Category: Transport

MIL-OSI Global: What ancient ice sheets can tell us about future sea level rise

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Ed Gasson, Royal Society University Research Fellow and Senior Lecturer, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter

When visiting Godrevy beach on the north Cornish coast, most people look out to sea at the lighthouse, surfers and seals rather than the cliffs behind. But these cliffs hold a history of past climate and sea level that is incredibly valuable to scientists like me who are trying to determine how quickly sea level is going to rise in the future.

Scramble up the slate rocks a few metres and you’ll reach a flat platform cut by waves breaking over 100,000 years ago. On top, there’s a cliff of sand and pebbles, an incredibly clear indicator of where the shoreline used to be, several metres higher than it is today.

Beaches like this exist all around the Cornish coastline, near Falmouth at Bream Cove and at the furthest western point near Lands End at Porth Nanven.

Searching for the source of these higher sea levels takes us to the poles. In a climate similar to today, the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets retreated, raising global sea level. Although exactly where this ice was lost from remains a mystery that continues to frustrate scientists.

Godrevy lighthouse, Cornwall, UK.
Vivi_784/Shutterstock

Local science, global stories.

This article is part of a series, Secrets of the Sea, exploring how marine scientists are developing climate solutions.

In collaboration with the BBC, Anna Turns travels around the West Country coastline to meet ocean experts making exciting discoveries beneath the waves.

When ice gets trapped on land as giant ice sheets, it causes the sea level to change, but it doesn’t change by the same amount all around the planet. Like the moon, the gravity of the ice sheets pulls the ocean towards them, causing sea levels to rise near to the ice sheets.

The opposite happens when they melt. As the ice on Greenland retreats today, it’s causing the sea level nearby to fall, rather than rise. Only as far as Scotland, some 1,500 miles from Greenland, does this sea level fall switch to a sea level rise.

The cliffs at Godrevy reveal historic sea level rise.
Ed Gasson, CC BY-NC-ND

This gravity effect leaves behind a distinctive fingerprint in past sea level markers, such as raised beaches and fossil coral reefs. By piecing together data from around the world we can work out the source of past high sea levels.

The raised beaches such as those in north Cornwall are likely caused by the retreat of ice from Antarctica, rather than the ice from Greenland. But direct evidence for ice loss from Antarctica has proven very hard to come by.

I’m involved with an international drilling project that aims to solve this mystery. Following two challenging seasons of drilling, our team of scientists and engineers will return to Antarctica in late 2025 and attempt to recover sediments from deep underneath the ice, to analyse for signals of past ice retreat.

If we’re lucky, we’ll recover records from warm climates millions of years ago. This will help us understand how the west Antarctic ice sheet may change in the future as our climate continues to warm.

Drilling down

Next winter, this international team is travelling to Scott Base, a New Zealand research station at the edge of the Ross ice shelf in west Antarctica. From there, the journey continues over 500 miles to the other end of the ice shelf, an extremely remote corner of an already remote continent.

Everything we need is taken across the ice in a convoy of tracked snow vehicles. A hot water drill is used to make a small hole through the 500m ice shelf, providing access to the sediment below. Up to 200m of valuable sediment core will be retrieved with a custom-designed drilling system.

The geological data contained in these sediments will help us to improve models and refine our predictions of how sea level will rise in the future. As the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increases, it is as if we are rapidly moving backwards through geological time.

Today, there is as much CO₂ in the atmosphere as during a geological epoch known as the mid-Pliocene, more than 3 million years ago. The average estimate for the mid-Pliocene is a concentration of around 400 parts per million (ppm), a value we reached only 12 years ago.

We’ll exceed the highest concentrations of the Pliocene this year. The next warmest interval is probably the mid-Miocene, 12 million years earlier.

Back in Cornwall, some communities are already planning for the effects of sea level rise. In Bude, local people have come together to form a “climate jury”, a panel chosen to give local people a voice as to how to best manage and reduce the impacts of a rising sea.

This approach could be adopted by other communities at risk from sea level rise, alongside other adaptations. Hopefully, the world can avoid a return to the very high sea levels that formed the raised beaches at Godrevy.

Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

Ed Gasson receives funding from The Royal Society and the Natural Environment Research Council.

– ref. What ancient ice sheets can tell us about future sea level rise – https://theconversation.com/what-ancient-ice-sheets-can-tell-us-about-future-sea-level-rise-251185

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: In Case You Missed It: PHOTOS: Capito Participates in Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for new Rehabilitation Science and Athletics Center at the University of Charleston

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a leader on the Senate Appropriations Committee, participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Rehabilitation Science and Athletics Center at the University of Charleston in Charleston, W.Va.

The newly renovated center, which is located inside a portion of Gorman Hall, will house UC’s new occupational and physical therapy programs with modern labs, as well as study rooms, meeting spaces, a classroom, offices, visitor locker rooms and weight rooms for student athletes. In September 2023, Senator Capito advocated for and secured a Congressionally Directed Spending award for this project.

“The Morrison Rehabilitation Science and Athletics Center is a remarkable example of what can be accomplished when federal support, private philanthropy, and strong institutional leadership come together around a shared goal: to invest in the future of our students and in the health and wellness of our communities,” Senator Capito said. “This newly renovated facility will play a vital role in preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals and student athletes. I’m grateful to President Roth, the Board, and all the generous donors who helped bring this vision to life.”

“This is an exciting moment for the University of Charleston, and we could not have done it without Senator Capito’s support,” UC President Marty Roth said. “The federal funding she secured played a major role in bringing the Morrison Center to life. This facility will have a lasting impact not just for our students but for the future of healthcare in West Virginia, as it is designed to meet the growing demand for occupational and physical therapists across the region and nation. We are incredibly thankful for her commitment to higher education and to the health and well-being of our communities.”

Photos from yesterday’s event are below:

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) participates in the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Morrison Rehabilitation Science and Athletics Center in Charleston, W.Va. on Thursday, June 19, 2025.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) participates in the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Morrison Rehabilitation Science and Athletics Center in Charleston, W.Va. on Thursday, June 19, 2025.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Clarke praises emergency services in aftermath of Carrickfergus incident

Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

Statement by TUV Carrick councillor David Clarke:

“The incident at Carrickfergus Marina has shocked and concerned our entire community. A group of nine children and one adult found themselves in serious danger when a boat capsized near the marina.

“Thanks to the remarkable response of our emergency services, a potentially tragic situation was quickly brought under control. I want to place on record my deepest gratitude to the RNLI crews, paramedics, air ambulance staff, and police officers who responded with speed, professionalism, and care. In the most critical moments, they did what they are trained to do. The coordinated effort between land, sea, and air responders exemplifies the very best of our public service. We owe them a great debt.

“I know the thoughts and prayers of the entire community are with the child who was taken to hospital and their family.

“This incident is a sobering reminder of the importance of water safety, especially as we enter the summer season.“

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

June 21, 2025

MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2025 Article IV Consultation with Fiji

Source: IMF – News in Russian

June 20, 2025

Washington, DC: On June 17, 2025, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation[1] with Fiji, and considered and endorsed the staff appraisal without a meeting.

The economic recovery continued in 2024. Staff estimates aggregate GDP growth in 2024 to have reached 3.7 percent. While employment has recovered to pre-pandemic levels, investment has recently been held back by labor shortages and supply-chain challenges. Inflation decelerated though 2024 as the impact of the 2023 value-added tax increase faded and the nominal exchange rate appreciated. The public debt-to-GDP ratio has continued to decline from the peak reached in 2022, but remains elevated, at 80 percent. Likewise, the current account balance has improved, but the deficit in 2024 is estimated to be around 6.7 percent.

Monetary and financial conditions remain accommodative, while the fiscal stance has tightened. The Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) has maintained the policy rate at 0.25 percent since early 2020. The fiscal stance tightened in FY2024, with the overall deficit declining from 7.2 percent of GDP in FY2023 (August-July) to 3.5 percent of GDP in FY2024, compared to a budgeted deficit of 4.8 percent of GDP.

Executive Board Assessment

In concluding the 2025 Article IV consultation with Fiji, Executive Directors endorsed staff’s appraisal, as follows:

The economy has been recovering from the pandemic but is facing new setbacks. Growth is expected to fall in 2025, to about 2.6 percent, mostly because of slowing external demand, and to take a couple of years to recover to its medium-term potential rate. The baseline projection implies that public debt would remain elevated. In addition, FX reserve coverage would fall, implying that the external position remains moderately weak. Growth would be higher with successful structural reforms, or should the external environment be more favorable than assumed. But the balance of risks appears to be mostly to the downside, both in the near term, if trade tensions were to worsen or their effects be more severe than assumed in the baseline, or over the medium term, mostly given vulnerabilities to natural disasters.

Fiscal and monetary policies should focus on addressing macroeconomic imbalances.

Fiscal policy should focus on lowering public debt while continuing with growth-friendly fiscal consolidation, oriented toward capital spending. Significant progress has been achieved in recent years, but additional adjustment measures are needed to put public debt on a clear downward path. Targeted and temporary social protection measures should be used to protect the vulnerable. Fiscal tightening would also contribute to reducing external imbalances.
Over the medium term, given potential pressures on the exchange rate peg, monetary conditions should be gradually tightened, raising the policy rate and reducing excess liquidity.
Financial policy should be attentive to emerging credit risks and to safeguard against money laundering risks.
The authorities should avoid using exchange rate restrictions and CFMs in place of macroeconomic adjustment and focus on a gradual, sequenced capital account liberalization to support high long-run growth objectives.

Raising potential growth calls for sustained structural reforms.

Progress has been achieved in enhancing the business environment and addressing near-term constraints to growth. Immediate concerns include addressing ageing infrastructure in electricity, water, and waste utilities, and improving the transport network and digital connectivity. Ongoing concerns include training and human capital. Successful measures would also encourage more foreign investment, ease external imbalances, and reduce “brain drain.”
As for other Pacific states, Fiji faces ongoing challenges from natural disasters and climate change. Increasing resilience adds to the motivation to shift away from current toward capital spending.

Such issues require sustained political consensus and good governance. The government’s recognition of the importance of institutional reform, commitment to the rule of law, and reducing corruption and bribery is welcome. Recent legislative progress will need to be matched by proper enforcement and addressing capacity constraints in the civil service.

Fiji: Selected Economic Indicators, 2022–30
	2022	2023	2024	2025	2026	2027	2028	2029	2030
			Est.	Proj.
Output and prices (percent change)
Real GDP	19.8	7.5	3.7	2.6	2.8	3.2	3.2	3.2	3.2
GDP deflator	2.4	4.1	6.3	3.2	3.1	3.2	3.3	3.4	3.5
Consumer prices (average)	4.3	2.3	4.5	3.2	3.1	3.2	3.3	3.4	3.5
Consumer prices (end of period)	3.1	5.1	1.3	3.1	3.2	3.3	3.4	3.5	3.5

Central government budget on fiscal-year basis (percent of GDP)
Revenue and Grants	21.4	23.2	27.4	27.1	27.1	26.8	26.8	26.6	26.5
Expenditure	33.5	30.3	31.0	31.5	31.2	31.0	31.0	30.9	30.9
Overall balance	-12.1	-7.2	-3.5	-4.4	-4.2	-4.2	-4.2	-4.3	-4.4
Primary balance	-8.5	-3.3	0.5	-0.3	-0.3	-0.6	-0.6	-0.7	-0.8
Central government debt	90.4	83.3	79.5	77.7	77.7	77.6	77.3	77.0	76.8
Central government external debt	33.3	30.6	28.7	26.5	26.5	26.4	26.1	25.8	25.6

External sector (percent of GDP)
Current account balance	-17.3	-7.7	-6.7	-7.0	-7.7	-7.5	-7.2	-6.9	-6.9
Trade balance	-32.9	-32.7	-30.0	-29.1	-27.7	-27.3	-27.3	-26.9	-26.4
Services balance	11.8	20.4	20.0	19.9	18.4	17.8	17.3	17.1	16.5
Primary Income balance	-5.3	-5.7	-6.4	-6.8	-6.6	-6.4	-6.0	-5.9	-5.9
Secondary Income balance	9.2	10.3	9.6	9.0	8.2	8.5	8.8	8.9	9.0
Capital account balance	0.1	0.1	0.1	0.1	0.1	0.1	0.1	0.1	0.1
Financial account balance (-= inflows)	-14.0	-4.9	-6.6	-4.1	-5.3	-5.7	-6.9	-6.5	-6.5
FDI	-1.8	-1.1	-1.6	-4.5	-5.4	-6.1	-7.3	-7.1	-7.2
Portfolio investment	0.5	1.0	1.7	1.7	1.7	1.7	1.7	1.7	1.7
Other investment	-12.7	-4.8	-6.7	-1.3	-1.5	-1.3	-1.3	-1.1	-1.0
Errors and omissions	5.1	4.2	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0
Change in reserve assets (-=increase)	-2.1	0.3	0.1	2.9	2.3	1.7	0.3	0.3	0.4
Gross official reserves (in months of prospective imports)	5.5	5.3	5.2	4.4	3.7	3.1	2.9	2.6	…

Money and credit (percent change)
Net domestic assets of depository corporations	4.9	12.1	8.0	6.4	6.1	…	…	…	…
Claims on private sector	6.7	7.5	11.4	10.0	8.0	…	…	…	…
Broad money (M3)	5.1	9.1	6.6	4.1	4.1	…	…	…	…
Monetary base	15.8	-4.0	7.5	3.6	1.4	…	…	…	…
Central Bank Policy rate (end of period)	0.25	0.25	0.25	…	…	…	…	…	…
Commercial banks deposits rate (end of period)	0.4	0.4	0.3	…	…	…	…	…	…
Commercial banks lending rate (end of period)	5.2	4.8	4.6	…	…	…	…	…	…

Memorandum items
Exchange rate, average (FJD/USD)	2.2	2.3	2.3	…	…	…	…	…	…
Real effective exchange rate, average	108.2	106.4	108.3	…	…	…	…	…	…
GDP at current market prices (in millions of Fiji dollars)	10,940	12,245	13,494	14,286	15,148	16,130	17,193	18,342	19,594
GDP at current market prices (in millions of U.S. dollars)	4,970	5,442	5,949	6,257	6,564	6,913	7,284	7,674	8,089
GDP per capita (in U.S. dollars)	5,450	5,933	6,447	6,740	7,030	7,359	7,707	8,072	8,508
Sources: Reserve Bank of Fiji; Ministry of Finance; and IMF Staff Estimates and Projections.

[1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.

IMF Communications Department

MEDIA RELATIONS

PRESS OFFICER: Pemba Sherpa

Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/20/pr-25208-fiji-imf-concludes-2025-article-iv-consultation

MIL OSI

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 21, 2025

MIL-OSI: Syncfusion® Partners with Evrotrust to Offer Qualified Electronic Signatures in BoldSign™
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Syncfusion, Inc.^®, the enterprise technology provider of choice, today announced a partnership with Evrotrust, a premier qualified trust service provider (QTSP), to deliver qualified electronic signatures (QES) directly inside Syncfusion’s e-signature platform, BoldSign™. The integration enables BoldSign customers to request and apply Evrotrust QES for legally binding signatures across the European Union (EU), without disrupting existing workflows.

“We believe every team, no matter its size or location, deserves signing workflows that inspire confidence,” said Daniel Jebaraj, CEO of Syncfusion. “Partnering with Evrotrust lets us bring the highest assurance level of e-signatures to BoldSign, helping customers close deals faster while staying fully compliant across Europe.”

The Evrotrust integration builds on BoldSign’s recent investments in regional data centers and advanced compliance features, reinforcing the platform’s commitment to secure, affordable, and globally trusted e-signing.

“By combining Evrotrust’s eIDAS-notified qualified electronic signatures with BoldSign’s intuitive experience, organizations can protect their most important agreements without adding friction,” said Konstantin Bezuhanov, CEO of Evrotrust. “Together, we deliver the legal certainty and user simplicity modern businesses expect.”

Key benefits of the partnership for BoldSign users include:
- Qualified provider: Evrotrust is an eIDAS-notified QTSP; its QES carries automatic legal validity throughout the EU, strengthening stakeholder trust.
- Seamless workflow: Enable QES with a single toggle in BoldSign or via API, reducing administrative overhead
- Compliance and risk management: Remote ID checks, AI-powered liveness tests, tamper-evident audit trails, and end-to-end encryption help organizations meet eIDAS, GDPR, and SOC 2 requirements while guarding against fraud and/or data breaches.
- Pan-European reach: One integration covers every EU member state and select non-EU jurisdictions that recognize eIDAS standards, enabling businesses to confidently expand their reach across markets.
- Cost-effective add-on: Pay only when a qualified signature is requested; existing BoldSign plans remain unchanged.
For more information on BoldSign’s QES capabilities, visit boldsign.com/qes.

About Syncfusion, Inc.
Headquartered in the technology hub of Research Triangle Park, N.C., Syncfusion, Inc.^® delivers an award-winning ecosystem of developer control suites, embeddable BI platforms, and business software. Syncfusion was founded in 2001 with a single software component and a mission to support businesses of all sizes—from individual developers and start-ups to Fortune 500 enterprises. Though its pilot product, the Essential Studio^® suite, has grown to over 1,900 developer controls, its mission remains the same. With offices in the U.S., India, and Kenya, Syncfusion prioritizes the customer experience by providing feature-rich solutions to help developers and enterprises solve complex problems, save money, and build high-performance, robust applications.

About Evrotrust
Evrotrust is an electronic identity and qualified trust service provider certified under the eIDAS regulation. The company’s mission is to help businesses and governments transform their processes and develop sustainable digital channels. The Evrotrust platform is an end-to-end solution for digital onboarding and electronic signing that enables users to remotely register and authenticate for any service using only their smartphone. It is easily integrated into third party backend systems and mobile applications. Working with Evrotrust empowers any organization to provide excellent user experience while staying compliant with regulations and keeping fraud away.

Contact: Brittany Kearns
Phone: 571-271-7211
Email: brittany@crossroadsb2b.com

The MIL Network –
June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: MHRA approves UK’s first anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody for treatment of aggressive form of lung cancer
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

MHRA approves UK’s first anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody for treatment of aggressive form of lung cancer

As with all products, we will keep its safety under close review
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today, 20 June 2025, approved serplulimab (Hetronifly) to treat adults with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC), which has not previously been treated, and has spread within the lungs or to other parts of the body.

SCLC is a fast-growing cancer that typically develops in the airways of the lungs. It accounts for 10-15% of lung cancer cases and is often diagnosed at a late stage when the cancer has already spread.

Serplulimab is a monoclonal antibody (a targeted therapy) that supports the immune system by blocking PD-1, a receptor some cancer cells use to avoid detection. By inhibiting PD-1, it helps immune cells recognise and destroy cancer cells more effectively.

Julian Beach, MHRA Interim Executive Director of Healthcare Quality and Access, said:

“Patient safety is our top priority, which is why I am pleased to confirm approval of serplulimab to treat extensive-stage small cell lung cancer.

“As the first and only anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody approved in the UK for small cell lung cancer, this marks an important new treatment option for patients with this aggressive type of lung cancer who currently have limited choices and face a poor prognosis.

“We’re assured that the appropriate regulatory standards of safety, quality and efficacy for the approval of this medicine have been met. As with all products, we will keep its safety under close review.”

Serplulimab is given by intravenous infusion (into a vein) once every three weeks, in combination with chemotherapy (carboplatin and etoposide). Treatment can continue for as long as there is deemed clinical benefit.

Approval is based on results from a randomised, double-blind clinical trial involving 585 adults with extensive-stage SCLC who had not received prior treatment. Participants received either serplulimab or placebo, alongside chemotherapy.

Patients given serplulimab with chemotherapy lived on average for 15.4 months, compared with 10.9 months for those receiving chemotherapy and placebo.

A full list of side effects can be found in the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) or the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC), available on the MHRA website within 7 days of approval.

As with any medicine, the MHRA will keep the safety and effectiveness of serplulimab under close review.  Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from this medicine are encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the Yellow Card scheme, either through the website (https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/) or by searching the Google Play or Apple App stores for MHRA Yellow Card. 

Notes to editors 

The new marketing authorisation was granted on 20 June 2025 to Accord Healthcare Limited.

This product was submitted and approved via an international recognition procedure.

More information can be found in the Summary of Product Characteristics and Patient Information leaflets which will be published on the MHRA Products website within 7 days of approval.

For more information about small cell lung cancer, visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lung-cancer/

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe.  All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks.

The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care.

For media enquiries, please contact the newscentre@mhra.gov.uk, or call on 020 3080 7651.

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Published 20 June 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Extreme Heat to Impact New York State
Source: US State of New York

overnor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the high outdoor temperatures that will impact most of the State beginning on Sunday. The National Weather Service is forecasting that major to extreme risk of heat-related impacts are possible starting on Sunday through at least Wednesday across New York State. On Sunday, “feels-like” temperatures may reach up to or above 100 degrees especially in the Western New York, Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, and Mid-Hudson Regions. On Monday, “feels-like” temperatures will be 95-110 degrees across all of NYS, with overnight temperatures ranging from 70-85 degrees and may be higher in urban areas. On Tuesday, “feels-like” temperatures will range from 85-110 degrees statewide. Feels like temperature will remain high Wednesday, but will decline into the 90s.

“The number one cause of weather-related death is extreme heat, but preparation, communication and other precautions can save lives,” Governor Hochul said. “That is why we are deploying a whole of government approach to keep New Yorkers safe, working to protect our most vulnerable populations, and encouraging voters to take advantage of early voting ahead of the June 24 Primary Election Day.”

Voters in New York City, Albany, Syracuse, and elsewhere can expect high temperatures on Primary Election Day, Tuesday June 24. To beat the heat, take advantage of early voting or request an early mail ballot in person at your local county board of elections office.

Extreme heat is dangerous and is the leading cause of weather-related fatalities in the United States. The most common heat-related illnesses are heat stroke (sun stroke), heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rash. Learn more about heat related illness, including signs and symptoms and when to take action on the State Health Department’s extreme heat advice webpage.

New Yorkers should also plan accordingly for pet care to ensure pet safety during periods of extreme heat:
- Provide ample water indoors and outdoors.
- Limit outdoor activity, and if outdoors, rest in shaded areas regularly.
- Be mindful of pavement temperatures — hot surfaces may cause burns on paws, so consider walking on grass or using pet boots.
- Never leave pets in vehicles unattended when heat is a risk.
- Know the signs of heatstroke in pets including excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting and stumbling.
New York State agencies are taking the actions and making recommendations to respond to the forecasted heat. These include:

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
The Office of Emergency Management is in regular contact with county emergency managers to ensure cooling centers are available, and to offer support and advise on extreme heat risks. In addition, the agency is facilitating preparations and coordinating guidance and communications with State agency partners. Information on how to manage extreme heat can be found online. To receive real time weather and emergency alerts, New Yorkers are encouraged to text the name of their county or borough to 333111.

New York State Department of Public Service
The Department of Public Service (DPS) is tracking electric system conditions and overseeing utility response to any situations that may arise as a result of this week’s extreme heat and potential thunderstorm activity. DPS has been in direct contact with utility leaders to ensure they are preparing their systems for the extreme heat and will be tracking system conditions throughout the event. New York’s utilities have approximately 5,500 workers available, as necessary, to engage in damage assessment, response, repair, and restoration efforts across New York State for this heat event. Agency staff will track utilities’ work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact.

During heat waves, increased usage of electric devices such as air conditioners place a considerable demand on the state’s electricity system and instances of low voltage or isolated power outages can result. The record for such usage was set on July 19, 2013, when it reached 33,956 MWs (one megawatt of electricity is enough to power up to 1,000 average-sized homes).

DPS is tracking electric system conditions and overseeing utility response to any situations that may arise as a result of the incoming thunderstorms and extreme heat. DPS has been in direct contact with utility leaders to ensure they are preparing their systems for the extreme heat and will be monitoring system conditions throughout the event.

Department staff, as a part of annual summer preparation activities, work with all utilities to confirm that they will reliably meet customer demands for the summer operating period. Based on staff review and assessment of utility data, meetings with each of the individual utilities and the New York Independent System Operator, staff found that the state’s electric transmission and distribution systems are prepared to reliably meet forecasted 2025 summer electric demands.

If necessary during next week’s expected heat, DPS will activate its standard peak load reduction program for all New York State agencies; NYISO will activate their voluntary Emergency Response Demand Program to curtail load if needed.

New York State Department of Health
The State Health Department is taking a number of steps to promote the safety of all New Yorkers in periods of extreme heat, especially those most at risk. The Department has distributed guidance to all hospitals and nursing homes and will issue additional guidance to hosts of any scheduled public events with over 5,000 people in attendance. The Department is working with DSHES and local health departments and emergency managers to ensure access to cooling centers and safe spaces during this extreme heat.

The New York State Department of Health’s interactive Heat Risk and Illness Dashboard allows the public and county health care officials to determine the forecasted level of heat-related health risks in their area and raise awareness about the dangers of heat exposure.

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Many New York State Park beaches and pools are open for the season. Prior to making a trip, potential visitors should call ahead to the park they plan to visit or check https://parks.ny.gov/parks/ for park hours and operations. Changes in weather and water conditions may affect swimming status. Park status updates are also available on the free New York State Parks Explorer mobile app for iOS and Android devices.

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
The agency has compiled important information, including preventative measures, to help mitigate the effects of extreme heat on farm workers and farm animals. The Department will also be working closely with partners at The New York Extension Disaster Education Network (NY EDEN) at Cornell University to monitor any potential impacts of the extreme heat expected this week. NY EDEN is also a resource for farmers and farm workers during a heat wave, and additional information can be found at https://eden.cce.cornell.edu/natural-hazards/heat-wave/.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
The Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Emergency Management staff, Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers, and both central office and regional staff remain on alert and continue to monitor weather forecasts. Working with partner agencies, DEC is prepared to coordinate resource deployment of all available assets, including first responders, to targeted areas in preparation for potential impacts due to heavy rainfall and flooding.

Unpredictable weather and storms in the Adirondacks, Catskills, and other backcountry areas can create unexpectedly hazardous conditions. Visitors should be prepared with proper clothing and equipment for rain, mud, and warmer temperatures to ensure a safe outdoor experience.

Hikers are advised to temporarily avoid all high-elevation trails, as well as trails that cross rivers and streams. Hikers in the Adirondacks are encouraged to check the Adirondack Backcountry Information webpages for updates on trail conditions, seasonal road closures, and general recreation information.

Hiking Safety
Hiking in the heat is always risky. New Yorkers and visitors should review the following tips to prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke:
- Slow your pace.
- Drink water and rest often.
- Seek shade and avoid long periods in direct sunlight.
- Bring at least 2 liters of water for any hike.
- Bring a water filter, especially for longer hikes.
- Bring salty snacks to keep your electrolytes in check.
- Wear sunscreen.
- Leave your pets at home — the heat is harder on them, especially walking on hot rocks.
- Consider staying home yourself and rescheduling for another day when weather conditions improve.
Even if the weather is forecast to be high heat all day, there’s always a chance of hypothermia due to a sudden storm or drop in temperatures. This can increase dramatically if you’re sweating and not wearing sweat-wicking clothing made of fabrics such as wool or polyester. Many cases of hypothermia are in the summer when people least expect it.

Whether you are hiking, mountain biking or paddling, Hike Smart NY can help you prepare with a list of 10 essentials, guidance on what to wear, and tips for planning your trip with safety and sustainability in mind. In an emergency, call 9-1-1. To request Forest Ranger assistance, call 1-833-NYS-RANGERS.

Air Quality
DEC is continuing to monitor air quality across the State and will issue air quality health advisories as necessary. New Yorkers are encouraged be “Air Quality Aware” and check airnow.gov for accurate information on air quality forecasts and conditions. To view the latest DEC air quality forecasts, visit the DEC website.

Extreme Heat
DEC recently released preliminary Urban Heat Island maps to help communities better understand, plan for, and adapt to extreme heat exposures on the neighborhood level. Links to the maps, as well as additional information and data, can be found on DEC’s Extreme Heat Action Plan webpage  and posted at nys-heat.daveyinstitute.com/hottest-hour. The project advances a key action in the Extreme Heat Action Plan and advances a 2022 law signed by Governor Hochul directing DEC to study the impacts of disproportionate concentrations of extreme heat in disadvantaged communities across the state.

The New York State Department of Labor has released comprehensive guidance to help employers better protect outdoor workers during extreme heat and advises workers and employers to engage in extreme heat best practices such as:
- Ensure access to clean drinking water at no cost to workers, available at all times and as close to the worksite as possible.
- Provide shade and paid rest when the heat index reaches 80 degrees Fahrenheit or above, and more frequent rest breaks once the heat index exceeds 90 degrees.
- Wear proper PPE so long as they do not interfere with safety equipment, including sunscreen, cooling vests, wide-brim hats, and lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
More information on best practices for working in extreme heat can be found here.

Thruway Authority maintenance crews will be conducting standard daily operations during times where temperatures are lowest and will enhance patrols monitoring the highway. Motorists are reminded and encouraged to take breaks at one of 26 service areas, or three Welcome Centers located on the Thruway system.

New York State Department of Transportation maintenance crews will conduct most outdoor work during morning hours and follow established hydration and rest protocols to help mitigate the risks associated with high temperatures.

New York State Office of Children and Family Services
The agency is taking a number of actions to ensure activities at residential centers, detention programs and congregate care programs are conducted in a safe manner during the heat. This includes checking cooling equipment, ensuring proper amounts of water are available and consumed, rescheduling activities and meetings, and identifying staff and clients who may be affected by heat. They are also providing guidance to child care programs and groups associated with the Commission for the Blind statewide.

New York State Office of Mental Health
In advance of the hot conditions, New Yorkers should be aware of the impact high heat may have on individuals receiving antipsychotic medications, who are at particular risk of heat stroke and neuroleptic malignant syndrome during periods of extreme heat, which is more likely in poorly ventilated areas. Children and the elderly are at increased risk.

In addition to monitoring individuals at risk, such conditions are best prevented by a heightened attention to hydration, particularly those at high risk, including individuals taking antipsychotic medications, the elderly, children and those with poor fluid intake. Also, individuals at high-risk should remain in cooler areas; be monitored for temperature elevations; avoid direct exposure to sunlight and wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Anticholinergic medications may interfere with sweating and should be minimized.

New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
The agency is reminding local departments of social services and emergency homeless shelter operators of the need to provide fans to help maintain reasonable air circulation during times of extreme heat and humidity. Also, shelter providers should provide a cooling room in the facility for residents, if feasible.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority
To reduce potential impacts to service and reduce response times to heat-related events, NYC Transit will implement heat patrols to proactively increase track inspections and stage extra personnel in key risk areas including power substations, machine rooms, generators, cables, and connections. To ensure functioning air conditioning, subway railcars and buses will be inspected before being placed in service. Paratransit service providers are reminded vehicles must have functioning air-conditioning. Buses and operators will be on standby for any support needed with subways or emergency service. NYC Transit also completes a continuous welded rail watch when rail temperatures exceed 100 degrees to be vigilant of rail kinks or other issues.

Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad crews will be staged at key locations to be able to respond quickly to weather-related issues. The railroads will monitor rail temperatures, deploy heat patrols to inspect the rails for any kinks, and stage additional Power Department personnel to protect power substations and overhead aerial lines. Train crews have been instructed to report any rail conditions that need attention.

The Port Authority Office of Emergency Management coordinates with facility teams to monitor weather conditions and operational impacts and maintains communication with regional partners to support response readiness during periods of elevated temperatures.

For a complete listing of weather watches, warnings, advisories and latest forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website.

MIL OSI USA News –
June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI: 1 Hour Payday Loans With No Credit Check Guaranteed Approval – Money Mutual Launches New Offering for Borrowers with Instant Loan for Bad Credit in 2025
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Glendale, California, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Money Mutual has introduced a new service to help people with urgent financial needs by offering 1-hour payday loans, no credit check, and guaranteed approval. This platform connects borrowers with licensed lenders who provide quick funding, even for those with low credit scores. As financial emergencies increase, Money Mutual makes it easier and safer for consumers to get fast access to the money they need.

Higher Demand for 1-Hour Payday Loans with No Credit Check

This year, more people are turning to small, short-term loans because of unexpected expenses like rising inflation, medical bills, and urgent payments. The demand for 1-hour payday loans with no credit check is growing because these loans offer quick and easy access to funds.

Many borrowers prefer payday loans online with instant approval to avoid long application processes and credit checks that could hurt their credit scores. Money Mutual’s platform helps by connecting borrowers with lenders who make fast decisions, easing financial pressure for many Americans.

Key Features of Money Mutual’s 1-Hour Payday Loans with No Credit Check

Money Mutual’s new service offers several features to make borrowing quick and secure. It connects borrowers with licensed direct lenders for fast approvals, no credit checks, and flexible loan amounts, making it perfect for those in need of emergency funds.
- Quick Approval: Borrowers can get approved in minutes thanks to Money Mutual’s fast network of lenders.
- No Credit Check: The platform connects borrowers with lenders who don’t perform hard credit checks, making it ideal for those with poor credit.
- Flexible Loan Amounts: Money Mutual offers a range of loan options to meet individual financial needs.
- Licensed Lenders: Money Mutual works only with licensed, trusted lenders, ensuring safe and reliable borrowing.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR 1 HOUR PAYDAY LOANS NO CREDIT CHECK

How Money Mutual’s 1-Hour Payday Loans with No Credit Check Work

Money Mutual’s process is simple, clear, and fast for those in need of quick funds. It connects borrowers with licensed direct lenders through an easy-to-use online platform, eliminating delays and complex paperwork.
- Online Application: Borrowers fill out a secure digital form with basic personal and financial details to start the process.
- Instant Lender Matching: Money Mutual quickly matches borrowers with appropriate lenders based on their information, often within minutes.
- Loan Offer Review: Borrowers can review the loan terms from lenders before making any decisions, ensuring they understand the terms.
- Electronic Fund Transfer: Once the loan is accepted, funds are transferred electronically, often within the same business day.
Technology & Security Behind Money Mutual’s 1-Hour Payday Loans

Money Mutual uses advanced encryption and secure servers to protect borrowers’ information during the application process. The platform follows data privacy rules and ensures transparency when sharing information with lenders. Its technology-driven system quickly matches borrowers with lenders while keeping their data safe.

Eligibility Requirements for Payday Loans with No Credit Check

If you’re considering Money Mutual’s 1-hour payday loans with no credit check, it’s important to know the basic eligibility requirements. Money Mutual ensures that borrowers meet these minimum standards before connecting them with licensed lenders, helping to support responsible borrowing and fast loan processing.
- Minimum Age: Borrowers must be at least 18 years old to apply for a payday loan. This ensures compliance with legal requirements, and lenders verify age using official documents.
- Proof of Income: Applicants need to show proof of income to confirm they can repay the loan. This could include recent pay stubs, bank statements, or benefits documentation.
- Valid Bank Account: A checking or savings account in the borrower’s name is required to receive the loan and make repayments.
- U.S. Residency: The loans are available only to U.S. residents. Applicants must confirm their residency status during the application to comply with federal and state laws.
Benefits of Money Mutual’s 1-Hour Payday Loans with No Credit Check vs. Traditional Payday Loans

More people are choosing Money Mutual’s online process for 1-hour payday loans with no credit check over traditional payday lending. Money Mutual connects borrowers with loans that offer guaranteed approval and fast funding, making it easier, quicker, and more transparent. Here’s why digital lending is changing short-term borrowing in 2025:
- Faster Processing: Unlike traditional payday loan stores that require paperwork and in-person visits, Money Mutual offers quick online applications with instant approval. Borrowers can apply in minutes and get matched with lenders almost immediately.
- Clearer Loan Terms: Traditional payday lenders sometimes don’t fully explain the loan terms. Money Mutual lets borrowers see the full details, including repayment schedules and APRs, before they agree to the loan. This helps borrowers make informed choices.
- Easy Access from Anywhere: With Money Mutual, borrowers can apply for loans from any device, eliminating the need to visit a physical location. This makes it more convenient for people with busy schedules or urgent expenses.
- Larger Network of Lenders: Money Mutual works with many licensed lenders, increasing the chances of approval and giving borrowers the opportunity to compare offers for better terms.
CHECK OUT 1-HOUR PAYDAY LOAN OPTIONS WITH NO CREDIT CHECK

How Money Mutual Connects Borrowers with Licensed Payday Lenders?

Money Mutual makes it easy for borrowers to get 1-hour payday loans with no credit check by connecting them with licensed direct lenders across the country. The platform ensures that borrowers are matched quickly, securely, and in line with all regulations.
- Digital Lender Network: Money Mutual works with a network of licensed lenders offering no credit check payday loans. This allows borrowers to compare multiple loan offers at once, increasing their chances of approval and helping them find loans that fit their needs.
- Automated Screening: The platform uses automated technology to match borrowers with the right lenders for their loan requests. This speeds up the process and reduces errors.
- Secure Information Sharing: Borrower details are safely sent to lenders using encrypted methods, ensuring their personal information is protected throughout the application process.
- Easy Communication: Money Mutual allows borrowers to communicate directly with lenders online, making it simple to review, ask questions, and accept loan terms without having to visit a physical office.
Conclusion

In conclusion, Money Mutual is revolutionizing the payday loan process by offering a fast and secure way for borrowers to access 1-hour payday loans with no credit check. Through its digital platform, Money Mutual connects applicants with licensed lenders, allowing for quick approvals and hassle-free applications.

This streamlined approach eliminates the need for lengthy paperwork or in-person visits, making it an ideal solution for those in urgent financial situations. By prioritizing transparency and security, Money Mutual ensures that borrowers can make informed decisions with confidence.

The platform’s automated technology, secure information handling, and a wide network of lenders provide a convenient and reliable way to secure quick financial support. With Money Mutual, borrowers can access the funds they need when they need them, all while keeping the process simple and secure.

FAQs
1. What is the easiest cash loan to get approved for?
  - The easiest cash loans to get approved for are typically payday loans or personal loans with no credit check. These loans often have fast approval processes but come with higher fees and interest rates.
2. Is Salad Money a payday loan?
  - No, Salad Money is not a traditional payday loan. It provides short-term, no-interest loans for people in need, primarily focused on helping individuals with low or no credit.
3. How to borrow $500 immediately?
  - You can borrow $500 immediately through payday loans, personal loans from online lenders, or by using a credit card if available. Many lenders offer fast approval for these amounts, but fees and interest rates may apply.
4. How can I get $1000 today?
  - To get $1000 today, you can consider payday loans, pawnshop loans, or request a cash advance from your credit card. Be mindful of high fees and interest rates with these options.
5. What is a hardship loan?
  - A hardship loan is a loan offered to individuals facing financial difficulties, such as medical emergencies or job loss. These loans often have more lenient terms to help borrowers manage through tough times.
Disclaimer:
Money Mutual is not a lender and does not make loan decisions. Loan approval is subject to the lender’s terms and conditions, including income verification and eligibility. Loan amounts, fees, and repayment terms may vary based on the lender’s policies. Emergency loan bad credit guaranteed approval, no credit check loans guaranteed approval, and other offers are available based on individual circumstances and lender requirements. Approval is not guaranteed and may depend on various factors, including your income and financial history. Always review loan terms before accepting any offer.

Mail: customerservice@moneymutual.com

Brand website: https://moneymutual.com/
Project name: Money Mutual
Address: 2510 E. Sunset Rd.
Ste 6, #85
Las Vegas NV, 89120
Postal code: 89120
Media Contact:
Full Name – Chloe Simon
Company website: https://moneymutual.com/
Email: customerservice@moneymutual.com

===================================

Contact Us For Advertising – rajneesh08verma@gmail.com

Attachment
- moneymutals
The MIL Network –
June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Nick Langworthy Holds Press Conference on Energy Choice Act, Vows to End Blue-State Wars on American Energy

Source: US Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23)

ELMIRA, N.Y. – Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) held a press conference in Elmira, NY, on the Energy Choice Act to prohibit states or local governments from banning an energy service’s connection, reconnection, modification, installation, or expansion based on the type or source of energy to be delivered.

“Governor Kathy Hochul and Democrats in Albany are hurting New Yorkers with their relentless war on American energy,” said Congressman Langworthy. “Her effort to ban the use of gas in buildings across the state will not only increase energy costs for families, but it will also eliminate a reliable and necessary source of energy that keeps homes heated and people safe. As this is becoming a dangerous trend in blue states across the country, the Energy Choice Act would end these costly bans and secure our nation’s energy future.”

Watch the livestream here.

“The Independent Oil and Gas Association of New York (IOGANY) fully supports the passage of the proposed Energy Choice Act. IOGANY is an association of oil and gas producers, pipeline companies, and associated support industries that provide safe, reliable, cost-effective energy in New York State. We are also New York State business owners and homeowners that are experiencing the same inflationary costs as NY citizens.

“During the past decade, New York has implemented policies to improve New York’s air quality through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). Both of these policies are focused on reaching emission reduction goals by reducing the use of fossil fuels and increasing the use of green energy (wind and solar). These efforts have resulted in increased electric and natural gas utility bills as costs of these green energy programs are passed through to the business community and homeowners. Everyone knows the sun does not shine and the wind does not blow all the time, so this transition is impacting energy reliability.

“In addition to increased utility bills, these policies will force home and business owners to pay to convert buildings and homes to use primarily electric energy (new electric appliances and heating systems), as well as, purchase electric vehicles and pay for charging stations installation. This is increasing the cost of living in New York State at a time when we already have a high tax burden and people are leaving the state.

“IOGANY members, as citizens and business owners in New York, want clean air but question what this effort will cost citizens and will reliable energy be available to support our current standard of living. We also question if the current established emission goals can be reached while still providing safe, reliable, cost-effective energy. Cleaner air is a wonderful objective but at what cost and impact on our standard of living. This is why as individuals and members of the oil and gas industry, we support the Clean Energy Choice Bill passage,” said the Independent Oil and Gas Association of New York.

“This Energy Choice legislation is of key importance to all New Yorkers. This bill gives the ability to adequately power and heat our homes, businesses, and institutions that make New York the Empire State. The plumbing and heating contractors of the NYS PHCC have members throughout the entire state, employing thousands of technicians, many union plumbers, who see firsthand how ill-conceived but well-intentioned local and state restrictive energy laws are jeopardizing our energy usage and supply in our great state. Everyone wants to have efficient, environmentally friendly and reliable energy. This law would allow for the use of not only renewable gas and hydrogen but also other fuels like bio biodiesel, all made in New York. The NYS PHCC fully supports Congress member Langworthy’s Energy Choice Act,” said Terence O’Brien Co-Executive Director; NYS PHCC.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Nick Langworthy Announces $594,115 HHS Grant for St. Bonaventure University

Source: US Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) announced the Department of Health and Human Services has awarded $594,115 to St. Bonaventure University for a mental and behavioral health education and training program.

“I’m proud to announce this critical investment in mental and behavioral health education at St. Bonaventure University,” said Congressman Langworthy. “This funding will help train the next generation of professionals who are so urgently needed in our communities. Expanding access to care starts with strengthening our workforce, and this grant is a strong step forward.”

###

MIL OSI USA News –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA News: Pass the One Big Beautiful Bill to Safeguard America’s Sovereignty
Source: US Whitehouse
President Donald J. Trump has overseen a dramatic reversal in the nation’s border security — going from 62,000 illegal immigrants released into the country in a single month under the Biden Administration to zero under the Trump Administration and achieving the lowest-ever numbers of daily illegal crossings.

Now, we’re at a defining crossroads: pass the One Big Beautiful Bill and fortify that extraordinary progress — or don’t, and risk jeopardizing the nation’s safety and sovereignty once again.

Pass the One Big Beautiful Bill and we will:
- Invest in securing our homeland. We will make the largest-ever one-time investment in border security — enough to detain and deport at least one million illegals every year and massively expand detention capacity.
- Give a boost to our frontline heroes. We will not only give the men and women of Border Patrol and ICE a $10,000/year bonus in each of the next four years, we will also deliver needed reinforcements to finish the job — with funding for 10,000 new ICE personnel, 5,000 new customs officers, and 3,000 new Border Patrol agents.
- Finish President Trump’s border wall. We will secure full operational control of our southern border by constructing hundreds of miles of border wall, river barriers, and vehicle and pedestrian barriers — critical for repelling future foreign invasion and maintaining our national security.
Fail to act, and we risk squandering the historic gains we’ve achieved and setting the nation back on a course of chaos and vulnerability.
MIL OSI USA News –
June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Analysis: Outsourcing cost of ‘impact’ data could mean 13% more bang for every charitable buck

Source: The Conversation – USA – By George E. Mitchell, Professor of Public and International Affairs, Baruch College, CUNY

Trying to measure a charity’s impact requires the right tools. MirageC/Moment via Getty Images

Charitable donors often make gifts despite having little information about the organizations they support. Without relevant data, that money may not flow to the charities that evidence suggests are delivering the biggest bang for donors’ bucks.

But getting good information about what donors call “impact” takes money, time and effort. If donors are responsible for those costs, then they may not obtain the data, and charities would be less likely to produce the data in the first place.

I’m a public and international affairs professor who researches nonprofits and philanthropy.. I conducted a study in 2023 with Chengxin Xu and Huafang Li, two other scholars of nonprofit management, to better understand whether these costs influence how donors pick charities. Through this study, which involved nearly 2,000 U.S. adults, we were able to estimate how much impact may be lost when donors incur information costs themselves.

Impact refers to the effects a charity achieves. Donors can try to get the most impact per dollar by supporting charities that achieve high impact at low cost.

We asked the participants in our experiment to choose one of 10 hypothetical charities to receive support. All the charities had the same mission: “to save lives.” Everyone was paired with a fictitious partner who would also be supporting the selected charity. Before choosing, the participant had the option to obtain information about each organization’s impact per dollar.

About half the time, the participant could pay for the information themselves out of their own hypothetical budget. In the other half, they could tell their partner to pay out of their partner’s budget. The charity would receive the combined gifts, minus any money paid for information. The total amount spent stayed the same no matter who paid or whether anyone paid.

When someone else paid, participants were more likely to direct their gifts to more efficient charities, raising the average impact of donations by about 13%. In other words, donors gave smarter when someone else picked up the tab for the information.

Why it matters

Americans gave more than US$550 billion to charity in 2023.

If shifting information costs can boost the impact of charitable giving by 13%, then applying that gain to just one-tenth of that giving could potentially unlock about $7 billion worth of additional impact. Funders who are very interested in the potential of data to increase impact, such as effective altruists, philanthropists who emphasize outcomes, and some large foundations, may be willing to bear the costs so others don’t have to. The challenge is that not all donors are equally willing to pay for information that could increase the impact of charitable giving.

Other research findings have suggested that most Americans want to see data about the impact that charities have, but it is not obvious where the funding for this should come from. If charities cover the cost themselves, then they are essentially asking their donors to pay for it. But many donors may want all their gifts to pay for program delivery, not data production.

What still isn’t known

It’s unclear how well these findings would translate into real-world giving behavior. Donors’ appetite for information that comes at the expense of direct services may be limited, even if it improves the overall impact of their gifts. And using data about impact per dollar to guide giving could have downsides. For example, it might reward work that is easy to measure and discourage efforts that are just as important but are harder to assess, or just take longer for the results to be seen.

What’s next

Philanthropists can access more data about charities than ever before. Platforms like Candid and Charity Navigator offer the potential to harness that data to better inform donors. Organizations like GiveWell go even further, recommending specific charities based on rigorous data analysis. I’ll be studying these kinds of opportunities for boosting the impact of charitable giving, because when donors are better informed, they can accomplish more with their money.

The Research Brief is a short take about interesting academic work.

George E. Mitchell receives funding from the Baruch College Fund.

– ref. Outsourcing cost of ‘impact’ data could mean 13% more bang for every charitable buck – https://theconversation.com/outsourcing-cost-of-impact-data-could-mean-13-more-bang-for-every-charitable-buck-255825

MIL OSI Analysis –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Analysis: Outsourcing cost of ‘impact’ data could mean 13% more bang for every charitable buck

Source: The Conversation – USA – By George E. Mitchell, Professor of Public and International Affairs, Baruch College, CUNY

Trying to measure a charity’s impact requires the right tools. MirageC/Moment via Getty Images

Charitable donors often make gifts despite having little information about the organizations they support. Without relevant data, that money may not flow to the charities that evidence suggests are delivering the biggest bang for donors’ bucks.

But getting good information about what donors call “impact” takes money, time and effort. If donors are responsible for those costs, then they may not obtain the data, and charities would be less likely to produce the data in the first place.

I’m a public and international affairs professor who researches nonprofits and philanthropy.. I conducted a study in 2023 with Chengxin Xu and Huafang Li, two other scholars of nonprofit management, to better understand whether these costs influence how donors pick charities. Through this study, which involved nearly 2,000 U.S. adults, we were able to estimate how much impact may be lost when donors incur information costs themselves.

Impact refers to the effects a charity achieves. Donors can try to get the most impact per dollar by supporting charities that achieve high impact at low cost.

We asked the participants in our experiment to choose one of 10 hypothetical charities to receive support. All the charities had the same mission: “to save lives.” Everyone was paired with a fictitious partner who would also be supporting the selected charity. Before choosing, the participant had the option to obtain information about each organization’s impact per dollar.

About half the time, the participant could pay for the information themselves out of their own hypothetical budget. In the other half, they could tell their partner to pay out of their partner’s budget. The charity would receive the combined gifts, minus any money paid for information. The total amount spent stayed the same no matter who paid or whether anyone paid.

When someone else paid, participants were more likely to direct their gifts to more efficient charities, raising the average impact of donations by about 13%. In other words, donors gave smarter when someone else picked up the tab for the information.

Why it matters

Americans gave more than US$550 billion to charity in 2023.

If shifting information costs can boost the impact of charitable giving by 13%, then applying that gain to just one-tenth of that giving could potentially unlock about $7 billion worth of additional impact. Funders who are very interested in the potential of data to increase impact, such as effective altruists, philanthropists who emphasize outcomes, and some large foundations, may be willing to bear the costs so others don’t have to. The challenge is that not all donors are equally willing to pay for information that could increase the impact of charitable giving.

Other research findings have suggested that most Americans want to see data about the impact that charities have, but it is not obvious where the funding for this should come from. If charities cover the cost themselves, then they are essentially asking their donors to pay for it. But many donors may want all their gifts to pay for program delivery, not data production.

What still isn’t known

It’s unclear how well these findings would translate into real-world giving behavior. Donors’ appetite for information that comes at the expense of direct services may be limited, even if it improves the overall impact of their gifts. And using data about impact per dollar to guide giving could have downsides. For example, it might reward work that is easy to measure and discourage efforts that are just as important but are harder to assess, or just take longer for the results to be seen.

What’s next

Philanthropists can access more data about charities than ever before. Platforms like Candid and Charity Navigator offer the potential to harness that data to better inform donors. Organizations like GiveWell go even further, recommending specific charities based on rigorous data analysis. I’ll be studying these kinds of opportunities for boosting the impact of charitable giving, because when donors are better informed, they can accomplish more with their money.

The Research Brief is a short take about interesting academic work.

George E. Mitchell receives funding from the Baruch College Fund.

– ref. Outsourcing cost of ‘impact’ data could mean 13% more bang for every charitable buck – https://theconversation.com/outsourcing-cost-of-impact-data-could-mean-13-more-bang-for-every-charitable-buck-255825

MIL OSI Analysis –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE enhances Moldovan police units’ K9 capabilities

Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

Headline: OSCE enhances Moldovan police units’ K9 capabilities

K9 specialized vehicles donated by OSCE to Moldova’s General Police Inspectorate (GPI), 19 June 2025. (OSCE) Photo details

The OSCE supported Moldova’s General Police Inspectorate (GPI) in adopting a revised regulation to improve the governance of its K9 Directorate and upgrading its K9 capacities through the donation of two specialized vehicles and training equipment.
The recently updated regulation on K9 activities introduces unified standards for the operational deployment of detector dogs as well as their reproduction, acquisition, and training across specialized and territorial units. The revision brings national practices in line with international standards and good practices.
These activities were part of the implementation of a master plan (2025–2028) developed with OSCE support and adopted by the GPI in March 2025. It provides a structured roadmap for expanding and professionalizing Moldova’s K9 capabilities, which play a vital role in law enforcement operations and public safety.
“The two donated specialized vehicles, along with the flashlights, safety glasses, training gear, protective equipment, narcotics detection kit, scent carousel, full protective suits, trial sleeves, and training balls, will greatly enhance the Moldovan Police’s capacity to detect and combat crime,” said Viorel Cernăuțeanu, the Head of the General Police Inspectorate.
These initiatives are part of the OSCE’s extrabudgetary project “Support to the Law Enforcement Agencies in Moldova in Response to the Security Challenges in the Region”, implemented jointly by the OSCE Secretariat’s Transnational Threats Department and the Conflict Prevention Centre. The project is made possible through financial contributions from France, Germany, Poland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

MIL OSI Europe News –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE enhances Moldovan police units’ K9 capabilities

Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

Headline: OSCE enhances Moldovan police units’ K9 capabilities

K9 specialized vehicles donated by OSCE to Moldova’s General Police Inspectorate (GPI), 19 June 2025. (OSCE) Photo details

The OSCE supported Moldova’s General Police Inspectorate (GPI) in adopting a revised regulation to improve the governance of its K9 Directorate and upgrading its K9 capacities through the donation of two specialized vehicles and training equipment.
The recently updated regulation on K9 activities introduces unified standards for the operational deployment of detector dogs as well as their reproduction, acquisition, and training across specialized and territorial units. The revision brings national practices in line with international standards and good practices.
These activities were part of the implementation of a master plan (2025–2028) developed with OSCE support and adopted by the GPI in March 2025. It provides a structured roadmap for expanding and professionalizing Moldova’s K9 capabilities, which play a vital role in law enforcement operations and public safety.
“The two donated specialized vehicles, along with the flashlights, safety glasses, training gear, protective equipment, narcotics detection kit, scent carousel, full protective suits, trial sleeves, and training balls, will greatly enhance the Moldovan Police’s capacity to detect and combat crime,” said Viorel Cernăuțeanu, the Head of the General Police Inspectorate.
These initiatives are part of the OSCE’s extrabudgetary project “Support to the Law Enforcement Agencies in Moldova in Response to the Security Challenges in the Region”, implemented jointly by the OSCE Secretariat’s Transnational Threats Department and the Conflict Prevention Centre. The project is made possible through financial contributions from France, Germany, Poland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

MIL OSI Europe News –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Teenager jailed for stabbing school friend to death in east London park

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A teenager has been jailed for stabbing his school friend to death in an east London park.

A 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment at the Old Bailey on Friday, 20 June.

The judge ruled he was a ‘dangerous offender’ and ordered that he must serve at least seven years of his sentence in prison.

He was found guilty at the same court of the manslaughter of 15-year-old Pharell Garica following a trial that concluded on Friday, 7 February. He was found not guilty of murder.

The court heard that the defendant, who was aged 15 at the time, stabbed Pharell in the heart, chased him until he collapsed then fled without helping him and disposed of the weapon.

The defendant admitted stabbing Pharell, but claimed it was in self-defence. However, the jury disagreed with this account.

Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Allen from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, who led the investigation, said: “Our thoughts very much remain with Pharell’s family and friends, who had to re-live the last traumatic moments of his young life during the trial after the defendant failed to take responsibility for his actions.

“Somehow the defendant came to be in possession of a multi-tool, which he claimed in court was carried to the scene by the victim. The evidence we gathered disputed the defendant’s account that he grabbed the multi-tool and delivered a fatal blow to save his life. When the defendant became in possession of that weapon he had a choice. He could have walked away, he could’ve thrown the multi-tool to the floor. Instead, he chose to stab Pharell in the heart and then chased him, still armed with the knife, until he saw the victim collapse from his fatal injuries. Instead of rushing over to help his former friend, he fled the scene and tried to dispose of the evidence.

“Our investigation revealed that the defendant had a fascination with knives after we found 43 images and videos from 16 and 17 July alone of him playing with knives.”

Detective Superintendent Brittany Clarke, who leads policing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, said: “Pharell’s death was first and foremost a devastating tragedy for his family and friends, but it also had considerable impact across our local communities.

“While overall violence has been reducing in Hackney, tragic events such as this serve as a reminder that too many of our children and young people have to contend with the callous reality of knife crime. We continue to work night and day, with the council, local charities and wider partners to address both the root causes of knife crime and to deter people from carrying knives through police action.

“If any young person feels they need to carry a knife please speak to a parent, carer, teacher, youth leader or adult you trust and we can get you the support to step back from that decision safely.”

Police were called at around 16.05hrs on Tuesday, 23 July to Stellman Close, E5 to reports of a stabbing.

Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended, but sadly Pharell was pronounced dead at the scene.

The court heard that Pharell and the defendant, who used to be friends before a falling out, met in the park shortly before the attack. The defendant had told a mutual friend that he was going to fight Pharell as he was talking about him.

Following Pharell’s death, the police received some information, which led them to make an arrest enquiry at the defendant’s address. He was not home.

Detectives soon tracked him down to a family friend’s house, where he stayed following the manslaughter, and he was arrested at 05:07hrs on Wednesday, 24 July.

Detectives then began their lengthy investigation of gathering evidence to prove the defendant was responsible for killing Pharell. They reviewed hours CCTV that captured the defendant entering the park, before putting his hood-up, walking to the area where the attacked happened with Pharell, chasing Pharell out of the park while still holding the knife and then finally disposing of the weapon.

The weapon was recovered close to where the defendant was seen discarding it on CCTV. The multi-tool was forensically linked to both the defendant and Pharell.

Officers also analysed the defendant’s mobile phone which showed communication of Snapchat between the pair in the days leading up to the manslaughter, as well as 43 videos and photos of the defendant playing with knives only a week before the killing on Tuesday, 16 and Wednesday, 17 July. The defendant also messaged his mother following the attack saying he could not come home, to remove certain items from their home and asking to go to Portugal.

The defendant gave a prepared statement to officers admitting to stabbing Pharell but saying he did it in self-defence after getting the knife off him – something detectives and the jury disputed.

He was charged on Thursday, 25 July and was convicted as above.

MIL Security OSI –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Teenager jailed for stabbing school friend to death in east London park

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A teenager has been jailed for stabbing his school friend to death in an east London park.

A 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment at the Old Bailey on Friday, 20 June.

The judge ruled he was a ‘dangerous offender’ and ordered that he must serve at least seven years of his sentence in prison.

He was found guilty at the same court of the manslaughter of 15-year-old Pharell Garica following a trial that concluded on Friday, 7 February. He was found not guilty of murder.

The court heard that the defendant, who was aged 15 at the time, stabbed Pharell in the heart, chased him until he collapsed then fled without helping him and disposed of the weapon.

The defendant admitted stabbing Pharell, but claimed it was in self-defence. However, the jury disagreed with this account.

Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Allen from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, who led the investigation, said: “Our thoughts very much remain with Pharell’s family and friends, who had to re-live the last traumatic moments of his young life during the trial after the defendant failed to take responsibility for his actions.

“Somehow the defendant came to be in possession of a multi-tool, which he claimed in court was carried to the scene by the victim. The evidence we gathered disputed the defendant’s account that he grabbed the multi-tool and delivered a fatal blow to save his life. When the defendant became in possession of that weapon he had a choice. He could have walked away, he could’ve thrown the multi-tool to the floor. Instead, he chose to stab Pharell in the heart and then chased him, still armed with the knife, until he saw the victim collapse from his fatal injuries. Instead of rushing over to help his former friend, he fled the scene and tried to dispose of the evidence.

“Our investigation revealed that the defendant had a fascination with knives after we found 43 images and videos from 16 and 17 July alone of him playing with knives.”

Detective Superintendent Brittany Clarke, who leads policing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, said: “Pharell’s death was first and foremost a devastating tragedy for his family and friends, but it also had considerable impact across our local communities.

“While overall violence has been reducing in Hackney, tragic events such as this serve as a reminder that too many of our children and young people have to contend with the callous reality of knife crime. We continue to work night and day, with the council, local charities and wider partners to address both the root causes of knife crime and to deter people from carrying knives through police action.

“If any young person feels they need to carry a knife please speak to a parent, carer, teacher, youth leader or adult you trust and we can get you the support to step back from that decision safely.”

Police were called at around 16.05hrs on Tuesday, 23 July to Stellman Close, E5 to reports of a stabbing.

Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended, but sadly Pharell was pronounced dead at the scene.

The court heard that Pharell and the defendant, who used to be friends before a falling out, met in the park shortly before the attack. The defendant had told a mutual friend that he was going to fight Pharell as he was talking about him.

Following Pharell’s death, the police received some information, which led them to make an arrest enquiry at the defendant’s address. He was not home.

Detectives soon tracked him down to a family friend’s house, where he stayed following the manslaughter, and he was arrested at 05:07hrs on Wednesday, 24 July.

Detectives then began their lengthy investigation of gathering evidence to prove the defendant was responsible for killing Pharell. They reviewed hours CCTV that captured the defendant entering the park, before putting his hood-up, walking to the area where the attacked happened with Pharell, chasing Pharell out of the park while still holding the knife and then finally disposing of the weapon.

The weapon was recovered close to where the defendant was seen discarding it on CCTV. The multi-tool was forensically linked to both the defendant and Pharell.

Officers also analysed the defendant’s mobile phone which showed communication of Snapchat between the pair in the days leading up to the manslaughter, as well as 43 videos and photos of the defendant playing with knives only a week before the killing on Tuesday, 16 and Wednesday, 17 July. The defendant also messaged his mother following the attack saying he could not come home, to remove certain items from their home and asking to go to Portugal.

The defendant gave a prepared statement to officers admitting to stabbing Pharell but saying he did it in self-defence after getting the knife off him – something detectives and the jury disputed.

He was charged on Thursday, 25 July and was convicted as above.

MIL Security OSI –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI: Tesla To Offer Extended EV Test Drive Experiences Via Electrify Expos’ Weekender Program
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
- Tesla will be the exclusive partner at Electrify Expo LA for the Electrify Weekender program with additional automakers to be announced for future cities
- Electrify Weekender is an extended test drive program exclusive to Electrify Expo attendees where they can take their EV of choice home and experience how it fits in their everyday life
LOS ANGELES, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Electrify Expo, North America’s largest electric vehicle (EV) and technology festival, today announced Electrify Weekender, an extended test drive program exclusively available to Electrify Expo attendees giving them the opportunity to extend their EV experiences beyond the gates of the festival and further familiarize themselves with EV technology building buyer confidence before making a purchase. The program kicks off with Tesla as the exclusive partner at Electrify Expo Los Angeles on June 21-22.

“Electrify Weekender gives people the freedom to experience EVs on their own terms,” said BJ Birtwell, founder and CEO of Electrify Expo. “At our festivals, thousands of attendees get their first taste of EVs through hands-on demos, and that’s often the spark that starts their journey. With Weekender, we’re extending that experience into real life. Giving people more time behind the wheel builds confidence, and confidence drives adoption. This program is about breaking outdated myths, reaching new audiences and showing how EVs seamlessly fit into everyday life. My first EV experience was in a Tesla, so launching this with them feels like a full-circle moment. Now it’s time for others to have that same ‘light bulb’ moment.”

Tesla has been the industry leader delivering high-performance vehicles and innovative models. With Tesla’s large role in shaping the industry, the collaboration with Electrify Weekender marks another milestone in the company’s investment in EV accessibility and adoption.

Attendees may sign up for the extended test drive program ahead of time or on-site at the festival. After selecting their preferred model, information is passed to the automaker who coordinates with local stores to schedule a two day driving experience.

Participate in Electrify Weekender
Interested in a longer experience with an EV of your choice following your demos at Electrify Expo? Find more information about the test drive program and participating automakers near you at https://www.electrifyexpo.com/weekender.

Electrify Expo’s Remaining 2025 Tour Stops:
- June 21-22: Los Angeles, CA
- July 12-13: Seattle, WA
- August 23-24: San Francisco, CA
- September 13-14: Chicago, IL **new city
- October 17-19: New York, NY
- November 15-16: Dallas, TX **new city
For the full 2025 schedule and to secure tickets, visit www.electrifyexpo.com. Media interested in attending may request credentials by emailing ee@skyya.com.

Companies interested in exhibiting at the 2025 Electrify Expo locations can visit https://www.electrifyexpo.com/partner-registration.

About Electrify Expo
Electrify Expo is North America’s largest electric vehicle (EV) and technology festival, where consumers come to shop and experience all things electric. The festival showcases the industry’s leading brands and exciting startups through hands-on activations, demos and experiences spanning EVs, micromobility, solar energy, charging solutions, powersports, automotive aftermarket, and connected home technology, providing attendees with immersive learning opportunities and memorable interactions. From high-powered demo courses to engaging education zones, Electrify Expo offers a unique festival vibe for consumers to reshape what they think they know about EVs. In 2025, Electrify Expo’s nationwide tour will visit Orlando, Phoenix, Dallas, Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago and New York. To stay up to date on the latest news and announcements from Electrify Expo, visit www.electrifyexpo.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Media Contact
Skyya PR
ee@skyya.com

An image accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/91a0c36e-408a-4ca7-b30c-913c691080a0

The MIL Network –
June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI: Tesla To Offer Extended EV Test Drive Experiences Via Electrify Expos’ Weekender Program
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
- Tesla will be the exclusive partner at Electrify Expo LA for the Electrify Weekender program with additional automakers to be announced for future cities
- Electrify Weekender is an extended test drive program exclusive to Electrify Expo attendees where they can take their EV of choice home and experience how it fits in their everyday life
LOS ANGELES, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Electrify Expo, North America’s largest electric vehicle (EV) and technology festival, today announced Electrify Weekender, an extended test drive program exclusively available to Electrify Expo attendees giving them the opportunity to extend their EV experiences beyond the gates of the festival and further familiarize themselves with EV technology building buyer confidence before making a purchase. The program kicks off with Tesla as the exclusive partner at Electrify Expo Los Angeles on June 21-22.

“Electrify Weekender gives people the freedom to experience EVs on their own terms,” said BJ Birtwell, founder and CEO of Electrify Expo. “At our festivals, thousands of attendees get their first taste of EVs through hands-on demos, and that’s often the spark that starts their journey. With Weekender, we’re extending that experience into real life. Giving people more time behind the wheel builds confidence, and confidence drives adoption. This program is about breaking outdated myths, reaching new audiences and showing how EVs seamlessly fit into everyday life. My first EV experience was in a Tesla, so launching this with them feels like a full-circle moment. Now it’s time for others to have that same ‘light bulb’ moment.”

Tesla has been the industry leader delivering high-performance vehicles and innovative models. With Tesla’s large role in shaping the industry, the collaboration with Electrify Weekender marks another milestone in the company’s investment in EV accessibility and adoption.

Attendees may sign up for the extended test drive program ahead of time or on-site at the festival. After selecting their preferred model, information is passed to the automaker who coordinates with local stores to schedule a two day driving experience.

Participate in Electrify Weekender
Interested in a longer experience with an EV of your choice following your demos at Electrify Expo? Find more information about the test drive program and participating automakers near you at https://www.electrifyexpo.com/weekender.

Electrify Expo’s Remaining 2025 Tour Stops:
- June 21-22: Los Angeles, CA
- July 12-13: Seattle, WA
- August 23-24: San Francisco, CA
- September 13-14: Chicago, IL **new city
- October 17-19: New York, NY
- November 15-16: Dallas, TX **new city
For the full 2025 schedule and to secure tickets, visit www.electrifyexpo.com. Media interested in attending may request credentials by emailing ee@skyya.com.

Companies interested in exhibiting at the 2025 Electrify Expo locations can visit https://www.electrifyexpo.com/partner-registration.

About Electrify Expo
Electrify Expo is North America’s largest electric vehicle (EV) and technology festival, where consumers come to shop and experience all things electric. The festival showcases the industry’s leading brands and exciting startups through hands-on activations, demos and experiences spanning EVs, micromobility, solar energy, charging solutions, powersports, automotive aftermarket, and connected home technology, providing attendees with immersive learning opportunities and memorable interactions. From high-powered demo courses to engaging education zones, Electrify Expo offers a unique festival vibe for consumers to reshape what they think they know about EVs. In 2025, Electrify Expo’s nationwide tour will visit Orlando, Phoenix, Dallas, Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago and New York. To stay up to date on the latest news and announcements from Electrify Expo, visit www.electrifyexpo.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Media Contact
Skyya PR
ee@skyya.com

An image accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/91a0c36e-408a-4ca7-b30c-913c691080a0

The MIL Network –
June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: What the new grooming gangs inquiry must do to put victims before politics

Source: The Conversation – UK – By William Tantam, Senior Lecturer, Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Bristol

Kemi Badenoch, Conservative party leader, responds to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper’s statement announcing the new inquiry. House of Commons/Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND

The independent inquiry into child sexual abuse was the largest inquiry in UK history, running from 2015 to 2022 and investigating institutional failures in preventing child sexual abuse. The inquiry’s final report included 20 recommendations for change. So far, zero have been fully implemented.

We both worked on the inquiry and know the pervasive harm of this violence, as well as the consequences it leaves with survivors, families and communities. We are also well aware of the importance of clear language to reflect victims’ experiences and of capturing reliable data.

Louise Casey’s audit of group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse echoes these issues. In particular, it highlights the huge gaps around ethnicity data.

The report addresses decades of failure to protect vulnerable girls from group-based child sexual abuse (“grooming gangs”). The ethnicity of perpetrators and victims has been a flashpoint in the discussion for years.

The national narrative has been that gangs of predominantly Asian men have groomed and exploited young white girls, and that this is why victims’ cases were ignored, dismissed or covered up. Political rows around it have been a factor in the government announcing another inquiry. Over 200 pages, Lady Casey’s audit endeavours to lay out the facts.

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What does the report say about ethnicity?

Casey’s audit repeatedly emphasises the lack of ethnicity data on a national level. She notes that ethnicity is not recorded for two-thirds of perpetrators, and that the data collected for both victims and perpetrators is “not sufficient to allow any conclusions to be drawn at the national level.”

But she does note: “There is enough evidence available in local police data in three police force areas … which show disproportionate numbers of men from Asian ethnic backgrounds.” And, “There have been enough convictions across the country of groups of men from Asian ethnic backgrounds to have warranted closer examination. Instead of examination, we have seen obfuscation.”

Why might this be? Casey notes that the issue of ethnicity was “shied away from” by local services, due to anxieties about being perceived as racist by endorsing an “Asian grooming gang” narrative.

Her audit points to numerous reviews at different levels, all of which reflect inconsistency in data collection. While some, such as a 2020 Home Office research, found that most offenders of organised exploitation nationwide are white, Casey again notes that the data is not sufficient to conclude this.

When analysing the testimonies of victims of child sexual abuse in other contexts, such as the 2015 inquiry’s Truth Project, often the ethnicity of the perpetrator remains vague. One reason is that whiteness goes unremarked upon in many areas of life in a majority-white country such as the UK. Another serious issue is the poor levels of reporting of child sexual abuse in general in ethnic minority communities. Overall, we lack a good understanding of both victim and perpetrator characteristics.

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Casey also raises important questions about perpetrator profiles that go beyond their ethnicity, such as what drives them to commit these crimes. We would add another key question – why are young, working class girls from all backgrounds consistently treated as culpable for the crimes committed against them?

If coming from a particular community is a risk factor for perpetration of a certain form of child sexual abuse, more accurate data is needed to say this confidently and in a way that can engage communities rather than alienating them. It is our hope that this new inquiry can do that. In the meantime, Casey has asked for the public to “keep calm” over the data.

House of Commons/Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND

Putting victims over politics

The lack of accurate data has allowed politicians and the far right to take control of the narrative, without strong evidence to back up their claims. Elon Musk’s interventions earlier this year made the implications of this clear.

People can lay claim to “the truth” of child grooming gangs without clear data in support or in opposition. What we can say with conviction – and what Musk was correct in pointing out – was the horrific nature of the crimes perpetrated against victims of sexual violence.

Politicisation of abuse does a serious disservice to victims. As we found through the 2015 inquiry’s extensive work with diverse communities, narratives about the ethnicity of child sexual abuse perpetrators can lead to defensiveness and secrecy among victims from those communities, who fear betraying their own, risking further abuse.

This new inquiry is a much needed opportunity to improve the data. The government has accepted all 12 recommendations, including mandatory collection of ethnicity and nationality data for all suspects in child sexual abuse and criminal exploitation cases.

This is a statutory inquiry, so it has greater powers than past inquiries to compel witnesses to provide evidence. It also means that the inquiry holds some independence from government, hopefully insulating it from some of the politicised rhetoric.

But the current moment still risks loud political voices talking over the expertise of survivors. While it is encouraging to read that survivors’ voices were included in Casey’s investigation, the audit does not say how many nor in what capacity.

We hope that the inquiry takes a lesson from the pioneering approach of the 2015 inquiry. Its victims and survivors consultative panel gave a level of “testimonial justice” to those whose voices are often silenced and ignored.

The new inquiry is a chance to really listen to victims, who have been let down for decades.
Katty Elizarova/Shutterstock

Foremost in everyone’s minds is the need to prevent and deter such abuse from happening in the future. This requires fully understanding the reasons behind inaccurate or incomplete data collection, the motivations of perpetrators and institutional contexts that might facilitate them, and barriers to implementing meaningful responses. This inquiry promises to listen to survivors, without filtering the parts that are uncomfortable to hear.

Amid this, there is another scandal hidden in plain sight. For all the talk about acting on Casey’s findings, there is a huge funding crisis in services that support survivors of child sexual abuse. Our colleagues in the sector report increasing pressure to reduce the amount of care survivors are offered, despite commitments to offer lifelong care for those affected by this deeply damaging crime.

How can we claim to care about prevention when we do not do enough to support those already affected?

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

– ref. What the new grooming gangs inquiry must do to put victims before politics – https://theconversation.com/what-the-new-grooming-gangs-inquiry-must-do-to-put-victims-before-politics-259410

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: How might Israel attack Iran’s underground nuclear plant? A 2024 raid in Syria could be a template

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Clive Jones, Professor of Regional Security, Durham University

Operation rising lion has been a concerted effort by the Israel Defense Forces to degrade Iran’s nuclear programme. Launched on June 13, the operation has targeted key nuclear installations, logistical hubs and Iranian nuclear scientists, key intelligence and military personal.

Israel has justified the attack by claiming that Iran was on a verge of a “breakout” in its nuclear programme. This means it would be able to break out of its commitments under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, which it ratified in 1970.

This contradicts the threat assessment briefing delivered by the director of US national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, on March 25 when she said: “Iran is not building a nuclear weapon and Supreme Leader Khamenei has not authorised the nuclear weapons program that he suspended in 2003.”

But whatever the veracity of claim and counter claim, Israel has been able to combine precise intelligence with the effective suppression of Iran’s air defence network. This has enabled the Israeli air force to inflict extensive damage on the uranium enrichment facility at Natanz and the heavy water plant at Arak, as well as associated research facilities in Tehran.

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The attacks have also destroyed two-thirds of Iran’s ballistic missile launchers, according to the latest Israeli estimates. In response, Iran has fired salvoes of ballistic missiles at Israel, some of which have penetrated the much-vaunted Iron Dome missile defence system, due to the sheer number of missiles launched.

But despite causing between 20 and 30 civilian casualties in Israel (compared to more than 600 in Iran), and despite the fear of attack among much of Israel’s population, little strategic damage appears to have been inflicted.

Within three days of launching operation rising lion, Israel claimed complete aerial supremacy over Iran. But despite this, the key enrichment facility at Fordow, close to the ancient religious city of Qom has proved impervious to Israel’s existing military capabilities.

The facility is buried hundreds of metres inside a mountain and designed to survive a full scale aerial bombardment. All reports are that besides some limited damage to the ground-level entrance and ventilation shafts, Israeli attacks on the site have failed to affects its operational capacity.

Another enrichment facility near Natanz at Kuh-e Kolang Gaz La, or “Pickaxe Mountain,” is thought to be even deeper inside a mountain.

Only the US, with 30,000lb GBU-57 massive ordnance penetrator bomb caried by the B-2 stealth bomber is reckoned to have the capability to inflict lasting damage on these underground nuclear facilities. Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyhu, has appealed to the US president, Donald Trump, for help in destroying these nuclear assets. Trump has said he is still considering his decision.

Operation many ways

US help is clearly Netanyahu’s main option for neutralising these underground plants. But don’t rule out a ground attack by Israeli special forces. A template for how Israel might deal with Fordow was revealed last year.

Launched on September 8 2024, operation many ways destroyed an underground missile facility that the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps had built into a mountainside in the Masyaf area of Syria, just west of Hama and around 125 miles north of the disputed Golan Heights. This facility was responsible for producing sophisticated surface-to-surface missiles for use by Hezbollah as well as by the regime of Bashar al-Asad, Iran’s ally.

After months of surveillance, 200 soldiers from the Shaldag (Kingfisher) special forces unit of the Israeli Air Force were helicoptered to the site under the cover of a series of diversionary airstrikes. The surprise attack quickly overwhelmed defensive forces and used around 600kg of explosives to destroy the underground facility. The unit also collected a considerable amount of intelligence documents which they transferred back to Israel. There were no Israeli casualties.

Greater risk

Would Israel risk a similar operation against Fordow? The risks undoubtedly are far greater. The operation would have to be carried out at a much longer range – the enrichment facility is more than 1,000kms from Israel.

Such an operation would need to involve far more troops than operation many ways. And the operational requirement to ensure sufficient air-to-air refuelling capacity for the air force’s heavy lift “Yasur” helicopters would add a layer of logistical complexity.

But the IDF’s ability to innovate around the use of longer-range C130 transport aircraft that can land in rough areas should not be underestimated. They showed this as long ago as 1976 when mounting the famous hostage rescue mission at Entebbe in Uganda.

Also on the plus side for Israel is its air superiority. The country is also a leader in electronic counter warfare measures which would allow it to blind or jam Iranian communications.

But while the Iranian armed forces have suffered heavy blows, the ground defences around Fordow will still be formidable. To gain access to and destroy the centrifuges widely believed to be at Fordow with sufficient explosives runs the risks of heavy casualties on all sides. So the calculation Israel’s military planners would have to make is the strategic gain relative to the cost in blood.

Yet given Fordow has long been recognised by Israel as the jewel in Iran’s nuclear crown this too might be another gamble Netanyahu is willing to take in a war that, whatever its outcome, is already reshaping much of the Middle East.

Clive 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. How might Israel attack Iran’s underground nuclear plant? A 2024 raid in Syria could be a template – https://theconversation.com/how-might-israel-attack-irans-underground-nuclear-plant-a-2024-raid-in-syria-could-be-a-template-259456

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: A pink diamond just sold for over US$ 14 million – no wonder, when you look at the mysteries behind their chemistry

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Elton Santos, Reader in Theoretical and Computational Condensed Matter Physics, University of Edinburgh

Diamonds might be forever but that doesn’t stop them being bought and sold. One stone thought to have once belonged to Marie Antoinette, the last queen of France, has just sold for US$14 million (£10 million) at an auction in New York – about three times the asking price. Set into a platinum ring and weighing a total of 15.5 grams, the clue to the diamond’s uniqueness is in its name: the Marie-Thérèse pink.

This 10.38 carat pink diamond has been changing hands for generations, and previously sold at an auction in Geneva for an unknown amount. Pink diamonds are very rare and there are many things that scientists still don’t know about them.

Diamonds are generally formed under intense heat and pressure deep within the Earth’s mantle, roughly 150–200 kilometres below the surface. Most natural diamonds crystallise over billions of years, composed almost entirely of carbon atoms arranged in a tightly packed, cube-like structure.

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Coloured diamonds are geological anomalies. Variations include pink, blue, orange, yellow, red, green, brown and black, most of which can be explained by impurities in their crystal lattice. Yellow diamonds contain nitrogen, for example, while blue ones contain boron.

Pink diamonds are not caused by such impurities. Scientists believe that the pink hue arises from a distortion in the diamond’s atomic lattice structure. Intense pressure deep underground creates forces (known as shear forces) that twist and compress atomic layers, which alter how the stone reflects light.

It’s this “plastic deformation” which results in the pink coloration, reducing the green light in the visible spectrum so that it shifts the overall colour that we see towards pink.

Only a small fraction of diamonds undergo such extreme and precise pressure and temperature conditions during their formation. These factors make them very difficult to be created and even harder to predict where they will be formed. As a result, pink diamonds are the rarest of all coloured diamonds apart from red ones, which are formed by an even more intense version of the same process.

Aussie rules

For decades, the Argyle mine in western Australia was the world’s primary source of pink diamonds (and also red ones), producing over 90% of the global supply. The mine is located at a unique geological area by a so-called lamproite volcanic pipe, as opposed to the more common kimberlite pipes found at most other diamond mines. Without getting too much into the technicalities, lamproite pipes tend to be less explosive and have more unusual minerals like leucite and rich potassium.

The Argyle mine is located in the Kimberley region, which experienced intense tectonic activity during the Paleoproterozoic era, over 1.6 billion years ago. This meant that the lamproite pipe was formed under extreme pressures and temperatures.

This is believed to have caused the lattice defects in the diamonds that were pushed to the Earth’s surface, which are responsible for their pink and red colours. The deep mantle depths in the mine were also crucial, since this translates into higher internal pressures and temperatures.

Even so, less than 0.1% of the diamonds extracted from Argyle were classified as pink (and only 0.00000002% were red, if you calculate the proportion of red carats found). The mine then closed in 2020 after 37 years of production because its reserves were exhausted, making pink diamonds even more scarce and valuable.

Other known sources include Brazil, India, Russia and South Africa, but these mines yield pink diamonds far less frequently. The rarity of high-quality pink diamonds has made them highly sought-after by collectors and investors alike, as demonstrated by the high sale price of the Marie-Thérèse pink. That diamond was actually pink-purple, with the purple hue caused by hydrogen being absorbed into the atomic structure during the stone’s formation, making it rarer still.

Advanced techniques involving shining infrared light and X-rays into the stones – respectively known as infrared spectroscopy and high-resolution X-ray diffraction – have provided scientists with insights into the structural changes that cause pink and red diamonds.

Yet many questions remain unanswered, and the study of pink diamonds continues to be an active area of scientific investigations in mineral physics and crystallography. This has included creating pink diamonds (and other colours such as blues) in the laboratory by replicating the natural processes that form them, but in a more controlled, accelerated way.

These lab-grown pink diamonds look nearly identical to their natural versions to the human eye, but can yet be differentiated through optical techniques. One method is infrared absorption, which detects how the diamond absorbs light and vibrates at specific frequencies.

Another clue is the presence of sharp peaks in the visible light spectrum that indicate certain impurities, like hydrogen or nitrogen, which are often found in natural stones. In the same style as a CSI investigation, these techniques provide the last word in whether a pink diamond is from a mine such as Argyle, a lab-grown pink, or a clear natural diamond that has been treated pink artificially.

Even after years of improving the process for making pink diamonds synthetically, the mechanical distortions responsible for their exotic colour still can’t be replicated precisely under laboratory conditions. Scientists
don’t understand all the atomic processes involved in their colouring becoming permanent to be able to recreate them perfectly.

The same is actually also true for other synthetic diamonds, though they are becoming harder and harder to detect as the technology improves. In short, pink diamonds (and red ones) remain among the most remarkable precious stones in the world. Unless and until that changes, we can keep expecting them to change hands for ridiculous amounts of money.

Elton Santos receives funding from EPSRC, Royal Society, and is affiliated with the Donostia International Physics Center, San Sebastián, Spain.

– ref. A pink diamond just sold for over US$ 14 million – no wonder, when you look at the mysteries behind their chemistry – https://theconversation.com/a-pink-diamond-just-sold-for-over-us-14-million-no-wonder-when-you-look-at-the-mysteries-behind-their-chemistry-259392

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Five ways to keep teenagers safe by the water

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jill Nash, Senior Lecturer in Advertising and Marketing Communications, Bournemouth University

frederikloewer/Shutterstock

As temperatures soar around the UK and Ireland due to climate change, warnings about the dangers of drowning are being issued and one Labour MP is calling for water safety lessons to be made compulsory in schools.

Teaching children to swim is essential, but it’s not enough to save them from drowning. Water safety is about judgement, impulse control, peer influence and understanding your limits. Peer pressure, social situations and a false sense of confidence can all put young people in danger.

My research highlights how we’re not talking enough to young people, especially teenage boys, about the emotional and cognitive risks of making decisions around water. The National Water Safety Forum reports that young males aged between 10-19 are one of the highest groups at risk from drowning, as they assert their independence and test personal boundaries.

Drowning happens quickly, often without adults watching, when kids are hanging out by rivers and lakes, tombstoning off bridges, or misjudging their abilities when trying to impress friends.

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Leading water safety organisations like the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and HM Coastguard run education campaigns about the dangers of the ocean. The Canal & River Trust, the UK’s largest canal charity, recently developed a school education pack for teenagers highlighting water safety.

Parents can also shape how teens interact with water. In Nottingham, the charity called Open Water Education Network was founded in memory of Owen Jenkins, a 12-year-old boy who drowned while trying to save two girls in difficulty. As well as teaching young people about the dangers of open water and the importance of self rescue, this charity empowers parents to talk to teens even if they seem to ignore parental advice.

Talking to teenagers about safety isn’t easy. Here’s how to do it in a way that’s honest, effective and grounded in care.

1. Talk just before they go

Rules work best when they’re short, consistent and repeated. Before a trip to the beach or river, take five minutes to remind your teen of your family’s water safety rules. Repetition builds habits. Remind them not to swim after dark or alone and explain what to do if someone’s in trouble (call for help, don’t jump in).

2. Share real-life stories

Stories help bring home the reality of water risk, especially for teens who can feel invincible in an all-male group without any supervision. While on a lads holiday on the Northumberland coast, 16-year-old called Evan saved himself from drowning in a rip tide by laying on his back to stay afloat. Eventually, a surfer managed to paddle out and reach him, and an rescue lifeboat also came to the scene. Evan recovered after treatment in hospital for hypothermia.

Teenager Evan explains how he escaped drowning in a rip tide.

Another heartbreaking story of Liam Hall, a teenager who drowned while out in a dinghy with friends in Sunderland, demonstrates how quickly things can escalate in the sea.

Not all stories end in tragedy. A group of teenagers from East Sussex made the life-saving decision to stay out of the water, using a life ring to help two swimmers in trouble, proving that staying on shore can save lives.

Some teens might not want to listen to advice about water safety.
oneinchpunch/Shutterstock

3. Discuss group dynamics

Female teens can play a powerful role in promoting water safety, especially in mixed-gender peer groups where social dynamics can significantly influence behaviour. Research shows that all-boy groups are more likely to engage in risk-taking activities. When girls are present, especially those who feel confident speaking up, risky behaviour often decreases.

Parents can empower girls to speak up if someone suggests swimming in dangerous conditions or places and promote safety strategies like the RNLI’s “call, tell and throw” approach. By reinforcing these behaviours, teen girls can become leaders in lifesaving culture, not only keeping themselves safe but influencing their peers to make smarter choices too.

4. Deflate false sense of confidence

Stick to the facts and be honest about the dangers. Drowning can happen within seconds, even when someone is a strong swimmer. Most drownings occur in open water, not swimming pools. Teenagers need to understand how the effects of cold water shock, fast currents and submerged objects can quickly turn a fun day into a fatal one.

5. Make brave choices

Teens don’t drown because they’re bad swimmers. They drown because they made a poor decision in a high-risk moment. Teaching safety early (before they start taking unsupervised risks) helps shape smarter thinking later.

Parents can model care, calmness and emotional awareness. Show them that bravery isn’t about bravado. It’s about looking out for your mates and making good choices. Fathers can play a powerful role in framing what strength looks like. Research shows that fathers who show empathy and emotional intelligence teach children how to be resilient during high-pressure moments. Emphasise that calm decision-making when in danger or choosing not to jump into the water under peer pressure doesn’t make a boy weak. It makes him wise. Talk to your sons about how real masculinity means thinking clearly, not reacting emotionally.

Teenagers can feel invincible. Be honest. Tell them you love them and that you trust them to make good decisions. Talking about safety is one of the most powerful things a family can do. Water safety begins at home with all of us.

Swimming, sailing, even just building a sandcastle – the ocean benefits our physical and mental wellbeing. Curious about how a strong coastal connection helps drive marine conservation, scientists are diving in to investigate the power of blue health.

This article is part of a series, Vitamin Sea, exploring how the ocean can be enhanced by our interaction with it.

Jill Nash 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. Five ways to keep teenagers safe by the water – https://theconversation.com/five-ways-to-keep-teenagers-safe-by-the-water-256837

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Who represents Britain on screen? UK film and TV culture still has a worrying class problem

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Nick Lee, Senior Lecturer in Film History and Critical Theory, Royal Holloway University of London

The British media has a class problem, according to recent research by The Sutton Trust. In short, the privately educated are over-represented in the creative industries, especially in film and television. The trust’s report, A Class Act (2024), demonstrates that this area of British culture is disproportionately produced by the most privileged segment of the population.

The Great British Class Survey (2011) indicated that the “top” 6% of the population has privileged access to three types of capital – economic, social and cultural. Its children are more likely to go to fee-paying schools and Oxbridge.

The Sutton Trust report informs us that, “school attendance is a useful proxy measure for the socio-economic circumstances someone grew up in, with private school attendance in particular strongly related to family income”. Accordingly, the 7% of the UK population which attends private schools roughly correlates with the “elite” 6% identified in the Great British Class Survey.

This article is part of our State of the Arts series. These articles tackle the challenges of the arts and heritage industry – and celebrate the wins too.

This “elite” is the group over-represented in the British media. According to media watchdog Ofcom, in 2019 only 52% of the workforce in the British television industry had gone to non-selective state schools – attended by 88% of the British population – and the privately educated accounted for 14%. A further 22% went to selective schools and 10% went to overseas schools.

The privately educated proportion rises to 38% when we look at the wealthiest individuals in film, television and music. The Guardian also reported recently that nearly half of all UK arts and media award nominees are privately educated.

These statistics make clear the extent to which the top class of British society is able to monopolise opportunities when it comes to jobs in the British media.

When we look at actors, this problem is especially pronounced. Of the all-time top-ten grossing British actors, 50% are privately educated, with Idris Elba the only working-class, state-educated actor in the top five.

For actresses, the problem is even more pronounced. In a recent snapshot of Ranker’s top 20 British actresses working today, 80% are privately educated or aristocratic, and all of them are white. Only Keira Knightley and Jodie Comer are state educated (and neither attended drama school).

Obviously, this is a problem in terms of social mobility, but also in terms of British culture more broadly. It begs the question: who represents Britain to a domestic audience, but also on the international stage? If we look at two major British hits from the last 25 years, again we see that attendees of private schools and Oxbridge are over-represented.

In 1999, Notting Hill was the highest-grossing British film of all time. Its star (Hugh Grant), writer (Richard Curtis), director (Roger Michell) and producer (Duncan Kenworthy) were all privately educated, and all attended Oxbridge. Of the main cast, only Gina McKee and Rhys Ifans were state educated and non-Oxbridge; both have regional accents. McKee’s character has a condition that confines her to a wheelchair, and Ifan’s character is barely civilised.

Paddington (2014-2025), the hugely successful British film franchise displays similar tendencies. Of the central recurring cast, only Paddington, the uncivilised foundling bear, is played by state-educated Ben Whishaw.

The rest of the Brown family, residing in a fantastical pseudo middle-class Primrose Hill, are all played by privately educated actors. State-educated Julie Walters plays housekeeper Mrs Bird with a strong Scottish accent. And as with the UK’s most successful film franchise, Harry Potter (which similarly has a handful of state-educated actors), the privately educated David Heyman produces.

The British “middle-class” shown in these films is actually drawn from the most affluent segment of British society. Yet these actors are able to unproblematically “play down” in terms of class and upbringing. Ewan McGregor, who went to the private Morrison’s Academy, became famous playing a heroin addict in Trainspotting.

This contrasts sharply with the paucity of working-class or middle-class actors who “play-up”: Kenneth Branagh is one notable example, having achieved it through an association with Shakespeare — the zenith of British dramatic art. Branagh’s Belfast – an account of his own upbringing – is remarkable in its stark contrast to the work by which he made his name.

My own research on the working-class author and broadcaster Archie Hill has shown how class also dictates which contributions to British culture are preserved, and how a narrow establishment determines this. Even when working-class people make significant cultural contributions, they are more likely to be overlooked in posterity.

Working-class actors used to be encouraged and celebrated, as the careers of Tom Courtenay, Richard Burton, Michael Caine, Albert Finney, Rita Tushingham, Eileen Atkins and Imelda Staunton demonstrate. The Atlee government’s post-war settlement in Britain concentrated resources on working-class communities and emphasised social mobility, allowing young working-class people to thrive and access cultural resources previously reserved for a wealthy elite.

The “angry young men” of kitchen sink realism and the rise of roles for working-class actors have to be seen in this context. However, as the consensus of the post-war settlement declined from the late 1970s, so did numbers of working-class actors on our screens. As Julie Walters lamented in 2015: “People like me wouldn’t get a chance today”.

As social inequality in Britain deepens, the problem gets worse: since the 1970s the proportion of working-class actors, musicians and writers has halved. Social media has enabled a new “nepo-baby” aristocracy to emerge – the children of celebrities now becoming celebrities simply by virtue of their birth.

Why does this matter? Because the narrowness of this field is bad news for diversity. We need greater breadth and depth when it comes to British culture and those who produce it.

Michaela Coel and Stephen Graham – as recent successes I May Destroy You and Adolescence have shown – are two considerable forces in this respect, but more needs to be done if this structural imbalance is to be corrected.

Sadly, British film and television frequently offers us a misrepresentative and inverted Britain, one where the majority has been marginalised, and the elite masquerade as the class norm. No wonder so many Americans think Hugh Grant is a “typical Brit”.

Nick Lee 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. Who represents Britain on screen? UK film and TV culture still has a worrying class problem – https://theconversation.com/who-represents-britain-on-screen-uk-film-and-tv-culture-still-has-a-worrying-class-problem-255741

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Why Elon Musk’s US$34 billion loss wasn’t really that – and what it tells us about the philanthropy of the ultra-wealthy

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Tobias Jung, Professor of Management, University of St Andrews

Photo Agency/Shutterstock

Following a sharp drop in Tesla’s share price, outlets reported that the world’s richest person, Elon Musk, had “lost” US$34 billion (£25 billion) in a single day. That figure exceeds the annual GDP of countries like Iceland, Jamaica or Mauritius. Gaining or losing even 0.001% of that wealth would be life-changing for most people.

But, this “loss” is entirely nominal. A decline in share prices means Musk is technically worth less. If prices rebound, so does his net worth.

While such volatility can devastate smaller investors reliant on their portfolios, it is a recurring feature of ultra-wealth. Consider the US$100 billion decline in Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s fortune during his Metaverse pivot, or the US$18 billion drop Microsoft founder Bill Gates experienced during the 2008 financial crisis.

These share price shifts may reduce billionaires’ net worth on paper, but they rarely affect their lifestyle. Where they do matter however is in philanthropy. Here, timing is everything. The higher the share price at the point of donation, the greater the tax benefit, and the more reputational capital to be locked in.

This raises deeper questions about how philanthropic incentives are structured, and who ultimately benefits.

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Although philanthropy is often associated with generosity, legacy or moral responsibility, these are only part of the picture. This is particularly true when it comes to major giving by the ultra-wealthy.

Instead, from a wealth advisory perspective, one of the most strategically valuable (yet less publicly discussed) motivations is tax management. And, while many assume that philanthropy means donating money, tax systems often encourage the donation of appreciated assets, particularly shares, instead.

As a worked example by the Bank of America illustrates, a US$50,000 donation in appreciated stock might easily present a tax benefit of almost US$10,000 over and above the tax benefits of donating the same amount in cash.

Why is that? First of all, there is the potential of a tax deduction equal to the fair market value at the point of donation. The value of the asset at the point of donation is important for your tax deduction, not what you actually paid for it or whether its value is going to plunge in future.

On top of that, there are opportunities to reduce other taxes too. This includes capital gains or inheritance taxes, the latter illustrated in the establishment of one of the world’s largest foundations, the Ford Foundation and its use as a vehicle to manage both inheritance tax and maintain corporate control.

But the benefits of donating shares and other appreciated assets are not just financial. For high-profile donors, philanthropy also serves as a powerful tool for shaping public perceptions, projecting images of civic virtue, moral leadership, and social responsibility. It allows them to convert one form of capital, such as financial wealth, into others – social status, cultural influence or symbolic legitimacy.

Converting capital into cultural influence: Carnegie Hall in New York was funded by industrialist Andrew Carnegie.
Victoria Lipov/Shutterstock

Volatile, appreciated and often bound-up assets can be unlocked and transformed into something far more enduring – a philanthropic legacy. Even if share prices plunge after the donation, the donor has already secured both a substantial tax benefit and a lasting philanthropic image.

Tax management is a longstanding concern in philanthropy, particularly in relation to philanthropic foundations. But it really is donor advised funds (DAFs) that now warrant closer scrutiny as the real “warehouses of wealth”. Constituting one of the fastest-growing vehicles for philanthropy, DAFs act as “giving accounts”. They allow donors to claim charitable contributions and receive immediate tax deductions but without actually making an immediate charitable contribution to society.

While donors technically give up ownership of these assets, they retain advisory privileges over whether and when resources are granted, to whom, and in what amounts. DAFs have no legal requirement to disburse funds within a specific timeframe. That means that any charitable spending can be delayed, potentially indefinitely, despite the upfront public subsidy via tax relief.

Time for reform?

All of these issues raise serious questions as to whether philanthropic architecture is ripe for reform. When donors can receive substantial tax and social benefits by donating volatile assets, regardless of whether or when they benefit the public, it seems that both society and the philanthropy field are shortchanged.

First, significant resources are diverted from the public purse into privately controlled channels, often with limited oversight. Second, charitable giving is decoupled from charitable action or impact. Third, influence is consolidated – decisions about how public-subsidised funds are used are made not through democratic processes, but through private choice.

The most corrosive effect, however, may be on philanthropy itself. As financial incentives and personal benefits are recast and presented as altruistic, the perception, purposes and potential of philanthropy for the public good risk being eroded and replaced by cynicism.

This brings us back to Musk’s US$34 billion “loss”. While headlines framed it as a dramatic reversal of fortune, the real story lies not in the number but in the system behind it. For those whose wealth is held in stock, market volatility presents a tool for tax planning, image-making, strategic giving and long-term influence. What looks like loss may in fact be leverage.

Tobias Jung 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 Elon Musk’s US$34 billion loss wasn’t really that – and what it tells us about the philanthropy of the ultra-wealthy – https://theconversation.com/why-elon-musks-us-34-billion-loss-wasnt-really-that-and-what-it-tells-us-about-the-philanthropy-of-the-ultra-wealthy-259176

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

June 21, 2025
PM Modi to lead 11th International Day of Yoga celebrations from Visakhapatnam

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

The 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) is set to be celebrated on June 21, with unprecedented scale and grandeur, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the national event from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. He will perform the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) alongside over 3 lakh participants at the main venue. Joining him will be Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

The event at Visakhapatnam will be part of the nationwide ‘Yoga Sangam’ initiative, which will see simultaneous yoga sessions at more than 10 lakh locations across India. The mass demonstration is scheduled to take place from 6:30 AM to 7:45 AM and is expected to draw participation from over 2 crore people at more than 1 lakh locations across Andhra Pradesh alone. The state government is also coordinating an attempt to set a new Guinness World Record, while also planning to distribute over 50 lakh yoga certificates to registered participants.

In a symbolic and culturally rich prelude to the main event, approximately 25,000 tribal children today performed 108 Surya Namaskars in 108 minutes at Andhra University. The initiative underlined the enthusiastic engagement of tribal communities and the growing grassroots reach of yoga.

Delhi will also actively participate in the celebrations with events planned at 109 locations across the national capital. A notable highlight will be a grand yoga session at the historic Red Fort, organized by Brahma Kumaris in collaboration with the Ministry of Ayush, supported by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga and the Archaeological Survey of India.

This year’s theme for IDY 2025, Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” reflects India’s holistic vision of well-being. It underscores the interconnectedness of human and planetary health and draws upon the traditional Indian ethos of Sarve Santu Niramaya (May all be free from disease).

Ahead of the celebrations, Prime Minister Modi addressed a letter to all Gram Pradhans, emphasizing yoga’s transformative impact and its growing global acceptance. His message has sparked renewed enthusiasm at the grassroots, resulting in widespread yoga activities in Panchayats, Anganwadis, and Community Health Centers.

Marking the 10-year milestone of International Day of Yoga, the Ministry of Ayush introduced 10 Signature Events rolled out over 100 days to enhance public participation. These include the mass yoga demonstrations under Yoga Sangam, international collaborations through Yoga Bandhan, and environmental initiatives via Harit Yoga. The campaign also featured youth-centric programs like Yoga Unplugged, a global online summit under Yoga Connect, and large-scale celebrations through Yoga Maha Kumbh. Additionally, Samyoga highlighted the integration of yoga with modern healthcare, while Yoga Prabhava presented a 10-year impact report on the IDY movement.

Rajasthan led in registrations for Yoga Sangam with over 2.25 lakh sign-ups, followed by several other states crossing the one lakh mark. Overall, more than 11 lakh organizations and groups have registered their participation through the Ministry of Ayush’s dedicated yoga portal.

Globally, Indian embassies and cultural centres have been conducting yoga demonstrations and awareness campaigns, reinforcing India’s role as a global wellness leader.

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: ECOFIN endorses European Commission’s positive assessment of technical revision of Italy’s NRRP

Source: Government of Italy (English)

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20 Giugno 2025

This morning’s ECOFIN endorsed the European Commission’s positive assessment of the technical revision of Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), enabling the Government to continue fully implementing the Plan and achieving the objectives for the final three instalments.

In addition to amendments for objectively changed circumstances and formal corrections, the technical revision also implements investments to develop the circular economy for waste and to incentivise the purchase of low environmental impact cars, for a total amount equal to EUR 1.2 billion.

The coming days will be particularly important for implementation of the NRRP, with a steering committee meeting to be held on 24 June to assess achievement of the forty milestones and targets for the eighth instalment, with technical working groups planned for the European Commission’s visit and with payment of the seventh instalment, which will enable Italy to confirm its leading position in Europe in terms of its Plan’s progress and, in terms of performance, to reach 54% of the planned goals, 18% higher than the European average of 36%.

MIL OSI Europe News –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Protecting Canadian Labour: Replacement Workers Legislation now in Force

Source: Government of Canada News (2)

June 20, 2025 Gatineau, Quebec Employment and Social Development Canada

As of today, Bill C-58, An Act to amend the Canada Labour Code and the Canada Industrial Relations Board Regulations, 2012, came into force. This legislation strengthens protections for Canadian workers – because they are the foundation of Canada’s ambition.

What we heard is that the use of replacement workers compromises the fundamental right to strike; it can tip the scales, derail good faith bargaining, and heighten tensions. That is why the Government of Canada introduced and passed Bill C-58. Starting today, the use of replacement workers to do the work of unionized employees who are on strike or locked out is prohibited in federally regulated workplaces, allowing parties to stay focused on reaching fair, negotiated deals.

Changes have also been made to improve the maintenance of activities process. Employers and unions must now come to an agreement within 15 days after notice to bargain is issued to determine what work needs to continue to protect the health and safety of the public during a work stoppage. If they cannot agree, the Canada Industrial Relations Board will decide what activities need to be maintained, if any.

A strong economy depends on stable labour relations. These amendments to the Canada Labour Code will improve labour relations, protect workers’ right to strike, limit interruptions to collective bargaining and provide greater stability to the economy during federal labour disputes.

At the heart of the Government’s vision is collaboration – and we thank the unions, stakeholders, workers and partners for their work on this bill – to make sure Canada has the skilled talent and support to meet the needs of this critical moment.

MIL OSI Canada News –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: General Manager Pleads Guilty to Practice of Hiring Aliens

Source: United States Small Business Administration

Click Here to Sign Up for SBA OIG Email Updates on Recent Investigative Cases, Audit Oversight Reports, and General News

Click Here to View the Original U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Press Release

John Washburn, general manager of San Diego Powder & Protective Coatings in El Cajon, pleaded guilty in federal court today to engaging in a pattern or practice of hiring undocumented immigrants without authorization to work.

As part of the plea agreement, Washburn admitted that he knew at least 10 workers were undocumented immigrants at the company, and that three were living in a company warehouse where U.S. Navy submarine components were being stored. These charges stemmed from a search warrant that was served by federal agents at the company’s warehouses in March of this year.

Washburn was immediately sentenced by U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara L. Major to one year probation and 50 hours of community service.

According to the plea agreement, Washburn admitted he had communicated with other managers at San Diego Powder & Protective Coating about certain employees who had “issues” with their paperwork or “bad paperwork,” meaning some employees lacked valid documents showing they had legal authorization to work in the U.S.

In or around 2024, the defendant communicated with company officials regarding assigning employees with “good paperwork” to work at the military base because those employees would be subjected to additional screening prior to entering restricted areas on the base.

Homeland Security Investigations San Diego is investigating these cases with assistance from the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General; GSA – Office of Inspector General; United States Border Patrol; Customs and Border Protection, ERO; NCIS; SBA – Office of Inspector General; Drug Enforcement Administration San Diego Field Division, and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives.

These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Henry F.B. Beshar and Michael A. Deshong.

DEFENDANT Case Number 25mj1458-BLM

John Washburn Age: 57

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Engaging in a Pattern or Practice of Employing Aliens, in violation of Title 8 U.S.C. § 1324a(a)(1)(A) and (f); Maximum Penalty: Six months in prison; $3,000 fine per alien.

INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

Homeland Security Investigations

Naval Criminal Investigative Service

U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General

General Services Administration, Office of Inspector General

Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General

Enforcement and Removal Operations

Drug Enforcement Administration

Bureau Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives

U.S. Border Patrol

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

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

MIL OSI USA News –

June 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Riverside County Woman Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison for Running $1.7 Million COVID-19 Benefits Fraud She Advertised on Instagram

Source: United States Small Business Administration

Click Here to Sign Up for SBA OIG Email Updates on Recent Investigative Cases, Audit Oversight Reports, and General News

Click Here to View the Original U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Press Release

An Inland Empire woman was sentenced today to 84 months in federal prison for fraudulently obtaining $1.7 million in COVID-19 pandemic-related jobless benefits, federally-guaranteed small business loans, California Small Business COVID-19 relief grants, and Los Angeles County economic opportunity grants.

Jasmine Unique Mallard-McCarter, 30, a.k.a. “JassyMC,” of Eastvale, was sentenced by United States District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong, who also ordered her to pay $1,765,407 in restitution.

McCarter pleaded guilty on February 28 to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

McCarter impersonated others to apply online for government benefits that she used for herself. McCarter also used the personal identifying information provided by her co-conspirators to apply for government benefits on their behalf, knowing those co-conspirators were not eligible for those benefits.

McCarter charged fees to instruct others how to apply for government benefits for which they were not eligible without getting caught. Also, for a fee, McCarter served as a broker for counterfeit documents, such as Social Security cards, driver’s licenses, IRS Forms 1040, W-2s, bank statements, education degrees and transcripts, pay stubs, and doctors’ notes for handicapped placards. In some instances, the McCarter and her co-conspirators used the counterfeit documents to trick the government into paying unjustified benefits.

McCarter advertised her fraud services on Instragram, using handles “JassyMc” and “EliteRealEstateandBusiness.” McCarter referred to herself as the “Jass of All Trades” in social media posts, because she could file fraudulent unemployment insurance applications, file grant applications, and broker counterfeit documents and identification in return for a fee.

According to McCarter’s Instagram posts, she charged a fee for introducing customers to her connection at the California Department of Motor Vehicles, who could help bypass requirements for smog checks, insurance, and registration.

The U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, Employee Development Department Investigations Division, U.S. Small Business Administration – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and United States Secret Service investigated this matter.

Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Brown of the Major Frauds Section prosecuted this case.

On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolster efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

On September 15, 2022, the Attorney General selected the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Central and Eastern Districts of California to jointly head one of the three national COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force Teams. The Department of Justice established the Strike Force to enhance existing efforts to combat and prevent COVID-19 related financial fraud. The Strike Force combines law enforcement and prosecutorial resources and focuses on large-scale, multistate pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors, as well as those who committed instances of pandemic relief fraud. The Strike Force uses prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds. Additional information regarding the Strike Force may be found at https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-covid-19-fraud-strike-force-teams.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 21, 2025

Category: Transport

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MHRA approves UK’s first anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody for treatment of aggressive form of lung cancer

Julian Beach, MHRA Interim Executive Director of Healthcare Quality and Access, said:

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Why it matters

What still isn’t known

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