Category: Politics

MIL-OSI Africa: Infrastructure development “fundamental” for SA’s growth

Source: South Africa News Agency

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared infrastructure as “fundamental” to South Africa’s development and a propellant of growth.

The President was delivering the keynote address at the fourth annual Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa (SIDSSA) held at Century City in Cape Town on Tuesday.

The two-day symposium kicked off on Monday and brings together government leaders, infrastructure funding representatives, construction sector representatives and technical experts to discuss and share strategies and best practices for infrastructure development in the country.

READ | SA’s infrstructure symposium kicks off

“In many ways, this is a moment that – I believe – is filled with great promise and endless opportunities for infrastructure development in our country. Earlier this year, one industry publication said the country was ready to unleash an infrastructure boom. As we gather at this symposium year after year, it is important for us to understand the important role that is played by infrastructure in the life of a nation, particularly our South African nation.

“This is so because infrastructure is fundamental to the development of our country. It serves as the backbone of economic growth and social progress and contributes to the improvement of the life of our people,” the President said.

He described public infrastructure as the “flywheel that our economy needs to boost growth and to create jobs”.

“Through public infrastructure we are able to build roads, ports, railways and airports to enable what we produce as a nation to move efficiently. Infrastructure development demonstrates stability and great potential to investors. Infrastructure that is well constructed and maintained encourages investors to see our country as a great investment destination.

“Infrastructure projects create jobs not only in construction and maintenance but in a number of related industries as well. Public infrastructure in water supply, electricity, schools and health clinics improves living standards and provides dignity to our people and fosters national unity.

“When we have good infrastructure, we are a nation that is connected by rail, road, telecommunications, electricity, education facilities, good health centres and outstanding entertainment facilities like stadiums,” he explained.

WATCH | President Ramaphosa addresses the SIDSSA

[embedded content]

From planning to execution
During the past month, Infrastructure South Africa released the second edition of the Construction Book – which showcases some 250 fully funded infrastructure projects with a value estimated to exceed R238 billion.

This, the President said, is a good show of intent by government to move from concept to implementation.

“By showcasing the types of infrastructure projects being developed, the Construction Book helps the construction sector and supplier industries anticipate demand for local materials, components and services.

“By focusing on projects that are procurement-ready and financially secured, it also reduces uncertainty for contractors, consultants, manufacturers and material suppliers.

“We are showing that we have moved from great ideas on paper to executable plans to implementation,” President Ramaphosa noted.

Reflecting on the R1 trillion earmarked for infrastructure investment by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, the President said government will look to partner with the private sector.

“As the state substantially increases its capital investment, we recognise that government does not have the financial resources to undertake this work alone. That is why we are working to mobilise all available capital, both domestic and international, towards this infrastructure boom.

“This requires that our projects have the credibility that is necessary for stakeholders to invest in our projects and so that we can mobilise the trillions of rands in long-term savings managed by the domestic financial sector,” he said.

Reforms will be implemented to “make public-private partnerships easier, faster and more predictable”.

“Some of the reforms we are focusing on will make it easier for public-private partnerships under the value of R2 billion to gain approval.

“This will significantly reduce the procedural complexity of implementing public-private projects. We are implementing the reforms necessary to make it easier for more construction by reducing regulatory duplication and providing investors with long-term certainty,” he revealed.

Developmental agenda

On Monday, the SIDSSA hosted a Leaders Forum with a number of Ministers from across the continent, premiers, MECs and representatives of local government.

The President described the gathering as “vital”.

“The Leaders Forum is a vital platform for…creating space for strategic dialogue, knowledge exchange and policy alignment. This level of collaboration is essential if we are to overcome shared challenges and realise the full potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

“As we seek to transform our country and continent and unlock its full potential, we must place infrastructure at the heart of our development agenda. Not only as a tool for economic growth and social development, but as a symbol of our great ambition and our hope for a better future,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

MIL OSI Africa –

May 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Deadline for Khoi-San communities to be recognised nears

Source: South Africa News Agency

With the deadline fast approaching, eligible Khoi-San communities and leaders are urged to submit their applications for recognition under the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act, 2019 (Act No. 3 of 2019).

This final notice is issued by the Commission on Khoi-San Matters in accordance with Section 56(2) of the Act.

“This is the last opportunity to be part of this historic process. All applications must include the completed form and all required supporting documents,” said Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe.

This as the Department of CoGTA believes that the recognition process is essential in affirming the identity, rights, and role of Khoi-San communities in South Africa’s traditional leadership system.

“It forms part of government’s broader commitment to inclusion, redress, and the restoration of dignity to historically marginalised communities.”

Having commenced with effect from 1 April 2021, the Act makes provision for the statutory recognition of Khoi-San leaders and communities, as well as the establishment of Khoi-San leadership structures.

Burns-Ncamashe stated that this was a final and historic opportunity for Khoi-San communities and leaders to take their rightful place within the country’s constitutional democracy.

“We urge all those eligible to act now and ensure their voices are heard and recognised. We remain committed to affirming identity, restoring dignity, and ensuring inclusive traditional leadership,” the Deputy Minister added.

Applications must be submitted via the designated portal https://www.cogta.gov.za/index.php/docs-category/khoisan-applications/, where more details on eligibility and the application process are available.

The closing date for applications is Thursday, 29 May 2025.

The department said no late applications will be accepted under any circumstances. – SAnews.gov.za

MIL OSI Africa –

May 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Minister Lamola to participate in DRC, Sudan peace efforts

Source: South Africa News Agency

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, is currently in Kampala, Uganda, to attend the 12th High-Level Meeting of the Regional Oversight Mechanism (ROM) for the Peace, Security, and Cooperation (PSC) Framework concerning the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The PSC Framework is set for Wednesday, 28 May 2025, and aims to address the structural causes of instability and the recurring cycles of conflict in the eastern DRC and the Great Lakes region.

“It outlines a set of commitments divided between the DRC, neighbouring countries, regional and international actors.”

The ROM is the primary decision-making body of the PSC Framework and meets annually to assess the implementation of these commitments.

According to the department, the summit will take place against the backdrop of the deteriorating political, humanitarian, and security situation in the eastern DRC.

“The situation has been compounded by the resurgence and continuing territorial acquisition and expansion by the March 23 Movement (M23)/Congo River Alliance, supported by some external actors, that has led to many deaths, humanitarian crises, and heightened tensions within the region.”

The ROM is expected to adopt an action plan that will revitalise the PSC Framework since its formal adoption and signing in 2013.
“The summit will also reflect on the current deadly conflict in Sudan and the worrisome political situation in South Sudan.

“As a signatory to the PSC Framework, South Africa will continue to support the full implementation of the PSC Framework in addressing the above-mentioned challenges,” said the Department of International Relations and Cooperation. – SAnews.gov.za

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MIL OSI Africa –

May 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Roundtable to focus on strengthening political and administrative interface

Source: South Africa News Agency

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will lead a roundtable discussion on strengthening the political and administrative interface on Friday, 30 May 2025.

This engagement is part of the broader efforts by the Presidency to support the implementation of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030.

The NDP emphasises the importance of establishing a capable and developmental state to effectively address the country’s socio-economic challenges.

According to the Presidency, the roundtable will help advance the work of the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC), which the Deputy President chairs.

The HRDC plays a crucial role in building a capable developmental state in South Africa by focusing on skills development, aligning human resource development strategies with the NDP, as well as promoting the professionalisation of the public service.

The roundtable will bring together senior government officials, organised business, organised labour, civil society and academia to discuss challenges, best practices, and solutions to enhance effective governance and implement national priorities.

“Since 1994, South Africa has been on a path of balancing state intervention with market-driven growth through policies such as the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) and later Growth, Employment and Redistribution (GEAR) policy as the two most prominent ones.

“However, globalisation and the dominance of certain neoliberal economic policy influences continue to pose challenges to state capacity and transformative development,” said the Presidency on Tuesday.

Despite these challenges, the Presidency said South Africa has continued efforts to build its state capacity and pursue pro-poor policies to address the gaping inequalities and the legacy of apartheid.

“The roundtable is, therefore, a crucial step towards achieving the strategic priorities set out by the seventh administration, which are driving inclusive growth and job creation; reducing poverty and tackling high cost of living, as well as building a capable, ethical and developmental state.” – SAnews.gov.za

MIL OSI Africa –

May 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Infrastructure, jobs and Growth: Inside South Africa’s construction revolution
Source: South Africa News Agency

South Africa is on a path of accelerated progress with infrastructure development fuelling economic growth and job creation.

This according to Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, who spoke to SAnews on the sidelines of the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa, being held in Cape Town.

Macpherson cited the second edition of the Construction Book which showcases 250 fully funded infrastructure projects – worth at least R238 billion – as one example of government’s commitment to turning South Africa into a construction site.

“We are actively putting our money into those projects to ensure that they are prepared on time and on budget and that they have the best chance of success. We heard from the President and his commitment to driving infrastructure growth in the country, the R1 trillion that’s been committed by Minister [Enoch] Godongwana in the budget, record levels of investment in public infrastructure.

“You can start to see that this country is on the move, that infrastructure is at the heart of our growing economy and job creation plans,” he said.

Furthermore, Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) has announced the new top seven infrastructure priorities for 2025/26. These are:
- Boegoebaai Port and Rail Development in the Northern Cape;
- Project Alpha 300MW Gas to Power Project;
- City of Ekurhuleni Wastewater Conveyance and Treatment System Regionalisation;
- Coega SEZ 100MW Solar Farm – ground mount;
- South Africa Water Reuse Programme (WRP);
- ⁠Regional Energy Infrastructure, Storage and Distribution Programme by Limpopo Energy User Association; and
- ⁠Gauteng Urban Upgrade Programme, Johannesburg CBD.
The Minister highlighted the critical role that ISA has to play in the next few years.

“We are very optimistic about the role that [ISA] will play in being the central point of coordination, planning and preparation to make sure that budgets are spent; to make sure that projects are delivered [and] to make sure that our economy grows to create jobs,” the Minister told SAnews.

On Monday, Macpherson led a Leaders Forum at SIDSSA, which included Ministers from across the African continent, Premiers and local government leaders.

The Minister described discussions at the forum as “hugely important”.

“We were able to discuss and conceptualise how we need to find commonality in how we approach infrastructure projects on the continent…the language that we use, technical specifications and the agreements, the partnerships.

“You could really see a blossoming of cooperation in that room and so these are now conversations that we will want to take forward to the AU [African Union]; that we want to take forward into regional blocs and on a country-to-country basis,” he said.

Improving Municipal infrastructure

On the Adopt-A-Municipality initiative, Macpherson hailed it as an opportunity to improve the coalface of service delivery in South Africa.

The initiative – which is in its pilot phase at three municipalities – paves the way for ISA to work with municipalities to introduce rapid infrastructure interventions and assist with the delivery of infrastructure projects.

The scope of ISA’s work with the three – Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga – based municipalities will include:
- Project preparation and planning;
- Collaboration with municipalities and strategic partners to efficiently package projects and programmes;
- Assisting municipalities in developing robust and bankable business cases to attract funding from both public and private sectors;
- Streamlining approvals, authorisations, licences, and permissions to expedite project implementation and address regulatory bottlenecks that may hinder progress; and
- Implementing effective monitoring mechanisms to track project progress, ensuring accountability and the timely completion of infrastructure developments.
“We know that local government is really battling in the infrastructure space and that’s where communities really feel it the most. We have put together a plan to partner with municipalities over 24 months to have help with their project preparation and to help them deliver in those municipalities about R3.5 billion worth of infrastructure which is really big.

“That is hugely exciting and it came from the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Council in November. [But] it shows that we’re not just talking about things. We’re actually getting them moving and getting them going and I’m looking forward to showing the President those results in 24 months’ time about what the net result of properly planned and prepared infrastructure can be,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

MIL OSI Africa –
May 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Not just talk: how dialogue can help address complex problems

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Ralph Hamann, Professor, University of Cape Town

Societies around the world are confronted with complex problems that defy resolution by any single actor, even well-resourced governments or corporations. Problems like food security, climate change, or biodiversity loss involve a lot of elements and dynamics. A variety of stakeholders need to be involved in creating effective responses to such problems.

The difficulty is not only in creating coordinated responses. There is often also a need to develop a shared understanding of what the problem and its underlying causes actually are.

To foster a shared understanding and coordinated, innovative action, it can help to convene key players in multi-stakeholder dialogue processes.

A first step is to identify and enrol the actors that are either influential in – or directly affected by – the focal problem. These people are then invited to engage in dialogue with each other in a carefully designed, structured process.

Processes can take a variety of forms. But a common feature is that participants have enough time and support to look at the problem from different angles, to interact in ways that break down stereotypes, and to think afresh about new ways of acting.

Fifteen years ago, we were involved in establishing a platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue with a focus on the problem of hunger and food insecurity. It is called the Southern Africa Food Lab. Recently, we analysed the numerous dialogue processes hosted by this initiative over the years to better understand when and how they can make a positive difference.

We found that even though some dialogue processes don’t seem to be obviously successful, they can play an important role in enabling subsequent dialogues to have far-reaching impacts. And for dialogue to have an impact, it needs to involve a “deeper” kind of participant interaction, beyond formal roles, polite facades, and adversarial debate.

What does success look like, and when is it achieved?

Participants and funders are unlikely to remain committed to a dialogue process if they feel it is little more than a series of “talk-shops”. We wanted to achieve tangible changes in government policies and corporate strategies, or collaborative actions that combine resources from different organisations.

Because we had hosted numerous dialogue initiatives over the 15-year lifespan of the Food Lab, in our analysis we were able to compare different processes in terms of their impacts.

We found that some of the dialogue processes – especially the early ones – had relatively limited impacts. Though the participants said they’d gained new insights and formed new relationships, there were few changes in organisational policies or practices.

For example, early on in the initiative, we hosted a dialogue on supporting smallholder farmers. Participants emphasised that they learnt important lessons during this process. During field trips in different parts of the country, they came to appreciate the diverse difficulties encountered by smallholder farmers. And government officials appreciated academics’ analysis of the different kinds of smallholder farmers and corresponding support needs. But these insights and experiences did not yet result in changes in organisational behaviours or strategies.

Other initiatives were more obviously successful in creating new and influential responses to the hunger problem. For example, we convened a second dialogue focused on smallholder farmers 18 months after the first one. It included some of the same participants as the first process, as well as others. This process resulted in more far-reaching changes.

For instance, retail companies agreed to revise their supplier standards so that smallholder farmers’ diverse needs and challenges were better accounted for. Government officials used the dialogue to redesign their agricultural extension services. A farmer training programme was established with links to a more context-sensitive and supportive certification system.

In our analysis, we considered many different explanations for why some dialogue processes were more successful than others. We discovered a pattern: our early dialogue processes were less likely to have impact than subsequent, follow-up dialogues.

The early dialogues played a crucial role, however, in preparing the ground for the subsequent dialogues to be more effective. They helped participants develop the insights and relationships that enabled the deeper engagement necessary to create real changes.

What kind of dialogue is needed?

To create meaningful change, a dialogue needs to move from what we call “shallow” to “deep” dialogue. Shallow dialogue is the more common kind. It is what happens when different people are invited to a workshop and their interactions are shaped by their established views of themselves, the problem at hand, and other actors. Often they hide behind polite facades or blame each other.

Deep dialogue, in contrast, has a distinct flavour and temperament. Participants gain a more multi-faceted understanding of each other. Thabo is not just a government official but also passionate about nature-based farming. John is not just a corporate manager but also volunteers for animal rights.

Participants’ focus shifts from defending their personal views or organisational interests to a more expansive, genuine interest in learning from each other, and to exploring new ways to understand the focal problem and possible responses.

How can this kind of dialogue be achieved?

First, the potential for multi-stakeholder dialogue needs to be carefully assessed and motivated. Participants and funders need to agree that the problem is complex and in need of fresh responses. This rationale needs to be continuously reviewed and communicated to maintain commitment and engagement.

Second, it is important to get the “right people” to participate in the process. This includes actors with influence, such as government officials or leaders. But it also includes people who are most directly affected by the focal problem, not least because they have unique knowledge about it.

Third, convening and facilitating dialogue requires a range of commitments, resources and skills. For a start, as university-based researchers we had some degree of convening power. Participants perceived us to have at least some degree of neutrality. We needed to maintain this perception as much as possible, for example by being careful about what funding to accept. This was important given the controversies in the food security field.

We also had to make sure we had the necessary facilitation competencies. Especially in the early years, we benefited from facilitators who had a lot of experience in this kind of thing. A facilitator needs to be able to make participants feel comfortable but, when necessary, challenge them to move beyond their “comfort zone”.

Finally, it is helpful to recognise the cyclical and longer-term nature of dialogue – earlier processes create the “groundwork” for subsequent ones. This means that, as conveners, we needed to find ways of keeping the initiative alive in the periods in between dialogue processes, even if there was no funding available. In our case, it helped that we were university researchers who did not rely on consulting fees. More generally, conveners and funders should budget for “bridging” resources to enable the longer-term unfolding of dialogue’s true impact.

Rebecca Freeth is a co-author of this article. She is a senior consultant with Reos Partners (Africa office).

– Not just talk: how dialogue can help address complex problems
– https://theconversation.com/not-just-talk-how-dialogue-can-help-address-complex-problems-256825

MIL OSI Africa –

May 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Sugary drinks, processed foods, alcohol and tobacco are big killers: why the G20 should add its weight to health taxes
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Karen Hofman, Professor and Programme Director, SA MRC Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science – PRICELESS SA (Priority Cost Effective Lessons in Systems Strengthening South Africa), University of the Witwatersrand

By 2030, non-communicable diseases will account for 75% of all deaths annually. Eight percent of these will be in the global south. Most of these diseases are what we call silent killers: type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, as well as certain types of cancer at increasingly younger ages.

The consumption of sugary drinks and processed foods high in sugar, salt and saturated fats is fuelling these pandemics. And increasingly advertising is being seen as the means by which the consumption of unhealthy products is promoted. This translates into the growth of non-communicable diseases in populations across the globe. This rising threat is driven largely by the way in which markets and industries are organised, which, in turn, shapes social norms towards consumption of tobacco, alcohol, food and sugary beverages.

This process is what’s known as commercial determinants of health.

Products that top the list in terms of their risk to health are tobacco, sugary beverages, ultra processed food and alcohol.

These products are heavily advertised. For example, in South Africa from 2013 to 2019, sugary beverage manufacturers spent US$191 million (R3.7 billion) to advertise their products. Many of the TV advertisements for sugary drinks were placed during child and family viewing time, between 3pm and 7pm.

Over the past decade a number of countries have introduced policies in a bid to limit the use and intake of harmful food and beverages. These have ranged from taxes on certain products, such as sugar, alcohol and tobacco, to bans on advertising. Many have proved effective. But there are still big gaps in policies to control these harmful products.

As academics who have researched this field for three decades we believe that the G20 can play a significant role in plugging these gaps. The countries under the G20 umbrella, which represent two thirds of the world’s population, have reason to act: all are experiencing a mounting burden of obesity-related illness such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer at ever-younger ages.

One of South Africa’s G20 presidency health priorities is “stemming the tide of non-communicable diseases”. In our view this is an invitation for the G20 to pledge to combat the drivers of non-communicable diseases.

The G20 can acknowledge that these diseases are part of a pathological system in which commercial actors are causing ill health. And G20 leaders can acknowledge that progress enacting health taxes has stagnated in most countries.

By galvanising attention in this way, the G20 can give impetus to a high level United Nations meeting in 2025 at which a new vision for the control and prevention of non-communicable diseases is due to be set. Health taxes and bans on marketing are focus areas.

What stands in the way of progress

Efforts by various countries to curb consumption of these harmful products have shown one thing clearly: there’s no silver bullet.

Nevertheless, evidence shows that consumers are responsive to price. This points to the fact that taxes are a key tool for decreasing demand, especially for young consumers.

Read more: Sugary drinks are a killer: a 20% tax would save lives and rands in South Africa

There is also mounting evidence that health taxes are progressive for health at a population level – in other words they lead to better health outcomes. Research also shows that they scarcely affect overall employment, if at all.

But advances on alcohol and tobacco taxes are slow. And there has been little progress on taxes on sugary beverages.

These taxes remain far too low because health promotion taxes face tough resistance from industry. When any health promotion taxes are proposed, industries deny harms, promote doubt, divert attention, spread disinformation, create front organisations, and varnish their reputations through corporate social responsibility initiatives.

When taxes do proceed through the legislative or regulatory process, industries influence proposals to make them less effective. They also offer to replace legislation with voluntary commitments. Evidence shows that voluntary commitments do not work.

What would be gained

In 2024, a report by a panel of experts showed that US$3.7 trillion in additional revenue could be generated over five years if all countries increased prices of tobacco, alcohol and sugary beverages by 50%.

This money is sorely needed to boost healthcare. Non-communicable diseases disproportionately affect the most poor and vulnerable and healthcare systems are increasingly unable to cope. Screening, diagnosis, medications and treatment are very expensive for both ministries of finance and at the household level, where health needs can result in catastrophic expenditure.

And taxes that generate a 50% increase in real prices of tobacco, alcohol and sugary beverages would save 50 million lives globally over 50 years.

Where to begin

We believe the G20 platform is a sound one on which to champion efforts to curb the consumption of harmful products. This is because half of the countries in the group have one or two policies for food such as taxes on sweetened beverages. Their experiences can therefore inform debates about how to protect the public from the fatal effects of diet-influenced diseases.

But building a solid foundation won’t be easy. What’s needed is for the G20 to put its weight behind these key points:
- Promoting good health before people get sick should be an imperative because the cost of inaction in financial and human terms is just too high.
- Promoting the case for raising tobacco taxes, because tobacco continues to cause the most death and illness. But taxation has stalled. Approximately 90% of smokers live in countries where cigarettes were equally or more affordable in 2022 than they were five years earlier.
- A renewed focus on alcohol taxes, which have shown little improvement in the last decade. Alcohol excise taxes are not being used effectively.
- Fresh impetus behind increasing the level of taxes as a percentage of the cost of sugar sweetened beverages. Evidence suggests that to be effective, taxes on sugar sweetened beverages should increase product prices by at least 20%.
- Champion nutrition regulation when navigating the trade and nutrition policy environment. Trade policies can be inconsistent with health policies.
- Lastly, push for stronger global monitoring frameworks to track corporate accountability in health. This should include clear conflict of interest policies, information management, and exposing when corporations try to shape their own evidence-base or discredit research that would be supportive of public health policies.
– Sugary drinks, processed foods, alcohol and tobacco are big killers: why the G20 should add its weight to health taxes
– https://theconversation.com/sugary-drinks-processed-foods-alcohol-and-tobacco-are-big-killers-why-the-g20-should-add-its-weight-to-health-taxes-256024

MIL OSI Africa –
May 28, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Eel travel around Somerset made easier
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

Eel travel around Somerset made easier

Natural England teams up with Parrett Internal Drainage Board to ease eel travel around the Somerset wetlands ditch network with a dozen new passes.
Somerset is an important destination for glass eels as they arrive in the Severn Estuary in large numbers each spring, swimming inland via the River Brue and River Parrett. Photo credit: Geoff Carss and Vanessa Becker-Hughes

Endangered eels have been given a boost in Somerset thanks to a project to install a dozen passes to helps them move around the extensive ditch network of the Somerset Levels wetlands.

The project, funded by Natural England, is being carried out by the Parrett Internal Drainage Board. Water control structures are essential for maintaining the right water levels for farming and nature, but they are also significant barriers to eel movement. The eel passes act as ladders that allow eels to swim up over weirs and more easily through the rhyne and and ditches and access the habitat they need to survive.

What is a glass eel?

Glass eels are small and translucent young eels which swim to Europe from their breeding grounds in the Sargasso Sea – a journey of 4,000 miles. Here, in Europe’s rivers and wetlands, they mature and grow up to 1m long before making their long return journey back to their breeding grounds.

Over the last 40 years, the number of European eels arriving in Europe has fallen by around 95 per cent. Somerset is an important area for them in England, as they arrive in the Severn Estuary in large numbers each spring, before swimming inland via the River Brue and River Parrett. They are part of the county’s cultural heritage and a key component of the aquatic food chain and ecosystem.

One of the eel passes with a ramp for young eels, called elvers, to reach new areas of their habitat. Photo credit: Phil Brewin

A big threat to the eels is manmade structures in watercourses that act as a barrier, blocking the eels’ movement through the rivers and ditches. This prevents them from moving to the upper reaches of the rivers which they rely on in order to grow and complete their development.

Making the wetlands eel friendly

Now 12 eel passes are being installed as part of the Somerset Coast, Levels and Moors Nature Recovery Project in the North Moor and King’s Sedgemoor areas to help the eels complete their journey. The ramp-like structures are fitted to existing tilting weirs to provide a surface and route that the elvers (the young eels in between the glass and mature stages) can climb to access new areas of their habitat.

Simon Phelps, project lead for Natural England, said:

Eels are a fascinating species and we’re lucky to have them in Somerset.

They need our help to survive, so it has been great to be able to work with the Parrett Internal Drainage Board to deliver some practical actions for them.

We hope to be able to do more of this type of thing in the future, to make the Levels and Moors a more welcoming place for this special creature.

Phil Brewin, drainage board ecologist, said:

With Natural England’s help the drainage board is fitting eel passes to water control structures to help eels to access the extensive ditch network of the Somerset Levels.

Eel is an important species for Somerset and working with local partners and communities to help restore eel populations on the Levels is a priority for the Drainage Board.

This work will continue and, in combination with other conservation actions, we are confident that the decline in eel numbers experienced in recent decades can be reversed.

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Published 27 May 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
May 28, 2025

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Helping Ukrainian communities thrive

Source: Scottish Government

Funding to support local authorities and the third sector.

A funding package to support Ukrainian communities and culture in Scotland to flourish has been announced by Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart.

Funding of over £600,000 will support third sector organisations working to support displaced Ukrainians, including community and cultural activities, while a further £3.5m funding for local authorities and COSLA will support displaced Ukrainians, as well as refugees and people seeking asylum, to settle into communities.

The funding was announced at an event hosted by COSLA, marking a visit to Scotland by a civic delegation of mayors from Ukraine.

Speaking ahead of the event, Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart said:

“Scotland stands in unwavering solidarity with Ukraine, as it has since Russia’s illegal invasion in 2022. More than 28,000 displaced Ukrainians with a Scottish-sponsored visa have arrived in the UK, and we are helping people rebuild their lives here.

“Many of those who left Ukraine shortly after the war outbreak have now been in Scotland for several years, forming thriving Ukrainian communities right across the country. We want those communities to flourish, and this funding will support cultural and social activities and events to strengthen. It will also support services to help people recover from the trauma of fleeing war.

“I’m very pleased to be announcing this funding at the same time as a visit from the Ukrainian rebirth delegation, and I look forward to exploring further opportunities for connection and partnership between Scotland and Ukraine.”

COSLA Community Wellbeing Spokesperson Councillor Maureen Chalmers said:

“COSLA is so very pleased to welcome colleagues from Local Government in Ukraine to Verity House today. We are also delighted to be working with Scottish Government to host this event, coming together to show our commitment across government in Scotland.

“COSLA has expressed full support and solidarity to the Ukrainian people and our peers in local and regional government, standing ready to support those affected and play a very active part in Ukrainian refugee resettlement.

“COSLA welcomes Scottish Government’s announcement of the continuation of £3.4m resettlement funding for Local Authorities for 2025-26. This funding will play an important role in enabling councils’ ongoing work supporting the integration of Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s illegal war, as well as other people seeking protection in this country.

“We are also very grateful for confirmation of continued funding for COSLA to support the work that we do with our member councils and with Scottish Government in relation to the integration of people displaced from Ukraine, as well as others who are seeking sanctuary here and migrants who are at risk of destitution.”

Background

Funding for Ukrainian communities is as follows:

Third sector funding

AUGB Edinburgh	£ 46,786.58
AUGB Glasgow	£ 50,820.07
AUGB Dundee	£ 52,393.35

£150,000

Barnardo’s

£ 50,000

EVOC

£ 65,750

Positive Action in Housing

£ 42,660

The Welcoming

£ 76,500

Ukrainian Community Group South Ayrshire

£ 25,000

Scottish Refugee Council

£ 200,000

Total third sector funding:

£ 609,910

Local authority support
Funding to support local authority resettlement support	£ 3,400,000
Funding for COSLA	£ 175,400

This funding is part of a broader package of funding this financial year, which will support Ukrainians and displaced people from all backgrounds settle into life in Scotland.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 28, 2025

MIL-OSI: Apollo Capital Calls Out MediPharm Chairman Chris Taves (Managing Director, BMO Capital Markets) for Failure to Properly Communicate to Shareholders Details of David Pidduck’s Past as CEO and VP of Marketing for OxyContin® Manufacturer Purdue Pharma

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Opioid-Pusher Pidduck, Chairman Chris Taves and the Current MediPharm Board Have Presided Over $1 Billion in Shareholder Value Destruction while funneling $5,587,059 of the Shareholders’ Money Directly into Pidduck’s Pocket

Apollo Capital’s Six Director Nominees Are Committed to Restoring Transparency and Value to MediPharm’s Shareholders

URGES SHAREHOLDERS TO DISREGARD MEDIPHARM LABS’ GREEN PROXY CARD AND VOTE THE GOLD PROXY CARD “FOR” APOLLO CAPITAL’S SIX DIRECTOR NOMINEES

TORONTO, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apollo Technology Capital Corporation (“Apollo Capital”), which together with its affiliates and associates collectively is one of the largest shareholders of MediPharm Labs Corp. (TSX: LABS) (OTCQB: MEDIF) (FSE: MLZ) (“MediPharm”, “MediPharm Labs”, or the “Company”), owning approximately 3% of the Company’s common stock, today issued a statement regarding CEO David Pidduck’s background as former CEO & President of Purdue Pharma Canada (“Purdue Pharma”).

Fellow shareholders deserve to know the truth regarding CEO David Pidduck. As stewards of a publicly traded company, MediPharm’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) have a responsibility to uphold transparency, accountability, and good governance. The current Board, which has overseen $1 billion of shareholder value destruction, and which has presided over an eye-watering 99% share price decline, is focused on downplaying Mr. Pidduck’s past, rather than its responsibilities to shareholders. Indeed, there was absolutely no reference to Pidduck’s role at Purdue Pharma, or of Purdue Pharma’s culpability in creating the opioid epidemic, in the Company’s press release announcing Mr. Pidduck’s appointment as CEO.

Let’s look at the facts:

From 2014 until December 2021, David Pidduck served as VP of Marketing, and then CEO & President of Purdue Pharma.

As reported in the Globe and Mail, “More than 34,000 Canadians have died from opioids between January 2016, and September 2022, according to federal government data.”¹

In 2017, Purdue Canada agreed to pay $20 million to settle a class-action lawsuit involving allegations about how its pain pills were over-marketed, with the suit claiming that Purdue Pharma had engaged in deceitful marketing practices. In an interview with the CBC, Dr. David Juurlink, a drug safety researcher at the University of Toronto posited that, “the fair question that might be asked is did Purdue engage in questionable or even illegal activities in the marketing of OxyContin® in Canada.”²

In 2020, Purdue Pharma’s U.S. entity pleaded guilty to three criminal charges over the handling of its painkiller OxyContin®, including conspiring to defraud officials and paying illegal kickbacks to doctors in a bid to keep prescriptions flowing.³

In 2022, it was announced that Purdue Pharma agreed to pay a $150 million settlement in a proposed class action launched in 2018 on behalf of all provincial, territorial and federal governments, alleging that opioid manufacturers and distributors engaged in deceptive marketing practices that amplified addiction, destroying countless lives and killing of thousands of people. This remains the largest settlement of a governmental health claim in Canadian history.⁴

Apollo Capital asks its fellow Shareholders – do you feel like Medipharm Chairman Chris Taves fulfilled his fiduciary duty, and even his moral duty to you, to make you aware of Opioid- Pusher Pidduck’s past with Purdue Pharma when he hired him as the CEO to steward your investments?

Apollo Capital asks its fellow Shareholders – do you feel like Medipharm Chairman Chris Taves properly represented Pidduck’s past to you when he asked you on multiple occasions to vote on Opioid-Pusher Pidduck’s outrageous and off-market compensation package?

Apollo asks its fellow Shareholders – do you feel like the details of Pidduck’s very recent past were MATERIAL facts that Medipharm Chairman Chris Taves should have made crystal clear to you so that you could have made a more informed decision before voting for nearly SIX MILLION DOLLARS of YOUR money to end up in Opioid-Pusher Pidduck’s pocket?

While Shareholders have suffered immense losses with no path to stop the bleeding, Mr. Pidduck has benefited from the Board’s largesse with an excessive and off-market compensation package that has funneled $5,587,059 of Shareholders’ money directly to Pidduck, despite MediPharm’s share price plummeting nearly to zero.

Shareholders should demand accountability from the Board at the 2025 Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders on June 16, 2025. Apollo Capital has nominated six highly qualified individuals; namely, Regan McGee, Scott Walters, David Lontini, Demetrios Mallios, John Fowler and Alan D. Lewis (the “Apollo Nominees”) to replace the incumbents and hold the Board accountable for destroying one billion dollars of shareholder value, enriching themselves at your expense, and enabling a CEO whose actions have driven operational and strategic failure and arguably much, much worse.

___________

The opioid crisis continues to be devastating for people across the country in terms of lives lost, families torn apart and the impact on our health care frontline staff.

Victims who before February 28, 2017 were prescribed in Canada and ingested OxyContin® tablets and/or OxyNEO® tablets, can visit https://oxycontinclassactionsettlement.com/ for more information.

__________

MediPharm Labs Shareholders can visit www.CureMediPharm.com, to sign up for important campaign updates.

To access Apollo Capital’s Circular and related proxy materials, including a proxy or voting instruction form, visit SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Contacts

For Shareholders:
Carson Proxy
North American Toll-Free Phone: 1-800-530-5189
Local or Text Message: 416-751-2066 (collect calls accepted)
E: info@carsonproxy.com

For Media:
CureMediPharm@gasthalter.com

Legal Disclosures

Information in Support of Public Broadcast Exemption under Canadian Law

In connection with the Annual Meeting, Apollo Capital has filed an amended and restated dissident information circular (the “Circular”) in compliance with applicable corporate and securities laws. Apollo Capital has provided in, or incorporated by reference into, this press release the disclosure required under section 9.2(4) of NI 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Obligations (“NI 51-102”) and the corresponding exemption under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario), and has filed the Circular, available under MediPharm’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Circular contains disclosure prescribed by applicable corporate law and disclosure required under section 9.2(6) of NI 51-102 in respect of Apollo Capital’s director nominees, in accordance with corporate and securities laws applicable to public broadcast solicitations. The Circular is hereby incorporated by reference into this press release and is available under MediPharm’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The registered office of the Company is 151 John Street, Barrie, Ontario, Canada L4N 2L1.

SHAREHOLDERS OF MEDIPHARM ARE URGED TO READ THE CIRCULAR CAREFULLY BECAUSE IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and shareholders are able to obtain free copies of the Circular and any amendments or supplements thereto and further proxy circulars at no charge under MediPharm’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. In addition, shareholders are also able to obtain free copies of the Circular and other relevant documents by contacting Apollo Capital’s proxy solicitor, Carson Proxy Advisors Ltd. (“Carson Proxy”) at 1-800-530-5189, local (collect outside North America): 416-751-2066 or by email at info@carsonproxy.com.

Proxies may be revoked in accordance with subsection 110(4) of the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) by a registered shareholder of Company shares: (a) by completing and signing a valid proxy bearing a later date and returning it in accordance with the instructions contained in the accompanying form of proxy; (b) by depositing an instrument in writing executed by the shareholder or by the shareholder’s attorney authorized in writing; (c) by transmitting by telephonic or electronic means a revocation that is signed by electronic signature in accordance with applicable law, as the case may be: (i) at the registered office of the Company at any time up to and including the last business day preceding the day the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting is to be held, or (ii) with the chair of the Annual Meeting on the day of the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting; or (d) in any other manner permitted by law. In addition, proxies may be revoked by a non-registered holder of Company shares at any time by written notice to the intermediary in accordance with the instructions given to the non-registered holder by its intermediary. It should be noted that revocation of proxies or voting instructions by a non-registered holder can take several days or even longer to complete and, accordingly, any such revocation should be completed well in advance of the deadline prescribed in the form of proxy or voting instruction form to ensure it is given effect in respect of the Annual Meeting.

The costs incurred in the preparation and mailing of any circular or proxy solicitation by Apollo Capital and any other participants named herein will be borne directly and indirectly by Apollo Capital. However, to the extent permitted under applicable law, Apollo Capital intends to seek reimbursement from the Company of all expenses incurred in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the election of its director nominees at the Annual Meeting.

This press release and any solicitation made by Apollo Capital is, or will be, as applicable, made by such parties, and not by or on behalf of the management of the Company. Proxies may be solicited by proxy circular, mail, telephone, email or other electronic means, as well as by newspaper or other media advertising and in person by managers, directors, officers and employees of Apollo Capital who will not be specifically remunerated therefor. In addition, Apollo Capital may solicit proxies by way of public broadcast, including press release, speech or publication and any other manner permitted under applicable Canadian laws, and may engage the services of one or more agents and authorize other persons to assist it in soliciting proxies on their behalf.

Apollo Capital has entered into an agreement with Carson Proxy Advisors (“Carson Proxy”) for solicitation and advisory services in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the Meeting, for which Carson Proxy will receive a fee not to exceed $250,000, together with reimbursement for reasonable and out-of-pocket expenses. Apollo Capital has also engaged Gasthalter & Co. LP (“G&Co”) to act as communications consultant to provide Apollo Capital with certain communications, public relations and related services, for which G&Co will receive a minimum fee of US$75,000 in addition to a performance fee of US$250,000 in the event that Apollo Capital’s nominees make up a majority of the Board following the Annual Meeting, plus excess fees, related costs and expenses.

No member of Apollo Capital nor any of their associates or affiliates has or has had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction since the beginning of the Company’s last completed financial year or in any proposed transaction that has materially affected or will or would materially affect the Company or any of the Company’s affiliates. No member of Apollo Capital nor any of their associates or affiliates has any material interest, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial ownership of securities or otherwise, in any matter to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting, other than setting the number of directors, the election of directors, the appointment of auditors and the approval of the ordinary resolution approving, among other things, the Company’s amended and restated equity incentive plan dated May 8, 2025 and the unallocated awards available thereunder.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward‐looking statements. All statements contained in this filing that are not clearly historical in nature or that necessarily depend on future events are forward‐looking, and the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “plan,” and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward‐looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of Apollo Capital and currently available information. They are not guarantees of future performance, involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, and are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. All forward-looking statements contained herein are made only as of the date hereof and Apollo Capital disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that subsequently occur, or of which Apollo Capital hereafter becomes aware, except as required by applicable law.

Hashtags: #ShareholderActivism #CorporateGovernance #InvestorProtection #Investor Alert #Investor Fraud #FinancialRegulation #CorporateCrime #FinancialCrime #HomelandSecurity #DHS #OpioidCrisis #OpioidEpidemic #OpioidLitigation #OpioidVictims #BMO #DEA #ONDCP

__________________________________________________
_{¹ Source: The Globe and Mail, “McKinsey pitched Purdue Pharma Canada on plan to boost opioid sales in 2014, memo reveals”, 6/19/2023, https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-mckinsey-opioid-lawsuit-purdue-pharma/.}
_{² Source: CBC, “OxyContin maker agrees to $20M settlement in Canadian class-action case”, 5/1/2017, https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/oxycontin-class-action-1.4093781
³ Source: U.S. Department of Justice, “Opioid Manufacturer Purdue Pharma Pleads Guilty to Fraud and Kickback Conspiracies”, 11/24/2020, https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/opioid-manufacturer-purdue-pharma-pleads-guilty-fraud-and-kickback-conspiracies
⁴ Source: Ontario Minitstry of the Attorney General, Opioid Damages Settlement Secured with Purdue Pharma (Canada), 6/29/2022, https://news.ontario.ca/en/bulletin/1002169/opioid-damages-settlement-secured-with-purdue-pharma-canada}

The MIL Network –

May 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Adriana D Kugler: Commencement remarks

Source: Bank for International Settlements

Thank you, Stefano, and before I say anything else, congratulations to the Class of 2025!¹ My family is here today, so let me acknowledge my husband Ignacio, my daughter Miri, my son Danny, and my parents who are watching from elsewhere. I start with family because I know it takes a village! So, I want to acknowledge the enormous accomplishment by the graduates and also by their families and friends who supported them through this journey. Let’s give all of them a big round of applause! I also want to thank the leaders of Berkeley’s economics program for giving me the privilege of returning here, as a graduate of this program, to be a part of what is, in fact, my very first economics commencement ceremony here at Berkeley.

On a similar spring afternoon in 1997, when my classmates were walking across this stage, I was across the country, hurrying to finish my dissertation at the Brookings Institution and preparing to start my first job as an economist. I would have loved to be here, as you are, and I praise you for taking the time to share with your classmates, friends, and family this moment of recognition for the huge achievement today represents. But somehow, at the time of my graduation, I felt the need to get on with earning a living and moving forward with my life, as I am sure many of you are eager to do also.

So, you can understand that this is a very special-and also a little strange- moment for me because it feels, in a way, like I am celebrating my own graduation 28 years later! I think it is also an unusual situation for all of you to listen to this speaker who was once where you are today. It is unusual because standing at this podium now is not just the person I have become in the decades since leaving Berkeley. Standing beside me, very close by today, is also the young woman I was in 1997, who was too busy to attend her own graduation. You will be hearing at times from both of us today, and we may even exchange a few words with each other.

This sounds a little like that Aubrey Plaza movie you may have seen last year, in which a young woman gets advice from her older self. Unfortunately, unlike Aubrey Plaza’s character, I cannot help my younger version through the many challenges that she will face, and let me tell you, there were many challenges indeed, and yet here I am! Nevertheless, because of my proximity, today, to that younger self, I hope I can see the world a little more through your eyes, when I try to offer some words of wisdom. I know, I know, commencement speakers are expected to provide wisdom and advice. But really, today, I would like to mainly tell you that the wisdom and also the conviction of my younger self are what allowed me to navigate the challenges along the way. So, trust yourselves!

As I have indicated, the younger version of me was quite impatient to get her professional life started and try to make a mark in the world. The older me would say, “Take your time, figure out who you are, who you will become! Life is long, and among other things, life teaches you to have patience to work for big goals.” There is merit to this advice, of course, but today I am thinking about how I felt when I was in your shoes, and I am thinking that one of the underappreciated gifts of younger people is, in fact, impatience. I will say more about this, but if you take a look around at all the many urgent challenges we face here in the U.S. and the world, many of which depend on the powerful tool of economics and its potential to make people’s lives better, then I would certainly say that some impatience is, indeed, very much what we need.

I speak of economics as a tool because that is all that it is. It is not a philosophy, a value system, or a religion, although I acknowledge that some in our profession might treat it that way. Economics can’t answer all the questions we face in our lives. Economics can’t tell us how to treat each other, or what kind of world we should strive to create, but it is a means to those ends.

And even the answers that economics can provide are always evolving, as our understanding of economic behavior and phenomena evolves. What we understand in economics has evolved in the years since I left Berkeley, and it will continue to evolve. While this understanding does change over time, I think of it as changing like the California landscape changes. Some towns and cities grow, some decline, and there is the occasional earthquake to shake things up. But the landmarks that guide us in economics-the Golden Gate, the Sierra Nevada-they have been standing for a while now, and I believe they will continue to stand for a long time to come.

Using these landmarks, these foundational and time-tested insights, economics can indeed be a powerful tool. But it is a tool, only to the extent, like any other tool, that it is useful. A brilliant insight, if not applied, or tested, or employed for some useful purpose, is like the gadget you pick up at the hardware store and never use. It is just taking up space in the toolbox. When economics reveals how to use resources efficiently, how to raise production and income and lower costs, these insights are only useful if they are applied-if they win in the marketplace of ideas.

As you embark on your careers as economists, and the myriad ways in which you can employ the knowledge and skills you have acquired, one cause that I hope you all will embrace is actively participating in this marketplace of ideas. I hope you do, because, from the level of the individual household to the loftiest decisions of business leaders and government, employing the foundational insights of economics is the difference between prosperity and the utterly avoidable lack of prosperity.

It is tempting to think that time-tested and broadly accepted ideas are permanent. In fact, the debate has never ended on many foundational ideas of economics, some of which can seem counterintuitive to people. These are ideas that must be fought for, because, as I said, to lose that fight is to go backward and accept less prosperity.

Among the aspirations that each of you hold as you leave the Greek theater today, I hope that you will use what you have learned at Berkeley to be part of this fight. I would go further and argue that, along with the diplomas that you are receiving today, you will also carry with you a special responsibility to promote these principles and use them to promote greater prosperity for all. I am not shy in saying that economists have such a responsibility, nor in saying that the learning you have acquired qualifies you to be an active participant in these debates. I believe your expertise matters, because, in the cacophony of opinions, and trolling, and disinformation that seems to crowd ever more into the marketplace of ideas each year, I cling to the idea that expertise still matters. In his book The Constitution of Knowledge: A Defense of Truth, Jonathan Rauch argues that, just as important as America’s written Constitution is an unwritten one, based on a widespread agreement on what is true and what is not true. Knowledge, he writes, as it is added to and preserved over time, is a special glue, that Gorilla clear and precise super glue, that helps to hold society together and settle many conflicts. Expertise matters as the basis for that knowledge. When your expertise as economists is absent, when your voices are absent from the debate, knowledge suffers, and we are all poorer because of it.

Let me pause for a moment because I am hearing from my younger self just now that these commencement remarks are maybe getting a little heavy. I can understand how she feels. Think about how things looked in 1997. The Cold War was over! The tech boom was just taking off, which meant that Oakland was still affordable. Honestly, in hindsight life back then sounds a lot less complicated than it seems today. My first job was at Pompeu Fabra University in Spain, and my second was at a large public university, the University of Houston. I had some research ideas, mostly in the area of labor economics, and I found some great collaborators, and I was off to the races. Today, I realize that colleges and universities are facing challenges like never before, which means that the prospect of trying to make a career in academia is much less certain.

Public service is another traditional destination for economists, and I have been very fortunate to be able to move forward in my career as an academic, while taking time out on three occasions to work in Washington-as chief economist at the Department of Labor, as the U.S. executive director at the World Bank, and now as a governor at the Federal Reserve Board. By contrast, it is, of course, to put it mildly, a very challenging time to be thinking about starting a career in public service, at least at the federal level.

I can stand here today and lament the new challenges faced by you and by many others in the Class of 2025. I am a mom, and my kids are also facing new circumstances. But I also look back sometimes and wonder how I got here. And this is another case where I believe the 27-year-old me had more wisdom than I do. If she were crossing this stage today, with you, facing these undeniable challenges, I do not think she would be discouraged. She would stubbornly say: “I love economic research; I will find a way to become an academic.” If you told her about the challenges facing colleges and universities, she would say that it is simply unthinkable that America would not support the greatest post-secondary educational system in the world. And if you told her that a pendulum swing in opinion might limit opportunities in public service, she might say: “If the purpose of life is helping others, (and I think it is) then public service will be valued, and it is something I must do, and that I will do.”

I think if you had told the 27-year-old me that she could not achieve these things, which she dreamed of, she would stubbornly refuse to accept it. And of course, this is the way that humankind eventually solves most big problems. More than anything else, it is stubborn determination, which I hope is in good supply among you already, and which I encourage you to cultivate. You have already, of course, one of the greatest assets that anyone can have to make a career in economics, which is an education from one of the greatest universities in the world-the University of California, Berkeley. When I attended here, I had the privilege of taking classes with four winners of the Nobel Prize, and many people tell me that, if anything, the faculty is even stronger today. In my recent work at the Fed, I have had occasion to cite research by six current faculty members in public speeches. You have learned from the best, and with your energy, expertise, impatience, and stubborn determination, I know that nothing will stop you! Whatever you choose to do, I hope you will make use of what you have learned at Berkeley to be an active part of that marketplace of ideas. Go forth from here and make the world a brighter and better place. Go seize the day as you head out Sather Gate! Congratulations, again, Class of 2025, and thank you.

MIL OSI Economics –

May 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Not just talk: how dialogue can help address complex problems

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Ralph Hamann, Professor, University of Cape Town

Societies around the world are confronted with complex problems that defy resolution by any single actor, even well-resourced governments or corporations. Problems like food security, climate change, or biodiversity loss involve a lot of elements and dynamics. A variety of stakeholders need to be involved in creating effective responses to such problems.

The difficulty is not only in creating coordinated responses. There is often also a need to develop a shared understanding of what the problem and its underlying causes actually are.

To foster a shared understanding and coordinated, innovative action, it can help to convene key players in multi-stakeholder dialogue processes.

A first step is to identify and enrol the actors that are either influential in – or directly affected by – the focal problem. These people are then invited to engage in dialogue with each other in a carefully designed, structured process.

Processes can take a variety of forms. But a common feature is that participants have enough time and support to look at the problem from different angles, to interact in ways that break down stereotypes, and to think afresh about new ways of acting.

Fifteen years ago, we were involved in establishing a platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue with a focus on the problem of hunger and food insecurity. It is called the Southern Africa Food Lab. Recently, we analysed the numerous dialogue processes hosted by this initiative over the years to better understand when and how they can make a positive difference.

We found that even though some dialogue processes don’t seem to be obviously successful, they can play an important role in enabling subsequent dialogues to have far-reaching impacts. And for dialogue to have an impact, it needs to involve a “deeper” kind of participant interaction, beyond formal roles, polite facades, and adversarial debate.

What does success look like, and when is it achieved?

Participants and funders are unlikely to remain committed to a dialogue process if they feel it is little more than a series of “talk-shops”. We wanted to achieve tangible changes in government policies and corporate strategies, or collaborative actions that combine resources from different organisations.

Because we had hosted numerous dialogue initiatives over the 15-year lifespan of the Food Lab, in our analysis we were able to compare different processes in terms of their impacts.

We found that some of the dialogue processes – especially the early ones – had relatively limited impacts. Though the participants said they’d gained new insights and formed new relationships, there were few changes in organisational policies or practices.

For example, early on in the initiative, we hosted a dialogue on supporting smallholder farmers. Participants emphasised that they learnt important lessons during this process. During field trips in different parts of the country, they came to appreciate the diverse difficulties encountered by smallholder farmers. And government officials appreciated academics’ analysis of the different kinds of smallholder farmers and corresponding support needs. But these insights and experiences did not yet result in changes in organisational behaviours or strategies.

Other initiatives were more obviously successful in creating new and influential responses to the hunger problem. For example, we convened a second dialogue focused on smallholder farmers 18 months after the first one. It included some of the same participants as the first process, as well as others. This process resulted in more far-reaching changes.

For instance, retail companies agreed to revise their supplier standards so that smallholder farmers’ diverse needs and challenges were better accounted for. Government officials used the dialogue to redesign their agricultural extension services. A farmer training programme was established with links to a more context-sensitive and supportive certification system.

In our analysis, we considered many different explanations for why some dialogue processes were more successful than others. We discovered a pattern: our early dialogue processes were less likely to have impact than subsequent, follow-up dialogues.

The early dialogues played a crucial role, however, in preparing the ground for the subsequent dialogues to be more effective. They helped participants develop the insights and relationships that enabled the deeper engagement necessary to create real changes.

What kind of dialogue is needed?

To create meaningful change, a dialogue needs to move from what we call “shallow” to “deep” dialogue. Shallow dialogue is the more common kind. It is what happens when different people are invited to a workshop and their interactions are shaped by their established views of themselves, the problem at hand, and other actors. Often they hide behind polite facades or blame each other.

Deep dialogue, in contrast, has a distinct flavour and temperament. Participants gain a more multi-faceted understanding of each other. Thabo is not just a government official but also passionate about nature-based farming. John is not just a corporate manager but also volunteers for animal rights.

Participants’ focus shifts from defending their personal views or organisational interests to a more expansive, genuine interest in learning from each other, and to exploring new ways to understand the focal problem and possible responses.

How can this kind of dialogue be achieved?

First, the potential for multi-stakeholder dialogue needs to be carefully assessed and motivated. Participants and funders need to agree that the problem is complex and in need of fresh responses. This rationale needs to be continuously reviewed and communicated to maintain commitment and engagement.

Second, it is important to get the “right people” to participate in the process. This includes actors with influence, such as government officials or leaders. But it also includes people who are most directly affected by the focal problem, not least because they have unique knowledge about it.

Third, convening and facilitating dialogue requires a range of commitments, resources and skills. For a start, as university-based researchers we had some degree of convening power. Participants perceived us to have at least some degree of neutrality. We needed to maintain this perception as much as possible, for example by being careful about what funding to accept. This was important given the controversies in the food security field.

We also had to make sure we had the necessary facilitation competencies. Especially in the early years, we benefited from facilitators who had a lot of experience in this kind of thing. A facilitator needs to be able to make participants feel comfortable but, when necessary, challenge them to move beyond their “comfort zone”.

Finally, it is helpful to recognise the cyclical and longer-term nature of dialogue – earlier processes create the “groundwork” for subsequent ones. This means that, as conveners, we needed to find ways of keeping the initiative alive in the periods in between dialogue processes, even if there was no funding available. In our case, it helped that we were university researchers who did not rely on consulting fees. More generally, conveners and funders should budget for “bridging” resources to enable the longer-term unfolding of dialogue’s true impact.

Rebecca Freeth is a co-author of this article. She is a senior consultant with Reos Partners (Africa office).

Ralph Hamann’s work with the Southern Africa Food Lab has benefited from funding from the African Climate and Development Institute, the University of Cape Town, and the National Research Foundation. The Food Lab’s funders are listed on its website.

Scott Drimie co-directs the Southern Africa Food Lab.

Warren Nilsson is affiliated with the University of Vermont and the Institute for Collective Wellbeing.

– ref. Not just talk: how dialogue can help address complex problems – https://theconversation.com/not-just-talk-how-dialogue-can-help-address-complex-problems-256825

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Sugary drinks, processed foods, alcohol and tobacco are big killers: why the G20 should add its weight to health taxes
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Karen Hofman, Professor and Programme Director, SA MRC Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science – PRICELESS SA (Priority Cost Effective Lessons in Systems Strengthening South Africa), University of the Witwatersrand

By 2030, non-communicable diseases will account for 75% of all deaths annually. Eight percent of these will be in the global south. Most of these diseases are what we call silent killers: type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, as well as certain types of cancer at increasingly younger ages.

The consumption of sugary drinks and processed foods high in sugar, salt and saturated fats is fuelling these pandemics. And increasingly advertising is being seen as the means by which the consumption of unhealthy products is promoted. This translates into the growth of non-communicable diseases in populations across the globe. This rising threat is driven largely by the way in which markets and industries are organised, which, in turn, shapes social norms towards consumption of tobacco, alcohol, food and sugary beverages.

This process is what’s known as commercial determinants of health.

Products that top the list in terms of their risk to health are tobacco, sugary beverages, ultra processed food and alcohol.

These products are heavily advertised. For example, in South Africa from 2013 to 2019, sugary beverage manufacturers spent US$191 million (R3.7 billion) to advertise their products. Many of the TV advertisements for sugary drinks were placed during child and family viewing time, between 3pm and 7pm.

Over the past decade a number of countries have introduced policies in a bid to limit the use and intake of harmful food and beverages. These have ranged from taxes on certain products, such as sugar, alcohol and tobacco, to bans on advertising. Many have proved effective. But there are still big gaps in policies to control these harmful products.

As academics who have researched this field for three decades we believe that the G20 can play a significant role in plugging these gaps. The countries under the G20 umbrella, which represent two thirds of the world’s population, have reason to act: all are experiencing a mounting burden of obesity-related illness such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer at ever-younger ages.

One of South Africa’s G20 presidency health priorities is “stemming the tide of non-communicable diseases”. In our view this is an invitation for the G20 to pledge to combat the drivers of non-communicable diseases.

The G20 can acknowledge that these diseases are part of a pathological system in which commercial actors are causing ill health. And G20 leaders can acknowledge that progress enacting health taxes has stagnated in most countries.

By galvanising attention in this way, the G20 can give impetus to a high level United Nations meeting in 2025 at which a new vision for the control and prevention of non-communicable diseases is due to be set. Health taxes and bans on marketing are focus areas.

What stands in the way of progress

Efforts by various countries to curb consumption of these harmful products have shown one thing clearly: there’s no silver bullet.

Nevertheless, evidence shows that consumers are responsive to price. This points to the fact that taxes are a key tool for decreasing demand, especially for young consumers.

Read more:
Sugary drinks are a killer: a 20% tax would save lives and rands in South Africa

There is also mounting evidence that health taxes are progressive for health at a population level – in other words they lead to better health outcomes. Research also shows that they scarcely affect overall employment, if at all.

But advances on alcohol and tobacco taxes are slow. And there has been little progress on taxes on sugary beverages.

These taxes remain far too low because health promotion taxes face tough resistance from industry. When any health promotion taxes are proposed, industries deny harms, promote doubt, divert attention, spread disinformation, create front organisations, and varnish their reputations through corporate social responsibility initiatives.

When taxes do proceed through the legislative or regulatory process, industries influence proposals to make them less effective. They also offer to replace legislation with voluntary commitments. Evidence shows that voluntary commitments do not work.

What would be gained

In 2024, a report by a panel of experts showed that US$3.7 trillion in additional revenue could be generated over five years if all countries increased prices of tobacco, alcohol and sugary beverages by 50%.

This money is sorely needed to boost healthcare. Non-communicable diseases disproportionately affect the most poor and vulnerable and healthcare systems are increasingly unable to cope. Screening, diagnosis, medications and treatment are very expensive for both ministries of finance and at the household level, where health needs can result in catastrophic expenditure.

And taxes that generate a 50% increase in real prices of tobacco, alcohol and sugary beverages would save 50 million lives globally over 50 years.

Where to begin

We believe the G20 platform is a sound one on which to champion efforts to curb the consumption of harmful products. This is because half of the countries in the group have one or two policies for food such as taxes on sweetened beverages. Their experiences can therefore inform debates about how to protect the public from the fatal effects of diet-influenced diseases.

But building a solid foundation won’t be easy. What’s needed is for the G20 to put its weight behind these key points:
- Promoting good health before people get sick should be an imperative because the cost of inaction in financial and human terms is just too high.
- Promoting the case for raising tobacco taxes, because tobacco continues to cause the most death and illness. But taxation has stalled. Approximately 90% of smokers live in countries where cigarettes were equally or more affordable in 2022 than they were five years earlier.
- A renewed focus on alcohol taxes, which have shown little improvement in the last decade. Alcohol excise taxes are not being used effectively.
- Fresh impetus behind increasing the level of taxes as a percentage of the cost of sugar sweetened beverages. Evidence suggests that to be effective, taxes on sugar sweetened beverages should increase product prices by at least 20%.
- Champion nutrition regulation when navigating the trade and nutrition policy environment. Trade policies can be inconsistent with health policies.
- Lastly, push for stronger global monitoring frameworks to track corporate accountability in health. This should include clear conflict of interest policies, information management, and exposing when corporations try to shape their own evidence-base or discredit research that would be supportive of public health policies.
Susan Goldstein receives funding from the SAMRC, the NIHR and UNICEF. She is a Board Member of the Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance: South Africa,

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

– ref. Sugary drinks, processed foods, alcohol and tobacco are big killers: why the G20 should add its weight to health taxes – https://theconversation.com/sugary-drinks-processed-foods-alcohol-and-tobacco-are-big-killers-why-the-g20-should-add-its-weight-to-health-taxes-256024
MIL OSI – Global Reports –
May 28, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: This year’s Jersey Opinions and Lifestyle Survey launched27 May 2025 This year’s Jersey Opinions and Lifestyle Survey has been launched. Statistics Jersey run the survey every year to understand Islanders’ experiences and views, helping the government to plan and deliver… Read more

Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

27 May 2025

This year’s Jersey Opinions and Lifestyle Survey has been launched. Statistics Jersey run the survey every year to understand Islanders’ experiences and views, helping the government to plan and deliver public services.

This year’s survey covers important topics that affect us all such as the cost of living, wellbeing and health.

4,200 randomly selected households have either received or will receive an invitation in the post to take part in the online survey.

The survey is easy to complete online on a range of devices, including smartphones, tablets and laptops. The responses are completely confidential and are only used to produce grouped statistics.

To make sure there is a good mix of ages responding, the survey asks the person in the household who has their birthday next, and is aged 16 or over, to complete the survey.

Chief Statistician Ian Cope commented: “This survey is an invaluable source of information to help us understand Islanders’ experiences and opinions. I’d really encourage everyone who receives the survey to take part. Take this opportunity to have your say and help us understand life from your perspective.

“I would like to reassure everyone that all responses to the survey are anonymous and protected by law.”

Anyone selected to take part has until 20 June to complete the survey. Anyone who receives an invitation to take part who would prefer to complete a paper copy can request one using the phone number on their letter.

The results of the survey will be published later this year. Previous questionnaires and reports can be found here: Jersey opinions and lifestyle survey (JOLS) | Statistics Jersey.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Manchester Man Sentenced for Defrauding State and Federal Taxpayers of Nearly $300,000 in Pandemic Relief Funds

Source: US FBI

CONCORD – A Manchester man was sentenced for his involvement in a scheme to fraudulently obtain CARES Act funds from the United States government and the State of New York, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

Kyereem Sackey, age 25, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Landya McCafferty to 18 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release. Sackey was also ordered to make restitution in the amount of $295,167. In January 2025, Sackey pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of bank fraud.

“The defendant exploited a national crisis for personal gain,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. “He stole nearly $300k in pandemic relief funds that were meant to support struggling families and small businesses. This office will continue to investigate and prosecute those who stole from the government during the pandemic and intentionally depleted the public fisc for personal profit.”

“While the entire world was focused on dealing with a pandemic, Kyereem Sackey was selfishly focused on exploiting programs designed to help people struggling financially to instead enrich himself,” said Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “With today’s sentence, Mr. Sackey has been held accountable for cheating taxpayers, and the FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and bring to justice those who have committed similar crimes.”

“Kyereem Sackey and his co-defendants engaged in a scheme to fraudulently obtain New York Department of Labor pandemic-related unemployment insurance benefits and Small Business Administration Payroll Protection Program loans. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who seek to exploit these critical benefit programs,” said Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent-in-Charge, Northeast Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.

According to the court documents and statements made in court, Sackey used social media to conspire with others to file false and fraudulent unemployment insurance claims. Sackey filed unemployment insurance claims in the State of New York on behalf of a co-defendant, which he was not entitled to. When the money was deposited into the co-defendant’s bank account, a portion of the money was sent to Sackey and another co-defendant. Sackey and his co-defendants filed approximately $50,000 in fraudulent unemployment insurance claims. In addition to the claim made on behalf of his co-defendant, Sackey filed claims on behalf of a dozen individuals as well as himself resulting in more than $250,000 in fraudulent unemployment benefits to be paid by the State of New York.

Sackey also used a co-defendant’s information to apply for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans using a false and fraudulent business that did not exist. Sackey provided the bank with false documents, including fabricated tax documents. Court records show that Sackey fraudulently applied for and obtained more than $30,000 in PPP loans.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Kennedy is prosecuting the case.

###

MIL Security OSI –

May 28, 2025
Income Tax Department extends date for filing ITRs from July 31 to Sep 15

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

The Income Tax Department on Tuesday extended the due date for filing income tax returns for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26) from July 31 to September 15.

“In view of the extensive changes introduced in the notified ITRs and considering the time required for system readiness and rollout of Income Tax Return (ITR) utilities for Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26,” the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) announced in a statement on Tuesday.

This extension is expected to address concerns raised by stakeholders and provide adequate time for compliance, thereby ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the return filing process, the statement added.

The notified ITRs for AY 2025-26 have undergone structural and content revisions aimed at simplifying compliance, enhancing transparency, and enabling accurate reporting. These changes have necessitated additional time for system development, integration, and testing of the corresponding utilities.

Furthermore, credits arising from TDS statements—due for filing by May 31—are expected to begin reflecting in early June, effectively limiting the filing window without such an extension.

Accordingly, to facilitate a smooth and convenient filing experience for taxpayers, the due date for filing ITRs, originally July 31, has been extended to September 15. A formal notification to this effect will be issued separately, the statement said.

The CBDT notified income tax return forms ITR-1 and ITR-4 for FY 2024-25 and AY 2025-26 on April 30. Returns for income earned during the financial year from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, must be filed using the new forms.

A major change in the ITR forms this year is that ITR-1 (SAHAJ) can now be used to report long-term capital gains (LTCG) under Section 112A, provided the LTCG does not exceed ₹1.25 lakh and the assessee has no capital losses to carry forward or set off.

Earlier, ITR-1 did not include provisions to report capital gains tax. This year, taxpayers who have long-term capital gains from the sale of listed equity shares and equity-oriented mutual funds can file their returns using ITR-1.

However, ITR-1 cannot be used by taxpayers who have capital gains from the sale of house property or short-term capital gains from listed equity and equity mutual funds.

The notification also stipulates that taxpayers who opted out of the new income tax regime in AY 2024–25 must declare and indicate whether they wish to continue or reverse that selection.

Those opting out of the new regime for the first time in AY 2025–26 are required to furnish the acknowledgement details of Form 10-IEA.

Additionally, there must be clarification regarding the late filing of Form 10-IEA.

IANS

May 28, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: New Caribbean logistic hub boosts disaster response ahead of hurricane season

Source: World Food Programme

BRIDGETOWN – The United Nations World Food Programme today joined the Government of Barbados and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) to inaugurate the Caribbean’s newest disaster preparedness and response hub.

The Caribbean Regional Logistics Hub, inaugurated just ahead of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, will store and dispatch critical relief items to affected communities in case of a disaster. The hub’s strategic location at the Grantley Adams International Airport and proximity to the main highway and port facilities will allow for both air and sea operations during an emergency response.

The Hon. Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, Executive Director, CDEMA, Elizabeth Riley, and WFP Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean Lola Castro officially opened the new facility.

“This hub is about saving lives. This is about getting food and critical supplies, including pharmaceuticals to persons within 48-72 hours of a major disaster. It isn’t only limited to emergency responses for disaster, it is also going to be for humanitarian crises,” said Mottley.

The hub comprises a large fully enclosed warehouse and outdoor container park with space for up to forty, twenty-foot shipping containers. Additionally, the compound provides adequate space for consolidating equipment before shipping. The hub comprises of 2,500 square metres of covered storage space, 1,300 racked pallets and approximately 1,600sqm of open storage space.

“Having seen how devastating hurricanes and other hazards can be in the Caribbean, we are proud to have this Caribbean Regional Logistics Hub in place,” said Castro. “WFP works with partners in the region and globally to enhance national response mechanisms to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of disaster response in order to save lives.”

Through collaboration with CDEMA, the Government of Barbados and other key stakeholders, plans are in place to expand the facility. The next phase, the establishment of a Centre of Excellence, will see the development of greater emergency response knowledge, skills and expertise in the region, through specialized training programmes.

“Recent geopolitical shifts have disrupted traditional support streams for humanitarian action highlighting the high-risk exposure of our system. The CDEMA system must now re-double efforts towards greater self-reliance, further deepen national capacity, enhance regional cooperation, and embrace new and non-traditional partnerships”, said Riley. “The hub supports this. It offers the infrastructure to pre-position high-demand emergency supplies.”

While still under construction, the hub proved to be essential to the response to Hurricane Beryl in 2024.

The construction of the hub was made possible through vital partnerships with the Government of Canada, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the European Union, the United States and the World Food Program USA.

# # #

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media OR @wfp_caribbean

MIL OSI United Nations News –

May 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Federal Felon Arrested in Connection with Months-Long Armed Robbery Spree

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

ATLANTA – Terry Lewis Burston, a multi-convicted felon who was released from prison last year, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Regina D. Cannon on May 22, 2025, following his arrest on charges of postal robbery, aggravated assault on a federal employee, Hobbs Act Robbery, and using a firearm during a crime of violence. Burston was arrested on May 17, 2025, pursuant to a criminal complaint obtained by the United States Postal Inspection Service.

“Burston is a violent repeat offender who allegedly terrorized the citizens of DeKalb County by assaulting federal employees and robbing local business operators at gunpoint,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “We are grateful to our federal and local law enforcement partners whose coordinated investigation resulted in Burston’s arrest and prevented him from committing additional violent crimes.”

“This is another example of Postal Inspectors and local agencies collaborating to remove an armed and dangerous individual from our community,” said Rodney M. Hopkins, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division. “We are grateful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for prosecuting the violent and callous actions committed by this defendant against postal service employees and other businesses.”

According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: On December 14, 2024, Burston allegedly robbed an auto parts store in Decatur, Georgia. During the robbery, Burston allegedly brandished a black handgun, tapped it on the store counter, and demanded money from an employee. Burston fled after confiscating the cash.

Six days later, on December 20, 2024, Burston allegedly waited outside a Scottdale, Georgia, post office. He forced his way inside after the last customer departed, pointed a gun at a postal employee, demanded money, obtained cash from the register, and fled.

Later, on January 17, 2025, Burston allegedly attempted to rob a gas station in Decatur when he pointed a black handgun at an employee and demanded money.

Four months later, on May 17, 2025, Burston allegedly attempted to rob a Lithonia, Georgia, Post Office but fled after postal employees began alerting their co-workers. Postal inspectors who responded to the attempted robbery found Burston changing his clothes behind a nearby restaurant. They recovered a firearm lying at Burston’s feet and arrested him after a brief chase.

At the time of these alleged offenses, Burston was subject to federal supervision following his 2013 conviction for armed bank robbery. In a separate case, Burston was sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment for robbing an Atlanta bank and post office in 1995.

Members of the public are reminded that the complaint only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

This case is being investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service with valuable assistance from the DeKalb County Police Department.

Assistant United States Attorney Noah R. Schechtman is prosecuting this case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

MIL Security OSI –

May 28, 2025
MIL-OSI: Ashton Thomas Private Wealth Welcomes New Team in San Francisco

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ashton Thomas Private Wealth (“Ashton Thomas” or the “Company”), an Arax Investment Partners firm, today announced that Lance Millar and Stewart Preziose have joined the firm in San Francisco, further reinforcing the Company’s presence in the West Coast market. Together, they will form the Speritas Private Wealth Team, with Mr. Millar as a Partner, Managing Director and Private Wealth Advisor, and Mr. Preziose as a Wealth Advisor.

Prior to Ashton Thomas, Mr. Millar and Mr. Preziose worked at SVB Private, a division of First Citizens Bank, where they provided wealth management, banking and financial planning services tailored to a diverse range of clients, including founders, executives, entrepreneurs, families and non-profit organizations. With decades of focused financial advisory experience, the pair manages a collective $900 million in assets under management (“AUM”), helping clients meet their financial goals through informed investment, retirement and estate planning services, as well as asset allocation and charitable giving guidance. Mr. Millar and Mr. Preziose’s combined experience will enhance Ashton Thomas’ ability to meet the specialized needs of successful individuals in the Bay Area and beyond, providing tailored solutions for a wide range of clients.

“Stewart and I pride ourselves on a high-touch approach to wealth management, providing a truly customized experience that helps our clients make informed and effective decisions about their money. We are inspired by our alignment with Ashton Thomas’ approach and the firm’s commitment to delivering exceptional client-focused solutions,” said Mr. Millar.

“As we leverage new partnerships with forward-thinking advisory groups to grow our business across the country, we are pleased to welcome another strong team of wealth managers to our San Francisco hub,” said Aaron Brodt, Chief Executive Officer of Ashton Thomas. “With their well-established practice and sterling reputations in market, Lance and Stewart are natural additions to our team, and I look forward to seeing what comes next.”

“Arax and Ashton Thomas are pioneering a new approach to partnership in the wealth advisory space, providing the resources and capabilities necessary to support both advisors and clients across a growing national footprint,” added Haig Ariyan, Chief Executive Officer of Arax Investment Partners and Chairman of Ashton Thomas. “Just a few short months after putting down roots in San Francisco, Ashton Thomas is attracting top talent, supporting entrepreneurial advisors and delivering results for a robust Western client base – a validation of our strategy that continues to fuel expansive growth across the Arax platform.”

About Ashton Thomas Private Wealth
Ashton Thomas is a diversified financial services firm committed to a culture of excellence, integrity, and respect in every aspect of its business. Through its various entities listed below, Ashton Thomas serves foundations, businesses, and affluent individuals and families by providing a range of services which include fee-based financial planning and investment portfolio management, retirement plan consulting, securities brokerage, life and health insurance, and income tax preparation. The firm also strives to remain at the forefront of technological innovation and thought leadership within the financial services industry.

Ashton Thomas Private Wealth, LLC, (“ATPW”), founded in 2010, is an SEC-registered investment adviser which provides fee-based financial planning, portfolio management, pension consulting, and fund manager selection services. Ashton Thomas Securities, LLC, (“ATS”) is a dually registered entity. ATS registered with FINRA as a broker-dealer in 1984 and provides securities brokerage services. ATS became an SEC-registered investment adviser in 2008 and provides fee-based financial planning, portfolio management, pension consulting, and fund manager selection services. Ashton Thomas Insurance Agency, LLC, (“ATIA”) provides life and health insurance brokerage services. ATIA also provides income tax services through its DBA, Ashton Thomas Tax Advisory. Representatives of the entities listed may only conduct business for which they are licensed, if required, and with residents of the states and jurisdictions in which they are properly registered and/or licensed.

About Arax Investment Partners
Arax Investment Partners is a rapidly growing boutique wealth management platform making strategic control investments in leading RIAs and elite advisor teams. Founded and led by CEO Haig Ariyan — a seasoned industry executive with a distinguished track record of building and scaling wealth management businesses — Arax empowers its partners to be entrepreneurial and focus on delivering exceptional client service. Firms benefit from a management team with deep M&A expertise, capital sourcing capabilities, and the backing of RedBird Capital Partners. For more information, visit www.araxpartners.com.

Media Contact:

Dan Gagnier
Gagnier Communications
RedBird@gagnierfc.com

The MIL Network –

May 28, 2025
MIL-OSI: Moomoo Expands into Cryptocurrency Market with Launch of New Digital Asset Business

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

JERSEY CITY, N.J., May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Moomoo, a global investment and trading platform, is thrilled to announce its expansion into cryptocurrency trading with the upcoming launch of Moomoo Crypto, a comprehensive digital asset investment service for its U.S. users.

The new U.S. Crypto’s plan to launch over 30 coins is an exciting option for moomoo investors to trade on its all-in-one trading platform. Moomoo leverages its established technology infrastructure and user-friendly interface to provide a seamless trading experience across both traditional securities through Moomoo Financial and digital assets through Moomoo Crypto. It will initially support trading of major cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and several other leading tokens for its current users, with plans to expand its offerings in the coming months to give users access in a gradual launch. The platform, backed by Moomoo Financial, will leverage Coinbase’s markets and infrastructure through its leading Crypto-as-a-Service (“CaaS”) platform.

“As digital assets continue to gain mainstream adoption, we saw a clear opportunity to apply our expertise in creating accessible yet sophisticated investment tools for crypto space,” said Neil McDonald, moomoo’s US CEO. “With Moomoo Crypto, we’re bridging the gap between traditional and digital finance, providing our users with the tools and insights they need to navigate this dynamic market.”

Investors interested in crypto will be able to find an all-in-one platform with 32 coins offerings armed with advanced tools and various educational resources. Some advanced tools include spot charting and advanced charting, and moomoo is planning to adopt specific tools for crypto such as copy trading by early September.

“We’re seeing growing demand from platforms like moomoo as crypto becomes increasingly mainstream,” said Brian Foster, Global Head of CaaS at Coinbase. “Our Crypto-as-a-Service offering is designed to help bridge traditional and digital finance, giving partners the infrastructure, security, and tools they need to confidently build in crypto and serve a wide range of users.”

The move comes as interest in digital assets reaches new heights, with increasing retail participation and regulatory clarity emerging in key markets. Moomoo’s entry into the cryptocurrency sector helps the company capture growing demand from its existing user base of active investors while attracting new crypto-focused traders to its platform.

About moomoo
Moomoo is a leading global investment and trading platform dedicated to empowering investors with user-friendly tools, data, and insights. Our platform is designed to provide essential information and technology, enabling users to make more-informed investment decisions. With advanced charting tools, pro-level analytical features, moomoo evolves alongside our users, fostering a dynamic community where investors can share, learn, and grow together.

Founded in the U.S., moomoo operates globally, serving investors in countries such as the US, Singapore, Australia, Japan, Canada and Malaysia. As a subsidiary of a Nasdaq-listed Futu Holdings (FUTU), we take pride in our role as a global strategic partner of the Nasdaq, earning numerous international accolades from renowned industry leaders such as Benzinga and Fintech Breakthrough. Moomoo has also received multiple awards in the US, Singapore, and Australia for its innovative, inclusive approach to investing.

For more information, please visit moomoo’s official website at www.moomoo.com or feel free to email us: pr@us.moomoo.com.

Moomoo is a financial information and trading app offered by Moomoo Technologies Inc. In the U.S., Investment products and services on Moomoo are offered by Moomoo Financial Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC.

Cryptocurrencies are not legal tender, not backed by any government, and not FDIC insured or SIPC protected. Cryptocurrency trading involves high risk and potential loss of principal. Crypto services are offered by Moomoo Crypto Inc. (NMLS Number 2287314). Not available in all states, see our full licensing disclosures here.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4fa41088-a4e3-4db6-9551-5e3678ed14bd

The MIL Network –

May 28, 2025
MIL-OSI: OSS to Attend NVIDIA GTC Paris 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

ESCONDIDO, Calif., May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — One Stop Systems, Inc. (OSS or the Company) (Nasdaq: OSS), a leading provider of rugged, enterprise-class compute solutions for AI, machine learning (ML), and sensor processing at the edge, and an NVIDIA TIER 2 OEM and a NPN Elite Partner, today announced its participation in the upcoming NVIDIA GTC Paris Conference. The event takes place at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles in Paris, France, on June 11–12, 2025.

“NVIDIA is a valued long-time partner,” stated OSS President and CEO, Mike Knowles. “GTC Paris provides a premier platform to showcase our rugged, enterprise-class compute solutions designed for large-scale, data center-class AI, autonomy, and sensor fusion applications in edge environments.”

Visitors to NVIDIA GTC Paris can experience OSS’s specialized AI computing solutions at Booth E07. Representatives from Bressner, OSS’s European subsidiary, will also be present and exhibiting at the conference.

NVIDIA GTC Paris, organized in partnership with VivaTech 2025, brings together developers, researchers, business leaders, and technical experts to explore real-world applications of AI and accelerated computing. The event features live demos and sessions on generative AI, industrial digitalization, robotics, large language models, and more.

For product inquiries or to schedule a meeting, contact OSS sales engineers at sales@onestopsystems.com or call +1 (877) 438-2724.

About One Stop Systems
One Stop Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: OSS) is a leader in AI enabled solutions for the demanding ‘edge’. OSS designs and manufactures Enterprise Class compute and storage products that enable rugged AI, sensor fusion and autonomous capabilities without compromise. These hardware and software platforms bring the latest data center performance to harsh and challenging applications, whether they are on land, sea or in the air.

OSS products include ruggedized servers, compute accelerators, flash storage arrays, and storage acceleration software. These specialized compact products are used across multiple industries and applications, including autonomous trucking and farming, as well as aircraft, drones, ships and vehicles within the defense industry.

OSS solutions address the entire AI workflow, from high-speed data acquisition to deep learning, training and large-scale inference, and have delivered many industry firsts for industrial OEM and government customers.

As the fastest growing segment of the multi-billion-dollar edge computing market, AI enabled solutions require-and OSS delivers-the highest level of performance in the most challenging environments without compromise.

OSS products are available directly or through global distributors. For more information, go to www.onestopsystems.com. You can also follow OSS on X, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements
One Stop Systems cautions you that statements in this press release that are not a description of historical facts are forward-looking statements. Words such as, but not limited to, “anticipate,” “aim,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “could,” “design,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “suggest,” “strategy,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions or phrases, or the negative of those expressions or phrases, are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These statements are based on the Company’s current beliefs and expectations. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by One Stop Systems or its partners that any of our plans or expectations will be achieved, including but not limited to the potential and/or the results of current or future programs, the future adoption of technologies or applications, or the potential benefit of attending NVIDIA GTC Paris. Actual results may differ from those set forth in this press release due to the risk and uncertainties inherent in our business, including risks described in our prior press releases and in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including under the heading “Risk Factors” in our latest Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent filings with the SEC. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, and the company undertakes no obligation to revise or update this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, which is made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Media Contacts:
Robert Kalebaugh
One Stop Systems, Inc.
Tel (858) 518-6154
Email contact

Investor Relations:
Andrew Berger
Managing Director
SM Berger & Company, Inc.
Tel (216) 464-6400
Email contact

The MIL Network –

May 28, 2025
MIL-OSI: ila Bank partners with Mastercard to launch innovative solutions and expand into new markets

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MANAMA, Bahrain, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ila Bank, powered by Bank ABC, has partnered with Mastercard to enhance the bank’s proposition across consumer products, launching new affluent, travel products and loyalty offerings.

ila Bank will leverage Mastercard’s expertise to introduce loyalty program that supports cardholders’ lifestyle, providing added value across a wide range of areas, including dining, luxury shopping, travel and priceless experiences. The new product line will also leverage enhanced fraud solutions and privacy protection to secure every transaction.

Mohamed Almaraj, ila Bank CEO, said, “ila has always been about the customer. We are proud to have maintained our commitment to offering customer-centric solutions and experiences in a growingly cashless economy, and this strategic agreement furthers the ila promise of ‘banking that reflects you’. Renewing our engagement with Mastercard will strengthen our standing as the frontrunner in the region’s digital payments landscape by offering the most seamless, secure and future-focused product portfolio that provides unparalleled premium benefits.”

Adam Jones, Mastercard’s Division President for West Arabia, said, “In line with our shared commitment to driving innovation across the digital ecosystem, our long-standing relationship with ila Bank focuses on delivering customer-first solutions that help ensure a secure and rewarding banking experience. We will continue to provide our partners with enhanced product offering, supporting regional expansion.”

Mastercard has been a trusted partner of ila Bank from the outset, supporting the bank’s strategy Together, they have introduced several innovative propositions to the market, including the multi-currency debit program, the Pay with Rewards loyalty program and the Mastercard airline co-brand with Gulf Air in Bahrain.

Since its establishment in 2019, ila Bank has been dedicated to addressing the dynamic needs and lifestyles of its customers with bespoke banking solutions. The digital, mobile-only bank, well-received both domestically and regionally, currently offers a range of card products, including debit, credit and prepaid cards, that provide unparalleled bonus advantages and a personalized loyalty reward system.

Other innovative products accessible through the award-winning ila app include smart digital saving tools, like Hassala and Jamiya, as well as Al Kanz, ila’s prize account that awards substantial cash prizes to lucky customers throughout the year.

About Mastercard
Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

www.mastercard.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a838d1fe-d20b-4879-8e41-152c9e78b0a4

The MIL Network –

May 28, 2025
MIL-OSI: Cheap Psychic Readings [$0.99/Min] Best Cheap Phone Psychics for Affordable Readings in 2025
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

San Francisco, CA, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — — Are you searching for insight into your future without breaking the bank? You’re not alone. Many people want spiritual clarity but hesitate due to high prices. Fortunately, cheap psychic readings are now more accessible than ever. With a wide range of affordable psychics available online and over the phone, getting the answers you need is just a call or click away.

⇒ Talk to experienced and trusted cheap psychics offering free trial readings!

You don’t need to spend a fortune to receive quality spiritual guidance. With so many reliable and cheap psychics available online and by phone, connecting with your higher path is more affordable than ever. Explore affordable psychic readings today and discover how much clarity and peace of mind are just a session away.

The Psychic Experts, a reputable platform known for reviewing top psychic services, has released its 2025 report featuring the best affordable psychic readings online. The report reveals a rising trend: more people are turning to trusted, low-cost advisors for guidance on love, career, and emotional clarity. With growing demand for cheap phone psychics and live chat readings, this guide helps users find accurate, budget-friendly psychic services they can trust.

⇒ Connect with affordable psychics who deliver real answers!

Why Choose Cheap Psychic Readings?

Contrary to popular belief, a cheap psychic reading doesn’t mean low quality. Many trusted and gifted psychics offer discounted or promotional rates to make their services more accessible. These cheap psychics often deliver the same level of accuracy, empathy, and spiritual guidance as higher-priced readers, especially on reputable online platforms.

Whether you’re looking for answers about love, career, family, or finances, affordable psychic readings can provide meaningful insights without straining your budget.

⇒ Talk to cheap psychics you can trust – free trial readings included!

Top Benefits of Cheap Phone Psychics

Cheap phone psychics offer incredible convenience. You can connect with a psychic instantly from the comfort of your home, eliminating travel time and added costs. Phone readings are especially ideal for those who value privacy or need guidance during stressful moments.

Here are a few reasons people choose cheap phone psychics:
- Immediate access to guidance during tough decisions
- Flexible scheduling, day or night
- Anonymity and emotional comfort
- Affordable rates without compromising quality
⇒ Connect now for cheap psychic readings that are accurate and affordable!

How to Find Affordable Psychics You Can Trust

When looking for affordable psychics, it’s essential to choose a platform with verified readers and positive user reviews. Many well-known psychic websites offer introductory deals, such as:
- First 3 minutes free
- $1 per minute specials
- Discounted first readings
These promotions let you test a psychic’s style and accuracy before committing to a longer session.

Get the best cheap psychic readings from trusted and accurate advisors. Affordable, real insights from cheap phone psychics ready to guide your path today.

⇒ Connect with affordable psychics offering free trial readings!

What to Expect During a Cheap Psychic Reading

A cheap psychic session can be just as enlightening as a premium one. The key is to approach the reading with an open mind and clear intentions. Whether your session is over chat, phone, or video, prepare your questions in advance and be honest with your psychic.

Common reading types include:
- Tarot card readings
- Astrology reports
- Love and relationship readings
- Career guidance
- Spiritual and life path coaching
⇒ Discover the best cheap psychics for love, career, or life decisions

Tips to Maximize Your Affordable Psychic Readings

To get the most out of your session:
1. Write down your questions ahead of time.
2. Choose a quiet, private space for your reading.
3. Stay open and relaxed to receive clear guidance.
4. Take notes during or after the reading.
5. Follow up if needed — many platforms allow reviews or follow-up sessions.
Explore accurate and affordable guidance with cheap psychic readings. Connect instantly with the best cheap phone psychics trusted by thousands.

⇒ Connect instantly and get free minutes with top-rated cheap psychics!

As search interest grows for terms like “cheap psychic,” “cheap psychic readings,” and “affordable psychic readings,” it’s clear that accessibility is now just as important as accuracy. That’s why The-Psychic-Experts.com is committed to helping users find trusted, insightful services that don’t come with a high price tag.

Unlike generic directories filled with marketing hype or vague listings, this guide was designed to provide real answers to real questions: Are psychics legitimate? Can you chat with a psychic online for free before paying? What are the best platforms for psychic phone readings on a budget?

To answer these questions, The-Psychic-Experts.com reviewed platforms offering flexible options, such as chat or phone formats, transparent pricing, and specialties like love readings, energy healing, and mediumship. Special attention was given to services offering trial minutes, clear pricing, and affordable access to accurate guidance, helping users make informed choices without overspending.

⇒ Talk to cheap phone psychics for quick, accurate insights!

The goal is to make it easy for users to find a cheap psychic without compromising on quality, accuracy, or privacy. Whether you’re looking for a quick live chat or a longer phone psychic reading, this guide connects you with options that suit both your budget and emotional needs.

Trusted, accurate, and affordable — explore the best cheap psychic readings with top-rated cheap phone psychics who deliver real answers that matter.

⇒ Connect instantly with affordable and trusted cheap psychics!

How The Psychic Experts Rank the Best Cheap Psychic Reading Services in 2025

The psychic experts evaluate psychic reading platforms using a detailed and independent review system. The aim is to give users a clear understanding of what to expect from affordable psychic services before committing time or money. Every service reviewed is analyzed through several key criteria designed to ensure that the recommendations are trustworthy, accessible, and aligned with user expectations.

Unlock your future with affordable and accurate cheap psychic readings. The best cheap phone psychics are available now for trusted, insightful advice.

⇒ Talk now to cheap phone psychics with a free trial offer!

Price Transparency

One of the most essential factors in the ranking process is pricing clarity. Services showing per-minute rates, trial offers, and refund terms are rated higher than those that obscure fees behind layered credit systems or hidden conditions. A primary concern among new users is being charged without fully understanding how pricing works. To address this, only platforms that provide upfront pricing and clearly explain the cost of cheap psychic readings were considered for the final list.

The guide also places value on services that offer a low-cost entry point—such as a few free minutes to try the service or no requirement for upfront credit card information. These features help users test the quality of a phone psychic or live chat session before deciding whether to continue.

⇒ Connect with the most accurate cheap psychics today!

Service Accessibility (Chat and Phone Options)

Accessibility is also a priority. The rankings focus on services that support chat and phone psychic readings, allowing users to choose the most comfortable format. Some prefer speaking with a psychic by phone for a more direct and personal exchange, while others are more at ease using a chat-based interface, especially when exploring sensitive topics in private.

In both formats, accessibility across devices (mobile and desktop), language support, and the option for instant sessions were all evaluated. Services that made it easy to chat with psychics online, free of complicated signups or long wait times, were rated more favorably.

Spiritual Accuracy and Professionalism

To assess the quality of the readings themselves, The-Psychic-Experts.com uses controlled testing. A selection of readers from each service is evaluated through trial sessions designed to measure consistency, relevance, and tone. Services that employed psychics with clear, situation-specific insights scored higher in this category.

The site does not promote guarantees of supernatural outcomes or unrealistic claims. Instead, the focus is on practical guidance delivered respectfully, with a tone that supports emotional clarity. Psychics who consistently offered helpful, grounded insights in phone and chat formats were favored in the final ranking.

⇒ Discover affordable guidance with cheap psychic readings!

User Experience and Real Reviews

Finally, user feedback plays a central role in the ranking process. Hundreds of verified customer reviews, across multiple sources, were analyzed to identify patterns. Common themes included satisfaction with pricing, responsiveness, emotional impact, and whether the session met expectations.

Services with frequent complaints about billing confusion, rushed readings, or lack of availability were excluded from the top ranks. Instead, preference was given to platforms with steady user satisfaction and repeat engagement.

No specific company or brand is named in this report. The goal is to offer general consumer guidance based on consistent patterns and user needs. This approach protects the editorial neutrality of The-Psychic-Experts.com and keeps the focus on experience quality rather than marketing.

The result is a trusted resource for anyone seeking a cheap psychic who can offer reliable advice without financial risk or long-term commitment.

⇒ Discover cheap psychic readings with honest and trusted advisors!

What Makes Cheap Psychic Readings Online a Practical Option in 2025?

There’s a common misunderstanding that lower-cost services mean lower quality. The-Psychic-Experts.com’s 2025 guide proves that this is not the case when it comes to psychic readings. Affordable services can deliver valuable, emotionally supportive insights, especially when evaluated carefully.

Access Anytime, Across Time Zones

One of the most substantial advantages of online psychic services is 24/7 access. No matter where the user is located, they can connect with a phone psychic or live chat advisor at any hour. This removes scheduling barriers and allows quick access during personal crises, major decisions, or periods of emotional uncertainty.

The guide highlights how services offering both live chat and phone readings are helping users avoid the long wait times often associated with in-person appointments. Whether someone wants to speak with a psychic directly or have a text-based conversation, availability is much more flexible than before.

⇒ Talk live with affordable and accurate cheap psychics!

Lower Cost Doesn’t Mean Low Value

Price is a significant concern for many people looking for guidance, but not everyone can afford sessions that cost $5 or more per minute. The services reviewed in this report offer alternatives starting at under $1 per minute or include trial minutes to test the service at no cost.

The ability to speak with cheap phone psychics under traditional rates means more people can access emotional support without pressure. It also encourages repeat engagement, helping users build longer-term insight without financial strain.

Quality was not compromised. Many users reported that their experiences with cheap psychics were as detailed and impactful as sessions they’d previously paid more for. What matters most is how clear, focused, and helpful the reading is, not how much it costs.

⇒ Talk to cheap psychics now and enjoy a free trial session!

Private, Flexible Sessions

Not everyone is comfortable discussing personal issues face-to-face. Many users prefer psychic chat sessions because they can stay anonymous while receiving direct answers. The live chat format is handy for first-time users or those who want to explore specific questions discreetly.

Phone readings remain a preferred option for those seeking a more interactive experience. The connection can feel more personal with voice tone, pauses, and real-time responses. Both methods have benefits, and having the option to choose adds to the appeal of cheap psychic readings online.

Services that allow users to chat with psychics online for free, at least for a few minutes, give an added layer of confidence. They reduce risk, support trust, and allow users to experience the process before paying for a longer session.

User Control and Session Customization

Cheap psychic services often allow users to filter by category, skill, and reading style. This level of control helps people match with psychics who specialize in what they’re going through—whether that’s a relationship issue, work stress, or spiritual uncertainty.

Rather than relying on one-size-fits-all solutions, users can choose how long they want their session to be, how much they’re willing to spend, and what topics they want to discuss.

⇒ Connect with top-rated cheap phone psychics today

Types of Cheap Psychic Readings Available Online in 2025

As demand for affordable psychic services increases, so do the options available. The psychic expert’s latest report outlines the most common formats users can choose from when seeking insight and support. These services are built around flexibility—letting people decide how to connect, how much time they want to spend, and what information they hope to receive.

Psychic Phone Readings

Phone psychic readings continue to be one of the most requested formats. This method lets users speak directly with a psychic, offering a natural and real-time conversation. Many people feel more connected when they hear voice tone, emotion, and pacing—all of which help build trust during a reading.

Phone sessions are ideal for those who want detailed discussions or have multiple questions that need follow-up. They’re also preferred by people dealing with emotionally complex topics like relationship decisions or long-term career questions. Because of their interactive nature, phone readings often allow for deeper follow-through and clarification.

Phone psychic readings are offered at various price points. The report features several services where cheap phone psychics offer quality sessions under $2 per minute, with many providing free minutes upfront for first-time users.

⇒ Talk to psychic experts offering affordable phone readings!

Live Psychic Chat Readings

Chat-based readings are especially popular with users who prefer privacy or wish to remain anonymous. This format involves real-time messaging with a psychic advisor, often through a platform’s built-in chat tool.

Many users choose this option because it gives them more time to think about what they want to say. It also creates a written transcript of the conversation, which can be helpful for review later. Live psychic chat is a common starting point for new users exploring the service without committing to a phone call.

For those wondering if chat readings are as effective as phone ones, The-Psychic-Experts.com notes that both formats can be equally accurate. The decision often comes down to personal comfort.

Chat services are also a strong choice for people with hearing difficulties or those in shared living spaces where phone calls aren’t ideal. They often include features like instant connection, user ratings, and profile filters that help match the reader to the user’s concerns.

⇒ Connect with cheap psychics who offer real insight

Psychic Medium Chat

This chat form focuses specifically on communicating with loved ones who have passed away. Medium readings are usually more specialized and are handled by psychics trained in this type of spiritual connection.

The format can vary between chat and phone, but many people find psychic medium chat to be less overwhelming than a phone session, especially when dealing with grief. Written communication allows them to take their time, reflect, and process what is being shared.

Not all services offer this type of reading, and The-Psychic-Experts.com’s report highlights which platforms include mediumship among their specialties. Readers trained in this area are usually marked clearly on their profiles, and users are encouraged to seek reviews before beginning a session.

Free Psychic Reading Online Chat (No Credit Card Needed)

A growing number of users prefer to try a reading without any financial commitment. The guide also looks at platforms offering free psychic chat with no credit card required.

These trial sessions are often short, typically 3 to 5 minutes, but give users a sense of the reader’s style and accuracy. More importantly, they reduce the risk of misunderstanding pricing models or being locked into service before feeling confident.

Many people use these free minutes to test multiple readers before deciding who to work with long-term. For those unsure where to start, this is one of the most practical ways to explore psychic reading without pressure.

⇒ Talk now and get a free trial with cheap psychic readings!

When to Choose Chat or Phone

There’s no single format that fits everyone. Choosing between chat and phone depends on the user’s communication style, emotional needs, and environment.

Phone is best for:
- Real-time emotional support
- Follow-up questions
- Detailed explanations
Chat is best for:
- Privacy or public settings
- Written reference after the session
- First-time users testing the service
⇒ Connect for accurate, affordable cheap phone psychic sessions

How to Choose the Right Cheap Psychic for Your Needs

Finding the right psychic doesn’t always mean finding the most expensive one. Many users discover that a low-cost reader can offer just as much value when properly vetted. The-Psychic-Experts.com outlines several tips to help people choose wisely, avoid common mistakes, and match with a psychic who aligns with their goals.

Look for Verified Reviews and Reading Samples

A good starting point is reading user feedback. Platforms included in the guide often feature star ratings, written testimonials, and repeat client data. These reviews can help identify patterns, such as whether a psychic is known for accuracy, compassion, or quick connection.

Some services allow potential clients to read public transcripts or summaries from previous sessions. This can give insight into how the psychic communicates and whether their tone matches the user’s preferences.

⇒ Talk to affordable, cheap psychics with top reviews!

Focus on Specialty Match

Not all psychics work the same way. Some focus on love and relationships, while others specialize in spiritual growth, career decisions, or past life readings. Choosing someone aligned with the topic at hand makes the session more productive.

For example:
- Love readings: Look for keywords like soulmate, twin flame, or relationship analysis.
- Career or money questions: Search for financial clarity or professional guidance tags.
- Past life insight: Choose readers trained in regression or spiritual recall techniques.
Use Free Minutes or Trial Offers

Cheap psychic readings don’t mean guessing. Many reviewed services offer free 3–5 minutes to new users. This time can be used to evaluate clarity, tone, and connection before deciding whether to continue.

Users can end the session without penalty if the reader seems unclear, vague, or repetitive. Trial minutes are essential for testing multiple options until the right match is found.

⇒ Talk to affordable psychics now and enjoy free minutes!

Red Flags to Watch Out For

While most reviewed services are legitimate, staying cautious is still essential. The-Psychic-Experts.com advises users to be aware of certain warning signs:
- Pushing for extended time: If a reader pressures a client to extend beyond their planned session, this is a concern.
- Making absolute promises: No psychic can guarantee specific outcomes.
- Scare tactics or upselling: Any mention of curses, spells, or urgent need for payment to avoid bad energy is a red flag.
If a psychic introduces those themes, users can disconnect immediately and report the session if needed.

Trust Your First Impression

First impressions matter. If a psychic doesn’t feel present, respectful, or connected in the first few minutes, they may not be the right choice.

Users are encouraged to prepare a few clear questions before the session and to keep the conversation focused. The best psychics will listen carefully, respond directly, and create a comfortable space for users to share details at their own pace.

⇒ Talk to the best cheap psychics for career and relationship insights!

What Real Users Say About Cheap Psychic Readings Online

The psychic experts gathered experiences from everyday users who’ve turned to cheap psychic readings online for clarity and emotional support. The following testimonials represent user profiles covering a range of demographics and situations. These stories help show how accessible psychic services, including psychic phone readings and free psychic chat options, are making a difference in people’s lives in 2025.

⇒ Discover peace of mind with cheap psychic readings!

Samantha, 27, Graphic Designer — Oregon

“I started using psychic chat services about a year ago when I was going through a confusing breakup. I didn’t want to discuss it with friends, and therapy wasn’t in my budget. I found a cheap psychic online who helped me put my feelings in perspective. We connected through a free psychic reading online chat with no credit card required. I was surprised by how calming it was just to talk through things.”

Samantha now uses affordable psychics for guidance on career decisions. “It’s a tool I use when I need another point of view. Not everything is groundbreaking, but the good sessions really help me get unstuck.”

⇒ Connect to trusted cheap psychics offering free minutes!

Richard, 64, Retired Police Officer — Florida

“I used to think psychic readings were all just entertainment. But when I lost my wife, I found myself searching for anything that could offer comfort. I wasn’t ready for a full conversation at first, so I tried a live psychic chat. The reader made no wild claims; it just helped me think about what I was holding onto.”

Now, Richard prefers phone psychic readings. “Sometimes you just want to talk, and the chat doesn’t feel like enough. I’ve found a few cheap phone psychics who actually take the time to listen.”

He continues to use psychic phone readings every few months. “The cost is manageable, and it helps me focus.”

Tania, 35, Single Mother of Two — Texas

“I work full-time and raise two kids. There’s not a lot of time or money left over for me. A friend told me about free psychic chat online, and I thought, ‘Why not?’ I asked about some decisions I’d been avoiding—whether to move, take a promotion, start dating again.”

Tania found the convenience of live chat critical. “I could message someone late at night while the kids were sleeping. And the advice felt honest, not like someone trying to sell me a dream.”

She’s used affordable psychic readings several times since. “You can get what you need in 15 minutes, and it doesn’t cost more than lunch. That’s what makes it sustainable.”

⇒ Discover love, money, and destiny with cheap phone psychics

Closing Summary: A Practical Guide for Affordable Spiritual Support in 2025

The Psychic Experts 2025 report is a practical resource for anyone looking to explore cheap psychic readings without confusion or high costs. By focusing on services that are accessible, affordable, and flexible, the guide helps users take control of their spiritual questions, whether they prefer quick online chats or full phone psychic readings.

With interest in cheap psychic readings, low-cost phone sessions, and flexible reading formats rising across the country, users now have more ways to get support that fits their schedule and budget. This guide simplifies that process by providing precise, unbiased evaluations prioritizing user experience over promotional claims.

The platform has helped thousands of people find their first psychic, explore new reading formats, and return to trusted advisors—all without long-term commitment or inflated pricing. Whether someone seeks relationship advice, closure from a past event, or direction in a career choice, the right psychic match is easier to find when guided by accurate, experience-based information.

FAQs

Are cheap psychic readings accurate?

Yes, cheap psychic readings can be just as accurate as more expensive sessions. Many affordable psychics offer low rates to attract new clients or provide spiritual guidance to a wider audience. Accuracy depends more on the psychic’s ability than the price.

What makes a psychic reading “cheap”?

A cheap psychic reading usually refers to sessions offered at a lower-than-average rate, often as part of a promotion or introductory offer. Many trusted platforms feature cheap psychics with special deals like $1 per minute or free first minutes.

Where can I find affordable psychic readings online?

You can find affordable psychic readings on reputable websites that verify their psychics and offer user reviews. Look for platforms that highlight cheap phone psychics and chat options, with clearly stated pricing and customer support.

Are cheap phone psychics reliable?

Yes, many cheap phone psychics are experienced and trustworthy. Phone readings can offer the same depth and accuracy as in-person sessions, especially when provided by vetted and well-reviewed affordable psychics.

Can I get a cheap psychic reading about love and relationships?

Absolutely. Many cheap psychics specialize in love, relationships, and compatibility readings. Whether you’re dealing with heartbreak or seeking your soulmate, cheap psychic readings can offer deep insights at a low cost.

How long does a cheap psychic reading last?

The duration depends on the platform and your budget. Most cheap psychic readings are billed per minute, allowing you to control how much you spend. Short sessions can still provide powerful insights, especially with focused questions.

What should I ask during an affordable psychic reading?

Prepare clear, specific questions to get the most out of your affordable psychic reading. Topics can include love, career, family, finances, or spiritual growth. Many people ask cheap phone psychics about timing, decision-making, or past-life insights.

Do affordable psychics offer free readings?

Many affordable psychics offer the first few minutes free or discounted as a trial. While not completely free, these offers make it easy to test the psychic’s style and accuracy before committing to a full cheap psychic reading.

Are cheap psychic readings safe and confidential?

Yes, most reputable platforms that offer cheap psychic readings ensure privacy and confidentiality. Whether you’re connecting with cheap phone psychics or using online chat, your personal information and questions remain secure.

What’s the difference between a cheap psychic and an expensive one?

Often, the difference lies in popularity or years of experience. However, many cheap psychics are just as talented but choose to keep their rates accessible. It’s always a good idea to read reviews and choose a psychic based on connection and accuracy, not just price.

Media Contact
Company: The Psychic Experts
Contact Person: Anthony C. Bedoya
Email: support@the-psychic-experts.com
Address: 1 Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101, USA
URL: https://the-psychic-experts.com/
Phone: +1 414-203-2598

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- The Psychic Experts
The MIL Network –
May 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: UN Women office opens in Tashkent

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

Tashkent, May 27 /Xinhua/ — The official opening ceremony of the UN Women office was held in Tashkent, Dunyo news agency reported on Tuesday.

The event reportedly brought together representatives of the parliament and government of Uzbekistan, heads of UN agencies, international organizations, as well as representatives of civil society and the private sector.

“The opening of the office marked an important milestone in the ongoing cooperation between UN Women and the Government of our country. This event reflects Uzbekistan’s commitment to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment, which is one of the priorities of national development,” the statement said.

“The organization’s permanent presence in the country will strengthen support for national institutions and partners, facilitate the development and implementation of gender-sensitive policies and make a significant contribution to the full realization of women’s rights in all areas,” the statement added. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Could a bold anti-poverty experiment from the 1960s inspire a new era in housing justice?

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Deyanira Nevárez Martínez, Assistant Professor of Urban and Regional Planning, Michigan State University

Model Cities staff in front of a Baltimore field office in 1971. Robert Breck Chapman Collection, Langsdale Library Special Collections, University of Baltimore, CC BY-NC-ND

In cities across the U.S., the housing crisis has reached a breaking point. Rents are skyrocketing, homelessness is rising and working-class neighborhoods are threatened by displacement.

These challenges might feel unprecedented. But they echo a moment more than half a century ago.

In the 1950s and 1960s, housing and urban inequality were at the center of national politics. American cities were grappling with rapid urban decline, segregated and substandard housing, and the fallout of highway construction and urban renewal projects that displaced hundreds of thousands of disproportionately low-income and Black residents.

The federal government decided to try to do something about it.

President Lyndon B. Johnson launched one of the most ambitious experiments in urban policy: the Model Cities Program.

As a scholar of housing justice and urban planning, I’ve studied how this short-lived initiative aimed to move beyond patchwork fixes to poverty and instead tackle its structural causes by empowering communities to shape their own futures.

Building a great society

The Model Cities Program emerged in 1966 as part of Johnson’s Great Society agenda, a sweeping effort to eliminate poverty, reduce racial injustice and expand social welfare programs in the United States.

Earlier urban renewal programs had been roundly criticized for displacing communities of color. Much of this displacement occurred through federally funded highway and slum clearance projects that demolished entire neighborhoods and often left residents without decent options for new housing.

So the Johnson administration sought a more holistic approach. The Demonstration Cities and Metropolitan Development Act established a federal framework for cities to coordinate housing, education, employment, health care and social services at the neighborhood level.

New York City neighborhoods designated for revitalization with funding from the Model Cities Program.
The City of New York, Community Development Program: A Progress Report, December 1968.

To qualify for the program, cities had to apply for planning grants by submitting a detailed proposal that included an analysis of neighborhood conditions, long-term goals and strategies for addressing problems.

Federal funds went directly to city governments, which then distributed them to local agencies and community organizations through contracts. These funds were relatively flexible but had to be tied to locally tailored plans. For example, Kansas City, Missouri, used Model Cities funding to support a loan program that expanded access to capital for local small businesses, helping them secure financing that might otherwise have been out of reach.

Unlike previous programs, Model Cities emphasized what Johnson described as “comprehensive” and “concentrated” efforts. It wasn’t just about rebuilding streets or erecting public housing. It was about creating new ways for government to work in partnership with the people most affected by poverty and racism.

A revolutionary approach to poverty

What made Model Cities unique wasn’t just its scale but its philosophy. At the heart of the program was an insistence on “widespread citizen participation,” which required cities that received funding to include residents in the planning and oversight of local programs.

The program also drew inspiration from civil rights leaders. One of its early architects, Whitney M. Young Jr., had called for a “Domestic Marshall Plan” – a reference to the federal government’s efforts to rebuild Europe after World War II – to redress centuries of racial inequality.

Civil rights activist Whitney M. Young Jr. helped shape the vision of the Model Cities Program.
Bettmann/Getty Images

Young’s vision helped shape the Model Cities framework, which proposed targeted systemic investments in housing, health, education, employment and civic leadership in minority communities. In Atlanta, for example, the Model Cities Program helped fund neighborhood health clinics and job training programs. But the program also funded leadership councils that for the first time gave local low-income residents a direct voice in how city funds were spent.

In other words, neighborhood residents weren’t just beneficiaries. They were planners, advisers and, in some cases, staffers.

This commitment to community participation gave rise to a new kind of public servant – what sociologists Martin and Carolyn Needleman famously called “guerrillas in the bureaucracy.”

A Model Cities staffer discusses the program to a group of students gathered at Denver’s Metropolitan Youth Education Center in 1970.
Bill Wunsch/The Denver Post via Getty Images

These were radical planners – often young, idealistic and deeply embedded in the neighborhoods they served. Many were recruited and hired through new Model Cities funding that allowed local governments to expand their staff with community workers aligned with the program’s goals.

Working from within city agencies, these new planners used their positions to challenge top-down decision-making and push for community-driven planning.

Their work was revolutionary not because they dismantled institutions but because they reimagined how institutions could function, prioritizing the voices of residents long excluded from power.

Strengthening community ties

In cities across the country, planners fought to redirect public resources toward locally defined priorities.

A mobile dentist office in Baltimore.
Robert Breck Chapman Collection, Langsdale Library Special Collections, University of Baltimore, CC BY-NC-ND

In some cities, such as Tucson, the program funded education initiatives such as bilingual cultural programming and college scholarships for local students. In Baltimore, it funded mobile health services and youth sports programs.

In New York City, the program supported new kinds of housing projects called vest-pocket developments, which got their name from their smaller scale: midsize buildings or complexes built on vacant lots or underutilized land. New housing such as the Betances Houses in the South Bronx were designed to add density without major redevelopment taking place – a direct response to midcentury urban renewal projects, which had destroyed and displaced entire neighborhoods populated by the city’s poorest residents. Meanwhile, cities such as Seattle used the funds to renovate older apartment buildings instead of tearing them down, which helped preserve the character of local neighborhoods.

The goal was to create affordable housing while keeping communities intact.

An Atlanta neighborhood identified as a candidate for street paving and home rehabilitation as part of the Model Cities Program.
Georgia State University Special Collections

What went wrong?

Despite its ambitious vision, Model Cities faced resistance almost from the start. The program was underfunded and politically fragile. While some officials had hoped for US$2 billion in annual funding, the actual allocation was closer to $500 million to $600 million, spread across more than 60 cities.

Then the political winds shifted. Though designed during the optimism of the mid-1960s, the program started being implemented under President Richard Nixon in 1969. His administration pivoted away from “people programs” and toward capital investment and physical development. Requirements for resident participation were weakened, and local officials often maintained control over the process, effectively marginalizing the everyday citizens the program was meant to empower.

In cities such as San Francisco and Chicago, residents clashed with bureaucrats over control, transparency and decision-making. In some places, participation was reduced to token advisory roles. In others, internal conflict and political pressure made sustained community governance nearly impossible.

Critics, including Black community workers and civil rights activists, warned that the program risked becoming a new form of “neocolonialism,” one that used the language of empowerment while concentrating control in the hands of white elected officials and federal administrators.

A legacy worth revisiting

Although the program was phased out by 1974, its legacy lived on.

In cities across the country, Model Cities trained a generation of Black and brown civic leaders in what community development leaders and policy advocates John A. Sasso and Priscilla Foley called “a little noticed revolution.” In their book of the same name, they describe how those involved in the program went on to serve in local government, start nonprofits and advocate for community development.

It also left an imprint on later policies. Efforts such as participatory budgeting, community land trusts and neighborhood planning initiatives owe a debt to Model Cities’ insistence that residents should help shape the future of their communities. And even as some criticized the program for failing to meet its lofty goals, others saw its value in creating space for democratic experimentation.

A housing meeting takes place at a local Model Cities field office in Baltimore in 1972.
Robert Breck Chapman Collection, Langsdale Library Special Collections, University of Baltimore, CC BY-NC-ND

Today’s housing crisis demands structural solutions to structural problems. The affordable housing crisis is deeply connected to other intersecting crises, such as climate change, environmental injustice and health disparities, creating compounding risks for the most vulnerable communities. Addressing these issues through a fragmented social safety net – whether through housing vouchers or narrowly targeted benefit programs – has proven ineffective.

Today, as policymakers once again debate how to respond to deepening inequality and a lack of affordable housing, the lost promise of Model Cities offers vital lessons.

Model Cities was far from perfect. But it offered a vision of how democratic, local planning could promote health, security and community.

Deyanira Nevárez Martínez is a trustee of the Lansing School District Board of Education and is currently a candidate for the Lansing City Council Ward 2.

– ref. Could a bold anti-poverty experiment from the 1960s inspire a new era in housing justice? – https://theconversation.com/could-a-bold-anti-poverty-experiment-from-the-1960s-inspire-a-new-era-in-housing-justice-253706

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Managing forests and other ecosystems under rising threats requires thinking across wide-ranging scenarios

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Kyra Clark-Wolf, Research Scientist in Ecological Transformation, University of Colorado Boulder

Thinking through scenarios allows land managers to prepare for many potential outcomes. Benjamin Slyngstad via USGS

In Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in California, trees that have persisted through rain and shine for thousands of years are now facing multiple threats triggered by a changing climate.

Scientists and park managers once thought giant sequoia forests nearly impervious to stressors like wildfire, drought and pests. Yet, even very large trees are proving vulnerable, particularly when those stressors are amplified by rising temperatures and increasing weather extremes.

The rapid pace of climate change – combined with threats like the spread of invasive species and diseases – can affect ecosystems in ways that defy expectations based on past experiences. As a result, Western forests are transitioning to grasslands or shrublands after unprecedented wildfires. Woody plants are expanding into coastal wetlands. Coral reefs are being lost entirely.

Nate Stephenson, from the U.S. Geological Survey, talks about the fire damage at Redwood Mountain Grove in the Kings Canyon National Park, Calif., in 2021.
AP Photo/Gary Kazanjian

To protect these places, which are valued for their natural beauty and the benefits they provide for recreation, clean water and wildlife, forest and land managers increasingly must anticipate risks they have never seen before. And they must prepare for what those risks will mean for stewardship as ecosystems rapidly transform.

As ecologists and a climate scientist, we’re helping them figure out how to do that.

Managing changing ecosystems

Traditional management approaches focus on maintaining or restoring how ecosystems looked and functioned historically.

However, that doesn’t always work when ecosystems are subjected to new and rapidly shifting conditions.

Ecosystems have many moving parts – plants, animals, fungi and microbes; and the soil, air and water in which they live – that interact with one another in complex ways.

When the climate changes, it’s like shifting the ground on which everything rests. The results can undermine the integrity of the system, leading to ecological changes that are hard to predict.

To plan for an uncertain future, natural resource managers need to consider many different ways changes in climate and ecosystems could affect their landscapes. Essentially, what scenarios are possible?

Preparing for multiple possibilities

At Sequoia and Kings Canyon, park managers were aware that climate change posed some big risks to the iconic trees under their care. More than a decade ago, they undertook a major effort to explore different scenarios that could play out in the future.

It’s a good thing they did, because some of the more extreme possibilities they imagined happened sooner than expected.

In 2014, drought in California caused the giant sequoias’ foliage to die back, something never documented before. In 2017, sequoia trees began dying from insect damage. And, in 2020 and 2021, fires burned through sequoia groves, killing thousands of ancient trees.

While these extreme events came as a surprise to many people, thinking through the possibilities ahead of time meant the park managers had already begun to take steps that proved beneficial. One example was prioritizing prescribed burns to remove undergrowth that could fuel hotter, more destructive fires.

Insulating wraps protected the giant sequoia General Sherman from a fire in 2021.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

The key to effective planning is a thoughtful consideration of a suite of strategies that are likely to succeed in the face of many different changes in climates and ecosystems. That involves thinking through wide-ranging potential outcomes to see how different strategies might fare under each scenario – including preparing for catastrophic possibilities, even those considered unlikely.

For example, prescribed burning may reduce risks from both catastrophic wildfire and drought by reducing the density of plant growth, whereas suppressing all fires could increase those risks in the long run.

Strategies undertaken today have consequences for decades to come. Managers need to have confidence that they are making good investments when they put limited resources toward actions like forest thinning, invasive species control, buying seeds or replanting trees. Scenarios can help inform those investment choices.

Constructing credible scenarios of ecological change to inform this type of planning requires considering the most important unknowns. Scenarios look not only at how the climate could change, but also how complex ecosystems could react and what surprises might lay beyond the horizon.

Scientists at the North Central Climate Adaptation Science Center are collaborating with managers in the Nebraska Sandhills to develop scenarios of future ecological change under different climate conditions, disturbance events like fires and extreme droughts, and land uses like grazing.
Photos: T. Walz, M. Lavin, C. Helzer, O. Richmond, NPS (top to bottom)., CC BY

Key ingredients for crafting ecological scenarios

To provide some guidance to people tasked with managing these landscapes, we brought together a group of experts in ecology, climate science, and natural resource management from across universities and government agencies.

We identified three key ingredients for constructing credible ecological scenarios:

1. Embracing ecological uncertainty: Instead of banking on one “most likely” outcome for ecosystems in a changing climate, managers can better prepare by mapping out multiple possibilities. In Nebraska’s Sandhills, we are exploring how this mostly intact native prairie could transform, with outcomes as divergent as woodlands and open dunes.

2. Thinking in trajectories: It’s helpful to consider not just the outcomes, but also the potential pathways for getting there. Will ecological changes unfold gradually or all at once? By envisioning different pathways through which ecosystems might respond to climate change and other stressors, natural resource managers can identify critical moments where specific actions, such as removing tree seedlings encroaching into grasslands, can steer ecosystems toward a more desirable future.

3. Preparing for surprises: Planning for rare disasters or sudden species collapses helps managers respond nimbly when the unexpected strikes, such as a severe drought leading to widespread erosion. Being prepared for abrupt changes and having contingency plans can mean the difference between quickly helping an ecosystem recover and losing it entirely.

Over the past decade, access to climate model projections through easy-to-use websites has revolutionized resource managers’ ability to explore different scenarios of how the local climate might change.

What managers are missing today is similar access to ecological model projections and tools that can help them anticipate possible changes in ecosystems. To bridge this gap, we believe the scientific community should prioritize developing ecological projections and decision-support tools that can empower managers to plan for ecological uncertainty with greater confidence and foresight.

Ecological scenarios don’t eliminate uncertainty, but they can help to navigate it more effectively by identifying strategic actions to manage forests and other ecosystems.

Kyra Clark-Wolf receives funding from USGS, NSF, and National Park Service. She is affiliated with the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder and the North Central Climate Adaptation Science Center.

Brian W. Miller receives funding from the U.S. Geological Survey North Central Climate Adaptation Science Center. Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Imtiaz Rangwala receives funding from USGS, USDA, NOAA, US Forest Service and National Park Service. He is affiliated with the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder, North Central Climate Adaptation Science Center, Western Water Assessment and Boundless In Motion.

– ref. Managing forests and other ecosystems under rising threats requires thinking across wide-ranging scenarios – https://theconversation.com/managing-forests-and-other-ecosystems-under-rising-threats-requires-thinking-across-wide-ranging-scenarios-253842

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Christianity has long revered saints who would be called ‘transgender’ today

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Sarah Barringer, Ph.D. Candidate in English, University of Iowa

Several Republican-led states have restricted transgender rights: Iowa has signed a law removing civil rights protection for transgender people; Wyoming has prohibited state agencies from requiring the use of preferred pronouns; and Alabama recently passed a law that only two sexes would be recognized. Hundreds of bills have been introduced in other state legislatures to curtail trans rights.

Earlier in the year, several White House executive orders pushed to deny trans identity. One of them, “Eradicating Anti-Christian Bias,” claimed that gender-affirming policies of the Biden administration were “anti-Christian.” It accused the Biden Equal Employment Opportunity Commission of forcing “Christians to affirm radical transgender ideology against their faith.”

To be clear, not all Christians are anti-trans. And in my research of medieval history and literature, I found evidence of a long history in Christianity of what today could be called “transgender” saints. While such a term did not exist in medieval times, the idea of men living as women, or women living as men, was unquestionably present in the medieval period. Many scholars have suggested that using the modern term transgender creates valuable connections to understand the historical parallels.

There are at least 34 documented stories of transgender saints’ lives from the early centuries of Christianity. Originally appearing in Latin or Greek, several stories of transgender saints made their way into vernacular languages.

Transgender saints

Of the 34 original saints, at least three gained widespread popularity in medieval Europe: St. Eugenia, St. Euphrosyne and St. Marinos. All three were born as women but cut their hair and put on men’s clothes to live as men and join monasteries.

Eugenia, raised pagan, joined a monastery to learn more about Christianity and later became abbot. Euphrosyne joined a monastery to escape an unwanted suitor and spent the rest of his life there. Marinos, born Marina, decided to renounce womanhood and live with his father at the monastery as a man.

These were well-read stories. Eugenia’s story appeared in two of the most popular manuscripts of their day – Ælfric’s “Lives of Saints” and “The Golden Legend.” Ælfric was an English abbot who translated Latin saints’ lives into Old English in the 10th century, making them widely available to a lay audience. “The Golden Legend” was written in Latin and compiled in the 13th century; it is part of more than a thousand manuscripts.

Euphrosyne also appears in Ælfric’s saints’ lives, as well as in other texts in Latin, Middle English, and Old French. Marinos’ story is available in over a dozen manuscripts in at least 10 languages. For those who couldn’t read, Ælfric’s saints’ lives and other manuscripts were read aloud in churches during service on the saint’s day.

Euphrosyne of Alexandria.
Anonymous via Wikimedia Commons

A small church in Paris built in the 10th century was dedicated to Marinos, and relics of his body were supposedly kept in Qannoubine monastery in Lebanon.

This is all to say, a lot of people were talking about these saints.

Holy transness

In the medieval period, saints’ lives were less important as history and more important as morality tales. As a morality tale, the audience was not intended to replicate a saint’s life, but learn to emulate Christian values. Transitioning between male and female becomes a metaphor for transitioning from pagan to Christian, affluence to poverty, worldliness to spirituality. The Catholic Church opposed cross-dressing in laws, liturgical meetings and other writings. However, Christianity honored the holiness of these transgender saints.

In a 2021 collection of essays about transgender and queer saints in the medieval period, scholars Alicia Spencer-Hall and Blake Gutt argue that medieval Christianity saw transness as holy.

“Transness is not merely compatible with holiness; transness itself is holy,” they write. Transgender saints had to reject convention in order to live their own authentic lives, just as early Christians had to reject convention in order to live as Christians.

Literature scholar Rhonda McDaniel explains that in 10th-century England, adopting the Christian values of shunning wealth, militarism and sex made it easier for people to go beyond strict ideas about male and female gender. Instead of defining gender by separate male and female values, all individuals could be defined by the same Christian values.

Historically and even in contemporary times, gender is associated with specific values and roles, such as assuming that homemaking is for women, or that men are stronger. But adopting these Christian values allowed individuals to transcend such distinctions, especially when they entered monasteries and nunneries.

According to McDaniel, even cisgender saints like St. Agnes, St. Sebastian and St. George exemplified these values, exhibiting how anyone in the audience could push against gender stereotypes without changing their bodies.

Agnes’ love of God allowed her to give up the role of wife. When offered love and wealth by men, she rejected them in favor of Christianity. Sebastian and George were powerful Roman men who were expected, as men, to engage in violent militarism. However, both rejected their violent Roman masculinity in favor of Christian pacifism.

A life worth emulating

Although most saints’ lives were written primarily as morality tales, the story of Joseph of Schönau was told as both very real and worthy of emulation by the audience. His story is told as a historical account of a life that would be attainable for ordinary Christians.

In the late 12th century, Joseph, born female, joined a Cistercian monastery in Schönau, Germany. During his deathbed confession, Joseph told his life story, including his pilgrimage to Jerusalem as a child and his difficult journey back to Europe after the death of his father. When he finally returned to his birthplace of Cologne, he entered a monastery as a man in gratitude to God for returning him home safely.

Despite arguing that Joseph’s life was worth emulating, the first author of Joseph’s story, Engelhard of Langheim, had a complicated relationship with Joseph’s gender. He claimed Joseph was a woman, but regularly used masculine pronouns to describe him.

Marinos the monk.
Richard de Montbaston via Wikimedia Commons

Even though Eugenia, Euphrosyne and Marinos’ stories are told as morality tales, their authors had similarly complicated relationships with their gender. In the case of Eugenia, in one manuscript, the author refers to her with entirely female pronouns, but in another, the scribe slips into male pronouns.

Marinos and Euphrosyne were also frequently referred to as male. The fact that the authors referred to these characters as male suggests that their transition to masculinity was not only a metaphor, but in some ways just as real as Joseph’s.

Based on these stories, I argue that Christianity has a transgender history to pull from and many opportunities to embrace transness as an essential part of its values.

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

– ref. Christianity has long revered saints who would be called ‘transgender’ today – https://theconversation.com/christianity-has-long-revered-saints-who-would-be-called-transgender-today-254769

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Pope Leo XIV is the first member of the Order of St. Augustine to be elected pope – but who are the Augustinians?

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Joanne M. Pierce, Professor Emerita of Religious Studies, College of the Holy Cross

Pope Leo XIV leaves the Augustinian General House in Rome after a visit on May 13, 2025. AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis

When Pope Leo XIV was elected pope, the assembled crowd reacted with joy but also with surprise: He was the first pope from the United States, and North America more broadly. Moreover, he was the first member of the Order of St. Augustine to be elected to the papacy.

Out of all 267 popes, only 51 have been members of religious orders. Pope Francis was elected in 2013 as the first member of the Jesuit order, the Society of Jesus; he was also the first member of any religious order to be chosen in over 150 years.

As a specialist in medieval Christianity, I am familiar with the origins of many Catholic religious orders, and I was intrigued by the choice of a member of the Order of St. Augustine to follow a Jesuit as pope.

So, who are the Augustinians?

Early monks and concern for community

In antiquity, some Christians chose to lead a more perfect religious life by leaving ordinary society and living together in groups, in the wilderness. They would be led by an older, more experienced person – an abbot. As monks, they followed a set of regulations and guidelines called a “monastic rule.”

The earliest of these rules, composed about the year 400, is attributed to an influential theologian, later a bishop in North Africa, called St. Augustine of Hippo. The Rule of St. Augustine is a short text that offered monks a firm structure for their daily lives of work and prayer, as well as guidelines on how these rules could be implemented by the abbot in different situations. The rule is both firm and flexible.

The first chapter stresses the importance of “common life”: It instructs monks to love God and one’s neighbor by living “together in oneness of mind and heart, mutually honoring God in yourselves, whose temples you have become.”

This is the overriding principle that shapes all later instructions in Augustinian rule.

For example, Chapter III deals with how the monks should behave when out in public. They should not go alone, but in a group, and not engage in scandalous behavior – specifically, staring at women.

If one monk starts staring at a woman, one of the other monks with him should “admonish” him. If he does it again, his companion should tell the abbot first, before any other witnesses are notified, so that the monk can try to change his behavior on his own first, so as not to cause disruption in the community.

Because of this clarity and flexibility, its concern for both the community and the individual members, many early religious communities in the early Middle Ages adopted the Rule of St. Augustine; formal papal approval was not required at this time.

Mendicant friars in medieval Europe

By the end of the 12th century, Western Europe had become much more urbanized.

In response, a new form of religious life emerged: the mendicant friars. Unlike monks who withdrew from ordinary life, mendicants stressed a life of poverty, spent in travel from town to town to preach and help the poor. They would beg for alms along the way to provide for their own needs.

The first mendicant orders, like the Franciscans and Dominicans, received papal approval in the early 13th century. Others were organized later.

A few decades later, several hermits living in the Italian region of Tuscany decided to join together to form a new mendicant order. They chose to follow the Rule of St. Augustine under one superior general; Pope Innocent IV approved the new order as the Order of Hermits of St. Augustine in 1244. Later, in 1254, Pope Alexander IV included other groups of hermits in the order, known as the Grand Union.

The new order grew and eventually expanded across Western Europe, becoming involved in preaching and other kinds of pastoral work in several countries.

Early missionaries to modern times

As European countries began to explore the New World, missionary priests took their place on ships sent from Catholic countries, like Spain and Portugal.

Augustinians were among these early missionaries, quickly establishing themselves in Latin America, several countries in Africa and parts of Southeast Asia and Oceania, arriving in the Philippines in the 16th century.

There, they not only ministered to the European crews and colonists, but they also evangelized – preached the Christian gospel – to the native inhabitants of the country.

Augustinian missionaries started the process of setting up Catholic parishes and, eventually, new dioceses. In time, they founded and taught in seminaries to train native-born men who wanted to join their order.

It wasn’t until the end of the 18th century that Augustinian friars arrived in the United States. Despite many struggles and setbacks in the 19th century, they established Villanova University in Pennsylvania and other ministries in New York and Massachusetts. Except for two 17th-century missionaries, Augustinian friars didn’t arrive in Canada until the 20th century, when they were sent from the German province of the order to escape financial pressure from the economic depression of the 1920s and political pressure from the Nazis.

Pope Francis meets with members of the Order of Augustinian Recollects at the Vatican on Oct. 20, 2016.
L’Osservatore Romano/Pool Photo via AP

Today, there are some 2,800 Augustinian friars in almost 50 countries worldwide. They serve as pastors, teachers and bishops, and have founded schools, colleges and universities on almost every continent. They are also active in promoting social justice in many places – for example, in North America and Australasia, comprising Australia and parts of South Asia.

Based on his years as a missionary and as provincial of the entire order worldwide, Leo XIV draws on the rich interpersonal tradition of the Order of St. Augustine. I believe his pontificate will be one marked by his experiential awareness of Catholicism as a genuinely global religion, and his deep concern for the suffering of the marginalized and those crushed by political and economic injustice.

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

– ref. Pope Leo XIV is the first member of the Order of St. Augustine to be elected pope – but who are the Augustinians? – https://theconversation.com/pope-leo-xiv-is-the-first-member-of-the-order-of-st-augustine-to-be-elected-pope-but-who-are-the-augustinians-257175

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Europeans are concerned that the US will withdraw support from NATO. They are right to worry − Americans should, too

Source: The Conversation – USA – By John Deni, Research Professor of Joint, Interagency, Intergovernmental, and Multinational Security Studies, US Army War College

American soldiers join 3,000 troops from other NATO member countries in a four-week exercise in Hohenfels, Germany, in March 2025. Sean Gallup/Getty Images

The United States has long played a leadership role in NATO, the most successful military alliance in history.

The U.S. and 11 other countries in North America and Europe founded NATO in 1949, following World War II. NATO has since grown its membership to include 32 countries in Europe and North America.

But now, European leaders and politicians fear the United States has become a less reliable ally, posing major challenges for Europe and, by implication, NATO.

This concern is not unfounded.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly spoken of a desire to seize Greenland, which is an autonomous territory of Denmark, a NATO member. He has declared that Canada, another NATO member, should become “the 51st state.” Trump has also sided with Russia at the United Nations and said that the European Union, the political and economic group uniting 27 European countries, was designed to “screw” the U.S.

Still, Trump – as well as other senior U.S. government officials – has said that the U.S. remains committed to staying in and supporting NATO.

For decades, both liberal and conservative American politicians have recognized that the U.S. strengthens its own military and economic interests by being a leader in NATO – and by keeping thousands of U.S. troops based in Europe to underwrite its commitment.

President Donald Trump speaks at a NATO Summit in July 2018 during his first term.
Sean Gallup/Getty Images

Understanding NATO

The U.S., Canada and 10 Western European countries formed NATO nearly 80 years ago as a way to help maintain peace and stability in Europe following World War II. NATO helped European and North American countries bind together and defend themselves against the threat once posed by the Soviet Union, a former communist empire that fell in 1991.

NATO employs about 2,000 people at its headquarters in Brussels. It does not have its own military troops and relies on its 32 member countries to volunteer their own military forces to conduct operations and other tasks under NATO’s leadership.

NATO does have its own military command structure, led by an American military officer, and including military officers from other countries. This team plans and executes all NATO military operations.

In peacetime, military forces working with NATO conduct training exercises across Eastern Europe and other places to help reassure allies about the strength of the military coalition – and to deter potential aggressors, like Russia.

NATO has a relatively small annual budget of around US$3.6 billion. The U.S. and Germany are the largest contributors to this budget, each responsible for funding 16% of NATO’s costs each year.

Separate from NATO’s annual budget, in 2014, NATO members agreed that each participating country should spend the equivalent of 2% of its gross domestic product on their own national defense. Twenty two of NATO’s 31 members with military forces were expected that 2% threshold as of April 2025.

Although NATO is chiefly a military alliance, it has roots in the mutual economic interests of both the U.S. and Europe.

Europe is the United States’ most important economic partner. Roughly one-quarter of all U.S. trade is with Europe – more than the U.S. has with Canada, China or Mexico.

Over 2.3 million American jobs are directly tied to producing exports that reach European countries that are part of NATO.

NATO helps safeguard this mutual economic relationship between the U.S. and Europe. If Russia or another country tries to intimidate, dominate or even invade a European country, this could hurt the American economy. In this way, NATO can be seen as the insurance policy that underwrites the strength and vitality of the American economy.

The heart of that insurance policy is Article 5, a mutual defense pledge that member countries agree to when they join NATO.

Article 5 says that an armed attack against one NATO member is considered an attack against the entire alliance. If one NATO member is attacked, all other NATO members must help defend the country in question. NATO members have only invoked Article 5 once, following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in the U.S., when the alliance deployed aircraft to monitor U.S. skies.

A wavering commitment to Article 5

Trump has questioned whether he would enforce Article 5 and help defend a NATO country if it is not paying the required 2% of its gross domestic product.

NBC News also reported in April 2025 that the U.S. is likely going to cut 10,000 or more of the nearly 85,000 American troops stationed in Europe. The U.S. might also relinquish its top military leadership position within NATO, according to NBC.

Many political analysts expect the U.S. to shift its national security focus away from Europe and toward threats posed by China – specifically, the threat of China invading or attacking Taiwan.

At the same time, the Trump administration appears eager to reset relations with Russia. This is despite the Russian military’s atrocities committed against Ukrainian military forces and civilians in the war Russia began in 2022, and Russia’s intensifying hybrid war against Europeans in the form of covert spy attacks across Europe. This hybrid warfare allegedly includes Russia conducting cyberattacks and sabotage operations across Europe. It also involves Russia allegedly trying to plant incendiary devices on planes headed to North America, among other things.

President Joe Biden speaks during a NATO summit in Washington in July 2024.
Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images

A shifting role in Europe

The available evidence indicates that the U.S. is backing away from its role in Europe. At best – from a European security perspective – the U.S. could still defend European allies with the potential threat of its nuclear weapon arsennal. The U.S. has significantly more nuclear weapons than any Western European country, but it is not clear that this is enough to deter Russia without the clear presence of large numbers of American troops in Europe, especially given that Moscow continues to perceive the U.S. as NATO’s most important and most powerful member.

For this reason, significantly downsizing the number of U.S. troops in Europe, giving up key American military leadership positions in NATO, or backing away from the alliance in other ways appears exceptionally perilous. Such actions could increase Russian aggression across Europe, ultimately threatening not just European security bu America’s as well.

Maintaining America’s leadership position in NATO and sustaining its troop levels in Europe helps reinforce the U.S. commitment to defending its most important allies. This is the best way to protect vital U.S. economic interests in Europe today and ensure Washington will have friends to call on in the future.

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

– ref. Europeans are concerned that the US will withdraw support from NATO. They are right to worry − Americans should, too – https://theconversation.com/europeans-are-concerned-that-the-us-will-withdraw-support-from-nato-they-are-right-to-worry-americans-should-too-253907

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Why some towns lose local news − and others don’t

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Abby Youran Qin, Ph.D. candidate at School of Journalism & Mass Communication, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Five elements determine which towns lose their papers and which ones beat the odds. Hans Henning Wenk/Getty Images

Why did your hometown newspaper vanish while the next town over kept theirs?

This isn’t bad luck − it’s a systemic pattern. Since 2005, the United States has lost over one-third of its local newspapers, creating “news deserts” where corruption is more likely to spread and communities may become politically polarized.

My research, published in Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, analyzes the factors behind the decline of local newspapers between 2004 and 2018. It identifies five key drivers − ranging from racial disparity to market forces − that determine which towns lose their papers and which ones beat the odds.

1. Newspapers follow the money, not community needs

You might expect news media to gravitate toward areas where their work is needed most − communities experiencing population growth or facing systemic challenges. But in reality, newspapers, like any business, tend to thrive where the financial resources are greatest.

My analyses suggest that local newspapers survive where affluent subscribers and deep-pocketed advertisers cluster. That means wealthy white suburbs keep their watchdogs, while low-income and diverse communities lose theirs.

When police brutality spikes, when welfare offices deny claims, when local officials divert funds − these are the moments when communities need their journalists the most.

Bertram de Souza works on a story for The Vindicator newspaper in Youngstown, Ohio, on Aug. 7, 2019. The 150-year-old paper shut down later that month because of financial struggles.
Tony Dejak, AP Photos

Poor and racially diverse communities often face the harshest policing and interact more with street-level bureaucrats than wealthier citizens. That makes them more vulnerable to government corruption and misconduct. Yet, these same communities are the first to lose their newspapers, because there are no luxury real estate agencies buying ads, and few residents can afford the monthly subscriptions.

Without journalistic scrutiny, scholars find that mismanagement flourishes, corruption costs balloon, and the communities most vulnerable to abuse receive the least accountability. This is how news deserts exacerbate inequality.

2. Newspapers don’t adequately serve diverse communities

Picture this: A newsroom sends its reporters, most of whom are white, to a Black neighborhood − but only after reports of gunshots or building fires. Residents, still in shock, don’t want to talk. So journalists call the same three community leaders they always quote, run the tragic story and disappear until the next crisis. This approach, often referred to as “parachute journalism,” results in shallow coverage that paints the community in a negative light while overlooking its complexities.

Year after year, the pattern repeats. The only time residents see their neighborhood in the paper is when something terrible happens. No feature story of the family-owned restaurant celebrating its 20-year anniversary, no reporter at the town hall when the new police chief gets grilled about stop-and-frisk − just the constant drumbeat of crime and crisis.

Is it any wonder racially diverse communities stop trusting and paying for that paper? Not when many working-class families of color can barely afford to add a newspaper subscription to their bills.

Diverse neighborhoods get hit twice. First, their local papers inadequately represent them. Then, when people understandably turn away, subscriptions drop, advertisers pull back and the outlets shut down, leaving whole communities without a voice.

Only in recent years have more media outlets begun to make a concerted effort to engage with and reflect the communities they serve. However, such efforts are often led by newer media organizations with fresh ideologies, while many long-standing media outlets remain stuck in traditional reporting practices, as illustrated in Jacob Nelson’s “Imagined Audiences.” Although my analyses of local newspaper decline from 2004 to 2018 paints a frustrating picture, the emerging trend of community-oriented journalism holds promise for positive changes in diverse communities.

3. Population growth doesn’t always save newspapers

It’s easy to assume that more people = more readers = healthier news organizations. But my research tells a different story: Counties with larger population growth actually saw greater declines in local newspapers.

The catch lies in who is moving in: Population growth saves papers only when it comes with wealth. Affluent newcomers bring subscriptions and advertisers’ attention. But growth driven by high birth rates, typically seen in less developed areas with more racial and ethnic minorities, doesn’t translate to revenue. In short, growth alone isn’t enough − it’s the type of growth, and the economic power behind it, that matters.

This highlights the fragility of market-dependent journalism. The news gap experienced by fast-growing communities may persist where local journalism depends primarily on traditional advertising and subscription revenues rather than diversified revenue sources such as grants and philanthropic donations. The latter, which often focus on community needs rather than profit potential, are more likely to help sustain journalism in areas with significant population growth.

Local news sources help residents hold their elected officials accountable.
Jim Mone/AP Photos

4. Neighbors’ newspapers can save yours

You’d think that competition between newspapers would be a cutthroat affair. But in an era of decline, my analyses reveal a counterintuitive truth: Your town’s paper actually has better odds when nearby communities keep theirs.

Rather than competing, neighboring papers often become allies, sharing breaking news, splitting investigative costs and attracting advertisers who want regional reach. While this collaboration can sometimes cause papers to lose their local identity, having some local journalism is still better than none. It ensures some level of accountability, even if the news isn’t as focused on each town’s unique needs.

Resilient local journalism clusters together. When one paper invests in original reporting, its neighbors often benefit too. When regional businesses support multiple outlets, the entire news ecosystem becomes more sustainable.

5. Left or right? Local papers die either way

In this highly polarized era, it turns out that there’s no significant link between a county’s partisan makeup and its ability to keep newspapers.

Urban hubs such as Chicago keep robust media thanks to dense populations and corporate advertisers, not because they vote for Democrats. Meanwhile, newspapers in conservative rural areas can survive by cultivating loyal readerships within their communities.

In contrast, communities with lower income and a diverse population lose outlets no matter whether they are red, blue or purple.

Partisan battles might dominate national headlines, but local journalism’s survival hinges on practical factors such as money and market size. Saving local news isn’t a left vs. right debate − it’s a community issue that requires nonpartisan solutions.

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

– ref. Why some towns lose local news − and others don’t – https://theconversation.com/why-some-towns-lose-local-news-and-others-dont-252155

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 28, 2025

Category: Politics

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1. Newspapers follow the money, not community needs

2. Newspapers don’t adequately serve diverse communities

3. Population growth doesn’t always save newspapers

4. Neighbors’ newspapers can save yours

5. Left or right? Local papers die either way