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  • MIL-OSI: Top Producing Branch Manager Ted Edginton Joins Rate in Birmingham, MI

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BIRMINGHAM, Mich., March 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rate, a leader in fintech mortgage solutions, today announced the addition of Ted Edginton as its new Producing Branch Manager in Birmingham, Michigan. With over 22 years of career experience as a senior loan officer, Edginton has a track record of success, industry knowledge, and a client-first approach to Rate’s team.

    Edginton joins Rate after over two decades with U.S. Bank, where he built a reputation for top-tier service and consistent production. Recognized for his high volume and unit production year after year, he has been a member of the President’s Circle and Legends of Possible since 2008.

    “My team and I made a strategic move to Rate because of the strength of its product offerings and focus on the client experience,” said Edginton. “With Rate’s platform, I can serve my clients faster, more efficiently, and with more options tailored to their needs with less stress. I’m excited to bring this level of service to even more people in my community.”

    Known for his commitment to service, Edginton prides himself on being accessible to clients, outlining a clear path to the finish line, and treating every borrower like family. His expertise spans a wide range of products, including VA, FHA, Construction-Perm/Rehab, Reverse, Physician, programs for the self employed, and other unique Portfolio Loans.

    “We’re all very excited to welcome Ted to the Rate team,” said Jeff Nelson, Chief Production Officer-East at Rate. “His expertise and success are a wonderful addition to a great Rate family.”

    Beyond his professional accomplishments, Edginton is actively involved in the local community, including the Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors (GMAR) in Southeast Michigan and the Michigan Realtors Association. He also was the first non-Realtor inducted into the Realtor Hall of Fame in Washinton D.C. and is continually recognized in Hour Magazine as an annual Mortgage All Star. His dedicated engagement reinforces his strong referral network and commitment to supporting local agents and clients.

    With this move, Rate continues to expand its footprint in Michigan, focusing on personalized service, powerful products, and a team of trusted experts like Edginton.

    About Rate

    Rate Companies is a leader in mortgage lending and digital financial services. Headquartered in Chicago, Rate has over 850 branches across all 50 states and Washington D.C. Since its launch in 2000, Rate has helped more than 2 million homeowners with home purchase loans and refinances. The company has cemented itself as an industry leader by introducing innovative technology, offering low rates, and delivering unparalleled customer service. Honors and awards include: Top 5 Mortgage Lender by Inside Mortgage Finance for 2024; Best Mortgage Lender for First-Time Homebuyers by NerdWallet for 2023; HousingWire’s Tech100 award for the company’s industry-leading FlashClose℠ digital mortgage platform in 2020, MyAccount in 2022, and Language Access Program in 2023; the most Scotsman Guide Top Originators for 11 consecutive years; Chicago Agent Magazine’s Lender of the Year for seven consecutive years; and Chicago Tribune’s Top Workplaces list for seven straight years. Visit rate.com for more information.

    Press Contact

    press@rate.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f5d5241a-e42d-4056-96eb-25926084c7ec

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Euronext publishes its 2024 Universal Registration Document

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Euronext publishes its 2024 Universal Registration Document

    Amsterdam, Brussels, Dublin, Lisbon, Milan, Oslo and Paris – 28 March 2025 – Euronext, the leading pan-European market infrastructure, today announces that it has filed its 2024 Universal Registration Document, prepared in ESEF format (European Single Electronic Format), including the 2024 Annual Financial Statements and Directors’ Report to the Stichting Autoriteit Financiële Markten (the “AFM”), on 28 March 2025, as competent authority under Regulation (EU) 2017/1129.

    The 2024 Universal Registration Document has been filed in English and is available in ESEF format on Euronext’s website at:
    https://www.euronext.com/en/investor-relations/financial-information/financial-reports

    Printed copies of the official version filed to the AFM in ESEF format are available at the registered office of Euronext N.V.: Beursplein 5 1012 JW Amsterdam The Netherlands.

    CONTACTS  

    ANALYSTS & INVESTORS – ir@euronext.com

    Investor Relations        Aurélie Cohen                 

            Judith Stein        +33 6 15 23 91 97          

    MEDIA – mediateam@euronext.com 

    Europe        Aurélie Cohen         +33 1 70 48 24 45   

            Andrea Monzani         +39 02 72 42 62 13 

    Belgium        Marianne Aalders         +32 26 20 15 01                 

    France, Corporate        Flavio Bornancin-Tomasella        +33 1 70 48 24 45                 

    Ireland        Andrea Monzani         +39 02 72 42 62 13                 

    Italy         Ester Russom         +39 02 72 42 67 56                 

    The Netherlands        Marianne Aalders         +31 20 721 41 33                 

    Norway         Cathrine Lorvik Segerlund        +47 41 69 59 10                 

    Portugal         Sandra Machado        +351 91 777 68 97                

                   

    About Euronext  

    Euronext is the leading European capital market infrastructure, covering the entire capital markets value chain, from listing, trading, clearing, settlement and custody, to solutions for issuers and investors. Euronext runs MTS, one of Europe’s leading electronic fixed income trading markets, and Nord Pool, the European power market. Euronext also provides clearing and settlement services through Euronext Clearing and its Euronext Securities CSDs in Denmark, Italy, Norway and Portugal.

    As of December 2024, Euronext’s regulated exchanges in Belgium, France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway and Portugal host over 1,800 listed issuers with around €6 trillion in market capitalisation, a strong blue-chip franchise and the largest global centre for debt and fund listings. With a diverse domestic and international client base, Euronext handles 25% of European lit equity trading. Its products include equities, FX, ETFs, bonds, derivatives, commodities and indices.

    For the latest news, go to euronext.com or follow us on X and LinkedIn.

    Disclaimer

    This press release is for information purposes only: it is not a recommendation to engage in investment activities and is provided “as is”, without representation or warranty of any kind. While all reasonable care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the content, Euronext does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. Euronext will not be held liable for any loss or damages of any nature ensuing from using, trusting or acting on information provided. No information set out or referred to in this publication may be regarded as creating any right or obligation. The creation of rights and obligations in respect of financial products that are traded on the exchanges operated by Euronext’s subsidiaries shall depend solely on the applicable rules of the market operator. All proprietary rights and interest in or connected with this publication shall vest in Euronext. This press release speaks only as of this date. Euronext refers to Euronext N.V. and its affiliates. Information regarding trademarks and intellectual property rights of Euronext is available at www.euronext.com/terms-use.

    © 2025, Euronext N.V. – All rights reserved. 

    The Euronext Group processes your personal data in order to provide you with information about Euronext (the “Purpose”). With regard to the processing of this personal data, Euronext will comply with its obligations under Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and Council of 27 April 2016 (General Data Protection Regulation, “GDPR”), and any applicable national laws, rules and regulations implementing the GDPR, as provided in its privacy statement available at: www.euronext.com/privacy-policy. In accordance with the applicable legislation you have rights with regard to the processing of your personal data: for more information on your rights, please refer to: www.euronext.com/data_subjects_rights_request_information. To make a request regarding the processing of your data or to unsubscribe from this press release service, please use our data subject request form at connect2.euronext.com/form/data-subjects-rights-request or email our Data Protection Officer at dpo@euronext.com.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan’s Health Human Resources Action Plan Delivers for Patients and Health Care Teams

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on March 28, 2025

    Innovative Saskatchewan-Based Solutions to Recruit, Train, Incentivize, Retain and Enhance Competitiveness

    The 2025-26 Budget invests $156.1 million in the Health Human Resources (HHR) Action Plan to deliver on government commitments to strengthen Saskatchewan’s health care system.

    Since the launch of the HHR Action Plan in September 2022, more than $460 million has now been invested in initiatives guided by the plan’s four pillars to accelerate the hiring and growth of health care professionals in Saskatchewan. 

    The HHR Action Plan is the result of ongoing support, collaboration, and partnerships between multiple ministries, health employers, health partner agencies, post-secondary institutions, and professional regulators. 

    More information on the 2025-26 Budget, including HHR Action Plan initiatives, is available at saskatchewan.ca/budget. 

    Recruit

    The Ministry of Health will receive $88.6 million in 2025-26 as part of the $156.1 million overall government investment to continue building on the success of HHR Action Plan initiatives. 

    This includes previously committed funding of $10.7 million to support ongoing work on established recruitment initiatives such as the Saskatchewan International Physician Practice Assessment (SIPPA) program, and recruitment of internationally educated health care workers. These funds will also advance hiring of physician assistants and clinical assistants, and support the Saskatchewan Healthcare Recruitment Agency.

     “Continued investment into our ambitious HHR Action Plan ensures Saskatchewan remains an attractive place for health care professionals to live, work and build a career,” Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “I am pleased to see steady progress being made on multiple initiatives to recruit, train, incentivize and retain more health professionals, strengthen health care teams and deliver improved patient care to residents in communities across the province.”

    Since September 2022, Saskatchewan has seen impressive recruitment results, with 488 physicians establishing practice in the province, which includes 38 from outside the country. These efforts resulted in 243 family physicians and 245 specialists establishing their practices in the province.

    Nearly 1,880 nursing graduates from in-and out-of-province were hired between April 2023 and December 2024, and more than 400 internationally educated healthcare professionals from the Philippines are working in communities across the province.

    Train

    Training plays a pivotal role in shaping a dynamic health care workforce and is integral to realizing the goals of the HHR Action Plan. Since December 2022, Saskatchewan has invested approximately $170 million to support over 900 new health care training seats in 33 programs. 

     “A rewarding health care career begins with high-quality education and training,” Advanced Education Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. “This significant investment in training supports our post-secondary institutions in helping build a capable, compassionate workforce that is ready to meet the needs of Saskatchewan citizens.”

    In 2025-26, the Government of Saskatchewan is delivering $81.3 million in operating, programming and capital funding to support health care training in areas of critical need to the province. 

    Approximately $35.3 million will support the continued expansion of health care training seats and add 60 new seats for registered nursing, nurse practitioner, registered psychiatric nursing and medical radiologic technology programs.

    Over $17 million will continue the development of four new training programs that will accept students in fall 2025 (physician assistant) and fall 2026 (speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy). 

    An investment of $17.1 million will enable the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Medicine to expand family medicine and specialty residency seats, add more full-time academic physician positions, expand family medicine enhanced skills programs to regional sites and support operations. Medical residency seats have been increased to 150 seats. The province continues to fund eight undergraduate medical education seats that were part of previous expansions over the last two years, for a total of 108 undergraduate seats each year. 

    This year’s budget also delivers $1.5 million for clinical placement coordination and clinical oversight to support health training seat expansion in the post-secondary sector. 

    Incentives

    A range of attractive incentive programs, such as the Rural and Remote Recruitment Incentive has directly benefited over 50 communities across the province with more than 400 hard-to-recruit positions successfully filled. 

    The 2025-26 Health budget provides a total of $13 million for incentive programs, including the Rural and Remote Recruitment Incentive, Rural Physician Incentive Program and incentives for specialists. This includes new funding of $1 million to support recruitment of specialist physicians in high demand for recruitment areas experiencing shortages, such as anesthesia, psychiatry, breast and interventional radiology, emergency medicine and targeted pediatric subspecialists. 

    “The incentive program has demonstrated real progress in attracting new in-demand health care workers to our warm and welcoming communities,” Rural and Remote Health Minister Lori Carr said. “Ongoing investments in this area will continue attracting specialists, physicians, registered nurses and other highly sought health care workers to provide high-quality health care services and improve patient access across the province.”

    Since the launch of the HHR Action Plan, the province has also disbursed over $2.5 million in bursaries, such as over 600 Final Clinical Placement Bursaries, nearly 150 paramedic bursaries and other scholarships and available grants to encourage students to pursue a health care career. For 2025-26, there will be additional Final Clinical Placement bursaries available, for a total of 300 bursaries. In addition, many graduates are eligible for the Graduate Retention Tax Credits and student loan forgiveness programs.

    Retain

    Retention of health care staff has been a key area of focus, with the goal of promoting the rewarding benefits of a career in health care. 

    The 2025-26 Health budget provides a total investment of $44.7 million for retention initiatives. This includes $33.8 million to continue supporting 250 new and enhanced permanent full-time positions in high-priority occupations to stabilize staffing in rural and northern areas. New funding of $4.9 million will support 65 new and enhanced permanent full-time registered nurse positions to stabilize nursing in 30 rural and northern locations.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: North Carolina Prepares for Measles Prevention Amid National Increase in Cases

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: North Carolina Prepares for Measles Prevention Amid National Increase in Cases

    North Carolina Prepares for Measles Prevention Amid National Increase in Cases
    jwerner

    As measles cases continue to rise across the country, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is taking proactive steps to ensure the state remains prepared for any potential cases or outbreaks. While there have been no reported cases of measles in North Carolina so far in 2025, public health officials are urging residents, health care providers and child care centers to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves, their communities and those at highest risk, especially unvaccinated children.

    “Although we currently have no cases of measles in North Carolina, the increase in cases across the nation and the world means we must be vigilant,” said Dr. Zack Moore, NCDHHS State Epidemiologist. “Vaccination is the best way to protect against measles. We encourage all North Carolinians to ensure they are up to date on their MMR vaccinations, and we are working with local health departments to ensure our state is prepared for any potential outbreaks.”  

    In the United States, measles cases surged from 59 cases in 2023 to 285 cases in 2024. As of March 27, 2025, a total of 483 confirmed measles cases were reported by 20 jurisdictions. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to serious health complications, especially in babies and young children. The virus spreads through the air when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes. The virus can also be spread by contact with contaminated surfaces or objects and can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. The virus can spread before and after the presence of symptoms, putting unvaccinated individuals at high risk.

    The more infectious a virus is, the higher the percent of the population that needs to be vaccinated to prevent an outbreak. For measles, a population vaccination rate of at least 95% is needed to protect the community from an outbreak. The state’s measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination rate for kindergartners was 93.8% for the 2023-2024 school year, just below the 95% threshold, but vaccination rates are even lower in some counties and schools. For 2023-2024 school-specific coverage and exemption rates, please visit the North Carolina Kindergarten Immunization Data Dashboard.    

    Key Preparedness Measures for North Carolina:

    • Vaccination: NCDHHS strongly urges all residents to ensure they are up to date on the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. Children should receive the first dose of the vaccine at 12-15 months and the second dose at 4-6 years of age. Adults who have not been vaccinated or are unsure of their status should consult their health care provider. Please see the CDC’s measles FAQ and vaccinations page for more information.
    • Public Awareness: The state and local health departments are  working closely with health care providers, schools and child care centers across the state to ensure that they are aware of the risks and prepared for potential cases of measles.
    • Guidance for Child Care Centers and Schools: NCDHHS encourages schools, childcare centers and community organizations to review vaccination records and ensure that all children and staff members are up to date with their vaccinations. Early identification and action are essential if an outbreak were to occur.  For detailed vaccination recommendations, please refer to the NCDHHS measles webpage.
    • Preparedness and Monitoring: The state’s public health officials are closely monitoring trends in other states and globally. NCDHHS has issued guidance for health care providers to be on the lookout for measles symptoms and to immediately report suspected cases.

    What Residents Can Do:

    • Ensure children and adults are vaccinated or have evidence of immunity to measles. For more information, visit the CDC Measles Vaccine Considerations page.
    • Be aware of measles symptoms, including fever; cough; runny nose; red, watery eyes; and a red rash that usually begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.
    • If you suspect you or your child may have been exposed to measles, call your health care provider immediately. Do not visit the doctor’s office or emergency room without notifying them in advance to prevent exposure to others.
    • If you are planning to travel internationally or to an area with a known outbreak domestically, tell your health care provider about your travel plans.

    For more information on measles prevention and vaccination resources, visit the NCDHHS website and see the page dedicated to measles and measles prevention.

    A medida que los casos de sarampión continúan aumentando en todo el país, el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte (NCDHHS, por sus siglas en inglés) está tomando medidas proactivas para garantizar que el estado permanezca preparado para cualquier posible caso o brote. Si bien no se han reportado casos de sarampión en Carolina del Norte hasta ahora en 2025, los funcionarios de salud pública urgen a los residentes, proveedores de atención médica y  centros de cuidado infantil a tomar las precauciones necesarias para protegerse a sí mismos, a sus comunidades y a aquellos en mayor riesgo, especialmente a los niños no vacunados.

    “Aunque actualmente no tenemos casos de sarampión en Carolina del Norte, el aumento de casos en todo el país y el mundo significa que debemos estar atentos”, dijo el Dr. Zack Moore, epidemiólogo estatal de NCDHHS. “La vacunación es la mejor manera de protegerse contra el sarampión. Alentamos a todos los habitantes de Carolina del Norte a asegurarse de que estén al día con sus vacunas contra el sarampion, papera y rubeola (MMR, pos sus siglas en ingles), y estamos trabajando con los departamentos de salud locales para asegurarnos de que nuestro estado esté preparado para cualquier posible brote”.

    En los Estados Unidos, los casos de sarampión aumentaron de 59 casos en 2023 a 285 casos en 2024. A partir del 27 de marzo de 2025, ya tenemos 483 casos confirmados en 20 jurisdicciones. El sarampión es una enfermedad viral altamente contagiosa que puede provocar complicaciones graves de salud, especialmente en bebés y niños pequeños. El virus se propaga por el aire cuando una persona infectada habla, tose o estornuda. El virus también puede propagarse por contacto con superficies u objetos contaminados y puede permanecer en el aire hasta dos horas después de que una persona infectada abandone el área. El virus puede propagarse antes y después de la presencia de síntomas, lo que pone a las personas no vacunadas en alto riesgo.

    Cuanto más infeccioso es un virus, mayor es el porcentaje de la población que necesita vacunarse para prevenir un brote. Para el sarampión, se necesita una tasa de vacunación de la población de al menos el 95% para proteger a la comunidad de un brote. La tasa de vacunación contra el sarampión, las paperas y la rubéola (MMR) del estado para niños de jardín de infantes fue del 93,8% para el año escolar 2023-2024, justo por debajo del umbral del 95%, pero las tasas de vacunación son aún más bajas en algunos condados y escuelas. Para conocer la cobertura y las tasas de exención específicas de la escuela para 2023-2024, visite el Tablero de datos de inmunización de Kindergarten de Carolina del Norte. 

    Importantes medidas de preparación para Carolina del Norte:

    • Vacunación: NCDHHS urge encarecidamente a todos los residentes a asegurarse de estar al día con la vacuna contra el sarampión, papera, y rubéola (MMR). Los niños deben recibir la primera dosis de la vacuna a los 12 a 15 meses y la segunda dosis a los 4 a 6 años de edad. Los adultos que no estan vacunados o no están seguros de su estatus de vacunacion deben consultar a su proveedor de atención médica. Consulte la página de preguntas frecuentes y vacunas contra el sarampión de los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC, por sus siglas en inglés) para obtener más información.
    • Concientización pública: Los departamentos de salud estatales y locales están trabajando en estrecha colaboración con los proveedores de atención médica, las escuelas y los centros de cuidado infantil de todo el estado para garantizar que conozcan los riesgos y estén preparados para posibles casos de sarampión.
    • Orientación para centros de cuidado infantil y escuelas: NCDHHS urge a las escuelas, centros de cuidado infantil y organizaciones comunitarias a revisar los registros de vacunación y garantizar que todos los niños y miembros del personal estén al día con sus vacunas. La identificación temprana y la acción son esenciales si un brote ocurre. Para obtener recomendaciones detalladas de vacunación, consulte la página dedicada al sarampión.
    • Preparación y monitoreo: Los funcionarios de salud pública del estado están monitoreando de cerca las tendencias en otros estados y en todo el mundo. NCDHHS ha emitido una guía para que los proveedores de atención médica estén atentos a los síntomas del sarampión e informen de inmediato los casos sospechosos.

    Qué pueden hacer los residentes:

    • Asegurarse de que los niños y adultos estén vacunados o tengan evidencia de inmunidad contra el sarampión. Para obtener más información, visite la página Consideraciones sobre la vacuna contra el sarampión de los CDC.
    • Tener en cuenta los síntomas del sarampión, como fiebre; tos; secreción nasal; ojos rojos y llorosos; y una erupción roja que generalmente comienza en la cara y se extiende al resto del cuerpo.
    • Si sospecha que usted o su hijo pueden haber estado expuestos al sarampión, llame a su proveedor de atención médica de inmediato. No visite el consultorio del médico o la sala de emergencias sin notificárselo con anticipación para evitar la exposición a otras personas.
    • Si planea hacer un viaje al exterior o a un lugar donde hay un brote conocido en una zona del pais, informe a su proveedor de atención médica sobre sus planes de viaje.

    Para obtener más información sobre la prevención del sarampión y los recursos de vacunación, visite el sitio web de NCDHHS y consulte la página dedicada al sarampión y prevención del sarampión.

    Mar 28, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Travel Advisory: Lane Shifts on Route 146 Start April 3

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    As part of improvements to Route 146 in North Smithfield, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will implement two changes to the traffic patterns starting April 3 at 9 p.m.

    RIDOT will shift the northbound lanes on the flyover 12 feet to the right to free up space where a southbound lane will eventually be put in place. This change will provide one lane northbound on the flyover and one at ground level. Travelers should not notice this shift. The existing northbound and southbound lanes at grade will remain in place.

    On April 11, a second lane shift will occur to provide one lane southbound on the flyover. The final configuration will be one lane in each direction at the flyover and at ground level. The traffic signal will be adjusted to ensure that the intersection functions at maximum efficiency. These changes will be in place until the end of the year.

    The Route 146 Improvement Project will replace multiple bridges, repave 8 miles of road and eliminate congestion at the intersection of Sayles Hill Road and Route 146. Approximately 171,000 vehicles use Route 146 daily.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta, Senator Allen, Unveil Legislation to Sharpen Tax Fraud Enforcement

    Source: US State of California

    Friday, March 28, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    Legislation to go after tax fraud, protect California communities 

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Senator Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) today unveiled Senate Bill 799 (SB 799), legislation that would update California’s False Claims Act (CFCA) to give enforcement authorities the ability to fight tax fraud that harms California communities. Fraud and false claims against the government rob our communities of funding necessary to support essential public services, such as improving our schools, providing healthcare, increasing public safety, and fixing our roads. SB 799 seeks to aid the discovery and civil prosecution of hard-to-find cases of tax fraud by incentivizing whistleblowers to come forward and report egregious cases of fraud. The legislation also adds to the Attorney General’s and local prosecutors’ authority to hold those who commit tax fraud accountable. 

    “Hardworking taxpayers pay into their state and local funds to protect critical public and social infrastructure like schools, healthcare, and our streets and roads. When powerful companies use their power to cheat our government, these taxpayers are also cheated,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “SB 799 would give my office, and local enforcement partners the ability to go after bad actors committing egregious cases of tax fraud and would provide added protections for the brave people who come forward and report these cases.”

    “Bad actors who knowingly commit high-profile tax fraud have been robbing Californians of important services and updated infrastructure projects that benefit the public at large,” said Senator Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica), Author of SB 799. “SB 799 provides an important tool to better enforce against fraud and potentially recover hundreds of millions of dollars owed to our local governments.”

    CFCA has been an effective tool at revealing, deterring, and punishing those who defraud the government of public funds. CFCA makes it unlawful to intentionally make false claims against the government, encourages whistleblowers to report fraud by providing a right to share in any recovery of money, and imposes triple the amount of damages and penalties on violators. While a helpful tool, currently, the CFCA does not apply to tax fraud.

    SB 799 would strengthen tax enforcement in California, help uncover new cases of tax fraud and return more funding to defrauded communities by: 

    • Granting the Attorney General and local prosecutors the authority to pursue tax fraud cases under the CFCA; and
    • Providing whistleblowers with new protections from civil liability for disclosing internal company documents in breach of contractual obligations of confidentiality or taking other actions to provide evidence of false claims.

    Full text of the legislation can be found here.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Rocky Mount Man Sentenced to More Than 18 Years for Armed Robbery

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RALEIGH, N.C. – A Rocky Mount man was sentenced today to 218 months in prison for robbing a Dollar General and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of multiple crimes of violence.  Kaleb Joseph Coppage, age 23, pled guilty to the charges on September 30, 2024.

    According to court documents and other information presented in court, on November 30, 2023, Coppage entered the Dollar General at 2800 W. Raleigh Blvd. in Rocky Mount wearing a facemask.  He pointed an AR-style pistol at an employee and demanded money.  After stealing more than $2,800 from the store’s safe and cash registers, Coppage fled on foot.  

    On December 8, 2023, Coppage entered the Circle K at 5102 Dortches Blvd. in Rocky Mount, again wearing a facemask, and pointed an AR-style pistol at an employee and demanded cash.  The employee gave Coppage approximately $60 in a shopping bag which also contained a GPS tracker.  The Nash County Sheriff’s Office followed the coordinates on the tracker and located Coppage in a stolen car.  When they attempted to conduct a traffic stop, Coppage fled.  He led law enforcement on a chase that exceeded 120 mph in a 45-mph zone.  Coppage ultimately collided with another car and then fled the scene on foot.  Law enforcement found the AR-style pistol, which was stolen, in the car Coppage had been driving.  

    Upon further investigation, the sheriff’s office discovered that Coppage was on probation and monitored by an ankle bracelet. Through the ankle monitor, officers confirmed that Coppage was present at both the Dollar General and Circle K  at the times of these robberies.  Upon arrest, Coppage admitted to the robberies, and admitted that he stole the vehicle in which he fled from the Circle K.

    “Violently robbing our places of business terrorizes our communities and is a serious federal offense with significant consequences,” Acting United States Attorney Daniel P. Bubar stated today.  “Today’s sentence demonstrates that we will continue to work tirelessly with our partners to stamp out gun violence.  I commend the excellent work in this case by ATF, the Nash County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rocky Mount Police Department.”

    “Our Office has strived to take every available action to combat violent repeat offenders from wreaking havoc in our communities. We have focused our attention on illegal guns, gangs, and drugs that have found their way into Nash County,” said Nash County Sheriff Keith Stone.  “Our partnerships with our local agencies, the District Attorney’s Office, federal partners, North Carolina Probation and Parole, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, has greatly increased our ability to remove defendants, that engage in these types of crimes away from our citizens. Mr. Coppage not only robbed our local convenience stores, but he also used a firearm to terrorize the clerks and lead our deputies on a pursuit that placed everyone’s life in danger. I am thankful for the hard work, dedication, and professionalism that the Nash County Sheriff’s Office, Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office, ATF, North Carolina Probation and Parole, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office demonstrated in this case. The Nash County Sheriff’s Office will continue its relentless pursuit to stop violent crime and drug trafficking in our county.” 

    “A firearm in the hands of a prohibited individual is illegal and extremely dangerous,” said ATF’s Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Rogers.  “ATF is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to identify and apprehend those who try to undermine public safety and threaten our communities.”
    Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Nash County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rocky Mount Police Department investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Phil Aubart and Lori Warlick prosecuted the case.

    Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-CR-84-BO-RJ.
     

    ###
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Equasens: 2024 annual results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Villers-lès-Nancy, 28 March 2025 – 6:00 p.m. (CET)

    PRESS RELEASE

    2024 annual results

    • Full-year results adversely affected by difficult economic conditions in H1 combined with continuing investment efforts:
      • Revenue: €216.8m (-1.4%)
      • Current Operating Income: €45.1m (-19.2%)
      • Net profit attributable to Group shareholders: €36.2m (-23.0%)
    • At the same time, profit margins remained high, and even improved over the year:
      • Current operating income / Revenue: 20.8% on a reported basis (H1: 19.3% and H2: 22.3%)
      • Solid balance sheet structure: financial surplus remains strong at €79.5m
      • Annual dividend proposal: €1.25 per share
    • 2025 outlook:
      • Return to revenue growth of close to 10% by the end of 2025
      • Deployment of new solutions integrating artificial intelligence
      • New cloud solutions generating recurring revenues
      • Strategy of external growth in France and Europe maintained
    2024 RESULTS (€m) 2023
    Reported basis    		 2024
    Reported basis    		 Change / Reported basis of which External growth
    Revenue 219.7 216.8 -3.0 -1.4% 7.2
    Current Operating Income (COI) 55.8 45.1 -10.7 -19.2% 0.1
    Net Profit 48.9 37.8 -11.1 -22.7%  
    Net Profit attributable to the Group 47.0 36.2 -10.8 -23.0%  

    On 28 March 2025, the Board of Directors of EQUASENS, chaired by Thierry CHAPUSOT, examined and approved the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 in the presence of the Statutory Auditors and Sustainability Auditor. The audit procedures for the consolidated accounts have been completed. The auditors’ report will be issued after the management report has been reviewed and the procedures for filing the annual report have been completed.

    2024 COI (€m) / Division 2023
    Reported basis    		 2024
    Reported basis    		 Change / Reported basis of which
    External growth
    Pharmagest 36.7 30.7 -6.0 -16.4% 0.2
    Axigate Link 10.4 10.2 -0.2 – 2.3%  
    e-Connect 6.7 4.8 -1.9 -28.0%  
    Medical Solutions 2.2 0.2 -2.0 -92.0% -0.1
    Fintech -0.2 -0.8 -0.6 –  
    Current Operating Income 55.8 45.1 -10.7 -19.2% 0.1

    2024 highlights

    • January: Acquisition of a 70% majority stake in DIGIPHARMACIE, an expert in digitisation and management of pharmacy supplier invoices. In November, the company was registered subject to conditions for inclusion in the French electronic invoicing reporting platform (Plateforme de Dématérialisation Partenaire or PDP);
    • In December: Acquisition of a 90% stake in CALIMED, a practice management software editor for private practice surgeons, general practitioners and specialists.

    Detailed Analysis by Division

    PHARMAGEST Division: a contraction in earnings reflecting lower like-for-like sales and investments to strengthen teams in Europe (COI/Sales: 18.8% in 2024 and 20.4% for H2 alone)

    The decline in the Division’s operating income was mainly attributable to the unfavourable economic climate in the first half of the year, which led to a sharp drop in sales in France in the configuration and hardware segment.
    In this context, the Division’s business development strategy, focused on acquiring new customers and rolling out new software and hardware solutions, helped contribute to renewed momentum in the second half of the year.
    And without calling into question the efforts to ramp up teams in the first half, cost rationalization measures were implemented which contributed to a profit margin of 21.1% in H2 for historical activities.
    It should be noted that the temporary dilutive effect from the most recent changes in scope on the Division’s average profitability is 0.7% in 2024.

    AXIGATE LINK Division: a consistently high rate of profitability (COI/Sales: 31.8% in 2024 and 34.8% for H2 alone)

    The Division delivered a significant performance in H2 driven by growth in revenue in most of its businesses. This growth makes it possible to absorb the costs of deploying new SaaS solutions (TitanLink) and extending the homecare service offering (DomiLink) for the relevant regional care coordination entities (CRT).

    E-CONNECT division: current operating income declined in response to lower sales (COI/Sales: 42.9% in 2024 and 40.5% for H2 alone)

    As previously reported, the Division’s sales and earnings were boosted in 2023 by the announcement of the discontinuation of Application Reader Terminal sales and strong demand from non-Group software publishers in response.

    Despite this less favourable context, by adopting rigorous cost control and maintaining steady sales with Group software publishers, the division’s profit remained high.

    MEDICAL SOLUTIONS Division: a year of transition from the Ségur programme to a focus on new software solutions (COI/Sales: 2.2% in 2024 and 4.4% for H2 alone)

    Following the roll-out of MédiStory 4 and the Ségur programme, the Division is building a new business model based on a strategy of cross-selling and recurring revenues.
    The cost of developing new software solutions, notably the LOQUii AI voice consultation assistant, launched in Q4 2024, as well as the overhaul of distribution channels, are temporarily impacting the Division’s profitability.

    FINTECH Division: a deterioration in operating income in the second half of the year (COI/Sales: -38.1% in 2024 and -73.4% in H2 alone)

    After a rather encouraging first half, the default of a business contributor forced the Division to book a provision for impairment of €0.5m.

    2024 consolidated balance sheet highlights

    • Cash flow after interest and tax came to €46.9m.
      • In addition to dividends, financial resources are mainly devoted to R&D investments, IT infrastructure and external growth (€21.1m) and debt reduction (€12.6m).
      • Despite these significant investments, the financial surplus remains favourably oriented at €79.5m, compared with €79.3m at 12/31/2023, giving the Group considerable autonomy and investment capacity to support its growth strategy.
      • It should be noted that IFRS 16 lease liabilities and put options for minority shareholders are now recorded under “Other liabilities”.

    Proposed dividend

    The Board of Directors will propose the payment of a gross dividend of €1.25 per share for fiscal 2024 at the Annual General Meeting on June 25, 2025.

    2025 outlook

    Backed by investments in R&D, infrastructure and human capital both in France and in Europe, the Group maintains its target of a return to revenue growth in 2025, with positive momentum in H1 followed by a marked acceleration in H2, with anticipated nominal growth of close to 10%.

    This growth trajectory will be bolstered by:

    • Innovation and Artificial Intelligence as drivers of differentiation, for example LOQUii or id. genius;
    • The gradual transition of new solutions to a SaaS business model to boost recurring revenues;
    • The deployment of new high value-added solutions, such as id. express, id. pay, or solutions for large-scale deployment, like Kap-eCV;
    • The Group’s patient-focused strategy and multi-professional interoperability, with PandaLab and Multimeds.

    While profitability remains solid, it will continue to be impacted by the ongoing investments to prepare for this growth trajectory, which will be based on the Group’s ability to deliver innovative, value-creating offerings to its customers.

    Financial calendar:

    • 31 March 2025: Presentation of FY 2024 results
    • 12 May 2025: Publication of Q1 2025 revenue
    • 25 June 2025: Annual General Meeting
    • 31 July 2025: Publication of Q2 2025 revenue
    • 26 September 2025: 2025 H1 results
    • 5 November 2025: Publication of Q3 2025 revenue
    • 5 February 2026: Publication of FY 2025 revenue

    About Equasens Group

    Founded over 35 years ago, Equasens Group, a leader in digital healthcare solutions, today employs over 1.300 people across Europe.
    Equasens Group’s specialised business applications facilitate the day-to-day work of healthcare professionals and their teams, working in private practice, collaborative medical structures or healthcare establishments. The Group also provides comprehensive support to healthcare professionals in the transformation of their profession by developing electronic equipment, digital solutions and healthcare robotics, as well as data hosting, financing and training adapted to their specific needs.
    And reflecting the spirit of its tagline “Technology for a More Human Experience”, the Group is a leading provider of interoperability solutions designed to improve coordination between healthcare professionals, their communications and data exchange resulting in better patient care and a more efficient and secure healthcare system.

    Listed on Euronext Paris™ – Compartment B

    Indexes: MSCI GLOBAL SMALL CAP – GAÏA Index 2020 – CAC®SMALL and CAC®All-Tradable
    Included in the Euronext Tech Leaders segment and the European Rising Tech label

    Eligible for the Deferred Settlement Service (“Service à Réglement Différé” – SRD) and equity savings accounts invested in small and mid-caps (PEA-PME).
    ISIN: FR 0012882389 – Ticker Code: EQS

    Get all the news about Equasens Group www.equasens.com and on LinkedIn

    CONTACTS

    Analyst and Investor Relations:
    Chief Administrative and Financial Officer: Frédérique Schmidt
    Tel: +33 (0)3 83 15 90 67 – frederique.schmidt@equasens.com

    Financial communications agency:
    FIN’EXTENSO – Isabelle Aprile

    Tel.: +33 (0)6 17 38 61 78 – i.aprile@finextenso.fr

    Forward-looking statements
    This press release contains forward-looking statements that are not guarantees of future performance and are based on current opinions, forecasts and assumptions, including, but not limited to, assumptions about Equasens’ current and future strategy and the environment in which Equasens operates. These involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results or other events, to materially differ from those expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include those detailed in Chapter 3 “Risk factors” of the Universal Registration Document filed with the French financial market authority (Autorité des Marchés Financiers or AMF) on April 29, 2024 under number D.24-0366. These forward-looking statements are valid only as of the date of this press release.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BNP Paribas SA: Restatement of new 2024 quarterly series in the 2025 format

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PRESS RELEASE

    Paris, 28 March 2025

    This restatement has no impact on the Group’s published 2024 results and changes only the analytical breakdown of business lines, divisions and Corporate Centre segment. However, it impacts the risk-weighted assets of the various business lines, divisions and Group.
    ​
    In order to present a consistent reference with the presentation of the financial statements and the results applied from 1 January 2025, the quarterly series for the 2024 financial year include the main effects described below:
    ​

    • The change in the allocation of normalized equity from 11% to 12% of risk-weighted assets: as part of the coming into force of the finalisation of Basel 3 (Basel 4) on 1 January 20251, and in line with its CET1 target of 12%, the Group decided to change the normalized equity allocated to its business lines, excluding Insurance, to 12% of risk-weighted assets, from 11% previously, as of 1 January 2025;
    • The impact of this transposition (Basel 4)1 on the level of risk-weighted assets;
    • Full consolidation in the prudential scope of entities under the exclusive control of the Arval business as if it had occurred on 1 January 2024 (instead of 1 July 2024);
    • The geographical focus (sale and run-off of businesses in 10 countries) carried out by Personal Finance. It leads to the reclassification of income and business data from the non-strategic or non-core perimeter (equivalent to the activities put into run-off) in the Corporate Centre. Personal Finance’s profit and loss account therefore corresponds to the remaining strategic or core perimeter ;
    • A change in revenue allocation methodology between Wealth Management and Corporate Centre;
    • The business indicators at BNL are restated to take into account a precise breakdown of deposits by category (current, savings and term) and off balance sheet savings (assets under Discretionary Portfolio Management now included).

    ​
    ​
    ​The following non-audited appendices detail the 2024 quarterly results in line with these developments.

    • Appendix 1: 2024 restated Group profit & loss, unchanged compared to 2024 Published Group profit & loss
    • Appendix 2: Effects of the restatement on operating divisions
    • Appendix 3: Effects of the restatement on Corporate Centre
    • Appendix 4: Effects on deposits and off balance sheet savings of BNL
    • Appendix 5: New quarterly restated series​ for all operating divisions and businesses

    ​
    ​NEW QUARTERLY SERIES IN EXCEL FORMAT ARE AVAILABLE ON THE FOLLOWING WEBSITE: HTTPS://INVEST.BNPPARIBAS.COM

    Calendar
    ​
    •      9 APRIL 2025: START OF THE QUIET PERIOD
    •      24 APRIL 2025: RELEASE OF 1Q25 RESULTS

    • 13 May 2025: Annual General Meeting
    • 19 May 2025: 2024 Dividend detachment date
    • 21 May 2025: 2024 Dividend payment date
    • 10 June 2025: Deep Dive Personal Finance
    • 26 June 2025: Deep Dive Commercial & Personal Banking in France
    • 24 July 2025: release of 2Q25 results

    Investor relations contact

    Bénédicte Thibord – benedicte.thibord@bnpparibas.com

    Equity
    Raphaëlle Bouvier-Flory – raphaelle.bouvierflory@bnpparibas.com
    Lisa Bugat – lisa.bugat@bnpparibas.com
    Didier Leblanc – didier.m.leblanc@bnpparibas.com
    Olivier Parenty – olivier.parenty@bnpparibas.com
    Guillaume Tiberghien – guillaume.tiberghien@uk.bnpparibas.com

    Debt & Rating agencies
    Didier Leblanc – didier.m.leblanc@bnpparibas.com
    Olivier Parenty – olivier.parenty@bnpparibas.com

    Retail & ESG
    Antoine Labarsouque – antoine.labarsouque@bnpparibas.com

    E-mail : investor.relations@bnpparibas.com

    1 Transposition into European law of the finalisation of Basel 3 (Basel 4) by Regulation (EU) 2024/1623 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 May 2024 amending Regulation (EU) 575/2013, published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 19 June 2024.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Revolutionizing Plastic Recycling Through Irradiation

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    The IAEA is harnessing the power of radiation technologies, through its NUTEC Plastics initiative, to assist countries in dealing with plastic pollution on two fronts: at the point of source, by introducing new technologies to improve plastic recycling; and in the ocean, where the bulk of plastic waste ends up.

    “The focus on the first front is on reducing plastic waste volumes through innovative upcycling, increasing the re-purposing of hard-to-recycle plastics into valuable products and developing bio-based plastics,” said Celina Horak, Head of the IAEA Radiochemistry and Radiation Technology Section. “With the help of the NUTEC Plastics initiative, nine countries across Asia, Latin America and Africa are in the process of establishing radiation-assisted pilot plants.”

    The role of irradiation in helping beat plastic pollution will be discussed during the IAEA’s upcoming Third International Conference on Applications of Radiation Science and Technology. Gathering hundreds of experts from radiation-related physics, chemistry, materials science, biology and engineering fields in Vienna, Austria, from 7 to 11 April 2025, #ICARST2025 will be accessible to anyone interested via livestreaming.

    International events will also be held in October 2025 in the Republic of Korea, featuring IAEA tools for circular economy assessment and for technological maturity level, and in November 2025 in the Philippines, the first international high level forum on NUTEC Plastics. Both events will include the other aspect of the NUTEC Plastics initiative, the marine monitoring component, where nuclear science is used to identify, trace and monitor plastics in the ocean, particularly microplastics.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Update 283 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team based at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) visited the site’s diesel storage tanks today and saw no signs of damage or spillage, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said.

    The IAEA team requested access to the storage tanks to assess the situation there first-hand following an unconfirmed report this week about a significant leak of diesel fuel.

    During their visit to the fuel storage area located outside the ZNPP perimeter, the IAEA team reported that the levels in the storage tanks were normal, there were no traces of spilled fuel and no evidence of any repair work being carried out.

    The status of the ZNPP’s three storage tanks is important for nuclear safety and security as the plant relies on diesel emergency generators for power if all access to electricity from the grid is lost, as has happened eight times during the military conflict. The ZNPP needs power to cool its six reactors and for other essential safety functions.

    “As the IAEA is continuously present at the ZNPP, we were able to quickly examine the storage tanks ourselves and provide independent and reliable information about the situation there to the international community. This is another example underlining the importance of the IAEA’s presence at the nuclear facilities in Ukraine. We will remain at these sites for as long as it is needed to help prevent a nuclear accident,” Director General Grossi said.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Sword Group: H2 2024 Report of the Liquidity Agreement contracted with ODDO BHF

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    from 01/07/2024 au 31/12/2024

    Under the liquidity contract awarded by Sword Group to ODDO BHF, as of 31/12/2024, the following resources appeared on the account of liquidity:
    8,755 shares
    €387,881
    – Number of transactions executed during the semester at purchase: 1 ,359
    – Number of transactions executed during the semester on sale: 1,435
    – Volume exchanged over the semester upon purchase: 56,560 shares for an amount of €1,969,285
    – Volume exchanged over the semester for sale: 57,641 shares for an amount of €2,018,690.25

    As a reminder, during the last balance sheet of 30/06/2024, the following resources appeared in the liquidity account:
    9,836 shares
    €3338,476

    The implementation of the liquidity contract is carried out in accordance with AMF Decision No. 2018-01 dated July 2, 2018, establishing liquidity contracts on equity securities as accepted market practice.

    About Sword Group
    Sword has 3,200+ IT/Digital & Software specialists present in 50+ countries to accompany you in the growth of your organisation in the digital age.
    As a leader in technological and digital transformation, Sword has a solid reputation in software publishing and in complex IT & business project management.
    Sword optimises your processes and enhances your data.

    Calendrier
    24/04/25 | 2025 First Quarter Revenue
    24/07/25 | 2025 Second Quarter Revenue

    Contact: investorrelations@sword-group.lu

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Being hated worked for Just Stop Oil

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By George Ferns, Senior Lecturer in Business and Society, University of Bath

    Protesters outside the Bafta awards in London, March 2022. William Joshua Templeton / shutterstock

    The climate activist group Just Stop Oil (JSO) has announced the end of its campaign of direct action. Many will read the group’s legacy through the lens of public hostility: the frustration caused, the angry headlines, the outrage at its tactics. Not only have JSO activists been spat at, physically assaulted and run over by angry car drivers, but 15 members are also currently serving jail sentences following arrests and charges.

    But the intense backlash directed at JSO is not evidence that its campaign faltered. It is a sign that these activists succeeded in emotionally charging the public debate about climate change. They gave the public something to argue about, react to, even mock — and in doing so, made the climate crisis impossible to ignore.

    The alternative, an apathetic consensus, would entail passively accepting the dominant approach to address the climate crisis. That means market-based solutions, a faith in technological innovation, and incremental policy reforms within existing political and economic systems. These have arguably to date failed, as global temperatures continue to skyrocket.

    Through my own research on climate activism, I have studied how environmental protest influences policy, corporate behaviour and financial markets. Activists can stimulate change, but not through rational arguments alone.

    Change happens by making an emotional splash. It creates antagonism, dissent and tension, which are all needed to enliven public debate. Emotions including anger, fear and guilt play a key role in the ability of activists to create moral urgency and force issues into the spotlight.

    JSO harnessed this emotional logic not only from supporters, but from critics. Those who dragged protesters off roads, raged in comment sections and professed their hate towards the group were reacting because the group had emotionally triggered them. Like a person who gets under your skin, JSO became very hard to ignore.

    As business scholars Thomas Davenport and John Beck argue in their book The Attention Economy, in a saturated information landscape, being memorable — even disruptively — is a strategic advantage. In this sense, JSO “hacked” this logic by demanding emotional and cognitive attention, whether through support or outrage.

    Disruptive protests may be unpopular, but they are effective at attracting media attention and public awareness. As many studies suggest, the more illogical or disruptive a protest, the more media coverage it receives — despite coverage not necessarily translating into more donations and support.

    Of course, disruption risks alienating some people — but that can actually strengthen a movement’s overall influence. The “radical flank effect” shows that when radical activists push boundaries, they often make moderate voices in the same movement appear more reasonable. Recent research on JSO found that even when the group provoked public anger, support for moderate organisations such as Friends of the Earth increased.

    This dynamic reflects what sociologist Thomas Roulet calls The Power of Being Divisive. Being controversial can actually benefit a cause by amplifying its message and deepening support from those already aligned. Polarisation, in this view, is not always harmful — it can be strategically useful. In the case of JSO activists, controversy did not dilute their message. Rather, it intensified its resonance with those already primed to act.

    Turning emotion into action

    JSO has also uniquely been able to provide direction for many struggling to navigate climate change’s volatile emotional context. As philosopher Glenn A. Albrecht describes in his book Earth Emotions, events such as climate change, mass species extinction and environmental degradation are creating a global emotional crisis, marked by a mix of grief, anxiety and powerlessness.

    JSO has effectively tapped into this emotional turbulence, turning despair into urgency and action. Its actions can be seen as emotional interventions for a society struggling to process ecological loss.

    Left undirected, emotions related to conditions such as climate change-related “eco-anxiety” can lead to paralysis – a state of emotional overwhelm that prevents people from taking meaningful action or engaging with the climate problem. But research shows that when movements channel emotions — especially by transforming fear into shared action — they build momentum. One study of climate organisers found that protest participation gave people a way to manage despair by reclaiming a sense of purpose and solidarity.

    A frequent refrain is that the objectives are valid, but the strategies are too extreme. But history shows that disruptive tactics have long played a role in forcing attention to urgent issues. From the suffragettes chaining themselves to railings, to civil rights sit-ins, to ACT UP’s dramatic interventions during the Aids crisis — disruption has often preceded progress. Movements that are easy to ignore tend to be forgotten. JSO made itself, and its cause, impossible to ignore.

    JSO’s campaign may be over, but the emotional legacy it leaves behind — frustration, urgency and debate — will outlast its tactics. The group exposed a society uneasy with the scale of change climate action demands, and showed that public anger is not a threat to activism, but a measure of its impact. If you were angry at them, that’s understandable — disruption is inconvenient. But the real question now is where we direct that energy: towards those resisting climate action, or those demanding we seriously do something about it.

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

    – ref. Being hated worked for Just Stop Oil – https://theconversation.com/being-hated-worked-for-just-stop-oil-253379

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: US’s new ‘America First’ intelligence approach downplays Russia and ignores climate change

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By David Hastings Dunn, Professor of International Politics in the Department of Political Science and International Studies, University of Birmingham

    The recently appointed US director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, and other top intelligence officials appeared before the Senate intelligence committee to discuss the US intelligence services’ annual threat assessment (ATA).

    Most of the committee’s time and attention was focused on the revelation by the editor of the Atlantic magazine that he had been inadvertently added to an insecure chat group, in which top security officials discussed detailed plans for an attack on Yemen. Gabbard and her colleagues steadfastly refused to admit that this had been a security breach. It was an unhelpful distraction from the main event, a discussion of the latest ATA report.

    Produced annually, the ATA is a combined assessment by 18 US intelligence agencies, headed up by the Office for National Intelligence and the Central Intelligence Agency, of the major threats to national security in America. The 2025 version is the first of Donald Trump’s second term and reflects Trumpism’s major shift from America’s previous security priorities in three ways.

    First, the assessment gave priority to what it identified as domestic security threats over those posed by foreign adversaries. Second, the report ignored climate change as a critical threat to US security. And third, there was an unprecedented softening of the language in relation to Russia.

    In her opening statement Gabbard identified “cartels, gangs and other transnational criminal organisations” as “what most immediately and directly threatens the United States and the wellbeing of the American people”.

    These threats are closer to home, but they hardly warrant their lead billing – particularly given the way that Trump himself has regularly invoked the threat of “world war three” ever since he started his campaign to return to the White House more than two years ago.

    But what they do indicate is an America increasingly focused on the narrow predilections of its president and his Maga supporters.

    An even more notable omission is the absence of any mention of climate change, either as an existential threat to human life as we know it or as a force multiplier to other threats such as migration, environmental disasters or famine.

    This led to a testy exchange between Gabbard and Senator Angus King, an independent senator from Maine. King asked the director of national intelligence: “Has global climate change been solved? Why is that not in this report? And who made the decision that it should not be in the report when it’s been in every one of the 11 prior reports?” Gabbard replied: “What I focused this annual threat assessment on … are the most extreme and critical direct threats to our national security.”

    This was an unconvincing response, given that the 2025 ATA specifically notes the security impact of melting sea ice in the Arctic. The report also notes increasing cooperation between Russia and China in the Arctic and a growing Chinese footprint in the region.

    Russian threat relegated

    But the most notable difference in this year’s ATA concerns Russia. The Trump administration’s new approach to Moscow and the Russian leadership infuses the language and substance of this year’s intelligence report. The 2024 threat assessment led the section on Russia with the assertion that Moscow “seeks to project and defend its interests globally and to undermine the United States and the west”.

    In 2025, the headline finding about the threat from Russia is that the Kremlin’s objective is “to restore Russian strength and security in its near abroad against perceived US and western encroachment”. This, the report said, “has increased the risks of unintended escalation between Russia and Nato”.

    Gone are the references to Russia as “a resilient and capable adversary across a wide range of domains”. Instead, this year’s ATA downplays the actual threat that the Kremlin poses to America’s interests by describing Russia merely as an “enduring potential threat to US power, presence and global interests”.

    The 2025 report also assesses that Russia “has seized the upper hand in its full-scale invasion of Ukraine and is on a path to accrue greater leverage to press Kyiv and its western backers to negotiate an end to the war that grants Moscow concessions it seeks”. It doesn’t question why that might be the case or how it could be reversed.

    Moreover, it presents the Kremlin’s malign influence activities as aimed at countering threats. This affords them an unprecedented degree of legitimacy and implies that the west poses a threat to Russia. This, of course, has long been a favourite talking point of Vladimir Putin’s.

    Change of policy

    More than just a change in threat assessment, the 2025 ATA doubles down on a change in policy. The report takes as a given that “Russia retains momentum (in) a grinding war of attrition … (which) will lead to a gradual but steady erosion of Kyiv’s position on the battlefield, regardless of any US or allied attempts to impose new and greater costs on Moscow.”

    The inevitable conclusion is that the US should not pressure Russia to halt its illegal and brutal war of aggression against Ukraine. Rather Washington’s approach to security should accommodate the Kremlin’s ever multiplying conditions for a ceasefire.

    The report’s language on China is less ambiguous. It describes Beijing as “the most comprehensive and robust military threat to US national security” and as likely to “continue to expand its coercive and subversive malign influence activities to weaken the United States internally and globally”.

    The report also notes that Beijing is critical to the alignment of all four major state actors that pose threats to the US: China, Russia, Iran and North Korea.

    But China, and the other state adversaries, still take second place in America’s national security thinking to accommodate the administration’s inwardly focused “America First” mindset. This is not merely an indication of the isolationist tendencies in the foreign policy approach of Trumpism. It’s a deliberate abdication of US global leadership.

    Trump and his team may believe that this will make America more secure – and the 2025 threat assessment is framed in a way that justifies such an approach. But it fails to provide any credible evidence that it might succeed.

    David Hastings Dunn has previously received funding from the ESRC, the Gerda Henkel Foundation, the Open Democracy Foundation and has previously been both a NATO and a Fulbright Fellow.

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

    – ref. US’s new ‘America First’ intelligence approach downplays Russia and ignores climate change – https://theconversation.com/uss-new-america-first-intelligence-approach-downplays-russia-and-ignores-climate-change-253154

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Chewing gum: another way for microplastics to enter your body?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Michael Richardson, Professor of Animal Development, Leiden University

    Anastassiya Bezhekeneva/Shutterstock

    We are riddled with microplastics. It is in our bloodstream, in our lungs, in our liver – pretty much anywhere you look in the human body, you will find minuscule bits of plastic.

    And there are many ways for us to ingest, inhale or otherwise absorb these tiny fragments. For example, a single plastic teabag sheds over 10 billion microplastic particles into a cup of tea.

    And if you redecorate your home and sand down the old paintwork, the plastic binders in the paint can release microplastics into the air, which you might then inhale. You could swallow them when you drink from single-use plastic water bottles. Now another source of microplastics in the body has been discovered: chewing gum.

    Chewing gum contains long molecules called polymers. Some brands of gum contain natural polymers from tree sap. Others contain synthetic polymers derived from the petroleum industry. These various polymers are similar to plastics – and some actually are plastics. Chewing gum polymers, both natural and synthetic, can release microparticles when they are worn down by chewing.

    In the chewing gum study – which was presented at the American Chemical Society meeting 25 March – a single volunteer chewed ten brands of chewing gum – five natural and five synthetic. Saliva samples were taken from the volunteer’s mouth and put under the microscope. Surprisingly, microplastics were found in both the natural and synthetic chewing gums.

    The researchers, from the University of California, Los Angeles, calculated that one piece of gum could shed hundreds or a few thousand microplastic particles into the mouth, where they probably ended up being swallowed.

    The types of plastics found in the gums were polystyrenes (used for things like takeaway food containers), polyethylenes (such as those used to make plastic grocery bags) and polypropylenes (which are used to make, among other things, car bumpers and medicine bottles).

    But, before we start worrying about the microplastics liberated by chewing gum, we need to know how large they were.

    Size matters

    The microplastics found in the saliva of the gum-chewing volunteer were 20 micrometres or more in size. That is about the diameter of the thinnest human hair. But from the perspective of a cell in the human body, 20 microns is huge (a red blood cell, for instance, is about seven microns in diameter).

    This is important because the microplastics that are known to be capable of harming cells and embryos are 500 to 1,000 times smaller than that (20 to 500 nanometers). These super-small microplastics are called nanoplastics.

    Nanoplastics are bad news because they are small enough to be engulfed by living cells via a process called endocytosis. When nanoplastics are absorbed into cells, they can cause all sorts of trouble, such as triggering the cell to produce toxic molecules called reactive oxygen species. These toxins may not kill the cell outright, but they can weaken it.

    Likewise, the plastic particles that have been shown to cause birth defects in animal embryos are also the very small ones (the nanoplastics), not the much larger microplastics that were found in the saliva of the gum chewer.

    The chewing gum study is fascinating. It shows how easily we can unwittingly expose ourselves to hundreds of microplastics. However, we cannot confidently assign any kind of health risk to chewing gum.

    The microplastics that are liberated by the chewing of gum are relatively huge, and we know nothing about the effects – if any – of such large particles in the human body. And we don’t know if chewing gum releases nanoplastics at all. The trouble is that nanoplastics are so tiny that they require specialised apparatus to detect them. For that reason, the researchers in the US who studied chewing gum decided not to look for them.

    Some commentators think that the potential health risks of microplastics have been exaggerated, while others criticise the quality of some of the scientific studies on microplastics. We are inclined to agree with these criticisms. Hopefully, it will not be too long before we truly understand whether the microplastic scare will turn out to be justified – or just hype.

    Michael Richardson receives funding from The Dutch Government.

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

    – ref. Chewing gum: another way for microplastics to enter your body? – https://theconversation.com/chewing-gum-another-way-for-microplastics-to-enter-your-body-252842

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Senegal sees French troops depart as west Africa reassesses colonial ties

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Ezenwa E. Olumba, Doctoral Research Fellow, Conflict, Violence, & Terrorism Research Centre, Royal Holloway University of London

    France has handed over control to the Senegalese government of two military bases in Senegal’s capital, Dakar that it has used for decades. The move follows an announcement in late 2024 by Senegal’s president, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, that all foreign troops would be required to leave the country.

    “Senegal is an independent country, a sovereign nation, and sovereignty does not allow for the presence of foreign military bases,” Faye told Agence France-Presse in November.

    Unlike in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, where military juntas have expelled French and American troops in recent years, this move comes from a democratically elected leader. Faye secured a decisive victory in Senegal’s 2024 presidential election and came to power despite efforts by the former president, Macky Sall, to extend his rule beyond constitutional limits.

    Other democratic nations in west Africa seem to be reassessing their ties with western powers, too. The Ivory Coast, for example, has called for the end of its colonial-era military pact with France. And there are indications that US forces may soon be asked to leave Ghana.

    The fact that democratically elected governments are taking a similar stance to military leaders in the region should prompt deeper reflection on the factors driving these decisions.

    Younger generations of African leaders, shaped by decades of witnessing foreign-backed governments fail to boost development and security, are increasingly focused on decolonising their countries. This shift has also been driven by growing public awareness of the exploitation of Africa’s natural resources by some former colonial powers.

    Some observers attribute these developments to disinformation campaigns targeting France and other western governments. But the reality is that foreign interventions and paternalistic policies in Africa have done little to benefit African populations.

    Senegal’s push for sovereignty

    To further distance itself from France, the Senegalese government plans to replace the CFA franc with a national currency. The CFA franc, which is controlled by the French treasury, is a currency used in 14 countries in west and central Africa. It gives French companies easier access to natural resources in African countries where it is used.

    The move to replace it could test Senegal’s relationship with France. In 2019, when Italy’s former deputy prime minister, Luigi Di Maio, raised concerns about the impact of the CFA franc on Africa’s development, the French president, Emmanuel Macron, dismissed the issue, stating: “I will not respond”.

    Alongside economic reforms, Senegal is also reshaping its public spaces. It will soon begin renaming streets and landmarks that were previously associated with colonial figures. And the government wants to update school textbooks and create a department that will manage how Senegal’s national heritage is documented.

    There is a broader regional movement to replace colonial-era street names. In Niger’s capital, Niamey, Avenue de Gaulle, named after the former French general and statesman, has been renamed Avenue Djibo Bakary after the city’s first post-independence mayor.

    Similar efforts are underway in central Africa. In March 2025, a court ruling in Uganda mandated the removal of British colonial monuments and renaming streets that honour “crooks and historical figureheads”.

    Among the figures affected include Maj. Gen. Henry Edward Colville, an early commissioner of the Uganda Protectorate, and Frederick Lugard, a key colonial administrator in Africa. Lugard also played a central role in creating Nigeria for British colonial rule.

    Political shifts in the Sahel

    A political shift seems to be taking place in Africa, particularly in the Sahel. In the 1960s, during the early years of African independence movements, many leaders from the continent took up arms against the colonial establishment.

    This included Amílcar Cabral, leader of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde in Guinea-Bissau, as well as Nelson Mandela, who co-founded Umkhonto we Sizwe, the armed wing of the African National Congress party in South Africa.

    They were treated as threats to the colonial order, at least outside their own supporter base. Cabral was assassinated in 1973 by political rivals, with the alleged support of the Portuguese security establishment.

    Nelson Mandela, who was imprisoned for 27 years by the South African apartheid regime he opposed, was on the US government’s terrorist list until 2008 despite being released from custody in 1993 and becoming the country’s first black president in 1994.

    The rhetoric and actions of many military-led governments in the Sahel, along with some democratically elected leaders, echo those of Africa’s early independence movements. Like their predecessors, these leaders are often condemned by foreign governments, yet they appear to have growing support among people in the region.

    Public rallies held by Captain Ibrahim Traoré in Burkina Faso regularly draw large crowds. The same is true for the military leaders in Niger. Traoré was even welcomed by cheering crowds during the recent inaugurations of democratically elected presidents in Senegal and Ghana.

    This is an unusual reception for a leader who came to power through a military coup. Such moments reflect the sentiment of millions who see these leaders less as military rulers and more as symbols of resistance against foreign influence.

    Some analysts have warned of instability following the expulsion of foreign troops from the Sahel. But decades of foreign military interventions have done little to improve security in the region. Counterinsurgency operations have not only failed to contain violence – the influence of insurgent groups has grown.

    According to a February 2025 report by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, the Sahel has been the epicentre of violence in Africa for four consecutive years. More than 10,000 deaths were attributed to militant Islamist violence in the region throughout 2024, with civilians being the primary targets.

    Africa must take the lead in addressing its security and economic challenges, engaging with international partners on equal terms rather than as a passive participant. African leaders should prioritise security, education and development while opening dialogue with disaffected groups that feel excluded from political and economic opportunities.

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

    – ref. Senegal sees French troops depart as west Africa reassesses colonial ties – https://theconversation.com/senegal-sees-french-troops-depart-as-west-africa-reassesses-colonial-ties-251978

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: White snus: why ‘tobacco free’ doesn’t mean risk free

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Alma Larsdotter Zweygberg, Doctoral Researcher, Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet

    White snus is becoming more popular with teenagers Jeppe Gustafsson/Shutterstock

    A habit that is worrying health authorities in Sweden where increasing numbers of teenagers are taking what’s known as “snus” is also concerning football authorities in England where one-fifth of professional players are regularly indulging because they say it improves their game.

    White snus consists of small, tobacco-free pouches containing nicotine, plant-based fibres and flavourings. These pouches look a like a cross between a tea bag and a tablet of chewing gum, and they’re put between the lip and the gum to give users a burst of nicotine without some of the drawbacks of tobacco. Nicotine strength varies widely between different white snus products.

    Traditional snus, a moist brown tobacco product, is almost exclusive to Sweden. However, the introduction of white snus – also known as nicotine pouches – has led to rapid global expansion.

    The rise in popularity of white snus around the world can be attributed to aggressive social media marketing campaigns where “Zynfluencers” are sponsored to promote white snus in their lifestyle content and the product is advertised across social media. While marketing for cigarettes and vapes is strictly regulated in the EU, the rules for white snus are up to the individual countries to decide. Many countries don’t regulate white snus so consumers – even very young ones – can order the nicotine pouches easily.

    It’s not just English male professional footballers who’re fans of white snus. In Sweden, 15% of young women aged 16-29 use white snus daily, while only 2.5 % smoke cigarettes daily in the same age group.

    Some commercials target women by suggesting that white snus offers a discreet “clean” way to feel the benefits of a nicotine hit. They highlight that users report a rush of endorphins that can relieve stress and pain and improve mood and memory – without the smell of cigarette smoke and the inconvenience of smoking or vaping breaks.

    Some nicotine pouch commercials target female consumers.

    The marketing of white snus often stresses that they are “tobacco-free” because the pouches do not contain tobacco leaf. But that label can be misleading – the nicotine in these products is usually derived from tobacco leaves.
    Some also confuse tobacco-free with nicotine-free. Both these misconceptions can make consumers think that the pouches are safe.

    Advertisements often emphasise how white snus can be used anywhere and enhance social situations, while offering a variety of flavours from coffee to spearmint and black cherry, and serving as an alternative to cigarettes, vapes and traditional forms of tobacco.

    Despite their growing popularity – and marketing attempts to associate white snus with healthier nicotine use – little is known about the specific health risks of white snus. But a lack of research into the effects of nicotine pouches does not mean they are safe.

    A healthy alternative?

    The nicotine pouch was originally developed by a nicotine replacement therapy company in the early 2000s – but they didn’t gain traction until 2016 when the tobacco snus company Swedish Match introduced their product Zyn, which became a leading nicotine pouch brand in the US. Zyn is now owned by Philip Morris International, one of the world’s largest tobacco companies White snus is not an approved nicotine replacement therapy, which means that it is not recommended as an aid to quit smoking.



    Read more:
    Why nicotine pouches may not be the best choice to help you to stop smoking

    While nicotine-free white snus exists, most products on the market contain nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive, so many of those who try a nicotine product – no matter which one – will find it hard to stop using it. Nicotine has several effects on the body, including increased heart rate and activation of the brain’s reward system, which contributes to its appeal.

    Young people are especially sensitive to the addictive properties of nicotine. The wide range of white snus flavours available, often fruit, menthol or candy, may further lower the threshold for use.

    But research suggests that nicotine may also have a negative impact on brain development. Other potential risks include a negative effects on cardiovascular and oral health. But long-term effects specific to white snus remain unclear. Few studies have been conducted, and many of the existing ones have been sponsored by the tobacco industry. There is a need for large, independent, high-quality studies to assess long-term health risks.

    With many young people using white snus, the unanswered questions about its health effects become more pressing. Until more research is available, it’s important to stay cautious: “tobacco-free” does not mean risk free.

    Rosaria Galanti receives funding from Karolinska Institutet; University of Novara (IT); for teaching and research collaborations

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

    – ref. White snus: why ‘tobacco free’ doesn’t mean risk free – https://theconversation.com/white-snus-why-tobacco-free-doesnt-mean-risk-free-252085

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: A new natural history GCSE is welcome – but climate change needs to be part of the whole curriculum

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Alison Anderson, Professor of Sociology, University of Plymouth

    MStoylik/Shutterstock

    The recent announcement that young people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will have the opportunity to take a new GCSE in natural history from September 2025, driven by a campaign led by naturalist Mary Colwell, is welcome news.

    The new qualification will include practical skills to pursue a career in the natural world, including observation, monitoring, recording and analysis. It will also include immersion in outdoor activities, and has support from the Natural History Museum, the Field Studies Council and the Wildlife Trusts.

    However, while this will go some way to further bring sustainability and climate concerns into schools, the qualification is optional. It compartmentalises a subject that needs to be woven across the curriculum, so that every child is equipped to deal with the challenges we face and can appreciate that it impinges on every aspect of life.

    In England, the whole national curriculum is under review. This provides a crucial opportunity to embed climate change and sustainability education throughout the curriculum. The independent review’s recent interim report identifies a need for a “greater focus on sustainability and climate science”.

    It makes welcome reference to the need for the curriculum to keep pace with rapid social, environmental and technological change, and to equip young people to deal with future challenges.

    This is in line with the findings of my research, with colleagues. We explored young people’s views of climate change education in secondary schools, carrying out a national survey of 1,000 14- to 18-year-olds and two follow-up in-depth workshops.

    We found that young people consistently identified climate change as the top concern for their future lives, putting it above the cost of living crisis and young people’s mental health and wellbeing. Seven in ten teenagers told us they would welcome the opportunity to learn more about climate change in school. The same number thought climate change education should be included across all subjects.

    Teach the Future, a youth-led organisation campaigning to improve education on the climate emergency and ecological crisis, published a shadow curriculum and assessment review interim report. These findings, gathered from the responses of over 500 young people, highlight the marginalisation of climate change and nature on the current English curriculum.

    Woven through learning

    Our research shows there needs to be a step change in how the education system prepares young people for a rapidly changing world. Engaging them meaningfully with the issues and practical solutions may motivate them to consider a green career.

    In maths, for example, mathematical concepts could be introduced through calculating the effect of introducing solar panels on the school roof. Pupils could measure air quality, or calculate the carbon footprint of different food choices. The evidence suggests that a project-led approach, rooted in experiential learning locally relevant to the student, would be particularly effective.

    Climate can be part of the whole curriculum.
    Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock

    Our report also found that current teaching on climate tends to focus narrowly on impacts and rarely on solutions. This may contribute to many young people’s sense of climate change anxiety, leaving them feeling demotivated and disenfranchised.

    There is much that could be learnt from the approach taken by Scotland. Its learning for sustainability vision takes a cross-curricular, solutions-focused approach. Young people are often involved in creatively solving problems or finding solutions to questions that are meaningful to them.

    Tools for understanding

    My research suggests it is not enough for students to be taught facts and figures about climate change and biodiversity loss. They need to be provided with the critical thinking and media literacy skills to meaningfully engage with the issues.

    There is much mis- and disinformation on climate circulating online. With the rise of artificial intelligence, the distinction between fact and fiction is becoming increasingly difficult to discern. An emphasis on media literacy and critical thinking skills would help young people generate and evaluate ideas for tackling the crisis.

    Overhauling and refreshing England’s current curriculum and assessment system will not be easy. Even if climate change is increasingly included, this still may take place too slowly.

    The interim report makes clear that the intention is to continue “with our ‘evolution not revolution’ approach”, which will inform the final report to be published this autumn. However, there is an urgent need to act quickly if we are to avoid catastrophic climate change.

    Professor Alison Anderson received funding from the AHRC Impact Acceleration Account for this research project which was conducted in association with the British Science Association.

    – ref. A new natural history GCSE is welcome – but climate change needs to be part of the whole curriculum – https://theconversation.com/a-new-natural-history-gcse-is-welcome-but-climate-change-needs-to-be-part-of-the-whole-curriculum-253080

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why we love the escapism of apocalyptic dramas

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Scott Jones, Assistant Professor of Marketing, University of Birmingham

    Disney’s streaming hit Paradise – a political thriller that sees the murder of a former president in a peaceful community – leans into dystopian themes around apocalypse survival and living in a sealed world. The drama joins an growing array of TV shows and films exploring similar ideas.

    In Apple TV’s compelling drama Silo, civilisation has resorted to living and working deep in an underground storage facility as a means to protect humanity from the wasteland above.

    Michelle and Barack Obama’s Netflix thriller Leave The World Behind depicts the US facing chaos and unrest as a cybersecurity attack takes down the country’s entire technological infrastructure, leading to catastrophic scenes of fallen cities on fire.

    Similar tropes appear in Zero Day, starring Rober De Niro as a former president tasked with finding out who is behind a cyber attack that has resulted in the deaths of thousands of people.

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

    And then there is The End, a climate-crisis musical starring Tilda Swinton that dips into the strange world of a wealthy family living deep underground in a luxurious bunker, decades after an environmental catastrophe has hit the earth.

    Dystopian dramas are clearly in vogue right now, but films and TV dramas have often reflected the fears and anxieties of their times. A Clockwork Orange (1971) portrayed the class conflict and wanton violence of the 1970s. TV series Threads (1984) tapped into fears of a nuclear attack. Ghost in the Shell (1995) focused on identity in an increasingly technology-obsessed world. And Children of Men (2006) centred on the bleak terror of a world without children.

    More recently, The Walking Dead (2010 onwards) focused on what it means to cling onto humanity in an unrelenting world, while Squid Game (2021-) is a dystopian reflection of capitalism exploring the circumstances that drive desperate people to participate in a deadly competition for money.

    My research explores cultural aspects of consumption and one of my research interests is forms of escapism, mainly provided by films, television and video games. A question that sometimes arises is whether we actually desire dystopia.

    Well, streaming giants might argue it’s good for business. Zero Day has remained in Netflix’s top-ten chart for the past month, Apple has renewed Silo for two more seasons, and Disney just ordered a second season of Paradise. The third and final season of Squid Game will air in June – previous seasons have broken Netflix records for downloads and views.

    This trend for dystopian movies and TV shows underscores the public appetite for this content, despite its alarmingly prescient feel and tone. Paradoxically, this seems to starkly contrast with the notion that people turn to video games, movies and boxset binges to escape the mundanity of everyday life and the wearisome realities that we must contend with.

    In my research with colleagues at Lancaster University, we explored these issues: when reality is disrupted in some unexpected way, our beliefs and assumptions about how we think the world should operate are challenged.

    Drawing on interviews, we explored participants’ experiences of bingeing TV shows against a backdrop of changing real-world events and the impact these changes had on their ability to suspend their disbelief. The people we spoke to turned to culture for a sense-making escape.

    Escapism here is less about feeling abandoned and more about a search for hope and rediscovering the coordinates for our existence. Dystopian narratives might provide some food for thought: how would we cope if the apocalyptic events portrayed on screen were to really occur?

    TV dramas like Zero Day and films like Leave the World Behind identify and zoom in on the terrors and anxieties of the present: AI and the “rise of the machine”, war and global instability, profound inequality, disinformation, online hostility and cyber threats. However, in doing so, these dramas can also exemplify what might be required to transform or alter a dystopian reality, meaning as viewers we engage in a form of “critical dystopia”.

    Our appetite for dystopian narratives could derive from the idea that we never imagine ourselves to be the subject of some major catastrophic event. In a discussion about dystopia, critical marketing academics Alan Bradshaw, James Fitchett and Joel Hietanen explored how we often equate dystopian events and imaginings as happening to others, not necessarily us.

    This is aided by the fact that we often occupy the role of a distant onlooker, not the perspective of someone living under the catastrophic events being portrayed.

    Bradshaw, Fitchett and Hietanen argue that much of our everyday existence consists of fairly mundane encounters and repetitive experiences. As an antidote to this safe ordinariness, we are drawn to extreme versions of life, and harbour repressed fantasies and desires of destruction and catastrophe. So we indulge in dystopian desires and impulses, albeit at a distance or vicariously through video games, movies, books and TV shows from the comfort of our sofas.

    Finally, some people seem to find a sense of enjoyment in imagining their own ruin – what is described as a “death drive”, that simultaneously contradicts yet co-exists with self-preservation instincts. Philosopher and cultural theorist Slavoj Žižek suggests that there are people who derive pleasure from dystopian narratives, fascinated at the prospect of their own annihilation.

    However, through optimistic endings, dystopian dramas imply that we may be able to intervene, prevent or even reverse the alarming consequences. We then indulge in fantasies of a new utopia in an attempt to return to our known reality, or receive a prophetic nudge in the direction of a more improved world to replace the dystopia.

    In this case, viewers of edge-of-your-seat dramas like Zero Day and Paradise search for hope and relief, and as detached observers fantasise about how catastrophe and self-annihilation can be paused or even better, averted.

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

    – ref. Why we love the escapism of apocalyptic dramas – https://theconversation.com/why-we-love-the-escapism-of-apocalyptic-dramas-253063

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Verulamium Park’s St Michael’s Street entrance reopened after new footpath installed

    Source: St Albans City and District

    Publication date:

    A temporary elevated footpath has been installed in a Verulamium Park flood plain to allow the reopening of its St Michael Street entrance.

    The entrance was closed last year after persistent flooding at Bell Meadow, which is beside the River Ver, damaged its tarmac path.

    An inspection found that parts had become slippery, eroded and a potential hazard to park users.

    St Albans City and District Council, which owns the park, was advised it had no option but to close off the meadow for health and safety reasons.

    Various plans to allow a reopening were considered with the task being complicated by the park’s status as a scheduled ancient monument due to its Roman past.

    Any digging or disturbance to the ground requires Historic England’s permission.

    A decision was taken to adopt a temporary solution and commission the building of a bespoke metal footpath.

    It has now been installed allowing for the reopening of the meadow and the St Michael’s Street entrance.

    The metal path is raised high enough to avoid being covered with flood water and straddles the frequently flooded sections of the tarmac path.

    It is suitable for wheelchair users or baby buggies and includes passing places to allow for them to move along in both directions. A wider structure would have been prohibitively costly and require permission for digging into protected ground.

    The metal path also has various safety features including rails on either side to guard against people accidentally stumbling off.

    A grant of £50,000 from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund financed the project.

    In the longer term, the Council will look to build a new footpath and boardwalk as part of a multi-million-pound project to improve the environment of the park around its two artificial lakes.

    Amanda Foley, the Council’s Chief Executive, said:

    I am delighted that the St Michael’s Street entrance has now been reopened and I know that many of our residents will be too.

    Regular park users understood that we had no option but to close off the meadow which has been repeatedly flooded for reasons outside of our control. I thank them for the patience they have shown while we looked at a solution.

    We were determined to find one despite the challenging  financial climate we are faced with and the park’s scheduled ancient monument status.

    It is likely the installed footpath will be there for a couple of years or so while we finalise and implement our plans to improve the area around the artificial lakes.

    We will keep our residents informed of our progress on this ambitious project which will be transformational for the park.

    Photo: the new footpath in Bell Meadow, Verulamium Park.

    Media Contact: John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer, 01727 819533, john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: $33.7 Million Highway 2 Over Trans Canada Highway 1 Project Underway at Moose Jaw

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on March 28, 2025

    Today, Highways Minister David Marit and the Moose Jaw community celebrated the recent start of an estimated $33.7 million project to raise the height of Highway 2 over Trans-Canada Highway 1 in Canada’s Most Notorious City.

    “Once completed the project will improve safety and trucking efficiency over the long term on Trans-Canada Highway 1 in Saskatchewan, which connects the province’s export-based economy to the rest of the country – and the world,” Marit said.

    The overpass project involves demolishing the existing pair of nearly 60-year-old Highway 2 over Highway 1 bridges, which have a clearance height of 4.5 metres and have been hit multiple times over the years by oversized traffic. The new structures will have a clearance height of 5.3 metres.

    “On behalf of City Council, we thank the Ministry of Highways for undertaking this critical overpass project,” Moose Jaw Mayor James Murdock said. “This improvement not only benefits the trucking industry, which is a cornerstone of our local economy, but also enhances the overall safety and well-being of our community, and the thousands of tourists that use Highways 1 and 2 to visit us in Canada’s Most Notorious City.”

    The existing classic cloverleaf shaped on- and off-ramps will also be replaced with modern diamond-shaped on- and off-ramps.

    “The Saskatchewan Trucking Association welcomes the investment in the Highway 2 overpasses at Moose Jaw,” Saskatchewan Trucking Association Executive Director Susan Ewart said. “This project is a critical improvement that will enhance safety and efficiency for trucking operations on this key transportation corridor, while demonstrating the provincial government’s commitment to modernizing infrastructure.” 

    A Ministry of Highways contractor began staging in the area in mid March and is expected to begin demolishing the northbound bridge the week of April 1.

    During construction this year, Highway 2 will have two-way traffic on the southbound bridge while the new northbound bridge is being built. Next year, Highway 2 will have two-way traffic on the new northbound bridge while the new southbound bridge is being built. 

    Highway 1 underneath the bridges will be reduced to two-way traffic throughout the project. Traffic from the exit ramps will be detoured as needed.

    All motorists are reminded to obey all signage and flag persons in the area and to check the Highway Hotline at https://hotline.gov.sk.ca/ for construction updates before heading out.

    The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, pending weather.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: More money for hands-on learning

    [.

    “We are working to set students up for success by strengthening job-focused education. This money is helping schools partner with businesses, universities and colleges to create programs that will help students hit the ground running after they graduate.”

    Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education

    Career education helps students gain credits towards graduation while earning hands-on experience in fields like the trades, computer programming, health care, agriculture, culinary arts and more. These career education programs support a strong economy by helping students learn the skills they need to get in-demand jobs.

    Collegiate schools

    Collegiate schools work with businesses, universities and colleges to offer classes that give students pathways to education and careers in the job of their choice. There are 12 collegiate schools in Alberta, offering many different types of programming for grades 7-12, including aviation, graphic design, trades and more.

    If passed, Budget 2025 provides more than $21 million to school boards to help fund special classrooms like carpentry workshops, film and media rooms, science laboratories, heavy equipment simulators and aircraft hangars. Another $6 million is being invested to support the start-up costs for new collegiate schools.

    Dual-credit programs

    Budget 2025, if passed, also provides $4.6 million in 2025/26 to start new or improve existing dual-credit programs. In partnership with universities and colleges, dual-credit programs give students a head start on rewarding careers by allowing them to earn high-school and post-secondary credits at the same time. Of the $4.6 million, $550,000 is being provided by Alberta Seniors, Community and Social Services for new and improved dual-credit health care aide programs.

    “Health care aides play a critical role in ensuring Albertans receive the continuing care services they need to maintain their health, independence and quality of life. Our investments into career pathways for health care aides will provide opportunities for young Albertans to develop the skills they need to build a rewarding career in Alberta’s continuing care workforce.”

    Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services

    Another $1.4 million is being invested to support students participating in off-campus career education programs through CAREERS. This non-profit connects students to jobs in high-demand fields, such as the trades, technology, health, forestry and agriculture.

    “Investments in collegiate and dual-credit programming are significant for Calgary Catholic as they further strengthen our collegiate and dual-credit programming. This programming will open opportunities for our students and help them to realize their full potential.”

    Shannon Cook, chair, Calgary Catholic School District

    “Before Fusion Collegiate, I felt lost and wasn’t really sure what to do after high school. Thanks to its career-focused learning and the opportunities through Fusion and The Educational Partnership Foundation, I’m now working as a first-year apprentice plumber with Mr. Rooter. The hands-on trades training, high school credits, safety certifications, and real-world skills I picked up completely changed my life. I’m excited about where my career is headed and really thankful for the support that helped me get here.”

    Francis Mazieta, student, Fusion Collegiate

    Budget 2025 is meeting the challenge faced by Alberta communities with continued investments in education and health, lower taxes for families and a focus on the economy.

    Quick facts

    • If passed, Budget 2025 invests $102.4 million over three years to provide sustainable, predictable career education funding, and to increase access to career education for Alberta students.
      • This includes $8.4 million over 2026-27 and 2027-28 to raise awareness among students and families of career education programs and pathways available to Alberta students.
    • Career education in Alberta includes career and technology courses, Career and Life Management (CALM), dual-credit courses, collegiate schools, apprenticeships and off-campus education programming.
    • Since 2013, more than 95,000 high school students participated in at least one dual–credit course.
    • In spring 2025, Alberta Education will engage with education partners on best practices to bring more career education opportunities to students.
      • Since 2022, education partners and almost 5,000 Albertans have provided their feedback on career education and workforce needs.

    Related information

    • Dual credit – Start-up funding for school authorities
    • Dual credit – Enhancement funding for school authorities
    • Dual Credit Review Advisory Group
    • Collegiate schools

    Related news

    • Career education empowers students’ futures (Nov. 20, 2024)
    • Giving students a head start in Alberta’s job market (June 5, 2024)
    • Exploring Germany’s career education model (June 6, 2024)

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Showcasing Talent at the 2025 Skills Canada Saskatchewan Provincial Competition in Saskatoon

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on March 28, 2025

    Today, competitors from across the province compete in the annual Skills Canada Saskatchewan Provincial Competition in Saskatoon in venues across the city including Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, UA Local 179 and SMART Local 296.

    Apprentices, post-secondary students and high school students will compete across more than 45 categories for medals and the chance to represent the province at the Skills Canada National Competition on May 29 and 30 in Regina. 

    “On behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan, best of luck to all of this year’s competitors,” Deputy Premier and Immigration and Career Training Minister Jim Reiter said. “The skilled trades and technology sectors offer rewarding careers that are in high demand across the province. The skills you have gained through this competition will serve you well on your career journeys.” 

    Competition categories include bricklaying, car painting, graphic design, sheet metal work and electrical installations. Three new competition categories in Indigenous skills – beading, ribbon skirt and paddle making – have also been added this year. 

    Hundreds of competitors from secondary and post-secondary institutions are expected to attend this year’s competition. In addition to the competitions, visitors are invited to attend the try-a-trade and technology activity booths to participate in hands-on activities. 

    “We are excited to bring the amazing young talent in the skilled trades and technology industries together for our annual provincial competition,” Skills Canada Saskatchewan Executive Director Krystal Nieckar said. “The winning competitors will represent Saskatchewan at this year’s national competition in Regina, which is also a WorldSkills qualifying year. The provincial competition would not be possible without our dedicated sponsors and partners who support us year-round and advocate for skilled trades in the education system.”

    “The competitors in the skilled trades competitions showcase amazing talent and dedication to their trade,” Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) CEO Jeff Ritter said. “Careers in the skilled trades are diverse and rewarding, and the apprentices competing today represent the future of our workforce. Good luck to all!”

    “The Skills Canada Saskatchewan Provincial Competition celebrates the talents, dedication and creativity of students and apprentices training for a career in the skilled trade and technology fields,” Saskatchewan Polytechnic President and CEO Dr. Larry Rosia said. “This dynamic event showcases a broad range of fulfilling and rewarding careers that are achievable through a polytechnic education, emphasizing hands-on learning. Good luck to the competitors.”

    The public is welcome to view the competitions taking place at the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Saskatoon Campus from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. 

    For more competition details, visit: skillscanadasask.com. 

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former federal officer sentenced for smuggling aliens and receiving bribes from cartel

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAREDO, Texas – A former Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer has been sentenced to federal prison in two separate cases for allowing aliens and cocaine across the border, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Emanuel Isac Celedon, 37, Laredo, pleaded guilty March 11, 2024, for his role in illegally smuggling illegal aliens into the United States through the Lincoln Juarez Port of Entry (POE) in Laredo. He also admitted to bribery and attempted importation of cocaine for accepting money to allow what he thought was cocaine to cross into the United States from Mexico. 

    U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana has now imposed a total of 117 months in prison for both cases to be immediately followed by four years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a money judgment of $17,980. At the hearing, the court noted Celedon’s job was to protect the United States from introduction of controlled substances and people not authorized to be in the country, and that he had failed in both regards. Judge Saldana added that Celedon was deeply involved in the organization and appeared to want to go even deeper.

    “Anybody who aids or works for the cartel is going to find themselves on the wrong end of a federal indictment,” said Ganjei. “This case was especially troubling given the position of trust the defendant held. His criminal conduct stands in stark contrast to the heroic work the men and women of CBP are doing every day to keep our border and ports secure.”

    While employed as a CBP Officer in Laredo in 2023, Celedon sought contacts within the Mexican criminal organization known as the Cartel del Noreste in order to smuggle drugs and aliens through his inspection lane in exchange for monetary payment.

    During an undercover operation, Celedon expressed his interest in smuggling cocaine for payment, provided his duty schedule and gave instructions directing a loaded vehicle to his inspection lane at the port of entry. He then allowed the vehicle to safely cross into the United States. 

    Using his position as a CBP officer, Celedon allowed several kilograms of what he believed to be cocaine into the United States on two separate occasions in October 2023. In exchange, he received $6,000.

    Further investigation revealed Celedon also conspired with at least three others to bring illegal aliens into the United States without inspection. Celedon provided his daily lane assignment to Mexican national Homero Romero-Hernandez, 32, who passed the information to Jose Osvaldo Zapata-Vasquez, 25, another Mexican national with ties to the cartel. Zapata-Vasquez hired Cotulla resident Beatris Guadalupe Martinez, 22, to act as the driver.

    Zapata-Vasquez relayed instructions to Martinez based on information Celadon provided regarding when to pick up the aliens in Mexico and which lane to approach when making entry to the United States.

    The investigation revealed Martinez transported people through Celedon’s lane on at least nine separate occasions between September and November 2023. Each time, Celedon permitted entry without inspecting any of Martinez’s passengers. Additionally, on at least two of those dates, Celedon falsely inputted information into a CBP database in order to avoid sending Martinez to a mandatory secondary inspection.

    Celedon then asked Zapata-Vasquez and Romero-Hernandez to relay this to smugglers in Mexico in order to reassure them that he was doing his part to facilitate the cartel’s smuggling efforts. Law enforcement seized $1,980 in cash from Celedon at the time of his arrest, which he admitted were proceeds from human smuggling.

    Judge Saldana previously sentenced Zapata-Vasquez, Romero-Hernandez and Martinez to 46, 36, and 42 months in prison, respectively.

    Celedon has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

    The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) – Office of Inspector General, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) and CBP – Office of Professional Responsibility conducted the investigation with assistance from the HSI Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., CBP’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force, Texas Department of Public Safety, Border Patrol, Webb County Precinct 2 Constable’s Office and CBP Laredo Joint Forensic Center.

    The case is the result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation and coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA).

    OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.

    JTFA, a partnership with DHS, has been elevated and expanded with a mandate to target cartels and transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama and Colombia that impact public safety and the security of our borders. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border, including the Southern District of California, District of Arizona, District of New Mexico and Western and Southern Districts of Texas. Dedicated support is provided by the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, Office of Enforcement Operations and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, DEA and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 355 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers and significant facilitators of alien smuggling, more than 320 U.S. convictions, more than 265 significant jail sentences imposed and forfeitures of substantial assets.

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

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Day and Arthur R. Jones prosecuted the cases.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Jury Convicts Chicago Man of Sex Trafficking and Kidnapping Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHICAGO — A federal jury has convicted a Chicago man of violently sex trafficking five young victims, including a 15-year-old girl, and kidnapping two of them.

    The jury in U.S. District Court in Chicago on Tuesday convicted DENNIS WILLIAMS, 33, on all seven sex trafficking and kidnapping counts against him.  Williams faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a maximum of life.  U.S. District Judge Mary M. Rowland set sentencing for Oct. 7, 2025.

    The convictions were announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. Valuable assistance was provided by the Chicago Police Department and the Lansing, Ill. Police Department. The government has been represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristen Totten, Sushma Raju, and Michelle Parthum.

    According to evidence presented at the week-long trial, Williams used threats, violence, drugs, and other coercive means to force five victims to engage in commercial sex.  Williams often restrained or assaulted the victims to force them to comply and turn over the proceeds to him.  Williams also caused a 17-year-old girl, whom he also assaulted repeatedly, to assist him in trafficking the victims.  Williams operated his sex trafficking operation in 2022 and 2023 out of his Chicago residence and motels in Lansing, Ill.

    On Aug. 2, 2022, Williams kidnapped one of his victims by luring her inside his truck and abruptly driving away.  The victim escaped by leaping from the moving vehicle.

    On Jan. 10, 2023, Williams kidnapped another of his victims by confining her to his closet overnight and then forcing her to engage in commercial sex with strangers.  The victim escaped by jumping out of a second-floor window and running a quarter mile to a Chicago Public Library branch.

    All five of Williams’ victims, including both of the kidnapping victims, testified about their ordeals at trial.

    If you believe you are a victim of sexual exploitation, you are encouraged to contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by logging on to www.missingkids.com or by calling 1-800-843-5678.  The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Midland Felon Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Producing Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MIDLAND, Texas – A Midland man was sentenced in federal court to 360 months in prison for child pornography production and drug and firearm offenses.

    According to court documents, Job Jasso Jr., 27, led a Midland County Sheriff’s Office deputy on a high-speed chase following an attempted traffic stop on March 13, 2024. Jasso crashed the vehicle and fled on foot, leaving a 17-year-old female in the passenger seat. A search of her phone revealed multiple sexually explicit photos of Jasso and the minor female.

    On March 25, 2024, the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force and other partnered agencies executed an arrest warrant at a hotel where Jasso was staying. Inside the room, Jasso and the minor victim from the March 13 incident were naked and taken into custody. Two firearms were seized during the arrest. An executed search warrant also revealed additional firearms, along with firearm accessories and ammunition, drug paraphernalia, 63.2 grams of fentanyl pills, and other related items. Review of a recovered smartphone found approximately 44 images and two videos of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), and child exploitative material (CEM) depicting the minor victim. A search warrant return for a cloud storage account also uncovered 12 videos of CSAM and CEM of the minor victim.

    Jasso had previously been convicted in the 142nd District Court in Midland for aggravated kidnapping and received a sentence of five years’ confinement.

    On Aug. 28, 2024, Jasso was indicted for one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; one count of possession with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl; one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime; and one count of possession of stolen firearms. A federal jury found him guilty of all four counts Nov. 6, 2024.

    A second indictment was filed Sept. 25, 2024, for two counts of production of child pornography. Jasso was also found guilty on both of those counts in a federal trial Dec. 10, 2024. U.S. District Judge David Counts sentenced Jasso to 360 months in prison for both child pornography charges, as well as a concurrent 300 months in prison for the other four counts. Judge Counts also ordered Jasso pay $55,000 in restitution.

    “Jasso has amassed a troubling criminal record over the years, carelessly placing others—including minors—in grave danger through his illicit actions,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas. “The 30-year sentence that he will now serve in federal prison is a significant penalty that appropriately fits the multiple offenses for which he was found guilty by a jury.”

    “This sentence serves as a reminder to all predators. We will not allow crimes against children to go unpunished,” said John Morales, FBI El Paso Special Agent in Charge. “While this significant sentence cannot repair the damage done, it is a warning to those who engage in this behavior: FBI and our law enforcement partners will be relentless in our pursuit of child predators.”

    The FBI, Texas Department of Public Safety, Odessa Police Department, and Midland County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Sloane prosecuted the case.

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

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man jailed for killing man in Harlesden

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has been jailed for stabbing another to death, following an investigation by Met Police detectives.

    Osman Abshir, 30 (25.01.1995), of Church Road, Willesden, was sentenced to 12 years in prison at the Old Bailey on Thursday, 27 March. A jury at the same court found him guilty of manslaughter on Friday, 14 February.

    Abshir killed 40-year-old Fuad Saman on Thursday, 10 August, 2023. Fuad was found dead at his home in Casselden Road, Harlesden, on the same afternoon.

    Detective Superintendent Kelly Allen, from Specialist Crime, said: “Abshir carried out a brutal killing, and displayed complete disregard for Fuad, leaving him with over 100 separate injuries. Whatever his excuses, this was a horrific attack.

    “We express our deepest sympathies for Fuad’s loved ones. While Abshir has received a lengthy prison sentence, we are all too aware that no verdict can bring him back.”

    After discovering Fuad’s body, investigators made enquiries. They learned that Mr Saman had been in the company of Fuad earlier that afternoon. He was found at a nearby park and placed under arrest, before being remanded in custody.

    At the crime scene, officers found that Abshir had cleaned up the property, stripped Fuad and stuffed his clothes into a rucksack.

    Abshir claimed that he killed Fuad in an altercation. He was charged with murder on Wednesday, 16 August, 2023. At trial, the jury found him guilty of manslaughter.

    In a statement, Fuad’s family said: “Our family experienced a profound loss with the passing of our brother, cousin, son and father Fuad.

    “His departure has left a deep void in our lives, and it’s been incredibly difficult to come to terms with the reality that he’s no longer with us.

    “We find comfort in remembering the beautiful moments we shared with Fuad – the stories, the jokes, and the countless ways he made life better for those around him. It’s these memories that keep his spirit alive in our hearts.

    “We have also found some relief knowing that Fuad’s killer has been caught and has been sentenced.

    “While nothing can truly make up for the loss we’ve endured, we are grateful that justice has been served.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Halifax Regional Municipality — RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment seizes two handguns, drugs and cash

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment (HRD) Street Crime Enforcement Unit (SCEU) has charged a man after executing two search warrants.

    Yesterday, in relation to an ongoing firearms and drug trafficking investigation, RCMP HRD SCEU officers, with the assistance of RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment and the RCMP Emergency Response Team, safely arrested a 42-year-old man at a residence on Willis Ln. in North Preston.

    Investigators then executed search warrants at that home and at a second residence on Paris Ln. in Westphal. During the searches, officers seized two handguns, magazines, ammunition, methamphetamines, drug paraphernalia, cash and cell phones.

    Judson Lamar Thompson, from North Preston, has been charged with:

    • Possession of Methamphetamines for the Purpose of Trafficking
    • Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose (two counts)
    • Careless use of a Firearm (two counts)
    • Contravention of Storage Regulations (two counts)
    • Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm (two counts)
    • Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Weapon (two counts)
    • Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession if Unauthorized (two counts)
    • Possession of a Device knowing its Possession is Unauthorized (two counts)
    • Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition (two counts)
    • Possession of a Weapon Obtained by the Commission of an Offence (two counts)

    Thompson appeared in court yesterday and was remanded into custody. He will return in Dartmouth Provincial Court today.

    Anyone with information about illicit drugs or other criminal activity in the Halifax Regional Municipality is encouraged to contact police at 902-490-5020. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

    File: 25-13271

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Detroit Man Sentenced to Just Over 2 Years in Federal Prison For Firing Gun on Crowded Sidewalk

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DETROIT – A man from Detroit, Michigan was sentenced today for a July 2024 shooting near Grand Circus Park announced Acting United States Attorney Julie A. Beck.

    Beck was joined in the announcement by James Deir, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Detroit Field Division and Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison.

    Christopher Wade, 30, was sentenced to 25 months in prison by United States District Judge Matthew F. Leitman.

    According to court records, following a dispute, Wade opened fire at the busy intersection of Woodward Avenue and Adams Avenue, firing nine rounds into the air. Thankfully, no one was injured, but a witness who was driving in the area reported that one of the rounds struck her vehicle. Officers quickly responded to the scene and apprehended Wade without further incident. Security cameras captured the shooting on video. This was the second time within a month that Wade opened fire in public and the fourth time in the last 10 years.

    Wade pleaded guilty to felon in possession of a firearm in November of 2024.

    This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Philip M. Jacques. The investigation was conducted jointly by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with assistance from the Detroit Police Department.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: SafeCard Reviews: DO NOT Spend A Dime Till You Have Read This Unbiased Report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WOODHAVEN, N.Y., March 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Recently, searches for “SafeCard reviews” and “SafeCard consumer reports” are soaring, as there are lots of questions such as how it operates, safety advice, whether one should buy SafeCard, pros and cons, among others. This heightened interest necessitated the need for an in-depth SafeCard review article, everything you would want to know in between.

    In today’s hyper-connected world, digital ease often comes at a steep price—personal security. Cybercrime has evolved into an unremitting, unconquerable force, sparing no one from its reach. From everyday shoppers to Fortune 500 companies, millions fall prey to identity theft, unlawful transactions, and devastating data breaches. According to the World Economic Forum, if cybercrime were a nation, it would rank as the world’s third-largest economy, with estimated damages exceeding $9 trillion by 2024. Even more jarring is the fact that fewer than 1% of cybercriminals in the U.S. are ever caught, leaving most people susceptible without even realizing it.

    Amidst this evolving virtual battleground emerges SafeCard; a simple yet formidable solution engineered to shield your data from the unnoticed onslaught of cyber thieves. Designed with state-of-the-art RFID and NFC blocking technology, SafeCard forms an imperceptible barrier around your wallet, blocking unauthorized signals before they can do any harm. Whether you’re traversing crowded airports or relishing a quiet moment at your favorite café, SafeCard discreetly protects your credit cards, passports, and IDs, guaranteeing that your sensitive information remains safeguarded against prying eyes.

    What truly distinguishes SafeCard is its seamless integration into your daily routine. With no batteries to charge, no apps to install, and no complicated setups to manage, it activates the moment you slide it into your wallet. Formulated from durable, water-resistant materials and meticulously tested by leading cybersecurity experts, this sleek card works silently in the background, protecting your identity even when you’re not actively thinking about it.

    In a time marked by real-world cyberattacks, like ATM skimming incidents at major retailers, and well-orchestrated attacks, targeting financial institutions—taking control of your digital safety is more critical than ever. SafeCard equips you to protect your personal information without compromising on convenience or style. Ready to upgrade your everyday security? Read on to discover why SafeCard is expeditiously becoming a crucial tool for anyone who values their identity and peace of mind.

    What Is a SafeCard? (SafeCard Reviews)

    In today’s digital age, the convenience of contactless payments comes with unknown risks. RFID skimming—a method used by cybercriminals to quietly steal your card data—has become an progressly common threat. SafeCard is an innovative RFID-blocking card that creates an invisible shield of 5cm around your credit cards, debit cards, passports, and IDs, guaranteeing your sensitive information remains protected from illicit scanning.

    Unlike traditional RFID-blocking wallets or sleeves that can be unwieldy, SafeCard is formulated for seamless integration into your daily routine. Its ultra-thin, compact build slips seamlessly into your wallet or purse without adding extra bulk. Designed from durable, waterproof, and tear-proof materials, SafeCard offers continuous, hassle-free protection without the need for batteries or charging. This trustworthy and sophisticated solution functions around the clock—whether you’re traversing busy airports or simply running errands.

    Utilizing groundbreaking RFID and NFC-blocking technology, SafeCard proactively restricts unauthorized devices from accessing your data. Crafted with the latest advancements in digital security and thoroughly tested by renowned cybersecurity experts, Many USA consumer reports and reviews confirm that SafeCard not only safeguards your information but also sets a new standard in personal data defense. Gathering positive reviews from thousands of satisfied users, it has instantly become a reliable tool in the battle against digital theft, earning accolades for its efficiency and simplicity.

    Based on verified USA and Canadian consumer reports, SafeCard is rated safe, top tier, legit and with an excellent 4.98 ratings making it one of the most preferred and reliable RFID & NFC blocking devices available in the USA and Canada. In essence, SafeCard is far more than just a security accessory; it’s a refined tool for your digital life. By seamlessly integrating advanced technology with a sleek build, SafeCard equips you to secure your personal information in a progressively interconnected world, guaranteeing that you stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.

    To ensure you enjoy this device for a long time, SafeCard is both waterproof and tear-proof. Its durable construction ensures long-lasting performance, making it a reliable companion for anyone concerned about digital security. All SafeCard reviews consumer reports say that SafeCard is not just a product; it’s everybody’s peace of mind to secure all your digital data and information. SafeCard empowers you to take control of your data security effortlessly by making protecting yourself easier or more convenient. With SafeCard, you can navigate public spaces confidently, knowing you are shielded from hidden threats.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR SAFECARD FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE MASSIVE DISCOUNT TODAY

    How Does SafeCard Actually Work? (Safecard Reviews)

    In a world where digital transactions and RFID-enabled cards are progressively prevalent, the hazards of cyber theft have never been higher. Independent tests and cybersecurity experts validate that RFID-blocking technology—like that used in SafeCard is highly efficient in restricting unlawful scans. By creating an electromagnetic shield, SafeCard intercepts the communication between your cards and potential skimming devices, guaranteeing your sensitive data remains inaccessible to cybercriminals.

    Safecard works excellently well to protect your personal information stored on credit cards, IDs, and passports from unauthorized scanning by electronic pickpockets, essentially creating an invisible barrier against data theft by preventing RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) and NFC (Near Field Communication) signals. All reviewers revealed that SafeCard has been recognized for its superior performance and ultimate reliability thereby making it the best digital theft protective tool among many customers in the United States, UK, Australia and Canada.

    Real-world testing further stresses SafeCard’s effectiveness. When in use, RFID scanners are unable to reclaim any information from your cards. Numerous customer testimonials and independent certifications underscore these findings, with many users reporting successful security in high-risk environments such as airports, busy shopping centers, and public transportation hubs. This solid evidence shows that SafeCard is not only a marketing ploy but a trusted tool in the fight against identity theft.

    While SafeCard is excellent at eliminating RFID-based attacks, it is pertinent to note its limitations. It does not shield against online fraud, phishing scams, or traditional card theft—risks that still require sturdy cybersecurity practices. For in-depth financial safety, users should complement SafeCard with secure passwords, two-factor authentication, and regular monitoring of bank accounts. Nevertheless, as a physical shield, SafeCard adds a crucial extra layer of shield that can remarkably diminish the hazards of unsolicited digital transactions and identity theft.

    What Are The Distinguished Features of SafeCard Safeguard (SafeCard Reviews)

    SafeCard is an innovative RFID-blocking card designed to protect you from identity theft, unauthorized transactions, and cyber fraud. With digital crimes on the rise, SafeCard gives a robust, revolutionary solution to safeguard your personal and financial information. Below are the standout features that make SafeCard a formidable security tool:

    • Advanced RFID & NFC Blocking Technology: SafeCard uses state-of-the-art electromagnetic shielding to block RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) and NFC (Near Field Communication) signals. In today’s world, many credit cards, passports, and ID cards are integrated with RFID chips, making them exposed to virtual scanning by cyber criminals. SafeCard acts as a proactive barrier, jamming these signals and preventing unauthorized access to your sensitive data. This technology is particularly essential given the global surge in identity theft, guaranteeing your financial and personal information stays safeguarded in public spaces, airports, and shopping centers.
    • No Batteries or Charging Required: One of SafeCard’s most significant advantages is its passive, maintenance-free operation. Without requiring batteries or charging, it continuously emits a jamming signal to thwart unauthorized RFID scanning attempts. Whether you’re traveling internationally or commuting daily, SafeCard offers round-the-clock protection that’s completely hassle-free—no setup, no maintenance, just constant, reliable security.
    • Compact, Ultra-Thin, and Lightweight Design: Crafted for seamless integration into your daily routine, SafeCard is as thin as a standard credit card. It slips easily into any wallet, purse, or cardholder without adding bulk. Unlike traditional RFID-blocking sleeves that can be unwieldy and require individual card insertion, SafeCard safeguards multiple cards at once. Its sleek, minimalist build appeals to professionals, travelers, and anyone who values both style and functionality.
    • Multi-Card Protection: With SafeCard, a single unit provides in-depth protection for all your RFID-enabled cards. There’s no need to buy separate sleeves for each card—simply placing one SafeCard in your wallet generates an electromagnetic shield that covers all nearby cards. This all-in-one method is particularly beneficial for those who carry multiple credit cards, debit cards, access badges, or government-issued IDs, ensuring full-spectrum protection with minimal effort.
    • Universal Compatibility: SafeCard is formulated to work with all RFID and NFC-enabled documents and cards. It efficiently protects a wide range of items, including; Credit and debit cards, Passports and e-passports, Government-issued ID cards, Corporate access and security badges, Public transport cards, Hotel key cards.
    • Water-Resistant and Durable Build: Designed to persevere the rigors of daily use, SafeCard features a high-quality, water-resistant construction that guarantees lasting durability. Unlike flimsy RFID-blocking sleeves that may degrade over time, SafeCard is designed to withstand accidental spills, moisture exposure, and daily wear and tear. Its sturdy build makes it an exceptional long-term investment for continuous protection against cyber threats. Finally, many RFID-blocking products require frequent replacements due to wear and tear, but with SafeCard, you can expect long-lasting protection for over three to five years.
    • No Setup Required: SafeCard is crafted for immediate, effortless use. It activates the moment it’s placed in your wallet, blocking the need for any software downloads, app installations, or manual configuration. This ready-to-use functionality valids that users of all technical skill levels—from tech-savvy travelers to seniors—can enjoy effortless and trustworthy protection at all times.
    • Tested and Certified Security: Safety is paramount. Many reviews confirmed that SafeCard has undergone thorough testing and earned certifications from top cybersecurity and financial security organizations. These credentials verify its effectiveness in eliminating RFID and NFC signals, meeting the highest industry standards.

    Why Are SafeCards Better and Superior To Similar Products in the Market? (SafeCards Reviews USA)

    In a market flooded with RFID-blocking sleeves, wallets, and gadgets, SafeCard distinguishes itself with a seamless blend of innovation, convenience, and reliability. All reviewers revealed that SafeCard stands out from other RFID blockers due to its advanced anti theft’s RFID and NFC blocking technology, which offers unparalleled protection for your credit cards, IDs, and smart passports. SafeCard actively shields your personal information from digital theft thereby making it most effective and versatile in terms of protecting your data.

    While many products offer only basic protection against skimming and digital theft, SafeCard leverages advanced electromagnetic protection that not only eliminates RFID and NFC signals but also creates a protective radius to protect multiple cards simultaneously. This means you no longer need to fit each card into a separate compartment—SafeCards design offers consistent, maintenance-free protection without batteries or apps.

    A key differentiator is SafeCard’s thoughtfully formulated design. Crafted to be compact and lightweight, it slides seamlessly into any wallet without adding bulk. Many competing RFID-blocking products force users to choose between security and style, but SafeCard delivers both. Its sleek, minimalist profile incorporates effortlessly with your existing wallet or cardholder, while its water-resistant and durable materials guarantee long-term protection against everyday wear and tear. It’s not just a security device—it’s an elegant, indispensable addition to your everyday carry.

    Finally, SafeCard’s proven track record of customer satisfaction promotes it above the competition. While other products make overblown claims, SafeCard fulfills its promises with thorough testing and certifications from respected cybersecurity institutions. It’s a product crafted for those who are not willing to compromise on security, ease, or peace of mind. Across USA and Canada, the majority of SafeCard user reviews call it a very effective card for stopping unauthorized scanning and securing sensitive personal data.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR SAFECARD FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE MASSIVE DISCOUNT TODAY

    Why Should I Buy a SafeCard? (SafeCard USA Reviews)

    In an era where cybercrime is escalating at an unprecedented rate, protecting your personal and financial information is no longer optional—it’s crucial. Digital thieves and hackers are incessantly refining their tactics to leverage everyday vulnerabilities in contactless transactions and RFID-enabled devices. Without a sturdy shield, you are unremittingly at risk of identity theft, unlawful withdrawals, or fraudulent buys. SafeCard acts as a hidden shield, intercepting nefarious signals before they can reach your sensitive data.

    All available reviews unequivocally show that SafeCard is the wisest and smartest purchase for anyone looking for a long-lasting way to stay safe from digital theft because of its water- and scratch-resistant features, extending its longevity. Most of the SafeCard reviews say that this card is undoubtedly the most affordable NFC and RFID card with an array of incredible features as well as functions.

    What makes SafeCard an exceptional investment is its effortless integration into your daily life. Formulated to work passively—without the need for batteries or complex apps—SafeCard gives round-the-clock protection without demanding any action on your part. Simply slip it into your wallet alongside your credit cards, debit cards, and IDs, and it immediately generates a secure barrier that eliminates unlawful RFID and NFC scans. As opposed to bulky metal wallets or clumsy protective sleeves, SafeCard reserves the sleekness and ease of your favorite wallet while providing a crucial layer of defense.

    Beyond its technical prowess, SafeCard delivers a tangible sense of security that extends to your emotional well-being. SafeCard RFID Blocking card is essential for professionals, business executives, and entrepreneurs who often use contactless payment cards, key cards, and business IDs to protect their financial and professional data. With its proven track record, SafeCard is the top choice for safeguarding sensitive information. In conclusion, SafeCard is effective, reliable, and widely regarded as a trusted protector against digital identity theft.

    Benefits of SafeCard (SafeCard Reviews)

    • Peace of Mind While Traveling: Traveling to new places should be an exhilarating adventure—not a source of stress. Regrettably, tourists are prime targets for cybercriminals looking to leverage unsecured RFID and NFC signals. With SafeCard, you can explore the world worry-free. Its advanced blocking technology ensures that your sensitive data remains protected from hackers and electronic pickpockets. Verified buyer Rachel T. recounted her experience in Rio: “No more stolen data, no more stress.” Whether you’re boarding a train in Europe or browsing bustling markets in Asia, SafeCard provides complete peace of mind so you can focus on making memories instead of worrying about identity theft.
    • Protects Your Entire Family’s Digital Identity: Cybercrime doesn’t merely target individuals—families are at risk, too. From your family members’ credit cards to your child’s school ID, SafeCard delivers indepth protection for everyone. Verified buyer James K. purchased a three-pack for his family, stating: “Now, wherever we go, we know our data is secure.” By eliminating unauthorized RFID and NFC signals, SafeCard keeps your family’s financial and personal information safely out of reach of fraudsters. Whether shopping, commuting, or traveling, you can all move confidently aware that SafeCard has you safeguarded.
    • Freedom to Shop at Markets and Public Events Without Fear: Open spaces such as holiday markets, festivals, and fairs are hotspots for digital theft. Invisible scanners can swipe your personal information without you even suspecting it. Verified buyer Melissa H. experienced this risk firsthand and turned to SafeCard for protection: “SafeCard blocks thieves silently, and I haven’t had an issue since.” Whether you’re picking up gifts at a Christmas market or paying at a local food stall, SafeCard allows you to shop freely and securely—eliminating the worry of card skimming.
    • Hassle-Free, 24/7 Protection with Zero Maintenance: One of SafeCard’s most important features is its seamless operation. Distinct from gadgets or apps that require batteries, updates, or complex setups, SafeCard functions passively and continuously. Once it’s in your wallet, it needs no further attention. Enjoy seamless, around-the-clock safeguard without the hassle of recharging or manual activation. Customers appreciate the simplicity—no learning curve, just trustworthy, maintenance-free security working silently in the background.
    • Saves You From the Emotional Stress of Financial Loss: The financial and emotional toll of identity theft can be devastating. Losing money is one thing, but the time and stress required to recover stolen funds or repair damaged credit can be overwhelming. Rachel T.’s experience in Rio highlights just how vulnerable we all can be: “I was devastated.” SafeCard offers more than just financial security—it offers genuine emotional relief. With SafeCard safegurding your data, you gain confidence and alleviate the anxiety that comes with the constant threat of cybercrime.
    • Empowers You to Take Control of Your Digital Safety: In today’s digital era, your security should be in your own hands—not left to chance. SafeCard empowers you to take proactive steps to secure your data rather than waiting for a breach to occur. As James K. explains: “It’s such a relief!” Instead of leaning entirely on banks or institutions to catch fraud, SafeCard gives you personal control over your digital safety. This easy yet efficient solution transforms you into an active guardian of your privacy.
    • Affordable Security That’s Easy to Share: SafeCard is crafted to be both effective and affordable. By blocking unnecessary middlemen and selling directly to you, it delivers high-value protection without the hefty price tag of traditional cybersecurity products. Whether buying one for yourself or multiple for your entire family—as James K. did—this investment pays immediate dividends in peace of mind. SafeCard also makes a thoughtful gift for loved ones who frequently travel or work in high-traffic public areas, ensuring everyone can benefit from robust digital security.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR SAFECARD FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE MASSIVE DISCOUNT TODAY

    How to Use SafeCard (SafeCard Reviews)

    • Place SafeCard in Your Wallet or Purse:Simply slide SafeCard into any slot in your wallet, purse, or cardholder. Its ultra-thin, credit card–sized build blends effortlessly without adding extra bulk, making it a seamless addition to your daily carry.
    • Instantly Activate Protection Within Seconds: There’s no setup required. Once SafeCard is in place, it automatically generates an invisible shield that eliminates RFID and NFC signals within a 5 cm radius. This means all your nearby cards are instantly protected from prospects skimming attempts, whether you’re traveling, shopping, or commuting.
    • Enjoy 24/7, Maintenance-Free Security: SafeCard works passively, removing the need for batteries, charging, or app updates. Place it in your wallet once, and it provides continuous, around-the-clock protection—ensuring lasting peace of mind wherever life takes you.

    Is SafeCard a Scam or Legit? (SafeCard Review)

    SafeCard is a legitimate RFID & NFC blocker backed by numerous positive reviews and verified testimonials that confirm it efficiently eliminates illicit RFID and NFC scans while allowing for effortless daily use, whether you’re tapping to pay or withdrawing cash. Its improved technology generates hidden protection against digital theft, giving real peace of mind in busy, high-risk environments.

    SafeCard delivers premium features, including advanced RFID-blocking technology, waterproof and tear-proof durability, and a slim design that fits any wallet without adding bulk. Despite its superior functionality and long-lasting protection, SafeCard remains highly affordable, ensuring customers receive exceptional value for their investment.

    The SafeCard offers a cost-effective, user-friendly, and reliable solution for safeguarding your money and digital identity. Numerous consumer reports across the USA have praised its effectiveness, with verified users consistently giving it high ratings on the company’s website.

    Formulated from durable, waterproof, and tear-proof materials, SafeCard is constructed to withstand daily wear without compromising its protective capabilities. Its compact design blends seamlessly into any wallet, proving that sturdy security and convenience can coexist in a single, unobtrusive device.

    Thousands of satisfied customers have shared glowing 5-star reviews, emphasizing SafeCard’s consistent performance and reliability. These firsthand accounts demonstrate that SafeCard is not a scam but a proven, reliable solution for safeguarding your financial and personal information in today’s digital age.

    Across many polls and online surveys, Safecard is the topmost trending RFID and NFC Blocker of 2025 in the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), Canada (CA), New Zealand (NW), and Australia (AU). SafeCards are the solution if you’re searching for an easy, dependable, and efficient approach to safeguard your data. I can’t live without this product.

    Pros of SafeCard (SafeCard Reviews)

    • Safecard Blocks Unauthorized RFID and NFC Scans Effortlessly
    • Provides an invisible barrier that keeps your personal and financial data secure.
    • Hassle-Free Use with Contactless Payments and ATMs
    • Protects your information while allowing seamless tap-to-pay and ATM transactions.
    • Ultra-Slim and Discreet Design for Everyday Carry
    • Slides into any wallet without adding bulk, maintaining the sleek aesthetics of your everyday carry.
    • Durable, Waterproof, and Tear-Proof Construction
    • Built to endure daily use and resist damage from water or tears, ensuring long-term protection.
    • Continuous 24/7 Protection—No Batteries or Charging Required
    • Operates passively to deliver non-stop security without any extra maintenance.

    Cons of SafeCard (SafeCard Reviews)

    • Exclusively Available Online: SafeCard is sold only through its official website, which might be inconvenient for those who prefer in-store shopping.
    • Limited-Time Promotional Offers: Current discounts and bundle deals are part of limited-time promotions; prices may increase once the offers expire.
    • High Demand Can Lead to Stock Shortages: Due to its growing popularity, SafeCard often sells out quickly and restocks may be delayed.

    Where to Buy the Original SafeCard (SafeCard Reviews)

    The authentic SafeCard is available exclusively through the official SafeCard website. Buying directly guarantees that you receive an original product with all its protective features, along with access to special discounts and exclusive offers often available for a limited time. Due to high demand and limited supply, it’s wise to act quickly—purchasing from the official site also ensures secure payment options and warranty policies, offering you added peace of mind.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR SAFECARD FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE MASSIVE DISCOUNT TODAY

    Why Is SafeCard So Affordable?

    SafeCard is cost-effectively priced because its manufacturers are committed to making sturdy digital protection accessible to everyone. By eliminating middlemen and selling directly through their official website, they avoid the extra retail markups that increase expenses. This direct-to-consumer model permits you to receive a high-quality security solution at a fraction of the typical price. Additionally, SafeCard frequently gives special promotions and bulk discounts, making it even easier for individuals, families, and professionals to safeguard their sensitive information without breaking the bank.

    How Much Does SafeCard Cost?

    SafeCard is currently available at highly competitive prices, particularly when purchased directly from the manufacturer. Here are the latest pricing options available during this limited-time promotion:

    • Buy 3 SafeCards + 10% OFF for $45.99
    • Buy 6 SafeCards + 10% OFF for $89.99
    • Buy 9 SafeCards + 10% OFF for $129.99
    • Buy 12 SafeCards + 10% OFF for $159.99

    These unmatched prices make it easier than ever to invest in your digital security and protect yourself and your loved ones from the increasing threats of cybercrime.

    SafeCard Reviews USA Consumer Reports

    Rachel T: “Saved me from a nightmare abroad!” “While traveling through Rio, I discovered my bank account had been drained by scammers. I was devastated. A fellow traveler recommended SafeCard, and it’s been a lifesaver ever since. No more stolen data, no more stress. Now I can travel with confidence knowing my wallet is secure.”

    Melissa H. “Peace of mind in crowded places.” “I love going to holiday markets, but after watching my friend lose hundreds to a scammer, I knew I needed protection. SafeCard blocks thieves silently, and I haven’t had an issue since. It’s the best purchase I’ve made for my security!”

    Hannah L.: “Perfect for travelers like me!” “I’ve had my cards skimmed in airports twice, and it was terrifying. Since using SafeCard, I finally feel safe while traveling. It’s lightweight, discreet, and has stopped several attempted scans already.”

    Aubree R: “A small card with a huge impact!” “I got a SafeCard for myself and my family. It’s so easy to use, and knowing we’re all protected gives me peace of mind every day. It’s worth every penny!”

    Frequently Asked Questions (SafeCard Reviews)

    Still curious about SafeCard? Below are some of the most frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision.

    Do I Need a New Wallet to Use a SafeCard?

    Not at all! SafeCard slides seamlessly into any wallet—whether it’s a leather wallet, cardholder, money clip, or travel organizer. Its ultra-thin and lightweight design makes it an easy addition without adding any noticeable bulk.

    Should I Use More Than One SafeCard for Extra Protection?

    One SafeCard is enough to shield all your RFID-enabled cards inside your wallet. However, if you use multiple wallets, purses, or bags, having an extra SafeCard in each is a smart move—but stacking them in one wallet won’t increase security.

    Is SafeCard Legit or Just a Scam?

    SafeCard is legit. It’s a reliable and effective solution designed to block unauthorized RFID scans and protect your personal and financial data. Thousands of satisfied customers and a 30-day money-back guarantee back up its authenticity. It’s a tested and proven tool for guarding against electronic theft.

    Is SafeCard Waterproof?

    Yes! SafeCard is built to withstand daily use, and its waterproof design means it holds up even in less-than-ideal conditions. Whether caught in the rain or handling spills, SafeCard keeps doing its job.

    Does SafeCard Require Any Special Maintenance?

    No maintenance is needed! SafeCard doesn’t rely on batteries or charging. Once it’s in your wallet, it provides round-the-clock protection—no fuss, no upkeep.

    How Long Does SafeCard Last?

    Crafted from high-quality materials, SafeCard is made to last for years. You can count on it for long-term, reliable protection without worrying about replacements anytime soon.

    Will SafeCard Affect My Phone or Other Devices?

    Nope! SafeCard only blocks RFID scanners—it doesn’t interfere with your phone, tablet, or any other wireless devices. You’ll stay connected without any disruptions.

    Can I Still Use My Contactless Payment Cards?

    Absolutely. SafeCard only blocks scanners when your cards are inside your wallet. To make a payment, just take the card out and tap as usual—simple and secure!

    Is SafeCard a Good Gift Idea?

    Definitely! SafeCard makes a thoughtful and practical gift for anyone—whether it’s family, friends, frequent travelers, students, or professionals who care about keeping their personal information secure.

    How Can I Tell If My SafeCard Is Working?

    Once it’s in your wallet, SafeCard works automatically. If you try to scan your RFID-enabled card without removing it from your wallet, it won’t register—proof that your SafeCard is doing its job.

    Final Wrap On SafeCard Reviews

    In a world where digital theft continues to escalate—with over $28 billion lost annually—the significance of safeguarding your personal and financial information cannot be overemphasized. SafeCard surfaces as a formidable, user-friendly solution that delivers a 24/7 shield from advanced RFID and NFC skimming devices. Whether you’re waiting in line at your favorite coffee shop or traversing through a bustling airport, SafeCard’s sophisticated protection technology operates silently in the background to ensure that your credit cards and IDs remain secure.

    The real-world testimonials from verified buyers speak volumes about the credibility of SafeCard. From travelers like Rachel T., who found renewed confidence after a harrowing experience abroad, to everyday users like Melissa H. and Hannah L. who now enjoy peace of mind in crowded places, the product has persistently shown its ability to safeguard sensitive data. Its compact, maintenance-free design makes it an invaluable accessory, seamlessly fitting into your wallet without sacrificing style or convenience.

    Beyond the technical features, SafeCard depicts a commitment to equipping individuals to take control of their digital safety. By eliminating unlawful scans and stopping data theft before it even begins, SafeCard is a protective device and it’s your silent bodyguard in a progressively interconnected world. And with current promotional offers, including an unbeatable 50% discount and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee, there’s never been a better time to invest in your security.

    Don’t let your wallet become an easy mark for cybercriminals. Adopt a proactive step toward a safer, more secure lifestyle. Safeguard your identity, enjoy every moment of your travels, and join the growing community of satisfied SafeCard customers who are no longer at the mercy of digital thieves. Act now—your peace of mind is just a click away.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR SAFECARD FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE MASSIVE DISCOUNT TODAY

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    Email: support@safecardshield.com

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