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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI USA: Quigley Statement on Passing of Pope Francis

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

    Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) released the following statement on the passing of Pope Francis:

    “The world has lost a great messenger for peace and compassion. Pope Francis spent his life in service to those less fortunate and used his influence as Pope to advance the causes of environmentalism, peace, and equality. He led with humility and the biblical call to welcome all, including refugees and immigrants. At all times, Pope Francis reminded the world that the root of the Catholic faith is in aiding the poor, voiceless, and disadvantaged. It was one of the great honors of my career to attend Pope Francis’s address to Congress in 2015.

    “My thoughts are with the millions of Catholics who mourn his passing, and I stand with those around the world who grieve the loss of this moral giant. In these difficult times, the best way to honor Pope Francis’s memory is to follow his example by extending mercy and kindness to all those around us.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 12 playgrounds to visit this summer

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Lyons Oval playground is one of Canberra’s most recently upgraded playgrounds.

    In brief:

    • Canberra has more playgrounds than any other state or local council in Australia.
    • This story includes a list of playgrounds that have been upgraded or built in 2024.

    In Canberra, most homes are within 400 metres of a local playground. If you have kids, it’s likely you’re well acquainted with every playground near your home.

    As Canberra’s population grows, there are more playgrounds all over town. Existing playgrounds are also updated to ensure they remain great places for local kids to play.

    Read on to find out more about some of the playgrounds that were built or updated in 2024.

    Belconnen

    Banambila Street playground

    Banambila Street, Aranda

    The upgraded Banambila Street playground is suitable for all age groups and families. Highlights include:

    • a wombat tunnel for toddlers
    • a swing set with a toddler seat, basket swing and spinner
    • a raised teepee structure with a net, ladder and slide
    • fitness equipment
    • seating, including a picnic table and shelter.

    Find out more about the Banambila Street Playground

    Wakool Circuit playground

    Wakool circuit, Kaleen

    The upgraded Wakool Circuit playground now features:

    • a climbing tower
    • an area for toddlers
    • a frog sculpture
    • a nature play area with timber and stilt steppers
    • logs and carved boulders
    • seating, picnic table and shelter.

    The swing frame has been retained but now has a toddler seat and a band seat. The existing rocker and combination unit have also been retained. The combination unit now has a new kaleidoscope panel.

    Find out more.

    Whitlam Community Playground

    Ker Wilson Way, Whitlam

    This new playground includes:

    • a climbing tower with slide
    • swings
    • a hammock swing
    • springers
    • toddler combination unit with slide, steps and climbing wall
    • shaded picnic area.

    There is plenty of open space to run around. Views extend over Molonglo River towards the surrounding hills.

    Find out more.

    Gungahlin

    Burrumarra Avenue playground

    Burrumarra Avenue, Ngunnawal

    This upgraded playground is Ngunnawal’s only fully fenced playground. It includes:

    • equipment for toddlers
    • all-abilities play equipment, including a double rocker and seesaw
    • a fort with a slide and climbing elements
    • picnic tables, shelter and refreshed landscaping.

    Learn more.

    Casey Community Recreation Park

    Between Plimsoll Drive and Yeend Avenue, Casey

    Casey has a new community recreation park.

    There is lots to explore, including:

    • equipment for all abilities
    • a multi-purpose court
    • flying fox
    • shade structures
    • a barbecue
    • a picnic area
    • accessible toilet facilities
    • parking, including one accessible space.

    Find out more.

    Jacka Central Community Playground

    Horse Park Drive, Jacka

    The Jacka playground is brand new and has something for all children. Features include:

    • a large combination unit with slide, climbs and bridge crossing
    • talking pipes
    • toddler area with shop window and slide
    • play hill with slides and tunnel
    • tilting bowl
    • spinning poles
    • stilt steppers
    • swings, including a nest swing.

    The area also has a sheltered picnic area and additional seating.

    Find out more.

    Tuggeranong

    Point Hut Pond playground

    Charles Place, Gordon

    The Point Hut Pond playground in Gordon has been upgraded. There were updates to the junior play area and a new Maliyan nest area.

    The junior play area has:

    • timber steppers
    • a vortex climber
    • a rocker
    • timber balancing stilts
    • a junior swing
    • a shaded slide structure with steps.

    The Maliyan nest area has:

    • a Maliyan nest climber with slide
    • a slide and scramble slope
    • nature play elements.

    The area also has:

    • a sandpit with digger
    • toilets
    • shade sails
    • barbecue
    • picnic table.

    Alston Street playground

    Alston Street, Chisholm

    This upgraded playground has had significant upgrades, including:

    • stone and timber steppers
    • an accessible spinner
    • a nest swing
    • a brown snake sculpture.

    There is also climbing equipment for older children including climbing polls, a pommel walk and a vortex. You’ll also find picnic tables, shelter and seating.

    Find out more.

    Tuggeranong Town Park

    Bartlet Place, Greenway

    This playground has been recently upgraded to include:

    • a climbing tower
    • sandpit with digger
    • double flying fox
    • accessible carousel
    • balancing logs
    • an accessible nest swing
    • refreshed shade sails and swing seats
    • a bike repair station.

    Some of the existing elements have been repaired and repainted. This includes:

    • the toddler combination unit with slide
    • toddler swing
    • springer
    • seesaw.

    There’s shaded seating between the playground and the lake. There are also barbecue and picnic areas nearby.

    There is plenty of open spaces to run around. This includes nearby grassy areas and the sandy shore of Lake Tuggeranong

    Find out more.

    Woden and Molonglo Valley

    Lyons Oval playground

    Launceston Street, Lyons

    The Lyons playground has retained some of the features that local families loved. This includes the existing rocker and swing frame.

    There are exciting new additions, including:

    • a new nature play journey with timber and stilt steppers
    • boulders and a timber balance log
    • a nest swing
    • a combination unit with slide and climbing elements
    • a drum
    • monkey bars and twirl bars
    • balance ropes.

    There is also a seating and picnic shelter and a new shade sail.

    Find out more.

    Ruth Park playground

    Edgeworth Parade, Coombs

    This playground opened in 2022 and has quickly become a favourite among Canberra families. Upgrades including public toilets are planned for January 2025.

    It features equipment for all ages, including:

    • a bird’s nest tower
    • pod structures
    • slides
    • swings
    • trampoline pads
    • springers
    • and much more.

    It also includes a barbecue and picnic area.

    Find out more.

    Central

    Maliyan Park, north Watson

    Aspinall Street, Watson

    This new neighbourhood playground is packed with features for kids of all ages.

    Play elements include:

    • swings
    • slides
    • climbers
    • spinners
    • springers
    • a tunnel
    • trampoline pads
    • talking pipes.

    There is also exercise equipment and a kick-around space. A picnic area is positioned in the middle of the playground.

    Find out more.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Summons for the Annual General Meeting of P/F Atlantic Petroleum

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Summons for the Annual General Meeting of P/F Atlantic Petroleum

    The Annual General Meeting of P/F Atlantic Petroleum is hereby called. The meeting will be held at the premises of Advokatfelagið, Lucas Debesargøta 8, 100 Tórshavn, Faroe Islands.

    on Friday 23rdMay 2025 at 15:00 (Faroese time)

     with the following agenda:

    1.   Election of Chairman of the Meeting.

    2.   The Board of Directors’ statement of the Company’s activity during the previous accounting year.

    3.   Presentation of audited Annual Accounts for approval.

    3A Approval of the remuneration to the Board in 2024 and 2025.

         A. Approval of the remuneration to the Board in 2024.
         The Board proposes approval of the actual remuneration in 2024 of DKK 175.000,00.
         B. Approval of the basis for the remuneration to the Board in 2025.
         The Board proposes that the basis for the remuneration to the Board in 2025 will be:

    • The basic remuneration to the Board Members will be DKK 60.000,00.
      • The Chairman of the Board receives the basic remuneration x 2
      • The Deputy Chairman receives the basic remuneration x 1.5
      • An ordinary Board Member receives the basic remuneration x 1
      • The Chairman for the Audit Committee receives the basic remuneration x 0.5 in addition to his/her general Board remuneration.

    4.   Decision on how to use profit or cover loss according to the approved Accounts and Annual report.

    The Board of Directors recommends that the result according to the approved Accounts is carried forward to next year.

    5.   Election of Board of Directors.

    According to the Articles of Associations three members are to be elected to the Board of Directors. All Members of the Board are up for election for a period of one year, namely: Ben Arabo, Mourits Joensen and Mark T. Højgaard.

    These candidates are proposed for the election as board members:

    Ben Arabo, current chairman of the board, á Oyrareingjum 110, 415 Oyrareingir;
    Mourits Joensen, current deputy chairman, Heygsvegur 16, 100 Tórshavn; and
    Mark T. Højgaard, current boardmember, Hórheiðar 48, 480 Skáli.

    Three board members are to be elected.

    All the proposed candidates accept to be elected.

    More information on the proposed candidates can be found on the Company’s website www.petroleum.fo. 

    6.   Election of auditor, who will sit until the next Annual General Meeting is held.

    The present auditor of the Company is P/F Januar løggilt grannskoðaravirki, Óðinshædd 13, 100 Tórshavn. The Board proposes re-election of P/F Januar løggilt grannskoðaravirki, for the period to the next Annual General Meeting.

    7.        AOB

    – – – 0 – – –

    Quorum.

    Proposals on the agenda for the meeting can be adopted by majority vote.

    Requisition of admission card, voting paper and the voting procedure.

    The shareholder’s right to participate at the General Meeting and to vote according to his/her shares will be according to the number of shares, which the shareholder owns at the register date. The register date is Friday 16th May 2025.

    A shareholder, his/her proxy and the press can participate at the General Meeting on the condition that he/she has given notice to the Company hereof at the latest by Monday 19thMay 2025 via the website of the Company www.petroleum.fo or at the office of the Company, Lucas Debesargøta 8, 100 Tórshavn, or on telephone no. +(298) 59 16 01 or on the email address markh@petroleum.fo.

    If a shareholder cannot participate in the General Meeting he/she can in writing give a written proxy to a third person to represent him/her at the meeting. Proxy – forms to be used for this purpose are available on the website of the Company www.petroleum.fo and at the office of the Company, Lucas Debesargøta 8, 100 Tórshavn. Shareholders with access to the Investor Portal through the Company’s website can give their proxy instructions via this portal.  

    The voting – except the voting by letter ballot – will be executed at the General Meeting. The shareholder (or his/her proxy) who have in due time given notice that he/she wishes to attend the Annual General Meeting, will meet at the General Meeting and cast their votes. Admission cards and voting papers will be handed out at General Meeting entrance.

    Letter ballot.

    The shareholders can vote by letter ballot – that is cast their votes in writing prior to the day of the Annual General Meeting. On the Company’s website www.petroleum.fo shareholders can download a letter ballot form. Letter ballot must be received at the Company’s premises, Lucas Debesargøta 8, 100 Tórshavn or on the email address markh@petroleum.fo at the latest Thursday 22th May 2025.

    The shareholder’s right to bring forward questions.

    Shareholders can, prior to the General Meeting, bring forward to the Board/Management of the Company questions regarding matters that have relevance to the 2024 Annual Report and to the Company’s general position or are regarding the decisions that are to be made at the General Meeting. If a shareholder wishes to use this right he/she can send his question in a letter to P/F Atlantic Petroleum, Lucas Debesargøta 8, 100 Tórshavn, or to the email address markh@petroleum.fo.

    At the General Meeting shareholders can also bring forward questions to the Board/Management of the Company regarding the mentioned matters.

    Documents for the General Meeting, including the 2024 Annual Accounts and agenda with the complete proposals.

    Documents relevant for the General Meeting, including (1) the 2024 Annual Accounts with the Auditor’s Report and Annual Report (2) agenda, (3) complete proposals for the General Meeting (4) information on the Company’s total number of shares and votes at the day of the summons and (5) proxy documents and letter ballot form are available at the Company’s office at the address, Lucas Debesargøta 8, 100 Tórshavn (tel no. + (298) 59 16 01) at the latest 3 weeks prior to the General Meeting. The mentioned documents will also be available on the Company’s website www.petroleum.fo. 

    Share capital, voting rights and financial institute holding accounts on behalf of the Company.

    The share capital of the Company is DKK 3,697,860 divided into shares of DKK 1,- or multipla hereof. According to § 5 sub clause 1 of the Articles of Association of the Company, each shareholder has one vote for each DKK 1,- they hold in share capital.

    Number of shares is: 3,697,860 and number of votes is: 3,697,860.

    The Company has appointed P/F Betri Banki as holder of accounts. Shareholders can contact this financial institute at Yviri við Strond 2, 100 Tórshavn or on the website www.betri.fo or on telephone no. +298 348 000 to exercise their financial rights in the Company.

    Torshavn 26. April 2025

    P/F Atlantic Petroleum

    The Board of Directors

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Exequial Mass for the late Roman Pontiff Francis

    Source: The Holy See

    At 10.00 this morning, on the parvis of the Patriarchal Vatican Basilica, the Exequial Holy Mass for the late Roman Pontiff Francis took place.
    The Exequial Liturgy was concelebrated by the Cardinals and the Patriarchs of the Eastern Churches. The Dean of the College of Cardinals, His Eminence Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, presided over the Concelebration.
    At the end of the solemn Eucharistic Celebration, the Ultima Commendatio (last recommendation) and the Valedictio (farewell) took place. The Cardinal Vicar for the diocese of Rome led the supplication of the Church of Rome. The Patriarchs, Major Archbishops and Metropolitans of the “sui iuris” Eastern Churches then proceeded in front of the coffin for the supplication of the Eastern Churches. The Cardinal Dean then sprinkled the coffin of the late Pontiff with holy water and incensed it.
    The coffin of the Holy Father Francis was transferred to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major for interment.
    The following is homily delivered by His Eminence Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re:

    Homily of His Eminence Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re
    In this majestic Saint Peter’s Square, where Pope Francis celebrated the Eucharist so many times and presided over great gatherings over the past twelve years, we are gathered with sad hearts in prayer around his mortal remains. Yet, we are sustained by the certainty of faith, which assures us that human existence does not end in the tomb, but in the Father’s house, in a life of happiness that will know no end.
    On behalf of the College of Cardinals, I cordially thank all of you for your presence. With deep emotion, I extend respectful greetings and heartfelt thanks to the Heads of State, Heads of Government and Official Delegations who have come from many countries to express their affection, veneration and esteem for our late Holy Father.
    The outpouring of affection that we have witnessed in recent days following his passing from this earth into eternity tells us how much the profound pontificate of Pope Francis touched minds and hearts.
    The final image we have of him, which will remain etched in our memory, is that of last Sunday, Easter Sunday, when Pope Francis, despite his serious health problems, wanted to give us his blessing from the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica. He then came down to this Square to greet the large crowd gathered for the Easter Mass while riding in the open-top Popemobile.
    With our prayers, we now entrust the soul of our beloved Pontiff to God, that he may grant him eternal happiness in the bright and glorious gaze of his immense love.
    We are enlightened and guided by the passage of the Gospel, in which the very voice of Christ resounded, asking the first of the Apostles: “Peter, do you love me more than these?” Peter’s answer was prompt and sincere: “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you!” Jesus then entrusted him with the great mission: “Feed my sheep.” This will be the constant task of Peter and his successors, a service of love in the footsteps of Christ, our Master and Lord, who “came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mk 10:45).
    Despite his frailty and suffering towards the end, Pope Francis chose to follow this path of self-giving until the last day of his earthly life. He followed in the footsteps of his Lord, the Good Shepherd, who loved his sheep to the point of giving his life for them. And he did so with strength and serenity, close to his flock, the Church of God, mindful of the words of Jesus quoted by the Apostle Paul: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
    When Cardinal Bergoglio was elected by the Conclave on 13 March 2013 to succeed Pope Benedict XVI, he already had many years of experience in religious life in the Society of Jesus and, above all, was enriched by twenty-one years of pastoral ministry in the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires, first as Auxiliary, then as Coadjutor and, above all, as Archbishop.
    The decision to take the name Francis immediately appeared to indicate the pastoral plan and style on which he wanted to base his pontificate, seeking inspiration from the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi.
    He maintained his temperament and form of pastoral leadership, and through his resolute personality, immediately made his mark on the governance of the Church. He established direct contact with individuals and peoples, eager to be close to everyone, with a marked attention to those in difficulty, giving himself without measure, especially to the marginalised, the least among us. He was a Pope among the people, with an open heart towards everyone. He was also a Pope attentive to the signs of the times and what the Holy Spirit was awakening in the Church.
    With his characteristic vocabulary and language, rich in images and metaphors, he always sought to shed light on the problems of our time with the wisdom of the Gospel. He did so by offering a response guided by the light of faith and encouraging us to live as Christians amid the challenges and contradictions in recent years, which he loved to describe as an “epochal change.”
    He had great spontaneity and an informal way of addressing everyone, even those far from the Church.
    Rich in human warmth and deeply sensitive to today’s challenges, Pope Francis truly shared the anxieties, sufferings and hopes of this time of globalisation. He gave of himself by comforting and encouraging us with a message capable of reaching people’s hearts in a direct and immediate way.
    His charisma of welcome and listening, combined with a manner of behaviour in keeping with today’s sensitivities, touched hearts and sought to reawaken moral and spiritual sensibilities.
    Evangelisation was the guiding principle of his pontificate. With a clear missionary vision, he spread the joy of the Gospel, which was the title of his first Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii gaudium. It is a joy that fills the hearts of all those who entrust themselves to God with confidence and hope.
    The guiding thread of his mission was also the conviction that the Church is a home for all, a home with its doors always open. He often used the image of the Church as a “field hospital” after a battle in which many were wounded; a Church determined to take care of the problems of people and the great anxieties that tear the contemporary world apart; a Church capable of bending down to every person, regardless of their beliefs or condition, and healing their wounds.
    His gestures and exhortations in favour of refugees and displaced persons are countless. His insistence on working on behalf of the poor was constant.
    It is significant that Pope Francis’ first journey was to Lampedusa, an island that symbolises the tragedy of emigration, with thousands of people drowning at sea. In the same vein was his trip to Lesbos, together with the Ecumenical Patriarch and the Archbishop of Athens, as well as the celebration of a Mass on the border between Mexico and the United States during his journey to Mexico.
    Of his 47 arduous Apostolic Journeys, the one to Iraq in 2021, defying every risk, will remain particularly memorable. That difficult Apostolic Journey was a balm on the open wounds of the Iraqi people, who had suffered so much from the inhuman actions of ISIS. It was also an important trip for interreligious dialogue, another significant dimension of his pastoral work. With his 2024 Apostolic Journey to four countries in Asia-Oceania, the Pope reached “the most peripheral periphery of the world.”
    Pope Francis always placed the Gospel of mercy at the centre, repeatedly emphasising that God never tires of forgiving us. He always forgives, whatever the situation might be of the person who asks for forgiveness and returns to the right path.
    He called for the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy in order to highlight that mercy is “the heart of the Gospel.”
    Mercy and the joy of the Gospel are two key words for Pope Francis.
    In contrast to what he called “the culture of waste,” he spoke of the culture of encounter and solidarity. The theme of fraternity ran through his entire pontificate with vibrant tones. In his Encyclical Letter Fratelli tutti, he wanted to revive a worldwide aspiration to fraternity, because we are all children of the same Father who is in heaven. He often forcefully reminded us that we all belong to the same human family.
    In 2019, during his trip to the United Arab Emirates, Pope Francis signed A Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together, recalling the common fatherhood of God.
    Addressing men and women throughout the world, in his Encyclical Letter Laudato si’ he drew attention to our duties and shared responsibility for our common home, stating, “No one is saved alone.”
    Faced with the raging wars of recent years, with their inhuman horrors and countless deaths and destruction, Pope Francis incessantly raised his voice imploring peace and calling for reason and honest negotiation to find possible solutions. War, he said, results in the death of people and the destruction of homes, hospitals and schools. War always leaves the world worse than it was before: it is always a painful and tragic defeat for everyone.
    “Build bridges, not walls” was an exhortation he repeated many times, and his service of faith as Successor of the Apostle Peter always was linked to the service of humanity in all its dimensions.
    Spiritually united with all of Christianity, we are here in large numbers to pray for Pope Francis, that God may welcome him into the immensity of his love.
    Pope Francis used to conclude his speeches and meetings by saying, “Do not forget to pray for me.”
    Dear Pope Francis, we now ask you to pray for us. May you bless the Church, bless Rome, and bless the whole world from heaven as you did last Sunday from the balcony of this Basilica in a final embrace with all the people of God, but also embrace humanity that seeks the truth with a sincere heart and holds high the torch of hope.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Upstate Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Conspiracy

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    SPARTANBURG, S.C. —Travis Legg, 43, Woodruff, has pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 4o grams of fentanyl.

    Evidence before the court established that in the late summer and fall of 2023, Legg worked with Maurice Canty to obtain over 500 grams of methamphetamine and over 40 grams of fentanyl for distribution. During the conspiracy, law enforcement surveilled a meeting where Canty distributed drugs to Legg, and Legg was found in possession of drugs upon his arrest in this case.

    Travis Legg faces a maximum of life in federal prison, a $10 million fine, and a maximum of lifetime supervision.

    United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins, Jr., accepted the guilty plea and will sentence the defendant after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office. Judge Coggins has previously sentenced Maurice Canty to 292 months of imprisonment for his role in the conspiracy.

    This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Border Enforcement Security Task Force – Upstate South Carolina, Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and Greenville County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie Schoen is prosecuting the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Best Online Casinos UK 2025: JACKBIT Rated As Top UK Casino Site

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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    License And Security At JACKBIT – Ensuring A Safe Gaming Environment

    When choosing the best online casino UK, security is paramount, especially for UK players accustomed to the stringent standards of the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). JACKBIT operates under a reputable Curacao Gaming License, a well-established authority in the global online gambling industry. This license mandates adherence to international standards for fairness, transparency, and player protection, ensuring a regulated environment that UK players can trust.

    The Curacao eGaming authority, one of the oldest licensing bodies, requires casinos to implement robust security measures. JACKBIT employs state-of-the-art SSL encryption to safeguard all data transmitted between players and the platform, protecting sensitive information like financial details and personal data from unauthorized access. This level of encryption is comparable to that used by major financial institutions, providing peace of mind for UK players.

    A standout feature for crypto enthusiasts is JACKBIT’s provably fair games, which allow players to independently verify the fairness of game outcomes using blockchain technology. This transparency is particularly appealing to those who prioritize trust and want assurance that games are not manipulated. Regular audits by third-party agencies further ensure compliance with fair gaming standards, reinforcing JACKBIT’s credibility.

    While JACKBIT is not UKGC-licensed, its Curacao license is widely recognized, and many reputable UK casino sites operate under similar offshore jurisdictions. The absence of UKGC oversight is offset by JACKBIT’s no KYC policy, which eliminates the need for identity verification, offering UK players enhanced privacy and faster account setup. This balance of robust security, regulatory compliance, and player anonymity makes JACKBIT a trusted best UK casino online for 2025.

    Bonuses And Promotions At JACKBIT – Unmatched Value For UK Players

    JACKBIT’s bonuses and promotions are a cornerstone of its appeal, positioning it as the best casino UK for value-driven players. Tailored to enhance the gaming experience, these offers provide UK players with significant opportunities to boost their bankroll and enjoy risk-free play.

    • Welcome Bonus: A Stellar Start
      New players are welcomed with a 30% rakeback and 100 free spins on their first deposit, with no wagering requirements. This means winnings from free spins or rakeback are instantly withdrawable, a rare feature among online casino in UK platforms. For example, a £100 deposit could yield £30 in rakeback plus spins on slots like Book of Dead, giving players a head start.
    • Weekly Giveaways: Ongoing Rewards
      JACKBIT keeps the excitement alive with weekly giveaways, offering a share of £8,000 ($10,000) in cash and 10,000 free spins. These promotions reward both new and regular players, ensuring continuous engagement and opportunities to win without additional deposits.
    • VIP Rakeback: Loyalty Pays Off
      The VIP program offers up to 30% rakeback, scaling with player activity. Loyal UK players benefit from personalized rewards, exclusive bonuses, and priority support, enhancing their experience at this top online casino UK.
    • Social Media Bonuses: Stay Connected
      By following JACKBIT on X, players can access exclusive bonuses and stay updated on limited-time offers. These social media promotions add an interactive element, appealing to tech-savvy UK gamblers.
    • Drops & Wins: Massive Prize Pools
      Partnering with Pragmatic Play, JACKBIT hosts Drops & Wins tournaments with a £1.6M (€2M) prize pool. Players can win random cash drops or compete in weekly slot and live casino tournaments, adding thrill to their gameplay.

    These promotions, praised across UK gambling forums, make JACKBIT a standout best online gambling site UK. The no-wager bonuses, in particular, set it apart, offering genuine value without restrictive terms, a key reason it’s the best UK casino site.

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    Casino Games At JACKBIT – A Diverse And Exciting Selection

    At the heart of any best online casino UK is its game library, and JACKBIT delivers with over 7,000 titles from leading providers, ensuring endless entertainment for UK players. Whether you’re a slot enthusiast, table game strategist, or sports betting fan, JACKBIT’s diverse offerings cater to all preferences.

    • Slots: A World of Themes and Features
      JACKBIT’s slot collection spans thousands of titles, from classic three-reel games to modern video slots with immersive graphics and bonus features. Popular picks include Book of Dead (96.21% RTP), Starburst (96.09% RTP), and Gates of Olympus (96.5% RTP), known for their high payouts and engaging mechanics like free spins and multipliers. Progressive jackpots like Mega Moolah offer life-changing win potential.
    • Table Games: Classic Casino Action
      For traditionalists, JACKBIT provides a robust selection of table games, including multiple variants of blackjack (e.g., Blackjack Classic, Multihand), roulette (European, French), baccarat, and poker (Texas Hold’em, Caribbean Stud). These games blend luck and strategy, appealing to UK players seeking skill-based challenges.
    • Live Dealer Games: Real-Time Thrills
      Powered by Evolution Gaming, JACKBIT’s live dealer section offers an authentic casino experience. Games like Lightning Roulette (with multipliers up to 500x), Infinite Blackjack, and game shows such as Crazy Time and Monopoly Live are streamed in HD, with professional dealers and interactive features that replicate a land-based casino vibe.
    • Sportsbook: Bet on Your Favorites
      JACKBIT’s sportsbook is a major draw, covering 140+ sports, including UK favorites like football (Premier League, Champions League), cricket, tennis, and eSports (CS:GO, Dota 2). With 82,000+ live events monthly and 75,000+ pre-match events, players enjoy competitive odds and diverse betting markets, from match winners to over/under bets.
    • Specialty Games: Quick and Fun
      For casual play, JACKBIT offers lottery games, scratch cards, and instant-win titles. These provide quick entertainment and the chance for instant prizes, ideal for breaks between intense gaming sessions.

    This extensive variety, regularly updated with new releases, positions JACKBIT as a leading casino online UK, catering to both casual and dedicated players.

    Casino Game Providers At JACKBIT – Partnering With Industry Leaders

    The quality of games at a best UK casino site hinges on its providers, and JACKBIT collaborates with over 85 industry leaders to deliver a premium gaming experience. These partnerships ensure fair, engaging, and visually stunning games for UK players.

    • NetEnt: Renowned for iconic slots like Starburst and Gonzo’s Quest, NetEnt delivers vibrant graphics, innovative features, and high RTPs, making their games a staple at top online casino UK platforms.
    • Evolution Gaming: The gold standard in live dealer games, Evolution offers immersive experiences with titles like Lightning Roulette and Infinite Blackjack, streamed in HD for an authentic casino feel.
    • Pragmatic Play: Known for Gates of Olympus and Wolf Gold, Pragmatic Play provides diverse slots and live games, enhanced by Drops & Wins promotions with massive prize pools.
    • Microgaming: Pioneers of progressive jackpots, Microgaming’s Mega Moolah and other slots offer life-changing wins, alongside a vast catalog of table games.
    • Play’n GO: Creators of Book of Dead, Play’n GO focuses on high-RTP slots optimized for mobile, ensuring seamless play on any device.

    Additional providers like Yggdrasil, Betsoft, and Red Tiger contribute to JACKBIT’s diverse library, ensuring cutting-edge graphics, fair outcomes, and regular updates. This collaboration solidifies JACKBIT’s status as the best casino online UK.

    Banking Methods at JACKBIT – Seamless Transactions for UK Players

    A crucial aspect of any best online casino UK is its banking system, and JACKBIT excels with a wide range of secure, convenient payment options tailored to UK players’ needs.

    • Cryptocurrencies: Speed and Privacy
      JACKBIT supports 17+ cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, Tether, Solana, Cardano, Dogecoin, and more. Deposits and withdrawals are instant and fee-free, with no upper limits, ideal for high rollers. The no KYC policy ensures complete anonymity, a key draw for UK players seeking privacy at crypto gambling sites.
    • Fiat Methods: Trusted Options
      For traditionalists, JACKBIT accepts Visa, MasterCard, Bank Transfer, Google Pay, and Apple Pay. Deposits are processed instantly, while withdrawals may take 1-3 days, offering secure alternatives for those not using crypto. These methods align with UK preferences for familiar banking options.
    • Transaction Efficiency
      Crypto withdrawals, processed in under 10 minutes, are among the fastest in the industry, a standout feature for best UK casino online players. Fiat methods, while slower, maintain high security standards, with clear minimum and maximum limits to suit various budgets.

    JACKBIT’s hybrid banking system ensures flexibility, catering to both crypto enthusiasts and traditional players, making it a top UK casino.

    Customer Support At JACKBIT – Always There When You Need It

    Exceptional customer support is a hallmark of the best online casino UK, and JACKBIT delivers with a robust 24/7 service designed to meet UK players’ needs. Available via live chat in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and French, the support team is trained to handle inquiries ranging from account issues to game-specific questions.

    • Live Chat: Instant Assistance
      Live chat is the fastest way to get help, with agents typically responding within minutes. This immediacy ensures minimal disruption to gameplay, whether resolving deposit issues or clarifying bonus terms.
    • Email Support: Detailed Solutions
      For complex queries, email support provides thorough responses, usually within 24 hours. This channel is ideal for detailed account or payment concerns, offering personalized solutions.
    • Comprehensive Resources
      JACKBIT’s detailed FAQ section covers account management, payments, bonuses, and more, while guides help new players navigate the platform. These resources empower UK players to find answers independently.
    • User Feedback
      UK players on platforms like Reddit praise JACKBIT’s support for its efficiency and friendliness, reinforcing its reliability as a best UK casino site.

    This comprehensive support system ensures JACKBIT remains a trusted online casino in UK.

    Best Online Casino Games At JACKBIT – Top Picks For UK Players

    With over 7,000 games, selecting the best at JACKBIT can be daunting. Here are standout titles across categories, popular among UK players for their high RTPs and engaging gameplay:

    • Slots:
      • Book of Dead (96.21% RTP): Egyptian-themed with free spins and expanding symbols.
      • Starburst (96.09% RTP): Vibrant graphics, expanding wilds for big wins.
      • Gates of Olympus (96.5% RTP): Tumbling reels, multipliers up to 500x.
    • Table Games:
      • European Roulette: 2.7% house edge, ideal for strategic play.
      • Blackjack Classic: Low 0.5% house edge with optimal strategy.
    • Live Dealer:
      • Lightning Roulette: Multipliers up to 500x add excitement.
      • Infinite Blackjack: Unlimited players, side bets for variety.
    • Sportsbook:
      • Football: Premier League, Champions League betting.
      • eSports: CS:GO, Dota 2 with live markets.

    These games, with high RTPs and engaging features, make JACKBIT a favorite at the best casino UK platforms.

    Best UK Online Casino Payment Methods

    JACKBIT’s payment options are tailored for UK players:

    • Crypto: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin for instant, private transactions with no fees.
    • Cards: Visa, MasterCard for secure, familiar deposits.
    • E-Wallets: Google Pay, Apple Pay for quick mobile payments.
    • Bank Transfer: Reliable for larger transactions, processed in 1-3 days.

    This flexibility ensures JACKBIT is a top UK casino for all players.

    Responsible Gambling at UK Casinos Online – Prioritizing Player Well-Being

    While JACKBIT operates under a Curacao license rather than UKGC, it prioritizes responsible gambling with robust tools to help UK players stay in control:

    • Deposit Limits: Set daily, weekly, or monthly caps to manage spending, preventing overspending and promoting financial discipline.
    • Session Reminders: Alerts notify players of play duration, encouraging breaks to avoid excessive gaming sessions.
    • Self-Exclusion: Options for temporary or permanent account suspension, allowing players to step back when needed.
    • Reality Checks: Pop-up notifications remind players of time spent, fostering mindful gaming habits.
    • Support Resources: Links to GamCare and BeGambleAware provide access to professional help for gambling concerns.

    These measures, combined with clear responsible gambling policies, demonstrate JACKBIT’s commitment to player safety, even without UKGC oversight. UK players can enjoy a secure, controlled gaming environment, reinforcing JACKBIT’s status as the best online casino UK.

    Winning Strategies At JACKBIT – Tips For Success

    Maximizing your success at JACKBIT, the best online casino UK, involves smart strategies tailored to its unique features. Here are expert tips to enhance your gaming experience:

    • Leverage No-Wager Bonuses: The 30% rakeback and 100 free spins have no wagering requirements, allowing immediate withdrawal of winnings. Use these to explore high-RTP slots like Book of Dead risk-free, boosting your bankroll.
    • Focus on High RTP Games: Prioritize slots like Starburst (96.09% RTP) or blackjack (99%+ with strategy) for better long-term returns, increasing your win potential.
    • Utilize Instant Withdrawals: JACKBIT’s crypto withdrawals, under 10 minutes, let you secure profits quickly, avoiding the temptation to reinvest winnings unwisely.
    • Research Sports Bets: For sportsbook fans, analyze team stats and form for informed bets on football or eSports, leveraging JACKBIT’s competitive odds for higher payouts.
    • Set Limits: Use deposit and session limits to manage your budget and playtime, ensuring gambling remains fun and sustainable.
    • Join Tournaments: Participate in Drops & Wins for a chance at £1.6M in prizes, adding excitement and potential rewards to your gameplay.

    These strategies, aligned with JACKBIT’s offerings, make it the best UK casino online for savvy players.

    JACKBIT Conclusion: The Best Online Casino UK

    After evaluating numerous UK casino sites, JACKBIT emerges as the best online casino UK for 2025. Its no KYC policy, instant crypto payouts, 7,000+ games, and no-wager bonuses set it apart. While not UKGC-regulated, its Curacao license, SSL encryption, and responsible gambling tools ensure a secure, rewarding experience. From slots to sports betting, JACKBIT caters to all UK players, making it the ultimate best casino UK.

    CLICK HERE TO JOIN JACKBIT

    FAQ: Best Online Casino UK – JACKBIT

    • Is JACKBIT legal for UK players?
      JACKBIT, licensed in Curacao, is accessible to UK players but not UKGC-regulated. Players should verify local laws to ensure compliance before joining.
    • What makes JACKBIT the best online casino in the UK?
      JACKBIT offers 7,000+ games, instant crypto payouts, no KYC, and no-wager bonuses, delivering a top-tier experience for UK players.
    • Does JACKBIT have a mobile app?
      No, but its mobile-optimized site provides seamless gaming on smartphones, with full access to games and features.
    • What payment methods are available?
      JACKBIT supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, Visa, MasterCard, Google Pay, and more, ensuring fast, secure transactions for UK players.
    • Are there bonuses for new players?
      Yes, new players get 30% rakeback and 100 free spins with no wagering, boosting their start at JACKBIT.
    • How does JACKBIT ensure game fairness?
      Curacao license, SSL encryption, and provably fair games ensure transparent, fair outcomes for all players.
    • Can I play without verifying my identity?
      Yes, JACKBIT’s no KYC policy allows anonymous play, simplifying registration and enhancing privacy for UK users.
    • What games can I play at JACKBIT?
      Slots, table games, live dealers, and a sportsbook with 140+ sports offer diverse options for UK players.
    • Is customer support 24/7 at JACKBIT?
      Yes, 24/7 live chat in English and other languages provides prompt, reliable assistance for all inquiries.
    • Does JACKBIT offer responsible gambling tools?
      Yes, deposit limits, session reminders, and self-exclusion options promote safe, responsible gaming for UK players.

    Email: support@jackbit.com

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by the Jackbit. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.

    Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.

    Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    Legal Disclaimer

    This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Ensure compliance with local gambling laws. The publisher is not liable for losses or consequences from using this information.

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    Some links may be affiliate links, earning a commission at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on objective evaluation.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/44a272fd-3055-44b6-a3dc-a649b2557bdb

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: EHRC guidance deeply troubling

    Source: Scottish Greens

    26 Apr 2025 Equality Human Rights LGBTQ+ Trans Rights are Human Rights

    Trans people just want to live their lives like anybody else.

    More in Equality

    Commenting on the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s interim update on the practical implications of the UK Supreme Court judgment, Scottish Greens Co-Leader Patrick Harvie MSP said:

    “This guidance is harsh, authoritarian and cruel. It is the polar opposite of what an equality and human rights body should be doing, and it’s deeply troubling to see the rights of some of the most marginalised people in our society being rolled back so easily.

    “This guidance raises far more questions than answers, for trans people, for anyone who doesn’t fit with widespread gender norms, and for people who run businesses, social groups and workplaces.

    “But the people most immediately frightened about how they can go about their lives today will be trans people and their loved ones, who have already endured an onslaught of prejudice.

    “Trans people just want to be able to live their lives like anybody else, without the fear of prejudice, discrimination or violence.

    “The EHRC appears to be going even further than the Supreme Court judgement did and is introducing new uncertainties rather than providing clarity.

    “We must not allow the UK government or anyone else to take a wrecking ball to longstanding rights or to remove all protections from a community that is already under fire.

    “The demonisation of trans people by politicians and large parts of the media echoes the homophobic rhetoric we heard in the 1980s and ‘90s.

    “It is a very worrying time and a lot of people are scared. But I want to remind everyone that the forces of prejudice were defeated before, and they can be defeated again.

    “The Scottish Greens will continue to stand up for trans and non-binary people’s rights today, tomorrow and always.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Senior NATO advisors meet in Kyiv to discuss priorities for joint NATO-Ukraine lessons learned centre

    Source: NATO

    The Senior Advisory Board (SAB) of the NATO-Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training and Education Centre (JATEC) met in Kyiv, Ukraine on 25 April 2025, to discuss key priorities. Since its opening in February 2025, the Centre has already carried out its first projects focused on air defence, protection of critical infrastructure, and resilience and total defence.

    For this second SAB meeting, NATO senior representatives were invited to Kyiv by Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Defense Serhiy Boyev. Assistant Secretary General for Operations Tom Goffus chaired the meeting with representatives from Ukraine, NATO and Poland. ASG Goffus said that hosting the meeting in Kyiv not only highlighted JATEC’s importance but also demonstrates NATO’s continued and steadfast support to Ukraine.

    NATO leadership discussed JATEC’s Programme of Work, priorities and next steps. They agreed to deliver concrete and actionable combat lessons for both Ukraine and NATO, whilst embedding civilian-military aspects within the JATEC organisation. 

    NATO continues to provide political and practical support for Ukraine. In the first three months of 2025, Allies have already pledged over 20 billion euros in security assistance for Ukraine this year. In Wiesbaden, Germany, NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) is coordinating the delivery of training and security assistance to Ukraine. And in Bydgoszcz, Poland, JATEC is analysing crucial lessons from the battlefield in Ukraine. The first civil-military organisation to be jointly run by NATO and Ukraine, JATEC and its work will help further strengthen Ukraine’s defence sector, enhance its deterrence and defence, and reach full interoperability with NATO.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Green MSP calls for review of buffer zone size in Glasgow

    Source: Scottish Greens

    26 Apr 2025 Health Buffer Zones

    Gillian Mackay MSP calls for review at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital

    More in Health

    Scottish Green MSP Gillian Mackay is calling for the government to review the size of the safe access zone, or ‘buffer zone’ around the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Glasgow with a view to extending it.

    This follows complaints from patients that dozens of anti-choice protestors have been gathering on the edge of the buffer zone, and on one of the main routes to the hospital.

    Ms Mackay introduced the bill that secured 200 metre wide safe access zones, or buffer zones, around clinical settings that offer abortion services to prevent intimidation from anti-choice protests across Scotland. The Act includes a provision to extend the zones if it is considered proportionate to do so.

    Ms Mackay has written to the Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, Jenni Minto, asking for Ministers to consider extending the zone in order to offer greater dignity, protection and privacy for people attending the QEUH for abortion and maternity services.

    Ms Mackay said: 

    “Safe access zones were introduced to protect patients and staff at our hospitals, and, for the most part, that is what they are doing. But at QEUH we have seen protests continuing on one of the main entry routes to the hospital.

    “The QEUH in Glasgow has quite unique challenges due to its location compared to other hospitals. From the correspondence that I and others have received, there are concerns about the patients and staff having no choice but to pass the protests.

    “My Act includes powers to extend buffer zones where necessary to offer better protections to patients and staff, and that is what I am asking our Government to look into around the QEUH.

    “Abortion services are vital healthcare. Nobody should have to pass graphic placards and intimidating groups on their way to hospital for any type of medical appointment.

    “I urge the dozens of protestors who have gathered over recent weeks to read the testimony of the many women who have felt intimidated by their presence and reconsider their actions going forward.

    “To anyone who has been impacted by recent anti-choice protests, please get in touch with myself or the Scottish Government, so that we can consider how to make these spaces even safer moving forward.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: FANTASIA DRIVE, ANGLE VALE (Building Fire)

    Source: South Australia County Fire Service

    Issued on
    26 Apr 2025 16:09

    Issued for
    ANGLE VALE near Ward Belt in the Northern Mount Lofty Ranges.

    Warning level
    Advice – Avoid Smoke

    Action
    Smoke from ANGLE VALE structure fire is in the Angle Vale and Ward Belt area.

    Smoke can affect your health. You should stay informed and be aware of the health impacts of smoke on yourself and others.

    Symptoms of exposure includes shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing, burning eyes, running nose, chest tightness, chest pain and dizziness or light-headedness.

    If you or anyone in your care are having difficulty breathing, seek medical attention from your local GP. If your symptoms become severe, call 000.

    More information will be provided by the CFS when it is available.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Case Leads Effort In Congress Calling On President To Rescind Executive Order Permitting Deep Seabed Mining

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)

    (Honolulu, HI) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (Hawai‘i– First District) in a letter today urged President Donald Trump to reconsider his decision to allow for seabed mining in U.S. and international waters, saying the decision “recklessly prioritizes short-term economic gain over the current and long-term health of our oceans, ignoring the profound and potentially irreversible damage it could cause not just to fragile marine ecosystems but to all of our other ecosystems which are intertwined with our oceans.”

    Case’s letter came the day after the President issued his executive order opening up unregulated mining, saying the nation “must take immediate action to accelerate the responsible development of seabed mineral resources” both within and beyond national jurisdiction.

    In his letter, Case said fast-tracking seabed mining “is an unwise gamble with our planet’s future, and it is imperative that we fully understand the implications of such actions before moving forward.”

    Case’s letter was joined by U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman (CA-2), the Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee, his Hawai‘i colleague Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-2), and Reps. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-1), Chellie Pingree (ME-1), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC).

    Case further stated:

    “The deep ocean represents an irreplaceable frontier, playing a critical role in carbon sequestration, sustaining marine biodiversity and supporting climate stability. Fast-tracking permits for seabed mining threatens to destroy these fragile ecosystems through highly destructive practices that could decimate habitats, contaminate food chains and disrupt vital carbon processes.

    “While the full impacts of deep-sea mining remain uncertain, the risks we do understand are alarming. The potential damage far outweighs any anticipated benefits. Furthermore, coastal and Indigenous communities—many of whom are already disproportionately affected by climate change—will bear the heaviest consequences of this policy.

    “This is a profoundly misguided step. At a time when the world is watching how we lead, the United States should be setting a standard for responsible ocean stewardship, not racing to exploit unproven resources. We must choose protection over economic expediency and uphold our responsibility to safeguard the deep ocean, not only for ourselves, but for the generations that will follow.

    “To that end, earlier this Congress I introduced the American Seabed Protection Act and the International Seabed Protection Act, two critical bills that would halt new seabed mining permits in U.S. waters and advocate for a global moratorium on international seabed mining. These pieces of legislation are rooted in science and caution, ensuring that environmental protections come first while we work to fully understand the ecological impacts of deep-sea extraction.”

    When Case introduced his measures, he referred to an area most sought after by the industry for immediate unregulated mining: the Clarion-Clipperton Zone.

    This Zone is an abyssal plain as wide as the continental United States punctuated by seamounts which extends to just hundreds of miles southeast of Hawai‘i Island. Yet little if anything material is known about the marine ecosystem of this area or its connection to Hawaii’s own unique marine and related ecosystem.

    Attachments:

    ·        Letter to President Trump is here

    ·        Picture of Sea cucumber Amperima sp. on the seabed in the eastern Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone. Image courtesy of Craig Smith and Diva Amon, ABYSSLINE Project.  

    ·        Picture of Relicanthus sp a new species from a new order of Cnidaria collected at 4,100 meters in the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone (CCZ) that lives on sponge stalks attached to nodules. Image courtesy of Craig Smith and Diva Amon, ABYSSLINE Project.

    ·        Information on Case’s bills is here

    ·        Case’s remarks in the Congressional Record on introduction of his bills is here

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Kim Schrier, House Minority Whip Katherine Clark Blast Republican Attempts to Dismantle Medicaid

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

    ISSAQUAH, WA – Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) and House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (MA-05) called out Congressional Republicans’ efforts to cut $880 billion from Medicaid and rip health care access away from millions of Americans. 

    “Millions of patients in Washington State are able to access health care thanks to Medicaid, and the Republicans’ push to cut $880 billion from it will have devastating repercussions for all Washingtonians,” said Congresswoman Schrier, M.D. “Not only would these cuts leave those on Apple Health with much more limited access to care, but they would, in turn, lead to longer wait times and reduced care in emergency rooms, increased healthcare costs, and closed nursing homes. I’ve worked for years to expand health care access for my constituents, and I am proud to have a partner like Whip Clark as we continue to fight against these irresponsible cuts.”

    “It’s no secret that Trump and Republicans are on track to dismantle Medicaid — the largest health care program in the country — in order to hand massive tax breaks to the richest few. We’re talking about 1.5 million Washingtonians on Medicaid, including 38% of all children in the state,” said Whip Clark. “I was honored to join Representative Schrier, Dr. Simmonds, and health care advocates to stand up against the GOP’s illegal assault on health care. We will not allow the greed of billionaires to dictate life in America.”

    Whip Clark joined Congresswoman Schrier, local labor leaders, physicians, and patients at the Swedish Issaquah Campus for a roundtable, press conference, and tour of the hospital’s emergency department. At the roundtable, Congresswoman Schrier and Whip Clark listened as stakeholders expressed the ways that the Medicaid cuts would impact their lives, showcasing the wide-reaching ramifications that cutting $880 billion from this program would have. 

    In Washington State, approximately 1.8 million individuals are enrolled in Medicaid, also known as Apple Health. The Republican budget calls for billions of dollars in cuts to essential programs like Medicaid, which would be devastating for thousands of patients in the Eighth District and millions across the country. Congresswoman Schrier, the first pediatrician elected to Congress, and Whip Clark have been leaders in fighting against these cuts and defending patients’ access to care.

    While Congressional Republicans are attempting to dismantle health care for millions of Americans, Congresswoman Schrier has a long track record of working with colleagues from both parties to strengthen our health care system. In fact, Congresswoman Schrier has spearheaded the bipartisan Kids’ Access to Primary Care Act, which would actually bolster Medicaid by ensuring it pays at the same rate as Medicare. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Blumenthal, 40 Colleagues Blast Trump Administration’s Attacks On Head Start, Demand RFK Jr. Release Funding And Reverse Firings

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy
    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) joined 40 of their Senate colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy Jr. demanding answers on the administration’s actions undermining Head Start. The senators emphasized HHS’s legal obligation to administer the program and called on Kennedy to immediately release Head Start funding. They also urged HHS to reverse both the mass firing of Head Start staff and the gutting of offices that help ensure high-quality services are available for thousands of children and families across the country.
    “We write to express our strong opposition to the actions you have taken to directly attack and undermine the federal Head Start program,” the senators wrote. “Since day one, this Administration has taken unacceptable actions to withhold and delay funding, fire Head Start staff, and gut high-quality services for children. Already this year, this Administration has withheld almost $1 billion in federal grant funding from Head Start programs, a 37 percent decrease compared to the amount of funding awarded during the same period last year. It is abundantly clear that these actions are part of a broader effort to ultimately eliminate the program altogether, as the Administration reportedly plans to do in its fiscal year 2026 budget proposal.”
    The senators highlighted Head Start’s vital role in supporting kids and families: “Head Start provides early childhood education and comprehensive health and social services to nearly 800,000 young children every year in communities across this country, and employs about 250,000 dedicated staff. Head Start is a critical source of child care for working families, particularly in rural and Tribal communities, where Head Start programs are often the only option for high-quality child care services. Head Start programs ensure children receive appropriate health and dental care, nutrition support, and referrals to other critical services for parents, such as job training, adult education, nutrition services, and housing support.”
    The senators condemned the Administration’s assault on the program, detailing office closures and funds that were frozen for Head Start grants across the country: “Since the very start of this Administration, Head Start programs have been under attack. At one point, the National Head Start Association reported 37 programs serving nearly 15,000 children across the country could not access their federal funding. Head Start programs operate with thin margins and on short-term budgets from HHS, and without any communication from the Administration about the status of funding, programs were forced to temporarily close or to lay off staff.”
    “On April 1st, you abruptly closed five of the ten regional offices that help local grantees administer Head Start programs in 22 states,” they continued. “This left hundreds of programs without dedicated points of contact to address mission critical issues like approving grant renewals and modifications, investigating child health and safety incidents, and providing training and technical assistance to ensure high-quality services for children. While some grantees were assigned a new program specialist, we understand many have not been receiving responses to their inquiries. This is on top of the estimated 97 Office of Head Start central office staff that were terminated due to their probationary status and the recent reduction in force. You promised ‘radical transparency’ as Secretary, yet it is unclear how these actions will improve Head Start programs, and you and your staff refuse to respond to basic inquiries and requests for information.”
    The senators concluded: “The Administration has a legal and moral obligation to disburse Head Start funds to programs and to uphold the program’s promise to provide high-quality early education services to low income children and families across this country. There is no justifiable reason for the delay in funding we have seen over the last two months, and you have refused to offer any kind of explanation. […] “[W]e urge you to immediately reinstate fired staff across all Offices of Head Start, and cease all actions to delay the awarding and disbursement of funding to Head Start programs across this country.”
    U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Angus King (I-Maine), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) also signed the letter.
    Full text of the letter is available HERE and below:
    Dear Secretary Kennedy:
    We write to express our strong opposition to the actions you have taken to directly attack and undermine the federal Head Start program. Since day one, this Administration has taken unacceptable actions to withhold and delay funding, fire Head Start staff, and gut high-quality services for children. Already this year, this Administration has withheld almost $1 billion in federal grant funding from Head Start programs, a 37 percent decrease compared to the amount of funding awarded during the same period last year. It is abundantly clear that these actions are part of a broader effort to ultimately eliminate the program altogether, as the Administration reportedly plans to do in its fiscal year 2026 budget proposal.
    Head Start provides early childhood education and comprehensive health and social services to nearly 800,000 young children every year in communities across this country, and employs about 250,000 dedicated staff. Head Start is a critical source of child care for working families, particularly in rural and Tribal communities, where Head Start programs are often the only option for high-quality child care services. Head Start programs ensure children receive appropriate health and dental care, nutrition support, and referrals to other critical services for parents, such as job training, adult education, nutrition services, and housing support.
    You even acknowledged the value of Head Start following a recent visit to a Virginia Head Start center, where you said, “I had a very inspiring tour. I saw a devoted staff and a lot of happy children. They are getting the kind of education and socialization they need, and they are also getting a couple of meals a day.”
    However, as a result of your actions to withhold and delay funding and undermine the administration of this vital program, Head Start centers are in serious jeopardy and have already had their day to day operations impacted. Programs are increasingly worried that they will not be able to make payroll, pay rent, and remain open to serve the hundreds of thousands of children and families who depend on their services in communities across the nation.
    Since the very start of this Administration, Head Start programs have been under attack. On January 27th, 2025, the Office of Management and Budget issued a memo (M-25-13) that suddenly froze the disbursement of grant funding for federal programs and services government-wide, including Head Start. Despite the Administration’s clarification that Head Start programs would not be the target of the funding freeze, many Head Start programs across the country were unable to draw down their grant funds through the Payment Management System (PMS) for weeks. At one point, the National Head Start Association reported 37 programs serving nearly 15,000 children across the country could not access their federal funding. Head Start programs operate with thin margins and on short-term budgets from HHS, and without any communication from the Administration about the status of funding, programs were forced to temporarily close or to lay off staff. In Wisconsin, the National Centers for Learning Excellence, which serves more than 200 children and their families, shut down for a week and laid off staff due to the funding freeze.
    On April 1st, you abruptly closed five of the ten regional offices that help local grantees administer Head Start programs in 22 states. This left hundreds of programs without dedicated points of contact to address mission critical issues like approving grant renewals and modifications, investigating child health and safety incidents, and providing training and technical assistance to ensure high-quality services for children. While some grantees were assigned a new program specialist, we understand many have not been receiving responses to their inquiries. This is on top of the estimated 97 Office of Head Start central office staff that were terminated due to their probationary status and the recent reduction in force. You promised “radical transparency” as Secretary, yet it is unclear how these actions will improve Head Start programs, and you and your staff refuse to respond to basic inquiries and requests for information.
    On March 14th, 2025, the Office of Head Start (OHS) notified all Head Start programs that “the use of federal funding for any training and technical assistance or other program expenditures that promote or take part in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives” will not be approved and that any questions should be directed to regional offices. Programs have not received any guidance for what would be considered “DEI” but this policy is potentially in direct conflict with statutory and regulatory program requirements, such as providing culturally and linguistically appropriate instructional services for English learners. Many programs cannot direct questions to regional staff, as half of regional offices were abruptly closed, and as unprecedented actions are being taken to delay and withhold funding, Head Start programs have been intentionally left with little to no guidance.
    Head Start programs are now arbitrarily required to provide justifications for each draw down of funds that is necessary to operate their programs, despite already receiving a federal grant award for these purposes. As of April 14th, Head Start programs have reportedly received correspondence from an email address “defendthespend@hhs.gov” requiring programs to submit a “specific description of why the funds are necessary and why they are aligned to the award” before programs can have funding disbursed. It has been reported that political appointees must sign off on every draw down of funds. This creates an illusion of improving oversight but only serves to add unnecessary red tape by requiring the manual sign off on hundreds of thousands of individual actions annually across the Department based on two to three sentence justifications. Already some grantees have reported delays in receiving funds, and have reported that furloughs or closures are imminent if funds are not released. For an administration that purports to value local autonomy and efficiency in federally funded programs, your actions have achieved the exact opposite.
    Finally, Head Start grantees are still waiting on payments and grant renewals from the Office of Head Start, including programs whose grants end on April 30th, 2025. These notices should have gone out by now, yet we are concerned to hear programs report they have received little to no correspondence regarding their grant renewals. Additionally, because we started fiscal year 2025 under a short-term continuing resolution, as is usual, some grantees have only received partial funding for the first few months of the year. But with a full year funding bill in place, these grantees should have received full funding by now, yet some are reporting that they have not received the full amount of their grants and will run out of funds this month or next. On Wednesday, April 16th, the delays in Head Start funding led to the closure of Head Start centers serving more than 400 children in Sunnyside, Washington.
    The Administration has a legal and moral obligation to disburse Head Start funds to programs and to uphold the program’s promise to provide high-quality early education services to low income children and families across this country. The fiscal year 2025 appropriations act provided $12.3 billion for Head Start, the same as the fiscal year 2024 level. The Head Start Act includes an explicit formula for how appropriated funds should be allocated. There is no justifiable reason for the delay in funding we have seen over the last two months, and you have refused to offer any kind of explanation. However, this week leaked fiscal year 2026 budget documents indicated the Office of Management and Budget was directing the Department, consistent with the Administration’s proposal to eliminate Head Start in fiscal year 2026, to “ensure to the extent allowable FY2025 funds are available to close out the program.” If this explains any of the delay in awarding fiscal year 2025 funding, we want to be clear, no funds were provided in fiscal year 2025 to “close out the program,” and it would be wholly unacceptable and likely illegal if the Department tries to carry out this directive.
    Finally, the leaked budget documents provided a justification, albeit brief, for eliminating Head Start in fiscal year 2026 that makes this Administration’s priorities clear and puts the Department’s actions over the last several months in context. The Administration argues that eliminating Head Start, “is consistent with the Administration’s goals of returning education to the States and increasing parental choice.” It is shocking to see an argument that eliminating a program that provides comprehensive early childhood care and education to 800,000 children and their families would increase parental choice. It is particularly concerning to see that argument in the context of the significant delay in awarding fiscal year 2025 appropriated funds and what that indicates about the intent behind the Department’s actions. We believe it is obvious that eliminating Head Start would be detrimental to hundreds of thousands of children and families. Similarly, we believe it is obvious that delaying funding like we have seen over the last two months, forcing Head Start programs to close, and leaving families to scramble to find quality, affordable alternatives puts the education and well-being of some of the most vulnerable young children in America at risk. In our view, that is unacceptable.
    Therefore, we urge you to immediately reinstate fired staff across all Offices of Head Start, and cease all actions to delay the awarding and disbursement of funding to Head Start programs across this country.
    Please provide us with a written response to the questions below no later than 10 days from receipt:
    1. Will you reinstate the staff who administer Head Start programs and reopen the closed regional offices responsible for overseeing Head Start programs in 22 states?
    a) When is HHS going to share information on the reorganization plan for the consolidation of the regional offices?
    b) Please provide the contact information for each program specialist designated to the 22 states who lost their regional office.
    c) Who is responsible for ensuring there are no delays or lapses in funding, nor any disruptions to Head Start program operations now that these states do not have a regional office?
    2. How many employees at the Offices of Head Start have been terminated, including the five regional offices and the central office?
    a) Which officials at HHS were involved in the staffing reduction decisions for OHS and what planning, if any, was undertaken prior to these reductions? Please describe the events that unfolded and name each office that was involved in the decision. Further, please name the official(s) who approved the staffing reductions.
    3. Can you confirm that the Administration will distribute all Head Start funds appropriated by Congress to Head Start programs in FY 25, as required by the Head Start Act?
    4. Please provide a list of all grantees with 5-year Head Start grant renewals that start between now and the end of the fiscal year: May 1st, June 1st, July 1st, August 1st, and September 1st.
    a) Will any funding be delayed for grantees that are due to receive their annual funding on May 1st or beyond?
    5. Why are funding awards delayed for grantees that received partial awards during the first continuing resolution for FY25?
    a) When can HHS guarantee that all funds will be awarded for partially funded Head Start programs?
    6. What is the “Tier 2” department for review that is delaying drawn down for Head Start programs in the Payment Management System?
    a) When should programs expect to receive their funds?
    b) Please provide all communication that went to Head Start grantees on the new review process.
    7. What guidance and clarifications have been provided to Head Start grantees on DEI expenditures?
    a) How is HHS evaluating Head Start programs’ expenditures and grant awards for DEI?
    b) What justifications are being used to prohibit DEI?

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: 80 years after Benito Mussolini’s death, what can democracies today learn from his fascist rise?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matthew Sharpe, Associate Professor in Philosophy, Australian Catholic University

    Hitler and Mussolini in Munich, Germany, June 18, 1940. Everett Collection/Shutterstock

    This Monday marks 80 years since Italian dictator Benito Mussolini was killed in an Italian village towards the end of the Second World War in 1945. The following day, his body was publicly desecrated in Milan.

    Il Duce, as Mussolini was known, was Hitler’s inspiration.
    State Library of Victoria

    Given the scale of Adolf Hitler’s atrocities, our image of fascism today has largely been shaped by Nazism. Yet, Mussolini preceded Hitler. Il Duce, as Mussolini was known, was Hitler’s inspiration.

    Today, as commentators, bloggers and scholars are debating whether the governments of US President Donald Trump, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Russian President Vladimir Putin are “fascist”, we can learn from Il Duce’s career about how democracies fail and dictators consolidate autocratic rule.

    The early years

    The term “fascist” itself originated around the time of Mussolini’s founding in 1914 of the Fasci d’Azione Rivoluzionaria, a militaristic group promoting Italy’s entry into the First World War.

    Mussolini had been raised in a leftist family. Before WWI, he edited and wrote for socialist newspapers. Yet, from early on, the young rebel was also attracted to radically anti-democratic thinkers like Friedrich Nietzsche, George Sorel, and Wilfred Pareto.

    When WWI broke out, Mussolini broke from the socialists, who opposed Italy’s involvement in the conflict. Like Hitler, he fought in the war. Mussolini considered his front-line experience as formative for his future ideas around fascism. His war experience led him to imagine making Italy great again – an imperial power worthy of the heritage of ancient Rome.

    In March 1919, Mussolini formed the Fasci Italiani di Combattimento in Milan. This group brought together a motley collection of war veterans, primarily interested in fighting the socialists and communists. They were organised in squadristi (squads), which would become known for their black shirts and violence – they forced many of their targets to drink castor oil.

    The political success of Mussolini’s fascist ideals, however, was neither instant nor inevitable. In the 1919 Italian elections, Mussolini received so few votes, communists held a mock funeral march outside his house to celebrate his political death.

    The rise to power and the march on Rome

    Fascism became a part of national political life in 1920-21, following waves of industrial and agricultural strikes and worker occupations of land and factories.

    As a result, rural and industrial elites turned to the fascist squadristi to break strikes and combat workers’ organisations. Fascist squads also overturned the results of democratic elections in Bologna and Cremona, preventing left-wing candidates from assuming office.

    Mussolini’s political capital, remarkably, was boosted by this violence. He was invited to enter Prime Minister Ivanoe Bonomi’s first government in July 1921.

    The following October, fascists occupied the towns of Bolzano and Trento. The liberals, socialists and Italian monarchy were indecisive in the face of these provocations, allowing Mussolini to seize the moment. Mustering the fascist squads, he ordered the famous “march on Rome” in late October 2022 to demand he be appointed prime minister.

    All the evidence suggests if the government had intervened, the march on Rome would have disbanded. It was a bold piece of political theatre. Nevertheless, fearing civil war — and the communists more than the black shirts — King Victor Emmanuel III caved in without a shot being fired.

    Mussolini was made leader of a new government on October 31, 1922.

    The consolidation of dictatorship

    Like Hitler in 1933, Mussolini’s rule started as the head of a coalition government including non-fascist parties. Yet, with the repressive powers of the state now at his disposal, Mussolini exploited the division among his rivals and gradually consolidated power.

    In 1923, the communist party was targeted with mass arrests and the fascist squads were brought under official state control as a paramilitary force. Mussolini began to use state powers to surveil all non-fascist political parties.

    In the 1924 general election, with fascist militia menacingly manning the polls, Il Duce won 65% of the vote.

    Then, in June, socialist leader Giacomo Matteotti was kidnapped and murdered by black shirts. When investigations pointed to Mussolini’s responsibility, he at first denied any knowledge of the killing. Months later, however, Mussolini proudly admitted responsibility for the deed, celebrating the fascists’ brutality. He faced no legal or political consequences.

    The last nail in the coffin of Italy’s enfeebled democracy came in late 1926. Following an assassination attempt in which Mussolini’s nose was grazed (he wore a bandage for a time afterwards), Mussolini definitively banned all political opposition.

    The “lesser evil”

    Following his death in April 1945, Mussolini’s dictatorship was often portrayed as “dictatorship-lite”, a “lesser evil” compared to Nazism or Stalinist Russia. This narrative, bolstered by German crimes against Italians in the last months of the war, has understandably been embraced by many Italians.

    Yet, Mussolini’s was the first regime to advertise itself as totalitarian. Styling himself as a “man of destiny”, Mussolini claimed that fascism embodied the “spiritual renewal” of the Italian people.

    His goal of making Italy a power again required total control of the state. His 1932 “Doctrine of Fascism” describes the need “to exercise power and to command” all administrative, policing, and judicial institutions. This included censorship of the press and educational institutions.

    Mussolini announcing Italy’s declaration of war on France and Britain in 1940.
    Australian War Memorial

    While portraying fascism as a “populist” movement, Mussolini also shut down independent trade unions, bailed out big banks, and prevented the right to strike. As a result, economic inequality between Italians actually grew wider under his rule.

    Mussolini also pursued an imperialist dream by invading Ethiopia. Defying international conventions, Il Duce’s troops used chemical weapons and summary executions to quell acts of resistance. Over 700,000 Ethiopians are estimated by scholars to have been killed by the invaders, with around 35,000 forced into internment camps.

    Italian Ca-111 bombers over Ethiopia in the 1930s.
    Getty Images/Wikimedia Commons

    Mussolini’s fascists ran over 30 concentration camps from 1926–45, almost all of them offshore. Some 50–70,000 Libyans alone died in camps set up under Italy’s brutal colonial regime from 1929–34. Many more died through executions, starvation and ethnic cleansing.

    When the notorious SS leader Heinrich Himmler visited Libya in in 1939, he deemed the Italian colony a successful model to emulate.

    And after Mussolini’s forces aided the Axis invasions of Yugoslavia, Albania and Russia in the Second World War, more than 80,000 more prisoners were interned in camps. At the camp on the Croatian Island of Rab, more than 3,000 prisoners died in grossly inhumane conditions in 1942–43, at a mortality rate higher than the Nazi camp at Buchenwald.

    Slovenian prisoner of the Italian Rab concentration camp.
    Archives, Museum of Modern History, Ljubljana/Wikimedia Commons

    From late 1943, Italian fascists also participated in the rounding up of over 7,000 Italian Jews to transfer to Auschwitz. Almost all of them were murdered.

    Following the war, even with Il Duce dead, few perpetrators faced justice for these atrocities.

    Lessons for democracies after 80 years

    The infamy of the crimes associated with the word “fascism” has meant that few people today claim the label – even those attracted to the same kinds of authoritarian, ethnonationalist politics.

    Mussolini, even more than Hitler, can seem a bombastic fool, with his uniform, theatrical gestures, stylised hyper-masculinity and patented steely jaw.

    Yet, one of the lessons of Mussolini’s career is that such political adventurists are only as strong as the democratic opposition allows. To fail to take them seriously is to enable their success.

    Mussolini pushed his luck time and again between 1920 and 1926. As the wonderful recent teleseries of his ascent, Mussolini, Figlio del Seculo shows, time and again, the opposition failed to concertedly oppose the fascists’ attacks on democratic norms and institutions. Then it was too late.

    Democracies mostly fall over time, by a thousand cuts and shifts of the goalposts of what is considered “normal”. Fascism, moreover, depends in no small measure on shameless political deception, including the readiness to conceal its own most radical intentions.

    Fascist “strongmen” like Mussolini accumulate power thanks to people’s inabilities to believe that the barbarisation of political life – including open violence against opponents – could happen in their societies.

    And there is a final, unsettling lesson of Mussolini’s career. Il Duce was a skilled propagandist who portrayed himself as leading a popular revolt to restore respectable values. He was able to win widespread popular support, including among the elites, even as he destroyed Italian democracy.

    Yet, if the monarchy, military, other political parties and the church had attempted a principled, united opposition to fascism early enough, most of Mussolini’s crimes would likely have been avoided.

    Matthew Sharpe has in the past (2013-17) received funding from the ARC to study religion and politics in the contemporary world.

    – ref. 80 years after Benito Mussolini’s death, what can democracies today learn from his fascist rise? – https://theconversation.com/80-years-after-benito-mussolinis-death-what-can-democracies-today-learn-from-his-fascist-rise-251154

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Deep sea mining ‘piracy in policy’: Greenpeace condemns Trump, The Metals Company for mining support

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Washington/Sydney, Saturday 26 April 2025 — Greenpeace Australia Pacific has slammed Donald Trump’s support of deep sea mining as a ‘gross betrayal of the Pacific’ after the Trump administration signed an executive order advancing U.S. ambitions to launch deep sea mining in U.S. and international waters.

    This rogue action is highly politically controversial for appearing to bypass the International Seabed Authority (ISA), the regulatory body set up by the United Nations to protect the deep sea as the common heritage of humankind and decide whether deep sea mining can start in the international seabed. 

    The Metals Company (TMC) – a deep sea mining company – recently declared its intention to work with the Trump Administration outside of the UN-established regulatory framework, to try to start mining in the Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ) in the Pacific – a region that sits outside jurisdiction. The Executive Order instructs the Secretary of Commerce to expedite the process for reviewing and issuing exploration and commercial recovery permits under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act (DSHMRA), breaking the longstanding tradition of the US being a good-faith actor on UNCLOS (The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea). 

    The order outlines that the Trump administration seeks to identify minerals for defence, infrastructure and energy purposes, and makes no mention of addressing the climate crisis.

    Shiva Gounden, Head of Pacific at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said: “By authorising deep sea mining outside of international law, the Trump Administration is dressing up a disaster in a suit and tie, signing policies in boardrooms that will drown Pacific nations in financial, economic, cultural and environmental disaster. It’s neocolonialism with a letterhead.

    “The Metals Company steam-rolled its way over multilateralism at the ISA and straight through the doors of Donald Trump, without a look back at the Pacific nations it is betraying. Pushing ahead with deep sea mining is a slap in the face to multilateralism, an insult to the UN’s regulatory body, and a gross betrayal of the Pacific.”

    If approved, the plans could allow TMC to start mining in the CCZ – a region known for an abundance of polymetallic nodules – and threaten to derail years of negotiations between TMC and its sponsoring states including Nauru, Tonga and Kiribati.

    “This move risks leaving Nauru, Kiribati and Tonga high and dry; TMC promised the people of Nauru jobs and prosperity from this agreement, saying that mining their waters would help fix the climate crisis. But it has taken the first chance it got to turn its back on Nauru and it will do the same to any other Pacific country. TMC is a money-hungry machine, using and abusing its Pacific partners without a care for the people, their cultural connection to the ocean, jobs, prosperity or the climate crisis,” Gounden said. 

    “Deep sea mining is piracy in policy – allowing governments to raid resources and leave wreckage behind. The Trump administration is looking for minerals to build weapons for America – not help the Pacific. This should be a warning to all Pacific leaders: the deep sea mining industry is not our friend, it is an industry of lies and betrayal. Pacific leaders must now unite to protect our Pacific Ocean and call for a moratorium on deep sea mining.”

    According to The Metals Company, it will apply for permits “in the second quarter of 2025”, with reports stating intent to commence mining operations as soon as 2027. Gerard Barron, the Australian CEO of The Metals Company, has gone on the record with his company’s willingness and desire to bypass internationally agreed regulations, stating in reference to the ongoing negotiations at the ISA “by all means, go ahead and sign your treaty…we’ll be out there”.

    Currently, 32 countries have backed a moratorium or precautionary pause on deep sea mining, including Tuvalu, Palau, Solomon Islands, Marshall Islands, Fiji, the Federated States of Micronesia, Vanuatu and Samoa. Australia has not.

    —ENDS—

    For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Kimberley Bernard on +61 407 581 404 or [email protected]

    Photos available in the Greenpeace Media Library

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: OEM Director Visits Douglas County to Support Local Flood Recovery Efforts

    Source: US State of Oregon

    strong>ROSEBURG, Ore. – Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) Director Erin McMahon visited Douglas County on Monday, April 21, to meet with local leaders, assess disaster-impacted areas, and support recovery efforts across the region. Director McMahon engaged with city officials, emergency managers, and long-term recovery partners in Myrtle Creek, Roseburg, and Drain.

    “Seeing these communities firsthand and hearing directly from local leaders underscores the importance of coordinated, sustained recovery support,” said Director McMahon. “OEM is committed to working alongside Douglas County and our state and federal partners to strengthen resilience and help communities recover from recent disasters.”

    The day began with a briefing at the Douglas County Emergency Management Building in Roseburg before traveling to Myrtle Creek for a meeting with City Manager Lonnie Rainville, Public Works Director Scott Adams, and Glide Revitalization Recovery Lead Kendall Melvin. Local officials discussed current recovery priorities and conducted site visits to observe ongoing challenges.

    Throughout the day, the OEM team toured several key sites including:

    • Garden Valley, Hubbard Creek, and Tyee Road, where landslides have disrupted access and infrastructure.
    • A major sinkhole location managed by the Roseburg Urban Sanitary Authority.
    • Residential areas in Sutherlin and Drain, highlighting local priorities for resilience and mitigation planning.

    The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) coordinates statewide communication to support local jurisdictions during disasters. OEM also manages the processes required to request and access federal disaster assistance and does everything in its power to advocate for Oregonians to receive the maximum amount of federal support available. While OEM continues to work closely with Douglas County and community partners to assess damage and support recovery, it’s important to note that the decision to grant federal assistance ultimately rests with the federal government.

    OEM’s Southwest Regional Coordinator Heather De La Rosa participated in the daylong tour. For more information on OEM’s recovery efforts, visit www.oregon.gov/OEM.

    # # #

    It is the mission of Oregon Emergency Management to proactively develop emergency response, risk reduction and disaster recovery programs to better serve Oregonians during times of disaster. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure the capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about the OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem.

    You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille, or a format you prefer. For assistance, email OEM_PublicInfo@oem.oregon.gov. We accept all relay calls, or you can dial 711.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen Blasts Trump Administration’s Attacks on Head Start, Demands RFK Jr. Immediately Release Funding and Reverse Firings

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) joined 41 of her colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. calling out the Trump administration’s direct attacks on Head Start and demanding the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) immediately release Head Start funding and reverse the mass firing of Head Start staff and gutting of the offices that help ensure high-quality services are available for thousands of children and families across the country. The letter to RFK Jr. follows Shaheen’s visit to Community Action Partnership Hillsborough and Rockingham Counties’ (CAPHR) Opportunity Center in Manchester where she highlighted the importance of Head Start to Granite State working families.

    The Senators wrote, in part: “We write to express our strong opposition to the actions you have taken to directly attack and undermine the federal Head Start program. Since day one, this Administration has taken unacceptable actions to withhold and delay funding, fire Head Start staff, and gut high-quality services for children. Already this year, this Administration has withheld almost $1 billion in federal grant funding from Head Start programs, a 37 percent decrease compared to the amount of funding awarded during the same period last year. It is abundantly clear that these actions are part of a broader effort to ultimately eliminate the program altogether, as the Administration reportedly plans to do in its fiscal year 2026 budget proposal.”

    They continued: “Head Start provides early childhood education and comprehensive health and social services to nearly 800,000 young children every year in communities across this country, and employs about 250,000 dedicated staff. Head Start is a critical source of child care for working families, particularly in rural and Tribal communities, where Head Start programs are often the only option for high-quality child care services. Head Start programs ensure children receive appropriate health and dental care, nutrition support, and referrals to other critical services for parents, such as job training, adult education, nutrition services, and housing support.”

    They concluded: “We believe it is obvious that eliminating Head Start would be detrimental to hundreds of thousands of children and families. Similarly, we believe it is obvious that delaying funding like we have seen over the last two months, forcing Head Start programs to close, and leaving families to scramble to find quality, affordable alternatives puts the education and well-being of some of the most vulnerable young children in America at risk. In our view, that is unacceptable. Therefore, we urge you to immediately reinstate fired staff across all Offices of Head Start, and cease all actions to delay the awarding and disbursement of funding to Head Start programs across this country.”

    The full text of the letter can be found here.

    Senator Shaheen has been a leader in advocating for more affordable and accessible child care. This week, she also visited the YMCA of Greater Nashua’s Merrimack Branch to discuss New Hampshire’s child care crisis and provider shortage. Shaheen recently introduced the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit Enhancement Act that would permanently expand the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC). In March, Shaheen introduced the Child Care Availability and Affordability Act and the Child Care Workforce Act—bipartisan, bicameral legislation that together form a bold proposal to make child care more affordable and accessible by strengthening existing tax credits to lower child care costs and increase the supply of child care providers. The bill includes language from Shaheen’s Right Start Child Care and Education Act legislation. She also joined the introduction of the Building Child Care for a Better Future Act, which would increase federal investments in child care. She has also joined in the introduction of the bipartisan Child Care Workforce and Facilities Act to address the national shortage of affordable, quality child care, especially in rural communities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Troy Gang Leader Sentenced to 137 Months in Prison for Possessing Fentanyl, Cocaine, and a Machinegun in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Richawn McClain, age 26, of Troy, New York, was sentenced today to 137 months in prison for possessing fentanyl and cocaine with the intent to distribute and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement.

    McClain previously admitted to possessing a handgun that had been modified to make it into a machinegun to protect the 900 fentanyl pills, 32 grams of cocaine, and $22,770 in drug proceeds that he possessed.  United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also imposed 4 years of post-imprisonment supervised release including a special condition to avoid contact with the Young Gunnerz and 380 gangs, in which McClain held leadership roles.  McClain also agreed to forfeit the firearm and drug money. 

    The DEA investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner prosecuted.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SASSA Gold Cards to continue working beyond 31 May 2025

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Postbank has confirmed that South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Gold Cards will continue to work beyond 31 May 2025. 

    In a statement on Thursday, Postbank said grant beneficiaries with Gold Cards will continue to be paid their SASSA grants in those cards until further notice, which is great news for beneficiaries that have not yet migrated to Postbank Black Cards.

    According to Postbank, SASSA Gold Cards will continue to work across all payment systems, including ATMs and POS machines. Beneficiaries can continue to withdraw cash at all Postbank’s partner retail stores and can continue swiping for purchases. 

    This means that the Gold Cards will continue to work as they do now, even after 31 May 2025.

    “In keeping with our commitment that we made that Postbank will ensure that no beneficiary will be left with no access to their grants and that there will be no disruptions in payments of grants, Gold Cards will continue to work until every beneficiary is transitioned to the new black card.

    “We are therefore hopeful and confident that this announcement addresses any concern relating to the payments of any beneficiaries that may not have yet obtained their Black Cards,” Postbank CEO, Nikki Mbengashe, explained. 

    The CEO advised social grant beneficiaries to ignore any call that they must change banks, as this is unnecessary.

    “We plead with them to be wary of misleading information that their Gold Cards will not work and that they need to change banks because of this,” she said. 

    Beneficiaries are also asked to always only respond to Postbank published communication when it comes to their SASSA Gold Cards and the Black Cards, as the only authorised entity that is responsible for the issuing of these cards. 

    Beneficiaries are further advised that whenever they come across any information regarding their cards that has not been communicated by Postbank, they should not believe what is being said. 

    Postbank said this will prevent beneficiaries from being misled as the entity observes increased amounts of incorrect information being communicated about the SASSA cards recently.

    “As the Gold Cards will continue to work and all beneficiaries can continue to use those cards and their Black Cards to access payments, Postbank notifies the beneficiaries that it has put a temporary suspension of the distribution of new Black Cards in its sites until further notice. 

    “This, however, has no impact on anyone who currently has a Postbank Black Card, as that card will continue to work as per normal,” the entity said.

    The Postbank card distribution sites, however, will remain open and available to beneficiaries to access the following services:

    • PIN resets.
    • Reissuing of Black Cards for any beneficiary that has experienced a lost/stolen card incident.
    • Beneficiaries seeking to register for the cardless payment alternative.

    Postbank further extended its appreciation to all grant beneficiaries for their cooperation and understanding as it works towards enhancing their banking experience and service quality standards. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Global action needed to combat malaria

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) says revitalised efforts are urgently needed in the battle against malaria. 

    Today marks World Malaria Day, which is observed globally every year on 25 April to acknowledge the collective efforts to control malaria.

    In a statement released on Friday, WHO highlighted the importance of global collaboration, which has saved nearly 13 million lives since the year 2000.

    Despite the progress, the agency said it has certified 45 countries and one territory as malaria-free, while many countries with a low malaria burden continue to move steadily towards the goal of elimination. 

    Of the remaining 83 malaria-endemic countries, 25 reported fewer than 10 cases of the disease in 2023.

    WHO has warned that the fight against the disease is far from over, with nearly 600 000 lives lost to malaria in 2023, with African nations bearing the brunt of the burden.

    WHO’s Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has stressed the fragility of current gains. 

    “The history of malaria teaches us a harsh lesson that when we divert our attention, the disease resurges, taking its greatest toll on the most vulnerable.

    “But the same history also shows us what’s possible, that with strong political commitment, sustained investment, multisectoral action and community engagement, malaria can be defeated,” said Ghebreyesus.

    In a promising development, 20 African countries, including Mali, are set to introduce malaria vaccines to protect children from the disease.

    In addition, WHO said the use of advanced insecticide-treated nets is on the rise, significantly contributing to malaria prevention.

    The theme for this year’s campaign is: “Malaria ends with us: Reinvest, reimagine, reignite”.

    WHO urges governments, health organisations and communities to come together in a renewed commitment to eradicate malaria once and for all.

    Ghebreyesus has called for sustained commitment and investment at all levels, urging countries to enhance domestic healthcare spending. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Tembisa Hospital fires pose safety risk to patients, staff

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC) has expressed concern regarding repeated fire outbreaks at the Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital, in Gauteng. 

    This is after the second fire hit Tembisa Hospital at the main outpatient department on Wednesday. The smoke spread to the Eye Clinic and the nearby pharmacy, impacting areas that had initially been cleared from Saturday’s fire.

    This included the surgical outpatient department, medical outpatient department, family medicine, and the administration block, which were intended to serve as alternative accident and emergency service areas.

    According to the OHSC, which is responsible for monitoring and ensuring the health and safety of healthcare service users, these incidents pose a potential risk to the safety of both patients and staff.

    “These incidents have raised significant alarms about safety protocols and emergency preparedness, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive assessment of the facility to ensure the safety of patients, visitors, staff and other occupants of the Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital premises,” a statement issued by the OHSC said.

    The office said all health establishments must prioritise the safety and security of patients, especially during emergencies. 

    “Health establishments must ensure that the systems comply with health regulations and foster a safe environment for everyone in their care.” 

    The OHSC said it would dispatch a team of inspectors to conduct a risk-based inspection as a fact-finding action to establish the circumstances surrounding the two fire incidents. 

    “Risk-based inspections are specifically triggered and conducted on an ad hoc basis in response to identified risks at health facilities.

    “Considering that the winter season is already on, this inspection will enable the OHSC to establish possible root causes and to make informed recommendations that are aimed at mitigating the risk of fire incidents at health facilities.” 

    The OHSC urges all healthcare facilities and providers to regularly review their safety protocols and emergency response plans to avoid similar occurrences and ensure that the integrity of the healthcare system and the protection of the users of health services are maintained. 

    On Wednesday, the Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, reassured the public that services will continue despite a second fire incident at the main outpatient department at the Tembisa Hospital. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Scott, Secretary Kennedy Lead Healthcare Roundtable

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott
    CHARLESTON, S.C. — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), member of the Senate Committee on Finance and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, led a healthcare roundtable in Charleston, South Carolina. The roundtable centered on addressing critical challenges facing the American healthcare system, most notably sickle cell gene therapies in Medicaid. Attendees included Lt. Governor Pamela Evette, elected state legislators from across the country, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and policy experts. 
    The conversation focused on the recent approval of groundbreaking gene therapies for sickle cell disease and the new federal initiative to support state Medicaid programs in making these therapies more affordable and accessible. South Carolina’s early engagement in this effort reflects its commitment to improving care for those who need it most. Senator Scott has long prioritized improving outcomes for patients living with sickle cell disease and ensuring that federal health programs support cutting-edge care across all communities. 
    “Today’s roundtable in Charleston underscores our commitment to tackling the critical challenges within our healthcare system, particularly for those living with sickle cell disease,” said Senator Scott. “The recent approval of groundbreaking gene therapies represents a significant advancement in care, and it is our responsibility to ensure these innovations are accessible and affordable for all. Together with our partners in the state and healthcare community, we are taking meaningful steps to enhance the lives of those who need it most.”
    The roundtable is part of a broader initiative led by Senator Scott and Secretary Kennedy as they work to modernize and strengthen the nation’s healthcare system.

    Click here or on the image above to view the media gallery.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Markey To Attend Late Pope Francis’ Funeral On Saturday

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    April 25, 2025

    ROME – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) announced today that they will attend the late Pope Francis’ funeral at the Vatican City on Saturday. The bipartisan Senate delegation is being led by Durbin and U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME). Along with Markey, Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Eric Schmitt (R-MO) are also attending.

    Following his death, Durbin wrote, “We have lost the messenger, but we must hold fast to the message of Pope Francis to love and respect one another. In a world of hate and fear, Pope Francis’ message of peace and understanding is needed now more than ever.

    “We should honor the Pope with a ‘Francis Day’ of world peace: stop the bombing in Ukraine and Gaza; feed the dying in Sudan and around the globe; and show kindness to one another.”

    “It is a great honor to join mourners from around the world in St. Peter’s Square to pay our respects to the People’s Pope, His Holiness Pope Francis. In his words and in his deeds, Pope Francis taught us to fight for a better world – one that meets the needs of the most vulnerable among us, and one that grants dignity to all,” said Markey.“Pope Francis held a unique power in convening people, instilling in them a moral obligation to act boldly on the world’s most pressing issues, and guiding them through dark and difficult times with his wisdom, humility, and compassion. When we met, we discussed the necessity to act on climate change and the challenges it poses to the planet we call our home. I carry his mandate forward with me to be in service of life and to embrace the moments and opportunities to be part of a global movement that protects our people and our planet.”

    Durbin also attended the funeral mass of Pope John Paul II in 2005.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: U.S. Rep. Young Kim Joins Orange County Business Council and FHLBank San Francisco for Affordable Housing Roundtable

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO and IRVINE, Calif., April 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a continued effort to address the growing affordable housing crisis in Southern California, U.S. Rep. Young Kim (CA-40) convened a roundtable discussion today with the Orange County Business Council and the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLBank San Francisco) in Irvine, California. Kim co-chairs the bi-partisan Congressional Financial Literacy and Wealth Creation Caucus and serves on the House Committee on Financial Services. The roundtable convened housing advocates, financial institutions, community organizations, and other key stakeholders that hold a vested interest in creating generational wealth through homeownership and a greater understanding of financial well-being.

    “Rising housing prices are making life unaffordable for too many hardworking families in our community,” said Rep. Kim. “We need all hands-on deck to combat this housing crisis, which is why I appreciate local community leaders from public and private sectors for joining me for a productive roundtable discussion on how we can create more affordable housing options and help families struggling to make ends meet.”

    Kim represents California’s 40th District, covering portions of Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside Counties. She serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and is a strong advocate for economic development, financial literacy, and regulatory frameworks that support growth. She also co-chairs the Women in STEM Caucus and the Maternity Care Caucus. Through her partnership with FHLBank San Francisco and its member financial institutions, Kim is advancing practical solutions to support her constituents and strengthen the Southern California business community.

    “Housing availability at all levels is fundamental to OCBC’s mission of advancing economic development in Orange County,” said OCBC President and CEO Jeff Ball. “We are fortunate to have leaders like Congresswoman Kim who understand that expanding our housing supply is essential to sustaining the region’s growth and quality of life. By supporting increased housing options, we can ensure that our workforce has the opportunity to live closer to their jobs. Congresswoman Kim has been a steadfast advocate for Orange County, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with her.”

    FHLBank San Francisco has joined public officials at 10 roundtables over the past year as part of its mission-driven focus to partner with its member financial institutions, housing developers and community stakeholders to foster economic growth and resilience across communities.

    “Today’s conversation with Congresswoman Kim and regional leaders underscores the urgent need for collaborative, cross-sector action,” said Joe Amato, interim president and chief executive officer of FHLBank San Francisco. “The aftermath of recent Southern California wildfires has only deepened the housing challenges in this region. We’re committed to working alongside our members and community partners to increase access to affordable housing, expand financial literacy, and support economic opportunity throughout Arizona, California, and Nevada.”

    Attendees at the roundtable included:

    • Rep. Young Kim Congresswoman (CA-40)
    • Stephanie Cuevas California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues
    • Irma Gorrocino California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues
    • Adam Wood California Building Industry Association
    • Jeremy Empol FHLBank San Francisco
    • Greg Ward  FHLBank San Francisco
    • Laura Archuleta Jamboree
    • Ana Fonseca Logix Federal Credit Union
    • Michael Ruane National Core
    • Jeff Ball Orange County Business Council
    • Tim Shaw, RCE Pacific West Association of REALTORS®
    • Diana Kot SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union
    • William Shopoff Shopoff Realty
    • Cesar Covarrubias The Kennedy Commission
    • Matthew Kemfer The Kennedy Commission
    • Maggie Pacheco Wescom Credit Union
         

    FHLBank San Francisco’s Impact in California’s 40th District 

    Since 1990, FHLBank San Francisco has awarded $4.5 million in grants for affordable housing and to boost homeownership in California’s 40th Congressional District, supporting the development of 401 affordable housing units for low-income individuals and families. In addition, through its Workforce Initiative Subsidy for Homeownership (WISH) program, FHLBank San Francisco has partnered with member financial institutions to provide $887,000 in grants since 2003, helping 57 first-time homebuyers — including teachers, healthcare workers, and service industry professionals — achieve homeownership.

    Across its three-state district of Arizona, California, and Nevada, FHLBank San Francisco is committed to supporting a range of housing initiatives in partnership with its member community financial institutions. Since the Affordable Housing Program’s inception, the Bank has awarded over $1.38 billion in grants, helping to construct, rehabilitate, or purchase more than 155,000 affordable housing units — including $61.8 million awarded in 2024 alone. As part of the Federal Home Loan Bank System, FHLBank San Francisco is one of the nation’s largest privately capitalized sources of affordable housing grant funding.

    About Orange County Business Council

    For 30 years, Orange County Business Council (OCBC) has been representing and promoting the region’s business community together with government and academia to enhance the economic development of Orange County, California. The Council’s core initiatives include developing pro-business solutions that lead to economic growth, education development that leads to a competitive workforce, advocating for a range of housing alternatives, and promoting appropriate investment in regional and statewide infrastructure for the nation’s sixth most populous county. Member organizations include businesses and local organizations representing a diverse cross section of industries including biomedical, construction, education, financial services, health care, manufacturing, municipalities, nonprofit, technology, tourism, transportation, real estate and utilities. For more information, visit ocbc.org.

    About Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco

    The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco is a member-driven cooperative helping local lenders in Arizona, California, and Nevada build strong communities, create opportunity, and change lives for the better. The tools and resources we provide to our member financial institutions — commercial banks, credit unions, industrial loan companies, savings institutions, insurance companies, and community development financial institutions — propel homeownership, finance quality affordable housing, drive economic vitality, and revitalize whole neighborhoods. Together with our members and other partners, we are making the communities we serve more vibrant and resilient.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Announces Two Cases Involving Judicial Misconduct and Obstruction of Law Enforcement

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    Ex-Judge of Dona Ana County Charged with Evidence Tampering and Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Charged with Unlawful Obstruction and Concealment

    The Justice Department today announced federal criminal charges in two separate cases involving the alleged obstruction of federal law enforcement operations and unlawful concealment of individuals residing illegally in the United States.

    “The allegations against Judge Dugan and Judge Cano are serious: no one, least of all a judge, should obstruct law enforcement operations,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Doing so imperils the safety of our law enforcement officers and undermines the rule of law. The Department of Justice will continue to follow the facts — no one is above the law.”

    “Sanctuary jurisdictions that shield criminal aliens endanger American communities,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “This Justice Department will not stand by as local officials put politics over public safety. Reckless sanctuary city policies create a sanctuary for one class—criminals. Those days are over.”

    United States v. Jose Luis Cano; United States v. Nancy Ann Cano, District of New Mexico

    Nancy Ann Cano, 68, and Jose Luis Cano, 67, were arrested yesterday for evidence tampering offenses related to the federal investigation and prosecution against Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, a Venezuelan national residing unlawfully within the United States and with alleged ties to transnational criminal organization Tren de Aragua, a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO).

    “Judges are responsible for upholding our country’s laws. It is beyond egregious for a former judge and his wife to engage in evidence tampering on behalf of a suspected Tren de Aragua gang member accused of illegally possessing firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison for the District of New Mexico. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to dismantling this foreign terrorist organization by disrupting its criminal operations in New Mexico. That starts by prosecuting those who support gang members — including judges.”

    According to court documents, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) initiated the investigation into Ortega-Lopez after receiving an anonymous tip that the individual was unlawfully present in the United States and in possession of firearms. Subsequent investigation confirmed that the defendant illegally entered the country on Dec. 15, 2023, near Eagle Pass, Texas, and was released shortly thereafter due to overcrowding at the Border Patrol facility.

    Evidence uncovered by federal agents revealed the defendant had posted multiple photos and videos on social media showing him and other illegal aliens handling firearms at a shooting range in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Among the weapons allegedly pictured were a Sig Sauer P365 handgun, an AR-15 rifle equipped with a suppressor, and other high-powered firearms and ammunition. Distinctive tattoos confirmed Ortega-Lopez’s identity in the photos and videos. Further review of his social media activity revealed content suggesting affiliation with Tren de Aragua, including gang-related tattoos, hand gestures, and clothing.

    According to court documents, in January 2025, HSI received a tip that Ortega-Lopez was unlawfully residing with other illegal aliens at a property in Las Cruces owned by Nancy and Jose Cano. Prior to his resignation in March 2025, Jose Cano served as a judge of the Dona Ana County Magistrate Court.

    On Feb. 28, 2025, HSI executed two federal search warrants in connection with the investigation, resulting in the arrest of the Ortega-Lopez and multiple associates, and the seizure of four firearms.

    Ortega-Lopez was arrested for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. Four firearms believed to be in Ortega-Lopez’s possession, along with three of his cell phones, were seized during the operation. During the search, Ortega-Lopez was permitted to make a phone call before being taken to the Doña Ana County Detention Center (DACDC). He informed agents that a particular phone he wished to use was not among the devices recovered. Video calls from DACDC later showed Nancy Cano holding a black iPhone believed to be Ortega’s fourth phone.

    In a March 7 call with Ortega-Lopez, Nancy Cano used the device to contact a person named “Michelle” via WhatsApp, then facilitated a FaceTime conversation between Michelle and Ortega-Lopez using her personal phone. Additionally, in an April 20 call, Nancy Cano and Ortega-Lopez discussed deleting his Facebook account – a platform where he had previously shared incriminating content, including gang affiliations and images with firearms.

    On April 24, HSI agents executed a subsequent search warrant at the Cano residence to locate the missing cellphone. During questioning, Jose Cano admitted to destroying Ortega’s cellphone by smashing it with a hammer approximately five weeks prior, believing it contained incriminating photos and videos of Ortega with firearms.

    Forensic analysis of the recovered phones revealed messages linked to Ortega’s criminal activities, including affiliations with the Tren de Aragua gang and images of Ortega with firearms.

    Jose Cano is charged with one count of tampering with evidence and Nancy Cano is charged with one count of conspiracy to tamper with evidence. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised released, and up to a  $250,000 fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Ortega-Lopez is charged with being an unlawful alien in possession of firearms and ammunition, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. Despite strong evidence and pre-trial services’ assessment that the defendant poses a serious risk of flight and danger to the community, a U.S. Magistrate Judge ordered the defendant released on conditions. The government has since filed a notice of appeal challenging that decision, citing the defendant’s unlawful status, gang affiliations, disregard for previous release conditions, and risk to public safety.

    HSI is investigating the cases, with valuable assistance from the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Armijo, Randy Castellano, and Elizabeth Tonkin for the District of New Mexico are prosecuting both cases.

    United States v. Hannah C. Dugan, Eastern District of Wisconsin

    The Justice Department today announced the filing of a federal criminal complaint against Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah C. Dugan, 65, for her alleged interference with a federal law enforcement operation and unlawful concealment of an individual subject to arrest.

    According to court documents, the charges stem from events occurring on April 18, when members of the Milwaukee office of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), along with federal partners from the FBI, DEA, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, attempted to execute a lawful arrest warrant for Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican national previously removed from the United States and recently charged in Milwaukee County with multiple counts of domestic abuse-related battery.

    According to court documents, federal agents arrived at the Milwaukee County Courthouse intending to arrest Flores-Ruiz in a public hallway following his court appearance before Judge Dugan. Upon learning of the agents’ presence in the hallway, Judge Dugan allegedly confronted and ordered federal agents to leave the courthouse. After being made aware of a valid immigration arrest warrant, Judge Dugan told agents that they needed a judicial warrant and demanded that they go to the Chief Judge’s office. Once the agents were no longer in the vicinity of her courtroom, Judge Dugan allegedly elected not to conduct a hearing on Flores-Ruiz’s criminal case, despite the fact that victims of his offense were present, and instead personally escorted Flores-Ruiz and his attorney through a restricted “jury door” exit not typically used by defendants or attorneys. This doorway led to a non-public hallway through which Flores-Ruiz and his attorney exited her courtroom. According to the affidavit, Judge Dugan’s actions directly resulted in Flores-Ruiz temporarily avoiding federal custody. He was ultimately arrested outside the courthouse, following a brief foot pursuit.

    Dugan is charged with obstruction of proceedings before a department or agency of the United States, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and concealing a person to prevent arrest, which carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison.

    Flores-Ruiz was previously deported in 2013 and had reentered the United States unlawfully. He was subject to arrest based on an administrative warrant issued by ICE for immigration violations following his recent criminal charges in Milwaukee County.

    A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Co-Leads Multistate Amicus Brief Challenging the Trump Administration’s Early Termination of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians

    Source: US State of California

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today co-led a coalition of 19 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief in Haitian Evangelical Clergy Association v. Trump in support of a challenge to the early termination of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Haitians. TPS is a critical humanitarian program established by Congress in 1990 that allows nationals of designated countries to remain in the United States due to ongoing armed conflict, environmental disaster, or extraordinary and temporary conditions in their home countries. In their brief, the attorneys general urge the district court to grant the plaintiffs’ motion to postpone the unlawful early termination of the TPS designation for Haitians.

    “The Trump Administration’s unlawful attempt to terminate Haiti’s TPS designation threatens the very livelihoods of individuals fleeing from a humanitarian crisis in search of safety and a better life for their families,” said Attorney General Bonta. Our Haitian TPS holders are an integral part of our community, they are our neighbors, co-workers, teachers, and caregivers. At the California DOJ we recognize the importance of our TPS communities and urge the court to prevent the Trump Administration’s unlawful attempt to revoke their legal immigration status from going into effect.”

    In the amicus brief, the coalition urges the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York to prevent the Trump Administration’s order from going into effect, arguing that the termination of Haitian TPS is unlawful and will:

    • Result in irreparable harm to families, stripping members of work authorization exposing them to the threat of deportation.
    • Harm states’ economies and workforces as the TPS-holder community, including the Haitian community, are dynamic contributors to Amici States’ economies.
    • Raise healthcare costs and pose substantial risks to public health.
    • Create challenges for jurisdictions across the country in enforcing their criminal codes and protecting public safety. 

    Attorney General Bonta is committed to upholding the rights and protections of all Californians, including the nearly 11 million immigrants who call California home. He has supported a challenge to the early termination of the TPS designation for Haitians and Venezuelans, defended pathways for legal immigration for those fleeing dangerous conditions in their home counties, and secured a preliminary injunction in his lawsuit challenging the President’s unlawful executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship.

    Attorney General Bonta co-led the filing of today’s brief along with the Attorneys General of New York and Massachusetts, and is joined by the Attorneys General of Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai‘i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.

    A copy of the brief can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: World Health Organization (WHO) welcomes Dr. Fabian Ndenzako as new Representative to Botswana

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    Download logo

    The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially welcomed Dr. Fabian Ndenzako as the new Head of Mission and WHO Representative to Botswana and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). A seasoned global health expert, Dr. Ndenzako brings with him over 25 years of experience in public health, including more than two decades of service within WHO across various regions and leadership capacities.

    His appointment comes at a pivotal time, as WHO continues to deepen its collaboration with the newly constituted Government of Botswana, following the November 2024 elections. Guided by the WHO Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) 2024–2027, Dr. Ndenzako will lead efforts aligned with Botswana’s National Development Plan. These efforts focus on five strategic priorities: strengthening health systems toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC); delivering quality, equitable, and integrated health services across the life course; preventing and controlling communicable and non-communicable diseases; enhancing health security and disaster risk reduction management; and promoting multisectoral action for a healthier population.

    Dr. Ndenzako is a medical doctor trained at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. He holds a master’s in public health from the University of Oslo and a master’s in development studies and diplomacy from the University for Peace in collaboration with UNITAR. His impressive academic background complements a broad and deep understanding of global health systems, policy, and diplomacy.

    Prior to his appointment in Botswana, Dr. Ndenzako served as Acting WHO Representative in South Africa, based in Pretoria. He has also led WHO country offices in South Sudan (2021–2024) and Malawi (2018–2019), demonstrating strong leadership in navigating complex public health landscapes, managing crises, and mobilizing resources to strengthen national health responses.

    Earlier in his career, Dr. Ndenzako served as Medical Officer for HIV, Hepatitis, and TB at the WHO Regional Office for Africa, supporting over 20 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa. His contributions included reviewing national health programs, developing strategies and guidelines, coordinating multi-country responses, and facilitating resource mobilization for health emergencies and epidemics.

    He also brings valuable international experience from nearly a decade with the WHO Western Pacific Region, based in Papua New Guinea, where he supported regional responses to both communicable and non-communicable diseases. His work with governments, the United Nations, NGOs, civil society, donors, and international partners underscores his commitment to inclusive and collaborative public health strategies.

    Now at the helm of WHO Botswana, Dr. Ndenzako is poised to steer the office’s efforts toward impactful implementation of the biennial plan, support national health priorities, and strengthen regional coordination through SADC. His vast experience and visionary leadership are set to advance the health and well-being of the people of Botswana and the region at large.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO), Botswana.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: World Health Organization (WHO) and Ministry of Health Strengthen Partnership to Advance Botswana’s Health Priorities

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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    WHO Botswana Representative Dr. Fabian Ndenzako and his team recently paid a courtesy call on the Ministry of Health, where they met with Honorable Minister Dr. Stephen Modise and senior ministry officials to reaffirm their partnership and shared commitment to improving health outcomes in Botswana.

    During the meeting, Dr. Ndenzako expressed WHO’s continued commitment to working closely with Botswana to advance national health priorities. He emphasized the need to build resilient health systems, particularly in light of recent natural disasters such as floods, and congratulated the country on its remarkable progress in key areas, including the national HIV response. These achievements, he noted, align with WHO’s focus on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and strengthening primary healthcare.

    Dr. Ndenzako also highlighted the importance of the WHO-Ministry of Health cooperation framework, which outlines shared strategic priorities to achieve national health goals. He reaffirmed WHO’s role as a technical partner in areas such as disease control, health research, and emergency preparedness and response. Additionally, he acknowledged Botswana’s active participation in WHO’s governing bodies and its contributions to shaping global health policies.

    Minister Modise welcomed the ongoing collaboration with WHO and reaffirmed Botswana’s commitment to achieving UHC. He noted the government’s ongoing efforts to develop a national health insurance scheme, manage changing donor funding landscapes, and ensure strategic allocation of resources for health priorities.

    Key outcomes from the engagement included WHO’s pledge to continue providing technical support, plans to reallocate resources to maintain essential health services, and the reinstatement of quarterly review meetings to enhance coordination and accountability. Both parties expressed their dedication to deepening collaboration and strengthening health systems to ensure better health for all in Botswana.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO), Botswana.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Malaria scorecard: battles have been won and advances made, but the war isn’t over

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Shüné Oliver, Medical scientist, National Institute for Communicable Diseases

    Sub-Saharan Africa continues to bear the brunt of malaria cases in the world. In this region 11 countries account for two-thirds of the global burden.

    World Malaria Day is marked on 25 April. What progress has been made against the disease, where are the gaps and what’s being done to plug them?

    As scientists who research malaria in Africa, we believe that the continent can defeat the disease. New, effective tools have been added to the malaria toolbox.

    Researchers and malaria programmes, however, must strengthen collaborations. This will ensure the limited resources are used in ways that make the most impact.

    The numbers

    Some progress has been made, but in some cases there have been reverses.

    • Between 2000 and 2015 there was an 18% reduction in new cases from 262 million in 2000 to 214 million in 2015. Since then, progress has stalled.

    • The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 2.2 billion cases have been prevented between 2000 and 2023. Additionally, 12.7 million deaths have been avoided. In 2025, 45 countries are certified as malaria free. Only nine of those countries are in Africa. These include Egypt, Seychelles and Lesotho.

    • The global target set by the WHO was to reduce new cases by 75% compared to cases in 2015. Africa should have reported approximately 47,000 cases in 2023. Instead there were 246 million.

    • Almost every African country with ongoing malaria transmission experienced an increase in malaria cases in 2023. Exceptions to this were Rwanda and Liberia.

    So why is progress stagnating and in many cases reversing?

    How malaria affects countries around the world.

    The setbacks

    Effective malaria control is extremely challenging. Malaria parasite and mosquito populations evolve rapidly. This makes them difficult to control.

    Africa is home to malaria mosquitoes that prefer biting humans to other animals. These mosquitoes have also adapted to avoid insecticide-treated surfaces.

    It has been shown in South Africa that mosquitoes may feed on people inside their homes, but will avoid resting on the sprayed walls.

    Mosquitoes have also developed mechanisms to resist the effects of insecticides. Malaria vector resistance to certain insecticides used in malaria control is widespread in endemic areas. Resistance levels vary around Africa.

    Resistance to the pyrethroid class is most common. Organophosphate resistance is rare, but present in west Africa. As mosquitoes become resistant to the chemicals used for mosquito control, both the spraying of houses and insecticide treated nets become less effective. However, in regions with high malaria cases, nets still provide physical protection despite resistance.

    An additional challenge is that malaria parasites continue to develop resistance to anti-malarial drugs. In 2007 the first evidence began to emerge in south-east Asia that parasites were developing resistance to artemisinins. These are key drugs in the fight against malaria.

    Recently this has been shown to be happening in some African countries too. Artemisinin resistance has been confirmed in Eritrea, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. Molecular markers of artemisinin resistance were recently detected in parasites from Namibia and Zambia.

    Malaria parasites have also developed mutations that prevent them from being being detected by the most widely used rapid diagnostic test in Africa.

    Countries in the Horn of Africa, where parasites with these mutations are common, have changed the malaria rapid diagnostic tests used to ensure early diagnosis.

    The progress

    Nevertheless, the fight against malaria has been strengthened by novel control strategies.

    Firstly, after more than 30 years of research, two malaria vaccines – RTS,S and R21 – have finally been approved by the WHO. These are being deployed in 19 African countries.

    These vaccines have reduced disease cases and deaths in the high-risk under-five-years-old age group. They have reduced cases of severe malaria by approximately 30% and deaths by 17%.

    Secondly, effectiveness of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets has been improved.

    New insecticides have been approved for use. Chemical components that help to manage resistance have also been included in the nets.

    Thirdly, novel tools are showing promise. One option is attractive toxic sugar baits. This is because sugar is what mosquitoes naturally eat. Biocontrol by altering the native gut bacteria of mosquitoes may also prove effective.

    Fourthly, reducing mosquito populations by releasing sterilised male or genetically modified mosquitoes into wild mosquito populations is also showing promise. Trials are currently happening in Burkina Faso. Genetically sterilised males have been released on a small scale. This strategy has shown promise in reducing the population.

    Fifthly, two new antimalarials are expected to be available in the next year or two. Artemisinin-based combination therapies are standard treatment for malaria. An improvement to this is triple artemisinin-based combination therapy. This is a combination of this drug with an additional antimalarial. Studies in Africa and Asia have shown these triple combinations to be very effective in controlling malaria.

    The second new antimalarial is the first non-artemisinin-based drug to be developed in over 20 years. Ganaplacide-lumefantrine has been shown to be effective in young children. Once available, it can to be used to treat parasites that are resistant to artemisinin. This is because it has a completely different mechanism of action.

    The end game

    It has been several years since the malaria control toolbox has been strengthened with novel tools and strategies that target both the vector and the parasite. This makes it an ideal time to double down in the fight against this deadly disease.

    In 2020, the WHO identified 25 countries with the potential to stop malaria transmission within their borders by 2025. While none of these countries eliminated malaria, some have made significant progress. Costa Rica and Nepal reported fewer than 100 cases. Timor-Leste reported only one case in recent years.

    Three southern African countries are included in this group: Botswana, Eswatini and South Africa. Unfortunately, all these countries showed increases in cases in 2023.

    With the new tools, these and other countries can eliminate malaria, getting us closer to the dream of a malaria-free world.

    – Malaria scorecard: battles have been won and advances made, but the war isn’t over
    – https://theconversation.com/malaria-scorecard-battles-have-been-won-and-advances-made-but-the-war-isnt-over-255230

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: AI policies in Africa: lessons from Ghana and Rwanda

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Thompson Gyedu Kwarkye, Postdoctoral Researcher, University College Dublin

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasing productivity and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. It powers self-driving cars, social media feeds, fraud detection and medical diagnoses. Touted as a game changer, it is projected to add nearly US$15.7 trillion to the global economy by the end of the decade.

    Africa is positioned to use this technology in several sectors. In Ghana, Kenya and South Africa, AI-led digital tools in use include drones for farm management, X-ray screening for tuberculosis diagnosis, and real-time tracking systems for packages and shipments. All these are helping to fill gaps in accessibility, efficiency and decision-making.

    However, it also introduces risks. These include biased algorithms, resource and labour exploitation, and e-waste disposal. The lack of a robust regulatory framework in many parts of the continent increases these challenges, leaving vulnerable populations exposed to exploitation. Limited public awareness and infrastructure further complicate the continent’s ability to harness AI responsibly.

    What are African countries doing about it? To answer this, my research mapped out what Ghana and Rwanda had in place as AI policies and investigated how these policies were developed. I looked for shared principles and differences in approach to governance and implementation.

    The research shows that AI policy development is not a neutral or technical process but a profoundly political one. Power dynamics, institutional interests and competing visions of technological futures shape AI regulation.

    I conclude from my findings that AI’s potential to bring great change in Africa is undeniable. But its benefits are not automatic. Rwanda and Ghana show that effective policy-making requires balancing innovation with equity, global standards with local needs, and state oversight with public trust.

    The question is not whether Africa can harness AI, but how and on whose terms.

    How they did it

    Rwanda’s National AI Policy emerged from consultations with local and global actors. These included the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, the Rwandan Space Agency, and NGOs like the Future Society, and the GIZ FAIR Forward. The resulting policy framework is in line with Rwanda’s goals for digital transformation, economic diversification and social development. It includes international best practices such as ethical AI, data protection, and inclusive AI adoption.

    Ghana’s Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations conducted multi-stakeholder workshops to develop a national strategy for digital transformation and innovation. Start-ups, academics, telecom companies and public-sector institutions came together and the result is Ghana’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2023–2033.

    Both countries have set up or plan to set up Responsible AI offices. This aligns with global best practices for ethical AI. Rwanda focuses on local capacity building and data sovereignty. This reflects the country’s post-genocide emphasis on national control and social cohesion. Similarly, Ghana’s proposed office focuses on accountability, though its structure is still under legislative review.

    Ghana and Rwanda have adopted globally recognised ethical principles like privacy protection, bias mitigation and human rights safeguards. Rwanda’s policy reflects Unesco’s AI ethics recommendations and Ghana emphasises “trustworthy AI”.

    Both policies frame AI as a way to reach the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Rwanda’s policy targets applications in healthcare, agriculture, poverty reduction and rural service delivery. Similarly, Ghana’s strategy highlights the potential to advance economic growth, environmental sustainability and inclusive digital transformation.

    Key policy differences

    Rwanda’s policy ties data control to national security. This is rooted in its traumatic history of identity-based violence. Ghana, by contrast, frames AI as a tool for attracting foreign investment rather than a safeguard against state fragility.

    The policies also differ in how they manage foreign influence. Rwanda has a “defensive” stance towards global tech powers; Ghana’s is “accommodative”. Rwanda works with partners that allow it to follow its own policy. Ghana, on the other hand, embraces partnerships, viewing them as the start of innovation.

    While Rwanda’s approach is targeted and problem-solving, Ghana’s strategy is expansive, aiming for large-scale modernisation and private-sector growth. Through state-led efforts, Rwanda focuses on using AI to solve immediate challenges such as rural healthcare access and food security. In contrast, Ghana looks at using AI more widely – in finance, transport, education and governance – to become a regional tech hub.

    Constraints and solutions

    The effectiveness of these AI policies is held back by broader systemic challenges. The US and China dominate in setting global standards, so local priorities get sidelined. For example, while Rwanda and Ghana advocate for ethical AI, it’s hard for them to hold multinational corporations accountable for breaches.

    Energy shortages further complicate large-scale AI adoption. Training models require reliable electricity – a scarce resource in many parts of the continent.

    To address these gaps, I propose the following:

    Investments in digital infrastructure, education and local start-ups to reduce dependency on foreign tech giants.

    African countries must shape international AI governance forums. They must ensure policies reflect continental realities, not just western or Chinese ones. This will include using collective bargaining power through the African Union to bring Africa’s development needs to the fore. It could also help with digital sovereignty issues and equitable access to AI technologies.

    Finally, AI policies must embed African ethical principles. These should include communal rights and post-colonial sensitivities.

    – AI policies in Africa: lessons from Ghana and Rwanda
    – https://theconversation.com/ai-policies-in-africa-lessons-from-ghana-and-rwanda-253642

    MIL OSI Africa –