NewzIntel.com

Category: Natural Disasters

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Ranking Member Pingree Blasts Interior Budget as a Blueprint for Destruction

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

    Today, during the House Appropriations Interior and Environment Subcommittee hearing for the Fiscal Year 2026 budget request with Secretary Burgum, Ranking Member Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) laid out how the Trump Administration is dismantling the Department of the Interior—abandoning its core mission to protect our environment, preserve our public lands, and help steward our natural resources in order to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. 
    [embedded content]
    Click here to watch Pingree’s opening remarks; Watch the full hearing here.

    Pingree’s remarks as prepared for delivery:

    Secretary Burgum, we appreciate your being here today. This is my first chance to meet you, and I want to thank you for bringing your many skills as a former governor and businessman to this very important position.

    The Department of the Interior is tasked with protecting and managing our natural resources and cultural heritage, providing scientific information about those resources, and honoring our treaty and trust responsibilities.

    I will warn you, I am deeply, deeply concerned with the state of the Department of the Interior. In just four months, the Department has been destabilized, and there has been a stunning decline in its ability to meet this mission. Given your extensive executive experience, I am stunned and disappointed that you would allow this to happen.

     In partnership with Elon Musk’s rogue “agency” DOGE, you illegally canceled grants for conservation, for ecosystem restoration, and other important work. Over 1,700 probationary employees have been recklessly fired and 7,600 (or 11%) of the Interior workforce have been pushed to resign. These are not just numbers—those people are experts and dedicated public servants with decades of programmatic and institutional knowledge that is critically needed to ensure the Department fulfills its mission as a guardian of our public lands.

    To make matters worse, you instituted a hiring freeze and are considering even further reductions-in-force. I don’t see this ending well for this precious agency that this committee is dedicated to overseeing. And that this committee has devoted hundreds of hours to nurturing.

    Further, due to the policies you have instituted, employees are hamstrung from accomplishing everyday tasks by absurdly limiting credit card expenditures to $1. This is no way to efficiently run an organization. In fact, these actions seem to be designed to obstruct employees from doing their job.

    Even the National Park Service is under attack: Ahead of peak season, you have gutted staff—leaving national parks like Acadia, in my home state of Maine, understaffed and without the resources needed to keep summer visitors safe, and our parks pristine and protected.

    Your Fiscal Year 2026 budget is equally devastating, with a proposed cut to the Department of 30%.

    The budget eviscerates the U.S. Geological Survey with a proposed $564 million cut, targeting scientific research on natural hazards, ecosystems, water, and Earth mapping. These programs help us monitor and provide real-time earthquake and hazard information, they strengthen our assessment of groundwater and surface water systems, and they help ensure our national safety by informing the management of our mineral and energy resources.

    Without these programs, our communities will be left vulnerable to natural disasters and deprived of the scientific data that guides responsible land management.

    The budget shamefully abandons our trust and treaty obligations to Native Americans, slashing the Bureau of Indian Affairs public safety and justice programs by 19% when we are already only meeting a fraction of the need. You’ve also chosen to eliminate funding for desperately needed school construction, leaving a $1 billion repair backlog untouched.

    Secretary Burgum, the document we are here to discuss today is more than just a budget. It is a blueprint for dismantling the very mission of the Department of the Interior, making it impossible to protect our natural resources and iconic national parks or uphold our commitments to Tribal communities now and for future generations.

    As Ranking Member of this subcommittee, I wholeheartedly oppose these harmful cuts, and I will not stand by while you attempt to hollow out this agency.

    Thank you again for being here this morning. I hope you are prepared to give a rationale for your decisions or work with us to reverse them.

    I yield back.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Tornado Watch 304

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL4

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 304
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    145 PM CDT Tue May 20 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Central Illinois
    West Central Indiana

    * Effective this Tuesday afternoon and evening from 145 PM until
    800 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A few tornadoes possible
    Scattered large hail likely with isolated very large hail events
    to 2 inches in diameter possible
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible

    SUMMARY…A few strong to severe thunderstorms will track
    northeastward across the watch area. Large hail and a few tornadoes
    appear to be the main threats.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 65 statute miles
    east and west of a line from 55 miles north northeast of Peoria IL
    to 15 miles south southeast of Mattoon IL. For a complete depiction
    of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS
    WOU4).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 302…WW 303…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 2 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 450. Mean
    storm motion vector 24030.

    …Hart

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW4
    WW 304 TORNADO IL IN 201845Z – 210100Z
    AXIS..65 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
    55NNE PIA/PEORIA IL/ – 15SSE MTO/MATTOON IL/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 55NM E/W /20NE BDF – 43SE AXC/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..2 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 450. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 24030.

    LAT…LON 41408802 39258696 39258939 41409053

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU4.

    Watch 304 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Mod (50%)

    Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

    Low (20%)

    Wind

    Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

    Mod (40%)

    Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

    Low (20%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Mod (60%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Mod (30%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (90%)

    For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hurricane Helene Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) Ending May 31

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Hurricane Helene Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) Ending May 31

    Hurricane Helene Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) Ending May 31
    jawerner

    The Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP), launched in response to Hurricane Helene, will officially end on May 31, 2025. The U.S. Health and Human Services program has provided temporary, no-cost access to prescription medications and vaccines as well as certain medical supplies and forms of equipment for uninsured individuals impacted by the storm.

    “This federal emergency assistance program provided life-saving resources for our residents who needed it most,” said State Pharmacist Amanda Fuller Moore, PharmD. “While this program is temporary, our commitment to supporting western North Carolina in their continued recovery is not.”

    Uninsured residents located in counties affected by Helene were able to request medications and medical supplies at any EPAP-participating pharmacy. Since its activation on October 4, 2024, more than 11,700 EPAP claims have been processed for more than 800 individuals residing in the 20 impacted counties across the western region. These claims covered prescription medications, medical equipment like crutches and walkers, and even diabetic supplies.

    This no-cost resource assistance program was possible through partnership with HHS, FEMA, North Carolina Emergency Management, and local pharmacies and health care providers. A memo has been sent to all EPAP stakeholders to notify them of the program’s upcoming end date. 

    As western North Carolina continues to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Helene, NCDHHS remains committed to providing the resources necessary to improve the health and safety of all North Carolinians. Residents who have relied on the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program and need continued prescription and medical supply assistance should consider the following resources: 

    • Apply for health care coverage through NC Medicaid
    • Access free or low-cost medications at participating free and charitable clinics, community health centers, and rural health centers through the NC Medication Assistance Program
    • Access the NC MedAssist Free Pharmacy Program, which provides free prescription medications to North Carolina residents who are uninsured and fall at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level
    • Visit the federal Health Insurance Marketplace to apply for coverage

     Additional Hurricane Helene recovery resources are available online at ncdhhs.gov/helene.

    El Programa de asistencia de emergencia para medicamentos recetados (EPAP), lanzado en respuesta al huracán Helene, finalizará oficialmente el 31 de mayo de 2025. El programa del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de los Estados Unidos ha proporcionado acceso temporal sin costo a medicamentos recetados y a vacunas, así como a ciertos suministros médicos y aparatos para las personas sin seguro afectadas por la tormenta.

    “Este programa federal de asistencia de emergencia proporcionó recursos para salvar vidas a nuestros residentes que más lo necesitaban”, dijo la farmacéutica estatal Amanda Fuller Moore, PharmD. “Si bien este programa es temporal, nuestro compromiso de apoyar al oeste de Carolina del Norte en su recuperación continua no lo es”.

    Los residentes sin seguro ubicados en los condados afectados por Helene pudieron solicitar medicamentos y suministros médicos en cualquier farmacia participante en EPAP. Desde su activación el 4 de octubre de 2024, se han procesado más de 11,700 reembolsos de EPAP para más de 800 personas que residen en los 20 condados afectados de la región occidental. Estas reclamaciones cubrían medicamentos recetados, equipos médicos como muletas y andadores, e incluso suministros para diabéticos.

    Este programa de asistencia de recursos sin costo fue posible a través de la colaboración con Salud y Servicios Humanos (HHS), Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en inglés), Departamento de Gestión de Emergencias de Carolina del Norte (North Carolina Emergency Management), farmacias y proveedores de atención médica locales. Se ha enviado un memorando a todas las partes interesadas del EPAP para notificarles la próxima fecha de finalización del programa.

    A medida que el oeste de Carolina del Norte continúa recuperándose de la devastación del huracán Helene, el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte (NCDHHS, por sus siglas en inglés) sigue comprometido a proporcionar los recursos necesarios para mejorar la salud y la seguridad de todos los habitantes de Carolina del Norte. Los habitantes que han confiado en el Programa de Asistencia de Recetas de Emergencia y necesitan asistencia continua con recetas y suministros médicos deben considerar los siguientes recursos: 

    • Solicite cobertura de atención médica a través de NC Medicaid
    • Acceda a medicamentos gratuitos o de bajo costo en clínicas gratuitas y caritativas participantes, centros de salud comunitarios y centros de salud rurales a través del Programa de Asistencia de Medicamentos de NC
    • Acceda al Programa de Farmacia Gratuita NC MedAssist, que proporciona medicamentos recetados gratuitos a los habitantes de Carolina del Norte que no tienen seguro y se encuentran en o por debajo del 300% del Nivel Federal de Pobreza
    • Visite el sitio web: Mercado de seguros médicos federal para solicitar cobertura

    Los recursos adicionales de recuperación del huracán Helene están disponibles en línea en el sitio web: ncdhhs.gov/helene.

    May 20, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Tornado Watch 303

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL3

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 303
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    110 PM CDT Tue May 20 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Eastern Arkansas
    Southern Illinois
    Western Kentucky
    Southeast Missouri
    Northern Mississippi
    West Tennessee

    * Effective this Tuesday afternoon and evening from 110 PM until
    800 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A few tornadoes likely with a couple intense tornadoes possible
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2.5
    inches in diameter likely
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely

    SUMMARY…Thunderstorms will intensify across the watch area this
    afternoon in a very moist and unstable air mass. A few supercells
    are expected, capable of large hail, damaging winds, and a few
    tornadoes.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 110 statute miles
    east and west of a line from 60 miles east northeast of Poplar Bluff
    MO to 35 miles south of Greenville MS. For a complete depiction of
    the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS
    WOU3).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 302…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 2.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
    storm motion vector 24030.

    …Hart

    SEL3

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 303
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    110 PM CDT Tue May 20 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Eastern Arkansas
    Southern Illinois
    Western Kentucky
    Southeast Missouri
    Northern Mississippi
    West Tennessee

    * Effective this Tuesday afternoon and evening from 110 PM until
    800 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A few tornadoes likely with a couple intense tornadoes possible
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2.5
    inches in diameter likely
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely

    SUMMARY…Thunderstorms will intensify across the watch area this
    afternoon in a very moist and unstable air mass. A few supercells
    are expected, capable of large hail, damaging winds, and a few
    tornadoes.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 110 statute miles
    east and west of a line from 60 miles east northeast of Poplar Bluff
    MO to 35 miles south of Greenville MS. For a complete depiction of
    the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS
    WOU3).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 302…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 2.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
    storm motion vector 24030.

    …Hart

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW3
    WW 303 TORNADO AR IL KY MO MS TN 201810Z – 210100Z
    AXIS..110 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
    60ENE POF/POPLAR BLUFF MO/ – 35S GLH/GREENVILLE MS/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 95NM E/W /50SE FAM – 46SW SQS/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..2.5 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 24030.

    LAT…LON 37088747 32958908 32959288 37089146

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU3.

    Watch 303 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Mod (60%)

    Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

    Mod (40%)

    Wind

    Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

    Mod (60%)

    Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

    Low (20%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    High (70%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Mod (60%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (>95%)

    For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Georgia Woman Who Trafficked Over 10 Pounds of Methamphetamine Hidden Inside Bag of Dog Food Sentenced to Decade in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Georgia woman was sentenced on May 14, 2025 in federal court in Boston for her role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that trafficked narcotics from Mexico into the United States.

    Brooke Logan Paniagua, 28, of Dalton, Ga., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard G. Stearns to 10 years in prison, to be followed by 48 months of supervised release. In January 2025, Paniagua pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.  

    On Sept. 25, 2022, the DTO informed a confidential source that a female courier would be transporting 12 pounds of methamphetamine from Georgia to Massachusetts. On Sept. 27, 2022, Paniagua called the confidential source to coordinate the time and location to meet to complete the sale of the methamphetamine. Paniagua informed the confidential source that the methamphetamine was hidden inside a 50-pound bag of dog food.  
        
    On Sept. 27, 2022, Paniagua arrived at the agreed-upon location and notified the confidential source that she had arrived at the location. During a search of her person, a .22 caliber Ruger handgun loaded with eight rounds of ammunition was located in Paniagua’s back pocket. A search of Paniagua’s vehicle resulted in the recovery of a large, partially opened bag of dog food that contained five plastic containers filled with 12.3 pounds of 97% pure methamphetamine. 
            
    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police, and the Natick, Newton and Waltham Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian J. Sullivan the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Duo Sentenced to 17 Years Each for Violent Armed Carjackings

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    INDIANAPOLIS— Bryant Hoskins, 20, and Samuel Fancher, Jr., 19, of Indianapolis, have each been sentenced to 17 years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to two counts of carjacking, brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.

    According to court documents, in late May of 2024, Fancher Jr. and Hoskins committed two violent carjackings in less than one week, targeting Uber drivers during the late-night hours.

    On May 24, 2024, at 4:30 in the morning, the duo called an Uber to pick them up near East 21st street in Indianapolis. Once they reached their drop off location, they held the driver at gunpoint and ordered him to get out of the car. When the driver did not immediately comply, one of the defendants dragged the driver out of the car and punched him in the head. They took the driver’s wallet and then drove away in his Toyota Rav 4. After fleeing the scene, they took videos of themselves driving the stolen vehicle and bragging, “I told you we was gone get one… we got one.”

    Just five days later on May 29, the duo called another Uber to pick them up near Franklin Road, this time targeting a luxury vehicle so they could sell the stolen vehicle for profit. Once they reached their drop off location, they held the female driver at gunpoint and ordered her to get out of her Mercedes GLA. She did not immediately comply, and during the ensuing struggle Hoskins fired his weapon. The victim suffered a gunshot wound to the shoulder and received treatment at a local hospital.

    “Uber drivers frequently work alone during late hours, putting their safety at risk just to earn a living. The defendants exploited this vulnerability, leaving both victims deeply traumatized and showing no signs of remorse. Instead, they became emboldened—committing additional crimes and boasting about their actions,” said John E. Childress, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Gig workers have the right to feel safe, especially as they provide vital transportation services. Our office remains committed to working with federal and local partners to ensure that violent offenders are held accountable for their reckless actions.”

    “No one should fear becoming a victim of violence simply while driving their car in an effort to support themselves,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy O’Malley. “This sentence sends a clear message that the FBI and our law enforcement partners will pursue violent offenders relentlessly and work tirelessly to restore a sense of safety and justice to our neighborhoods.”

    FBI and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young

    Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelsey L. Massa and Jeremy C. Fugate, who prosecuted this case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Carmanville — RCMP NL responds to disturbance and house fire at residence in Davidsville, woman arrested

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    A middle-aged woman was arrested by RCMP NL on May 19, 2025, after police responded to a disturbance and residential fire at a home in Davidsville.

    Shortly after 5:00 p.m. on Monday, police received a report of a residential disturbance. A woman inside the home threatened another occupant and was damaging the property. As officers were responding, they received further information that the home was now on fire.

    Upon arrival at the residence in Davidsville, police determined that the home, which was fully engulfed in flames, had been safely vacated and that no one was injured. The woman was arrested for uttering threats and was transported to the James Paton Memorial Regional Health Centre in Gander for an assessment under the Mental Health Care and Treatment Act. She was committed into care at the hospital.

    Fire and Emergency Services were engaged. The investigation is continuing with further charges possible.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC May 20, 2025 1630 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    SPC AC 201615

    Day 1 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1115 AM CDT Tue May 20 2025

    Valid 201630Z – 211200Z

    …THERE IS AN ENHANCED RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THIS AFTERNOON
    AND TONIGHT FROM EASTERN ARKANSAS INTO MUCH OF THE TENNESSEE VALLEY
    AND THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIANS…

    …SUMMARY…
    Multiple rounds of severe thunderstorms are expected today through
    this evening, centered on the Mid/Deep South, Tennessee/Lower Ohio
    Valleys, and Cumberland Plateau. Tornadoes, some of which could be
    strong, along with scattered to widespread damaging winds, and large
    to isolated significant severe hail will be possible.

    …KY/TN…
    Thunderstorms are ongoing across central KY/middle TN. These storms
    will progress eastward through the afternoon into a moist and
    increasingly unstable air mass over eastern KY/TN and eventually
    into western WV/VA. Most model guidance suggests that storms will
    intensify through the day, with an increasing risk of damaging wind
    gusts and a few tornadoes. Refer to MCD #902 for further details.

    …AR into the TN Valley this afternoon/evening…
    In the wake of the aforementioned convection, rapid heating is
    occurring across eastern AR/west TN/northern MS. Surface dewpoints
    in the upper 60s to 70s and steep mid level lapse rates will yield
    afternoon MLCAPE values around 3000 J/kg and only a weak cap. This
    will lead to the development of multiple clusters of intense
    thunderstorms (including supercells) that will track eastward
    through the afternoon and evening hours. The initial storms will
    pose a risk of very large hail and a few tornadoes. As the activity
    progresses eastward, the risk of damaging winds will increase with a
    persistent risk of tornadoes. Strong tornadoes will be possible.
    Storms are expected to get as far east as northwest GA tonight
    before slowly weakening.

    …MO/IL…
    Satellite imagery shows a well-defined shortwave trough and
    associated surface low over IA/MO. Ahead of this feature, southerly
    low-level winds have transported mid 60s dewpoints into central IL,
    where strong heating is now occurring. This will result in moderate
    CAPE across the region and encourage rapid thunderstorm development
    over northeast and east-central MO by mid-afternoon. Steep lapse
    rates aloft and favorable deep-layer shear will support supercell
    structures capable of large hail, damaging winds, and a few
    tornadoes. Storms will track across IL and into central IN this
    evening.

    ..Hart/Moore.. 05/20/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS01 PTSDY1 PRODUCT

    NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 1 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 2000Z

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC May 20, 2025 1300 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

     For best viewing experience, please enable browser JavaScript support.

    May 20, 2025 1300 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Updated: Tue May 20 12:39:12 UTC 2025 (Print Version |   |  )

    Probabilistic to Categorical Outlook Conversion Table

     Forecast Discussion

    SPC AC 201239

    Day 1 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0739 AM CDT Tue May 20 2025

    Valid 201300Z – 211200Z

    …THERE IS AN ENHANCED RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS MID/DEEP SOUTH
    TO TN VALLEY AND CUMBERLAND PLATEAU…

    …SUMMARY…
    Multiple rounds of severe thunderstorms are expected today through
    this evening, centered on the Mid/Deep South, Tennessee/Lower Ohio
    Valleys, and Cumberland Plateau. Tornadoes, some of which could be
    strong, along with scattered to widespread damaging winds, and large
    to isolated significant severe hail will be possible.

    …Mid/Deep South to the TN/Lower OH Valleys and Cumberland
    Plateau…
    Water-vapor imagery this morning shows a negatively tilted,
    large-scale mid to upper-level trough centered over the Dakotas
    southeastward through the mid MS Valley and Ozarks. Several
    thunderstorms clusters are ongoing within a larger corridor of
    convection from the OH Valley southwestward into the lower MS
    Valley. This activity is occurring to the east/southeast of a
    gradually filling cyclone forecast to move from the lower MO Valley
    eastward into the southwest Great Lakes by late tonight.

    Little change was made to the previous outlook due in part to
    general consistency in model guidance and observational trends noted
    this morning. Richer low-level moisture from west-central KY
    southward into the Gulf Coast states will contribute to a moderate
    to very unstable airmass by the early afternoon in areas void of
    recent convective outflow and associated cloud debris. Scattered to
    numerous thunderstorms are forecast to develop coincident with the
    diurnal heating cycle. Forecast hodographs coupled with progged
    buoyancy will support a mix of supercells and line segments this
    afternoon. The initial supercell activity will potentially yield a
    threat for large to very large hail. It appears the greatest risk
    for supercell tornadoes may exist from northern MS
    east-northeastward into middle TN. Morning convection and
    associated destabilization concerns preclude higher tornado risk
    probabilities. However, models continue to indicate upscale growth
    into several bands will occur late this afternoon through the late
    evening as storms move east across the Enhanced (level 3) Risk area.
    Have enlarged severe/damaging wind probabilities across AL/GA to
    account for confidence in a continuation of a wind threat persisting
    through the evening.

    …IL/IN…
    Within the left-exit region of a cyclonically curved mid to upper
    speed max, a dry slot and attendant corridor of steep lapse rates
    will likely evolve across portions of MO to IL/IN from midday into
    the afternoon. Destabilization will likely be less across the mid
    MS Valley eastward into IN, with the richer moisture confined south
    of residual outflow and warm frontal zone over the lower OH Valley.
    Nonetheless, isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms are possible
    later today into the evening via a mix of shorter-lived supercells
    and organized multicells. Isolated to scattered coverage of severe
    and all hazards are possible with the stronger storms before this
    activity diminishes during the evening.

    ..Smith/Marsh.. 05/20/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS01 PTSDY1 PRODUCT

    .html”>Latest Day 2 Outlook/Today’s Outlooks/Forecast Products/Home

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC MD 902

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Mesoscale Discussion 0902
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1019 AM CDT Tue May 20 2025

    Areas affected…parts of eastern Kentucky…middle/eastern
    Tennessee,,,northern Alabama

    Concerning…Severe potential…Watch possible

    Valid 201519Z – 201745Z

    Probability of Watch Issuance…60 percent

    SUMMARY…An initially isolated severe wind threat will probably
    gradually become more widespread, perhaps along with increasing
    potential for tornadoes, as storms spread eastward into early/mid
    afternoon.

    DISCUSSION…Little in the way of notable surface pressures rises
    have recently been evident within elongated, eastward advancing
    (around 35 kt) conglomerate convective outflow. However, forcing
    for ascent downstream of large-scale mid-level troughing slowly
    pivoting into the lower Ohio Valley has been maintaining convective
    development along its leading edge, with embedded cells occasionally
    undergoing a period of intensification. The downstream
    boundary-layer across eastern Tennessee into the vicinity of a
    stalled frontal zone across Kentucky is seasonably moist, and
    becoming characterized by CAPE in excess of 1000 J/kg, with
    inhibition gradually weakening with insolation.

    As daytime heating continues, a gradual intensification of storms is
    likely to continue, with further organization probable as this
    occurs, in the presence of strong deep-layer shear beneath 50+ kt
    southwesterly 500 mb flow. It appears that the intersection of the
    convective outflow and the surface frontal zone may become the focus
    for a developing area of low pressure across south central through
    southeastern Kentucky. As this occurs, hodographs might become
    increasingly conducive to a risk for tornadoes, in addition to
    increasing potential for strong to severe surface gusts associated
    with the strengthening convective cold pool.

    ..Kerr/Hart.. 05/20/2025

    …Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product…

    ATTN…WFO…RLX…MRX…JKL…LMK…OHX…HUN…

    LAT…LON 37708562 38428448 38278303 37078313 35698500 34588637
    34558787 35158777 36098684 37708562

    MOST PROBABLE PEAK TORNADO INTENSITY…85-115 MPH
    MOST PROBABLE PEAK WIND GUST…65-80 MPH
    MOST PROBABLE PEAK HAIL SIZE…1.00-1.75 IN

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Tornado Watch 302

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL2

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 302
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    110 PM EDT Tue May 20 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Eastern Kentucky
    Northeast Tennessee
    Extreme Southwest Virginia
    Western West Virginia

    * Effective this Tuesday afternoon and evening from 110 PM until
    800 PM EDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A few tornadoes possible
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely
    Scattered large hail events to 1.5 inches in diameter possible

    SUMMARY…A line of thunderstorms will track eastward across the
    watch area through the afternoon, posing a risk of locally damaging
    winds gusts, hail, and a few tornadoes.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 80 statute miles
    east and west of a line from 60 miles south of London KY to 70 miles
    northeast of Jackson KY. For a complete depiction of the watch see
    the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU2).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 1.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
    storm motion vector 25030.

    …Hart

    SEL2

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 302
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    110 PM EDT Tue May 20 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Eastern Kentucky
    Northeast Tennessee
    Extreme Southwest Virginia
    Western West Virginia

    * Effective this Tuesday afternoon and evening from 110 PM until
    800 PM EDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A few tornadoes possible
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely
    Scattered large hail events to 1.5 inches in diameter possible

    SUMMARY…A line of thunderstorms will track eastward across the
    watch area through the afternoon, posing a risk of locally damaging
    winds gusts, hail, and a few tornadoes.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 80 statute miles
    east and west of a line from 60 miles south of London KY to 70 miles
    northeast of Jackson KY. For a complete depiction of the watch see
    the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU2).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 1.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
    storm motion vector 25030.

    …Hart

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW2
    WW 302 TORNADO KY TN VA WV 201710Z – 210000Z
    AXIS..80 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
    60S LOZ/LONDON KY/ – 70NE JKL/JACKSON KY/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 70NM E/W /21NNW VXV – 36SW HNN/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..1.5 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 25030.

    LAT…LON 36208551 38248394 38248099 36208265

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU2.

    Watch 302 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Mod (50%)

    Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

    Low (20%)

    Wind

    Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

    Mod (60%)

    Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

    Low (10%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Mod (40%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Low (20%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (90%)

    For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Operation Washout Nets Over 50 Arrests in Lake County

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Painesville, OH – United States Marshal Pete Elliott and Lake County Sheriff Frank Leonbruno announce the successful completion of Operation Washout in Lake County.  

    Operation Washout was a six weeklong operation focused in Lake County in an attempt to bring down drug related violence and overdose incidences throughout the county.

    Investigative and enforcement resources from the United States Marshals Service (USMS) were used to reduce crime by working in collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners.  The operation targeted violent felony warrants, to include offenses that have an illegal narcotic distribution or possession nexus. The operation also targeted individuals wanted for crimes related to narcotic trafficking such as homicide, robbery, sex offenses, felonious assault and firearm violations.

    Sheriff Frank Leonbruno stated, “Operation Washout was a tremendous success and made a significant impact in finding some our most wanted persons throughout Lake County.  The cooperation we have working with the United States Marshal Service helps to ensure we are able to meet the safety and security needs of our citizens to help ensure that Lake County is the best place to build a home, create a business, and raise your family.”

    During the course of the six weeklong operation, 61 warrants were closed after arrests by the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF), its partner agencies or other law enforcement agencies in the area.  Six known gang members were arrested during the operation and one firearm was recovered. 

    Notable arrests during the operation include Tyrese Johnson and Brianna Johnson, both wanted by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office for manslaughter, engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, tampering with evidence, corrupting another with drugs, and drug trafficking. This investigation began with the Mentor Police Department after two overdose deaths that occurred in April of 2024. Tyrese Johnson was arrested on April 9th, at his residence in the 600 block of River Street, Grand River. Brianna Johnson was arrested on that same date at her residence in the 1400 block of East 175th Street, Cleveland.

    Additionally, Cortez Hopper who was wanted by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office for illegal manufacture of drugs was also arrested during the operation. Fugitive investigation led the NOVFTF to believe that Hopper was in Steubenville, OH. In addition to the charges in Lake County, Hopper was a suspect in an investigation where he was distributing cocaine in Steubenville. Members of the local police department were unable to identify Hopper until information was sent to their area in connection with the fugitive investigation. Hopper was arrested on April 4 with assistance of the Northern District of West Virginia, Wheeling. 

    U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “Outstanding and longstanding partnerships are what make operations such as this so successful.  When agencies work towards the same goals, success like this is inevitable.  The Lake County Sheriff’s Office, local police departments, and the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force are all committed to the safety of the communities we serve.”

    Anyone with information concerning a wanted fugitive can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833), or you can submit a web tip. Reward money is available, and tipsters may remain anonymous.  Follow the U.S. Marshals on X @USMSCleveland.

    The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force –  Painesville Division is composed of the following federal, state and local agencies:  U.S. Marshals Service, Eastlake Police Department, Willowick Police Department, Willoughby Police Department, Willoughby Hills Police Department, Wickliffe Police Department, Mentor Police Department, Mentor-on-the-lake Police Department, Painesville Police Department, Lake County Sheriff’s Department, Geauga County Sheriff’s Department, Ashtabula Police Department, Ashtabula County Sheriff’s Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Middlefield Police Department, Lake County Narcotics, Chester Township Police Department, Kirtland Police Department, and Madison Village Police Department.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Agent Singularity Summit: Advancing On-Chain AI with Sparsity

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DENVER, Colo., May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — At the Agent Singularity Summit, the energy was unmistakable. A vibrant community of over 300 developers, researchers, and infrastructure leaders came together for a full-day deep dive into AI agents and decentralized infrastructure. Hosted by Sparsity and co-presented by Sui and Virtuals, the summit explored how autonomous agents can operate on-chain in real time—pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in decentralized, verifiable computing.

    AI Agents, Live and On-Chain

    The event featured discussions from some of the most respected teams in AI and crypto, including Google DeepMind, a16z CSX, Mysten Labs, Coinbase, Solana Foundation and Virtuals. Sparsity’s own Justin Zhang and Conrad Shelton opened the day with a fireside chat, outlining their vision for scalable, AI-native computation. Backed by a16z CSX, Sparsity is pioneering a novel sparsity technique that enables high-throughput agent execution without compromising decentralization.

    Justin (right) and Conrad from Sparsity shared their vision on scalable computation for AI-driven decentralized systems.

    Key technical talks included:

    • Chi Wang (AG2, Google DeepMind): Introduction to AgentOS, an operating system for multi-agent systems.
    • Lincoln Murr (Coinbase Developer Platform): The importance of crypto-native frameworks for autonomous AI.
    • John Naulty (Mysten Labs): How Sui powers on-chain agentic workflows with native primitives.

    Chi Wang (AG2, Google DeepMind), Lincoln Murr (Coinbase), and John Naulty (Mysten Labs / Sui) speak at Agent Singularity Summit

    Sparsity: Powering the Intelligent Layer of Web3

    As a Layer N+1 execution protocol, Sparsity enables real-time, parallelized AI computation across any blockchain. At Agent Singularity, this infrastructure was demonstrated in action, allowing AI agents to execute logic and interact with on-chain environments without being constrained by L1 throughput or block finality latency.

    “AI agents are no longer theoretical in Web3—they exist. But they need infrastructure that can keep up,” said Justin Zhang, CEO of Sparsity. “That’s what Sparsity delivers: real-time compute, cross-chain composition, and customized validation.”

    Builders, Ecosystems, and Real-World Progress

    Panels throughout the day featured leaders from projects like Solana, Virtuals, Pond Protocol, Talus Network, and BitGPT, focusing on how autonomous agents are being built, deployed, and scaled today. A standout was Virtuals, a fast-rising project building agent-based automation for DeFi, emphasizing the real-world adoption of agent frameworks.

    Agent Singularity also hosted DevNet 1.0, a mini-hackathon where participants deployed AI x Web3 applications using Sparsity’s infrastructure. The depth of participation signaled strong builder interest in scalable agentic systems.

    A Collaborative, Interoperable Future

    The event was not just about technical discussions; it was a milestone in shaping the AI x crypto landscape. With attendees from Base, Sui, and other leading blockchain protocols, conversations spanned agent-governed DAOs, ZK-augmented logic, and AI orchestration at the protocol level.

    Chi Wang, founder of AG2 and a leading voice in autonomous agent architectures, played a pivotal role in shaping the discourse at the event. “Chi Wang’s contributions were instrumental in bringing Agent Singularity to life,” the Sparsity team noted. His work helped bridge the gap between speculative ideas and practical implementation, inspiring a new wave of AI-native founders and engineers.

    Great minds coming together to discuss the next frontier: Web3 and AI.

    The Future is Now

    A common theme emerged across all sessions: the agent economy is no longer speculative. With scalable compute, real-time coordination, and emerging interoperability standards, AI x crypto is entering a new phase of technical maturity.

    Sparsity is leading this shift, offering the speed, composability, and developer flexibility needed to build AI-native applications across chains.

    If you’re working on AI agents, decentralized compute, or high-performance blockchain infrastructure, visit sparsity.ai and get involved.

    Watch the Full Event
    The full recording of Agent Singularity is now available online:
    Watch here

    Follow Us
    Stay up to date with the future of on-chain AI — follow us on Twitter:
    @sparsity_xyz

    Memorable moments shared between our incredible audience and the organizing team – thank you all for making it happen!

    Sparsity links : Twitter – @sparsity_xyz

    Website – https://www.sparsity.ai/

    Contact Detail
    Lan X
    Business Development
    Email – lan@sparsity.xyz

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Sparsity. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/701d7b49-96c5-407c-bdfd-8a99203d7e64

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1d52a3bf-2629-4f86-8bed-86a6b33eb299

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6003b671-c2fc-4eff-bd08-1b451ce97e34

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/664402ee-4a49-475c-b59d-a7e773240414

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: EU Reaffirms Support for Ukraine as Trump Re-Enters Global Stage Amid Russia Tensions

    Source: European Commission (video statements)

    The EU’s position on the war in Ukraine hasn’t changed and neither has its commitment to peace. As President Trump re-engages and global conversations continue, European leaders are standing firm. President Zelensky has once again made clear he’s ready to do what it takes to achieve a ceasefire. But with no signs of willingness from the Kremlin, the EU is moving forward with a fresh set of sanctions aimed at cutting off the funds fueling Russia’s aggression. 
     
    It’s a difficult path but Europe is staying the course: defending peace, supporting Ukraine, and pushing for a fair and lasting end to the war.

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PASSED: Fischer, Bennet Resolution Promoting Mental Health in Ag Industry and Workforce

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer
    The Senate unanimously approved U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Michael Bennet’s (D-Colo.), bipartisan resolution designating May 29th as ‘Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day.’“Daily uncertainties and extreme stress lead to higher levels of anxiety and depression among Nebraska’s agricultural producers and workforce. Our resolution recognizes these unique challenges and supports the farmers, ranchers, and workers who perform the essential work of producing high-quality food, fuel, and fiber,” said Fischer.“From severe drought to increased costs, unprecedented challenges are taking a toll on the mental health of Colorado’s farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers. I’m grateful to stand with Senator Fischer and my Senate colleagues to raise awareness about our country’s mental health crisis and work together to expand access to care for communities across the country,” said Bennet.In addition to Fischer and Bennet, the resolution is cosponsored by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.). The full text of the resolution can be found here.
    Click 
    here to learn about national resources available for those in need of assistance.Click here to learn about Nebraska resources available for those in need of assistance.
    National Stakeholder Support: 
    Agricultural Retailers Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Soybean Association, Farm Credit Services of America, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, National Farmers Union, National Pork Producers Council, and National Rural Health Association.Click here to view statements of support from national stakeholders.
    Nebraska Stakeholder Support:

    Nebraska Agri-Business Association, Nebraska Cattlemen, Nebraska Cooperative Council, Nebraska Corn Growers Association, Nebraska Farm Bureau, Nebraska Farmers Union, Nebraska Pork Producers Association, Nebraska Rural Health Association, Nebraska Soybean Association, and Nebraska Wheat Board. 
    Click here to view statements of support from Nebraska stakeholders.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Peters Helps Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Safeguard U.S. Manufacturing, Transit Operations Against Chinese Influence

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
    Published: 05.20.2025

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) helped introduce the Safeguarding Transit Operations to Prohibit (STOP) China Act, which would protect domestic transit operations and help level the playing field for American manufacturers, suppliers, and workers by preventing any federal funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) from being awarded to grantees for the purchase of transit buses or rail cars made by Chinese-controlled companies. The bill would help ensure that American taxpayer dollars are invested in American manufacturers, like those in Michigan, not China. 
    “China is actively working to undermine American workers and our economic success, particularly in the transportation industry, by flooding global markets with artificially cheap vehicles, from electric vehicles to buses,” said Senator Peters. “These vehicles could also pose a serious national security threat. This bipartisan bill would address these concerns and help level the playing field for Michigan manufacturers, suppliers, and workers as we continue to lead the world in mobility innovation by preventing taxpayer dollars from being used to support companies owned and operated by the Chinese Communist Party.”
    The Stop China Act would prohibit any federal funds from being awarded to grantees for the purchase of Chinese government transit buses or rail cars. It seeks to close loopholes in the previously enacted Transportation Infrastructure Vehicle Security Act that have allowed Chinese entities to continue competing for U.S. Government funds. It also requires the United States Trade Representative (USTR), in consultation with the U.S. Attorney General, to produce a list of prohibited entities headquartered or affiliated with China. 
    The legislation is endorsed by the Alliance for American Manufacturing, Steel Manufacturers Association, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, United Steelworkers, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, and Transport Workers Union of America.
    Peters has made strengthening domestic manufacturing and supply chains a top priority. Peters helped author and pass into law the CHIPS and Science Act to boost U.S. manufacturing of semiconductor chips, strengthen critical domestic supply chains, and create good-paying American jobs. The CHIPS and Science Act additionally authorized increased funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program, which has been a priority for Peters. Peters additionally supported and helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which will strengthen domestic manufacturing, onshore our supply chains, combat the climate crisis, and create millions of American jobs.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China welcomes and supports Pakistan, India’s efforts to resolve differences through dialogue: Chinese FM

    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

    BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) — China welcomes and supports Pakistan and India’s efforts to properly resolve their differences through dialogue, achieve a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire and find fundamental solutions, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in Beijing on Tuesday.

    Wang Yi, also a member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, made the statement during talks with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar. The Chinese diplomat noted that this meets the fundamental and long-term interests of both sides, promotes regional peace and stability, and is the common aspiration of the international community. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Nature-Based “Horizontal Levees” Reduce Flood Risk in San Francisco Bay

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Researchers from the University of California, Santa Cruz and USGS have found that these hybrid structures—wetland buffers that slope gently out in front of traditional levees—can reduce the risk of floodwater overtopping by up to 30%, while also supporting valuable marsh habitat.

    Reimagining Levees for a Changing Climate

    Unlike conventional levees, which often rely solely on height and bulk to hold back water, horizontal levees incorporate a gradual, vegetated slope on the water-facing side. This natural buffer helps absorb wave energy, reducing the pressure on the levee itself. The result: a more resilient system that blends engineering with ecosystem restoration.

    To test the effectiveness of these designs, the team used a hydrodynamic model (XBeach non-hydrostatic) to simulate storm-driven waves and flooding in a range of scenarios across San Francisco Bay, both under current sea levels and future projections.

    Their findings showed that as sea levels rise, the risk of levee overtopping during storms will grow significantly. However, horizontal levees with wider and more gradual slopes can significantly reduce this risk. These designs not only buffer storm surge, but also provide new intertidal wetland habitat, which is crucial for ecosystem function and carbon storage.

    Depiction of a horizontal levee (A) and study location in San Francisco Bay (B and C). Transects used in the hydrodynamic simulations are shown by the white lines in (C).

    Maximizing Benefits with Nature-based Design

    The study also offers insight into how to design horizontal levees for maximum impact: broader, gently sloped wetland areas are far more effective at wave attenuation than narrower or steeper versions.

    The benefits of these nature-based systems go beyond flood control. Wetlands can filter pollutants, support fisheries and wildlife populations, and serve as carbon sinks—while also providing scenic green spaces for nearby communities.

    San Francisco Bay, with its mix of dense urban development and tidal marsh ecosystems, is an ideal testing ground for this kind of climate adaptation. The study’s approach could also apply to other wave-exposed urban estuaries around the world.

    With billions of dollars projected to be spent on sea-level rise adaptation over the coming decades, horizontal levees offer a cost-effective and ecologically sound alternative or complement to traditional infrastructure. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Texas Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Residents Affected by Spring Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses, nonprofits, and residents in Texas of the June 20 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset physical damage caused by thunderstorms, straight‑line winds and tornadoes occurring on April 4.

    The declaration covers the Texas counties of Bowie, Camp, Cass, Marion, Morris, Red River, Titus and Upshur.

    Small businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

    Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, upgrading to wind rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.

    “One distinct advantage of SBA’s disaster loan program is the opportunity to fund upgrades reducing the risk of future storm damage,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “I encourage businesses and homeowners to work with contractors and mitigation professionals to improve their storm readiness while taking advantage of SBA’s physical damage loans.”

    SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

    Interest rates can be as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for nonprofits, and 2.75% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms, based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to return physical damage applications is June 20.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Capito Opening Statement at Hearing Reviewing HHS Budget Request

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    [embedded content]
    Click here or on the image above to watch Chairman Capito’s opening remarks from the hearing. 
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS), held a hearing with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to consider the president’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget request, as well as the many priorities of the agency. 
    Below is the opening statement of Chairman Capito as prepared for delivery: 
    “Good morning. This is our first Labor-HHS Subcommittee hearing for fiscal year 2026 and the first hearing in my new role as chair. 
    “Vice Chair Baldwin and I have served together for several years on this committee, and I look forward to continuing to work with you in our new roles.
    “I also want to take a moment to recognize Senators Collins and Murray.  
    “As the Chair and Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee, they are committed to regular order and maintaining our track record of writing and passing bipartisan appropriations bills in a timely manner.  
    “Today’s budget hearing is a first step in that process.
    “Secretary Kennedy, thank you for being here today.  
    “I know that we all share the goal of improving the health of Americans. This hearing is an important opportunity for the subcommittee to hear from you on HHS’s budget proposal and better understand your priorities for fiscal year 2026.
    “You have taken the helm of a large agency with thousands of dedicated career staffers whose work each day makes Americans healthier and safer and ensures our global leadership in science and biomedical research.
    “In your first few months as secretary, you have made many changes at the department that will lead to a healthier America. This committee looks forward to hearing more from you on details of your proposed reorganization for HHS and working together to Make America Healthy Again.
    “HHS has always worked with Congress when considering and designing reorganizations, and I encourage you and your staff to work closely with Congress as you move forward.
    “Your fiscal year 2026 budget proposes a reduction in funding for HHS of over 26%. I commend you and President Trump for taking a careful look at each and every program at the department and I look forward to reviewing your full budget request hopefully very soon. 
    “This committee wants to work with you on improving HHS so that the agency can be more efficient and fund the best science. I am concerned that our country is falling behind in biomedical research – this should be a concern that we all share and make investments in. Investing in biomedical research has proven to save lives while exponentially strengthening the U.S. economy.
    “NIH-funded basic research is also behind many of the 600+ new cancer treatments the FDA has approved over the last 20 years. NIH-funded research led to the development of buprenorphine – a medication treatment for opioid addiction. NIH-funded research led to the development of the first overdose naloxone nasal spray – Narcan.
    “For almost a decade, this committee has increased funding toward the goal of finding treatments and a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. This goal is very personal to me since both of my parents lived with and eventually succumbed to the disease.  
    “These investments have allowed NIH to fund research into a wide variety of potential causes of the disease, and build evidence for prevention based on a healthy lifestyle. NIH-funded research on the amyloid protein led to the development of FDA-approved Alzheimer’s drugs in 2023 and 2024 to slow progression of the disease.  
    “All of this research is important, and I look forward to working with you to continue robust and diversified Alzheimer’s disease research. 
    “Wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars must end, and I applaud you taking a hard look at what federal research dollars are funding. 
    “I encourage you to ensure the fiscal year 2025 funding Congress has already appropriated is spent in a timely manner, in particular for the vital biomedical research which could lead to lifesaving breakthroughs in science. Too many American families are waiting for a cure. We have a responsibility to make sure their taxpayer dollars fund critical research. 
    “You and I have talked about the importance of the NIOSH coal programs to West Virginia and how the work conducted by NIOSH in Morgantown is unique across the federal government. I am pleased that you brought some of these specialized NIOSH employees back to work earlier this month and then, just last week, reversed their RIFs so that their return to the office will not be temporary. 
    “Your decision to return NIOSH staff to the office meant that the Firefighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program could issue the final report on the December 27, 2020 fire that killed a 30-year-old firefighter and injured three others. Senior Airman Logan Young was one of many who responded to the Kearneysville fire. I’m glad NIOSH was able to finish their investigation and issue their recommendations and final report. 
    “While your action last week was a good first step, there are other divisions within NIOSH with specialized staff who conduct essential, unique work. I support the president’s vision to right size our government, but as you and I have discussed, I do not think eliminating NIOSH programs will accomplish that goal. I encourage you to look closely at all of NIOSH’s offices and bring back additional critical staff.
    “West Virginia—my home state—continues to rank above the national average in both new cancer diagnosis and deaths. We are thankful for the work performed by the CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion and I look forward to learning more about how this important work will be continued under the administration for a Healthy America.
    “Substance abuse challenges also continue to be a real problem facing West Virginia and the nation.
    “SAMHSA grant funding has played an important role in West Virginia, and I want to understand how the budget proposal will impact my state. I look forward to learning more from you today about your vision for these important programs. 
    “Rural health care is a top priority for this body. CDC data show that rural Americans are more likely to suffer from higher rates of diabetes and are more likely to die from cancer, heart disease, and stroke than urban Americans. This is unfortunately especially true in my home state, which also leads the nation in rates of diabetes and heart disease.  
    “Improving rural health outcomes goes hand-in-hand with investing in the health care workforce to meet the physical and mental health needs of Americans. 
    “HRSA has been a trusted Federal partner on rural health issues for decades. HRSA has funded critical rural health capacity building and other initiatives across the country and administers the healthcare workforce programs that help bring medical providers into local communities. You have proposed moving HRSA to the new AHA, and I would like to learn more about how your budget proposal would invest in rural America. 
    “We have a difficult task ahead of us this year, but it is my hope that we will come together, just as we have done in prior fiscal years, to use our limited resources in the most efficient and effective way to support the health and well-being of all Americans. 
    “Secretary Kennedy, I look forward to your testimony.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Steel signing celebrated at Lower Derwent Valley NNR

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Steel signing celebrated at Lower Derwent Valley NNR

    A ceremony has taken place to mark progress made on the construction of Lower Derwent Valley NNR’s new volunteer, community and nature recovery science hub.

    Lower Derwent Valley National Nature Reserve

    Wintering birds, such as whooper swan, wigeon, pintail and lapwing, who are departing the Lower Derwent Valley National Nature Reserve (NNR) for their epic 4000Km journeys will see a big change on their return next winter.   

    A new volunteer, community and nature recovery science hub featuring a wildlife watch tower, a laboratory and meeting space is currently under construction as part of essential research into the reserve’s birdlife, which are of European significance. 

    The new facility will include overnight bunk accommodation for visiting research groups and university students. It will also host training courses aimed at boosting learning and development in conservation. Natural England staff and volunteers hope the building will encourage wider public involvement in nature recovery, positioning the reserve as both a biological hotspot and a hub for environmental action.  

    In addition to its conservation and scientific roles, the hub will be used by the NHS to support health and wellbeing initiatives. Research shows that connecting with nature, even through simple actions like listening to birdsong or watching insects, can improve mental wellbeing and reduce anxiety. 

    To mark construction progress and to coincide with NNR week, a steel signing ceremony took place on Monday 19 May. Staff and volunteers from the reserve, alongside the project’s contractor Britcon, signed one of the steel beams as a way of recognising how far the project has come and the people contributing to its success. 

    Steel signing at Lower Derwent Valley National Nature Reserve. L-R: Nick Mobbs (Senior Site Manager Britcon), Craig Ralston (Senior Reserve Manager at Natural England) Justina Edge (RLB) Matt Searston (Commercial Director Britcon)

    The building’s design and materials have been chosen to complement the surrounding environment, with biodiversity net gain measures in place to enhance local habitats.  

    A new reedbed has also been created as part of a sustainability volunteering day which saw Brtitcon staff and their families plant more than 20,000 reeds. The event was organised in memory of Ashley Kent who was Britcon’s Commercial Manager, a wonderful soul, someone that always put themselves forward to help other people. He was a champion of mental health awareness, a cause that was close to his heart. He died after a short illness in October 2024 aged just 32.

    Craig Ralston, Senior Reserve Manager at Natural England, said: 

    The Lower Derwent Valley NNR is as important for its grassland and breeding and wintering grounds for birds as York Minster and its Roman walls are to York’s history.  Both the built heritage of York and the internationally important floodplains of the Lower Derwent Valley are up there on the world stage, and this investment will help us build and grow upon that to help nature recover. 

    This new facility is a unique opportunity to research, restore and protect nature, both within the reserve and across the wider landscape, by working closely with our partners and local communities. 

    We know that growth will be even better for people if it’s nature positive. The new volunteer, community and nature recovery science hub will be a powerful tool with multiple benefits. Once completed, it will break down research barriers for the reserve’s birdlife, which are of European significance, and build sustainable growth for future visitor numbers. This will ensure that that local communities have easy access to the opportunities and benefits that come from a healthy natural environment.

    Don Stewart, Strategic Director at Britcon, said: 

    We’re incredibly proud to have been appointed as the main contractor for this important research project at the Lower Derwent Valley National Nature Reserve. 

    As a regionally based, certified carbon neutral business, Britcon is fully committed to supporting biodiversity gains. Through our award-winning Britcon Zero strategy, we will continue to promote sustainable construction techniques and maximise social value outcomes by prioritising local supplier selection and community engagement. 

    It’s a privilege to help create a space that will support nature recovery, facilitate important scientific work, and deliver health and wellbeing benefits for many visitors and stakeholders.

    The Lower Derwent Valley National Nature Reserve covers more than 600 hectares of species-rich floodplain meadows along the River Derwent in Yorkshire. It supports nationally and internationally important populations of breeding, migrating and wintering birds, as well as highly valuable wet grassland habitats.

    Britcon and Natural England are working with partners Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB UK) that are providing services including NEC Project Management & Supervisor, Principal Designer (including Building Regulations) and overall Project Coordination for the nature reserve volunteer, community, nature and science hub.

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Chicago captures shooters in December 2024 mass shooting tied to Tren de Aragua gang

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    CHICAGO — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced the arrests of the shooters involved in the Dec. 2, 2024, mass shooting at a house party in Chicago predominantly attended by Venezuelan nationals. This incident resulted in multiple injuries and the loss of three lives. Authorities believe the shooting was perpetrated by members of the Tren de Aragua gang.

    One of the suspected shooters, Venezuelan national Ricardo Granadillo Padilla, 25, was arrested on Feb. 8 by ICE Homeland Security Investigations Chicago and Raleigh, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Raleigh, U.S Border Patrol Tactical Unit, the U.S. Marshals Service, and CBP Air and Marine Operations in Raleigh, North Carolina. Granadillo Padilla is currently in federal custody after being sentenced in March 2025 for illegally entering the United States in 2022 near El Paso, Texas. Multiple firearms, high-capacity magazines, narcotics, and fraudulent documents were seized in January 2025 from Granadillo Padilla’s residence in Chicago. During his arrest in Raleigh, North Carolina, a pistol, ammunition, and other evidentiary items were also seized.

    Another suspected shooter, Venezuelan national Edward Martinez Cermeno, 24, was arrested on Jan. 26 by ICE HSI Chicago and the CBP Office of Border Patrol in Schaumburg, Illinois. Martinez Cermeno was initially released by a federal magistrate judge in Illinois following a federal detention hearing but was then re-arrested by ICE HSI Chicago on administrative immigration charges for being illegally present in the United States. He is currently in federal custody facing criminal charges for illegally entering the United States in 2023 near Eagle Pass, Texas.

    Over the past weeks, sixteen additional TdA members and associates of the shooters in the Chicago area and Raleigh, North Carolina were arrested by ICE HSI Chicago on immigration charges.

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

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety on X at @HSIChicago.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories: Foreign Secretary statement, 20 May 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Oral statement to Parliament

    Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories: Foreign Secretary statement, 20 May 2025

    Statement by Foreign Secretary David Lammy to the House of Commons on the situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories

    With permission, Madam Deputy Speaker, I will make a statement on Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

    This weekend, the Israeli Defence Force started a new, extensive ground operation throughout Gaza, Operation Gideon’s Chariot. Five Israeli divisions are now operating there.

    Prime Minister Netanyahu says that they are going to take control of the Strip letting only minimal amounts of food reach Gazans. Madam Deputy Speaker I quote Prime Minister Netanyahu – “just enough to prevent hunger.”

    Fewer than ten trucks entered Gaza yesterday. The UN and WHO have issued stark warnings of the threat of starvation hanging over hundreds of thousands of civilians. Madam Deputy Speaker, this is abominable.

    Civilians in Gaza facing starvation, homelessness, trauma, desperate for this war to end, now confront renewed bombardment, new displacement and new suffering. And the remaining hostages kept apart from their loved ones by Hamas for almost six hundred days are now at heightened risk from the war around them.

    Madam Deputy Speaker, two months ago the ceasefire collapsed. Since then, the humanitarian catastrophe has rapidly intensified.

    For eleven weeks, Israeli forces have blockaded Gaza, leaving the World Food Programme without any any remaining stocks. Israel has repeatedly struck hospitals, with three more hospitals in northern Gaza ceasing operations this weekend.

    Yet more aid workers and medical workers have been killed. After last year proved the deadliest year on record for humanitarian personnel.

    The diplomatic deadlock between Israel and Hamas has sadly also hardened. Despite the efforts of the United States, Qatar and Egypt – which we of course support – no ceasefire has emerged.

    We repeat our demand that Hamas release all the hostages immediately and unconditionally and reiterate that they cannot continue to run Gaza.

    Madam Deputy Speaker, we are now entering a dark new phase in this conflict. Netanyahu’s government is planning to drive Gazans from their homes into a corner of the Strip to the south and permit them a fraction of the aid that they need.

    Yesterday, Minister Smotrich even spoke of Israeli forces “cleansing” Gaza, “destroying what’s left”, of resident Palestinians “being relocated to third countries”.

    We must call this what it is. It is extremism. It is dangerous. It is repellent. It is monstrous. And I condemn it in the strongest possible terms.

    Madam Deputy Speaker, Israel suffered a heinous attack on October 7th and the Government has always backed Israel’s right to defend itself. We have condemned Hamas and its abhorrent treatment of the hostages. And we have stood with families and demanded their loved ones be released.

    But the planned displacement of so many Gazans is morally unjustifiable, wholly disproportionate and utterly counter-productive. Whatever Israeli ministers claim, this is not the way to bring the hostages safely home.

    Nearly all the hostages have been freed through negotiations, not military force. And that is why hostage families themselves – and many other Israelis – oppose this plan so strongly.

    Nor will this plan eliminate Hamas or make Israel secure. This war has left a generation orphaned and traumatised, ready for Hamas to recruit. As we learned in Northern Ireland to defeat terrorists and their warped ideology you cannot just rely on military might. You have to offer a viable political alternative. Opposing the expansion of a war that’s killed thousands of children is not rewarding Hamas.

    Madam Deputy Speaker, since entering office, we have taken concerted action on Gaza.

    We restored funding to UNRWA. We supported the independence of international courts. We suspended arms export licences. We provided food and medical care to hundreds of thousands of Gazans. We’ve worked with Arab partners on a plan to ensure a reconstructed Gaza no longer run by Hamas.

    And since Israel restarted strikes on Gaza, this Government has demanded Israel change course. Privately, in my conversations with Foreign Minister Sa’ar and Strategic Affairs Minister Dermer, and publicly, in repeated joint statements with my French and German counterparts, we have made clear that Israel’s actions are intolerable.

    We have raised our concerns in the UN Security Council and before the International Court of Justice. Yesterday, my Right Honourable Friend the Prime Minister joined leaders from France and Canada strongly opposing the expansion of Israel’s military operations. And the UK led a further statement with twenty-seven partners criticising Israel’s proposed new aid delivery mechanism and defending the essential humanitarian principles of the international system that the UK did so much to establish in the first place.

    Our message is clear. There is a UN plan ready to deliver aid at scale, needed with mitigations against aid diversion. There are brave humanitarians ready to do their jobs. There are 9,000 trucks at the border. Prime Minister Netanyahu: end this blockade now and let the aid in.

    Regrettably, Madam Deputy Speaker, despite our efforts, this Israeli government’s egregious actions and rhetoric have continued. They are isolating Israel from its friends and partners around the world. Undermining the interests of the Israeli people. And damaging the image of the state of Israel in the eyes of the world.

    I find this deeply painful, as a lifelong friend of Israel and a believer in the values expressed in its declaration of independence.

    As the Prime Minister and fellow leaders said yesterday, we cannot stand by in the face of this new deterioration. It is incompatible with the principles that underpin our bilateral relationship. Rejected by Members across this House and frankly it’s an affront to the values of the British people.

    Therefore today, I am announcing that we have suspended negotiations with this Israeli government on a new free trade agreement. We will be reviewing cooperation with them under the 2030 Bilateral Roadmap.

    The Netanyahu government’s actions have made this necessary. Madam Deputy Speaker, today, my Honourable Friend the Minister for the Middle East is summoning the Israeli Ambassador to the Foreign Office to convey this message.

    I say now to the people of Israel: we want, I want a strong friendship with you based on our shared values with flourishing ties between our people and societies. We are unwavering in our commitment to your security and to your future, to countering the very real threat from Iran, the scourge of terrorism and the evils of antisemitism.

    But the conduct of the war in Gaza is damaging our relationship with your government. And, as the Prime Minister has said, if Israel pursues this military offensive as it has threatened, failing to ensure the unhindered provision of aid, we will take further actions in response.

    The UK, Madam Deputy Speaker, will not give up on a two-state solution. Israelis living in secure borders, recognised and at peace with their neighbours, free from the threat of terrorism. Palestinians living in their own state, in dignity and security, free of occupation.

    The two-state solution remains the ideal framework, indeed, the only framework, for a just and lasting peace. But as the House knows, its very viability is in peril.

    Endangered not only by the war in Gaza, but by the spread of illegal Israeli settlements and outposts across the Occupied West Bank, with the explicit support of this Israeli government.

    There are now weekly meetings to approve new settlement construction. Settlement approval has accelerated while settler violence has soared. Here too, we have acted, repeatedly pressing for a change in this course and direction, sanctioning seven entities last October, and signing a landmark agreement to bolster support for the Palestinian Authority, when Prime Minister Mustafa visited London just last month.

    But here too, we must do more. Today, we are therefore imposing sanctions on a further three individuals and four entities involved in the settler movement.

    I have seen for myself the consequences of settler violence. The fear of its victims. The impunity of its perpetrators. Today, we are demonstrating again that we will continue to act against those who are carrying out heinous abuses of human rights.

    Madam Deputy Speaker, despite the glimmer of hope from January’s ceasefire, the suffering from this conflict has worsened. But January showed another path was possible.

    We urge Netanyahu’s government to choose this path. The world is judging. History will judge them. Blocking aid, expanding the war, dismissing the concerns of your friends and partners. This is indefensible and it must stop.

    I commend this statement to the House.

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: After another call with Putin, it looks like Trump has abandoned efforts to mediate peace in Ukraine

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Stefan Wolff, Professor of International Security, University of Birmingham

    After a two-hour phone call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin on May 19, US president Donald Trump took to social media to declare that Russia and Ukraine will “immediately start negotiations” towards a ceasefire and an end to the war. He did, however, add that the conditions for peace “will be negotiated between the two parties, as it can only be”.

    With the Vatican, according to Trump, “very interested in hosting the negotiations” and European leaders duly informed, it seems clear that the US has effectively abandoned its stalled mediation efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

    It was always a possibility that Trump could walk away from the war, despite previous claims he could end it in 24 hours. This only became more likely on May 16, when the first face-to-face negotiations between Ukraine and Russia for more than three years predictably ended without a ceasefire agreement.

    When Trump announced shortly afterwards that he would be speaking to his Russian and Ukrainian counterparts by phone a few days later, he effectively mounted the beginning of a rearguard action. This was further underlined when, shortly before the Trump-Putin call, Vice-President J.D. Vance, explicitly told reporters that the US could end its shuttle diplomacy.

    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.

    The meagre outcomes of the talks between Russia and Ukraine – as well as between Trump and Putin – are not surprising. Russia is clearly not ready for any concessions yet. It keeps insisting that Ukraine accept its maximalist demands of territorial concessions and future neutrality.

    Putin also continues to slow-walk any negotiations. After his call with Trump, he reportedly said that “Russia will offer and is ready to work with Ukraine on a memorandum on a possible future peace agreement”, including “a possible ceasefire for a certain period of time, should relevant agreements be reached.”

    The lack of urgency on Russia’s part to end the fighting and, in fact, the Kremlin’s ability and willingness to continue the war was emphasised the day before the Trump-Putin call. Russia carried out its largest drone attack against Ukraine so far in the war, targeting several regions including Kyiv.

    There has been no let-up in the fighting since. And the fact that Putin spoke to Trump while visiting a music school in the southern Russian city of Sochi does not suggest that a ceasefire in Ukraine is high on the Russian leader’s priority list.

    A large part of the Kremlin’s calculation seems to be its desire to strike a grand bargain with the White House on a broader reset of relations between the US and Russia. It is signalling clearly that this is more important than the war in Ukraine and might even happen without the fighting there ending.

    This also appears to be driving thinking in Washington. Trump foreshadowed an improvement in bilateral relations by describing the “tone and spirit” of his conversation with Putin as “excellent”. He also seemed pleased about the prospects of “large-scale trade” with Russia.

    Abandoning European allies

    Trump is on record as saying that there would be no progress towards peace in Ukraine until he and Putin get together. But it is worth bearing mind that very little movement towards a ceasefire in Ukraine – let alone a peace agreement – occurred after the last phone call between the two presidents in February.

    Part of this lack of progress has been Trump’s reluctance to put any real pressure on Putin. And despite agreement in Brussels and preparations in Washington for an escalation in sanctions against Russia, it is unlikely that Trump will change his approach.

    In this context, the sequence in which the calls occurred is telling. Trump and Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, had a short call before the former spoke with Putin. Zelensky said he told Trump not to make decisions about Ukraine “without us”.

    But rather than presenting Putin with a clear ultimatum to accept a ceasefire, Trump apparently discussed future relations with Putin at great length before informing Zelensky and key European allies that the war in Ukraine is now solely their problem to solve.

    This has certainly raised justifiable fears in Kyiv and European capitals that, for the sake of a reset with Russia, the US might yet completely abandon its allies across the Atlantic.

    However, if a reset with Russia at any cost really is Trump’s strategy, it is bound to fail. As much as Putin seems willing to continue with his aggression against Ukraine, Zelensky is as unwilling to surrender. Putin can rely on China’s continued backing while Zelensky can count on support from Europe.

    Supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine is essential for China to keep Moscow on side in its rivalry with the US. And for Europe, supporting Ukraine has become an existential question of deterring and containing a revisionist Russia hell-bent on restoring a Soviet-style sphere of influence in central and eastern Europe.

    In a world that has been in flux since Trump’s return to the White House, these are some of the emerging constants. And they make a US-Russia reset highly improbable.

    Even if it were to happen, it would not strengthen Washington’s position with Beijing. Walking away from Ukraine and Europe now will deprive the US of the very allies it will need in the long term to prevail in its rivalry with China.

    By abandoning his mediation between Moscow and Kyiv, Trump may have broken the deadlock in his efforts to achieve a reset with Russia. But getting this deal over the line will be a pyrrhic victory.

    Stefan Wolff is a past recipient of grant funding from the Natural Environment Research Council of the UK, the United States Institute of Peace, the Economic and Social Research Council of the UK, the British Academy, the NATO Science for Peace Programme, the EU Framework Programmes 6 and 7 and Horizon 2020, as well as the EU’s Jean Monnet Programme. He is a Trustee and Honorary Treasurer of the Political Studies Association of the UK and a Senior Research Fellow at the Foreign Policy Centre in London.

    – ref. After another call with Putin, it looks like Trump has abandoned efforts to mediate peace in Ukraine – https://theconversation.com/after-another-call-with-putin-it-looks-like-trump-has-abandoned-efforts-to-mediate-peace-in-ukraine-257021

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why do protestors use disruptive, confrontational tactics? New research shows they’re not just a last resort

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Mete Sefa Uysal, Lecturer in Social & Political Psychology, University of Exeter

    HJBC/Shutterstock

    Public protests are on the rise globally, from climate marches and university occupations to roadblocks and mass political demonstrations. These actions may sometimes include confrontational tactics such as civil disobedience, disruption and, at times, violent resistance.

    At Columbia University in the US, for instance, pro-Palestine student protests recently captured global attention for their tactics. They ranged from non-confrontational actions such as gatherings and sit-ins to campus encampments and occupations aimed at disrupting daily activities, which eventually led to confrontations with police.

    Actions like these often spark debate. Are activists acting strategically, or simply reacting out of desperation and rage? Our new research sheds light on this question. Contrary to popular belief, people do not only turn to confrontational protest because they are desperate or lack political alternatives.

    Confrontational protests are frequently portrayed negatively. They are often associated with extremism, disorder, or desperation. So it’s long been a mystery why people choose such confrontational forms of protest, especially given more conventional options like petitions or authorised rallies offer broader public support and visibility.

    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.

    In our surveys of 3,833 people across three countries – Germany, Turkey and the UK – we found that people choose confrontational action when they believe it is effective and legitimate for achieving their group’s political goals.

    That said, in some protests, confrontational tactics may emerge spontaneously as a self-defence, driven by immediate threats. But it is not simply an emotional outburst or a last resort: it can be a strategic choice.

    This challenges a widely discussed idea in social and political psychology called the “nothing-to-lose” hypothesis. According to this view, people are driven to confrontational protest when they see non-confrontational action (such as voting, petitioning, or authorised marches) as ineffective. This is often because they have little political trust or are oppressed. Our studies ultimately tested this hypothesis.

    We found that most people rated non-confrontational actions as more effective than confrontational ones. But they still saw confrontational tactics as worthwhile if they also seemed effective and justifiable.

    Interestingly, we discovered that low political trust – a lack of belief that the political system works fairly – did not predict confrontational protest. In fact, it was only weakly linked to perceived effectiveness and legitimacy of such tactics.

    While previous theories suggested that people with nothing to lose would be the ones most drawn to radical action, our findings paint a more complex picture. People don’t necessarily need to lose all faith in the political system before considering disruptive protest. Rather, they judge whether a specific tactic will advance their cause and align with their collective moral values.

    Just Stop Oil protestors with hands glued to the frame of da Vinci’s The Last Supper.
    wikipedia, CC BY-SA

    We also found that when people think that protests are more likely to be met with state violence, they are more likely to view confrontational tactics as legitimate and effective. In other words, when crowds foresee push-back, they recalibrate their strategies rather than withdrawing altogether from activism.

    Constructive disruption

    This research matters now more than ever. From climate movement and pro-Palestine rallies in many countries to anti-government and pro-democracy protests in the US, Turkey, Serbia and Argentina, we are witnessing a global wave of protest crowds.

    Understanding what drives people to disruptive and confrontational actions can help both policymakers and the public make sense of protest in today’s divided world. This may be a better option than moralising about good versus bad forms of protests, which serves to silence and criminalise disruptive and confrontational actions.

    The former UK home secretary Suella Braverman labelled climate protesters “extremists” and pro-Palestinian protests “hate marches”. She also proposed harsher crackdowns. But such an approach is only likely to make the protests more disruptive.

    Similarly, several government responses to UK parliamentary reports on protest policing distinguish “right to peaceful protest” from any kind of disruptive and confrontational activism. They also highlight that the legal definition of “serious disruption” has been widened.

    But viewing all disruptive protests as being outside of legal boundaries is likely to create pushback among activists and limit the potential constructive social influence of such protests.

    We argue that it’s time to rethink how we talk about confrontational and disruptive protests. Rather than viewing them as irrational, extreme or born of despair, we should understand it as part of a wider repertoire of political action.

    Here, labelling a set of protests through binary, moralised terms can lead to overlooking and silencing a crucial and effective protest strategy: constructive disruption. Constructive disruption relies on carefully balancing non-violent but disruptive actions. This can apply pressure for change while signalling positive intent that encourages a conciliatory response to protest.

    As a group of social psychologists recently showed, constructive disruption could generate support even among those who are most resistant.

    If we recognise that such tactics are often grounded in a sense of justice and strategic reasoning, we can move away from moralistic judgements and toward democratic dialogue by better engaging with the underlying demands that drive them.

    As protest movements continue to shape political life around the world, we believe it’s time to take their strategies seriously – not just their slogans.

    Mete Sefa Uysal received funding from the International Society of Political Psychology Scholar Under Threat Fund for a part of this study.

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

    – ref. Why do protestors use disruptive, confrontational tactics? New research shows they’re not just a last resort – https://theconversation.com/why-do-protestors-use-disruptive-confrontational-tactics-new-research-shows-theyre-not-just-a-last-resort-256716

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: ServiceTrade Announces Integration with Viewpoint Spectrum ERP   

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DURHAM, N.C., May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ServiceTrade, Inc., the premier commercial field service management software provider tailored specifically for mechanical and fire protection contractors, expanded its integrations portfolio with a new seamless integration with Viewpoint Spectrum, a widely adopted web-based construction ERP solution.

    The integration enables contractors to connect ServiceTrade’s leading field service management platform with Spectrum’s comprehensive ERP system. It combines ServiceTrade field efficiency, customer communications, office coordination, and sales enablement workflows with Spectrum’s powerful accounting, payroll, project management, equipment tracking, inventory, and reporting tools.

    “Contractors using Spectrum for back-office operations and ServiceTrade for service delivery now benefit from a unified, real-time connection between the two platforms,” said Brook Bock, Chief Product Officer. “We are dedicated to providing integrations with the business systems our customers rely on. Seamless integration with Viewpoint Spectrum virtually eliminates manual data entry, improves accuracy, and enhances visibility across the business, driving greater efficiency, accountability, and profitability.”

    Key Benefits of the Integration Include:

    • Eliminate manual data entry with automatic customer, job, and invoice synchronization.
    • Accelerate billing and revenue cycles with faster, more accurate period-end processes.
    • Reduce administrative burden on field technicians, operations, and accounting teams.
    • Improve operational visibility from the field to the back office.
    • Ensure audit-ready compliance with secure, documented processes.

    “When business systems talk to each other, the contractor’s whole business moves faster and more profitably. Contractors can reduce costs, accurately forecast and account for revenue, and make smarter decisions with clean, connected data. Accurate, timely customer communication and billing build trust, leading to better reviews, faster payments, and better retention rates,” concluded Ms. Bock. 

    To learn more about ServiceTrade:

    About ServiceTrade
    ServiceTrade, Inc. is a leading Field Service Management (FSM) software platform for commercial mechanical, fire, and life safety contractors. During a chronic skilled labor shortage, ServiceTrade helps contractors increase profits by improving service and project operations, enhancing technician productivity, selling more service agreements, and fostering customer loyalty. Located in Durham, North Carolina, ServiceTrade was founded in 2012 to automate and streamline the commercial mechanical and fire protection industry and has grown to have more than 1,300 customers. More than 10% of the commercial or industrial buildings in the United States are serviced by commercial service contractors using ServiceTrade. Learn more at www.servicetrade.com.

    Contact:
    media@ktcmarketingandpr.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: TopLine Financial Credit Union Receives Statewide Recognition for Member Service Initiatives

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MAPLE GROVE, Minn., May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TopLine Financial Credit Union, a Twin Cities-based member-owned financial services cooperative, was named winner of the Louise Herring Philosophy-in-Action Member Service Award, sponsored by the Minnesota Credit Union Network (MnCUN). The Louise Herring award recognizes credit unions that demonstrate in an extraordinary way the practical application of the movement’s principles in serving their members.

    Topline was awarded in the Louise Herring Category for the credit union’s partnership with Rondo Community Land Trust (RCLT), a non-profit in St. Paul, to help make homeownership more affordable for individuals and families earning low-to-moderate incomes, and to preserve affordability for small businesses operated by people of color and non-profits at risk of displacement from rising rents.

    TopLine joined forces with Rondo Community Land Trust as the first credit union to be one of their approved mortgage lenders for their Homebuyer Initiated Program (HIP). This program assists home buyers at or below 80% area median income (AMI) to purchase and make repairs on a single-family home (including duplexes) in St. Paul or Suburban Ramsey County.

    “We are honored to be recognized for our partnership with Rondo Community Land Trust,” said Mick Olson, TopLine Financial Credit Union President and CEO. “We are committed to building strong connections with nonprofit community partners such as RCLT. By working together, we can drive economic growth and diversity, promote financial inclusion and access, and help more individuals achieve their financial dream of homeownership.”

    The Minnesota Credit Union Network is the statewide trade association that works to ensure the success, growth and vitality of Minnesota credit unions. For more information, visit www.mncun.org.

    Rondo Community Land Trust (CLT) is a community based affordable housing and commercial land trust operating in St. Paul and Suburban Ramsey County. For more information, visit www.rondoclt.org.

    TopLine Financial Credit Union, a Twin Cities-based credit union, is Minnesota’s 9th largest credit union, with assets of over $1.1 billion and serves over 70,000 members. Established in 1935, the not-for-profit financial cooperative offers a complete line of financial services from its ten branch locations — in Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Circle Pines, Coon Rapids, Forest Lake, Maple Grove, Plymouth, St. Francis and in St. Paul’s Como Park — as well as by phone and online at www.TopLinecu.com or www.ahcu.coop. Membership is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school or volunteers in Anoka, Benton, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Washington and Wright counties in Minnesota and their immediate family members, as well as employees and retirees of Anoka Hennepin School District #11, Anoka Technical College, Federal Premium Ammunition, Hoffman Enclosures, Inc., GRACO, Inc., and their subsidiaries. Visit us on our Facebook or Instagram. To learn more about the credit union’s foundation, visit www.TopLinecu.com/Foundation.

    CONTACT:
    Vicki Roscoe Erickson
    Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer
    TopLine Financial Credit Union
    verickson@toplinecu.com | 763.391.0872

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/52c4da82-782a-4a8f-9324-2650a4257373

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Meta’s Community Notes program is promising, but needs to prioritize transparency

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Sameer Borwankar, Assistant Professor of Information Systems, McGill University

    Meta has changed its approach to fact-checking, moving away from platform-controlled moderation. (Shutterstock)

    Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, has more than 3.35 billion combined monthly active users. Recently, Meta has changed its approach to fact-checking in response to criticisms of its role in circulating fake news and disinformation. The company frames its Community Notes program as a way to uphold free expression.

    Although Meta has not officially announced a launch date for Community Notes in Canada, interested users can join the waitlist via Meta’s Community Notes page.



    Read more:
    Meta shift from fact-checking to crowdsourcing spotlights competing approaches in fight against misinformation and hate speech

    The initiative was first launched in the United States, and will be expanding globally. Meanwhile, X (formerly Twitter) has already experimented with a similar program, with mixed results. The experience of X’s Community Notes (previously known as Birdwatch) underscores that both platforms and regulators must take an active role in refining these programs.

    Meta has the opportunity to learn from four years of Community Notes evolution at X and improve upon its shortcomings. This involves adjusting features, addressing algorithmic biases and ensuring that they function as effective tools rather than mere symbolic gestures.

    CBC reports on Meta ending its fact-checking program.

    Community-driven moderation

    X launched Birdwatch in January 2021 when it was known as Twitter. Marketed as a way to broaden the range of voices beyond platform-based and centralized fact-checking efforts, the program aimed to curb the spread of misinformation through community-driven moderation.

    Over time, the team refined many of its features based on feedback from pilot participants and internal research. When Elon Musk acquired Twitter in 2022, he implemented major changes, including a rebranding of the program’s name.

    Community Notes operates on the principles of crowdsourcing, a method proven effective in various domains. Research has shown that groups of users can collectively identify low-quality news sources and misleading content.

    On X, users participating in the Community Notes program contribute additional context to posts in the form of notes. They can also rate others’ contributions. Notes that receive supportive ratings from a diverse group of users become publicly visible. Once approved, they appear directly beneath the original post, providing added context for the broader audience.

    However, even if a post is widely deemed misleading by Community Notes contributors, the platform does not take action against the post itself or the individuals who spread misinformation. Instead, the program relies solely on surfacing user-generated context rather than the company moderating content.

    Positive impact?

    Preliminary research suggests that the Community Notes program has had a positive impact on curbing the spread of misinformation on the platform. Recent work shows that when a note is attached to a post, authors often voluntarily retract their posts by deleting them.

    On the content creation aspect, participation in the program appears to influence user behaviour: contributors tend to adopt a more measured tone, reducing extreme sentiment in their writing after engaging with the system.

    One of the most notable strengths of X’s Community Notes is its transparency. Since the program’s inception, X has provided public access to both the data and the algorithms that determine which fact-checks are displayed.

    This open-source approach has allowed researchers — both within and outside the company — to study the program and propose improvements. This stands in contrast to the recent trend of social media platforms rolling back data-sharing partnerships.

    Prior to Musk’s acquisition, X also had a dedicated team researching the impact of the program. Early changes to the program were shaped by feedback from participants and internal research.

    For example, in November 2021, X introduced anonymity for fact-checkers to prevent trolling and harassment. This decoupling of roles between content creators and fact-checkers has had a positive effect, reducing the risk of retaliation and fostering a more positive content creation by the participants of the program.

    Groups of users can collectively identify low-quality news sources and misleading content.
    (Shutterstock)

    Challenges and limitations

    Despite its potential, X’s Community Notes program faces several significant challenges, including its low popularity among users. Meta now has an opportunity to address these shortcomings from the outset.

    One of the biggest concerns is manipulation by co-ordination. Given the presence of organized troll networks on social media, there is a high risk that co-ordinated groups could misuse the program to flag legitimate content as misinformation.

    To counteract this, X implemented a consensus-based approach, where a note is only made visible if users with diverse viewpoints agree on its accuracy.

    While this system appears sound in theory, in practice it has led to a severe lack of approved notes as less than nine per cent of submitted notes reach the general audience. Many contributions never gain visibility, often due to insufficient ratings from diverse users.

    Another limitation of the consensus approach is that the algorithm must first recognize diverse viewpoints, which are not always straightforward. Social media platforms operate across hundreds of countries, where political, cultural and social divisions can be complex and nuanced. In such cases, enforcing consensus among a diverse audience may be highly unreliable and require reassessment.

    Shifting responsibility

    There is also the risk that Community Notes serve as a smokescreen, allowing platforms to shift responsibility away from active misinformation management. Since taking over X, Musk has laid off more than 80 per cent of the company’s Trust and Safety team.

    This included members of the Community Notes team, leaving critical gaps in oversight and research. Meta’s recent move to distance itself from third-party fact-checkers suggests a similar retreat from proactive intervention.

    Legal frameworks across different countries add further complications. Although Community Notes contributors remain anonymous to the public, it is unclear how platforms will respond if governments demand access to contributor identities.

    The Wikipedia legal case in India serves as a cautionary example of how platforms may be pressured into compliance. In September 2024, the Delhi High Court issued a contempt-of-court notice to Wikipedia over the site’s delay in providing identifying information about edits.

    No real consequences

    Finally, these programs are further weakened by the platforms’ explicit assurance that they will not take enforcement action based on Community Notes outcomes. Without real consequences for those spreading misinformation, the program risks being a symbolic effort rather than an effective tool for content moderation.

    Overall, there is hope that Meta’s Community Notes program can be effective, but its success will depend on continuous experimentation and improvement. The company must prioritize transparency to rebuild public trust and ensure the program does not become another performative gesture.

    Regulators also have a crucial role in holding platforms accountable, ensuring that data from these programs remains accessible to independent researchers and that the algorithms determining which notes are displayed are fair and unbiased.

    Without these safeguards, Community Notes risks becoming yet another tool that platforms use to shift responsibility rather than a meaningful solution to misinformation.

    Sameer Borwankar receives funding from SSHRC.

    – ref. Meta’s Community Notes program is promising, but needs to prioritize transparency – https://theconversation.com/metas-community-notes-program-is-promising-but-needs-to-prioritize-transparency-248324

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King, Blumenthal, Murray Press Trump Administration to Protect Veteran Caregivers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), Ranking Member Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) are calling on the Trump Administration to protect veteran caregivers in Maine and across the country. In a letter to Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins, the Senators press the administration to extend a pause in discharges for legacy caregivers enrolled in the VA caregivers’ program – to give these caregivers– and the veterans they serve – more certainty about the path forward.
    While the Biden Administration issued a Proposed Rule in December 2024 to extend this pause, Congress has received no information about the Trump Administration’s plans for the program to date.
    The Senators began, “We write to request an extension of the pause in discharges for legacy caregivers enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) on or before September 30, 2020. No information has been provided about how the current Administration plans to proceed with this rulemaking process, and we have serious concerns a failure to extend this pause will cause thousands of caregivers and veterans to lose life-changing benefits on September 30, 2025.”
    “In addition, VA has not provided any information as to how the recent firings, resignations, cancellations of contracts and other Trump Administration actions have affected staffing for the Caregiver Support Program (CSP), including PCAFC,” the Senators continued in the letter. “You have said your target is to cut staffing to Fiscal Year 2019 levels, however CSP program participation has more than doubled since that time, due to the MISSION Act expansion of PCAFC to veterans of all eras…If CSP staff are cut to your target levels, the program would simply not be able to maintain the current level of support provided.”
    Representing one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. A member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), he works to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs such as the PACT Act, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act, and the John Scott Hannon Act. Recently, Senator King introduced bipartisan legislation to help reduce suicides among veterans by providing free secure firearm storage to veterans. In addition, he helped pass the Veterans COLA Act, which increased benefits for 30,000 Maine veterans and their families. Senator King has also introduced bipartisan legislation to improve care coordination for veterans who rely on both VA health care and Medicare. Earlier this year, he cosponsored the bipartisan Major Richard Star Act that would provide more combat-injured veterans with their full earned benefits. Most recently, Senator King introduced the bipartisan Review Every Veteran’s Claims Act to make the veteran’s benefits claims process fairer by making sure bureaucracy, mistakes or unplanned schedule conflicts do not prevent veterans from receiving their benefits. 
    The full text of the letter is available here and below. 
    +++
    Dear Secretary Collins,
    We write to request an extension of the pause in discharges for legacy caregivers enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) on or before September 30, 2020.
    President Biden’s Executive Order 14095, Increasing Access to High-Quality Care and Supporting Caregivers, requested VA make appropriate modifications to the eligibility criteria for PCAFC. VA subsequently issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in December 2024, which included an extension of the pause in program discharges for Legacy caregivers. However, no information has been provided about how the current Administration plans to proceed with this rulemaking process, and we have serious concerns a failure to extend this pause will cause thousands of caregivers and veterans to lose life-changing benefits on September 30, 2025.
    In addition, VA has not provided any information as to how the recent firings, resignations, cancellations of contracts and other Trump Administration actions have affected staffing for the Caregiver Support Program (CSP), including PCAFC. You have said your target is to cut staffing to Fiscal Year 2019 levels, however CSP program participation has more than doubled since that time, due to the MISSION Act expansion of PCAFC to veterans of all eras. In Fiscal Year 2024 alone, CSP served more than 86,000 caregivers, and expanded access to critical mental health care, respite care, bereavement and other services. If CSP staff are cut to your target levels, the program would simply not be able to maintain the current level of support provided. In fact, because VA recently cut hours for the Caregiver Support Line, access to that support has decreased because of the elimination of weekend availability and the curtailment of business hours and after-hours availability.
    Since Congress enacted PCAFC in 2010, there have been considerable changes to the program, many of them resulting in caregivers and veterans being unjustifiably denied or discharged from the program. Given this history, VA must work to increase transparency and maintain sufficient staffing and funding levels for CSP, and ensure legacy caregivers are not kicked out of the program in September.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK sanctions hit West Bank violence network

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK sanctions hit West Bank violence network

    UK sanctions individuals, illegal settler outposts and organisations supporting violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank, as Foreign Secretary pauses Free Trade Agreement negotiations with Israel

    • New sanctions target 3 individuals, 2 illegal settler outposts and 2 organisations supporting violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank. 
    • Today’s measures include financial restrictions and travel bans, including on high-profile extremist settler leader Daniella Weiss
    • In a statement to the House, the Foreign Secretary is set to announce a formal pause of Free Trade Agreement negotiations with Israel, effective immediately.
    • He will make clear the UK’s complete opposition to the IDF’s new, extensive ground operation through Gaza, repeat UK demands that Hamas release all the hostages immediately and unconditionally, and reiterate that Hamas cannot continue to run Gaza.

    In response to the persistent cycle of serious violence undertaken by extremist Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, the Foreign Secretary has announced new sanctions today.

    Today’s measures target 3 individuals, including prominent settler leader Daniella Weiss, as well as 2 illegal outposts and 2 organisations that have supported, incited and promoted violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank.

    These individuals and entities are now subject to measures including financial restrictions, travel bans, and director disqualifications, and will follow 18 other individuals, entities, and companies already sanctioned relating to serious violence against communities in the West Bank.

    The measures follow a dramatic surge in settler violence in the West Bank, with the UN recording over 1,800 attacks by settlers against Palestinian communities since 1 January 2024.

    In a statement to Parliament, the Foreign Secretary is also set to announce the formal pause of Free Trade Agreement negotiations with Israel, effective immediately. While the UK government remains committed to the existing trade agreement in force, it is not possible to advance discussions on a new, upgraded FTA with a Netanyahu government that is pursuing egregious policies in the West Bank and Gaza.

    His statement will address latest developments on the ground in Gaza, making clear the UK’s complete opposition to the IDF’s new, extensive ground operation through Gaza, the threat of starvation for the Gazan population, and the UK’s condemnation of the Israeli government’s plans to drive Gazans from their homes into a corner of the Strip. The Foreign Secretary will also repeat UK demands that Hamas release all the hostages immediately and unconditionally and reiterate that Hamas cannot continue to run Gaza.

    The new steps follow a joint statement issued by the Prime Minister along with the leaders of France and Canada, setting out their strong opposition to the expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza and to illegal settlements in the West Bank. They also made clear that if Israel does not cease this action, further action will be taken in response.

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

    I have seen for myself the consequences of settler violence. The fear of its victims. The impunity of its perpetrators.

    The sanctioning of Daniella Weiss and others today demonstrates our determination to hold extremist settlers to account as Palestinian communities suffer violence and intimidation at the hands of extremist settlers.

    The Israeli government has a responsibility to intervene and halt these aggressive actions. Their consistent failure to act is putting Palestinian communities and the two-state solution in peril.

    The announcement comes as Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer summons Israel’s Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office over the expansion of military operations in Gaza.

    Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer said:

    Today I will set out to Ambassador Hotovely the government’s opposition to the wholly disproportionate escalation of military activity in Gaza and emphasise that the 11-week block on aid to Gaza has been cruel and indefensible. I will urge Israel to halt settlement expansion and settler violence in the West Bank.

    Israel must abide by its obligations under International Humanitarian Law and ensure full, rapid, safe and unhindered provision of humanitarian assistance to the population in Gaza. The limited amount of aid entering is simply not enough.

    We must get an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages and a path to a two-state solution is the only way to ensure the long-term peace and security of both Palestinians and Israelis.

    Background

    Individuals and entities sanctioned today:

    • Daniella Weiss – has been involved in threatening, perpetrating, promoting and supporting, acts of aggression and violence against Palestinian individuals. Weiss is now subject to an asset freeze, travel ban, and director disqualification.

    • Harel Libi – Owner of Libi Construction and Infrastructure. Libi has been involved in threatening and perpetuating acts of aggression and violence against Palestinian individuals. Libi is now subject to an asset freeze, travel ban, and director disqualification.

    • Zohar Sabah – has been involved in threatening, perpetrating, promoting and supporting, acts of aggression and violence against Palestinian individuals. Sabah is now subject to an asset freeze, travel ban, and director disqualification.

    • Coco’s Farm – is associated with a person who is or has been involved in activity which amounts to facilitating, inciting, promoting or providing support for activity which amounts to a serious abuse of the right of individuals not to be subjected to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.  Coco’s Farm is now subject to an asset freeze.

    • Libi Construction and Infrastructure –has provided logistical and financial support for the establishment of illegal outposts resulting in the forced displacement of Palestinians in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, activities which cause the psychological suffering of Palestinians, and activities which often leads to violence perpetrated against Palestinians. Libi Construction and Infrastructure is now subject to an asset freeze and director disqualification.

    • Nachala – has been involved in facilitating, inciting, promoting and providing logistical and financial support for the establishment of illegal outposts and forced displacement of Palestinians in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, activities which cause the psychological suffering of Palestinians, and which often lead to violence perpetrated against Palestinians. Nachala is now subject to an asset freeze.

    • Neria’s Farm – is associated with a person who is or has been involved in activity which amounts to facilitating, inciting, promoting or providing support for activity which amounts to a serious abuse of the right of individuals not to be subjected to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Neria’s Farm is now subject to an asset freeze.

    Definitions

    • Asset freeze: where an asset freeze applies, in summary, it is generally prohibited within the UK, and for UK persons outside the UK, to: (1) deal with funds or economic resources, owned, held or controlled by a designated person; (2) make funds or economic resources available, directly or indirectly, to, or for the benefit of, a designated person; and (3) engage in actions that, directly or indirectly, circumvent the financial sanctions prohibitions. 
    • Director Disqualification Sanctions: Where director disqualification sanctions apply, it will be an offence for a person designated for the purpose of those sanctions to act as a director of a company or to take part in the management, formation or promotion of a UK company. 
    • Travel ban: an individual subject to a travel ban will be an excluded person under section 8B of the Immigration Act 1971, meaning that they must be refused leave to enter or to remain in the United Kingdom.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Email the FCDO Newsdesk (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –