May by contacting media@veterans.gc.ca with their name and media outlet. Media members are asked to arrive by 19:30 EDT.

    There will be photo opportunities during the event and interview opportunities with the official delegation members after the ceremony if time permits.

    Please let us know if you have any accessibility needs and we will work with you to enable your participation.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lansdowne Station — Update: Multi-agency search for missing children in Pictou County scales back

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    As of today, a multi-agency search for two missing children, six-year-old Lily Sullivan and four-year-old Jack Sullivan, will be scaled back.

    Lily and Jack were reported missing on May 2, at approximately 10 a.m. It’s believed they wandered away from their home on Gairloch Rd. in Lansdown Station, Pictou County.

    This search has included many agencies, including volunteer ground search and rescue teams from all surrounding areas and New Brunswick, the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association, the Nova Scotia Guard, the Salvation Army, the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre, Department of Natural Resources Air Services, Nova Scotia Public Safety and Field Communications, Canada Heavy Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 5, and several RCMP units, including Police Dog Services, drone operators, and our Major Crime Unit.

    “It has been an all-hands-on-deck effort, using every available resource and tool,” says Staff Sergeant Curtis MacKinnon, District Commander for Pictou County District RCMP. “We’re transitioning from a full-scale search to searches in smaller, more specific areas; we’ll be retracing our steps to ensure all clues have been found.”

    Since the search began on May 2, it has been concentrated in the Gairloch Rd. area and has covered four square kilometres of heavily wooded, rural terrain. Up to 160 trained volunteer searchers, along with many others, have been involved in the search each day. Tens of thousands of search hours have been dedicated to scouring the area, and GSAR has confirmed that over 100 tracks have been laid using GPS and grid searches.

    Efforts to locate Lily and Jack have also included two vulnerable missing persons alerts. One was issued in Pictou County on May 2. And on May 3, a broadcast intrusive alert was issued to Antigonish, Colchester, and Pictou counties.

    “I want to assure Nova Scotians that our missing persons investigation continues,” says Staff Sergeant MacKinnon. “Our focus remains on finding Lily and Jack. Our best investigators are working every aspect of this file, and our work won’t stop until we know where Lily and Jack are and can bring them home.”

    Anyone with information is asked to contact Pictou County District RCMP at 902-485-4333. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

    Our thoughts are with the children’s loved ones and the community at this difficult time.

    File #: 2025-583775

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: MS-13 Gang Member Sentenced to 55 Years in Prison for the Murders of Four Young Men in a Central Islip Park

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    The Defendant, Omar Antonio Villalta, a.k.a. “Anticristo,” Also Committed a Fifth Murder in Virginia After Fleeing Long Island to Evade Law Enforcement

    Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Central Islip, Omar Antonio Villalta, also known as “Anticristo,” a member of the Guanacos Lil Cycos Salvatruchas (Guanacos) clique of the violent transnational criminal organization La Mara Salvatrucha, also known as the MS-13, was sentenced by United States District Judge Gary R. Brown to 55 years’ imprisonment. On May 26, 2023, Villalta pleaded guilty to racketeering, including predicate acts of murder and conspiracy to murder rival gang members.  The charges stemmed from his involvement in the April 11, 2017 murders of Justin Llivicura, Michael Lopez, Jorge Tigre, and Jefferson Villalobos, who were hacked to death in a Central Islip park, and his involvement in the July 3, 2017 murder of Marvin Rivera Guevara, in Charlottsville, Virginia.

    Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); and Kevin Catalina, Commissioner, Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD), announced the sentence.

    “My Office and our law enforcement partners have worked endlessly to hold MS-13 accountable for their unspeakable crimes and the harm they’ve caused to countless victims and their loved ones,” stated United States Attorney Nocella.  “This sentencing and others demonstrate our relentless pursuit to dismantle MS-13 and other violent criminal organizations in totality.”

    “Omar Antonio Villalta, an MS-13 member, repeatedly played judge, jury, and executioner by unlawfully issuing death sentences to five victims perceived to be disrespectful or rivals to the gang,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia.  “These slaughters reflect the gang’s gruesome retributive tactics while demonstrating utter disregard for life with the rapid succession of murders.  May today’s legitimate sentencing reflect the FBI’s steadfast commitment to dismantling any gang from plaguing our communities with rampant violence.”

    “The torture carried out at the hands of Villalta was inconceivable and sadistic— all because of his devotion to MS-13,” stated Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina.  “His crimes sent shock waves through our communities but thanks to our collaboration with our law enforcement partners, Villalta was apprehended, and we will continue to target violent gang members who are a threat public safety.”

    As set forth in the government’s sentencing memorandum, prior court filings, and statements during the sentencing, Llivicura, Lopez, Tigre, and Villalobos were lured to their deaths by Villalta and more than a dozen other members and associates of the MS-13.  Specifically, the victims were led to a community park in Central Islip (the Park) by two female associates of the MS-13, Leniz Escobar and Keyli Gomez, where they were attacked by members and associates of the gang, including Josue Portillo, Freiry Martinez, Alexis Hernandez, Edwin Rodriguez, Sergio Segovia-Pineda, Henry Salmeron, Anderson Sanchez, and others.

    The MS-13 members believed the victims to be members of a rival gang and at least two of the victims had offended the MS-13 by posting photos on social media in which they wore certain items and flashed hand signs that signified membership in the MS-13 gang.  After the gang-related photos were brought to their attention by Escobar and Gomez, Villalta and several other MS-13 members formulated and carried out a plan to kill the victims.  On the night of the murders, Villalta and more than a dozen other MS-13 members and associates gathered in the woods adjacent to the Park.   Once there, the members who had been planning the attack, including Villalta, instructed the others to prepare themselves, as the female associates were luring a group of rivals to the Park for them to attack and kill.

    Villalta distributed weapons to certain gang members, including knives and machetes, while others took clubs made of tree limbs as the group waited for the victims to arrive.  Meanwhile, Escobar and Gomez met the victims, drove with them to the Park, led them to a predetermined wooded area, and sent the MS-13 members text-messages notifying them of their arrival.  The MS-13 members and associates proceeded to the designated location and encircled the victims under the cover of darkness.  One of the intended victims immediately fled and was able to escape. Llivicura, Lopez, Tigre, and Villalobos were surrounded by the MS-13 members, who attacked them with machetes, knives, an axe, and wooden clubs.  After the attack, the MS-13 members dragged the victims’ bodies to a more secluded spot in the woods, piled them up, and fled.  The victims’ bodies were discovered the following evening.

    Following the murders, Villalta fled to Charlottesville, Virginia, where he connected with local MS-13 members.  He soon began work at a pizzeria with a fellow MS-13 member. Within days of starting work, Villalta reported to other MS-13 members, including the leader of the Guanacos clique, that a co-worker, Marvin Rivera Guevara, had flashed an 18th Street gang hand sign indicating his membership in one of the MS-13’s principal rivals.  Villalta was given authorization to kill the victim and a plan was quickly developed to carry out the murder.  On the evening of July 3, 2017, the MS-13 member who worked at the pizzeria convinced the victim to drive with him to a remote location under the guise of smoking marijuana and meeting women.  Once they arrived at the designated location, Villalta and other MS-13 members forced the victim at gunpoint deeper into the woods where they attacked him with a machete and knives. Villalta and the others then threw the victim’s body off a nearby bridge into the river below.

    More than a dozen MS-13 members and associates have been charged in connection with the April 11, 2017 quadruple murder, including the individuals listed above.  Of these defendants, Villalta is the sixth person to be sentenced.  Josue Portillo was sentenced to 55 years’ imprisonment; Freiry Martinez to 50 years’ imprisonment; Leniz Escobar to 50 years’ imprisonment; Anderson Sanchez to 32 years’ imprisonment; and Alexis Hernandez to 29 years’ imprisonment. The remaining defendants are awaiting sentence.

    Today’s sentencing is the latest in a series of federal prosecutions by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York targeting members of MS-13.  Since 2010, the Office has obtained indictments charging MS-13 members with carrying out more than 70 murders in the Eastern District of New York, resulting in the convictions of dozens of MS-13 leaders and members in connection with those murders.  These prosecutions are the product of investigations led by the FBI’s Long Island Gang Task Force, which is comprised of agents and officers of the FBI, SCPD, Nassau County Police Department, Nassau County Sheriff’s Department, Suffolk County Probation Office, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, the New York State Police, the Hempstead Police Department, the Rockville Centre Police Department, and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.

    This case is also part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and other transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood.

    The government’s case is being handled by the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division.  Assistant United States Attorneys Paul G. Scotti, Justina L. Geraci, and Megan E. Farrell are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Automated Litigation Support Specialist Michael Compitello.

    The Defendant:

    OMAR ANTONIO VILLALTA (also known as “Anticristo”)
    Age: 29
    Central Islip, New York

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 16-CR-403 (S-8) (GRB)

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide Crackdown, Including Two in the Western District of Oklahoma

    OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators.  The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown.  The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country. 

    “The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.”

    “Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.”

    “Those who prey upon children leave a horrific trail of lives damaged and futures destroyed,” said United States Attorney Robert J. Troester.  “My office is proud to join with our partners at the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country to prioritize the safety of children and bringing justice to those who seek to harm them.”

    “Operation Restore Justice is not just about upholding the rule of law – it’s about standing up as a society for the safety of children and showing predators that we will not allow them to rob kids of their innocence,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater. “The FBI is proud to collaborate with our law enforcement partners every single day to ensure anyone involved in criminal behavior against a child is brought to justice.”

    Defendants in the Western District of Oklahoma have been charged as follows:

    • COLT TRAVIS GLADDING, SR., 41, of Coyle, Oklahoma, has been charged by Complaint with sexual exploitation of a child and possession of material containing child pornography. According to the Complaint, on July 15, 2024, officers with the Troy Police Department (TPD) in Troy, New Hampshire, received a report regarding the sexual abuse of a minor. The minor reported that between the ages of 14 and 16, she lived in Coyle, Oklahoma, where she was sexually abused by Gladding several times over two years. Gladding also coerced the victim to send him photos that were sexual in nature. If found guilty, Gladding faces not less than 15 years and up to 50 years in federal prison, and fines of up to $500,000.
    • DALTON CUNNINGHAM, 31, of Alva, Oklahoma, has been charged by Complaint with possession of and/or access with intent to view child pornography. According to the Complaint, the FBI obtained a federal search warrant for Cunningham’s phone and found videos and images of child sexual abuse material, including files depicting prepubescent children. If found guilty, Cunningham faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

    *The public is reminded that these charges are merely allegations, and that the defendants are innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims.

    In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.

    This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.

    The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.

    The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.

    Other online resources:

    Electronic Press Kit

    Violent Crimes Against Children

    How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids

    An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice:

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide Crackdown, Including Four in the Southern District of Indiana

    May 7, 2025 – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown.  The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.

    “The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.”

    “Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.”

    “Children are the foundation of our communities. It is not their burden to protect themselves; it is our absolute responsibility as adults to shield them from the egregious predators charged today,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “I commend the exceptional and tireless work of our law enforcement partners and AUSAs Tiffany Preston, Carolyn Haney, Samantha Spiro, and Jeremy Kemper, who are doing their part to execute Operation Restore Justice.” 

    “Behind every arrest during Operation Restore Justice was a child who was being exploited – who was suffering in silence,” said FBI Indianapolis Acting Special Agent in Charge Dominique Evans. “These crimes are both heartbreaking and deeply disturbing and the FBI remains committed to identifying and investigating these cases and ensuring those who responsible for such heinous acts are held accountable. Our hope is that these children now have a chance to heal and to rebuild their lives in safety, free from fear and surrounded by the care and support they need.”

    In the Southern District of Indiana, the following four individuals were arrested and charged with federal crimes:

    Defendant Name(s) Offense(s) Charge
    Raymond Robert Lapensee, Jr., 33, of Evansville Possession of Sexually Explicit Material Involving Minors (3 Counts)
    James Dean Collett, Jr, 29, of New Albany

    Sexual Exploitation of a Child and Attempt (4 Counts)

    Possession of Child Pornography (2 Counts)
    Eric Lee Dicken, 35, of Columbus Possession of Child Pornography

    Beau R. Thornburgh, 45, of Lebanon

    *Convicted sex offender

    		 Possession of Child Pornography

    Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims.

    In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.

    This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, this effort and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.

    The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.

    The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.

    An indictment or criminal complaint are merely allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide Crackdown, Including in the District of Utah

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators.  The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown.  The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.  

    “The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.”

    “Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.”

    “When it comes to child sex abuse, Utah is no exception to the rest of the country and there is no shortage of work for our prosecutors or law enforcement partners,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah. “No matter the age or demographic, any child can become a victim and keeping our children safe is a top priority in the District of Utah.”

    “If your child has access to the internet, he or she is likely to encounter a predator looking to entice or harm them,” said Special Agent in Charge Mehtab Syed of the Salt Lake City FBI. “The FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force combines the resources and expertise of our law enforcement partners to safeguard society’s most vulnerable.”

    As part of this operation, FBI Salt Lake City field office investigations led to federal arrests and indictments against:

    1.    Gustavo Uroza-Rodriguez, charged on April 23, 2025, with attempted coercion and enticement, distribution of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. 
    2.    Melissa Goodrich, charged on April 23, 2025, with trafficking of a minor.

    Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims.

    In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.

    This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.

    The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org. 

    The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.

    Other online resources: 

    Electronic Press Kit

    Violent Crimes Against Children
    How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids

    An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide Crackdown, Including Two in the Western District of Arkansas

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FORT SMITH – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators.  The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown.  The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.

    “The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.”

    “Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children. The FBI is relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us.”

    “Our top priority in Western Arkansas is making our communities safer and better,” said the United States Attorney for Western Arkansas, David Clay Fowlkes.  “This crucial mission begins with protecting those who cannot protect themselves, particularly children residing in Western Arkansas. This operation, and many others like it, are vital to helping us accomplish this important mission by concentrating our efforts on prosecuting those who engage in child abuse.  Furthermore, this operation serves as a significant demonstration of our collaborative partnerships with federal, local, and state law enforcement officers who share our unwavering commitment to pursuing these important cases.”

    “This operation is a testament to the efforts of the FBI and our dedicated law enforcement partners to protect children in our communities,” said FBI Little Rock Special Agent in Charge Alicia D. Corder. “FBI Little Rock will continue to prioritize these investigations, seek justice for victims and hold predators accountable for their actions.”

    Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims.

    In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.

    This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.

    The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.

    The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.

    Other online resources:

    Electronic Press Kit

    Violent Crimes Against Children

    How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids

    An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pendleton County Man Facing Child Pornography Charges as a part of Nationwide Initiative “Operation Restore Justice”

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Jerry Lewis Ayres, age 55, of Franklin, West Virginia, was arrested on charges of receipt and possession of child pornography as a part of the nationwide effort Operation Restore Justice.

    According to court documents, the West Virginia State Police, on a tip from the Virginia State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, opened an investigation into Ayres. On multiple occasions, Ayres downloaded child pornography depicting minors, some under the age of 12, in sexual acts and positions. Investigators searched Ayres’ home, phone, and computer and discovered nearly 1500 images.  He is charged with receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography.

    Ayres’ arrest is a part of the Department of Justice’s Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown.  The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.

    “As a nation, we are measured by how well we protect our most vulnerable citizens including our very young as well as our elderly populations,” stated Randolph J. Bernard, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia.  “Operation Restore Justice is a testament to our solemn duty to ensure that our children are safe from those who would exploit and abuse them.  The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to seek the most serious charges and severe penalties for those who commit these crimes.”

    Ayres is facing at least five years and up to 20 years on the receipt count and facing up to 20 years on the possession count. He is currently being held in the Tygart Valley Regional Jail.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Christie Utt is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI and the West Virginia State Police are investigating.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office works with the FBI and other law enforcement to bring those who prey upon children to justice. In the past year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has charged 23 individuals with crimes involving sexual offenses against children, one of whom was sentenced this week to 10 years in prison for his crime. See the press release here: www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/brooke-county-man-sentenced-decade-prison-child-pornography-charge

    The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    The FBI urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the tiplines at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide Crackdown, Including Four in the Western District of Missouri

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators.  The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown.  The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.

    “The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.”

    “Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.”

    In the Western District of Missouri four individuals, Clinton Gray, 47, Joplin, Mo., Andrew Charles Nicholls, 38, Columbia, Mo., and Trevor Scott Teegarden, 34, Liberty, Mo., along with one additional defendant were arrested last week in separate cases. Charges include attempted production of child pornography, attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor, receipt and distribution of child pornography, and receipt and possession of child pornography. All charging documents have been unsealed following their arrests last week.

    These Western District of Missouri cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen A. Brackett, Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Turner, and Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. They were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI Kansas City Child Exploitation Task Force, Boone County Sheriff’s Cyber Crime Task Force, Joplin, Missouri, Police Department, Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

    Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims.

    In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.

    This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.

    The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org. The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.

    Other online resources:

    Electronic Press Kit

    Violent Crimes Against Children

    How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids

    An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Microgrids Could Enhance Grid Resilience

    Source: US National Renewable Energy Laboratory

    NREL Researcher’s Personal Experience Inspires His Passion To Improve Local Grid Resilience

    Rory McIlmoil shares his insights into how microgrids could bolster grid resilience in times of high stress.

    This installment of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL’s) Tell Me Something Grid series features Rory McIlmoil, a researcher in NREL’s Grid Planning and Analysis Center. McIlmoil shares how microgrids could unlock greater grid resilience in the wake of natural disasters like Hurricane Helene.

    “Energy resilience” is a very broad term. It can mean anything from the ability to recover from significant outages to strengthening areas that may be vulnerable to impacts from weather-related disasters.

    With electricity demand projected to soar over the next five to 10 years, I am both excited and proud to be researching grid resilience. Right now, from a resilience perspective, one of the biggest questions we are trying to answer is, “How do we get power to where it is needed the most, when it is needed the most?” A key part of this research is figuring out how to maximize emergency service provisions in the event of natural disasters.

    During my time at NREL, I have been involved in a broad range of energy-related topics, but local energy resilience has always been very important to me. While it is just one piece of the bigger resilience picture, I think being able to give people access to reliable, affordable power, particularly in emergencies, is critical for communities as they begin to recover from a disaster.

    Grid Resilience in My Community

    I have lived in the mountains of western North Carolina for about 10 years. When Hurricane Helene hit last September, tens of thousands of people were without power and water for days—as much as nearly two weeks for me and the surrounding community. In my neighborhood, we are all on water wells, so when the power goes out, we also lose water. Those are two significant impacts that can have major consequences, especially for retired and medically vulnerable residents.

    An aerial image shows the extensive flooding in Western North Carolina during and after Hurricane Helene in September 2024. Photo from Adobe Stock

    Hurricane Helene did not just knock down trees and take out the local distribution networks; it isolated a lot of people because the severe flooding wiped out public and private bridges and destroyed roads, especially in the more rural and mountainous areas like those around Boone and Asheville.

    As a volunteer firefighter, I helped respond in the days after the storm, and our fire station served as a resource hub for essential supplies and aid. The station was partially powered by a single diesel generator and offered satellite internet for department staff and residents to use as needed. A microgrid could have played a pivotal role in helping reestablish power more quickly and completely, avoid the long-term outage, and ensure continued access to essential services like water for impacted residents.

    The U.S. Department of Energy defines a microgrid as a group of interconnected loads and distributed energy resources within clearly defined electrical boundaries that acts as a single controllable entity with respect to the grid. Microgrids can operate in either grid-connected or in island mode, including entirely off-grid applications. They can run off of distributed generation sources or battery energy storage systems.

    In the event of an outage, microgrids can provide power to a specific building like a fire station for an extended period. Multiple buildings and facilities can also be interconnected into a single microgrid called an “area microgrid” so when power in that area goes out, grid operators switch power over to the microgrid to keep the lights on. In this way, multiple locations that provide critical services during a widespread outage—such as fire, medical, food and housing—can all be served by the same microgrid if they are located on the same distribution feeder, for instance.

    Growing Interest in Microgrids

    Companies, military bases, universities, and other institutions partner with utilities to develop microgrids that meet their specific energy goals. For example, one fire station in North Carolina worked with Duke Energy to create a microgrid at the nearby substation. The microgrid is capable of powering not only the fire station but other facilities as well.

    Microgrids can also provide bigger benefits to the grid. They enable distributed energy resources to be utilized during outages. They also reduce strain on the grid when there is high demand or spikes in demand that could lead to outages.

    I think many utilities are looking at microgrids as an option to help stabilize the local grid, defer future investments, and support the distribution and transmission levels of the grid. Utilities could potentially reap several benefits from incorporating microgrids into their planning. Microgrids can help manage energy use and demand more efficiently at different times, making the overall grid more resilient and adaptable.

    Recently, I gave a presentation on microgrids to my county’s fire association, which led to interest from multiple departments still reeling from the experience of Hurricane Helene. That interest has since expanded into multiple counties and individual projects with several partners. Now, I am supporting a coalition of regional and local stakeholders and working to help them secure funding so they can develop different types of microgrids—both stationary and mobile—to power critical services like fire departments, emergency medical service stations, and community centers during future disasters.

    The work I’m doing with this regional coalition, along with other power system analysis work at NREL, can be an incredible resource to inform decision makers at the state and federal levels—and future work could help them better understand how microgrids can fit into regulatory processes. I am excited for the potential that microgrids have in supporting local resilience and grid stability, while also reducing future costs for utilities and customers.

    Read more from NREL’s Tell Me Something Grid series, and sign up for NREL’s energy analysis newsletter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NREL Partners With Chilkat Indian Village To Improve Housing in Klukwan, Alaska

    Source: US National Renewable Energy Laboratory

    The majority of housing in Klukwan consists of modular units imported from the Lower 48 in the 1970s, not well-suited to the extremes of Alaska. Photo by Molly Rettig, NREL

    A team of National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) researchers and Tribal staff gathered around the wood stove in Charlie Spud’s home, trying to figure out why it was not drawing air.

    “Every time I turn on the bath fan, the stove backdrafts,” said Spud, 61, who built the home 13 years ago with his wife Joanne.

    “That’s not good—it can bring carbon monoxide into the home,” said Jack Hébert, a senior research advisor at NREL’s Alaska Campus and a long-time Alaska homebuilder.

    The cozy, cedar-sided home overlooks the wide, braided Chilkat River and the massive snowcapped peaks straddling the Alaska-Canada border, where the Tlingit people have lived for thousands of years. Long before Alaska was a state, or the nearby fishing town of Haines appeared, this was a gathering spot for the Chilkat Tlingits (known as the Jilkáat Kwáan) who traveled to these shores by canoe to trade and share feasts of the region’s bounty.

    During a housing assessment, Charlie Spud (left) and Jack Hébert (center) troubleshoot why Spud’s stove is backdrafting. Photo by Molly Rettig, NREL

    A colorful wood carving on the living room wall honored the eagle—or Ch’áak’—clan that Joanne descends from. Like many in Klukwan, Alaska, Charlie and Joanne still spend a lot of time outdoors, hunting, fishing, and picking berries that grow in the lush Chilkat Valley.

    After investigating the stove and crawling around the attic with an infrared camera, the team discovered a lot of air leaking around the stovepipe into the attic, then escaping outside. It was due to stack effect, Hébert said, which occurs when heat rises within a building due to temperature differences between indoors and outdoors.

    “So much air is leaking around the pipe that it’s overpowering the fire’s ability to get oxygen. So, the fire has to pull air from inside the stack, which can bring dangerous gases into the home,” Hébert said.  

    He emphasized the importance of introducing outside combustion air into the area near the stove and made a note on the survey: Seal ceiling penetration around pipe to reduce stack effect.

    ‘Housing and Jobs: You Can’t Build a Community Without Either’

    This is one of many problems Klukwan is tackling as part of a $1 million award through the U.S. Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes. Since 1999, HUD has invested in hundreds of communities across the United States to make low-income households safer, healthier, and more affordable. Over the past decade, NREL has assisted 15 Alaska communities to implement these programs, including Buckland, Gakona, and—currently—Fairbanks Neighborhood Housing Services, helping direct a total of $16 million toward reducing in-home hazards.

    The goal of these programs is not only to improve housing but also to build a workforce that benefits local economies.

    “This project is about housing and jobs. You can’t build a community without either,” said Shawna Hotch, Tribal liaison for the Tribe, who oversees a variety of initiatives related to housing, energy, health, and more.

    Shawna Hotch is the Tribal liaison for the Chilkat Indian Village, NREL’s partner on the Healthy Homes project. Photo from Shawna Hotch

    Housing has long been a priority for the small Southeast Alaska community of 81 people. While the village has been around for thousands of years, most of its current housing was built in the 1970s and consists of modular units imported from the Lower 48 states. Today they are dilapidated, leaky, and expensive to heat. Housing surveys conducted in 2023, also in partnership with NREL, revealed high rates of mold, indoor air quality problems, and overcrowding and led the Tribe to pass a resolution declaring a housing emergency.

    New housing is critical to the community’s growth, yet high costs have inhibited construction. Many Tribal members share homes with multiple generations, move out of the community, or add mobile homes onto their permanent structures for more space.

    Charlie Spud’s daughter, Karlie, left the state four years ago when she had her first child because she could not find housing in Klukwan. Last year, when her brother moved out of their childhood home, Karlie came back to the village. Now she lives there with her daughter and works at the clinic across the street. 

    “In Klukwan, it’s really bad. If someone in your family passes away, that’s about the only way you can get a house. Some people buy mobile homes or kits from Canada, but there’s nothing affordable that will also keep you warm and comfortable,” Karlie said.

    NREL Researcher Chan Charoonsophonsak (right) documents housing conditions with Chilkat Indian Village staff. Photo by Molly Rettig, NREL

    In light of that shortage, they are fixing up what they have. Hotch enlisted NREL’s building and energy experts to perform building assessments and guide the retrofits to ensure they deliver long-term health and economic benefits to residents.

    “I love working with NREL. I’m not an energy expert—I work on so many different initiatives related to geohazards, health, and land protections that it’s very valuable to me to be able to trust these Alaskan experts,” Hotch said.

    Jilkaat Kwaan Heritage Center in Klukwan, Alaska, sits on the banks of the Chilkat River. Photo by Molly Rettig, NREL

    NREL Surveys Inform Retrofit Work To Make Warmer, Safer Housing

    In March, the assessment team made up of NREL building experts, Tribal staff, and private contractors visited 11 homes, interviewing residents, testing for lead paint and radon, and inspecting foundations, walls, windows, and appliances. The cold, wet climate of Southeast Alaska can be hard on homes, and many showed signs of moisture and mold. Other residents complained about cold floors, leaky roofs, or broken outlets.

    Charlene Katzeek lives in a double-wide trailer on a raised foundation overlooking the Chilkat Mountains. At age 75, she likes listening to audiobooks while she drinks coffee and plays cards. Her daughter, Deanna, the village public safety officer in Klukwan, often stops by to visit and help with housework, since Charlene is losing her eyesight. While the home is in pretty good shape, Charlene is on a fixed income and wants to reduce energy use.

    “There’s a big hole under the window. When my husband was alive, he would ask me to go outside and he could wave to me through the trim,” Charlene said, chuckling.

    Shawna Hotch visits the Jilkaat Kwaan Heritage Center in Klukwan. Photo from Shawna Hotch

    The assessment team found additional cold spots in the house that could be sealed and suggested upgrades to improve indoor air quality, such as removing old carpet and increasing ventilation.

    “In a cold climate, we build very tight homes and spend so much of our time inside in the winter,” NREL’s Hébert said. “Bringing fresh air into the home keeps everyone healthy and can really address our exceptionally high rates of respiratory illness in Alaska.”

    The housing assessment team included (left to right) Tim Ewing with Chilkat Indian Village, Chan Charoonsophonsak (NREL), Trevor Luedke (Steller Inspections), Jack Hebert (NREL), and Charlie Spud (Chilkat Indian Village). Photo by Molly Rettig, NREL

    After finishing the assessments, the team started poring over the data to make a plan for each house. Retrofit work is expected to begin this summer, as fishing, road construction, and other seasonal jobs take off.

    Just like those efforts, this project will strengthen the economy and make Klukwan a healthier, more vibrant place to live.

    Learn more about research at NREL’s Alaska Campus.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Proposition 123 Land Banking Funds to Support New Housing Options Coloradans can Afford Across the State

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Today, Gov. Jared Polis, the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), and Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) announced 21 recipients of voter-approved Proposition 123 Land Banking funds. This funding is intended to support Colorado communities as they acquire and preserve land for an estimated 1,892 home ownership and multi-family rental apartments, including plans in Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Fruita, Montrose, and Pagosa Springs.

    “These funds are an important first step to create 1,892 homes people can afford across the state, helping more Coloradans live where they want to live — close to their jobs, schools, and the places they love.” said Gov. Jared Polis. 

    Among the recipients, the Boulder Housing Coalition plans to acquire and convert an historic Denver mansion into affordable housing supporting households with incomes 30 – 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). A Montrose project by Community Options Inc. plans to serve neurodiverse households with incomes 40 – 60% of AMI. And the proposed Bradley Ridge Apartments in Colorado Springs will include an early childhood education center and serve households earning at or below 60% AMI. 

    “A strong economy includes good-paying jobs and housing for every income level. The recipients announced today will introduce new home ownership and rental opportunities in communities across the state, meeting a wide variety of needs, including those transitioning out of homelessness, neurodiverse families, and childcare opportunities. We are excited to support strong economies across the state,” said Eve Lieberman, OEDIT Executive Director. 

    Availability of land is considered one of the most significant barriers to affordable housing development. The Land Banking program provides grants to local and tribal governments and forgivable loans to nonprofits with a demonstrated history of providing affordable housing to support the acquisition and preservation of land for affordable for-sale and rental housing development. 

    “The funds awarded through the Land Banking program are an investment in a stronger Colorado, supporting communities in securing the land they need to respond to local housing needs. These efforts lay the foundation for greater housing stability and economic prosperity,” said Thomas Bryan, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of CHFA.

    A total of $47,994,762 will be awarded to 21 recipients, who will be required to complete statutory milestones over the coming years including achieving proper zoning, finalizing development plans, and securing development funding and permits. The Area Median Incomes (AMIs) proposed by the recipients range from 20% AMI for those transitioning out of homelessness up to 100% AMI for homeownership. The awardees include: 

    • Boulder Housing Coalition: 19 rental units for the 1350 N Logan, Denver, $430,000 Broomfield Housing Alliance: 72 rental units for the 11795 Colmans Way,
    • Broomfield, $3,500,000
    • Commerce City Housing Authority: 120 rental and homeownership units for The Foundry, Commerce City, $4,750,000
    • Commun Denver: 173 rental and homeownership units for the Loretto Commons, Denver, $2,500,000
    • Community Options Inc.: 50 rental units for the TBD Hilltop Apartments, Montrose, $1,250,000
    • Elevation Community Land Trust II: 44 homeownership units for the Miners Haus, Golden, $1,400,000
    • Fairview Housing Partners Ltd: 144 rental units for the Flats at Sand Creek, Colorado Springs, $4,050,000
    • Foothills Regional Housing: 220 rental units for the Ridge Road, Wheat Ridge, $2,100,000
    • GES Coalition, Inc.: 60 rental and homeownership units for the Brighton Blvd-GESC, Denver, $3,571,429
    • Habitat for Humanity Fort Collins: eight homeownership units for the Bloom Cottages, Fort Collins, $600,000
    • Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver, Inc.: 40 homeownership units for the Calvary Flats Affordable Homes, Golden, $1,200,000
    • Habitat for Humanity St Vrain: 35 homeownership units for the Habitat 15th and Terry Street Neighborhood, Longmont, $1,558,333 Metro Caring: 139 rental units for the Metro Caring Affordable Housing, Denver, $3,485,000 Pagosa Springs Community Development Corporation: 11 rental and homeownership units for the Affordable Housing Phase 4, Bonita Dr., Pagosa Springs, $200,000 Pikes Peak Real Estate Foundation: 336 rental units for the Bradley Ridge Apartments, Colorado Springs, $4,850,000 The City of Fruita: 100 rental and homeownership units for The Fruita Commons, Fruita, $1,500,000
    • The Inn Between of Longmont: 40 rental units for the 1886 Hover, Longmont, $1,750,000 The NHP Foundation: 158 rental units for the Liora, Denver, $3,850,000
    • Thistle Community Housing: 48 rental and homeownership units for the Fairways Phase II, Boulder, $2,600,000
    • Urban Land Conservancy II: 66 rental units for the Liberty House, Denver, $2,450,000
    • West Colfax Lampstand: 9 homeownership units for the Flats at Harlan, Lakewood, $400,000 

    Applications were evaluated according to priorities outlined in statute, including high-density housing, mixed-income housing, and environmental sustainability. The selection process also considered accessibility to transit and walkable access to community services, readiness to proceed, financial feasibility, geographic distribution, and total number of units proposed, all priorities outlined by the Governor’s Executive Order to address Colorado’s housing supply. 

    The Land Banking program is part of the Affordable Housing Financing Fund, established by Proposition 123, managed by OEDIT and administered by CHFA. Ongoing updates are available by signing up to receive newsletter updates. 

    About the Colorado Affordable Housing Financing Fund 

    Passed by voters in November 2022, Proposition 123 established the State Affordable Housing Fund to advance the development and preservation of affordable housing in Colorado. The measure directs 40% of those funds to the Colorado Affordable Housing Support Fund administered by the state Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) and 60% of funds to the Colorado Affordable Housing Financing Fund managed by OEDIT. OEDIT selected Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) to serve as the Affordable Housing Financing Fund third-party administrator. The Affordable Housing Financing Fund consists of three programs: Land Banking, Equity and Concessionary Debt. 

    About the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) 

    The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works to empower all to thrive in Colorado’s economy. Under the leadership of the Governor and in collaboration with economic development partners across the state, we foster a thriving business environment through funding and financial programs, training, consulting and informational resources across industries and regions. We promote economic growth and long-term job creation by recruiting, retaining, and expanding Colorado businesses and providing programs that support entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes at every stage of growth. Our goal is to protect what makes our state a great place to live, work, start a business, raise a family, visit and retire—and make it accessible to everyone. Learn more about OEDIT. 

    About Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) 

    For more than 50 years, CHFA has strengthened Colorado by investing in affordable housing and community development. CHFA invests in affordable homeownership, the development and preservation of affordable rental housing, helps small- and medium-sized businesses access capital, offers technical assistance and financial support to strengthen local communities, and supports mission-aligned nonprofits through philanthropic investment. CHFA is not a state agency. CHFA is a self-sustaining public enterprise. For more information about CHFA, please visit chfainfo.com or call 1.800.877.chfa (2432).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Turbo Energy Showcasing Its Line of Innovative Ai-Optimized Sunbox Energy Storage Solutions at Intersolar Europe 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VALENCIA, Spain, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Turbo Energy S.A. (Nasdaq: TURB) (“Turbo Energy” or the “Company”), a global provider of leading-edge, AI-optimized solar energy storage technologies and solutions, today announced that the Company is showcasing its growing line of smart SUNBOX energy storage solutions at Intersolar Europe, being held in Munich, Germany beginning today and continuing through Friday, May 9, 2025.  As the world’s leading exhibition for the solar industry, Intersolar consistently attracts more than 110,000 participants each year, providing a premier opportunity to connect with partners, customers and peers across Europe and beyond. For Turbo Energy, this event is expected to play a vital role in sharing its latest energy storage advancements, strengthening business relationships and continuing to expand the Company’s impact on the global renewable energy market.

    Join Turbo Energy at Intersolar Europe 2025 in Munich, Germany at Booth B1.430 in Hall B1

    Turbo Energy can be found at Booth B1.430 in Hall B1, where several of the Company’s senior executives and top technical, sales and marketing representatives will be on hand to discuss how AI-enabled SUNBOX  solutions for residential, commercial/industrial and utility-scale applications are helping to transform the way energy is stored and managed. 

    NOTE TO MEDIA:  To schedule an interview with a member of Turbo Energy’s senior management on-site at the event, please contact Silvia Perez Rios at silviaperez@turbo-e.com. 

    About Turbo Energy, S.A.

    Founded in 2013, Turbo Energy is a globally recognized pioneer of proprietary solar energy storage technologies and solutions managed through Artificial Intelligence. Turbo Energy’s elegant all-in-one and scalable, modular energy storage systems empower residential, commercial and industrial users expanding across Europe, North America and South America to materially reduce dependence on traditional energy sources, helping to lower electricity costs, provide peak shaving and uninterruptible power supply and realize a more sustainable, energy-efficient future. A testament to the Company’s commitment to innovation and industry disruption, Turbo Energy’s introduction of its flagship SUNBOX represents one of the world’s first high performance, competitively priced, all-in-one home solar energy storage systems, which also incorporates patented EV charging capability and powerful AI processes to optimize solar energy management.  Turbo Energy is a proud subsidiary of publicly traded Umbrella Global Energy, S.A., a vertically integrated, global collective of solar energy-focused companies.  For more information, please visit www.turbo-e.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of the business of the Company, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control, including the risks described in our registration statements and annual report under the heading “Risk Factors” as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and Turbo Energy, S.A. specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    For more information, please contact:
    At Turbo Energy, S.A.                                                                          
    Dodi Handy, Director of Communications                            
    Phone: 407-960-4636                                                                          
    Email: dodihandy@turbo-e.com 

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Best Same Day Loans Online No Credit Check Instant & Guaranteed Approval 2025 – Payday Ventures

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Payday Ventures, a leading provider of online loans, owns platforms offering same day loans online with no credit check, helping Americans manage urgent financial needs without delays or credit-related obstacles. Borrowers can access same day emergency loans, $255 payday loans online same day, and payday loans online through trusted platforms offering instant approval and quick payouts all without lengthy applications or hard credit pulls.

    Top 5 Best Same Day Payday Loans Guaranteed Approval 2025: Quick Overview

    • Viva Payday Loans – Best for $255 Payday Loans Online Same Day No Credit Check
    • Green Dollar Loans – Top Choice for Same Day Loans for Bad Credit with Fast Deposit
    • Heart Paydays – Quick Same Day Emergency Loans with Instant Approval Online
    • Low Credit Finance – Same Day No Credit Check Loans Guaranteed Approval
    • Big Buck Loans – Fast Borrow Money From Cash App Online Same Day Deposit Up to $5,000

    How We Selected the Online Same Day Loans Providers For Bad Credit Borrowers

    We reviewed dozens of online lenders offering same day loans for bad credit and ranked them based on approval speed, loan flexibility, no credit check options, same day deposit availability, and customer support.

    Click Here to Apply for Same Day Loans >>

    Here’s why Choose Same Day Loans

    Same day loans online are ideal for urgent cash needs no long forms, no credit score stress. Whether it’s emergency same day loans, same day loans for bad credit, or quick payday loans, the platforms above make borrowing simple in 2025.

    Click Here to Apply for Same Day Loans >>

    Types of Same Day Loans Available

    $255 Payday Loans Online Same Day: Perfect for small cash needs. Fast approval and no credit check required.

    Same Day Personal Loans for Bad Credit: Ideal for borrowers with poor credit. Quick approval and flexible repayment.

    Emergency Same Day Loans: For urgent bills or medical costs. Get funds in hours with minimal paperwork.

    Borrow Money From Cash App Loans : Fast funding for small business needs—inventory, payroll, or repairs.

    Fast Cash Loans Online Same Day Deposit: Need instant cash? Get approved and funded the same day.

    Same Day Loans No Credit Check: No hard credit pull. Lenders assess based on income, not your score.

    Tips to get same day loans with bad credit

    Yes. Many provider now offer same day loans for bad credit, focusing on your income and ability to repay rather than your credit score. Platforms like Viva Payday Loans and Heart Paydays are great for same day personal loans for bad credit with quick approvals.

    These mentioned brands are part of Payday Ventures, with all platforms mentioned in this release being fully owned and managed in-house.

    –

    Name: Mukesh Bhardwaj
    Email: mukesh@paydayventures.com

    Disclaimer: This announcement contains general information about Payday Ventures loan services and should not be considered financial advice. Loans are available to US residents only.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Launches the 2025 TV Line-up and Exciting New Partnership With BAFTA

    Source: Samsung

     
    LONDON, UK – May 7, 2025 – Samsung Electronics UK has unveiled an exciting new partnership with BAFTA (The British Academy of Film and Television Arts), as it continues to expand its commitment to supporting the UK’s vibrant creative industries.
     
    The partnership announcement coincides with the launch of Samsung’s much-anticipated 2025 TV, projector and soundbar line-up, bringing the latest in AI-powered screen and audio innovations to British homes. Available to pre-order from today, the range will ship nationwide from Samsung.com and retail partners[1] including John Lewis, Currys, Argos, AO and Richer Sounds.
     
    Samsung partners with BAFTA to support UK creative industries
    Samsung has become the Official Screen Partner of BAFTA – underlining Samsung’s notoriety for superior picture quality and being at the heart of immersive, home entertainment. BAFTA champions and celebrates the best creative content across the screen arts’ industries – there are clear synergies between the two organisations. This collaboration marks the beginning of a joint initiative that celebrates storytelling, champions British talent, and spotlights innovation across film, games and television.
     
    Samsung is committed to enhancing how audiences experience content, both at home and beyond. This partnership aligns perfectly ahead of the upcoming BAFTA TV Awards this Sunday, as a significant portion of the UK continues to enjoy their favourite shows on Samsung TVs – now in its nineteenth year as the global market leader for TV[2].
     
    “The UK’s creative industries are thriving, driven by advances in technology, and the rise of digital-first content,” said Zeena Hill, Director of Marketing TV/AV at Samsung UK. “As more people enjoy award-winning entertainment at home, our unrivalled TV technology and innovations continue to lead the industry forwards and ensure that every creative detail is experienced at its best.
     
    “This partnership with BAFTA champions artistic expression and elevated storytelling for a richer, more immersive viewing experience for all to enjoy.”
     
    Jane Millichip, CEO at BAFTA, said: “Samsung’s commitment to innovation and excellence in home entertainment aligns perfectly with BAFTA’s mission to champion creativity and inspire audiences. Together, we look forward to celebrating the very best in screen storytelling and delivering even more engaging experiences to viewers globally.”
     
    Revolutionising TV with Samsung Vision AI
    The new Samsung 2025 line-up integrates advanced AI technologies to deliver an unparalleled and more personalised entertainment experience than ever before. Plus customers can claim up to £1000 cashback when you pre-order selected 2025 Samsung TVs and up to £400 on selected soundbars[3].
     
    Samsung’s 2025 TV line-up introduces groundbreaking innovations in picture quality and smart features. Powered by Samsung Vision AI, the latest Samsung TVs takes the viewing experience to the next level. Advanced AI technologies analyse content and surroundings to automatically optimise the picture and sound.
     
    Samsung is also introducing enhanced Glare-Free technology[4] on select models, minimising reflections while maintaining deeper blacks and clear images, even in brightly lit rooms. By using a new material, the anti-reflective properties have been greatly improved so that you can enjoy a beautiful image, regardless of the light on the screen. The Glare-Free technology has been expanded to selected Neo QLED and OLED models.
     
    The TV line-up for 2025 includes a wide range of technologies and design, including:
     
    Neo QLED 8K: With advanced Quantum Matrix Technology and Ultra Viewing Angle Technology for an unprecedented level of detail and contrast.
    Neo QLED 4K: An excellent balance between picture quality and value, with powerful processors and bright, vibrant colours. The new QN90F now also feature Glare-Free technology, and have an improved processor and faster refresh rate.
    The NEW Frame Pro enhances consumer experience by incorporating advanced Neo QLED technology, for enhanced, immersive picture quality alongside its Glare-Free Matte[5] finish to minimise distractions and compliment your interior with displaying stunning art⁳ when in standby mode.
    In addition, the newly announced and renewed Wireless One Connect box allows the TV to be connected wirelessly from up to 10 metres away, meaning that unsightly cables are a thing of the past.
    The Frame and The Frame Pro also have access to the Art Store[6], giving consumers access to over 2500+ pieces of art from some of the most well-known museums and art galleries globally.
    OLED 4K: Available in different models (S95F, S90F, S85F) with screen sizes up to 83”. Samsung is continuing to innovate with its 2025 OLED line-up, delivering powerful full-screen brightness, deep blacks, vibrant, Pantone®-validated colours and our most advanced OLED Glare-Free technology – for distraction-free viewing across any environment
    QLED 4K: Bright colours and an excellent viewing angle.
    Crystal UHD: Sharp 4K resolution and vibrant colours at an attractive price.
    NEW – The Premiere 5 is a new full HD touch interactive triple laser, ultra-short throw projector. Providing cinematic visuals and vivid colours that can project a screen up to 100 inches alongside interactive features[7].

    New Soundbar line-up: design with superior sound experience
    Samsung’s new Soundbar line-up is designed to work in sync with the new televisions and create an immersive audio experience. The top models, such as the HW-Q990F and HW-Q930F, offer a three-dimensional surround sound with support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, giving the audio a next generation experience. The compact subwoofer with dual active drivers of the HW-Q990F ensures a deep and powerful bass without vibrations.
     
    With its sleek, modern design the all new  QS700F Soundbar fits seamlessly into any room, with its new convertible design that can automatically detect the direction of installation through its gyro sensor and will optimise the sound accordingly – providing a perfected Dolby Atmos sound experience no matter how you install it in your home.
     
    AI-driven sound optimisation, such as Q-Symphony together with SpaceFit Sound Pro, analyse the acoustics of the room and the content played to automatically optimize the sound for a clear, balanced and spacious reproduction and intelligible dialogue.
     
    With this new line-up, Samsung is once again setting the standard for home entertainment – ​​smarter, more beautiful and more immersive than ever before.
     
    [1] Currys, John Lewis, Richer Sounds, Argos, AO, Very, Littlewoods, Amazon, Costco, Hughes Electrical and Harvey Norman.
    [2] Samsung Electronics Marks 19 Consecutive Years as the Global TV Market Leader.
    [3] Disclaimer: Samsung Electronics (UK) Limited. Purchase between 07.05.25 – 27.05.25 from a participating retailer. Claim must be submitted between 30 and 60 days of purchase. Maximum four claims per household, 10 per registered business. To claim, and for full T&Cs, see https://samsungoffers.claims/preorder2025VisionAI.
    [4] Measured against Unified Glare Rating (UGR) testing standard, validated as ‘Glare Free’ by UL.
    [5] Measured against Unified Glare Rating (UGR) testing standard, certified as glare-free (reflection, discomfort and disability glare) by UL.
    [6] Art Store subscription and Samsung Account connection required to access full selection of artwork.
    [7] Touch interaction is only available with the Touch Stand connected. Touch interaction support may vary by app, some apps may not support the feature. Some functions may be limited when using the feature.
     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Your fridge might be a breeding ground for bacteria – here’s how to fix it

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Oleksii Omelchenko, Doctoral Researcher in listeria and other invasive pathogens, Quadram Institute

    Nicoleta Ionescu/Shutterstock

    The kitchen is often the heart of the home – a place where families gather and meals begin. And at the start of it all? The fridge. This is where we safely store much of our food, and as technology advances, fridges are getting smarter: being able to track inventory, suggest recipes, even displaying the news.

    But of all their features, temperature remains the most critical. We rely on fridges to keep food fresh, but if the temperature isn’t right, they can do the opposite – essentially becoming cosy incubators for bacteria.

    As a microbiologist, I might find that fascinating, but it’s definitely not ideal for the sausages you brought home from the farmer’s market.

    When looking across many households, the average temperature in fridges is 5.3°C – just above the recommended safe range of 0–5°C (32–41°F). More concerning is how often temperatures fluctuate. Many fridges spend over half their time above that safe limit.

    Some have even been found running as high as 15°C (59°F), which, in parts of the UK, is practically a warm summer’s day. At those temperatures, bacteria can multiply quickly, increasing the risk of food spoilage or even food-borne illness.

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

    So, what’s going wrong? Part of the problem is that many fridges lack an accurate, accessible way to monitor their internal temperature. Let’s admit: most of us don’t know what the dial settings actually mean.

    On top of that, every time you open the door, warm air rushes in. The longer the door stays open, especially if you’re lingering while choosing a snack, the more the internal temperature climbs toward room temperature, creating a more suitable environment for bacteria to thrive.

    Keep bacteria in check

    Here are simple ways to keep your food fresher – and safer:

    • Minimise door openings. Don’t leave the fridge hanging open while you unload groceries.

    • Use a rotating organiser. A lazy susan can help you avoid searching through a shelf full of products for that half-used sauce bottle.

    • Clean your door seals. Every few months, check for mould or grime and make sure the seals close tightly.

    Temperature also varies inside your fridge. The coldest spot is usually at the back, while the warmest is on the door. That means items like milk or raw meat are best stored near the back – not in the door. The door is fine for butter or fizzy drinks.

    Even though many modern fridges have a built-in sensor, it often only reflects the temperature at one spot. In fact, 68% of households never adjust their temperature settings.

    A practical tip? Place a few stick-on thermometers in different areas of your fridge. If any are regularly above 5°C (41°F), it’s time to adjust. But remember: the built-in indicators inside your fridge don’t always reflect the actual temperature throughout your fridge.

    Also, avoid overcrowding. Aim to keep your fridge about 75% full, so cold air can circulate properly. You can make room by storing items such as stone fruits, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes and honey in a cool, dry cupboard – these don’t need refrigeration.

    But temperature isn’t the only concern. Even a well-chilled fridge can harbour invisible risks. Studies show that fridges can contain pathogens, likely to have been introduced previously via food or packaging that may have been contaminated.

    While cold temperatures stops many bacteria from growing, some – like Listeria monocytogenes – can survive and even multiply in low temperatures. Listeria, which is especially dangerous for pregnant people and older adults, can be found in soft cheeses, cured or smoked fish (including sushi), deli meats, pre-packaged fruit, frozen veg and ready-made sandwiches.

    Reduce risk

    To reduce risk for yourself and others, follow recommendations from the food safety authorities:

    • Keep raw foods – like meat and fish that need cooking – separate from ready-to-eat items such as fruits or sandwiches.

    • Store raw meat and fish on the bottom shelf of the fridge. That way, if any juices leak, they won’t drip onto other foods.

    • Consume ready-to-eat products within four hours of removing them from the fridge.

    • Wash your hands regularly with soap and water before, during and after meal preparation.

    • Follow the cooking instructions on packaging when applicable.

    Improving your fridge habits might not sound thrilling, but it helps food stay fresher longer, keeps your fridge working more efficiently, and most importantly, protects your health – and the health of your family.

    Oh, and about that leftover chicken from dinner early in the week… We’ve all done the sniff test. But just because your leftovers smell fine doesn’t mean they are fine. Bacteria like Salmonella or Listeria don’t always come with a funky odour.



    Read more:
    The sniff test is not reliable for food safety – here’s why

    Oleksii Omelchenko receives funding from BBSRC, FSA.

    Judith Evans has received funding from the European Commission, EPSRC, NGOs and development agencies.

    – ref. Your fridge might be a breeding ground for bacteria – here’s how to fix it – https://theconversation.com/your-fridge-might-be-a-breeding-ground-for-bacteria-heres-how-to-fix-it-252339

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Farmers Back President Trump’s Tariffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    American farmers are behind President Donald J. Trump and his relentless push to restore fairness in global trade and secure new markets for homegrown producers.
    According to the latest Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer:
    70% of farmers expect the President Trump’s tariffs to strengthen the agricultural economy in the long-term.
    Farmer sentiment improved in April, marked by rises in current and future expectations.
    The Farm Capital Investment Index rose to its highest reading since May 2021.
    “This month, one out of four respondents said it was a good time to make large investments, nearly double the percentage of respondents who said it was a good time to invest when surveyed from May through October of last year.”

    The Farm Financial Performance Index “marked the fourth month in a row that the index was above 100, indicating that producers expect financial performance this year to equal or slightly exceed the year-ago level.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Victory Day for World War II, 2025

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    class=”has-text-align-center”>BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
    A PROCLAMATION
    Today, our Nation proudly commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Allied Powers’ triumph over national socialism and fascism, and the end of World War II in Europe — one of the most epic victories for forces of freedom in the history of the world.  On this Victory Day for World War II, we celebrate the unmatched might, strength, and power of the American Armed Forces, and we commit to protecting our sacred birthright of liberty against all threats, foreign and domestic.In the wake of the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States righteously entered the fray of what would become the apex of the eternal battle between good and evil.  After nearly 4 years of the darkest and bloodiest chapters ever recorded in human history, more than 250,000 Americans lost their lives in the fight against the Nazi regime.  Today and every day, we pay tribute to all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their Nation, their liberty, and the survival of Western civilization.  Without the sacrifice of our American soldiers, this war would not have been won, and our world today would look drastically different.May 8, 1945 marks the Allies’ acceptance of Germany’s unconditional surrender — the beginning of the end of years of long, gruesome, and brutal warfare.  The millions of souls senselessly lost serve as a reminder of why we must pursue peace through strength.  I remain steadfastly devoted to stopping the years of endless foreign wars and preventing the further loss of lives.  As I stated during my Inaugural Address, we will measure our success not only by the battles we win but also by the wars we end — and my proudest legacy will be that of a peacemaker.As we commemorate Victory Day for World War II, we offer our unending thanks to every patriot from the Greatest Generation who left behind his home and family to fight for our freedom in distant lands.  We honor the memories of all those who perished.  Above all, we renew our commitment to keeping America and the entire world safe, secure, prosperous, and free.NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 8, 2025, as a day in celebration of Victory Day for World War II.IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty‑five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.                                 DONALD J. TRUMP

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Pakistan is fully capable of defending its borders and responding to Indian aggression: PM

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    ISLAMABAD, May 7 (Xinhua) — Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Wednesday said his country is fully capable of defending its geographical borders and responding to any aggression from India.

    Sh. Sharif made this statement while speaking in the National Assembly (lower house of parliament) of Pakistan.

    Pakistan shot down five Indian military aircraft without entering Indian airspace, he said.

    Pakistan’s National Security Council has “authorised” the army to take “appropriate” countermeasures in response to the Indian attacks, which killed 26 civilians and injured 46, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement on Wednesday.

    Tensions between the two South Asian neighbours have escalated after an attack on tourists in Pahalgam, which Indian media reported killed at least 25 people. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Aguilar Announces Task Force on Aging and Families as Trump Administration Threatens Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid

    Source: US House of Representatives – Democratic Caucus

    The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI – May 07, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – To kick off Older Americans Month, House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar today announced the re-launch of the Democratic Caucus Task Force on Aging and Families (TFAF). The Chairs of the Task Force are Reps. Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and Doris Matsui (CA-07). The Co-Chairs are Reps. Debbie Dingell (MI-06) and Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and the Vice Chairs are Reps. Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), John B. Larson (CT-01) and Mark Pocan (WI-02). The TFAF will deepen the Caucus’ commitment to protecting seniors’ hard-earned benefits against the Trump Administration’s threats to cut Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare. 

    “The Trump Administration is dismantling the Social Security Administration and putting the benefits that our seniors rely on in jeopardy,” said Chairman Aguilar. “House Democrats are going to stand up for older Americans and their families and I’m proud to re-launch the Task Force on Aging and Families, led by two committed public servants in Jan Schakowsky and Doris Matsui. An essential part of the American Dream is ensuring a better life for the generation that comes after us while also honoring the sacrifices of our parents and grandparents who paved the way for our success. House Democrats will always defend and strengthen this central promise of our way of life.”   

    “Older Americans have spent their lives working to raise families, pay their taxes, protect our country, and build our communities. How are Republicans thanking them? By threatening to take away hard-earned benefits like Medicaid and Social Security. Older Americans deserve to retire with dignity and respect, and deserve high quality health care and financial security,” said Rep. Schakowsky. “For my entire career, I have fought for older Americans and working families, that is why I am proud to continue to serve as one of the Chairs of the Task Force on Aging and Families. Instead of cutting Medicaid, we must expand it. Instead of attacking Social Security, we must protect and strengthen it. Instead of punishing the hungry, we must support them. Democrats stand ready to protect older Americans and ensure that they have all the resources they need in retirement.”

    “Since we founded the Task Force on Aging and Families in 2010, it has been a critical vehicle to ensure that Democrats are responding to the concerns of older Americans—and as Republicans attack programs like Social Security, Medicaid and SNAP more fervently than ever, the Task Force couldn’t be more vital,” said Rep. Matsui. “After years of hard work and paying into Social Security, older Americans deserve a dignified retirement—but Donald Trump and Elon Musk want to take those hard-earned benefits away and give tax breaks to billionaires instead. House Republicans want to cut $880 billion from Medicaid—which means many seniors could lose their health care and pay more for prescription drugs that they need to live. As these attacks on older Americans come swift and strong, our Task Force is fighting tooth and nail to stop them. We are spearheading the actions to permanently protect these programs.”

    “After a lifetime of hard work, seniors deserve to retire with financial security, proper medical and long-term care, and a quality of life that allows them to continue to live independently and with dignity,” said Rep. Dingell. “This isn’t just important for seniors, it’s important for families and caregivers who balance a lot to take care of aging family members. The number of Americans ages 65 and older will more than double over the next 40 years, and the work of this task force to ensure we are doing right by America’s seniors is more important than ever.”

    “Our seniors’ Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid benefits are under attack,” said Rep. Larson. “Elon Musk and Donald Trump are gutting these essential programs with the support of Congressional Republicans to pay for another round of tax breaks for themselves and their billionaire friends. As Vice Chair of the Task Force on Aging and Families, I will stand united with Democrats against these attacks on our nation’s seniors, so we can protect access to health care for everyone and continue to fight to not just protect Social Security from cuts, but expand it for all beneficiaries for the first time in more than 50 years.”

    “Older Americans have spent a lifetime working to be able to retire with dignity,” said Rep. Pocan. “Yet today’s extreme MAGA Republicans are dead set on cutting their earned Social Security and Medicare benefits. I’m honored to be a Vice Chair on this vital task force to fight back against these attacks on America’s seniors.”

    “Our elders have spent their lives building our communities, and they deserve to age with dignity, security, and humanity. Now, as Trump, Musk, and Republicans threaten to gut Medicaid, Social Security, and other essential programs our seniors earned and deserve, we cannot and will not stand by,” said Rep. Pressley. “I am proud to continue my service on the Task Force on Aging and Families and look forward to working with my colleagues to not only safeguard these hard-earned benefits, but also advance an affirmative agenda that centers our seniors – like lowering the cost of prescription drugs, investing in affordable housing, expanding home and community-based services, and more.”

    “Trump, Musk and Republicans’ continued attacks on vital lifelines like Social Security and Medicare are creating chaos and uncertainty for the millions of seniors already struggling to pay for their prescription drugs, affordable and safe housing, and nutritious food,” said Rep. Doggett. “I’m pleased to once again join my colleagues in pushing back against cruel threats that are endangering these hard-earned benefits that Americans pay into every working day of their lives with the promise of dignity and security in retirement and times of disability.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: SCA Community Launches Innovative Digital Platform Under Leadership of Evander Ellis

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Austin, TX, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SCA Community, a trailblazer in digital community solutions, is proud to announce the launch of its revolutionary new platform, designed to offer members an enhanced and seamless digital experience. This new interactive platform incorporates state-of-the-art technology and features, providing a dynamic environment where users can collaborate, network, and access resources with ease.

    With an intuitive interface and advanced capabilities, the platform is tailored to meet the needs of today’s modern professionals. SCA Community’s platform aims to simplify how members connect and interact, offering tools and features that empower users to make the most of their professional relationships and maximize their potential.

    “We’ve worked hard to create a platform that addresses the needs of our diverse community, combining cutting-edge technology with simplicity to create an intuitive and engaging experience,” said William Foster of SCA Community. “This new platform will allow our members to connect, collaborate, and grow in ways that weren’t possible before. We’re excited about the potential this platform has to foster even more impactful interactions and support member success.”

    Key Features of the New Interactive Platform:

    Seamless User Experience: The platform boasts a streamlined, intuitive interface that makes navigation simple and enjoyable for all users, regardless of their technical background.

    Enhanced Collaboration Tools: Integrated communication tools, such as live chat, file sharing, and collaborative workspaces, help users easily collaborate with colleagues, partners, and fellow members.

    Personalized Dashboards: Members can now customize their dashboards to suit their preferences, allowing for quick access to the resources, tools, and contacts they use most.

    Real-Time Updates and Notifications: The platform provides real-time notifications and updates, ensuring users are always informed of the latest news, events, and opportunities within the community.

    Advanced Search Functionality: Users can quickly find relevant content, members, and resources with the platform’s powerful search engine, making it easier to connect with the right people and find useful information.

    Comprehensive Resource Library: The platform hosts a robust library of resources, including articles, tutorials, industry insights, and case studies, to help members stay informed and grow their expertise.

    Mobile Accessibility: The new platform is mobile-friendly, allowing users to access the full suite of features from any device, whether at home, in the office, or on the go.

    The launch of this platform marks a major leap forward in SCA Community’s mission to offer its members the best possible digital tools for success. The community-oriented platform is designed to create a more interactive and inclusive environment, where professionals from all industries can easily access the support, resources, and connections they need to thrive.

    As SCA Community continues to grow, the platform will evolve with additional features and enhancements designed to meet the needs of an expanding global membership.

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Bone broth is hyped by celebrities and hailed as a wellness superfood – here’s what the science says

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Dipa Kamdar, Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice, Kingston University

    AB-7272/Shutterstock

    When someone tells you to “clean your plate”, bones usually aren’t included. But for some people, bones – or rather, what’s inside them – are the best part of a meal. Bone broth, once a humble kitchen staple, has surged in popularity in recent years, championed as a superfood by celebrities and wellness influencers.

    Stars such as Salma Hayek and Gwyneth Paltrow are reported to swear by it for beauty and health, while late basketball legend Kobe Bryant used it as a pre-game meal. But bone broth is far from a new discovery – it’s rooted in prehistoric cooking, traditional Chinese medicine and folk remedies around the world.

    So, what exactly is bone broth – and does it live up to the hype?

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

    This nutrient-dense liquid, also known as stock, is made by simmering animal bones and connective tissues, such as cartilage and tendons, for 12 to 48 hours. This slow cooking process extracts nutrients such as collagen, amino acids and minerals into the liquid. The result is a rich, savoury broth that can be sipped on its own or used as a base for soups, sauces and stews.

    While store-bought bone broth is convenient, homemade versions offer better control over ingredients and often greater nutritional value. Typical ingredients include bones (from chicken, beef or fish), water, vinegar (to help extract minerals) and various herbs and vegetables for flavour.

    Skin benefits

    Bone broth is praised for its collagen content – the protein that forms connective tissue in skin, cartilage, tendons and bones. It’s thought to promote joint flexibility and reduce signs of skin ageing.

    Some studies show that hydrolysed collagen (a broken-down form that’s easier to absorb) may improve skin elasticity and hydration, and reduce wrinkles. Other research suggests it may ease joint pain and stiffness, especially in people with osteoarthritis.

    However, most of these studies focus on collagen supplements and, while it’s often marketed as a collagen-rich superfood, research shows that bone broths don’t contain enough collagen to match the effects seen in clinical studies on supplements. Instead, a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamin C and healthy fats is more reliably linked to collagen production.

    Big claims, little evidence

    Bone broth is a source of amino acids such as glutamine, glycine and arginine that are thought to support gut lining integrity and immune function. Glutamine, in particular, may help repair the intestinal wall and prevent “leaky gut” – a condition where toxins and bacteria pass through a weakened gut barrier, potentially causing inflammation.

    Some scientists even suggest links between gut health and conditions such as autism, ADHD, depression and schizophrenia – though this remains a controversial and under-researched area.

    Bone broth is low in calories but high in protein, making it filling and potentially helpful for weight management. It’s also hydrating, providing electrolytes including sodium, potassium and magnesium that are particularly useful during illness or recovery.

    Some evidence supports the idea that nutrients in bone broth, especially amino acids, can reduce inflammation and support immune function. But overall, there is limited human research on the direct benefits of drinking bone broth. There are, however, potential risks to consider before you add it to your diet.

    Heavy metal

    Because animal bones can accumulate heavy metals such as lead, simmering them for long periods may cause these metals to leach into the broth. While studies on this are mixed, the risk may depend on the source and quality of the bones used.

    Consuming bone broth with high levels of heavy metals can pose health risks, including minor ailments like headaches, vomiting and tiredness. But more dangerously, heavy metals can also cause organ damage in the long term.

    Research on toxic metals in bone broth shows mixed results. Since recipes differ, it’s hard to know the exact nutrition content of each broth. Many shop-bought bone broths contain high levels of sodium, which can raise blood pressure and strain the heart and kidneys. Check labels or make your own to control the salt content.

    Bone broth contains glutamate, a naturally occurring amino acid that may cause anxiety, restlessness or headaches in some people, though evidence for this is largely anecdotal.

    Improper storage or preparation of bone broth can lead to bacterial contamination, which can cause gut infections and symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea. Always refrigerate or freeze broth promptly, then reheat it thoroughly before consumption.

    Bone broth can be a nourishing, tasty addition to your diet, especially when made at home with high-quality ingredients. It’s hydrating, packed with protein and rich in flavour. But it’s not a miracle cure, and the health benefits may be more modest than advertised.

    If you’re looking to boost collagen, your best bet is a healthy, balanced diet. Focus on eating plenty of protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables – all of which provide the nutrients your body needs to naturally produce collagen.

    In addition to what’s on your plate, healthy lifestyle habits also play a key role. Prioritise quality sleep (seven to nine hours a night), manage stress, avoid smoking and protect your skin with sunscreen.

    While bone broth may offer some benefits, the scientific evidence supporting its role in collagen production is still limited. Consider it a nourishing supplement to a healthy lifestyle, not a cure-all.

    Dipa Kamdar 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. Bone broth is hyped by celebrities and hailed as a wellness superfood – here’s what the science says – https://theconversation.com/bone-broth-is-hyped-by-celebrities-and-hailed-as-a-wellness-superfood-heres-what-the-science-says-254520

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: VE Day: how personal first-hand accounts help keep everyday narratives of wartime Britain alive

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Hazel Hall, Emeritus Professor in the School of Computing, Engineering, and Built Environment, Edinburgh Napier University

    From street parties to flypasts, the myriad events of VE Day – which this year commemorates the 80th anniversary of victory in Europe – take place against the backdrop of grand wartime narratives. These include accounts of military strategy, major battles and political decisions made by global leaders. Central to the day are the few remaining second world war veterans and the memory of those who lost their lives in the conflict between 1939 and 1945.

    While military and political history may dominate the retelling of VE Day, the research of my colleagues at Napier and myself has focused on a wartime commentary written by a young woman called Lorna Lloyd from Malvern, Worcestershire, between 1939 and 1941.

    Thursday December 12 1940

    It was a very bad night last night with guns firing endlessly and heavy bombs dropping in the (not so) distance. Cheltenham seems to have got it, and Birmingham. We hardly slept at all, for though the All Clear went at 1.40am, a new alert sounded at 4.00am, and the All Clear did not go until 20 to eight.

    Through our study we found that bringing the voices of ordinary people from the second world war directly into the present can forge strong emotional connections to the past, giving people a real appreciation of what it was like to live through the war in Britain. This material also prompts consideration of parallels between past and current hostilities.

    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    Fearing a German invasion in May 1940, 26-year-old Lloyd wrote in her diary: “I shall bury this diary so deep that one day, in a saner world, someone may find it and know that the last legions of civilisation meant not dominion but good.”

    Whether or not today’s world is saner, our research with 12 interviewees familiar with two digitised versions of Lloyd’s wartime diary revealed that excerpts had a stronger emotional impact when packaged as audio in a podcast series than they did presented online as text and images.

    Using news reports from the time including broadcast excerpts from the BBC, Lloyd’s words composed at her middle-class home in the Midlands highlight that war is a very human experience that affects everyone.

    Her commentary offers insight into the devastating reach of the conflict on those far from the frontlines, with reflections that demonstrate the psychological toll of war and its impact on everyday life.

    December 31 1940

    London vanishes gradually. Now a slice is shorn away as on Sunday night, now inchmeal buildings are levelled and gaps torn in its ancient fabric. With each, something dies that was hallowed by generations of hope and endeavour, quiet monuments of ordinary strivings vanish into piles of rubble.

    They also shed light on the roots of post-war social transformation, from the formation of the National Health Service to the cautious outlook of the so-called “silent generation” who grew up amid rationing and uncertainty. In a time when peace can no longer be taken for granted, these personal perspectives reinforce the importance of diplomacy, and the need to avoid conflict in the future.

    June 3 1940

    There are times when I feel endlessly old, and worn out, and others when I feel hopelessly young, and completely unable to combat life, or to hope for any future. I know somehow, despite the frantic entry of May 15th, that we shall win in the end, but my spirit quails at the task of building up again what has been broken down. It took 22 years to arrive even in this country at anything like normality after the last war. When things have settled down again shall I be old?

    Although we anticipated that our participants would find the experience particularly affecting since they knew Lloyd was played in the podcast episodes by her 25-year-old great-great niece, an unexpected finding was that the emotional reaction was greater when the audience members recognised parallels between Lloyd’s reports of the early months of the war and the current war in Ukraine.

    They were struck by the echoes of Lloyd’s commentary on 1940s wartime Europe in present-day Ukraine. One interviewee said: “It’s so much harder [to listen]… because we are in a similar situation … If you changed the words slightly, it could [be] contemporary … If we made Germany Russia, and made Finland Ukraine … We are dealing with [accommodating displaced people] today.”

    This finding shows that examining history in this accessible way can lead to identifying parallels with the present. An advantage that we have today – and which was denied to Lorna Lloyd and her contemporaries – is that we have an example from history to warn us about the dangers of the current political climate in Europe.

    The political and economic pressures at the time in Weimar Germany paved the way for the rise of the Nazi party. And now, with the rise of the right wing in Europe and across the world once more, it is more important than ever to learn from the past.

    As so few living memories of the second world war remain today, VE Day gives us a chance to consider how we keep such “hidden” histories alive. Our research shows that digital storytelling such as podcasts give fresh resonance to archive material in an uncertain world. And it makes clear the enduring value of encouraging interaction with historical records to make sense of today’s wider social and political turbulence.

    The research cited here was funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council through the Creative Informatics programme. Hazel Hall acknowledges the contributions of her colleagues Bruce Ryan, Marianne Wilson, and Iain McGregor to this article.

    – ref. VE Day: how personal first-hand accounts help keep everyday narratives of wartime Britain alive – https://theconversation.com/ve-day-how-personal-first-hand-accounts-help-keep-everyday-narratives-of-wartime-britain-alive-255653

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Climate change: A third of 5-year-olds will be spared unprecedented lifetime exposure to dangerous heat if world meets 1.5°C temperature goal – Save the Children

    Source: Save the Children

    BRUSSELS, 7 May 2025 – Almost a third of today’s five-year-olds – about 38 million children – will be spared a lifetime’s “unprecedented” exposure to extreme heat if the world meets the 1.5°C warming target by 2100, Save the Children said. 
    Ahead of the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, research released by Save the Children and Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) found that under current climate commitments – which will likely see a global temperature rise of 2.7°C above pre-industrial levels – about 100 million of the estimated 120 million children born in 2020, or 83%, will face “unprecedented” lifetime exposure to extreme heat. 
    However, if the world limits warming to the 1.5°C Paris Agreement target, this would reduce the number of five-year-olds impacted to 62 million – a difference of 38 million – highlighting the urgency to protect children through rapidly phasing out the use and subsidy of fossil fuels. Dangerous heat is deadly for children, taking an immense toll on their physical and mental health, disrupting access to food and clean water and forcing schools to close . 
    Researchers defined an “unprecedented” life as an exposure to climate extremes that someone would have less than a 1 in 10,000 chance of experiencing during their life in a world without human-induced climate change. The research, published in the report Born into the Climate Crisis 2. An Unprecedented Life: Protecting Children’s Rights in a Changing Climate also found that meeting the 1.5°C target would protect millions of children born in 2020 from the severest impacts of other climate related disasters such as crop failures, floods, tropical cyclones, droughts and wildfires.
    The report found that, for children born in 2020, if global temperature rise is limited to 1.5°C rather than reaching 2.7°C above pre-industrial levels:
    • About 38 million would be spared from facing unprecedented lifetime exposure to heatwaves;
    • About 8 million would avoid unprecedented lifetime exposure to crop failures;
    • About 5 million would be spared from unprecedented lifetime exposure to river floods;
    • About 5 million would avoid unprecedented lifetime exposure to tropical cyclones;
    • About 2 million would avoid unprecedented lifetime exposure to droughts;
    • About 1.5 million children would be spared unprecedented lifetime exposure to wildfires.
    Climate extremes – which are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change – are increasingly harming children, forcing them from their homes, putting food out of reach, damaging schools and increasing risks like child marriage as they are forced out of education and into poverty and food shortages.
    Denise-, 16, and her family were forced from their home in Brazil when the country’s worst floods in 80 years devastated their community last year. Their home, including Denise’s bedroom, was severely damaged, and she was out of school for nearly two months. 
    She said: “It really affected me mentally, and academically too. Catching up on all my grades to pass secondary school was really tough, especially at a state school. It massively impacted my schoolwork. My grades dropped significantly after the floods.” 
    Children impacted by inequality and discrimination and those in lower-and middle-income countries, are often worst affected . Meanwhile they have fewer resources to cope with climate shocks and are already at far greater risk from vector and waterborne diseases, hunger, and malnutrition, and their homes are often more vulnerable to increased risks from floods, cyclones and other extreme weather events.  
    Haruka, 16, whose poem is featured in the report, is from Vanuatu, which recently experienced three of the most severe types of cyclone in just a year.  
    She said: “Cyclones are scary. For me, they continue to destroy my home, every year – we don’t even bother trying to fix the ceiling anymore. “The past few years, I’ve seen ceaseless destruction and constant rebuilding. This seemingly never-ending cycle has become our reality, and most people aren’t even aware that it’s not just nature doing its thing, but it’s us bearing the brunt of a crisis that we did not cause.”  
    As well as comparing conditions under 1.5°C and 2.7°C scenarios, the report also examines a scenario in which global temperatures rise to 3.5°C by 2100, which will lead to about 92% of children born in 2020 – about 111 million children [5] – living with unprecedented heatwave exposure over their lifetime. While we need a rapid phase-out of the use and subsidy of fossil fuels to stick to the 1.5°C target, we must not lose sight of solutions, Save the Children said. 
    The report highlights initiatives like increased climate finance, child-centred and locally led adaptation and increasing the participation of children in shaping climate action. 
    Inger Ashing, CEO of Save the Children International, said: “Across the world, children are forced to bear the brunt of a crisis they are not responsible for. Dangerous heat that puts their health and learning at risk; cyclones that batter their homes and schools; creeping droughts that shrivel up crops and shrink what’s on their plates. “Amid this daily drumbeat of disasters, children plead with us not to switch off. This new research shows there is still hope, but only if we act urgently and ambitiously to rapidly limit warming temperatures to 1.5°C , and truly put children front and centre of our response to climate change at every level.”  
    As the world’s leading independent child rights organisation, Save the Children works in about 110 countries, tackling climate across everything we do. 
    Save the Children supports children and their communities globally in preventing, preparing for, adapting to, and recovering from climate disasters and gradual climate change. We have set up floating schools, rebuilt destroyed homes and provided cash grants to families hit by disasters. We also work to influence governments and other key stakeholders on climate policies, including at the UNFCCC COP summits, giving children a platform for their voices to be heard. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Student’s wartime diaries reveal vital rooftop role As the world marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe, the wartime diaries of a University of Aberdeen student have revealed insights into how everyday life continued – as well as the rather unusual duties undertaken by undergraduates during the Blitz.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    As the world marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe, the wartime diaries of a University of Aberdeen student have revealed insights into how everyday life continued – as well as the rather unusual duties undertaken by undergraduates during the Blitz.
    Mary Newlands, who graduated in 1942 with a degree in English, history, geology and geography, faithfully completed the green covered student’s diary issued to each University entrant for the 1939-40 academic year – a habit she continued throughout her studies.
    She kept these her whole life and they were passed on to her granddaughter Ruth Mellis, who works as a Project Manager at the University, when she died in 2017.
    Mary, who was born on a farm in Speymouth, gained a place at University after demonstrating her academic abilities at Milne’s Institute in Fochabers where she was a clever and studious pupil, and was dux of the school several times gaining prizes in English, history, mathematics, Latin, French and German.
    She applied her meticulous nature to her student diary making small, neat notes alongside the timetabling information, useful telephone numbers and details for the student’s representative council.
    Mary recorded her social engagements, essay deadlines and debating society commitments together with glimpses of how life continued as normal in the early months of the war, including that on February 23, 1940, there was to be a campfire.
    The only indications of the significant societal changes contained in her small notes are at the end where she writes that ‘countries have to make tremendous sacrifices’ and lists addresses for a NAAFI and RAF bases.
    But by the 1940-41 session, as well as the colour of the diary switching to blue, the impact of war becomes more visible in her jottings.
    Mary’s academic year gets underway in 1940 with Dance at Udny Green, a Halloween party and Harvest Thanksgiving and in December ‘a big family party at Aunt Mary’s’.
    But by January 1941 she notes on a visit home ‘military clearing the roads’ and then the following day (Sunday Jan 26) ‘military back again, almost landed in a troop train’.
    Her notes on visits to the flicks and social events become interspersed with increased mentions of the war.
    On Thursday January 30 her classes are disrupted by an air raid warning in the morning and by February she has noted friends and classmates dispatched to various places.
    By the middle of February the frequency of reports on air raids and spending nights in the shelter increase together with references to putting on gas masks and she notes trying to finish essays following air raids. On Monday March 7, 1941, her Geography exam is interrupted by sirens and the need to evacuate.
    Against this backdrop, Mary takes on a role in addition to her studies volunteering as a fire warden for the city and on Sunday May 4 she describes for the first time her rather unique vantage point – on the roof of Marischal College.
    Throughout this period she describes juggling work and University with fire watching and by Wednesday 18 June says she is ‘falling asleep periodically’.
    The records for air strikes on Aberdeen show why the fire watching duties taken on by many University students were so vital.
    Aberdeen suffered the greatest number of air raids in Scotland during the Second World War, with some of the most significant hits close to the University.
    Loch Street, close to Marischal College where Mary stood guard on the roof, was struck in February 1941, destroying McBride’s Bar and 89 Loch Street.
    Then on July 3 high Explosive Bombs were dropped on Marischal Street, Regent Quay, Pontoon Dock No.2 off Albert Quay, Clyde Street & the Lime Company Buildings on Blaikie’s Quay.
    Activity was also clustered close to King’s College with several attacks on the area around Clifton and Hilton Road.
    In 1942 this moves closer again with an air attack that began on Saturday April 25 damaging buildings at the junction of Summerfield Terrace & King Street.
    Mary graduated in the midst of bombing campaigns focused on the city and when Aberdeenfaced its darkest day on April 21, 1943, had begun her teaching training.
    In the space of just 44 minutes, 127 bombs fell, damaging or destroying more than 12,000 homes and killing 98 civilians and 27 soldiers.
    The ‘Aberdeen Blitz’ had a significant impact on the streets surrounding King’s College including Regent Walk and King Street where nine high-explosive bombs fell. At 519 King Street the corner of the block was demolished by bombing. On Bedford Road a row of houses was destroyed killing an entire family.
    But as Mary’s diaries show, life and studies had to continue. In 1943 she successfully completed her teacher training and she returned to Moray to begin her teaching career at Clackmarras public school, teaching across the region at both primary and secondary level over the next four decades.
    She never forgot her time on the roof of Marischal College as granddaughter Ruth explains.
    “Gran was very proud of being a graduate of Aberdeen University and shared the story of her fire marshal duties with many. She made lifelong friends during her studies and spoke of her adventures on the roof of Marischal College and the many ladders involved! She was very matter of fact about this time and that everyone had to do their bit during the war.
    “I had no idea she’d kept such detailed diaries of her time at University and they’re fascinating to read and get a glimpse of what it would have been like. She was such a strong lady who was full of fun and she just got on with things which is very much shown in her diaries, she would love that her memories are being shared.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Addiction isn’t just about brain chemistry – but nor is it just bad choices

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Matt Field, Professor of Psychology, University of Sheffield

    monticello/Shutterstock

    Consider someone addicted to alcohol, drugs, or a behaviour like gambling. Why do they continue, even when they say they want to stop? It’s a question that highlights a fundamental disconnect: the gap between intention and action.

    This apparent contradiction aligns with clinical definitions of addiction and with brain disease models, which suggest that repeated substance use changes brain function, making drug use compulsive and automatic, bypassing conscious decision-making. These brain adaptations help explain why addiction is so hard to overcome.

    But there’s another important piece to the puzzle. People often use substances for reasons that make sense to them – to feel good, to relieve stress, or to connect socially. These motivations don’t disappear just because a substance becomes harmful.

    Yet, over the past few decades, this insight has been sidelined in addiction science. Some critics have jumped on this gap to argue, reductively, that addiction is simply about people choosing pleasure: nothing more than “people take drugs because they enjoy it.”

    Both the brain disease model and the “just say no” view contain partial truths. But both, on their own, are fundamentally flawed.

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

    The brain disease model gained popularity in part because it seemed to offer two things: a foundation for developing new medical treatments and a way to reduce stigma. But it’s largely failed on both fronts. Despite billions invested in neuroscience, few new medications have emerged.

    Meanwhile, the most effective treatments remain psychosocial: talking therapies and harm-reduction strategies that have been around for decades. Worse, describing addiction as a chronic brain disease may increase stigma and pessimism, making recovery seem unlikely or out of reach.

    Additionally, research shows that addiction is not entirely beyond voluntary control. People with addiction can and do reduce or stop their drug use in response to its consequences. This can be related to meaningful life changes — such as getting married, having children, or starting a new job — which may increase the costs or reduce the perceived benefits of continued use.

    These findings challenge the view that addiction is purely compulsive, highlighting that people retain a degree of agency, even under difficult circumstances.

    At the same time, these observations don’t justify the cynical view that addiction is just hedonism or bad choices. A more accurate, and more helpful, framework considers how people make decisions and how their environment shapes the value of different choice options.

    Neuroeconomics

    This is where insights from neuroeconomics – the study of how the brain makes value-based decisions – become useful. For example, one study found that when people are hungry, they pay more attention to how food tastes and less to how healthy it is, making unhealthy choices more likely.

    Similarly, alcohol users who were craving alcohol and in a negative mood were shown to value alcohol more than food, shifting their choices accordingly. Other research has found that the set of available alternatives strongly influences how appealing (or not) a choice options becomes. As applied to addiction, when healthier or more rewarding options are limited, the relative value of drugs increases.

    This suggests that addiction is less about losing the ability to choose and more about how context shapes choice. When someone is in treatment, they may genuinely want to stop using because the environment emphasises recovery, support and future goals. But once they return to a setting where drugs are easy to access and attractive alternatives are few, the relative value of drug use increases – and relapse becomes more likely.

    This perspective also helps reconcile the role of brain changes in addiction. Neuroadaptations still matter: they can heighten cravings or make rewards harder to experience – but they don’t eliminate the ability to choose. Instead, these brain changes interact with a person’s environment to make certain choices more likely than others.

    Crucially, this view also highlights why poverty is such a powerful driver of addiction. In deprived settings, alcohol, drugs and gambling outlets are often more accessible, while opportunities for meaningful alternatives – employment, education, stable housing – are scarce. These are deep-rooted structural issues, and they’re not easily fixed. But they matter.

    On a more hopeful note, this model points to new pathways out of addiction. Rather than blaming individuals or pathologising them as brain-damaged, we can focus on reshaping environments to make non-drug alternatives more visible, available and valuable. This approach carries less stigma and more optimism: it views people not as broken, but as people who can make decisions and respond rationally to difficult situations.

    Yes, the psychology of decision-making makes addiction tough to overcome. But by understanding how people weigh their options, and by improving the appeal and accessibility of alternatives to substance use, we can support real, lasting change.

    Matt Field receives research funding from the Medical Research Council, National Institute for Health Research, Alcohol Change UK, and the Academic Forum for the Study of Gambling. He is a trustee of the Society for the Study of Addiction.

    – ref. Addiction isn’t just about brain chemistry – but nor is it just bad choices – https://theconversation.com/addiction-isnt-just-about-brain-chemistry-but-nor-is-it-just-bad-choices-255181

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why are India and Pakistan on the brink of war and how dangerous is the situation? An expert explains

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Natasha Lindstaedt, Professor in the Department of Government, University of Essex

    India has launched military strikes against a number of sites in Pakistan and Pakistan’s side of the disputed region of Kashmir, reportedly killing 26 people and injuring dozens more. India claimed the attacks were on terrorist infrastructure, but Pakistan denied this, and said these were civilians.

    India says another ten people on the Indian side of the Kashmir region have been killed by shelling from Pakistan in the same period.

    The exchange comes two weeks after a terrorist attack in Kashmir killed 26 people. The group Resistance Front (TRF), which India argues is a proxy for the Pakistani-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack.

    India claimed that Pakistan had indirectly supported the terrorist attack, but Pakistan vehemently denies this.

    The escalating conflict between two of the world’s major military powers has the potential to destablise Asia and beyond. Already, many countries around the world, including the UK, France and Russia, have made public their concerns about what happens next.

    Sign up to receive our weekly World Affairs Briefing newsletter from The Conversation UK. Every Thursday we’ll bring you expert analysis of the big stories in international relations.

    How do India and Pakistan’s militaries compare?

    India is ranked as one of the world’s top five military nations by Military Watch magazine and Pakistan is ranked ninth. Both countries have nuclear weapons.

    Overall, India is considered to have the military edge with a bigger and more modern military force, while Pakistan has a smaller and more agile force that has been primarily focused on defensive and covert activities.

    While neither country has used nuclear weapons in a conflict, there are always concerns that this norm may be broken. Both countries are nuclear powers with India holding 180 nuclear warheads, and Pakistan possessing about 170.

    Though India has a “no first use” policy, which it claims means the country would never use nuclear weapons first, there have been signs it is reconsidering this policy since 2019.

    Pakistan has never declared a no first use policy and argues that tactical nuclear weapons are important to countering India’s larger conventional forces.

    Details of Indian air strikes.

    The concern is that even if a small nuclear exchange were to take place between the two countries, it could kill up to 20 million people in a matter of days.

    Why are the countries fighting over Kashmir?

    Kashmir has been a source of tension and conflict even before India and Pakistan gained independence from the British empire in 1947. Originally the Muslim-majority Kashmir was free to accede to either India or Pakistan.

    While the local ruler (maharaja), Hari Singh, originally wanted Kashmir to be independent, he eventually sided with India, leading to a conflict in 1947. This resulted in a UN-mediated ceasefire in 1949 and agreement that Kashmir would be controlled partly by Pakistan and partly by India, splitl along what’s known as the Line of Surveillance (or Line of Control).

    As Kashmir is rich in minerals such as borax, sapphire, graphite, marble, gypsum and lithium, the region is strategically important. It is also culturally and historically important to both Pakistan and India.



    Read more:
    India and Pakistan tension escalates with suspension of historic water treaty

    Due to the region’s significance and disagreement over sovereignty, multiple conflicts have taken place over Kashmir, with wars erupting in 1965 and 1999. Tensions were renewed in 2016, after 19 Indian soldiers were killed in Uri, on the Indian side of Kashmir. India responded by launching “surgical strikes” across the Line of Control, targeting alleged militant bases.

    Then in 2019, a bombing in Pulwama (again part of the Indian-administered Kashmir) that killed more than 40 Indian paramilitary personnel led to Indian airstrikes in Balakot which borders Kashmir. This was the first action inside Pakistan since the Indian-Pakistani conflict in 1971 and again led to retaliatory raids from Pakistan and a brief aerial conflict.

    A map of the Kashmir region.
    CIA, CC BY

    These past conflicts never intensified further in part because India applied a massive diplomatic pressure campaign on the US, the UK and Pakistan, warning against escalation, while Pakistan showed a willingness to back down. Both sides as nuclear powers (India gained nuclear weapons in 1974 and Pakistan in 1998) had an understanding that escalating to full-scale war would be incredibly risky.

    What will happen next?

    The question is whether or not cooler heads will prevail this time. The strikes by India, part of Operation Sinhoor, were met with mass approval across many political lines in India, with both the ruling Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) and the opposition Congress party voicing their support for the operation.

    This helps Modi gain more backing, at a time when his popularity has been falling. Modi and the BJP suffered a shocking result in the 2024 election, losing 63 seats out of 543 seats and falling short of a majority in the Lok Sabha (lower house of parliament).

    Under Modi, India has been rapidly becoming more autocratic, another source of concern as such countries are more likely to take risks when it comes to conflict. As power becomes increasingly personalised and dissent is repressed, would-be autocrats may be more likely to take on bold moves to garner more public and elite support.

    Pakistan may also have reason to respond with more force to India’s recent attack than in the past. Pakistan’s powerful military has often stoked fears of a conflict with India to justify its enormous military budget. Regardless of the outcome, it needs a success to sell to its domestic audience.

    Pakistan has been de facto led by its military for decades, which also makes it more likely to engage in conflict. In spite of intervals of civilian rule, the military has always held a lot of power, and in contrast to India (where there is a wider role for a civilian minister of defence), the Pakistani military has more influence over nuclear and security policy.

    Both military regimes and multi-party autocracies may see conflict as a way of gaining legitimacy, particularly if both regimes think their political support is unravelling.

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

    This most recent escalation is also significant because it is the first time in the Kashmir conflict that India has struck at Punjab, considered the heart of Pakistan. Pakistan will face internal pressure to respond, settle the score and restore deterrence.

    Both sides have been resolute in not losing an inch of territory. The question is how quickly diplomatic pressure can work. Neither India nor Pakistan are engaged in security dialogue, and there is no bilateral crisis management mechanisms in place.

    Further complicating matters is that the US’s role as a crisis manager in south Asia has diminished. Under Donald Trump, Washington cannot be counted on. This all makes deescalating this conflict much more difficult.

    Natasha Lindstaedt 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. Why are India and Pakistan on the brink of war and how dangerous is the situation? An expert explains – https://theconversation.com/why-are-india-and-pakistan-on-the-brink-of-war-and-how-dangerous-is-the-situation-an-expert-explains-256125

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is worsening gender-based violence against women

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Annie Bunting, Professor of Law & Society, York University, York Research Chair in International Gender Justice & Peacebuilding, York University, Canada

    In early 2025, the March 23 Movement (M23) armed group seized control of Goma and then Bukavu, two major cities in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

    M23’s advance and control in eastern DRC, in defiance of ceasefire agreements, has terrorized communities and led to mass displacement. More than two million people have since been internally displaced in eastern DRC; close to one million people were displaced in 2024 alone.



    Read more:
    M23’s capture of Goma is the latest chapter in eastern Congo’s long-running war

    Civilians are caught in a devastating humanitarian crisis involving sexual and gender-based violence. This kind of violence not only contributes to forced displacement, but displaced women are also more at risk of gender-based violence during times of ongoing fighting.

    Furthermore, signs point to gendered violence worsening: in just the last two weeks of February 2025, UNHCR reported 895 reports of humanitarian workers being raped. Previous research has shown that sexual and gender-based violence continues through periods of political transition, and
    worsens     when state militaries are weaker than rebel forces.

    The risks and drivers of displacement

    To understand these risks, in December 2024 researchers with the Congolese organization Solidarité Féminine Pour La Paix et le Développement Intégral (SOFEPADI) interviewed 89 displaced women and 30 members of civil society organizations working in internally displaced person camps around Goma.

    We worked with a team of researchers from SOFEPADI, co-ordinated by SOFEPADI program officer Martin Baguma and national co-ordinator Sandrine Lusamba, and with research assistance from Cora Fletcher, a master’s student at Dalhousie University, to put together our recently published report that outlines some of the key findings from the interviews.

    The overwhelming majority of respondents had experienced or witnessed sexual and gender-based violence. While interviewers were careful to avoid direct questions so as not to induce trauma, dozens of women nonetheless disclosed personal experiences.

    These interviews show just how vulnerable the population is, and how an already dire situation for women and girls has been made exponentially worse over the past six months.

    Displaced women were extremely likely to have experienced conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence: 97 per cent of those interviewed were victims of or had witnessed violence during the conflict, with one stating that sexual violence had contributed to their displacement:

    “I was living in Kitshanga and then the war started, but I didn’t leave right away. One day I went to the field and I was raped. That’s the day I left Kitshanga and I came here [to the camp].”

    Over 70 per cent of interviewees identified M23 as the direct cause of their displacement. A further five per cent indicated that their displacement had been caused by Rwanda’s armed forces, either alone or in conjunction with M23.

    One woman from Kitshanga, a town roughly 150 kilometres away from Goma, stated that she had been displaced following “massacres, rapes, and the war…caused by the M23.”

    Perpetrators everywhere, protection nowhere

    M23 troops were not the only group identified as being responsible for perpetrating sexual and gender-based violence during displacement and in the camps. The crisis has led to widespread gender violence perpetrated by armed groups and forces, including the Congolese military and military-allied militias, civilians and groups of bandits.

    The breadth of perpetrators, challenges in identifying perpetrators, and the shifting status of civilians/ militia members all impact opportunities to hold individuals accountable and to meaningfully prevent sexual and gender-based violence through targeted initiatives.

    Despite the significant number of international forces operating in eastern DRC, both civil society representatives and displaced women expressed little confidence in these forces’ ability to prevent sexual and gender-based violence.

    Goma remains the operational centre of the United Nations MONUSCO peacekeeping mission. Yet, of the 89 displaced women interviewed, only one identified MONUSCO troops as providing security in the areas surrounding the camps. In the eyes of most of the respondents, international forces are simply absent.

    Scattered survivors and thwarted justice

    Since the M23 takeover, international attention has been drawn to the crisis, and there is renewed focus by the International Criminal Court on combatting impunity and securing accountability for atrocity crimes.

    Organizations on the ground, however, remain under-resourced and over-stretched. Access to healthcare (including mental health support), banking, economic support, children’s education, and justice are all severely constrained – a point consistently emphasized by affected women interviewed.

    Repeated displacement of vulnerable people, including survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, is likely to further frustrate attempts at holding responsible actors to account, has made it near-impossible to track where women are going, to provide necessary and ongoing support.

    With the recent order from M23 for civilians to leave IDP camps, already uprooted women are displaced once again, with little access to humanitarian aid. Civilians have been dispersed, with many unable to return to their villages due to fighting.

    Others have returned to find their homes have been burned or looted and there is tension between neighbours over access to land and resources. Human rights defenders are also at grave risk of violence, with mass prison breaks and legal institutions not functioning.

    The need for action

    The DRC government and M23 have reportedly resumed peace talks to end the fighting. The security situation in eastern DRC is shifting rapidly, and the context that these interviews took place in only three short months ago has changed. The airport in Goma remains closed, thwarting the flow of humanitarian aid. What remains consistent are high levels of forced displacement, sexual and gender-based violence and an internationalized conflict that has worsened women’s security.

    With women and girls uniquely and disproportionately impacted, responses to this dire security situation must include and urgent and durable ceasefire and increased humanitarian support.

    Women must be at peace talks. Immediate steps must be taken to alleviate humanitarian suffering, to protect women and girls from further violence and abuse, and to move toward a peaceful resolution that results in Congolese civilians able to return to their homes and begin the process of recovering from this devastating conflict.

    Annie Bunting receives funding from the Cross-Border Conflict Evidence, Policy and Trends (XCEPT) research programme, funded by the UK Department for International Development.

    Heather Tasker receives funding from the UK International Development through the Cross-Border Conflict Evidence, Policy and Trends (XCEPT) research programme.

    – ref. Fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is worsening gender-based violence against women – https://theconversation.com/fighting-in-eastern-democratic-republic-of-congo-is-worsening-gender-based-violence-against-women-255374

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NC Breaks Tourism Spending Record, Continues to Be #5 Most Visited State

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: NC Breaks Tourism Spending Record, Continues to Be #5 Most Visited State

    NC Breaks Tourism Spending Record, Continues to Be #5 Most Visited State
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Governor Josh Stein announced today that the overall North Carolina tourism economy held strong against the headwinds of Hurricane Helene. Travelers spent more than $36.7 billion on trips to and within the state in 2024. The previous record of $35.6 billion was set in 2023. 

    “Today’s news underscores what we all know: North Carolina is a fantastic place to visit,” said Governor Josh Stein. “As our mountain economies worked to recover from Helene, our Piedmont and coastal destinations remained popular and contributed to the growth of North Carolina’s tourism economy. We must continue to support tourism and small businesses in western North Carolina to help them come back stronger.”

    Governor Stein’s announcement coincides with National Travel and Tourism Week (May 4-10), when travel and tourism professionals across the country unite to underscore the value of travel to the economy, businesses, communities, and personal well-being. The state’s Welcome Centers will host activities throughout the week.  

    The state’s tourism-supported workforce increased 1.4 percent to 230,338 jobs in 2024.  Tourism payroll increased 2.6 percent to $9.5 billion. As a result of visitor spending, state and local governments saw rebounds in tax revenues to nearly $2.7 billion.   

    The figures are preliminary findings from research commissioned by Visit North Carolina, part of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, and conducted by Tourism Economics. In measuring the economic value of the travel sector, the research incorporates a broad range of data sources to ensure that the entire visitor economy is quantified in detail. The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OmniTrak visitor profiles, the U.S. Census, STR, AirDNA and KeyData lodging reports, and the NC Department of Revenue are among the sources included in this comprehensive model. More information about the study can be found online at partners.visitnc.com/economic-impact-studies, which also links to archived reports dating back to 2005.

    The statistics published today report data from a statewide perspective.  Later this year, a supplemental report will provide regional and local visitor data, offering a better perspective on Helene’s impact on western North Carolina’s tourism economy.

    With nearly 40 million visitors from across the United States, North Carolina ranks No. 5 behind California, Florida, Texas, and New York in domestic visitation. The past four years have seen tight competition with Pennsylvania and Tennessee for fifth place. In addition to 2024’s record spending by domestic travelers, North Carolina also saw gains in the international market. With more than 900,000 international travelers, spending rose 16.5 percent to nearly $1.2 billion.  

    “North Carolinians in all 100 counties benefit from the money that visitors spend,” said Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “From our smallest towns to our largest cities, tourism means jobs for more than 50,000 small businesses and our first-in-talent workforce. These workers address travelers’ needs for transportation as well as lodging, dining, shopping, and recreation.”

    As a result of travelers’ contributions to state and local tax revenue, North Carolina households average $593 in yearly savings.   

    Learn more about NC tourism:

    • Total spending by domestic and international visitors in North Carolina reached $36.7 billion in 2024. That sum represents a 3.1 percent increase over 2023 expenditures.   
    • Domestic travelers spent a record $35.6 billion in 2024. Spending was up 2.7 percent from $34.6 billion in 2023.   
    • International travelers spent $1.2 billion in 2024, up 16.5 percent from the previous year.   
    • Visitors to North Carolina generated nearly $4.6 billion in federal, state, and local taxes in 2024. The total represents a 2.9 percent increase from 2023.   
    • State tax receipts from visitor spending rose 1.1 percent to nearly $1.4 billion in 2024.   
    • Local tax receipts grew 4.3 percent to nearly $1.3 billion.  
    • Direct tourism employment in North Carolina increased 1.4 percent to 230,338.   
    • Direct tourism payroll increased 2.6 percent to $9.5 billion.   
    • Visitors spend more than $100 million per day in North Carolina. That spending adds $7.3 million per day to state and local tax revenues (about $3.7 million in state taxes and $3.6 million in local taxes).   
    • Each North Carolina household saved $593 on average in state and local taxes as a direct result of visitor spending in the state. Savings per capita averaged $241.  

    About Visit North Carolina:  

    Visit NC, the state’s official destination marketing organization, is part of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, a private nonprofit corporation that serves as North Carolina’s economic development organization. The EDPNC focuses on business and job recruitment, existing industry support, international trade, tourism, and film marketing. 

    The mission of Visit NC is to unify and lead the state in positioning North Carolina as a preferred destination for leisure travel, group tours, meetings and conventions, sports events, and film production. Each year, North Carolina welcomes about 40 million visitors who spend nearly $37 billion during their stay. The tourism industry employs more than 230,000 people and generates nearly $2.7 billion in state and local tax revenues. For travel ideas and inspiration, go to VisitNC.com.

    May 7, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –