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Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Rouge Bouillon closure update30 January 2025 ​Rouge Bouillon continues to remain closed between Clarendon Road and Palmyra Road as investigations continue into the stability of an adjacent building wall, affected by a burst water main. The Government… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    30 January 2025

    ​

    Rouge Bouillon continues to remain closed between Clarendon Road and Palmyra Road as investigations continue into the stability of an adjacent building wall, affected by a burst water main. 

    The Government of Jersey is monitoring and facilitating ongoing meetings held with all relevant stakeholders to ensure public safety. These include Highways, Network Management, Drainage, Building Control, Jersey Water, CYPES and other key parties, alongside property owners impacted by the issue.

    Statement from Constable Simon Crowcroft of St Helier:
    “I fully understand the frustration and inconvenience that the ongoing closure of Rouge Bouillon is causing for residents, businesses, and commuters. 

    “This is a highly complex situation involving multiple parties, and ensuring the safety of everyone remains our priority. 

    “We appreciate the patience and cooperation of the public as investigations and repair work continue. We hope to provide a firm timetable for the necessary works and the reopening of the road next week.

    “The Minister for Infrastructure and I wish to see the Ring Road re-opened as soon as possible. 

    “In the meantime, I urge Islanders to continue using alternative routes where possible, and I thank everyone for their understanding during this challenging period.”

    Current Status with investigatory and repair work: 

    • private parties (residents and private owners) responsible for the affected buildings are undertaking detailed investigations and repair work, which are expected to take some time
    • the situation is highly complex with several adjacent walls & buildings that are unsafe and severely cracked 
    • multiple parties are involved, including Infrastructure and Environment (I&E), Jersey Water, structural engineers, building surveyors, loss adjustors, and insurance companies. 

    Alternative routes and safety assurance 

    We have considered other options to manage the traffic around the closure however, the decision to retain the current traffic arrangement is based on the following factors: 

    • reversing Clarendon Road poses additional safety risks for residents and pedestrians
    • allowing right-turn access onto Clarendon Road from Val Plaisant could cause severe traffic congestion, particularly near the Gyratory
    • •reversing Midvale Road, while potentially useful, would necessitate signal junction changes, creating confusion, complications, and further safety concerns. 

    We advise the traveling public to continue to avoid the area and use alternative routes to access town where possible. 

    Public impact 

    We understand that the closure has significant impacts on daily travel and local businesses. The road will only reopen once the buildings are stabilised and all risks of structural collapse have been mitigated. 

    Next steps 

    A further update on the situation will be provided in seven days.

    ​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: York Learning rated as ‘Good’ by Ofsted

    Source: City of York

    York Learning – City of York Council’s Adult Learning provider – has been rated ‘good’ in a recent inspection by Ofsted.

    York Learning offers courses and programmes to help residents of all ages learn, explore and achieve and can play a key role in helping people to get into work or expanding their skills while in work.

    The inspection, which was carried out in December, rated each of the nine categories assessed as ‘good’, including adult learning programmes, education programmes for young people and provision for learners with high needs.

    The inspection report recognised how highly learners and apprentices valued the learning experience and support they received from course tutors, enabling them to grown in confidence.

    It also highlighted how tutors appreciate the barriers that many learners and apprentices face in their lives and are proactive in providing support while promoting high expectations.

    The inspectors referenced the clear purpose that York Learning’s leaders’ and managers’ have for the courses they offer, providing sessions to improve the lives of residents in York, which are aligned with the council’s wider strategic plan and skills’ needs in the region.

    Inspectors also recognised the rigorous oversight that leaders and managers have of the quality of teaching and assessment, including that of subcontractors.

    The assessment noted that most learners and apprentices achieve their qualifications on the vast majority of courses, with many processing to the next level of study, further education or employment.

    Inspectors did find that learners on a few courses did not achieve, including learners with high needs on functional skills English and maths courses. An action plan has been put in place to provide support to the subcontractor running this course.

    It also found that where some learners on English and mathematics courses face significant barriers to learning – such as mental health and well-being issues – leaders and managers have introduced extensive mental health support for these learners, which is having a positive impact.

    Cllr Pete Kilbane, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy and Culture, with responsibility for skills, said:

    “This is great news and I’m delighted that the inspectors have recognised the enthusiasm, dedication and expertise that our tutors and wider York Learning team bring to adult learners across the city each and every day.

    “Providing high quality opportunities for all our residents to learn and grow, whatever their age or situation, is a key commitment in our Council Plan. I’m pleased that York Learning is continuing to help us deliver on that pledge and I urge residents to take full advantage of the opportunities available.”

    For more information visit the York Learning websiteor call 01904 554277.

    View a full copy of the Ofsted report.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: St. John’s — RCMP NL warn residents of email scam

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    RCMP NL is warning the public of an email scam that is currently in circulation. The scammer is representing themselves as part of the RCMP, investigating online sexual related offences against youth.

    On Monday, January 27, 2025, Sheshatshiu RCMP received a report from an individual who had received such an email. The scammer stated that the individual was the subject of a police investigation for sexual offences committed against a youth and further stated that the individual was found guilty of these offences.

    The email address used to contact the individual in this particular incident was grc-rcmp-specialized@syberservices.com. This email address is not associated to the RCMP.

    RCMP NL warns that this is a scam. If you are the subject of a criminal investigation, police officers will contact you, most commonly in person. Contact could also take place over the phone or via email however, formal statements about an investigation will be taken in person. Findings of guilt are determined through a court process and not by the police.

    If you receive an email similar to this, please contact your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre to make a report.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pasco Man Sentenced to Over 11 Years for Possessing and Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge William Jung has sentenced Anthony Joseph Fresco (68, New Port Richey) to 11 years and 3 months in federal prison for distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The court also ordered Fresco to forfeit electronic devices used in the commission of the offense, pay $33,000 in restitution to the victims, and register as a sex offender. Fresco entered a guilty plea on October 18, 2024.

    According to court documents, in January 2023, Fresco communicated with an undercover FBI agent over the internet. During their conversation, Fresco discussed his sexual desire for minors and distributed two images and one video of CSAM to the undercover agent. After a search of Fresco’s electronic devices, law enforcement discovered that Fresco had distributed images and videos of CSAM in various online groups, as well as possessed hundreds of images and videos of CSAM, including images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of infants and toddlers. 

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Innovative new Police Hub brings officers closer to Woodford

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A landmark agreement between the Met and a local authority will help bring frontline officers back into communities.

    The opening of a police hub in Woodford provides Safer Neighbourhood officers with a dedicated base to enhance our response to issues such as anti-social behaviour, theft and vandalism.

    It was made possible after Redbridge Council agreed to provide the co-location space to the Met and pay for the fit out of the hub, which means that officers can be stationed within walking distance of their wards.

    Previously, following streamlining of the Met’s estate, officers policing that community were based around 20 minutes’ drive away.

    The partnership between the Met and Redbridge Council demonstrates how agencies can work together to improve community safety.

    It was formally opened by Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and council leader Kam Rai on Thursday, 30 January, and will house up to 20 officers covering six wards.

    It’s an important step towards the Met’s mission of delivering our strongest ever neighbourhood policing, which has already seen an additional 500 officers dedicated to working in communities across London ranging from Superintendents to PCSOs.

    Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: “We are totally committed to making neighbourhood policing stronger than ever before so we can focus on tackling the crimes that matter most to Londoners.

    “Having officers closer to the communities they serve is key to our success and the partnership with Redbridge Council ensures we can deliver this at a time when our budgets are being stretched.

    “We have put an additional 500 officers into neighbourhood policing and our targeted approach has achieved a significant crime reduction in some areas. We want to go further and are already talking to local authorities to find solutions and ensure we can continue to deliver a great police service for London.”

    The Leader of Redbridge Council, Cllr Kam Rai, said: “The new hub in Woodford is a prime example of how London boroughs can proactively play a vital role in bringing policing back into the communities they serve.

    “This first of its kind, the hub will prove pivotal in helping to prevent antisocial behaviour and improve police response times across the west of Redbridge. This strategic location will significantly reduce the current travel time from Ilford, giving officers more time for local patrols and tackling issues.

    “While we have a police station in Ilford and a base in Barkingside, the new hub means more officers will now be closer to the communities they look after.

    “It was a pleasure welcoming Sir Mark Rowley to Redbridge, and we look forward to our continued close partnership with the Met Police to make our borough a safer place for local people.”

    The Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kaya Comer-Schwartz, said: “Keeping communities safe is our top priority and I welcome this new policing hub in Woodford which will help build closer relationships between officers and the communities they serve and boost the local response to issues such as anti-social behaviour, theft and vandalism.

    “The Mayor and I are determined to do everything we can to support the Commissioner to deliver a new Met for London where local neighbourhood policing is prioritised and communities are put first. We have backed this up with record funding from City Hall for the Met Police, as we work together to build a safer London for all.”

    The opening comes after the Met was moved out of special measures because of the progress made in fixing the foundations of the organisation. Part of this progress is based on the work to deliver better neighbourhood policing across London.

    Our new neighbourhood policing model has been bolstered by an additional 500 staff ranging from superintendent to PCSOs, working closer than ever with communities to understand their concerns.

    Across Redbridge there has been an almost 13 per cent reduction in the number of offences in the previous 12 months, including fewer reports of violence, drug offences and violence against women and girls.

    Recent local operations have seen:

    • 65 bags of cannabis, six bags of cannabis resin and nine wraps of white powder, along with approximately £2,000, seized when a car was stopped in Goodmayes Lane.
    • A man, later found to be wanted for three other burglaries, pursued and arrested after officers noticed an alarm at a commercial premises near Ilford station.
    • Officers on routine patrols around Churchfields recover two machetes and a hunting knife from a building known to be used as a squat.
    • Four arrests as part of an operation focused on offenders targeting victims making ATM withdrawals in Ilford town centre.
    • Three machetes, a firearm, white powder and brown substance found in a property in Mayfield Ward as part of an intelligence-led operation. A man ran from the property, was located by a dog unit and arrested.
    • Three vulnerable women rescued from a brothel by neighbourhood officers in Ilford.
    • Two robbery suspects arrested by officers in the Orchard Estate after they stole a victim’s coat and recorded the attack on a phone.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: IAEA Sees Operational Safety Commitment at Novovoronezh Nuclear Power Plant in Russia

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts said that the operator of the Novovoronezh Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in the Russian Federation has shown a commitment to enhancing operational safety.

    Requested by the Government of the Russian Federation, the Operational Safety Review Team (OSART) mission ran from 13 to 30 January. The Team reviewed operational safety in Units 4 and 6 of the Novovoronezh NPP. An OSART mission was previously completed for Unit 5 in 2015.

    OSART missions independently assess safety performance against the IAEA’s safety standards. The aim is to advance operational safety by proposing recommendations and, where appropriate, suggestions for improvement.

    The Novovoronezh NPP is located in the Voronezh region, about 600 kilometres south of Moscow. The plant is owned by State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom (ROSATOM) and operated by Novovoronezh NPP, a subsidiary of the Rosenergoatom Joint Stock Company. The plant consists of seven units. Units 1, 2 and 3 are permanently shutdown and under decommissioning. Units 4, 5, 6 and 7 are operating. All units are pressurized water reactors (VVERs); Units 4 and 5 are VVER-V179 (417 MWe) and VVER-187 (1000 MWe), respectively. Units 6 and 7 are both VVER-392M (1180 MWe). Russia has 36 nuclear power reactors in operation, providing almost 20 per cent of the country’s total electricity production.

    The team reviewed operating practices in Units 4 and 6 in the areas of leadership and management for safety, training and qualification, operations, maintenance, technical support, radiation protection, chemistry and accident management. The team was composed of seven experts from Belarus, Brazil, China, the Islamic Republic of Iran and South Africa, as well as four IAEA staff members and an observer from Russia.

    To make its assessment, the team reviewed documents from the Novovoronezh plant on its main technical features, staff organization and responsibilities, and its operational programmes, procedures and performance prior to the mission. During the mission, the team observed the plant in operation, examined indicators of its performance and held in-depth discussions with plant personnel.

    The OSART team observed that the staff at the plant are knowledgeable and professional and are committed to improving the operational safety and reliability of the plant.

    The team identified one good practice to be shared with the nuclear industry globally:

    • The main control room operators at Novovoronezh NPP have access to an electronic display for real-time indication of hydrogen ignition risk inside the containment building in the case of a severe accident.

    The mission also provided some suggestions to further improve safety, including that the plant should consider enhancing:

    • The consistent use of tools to minimize human error.
    • The quality of maintenance activities.
    • The arrangements for the monitoring and reporting of equipment condition and material deficiencies to ensure that any degradation is identified and reported.

    “We are grateful to the international experts of the IAEA for conducting a comprehensive inspection at two power units of the Novovoronezh NPP – Unit 4 and Unit 6. This is a reputable team with over 282-years combined operational experience in the nuclear power industry. According to the mission results, the plant received suggestions to enhance further the operational safety performance of Units 4 and 6,” said Vladimir Povarov, Director of Novovoronezh NPP. “The mission confirmed that there was good alignment between the plant practices and the requirements in the IAEA standards.”

    “Three of the four Novovoronezh NPP power units in operation have already successfully undertaken an IAEA international peer review. And we plan for power Unit 7 to be subjected to this procedure in the future,” Povarov added.

    The team provided a draft report of the mission to the plant management. They will have the opportunity to make factual comments on the draft. These comments will be reviewed by the IAEA, and the final report will be submitted to the Government within three months.

    Background

    General information about OSART missions can be found on the IAEA website. An OSART mission is designed as a review of programmes and activities essential to operational safety. It is not a regulatory inspection, nor is it a design review or a substitute for an exhaustive assessment of the plant’s overall safety status.

    Follow-up missions are standard components of the OSART programme and are typically conducted within two years of the initial mission.

    The IAEA Safety Standards provide a robust framework of fundamental principles, requirements and guidance to ensure safety. They reflect an international consensus and serve as a global reference for protecting people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Atlas of Military Compensation, 2024

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    Compensation for military personnel is found in both the defense and nondefense parts of the federal budget. Defense funding, in the Department of Defense’s (DoD’s) budget, is mostly for current military personnel. Nondefense funding in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is mostly for former military personnel.

    Since 2000, the total budget for military compensation has been rising steadily, even though the number of military personnel and veterans has been declining. Spending by VA has accounted for most of that increase, rising from a small fraction of the total to about 61 percent of military compensation in the President’s 2025 budget request.

    In the 2025 budget request, total military compensation is $600 billion. (Of that total, $236 billion is for DoD and $365 billion is for VA.) That amount represents an increase of 162 percent since 1980 (and 151 percent since 1999).

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Islam Parkes Elected Chair of Gwinnett County Delegation

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA (January 30, 2025) — Sen. Nabilah Islam Parkes (D–Duluth) was elected Chair of  Georgia Senate’s Gwinnett County Delegation this week. Senators representing Gwinnett County include: Sen. Tonya Anderson (D–Lithonia), Sen. Bill Cowsert (R–Athens), Sen. Clint Dixon (R–Gwinnett), Sen. Sally Harrell (D–Atlanta), Sen. Nabilah Islam Parkes (D–Duluth), Sen. Nikki Merritt (D–Grayson), Sen. Sheikh Rahman (D–Lawrenceville) and Sen. Shawn Still (R–Norcross). 

    “Serving as chair of the Senate’s Gwinnett County delegation is a profound honor. Gwinnett County is the fifth most diverse county in the United States and one of the largest in Georgia—a distinction my fellow senators and I fully recognize. Regardless of party affiliation, every member of this delegation remains committed to working collaboratively to serve the entirety of Gwinnett County, not just our constituencies,” said Sen. Islam Parkes. “As a Senator, championing Gwinnett’s diversity and representing residents of all backgrounds has always been my top priority.”

    The Gwinnett County Senate Delegation is the second-largest bipartisan county delegation in the Senate. These delegates collaborate to develop and sponsor legislation that serves the best interests of Gwinnett County, the second-most populated county in Georgia.

    # # # #

    Sen. Nabilah Islam Parkes represents the 7th Senate District including a portion of Gwinnett County. She may be reached at (404) 463-5263 or by email at nabilah.islam@senate.ga.gov.

    For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Lagarde presents the latest monetary policy decisions – 30 January 2025

    Source: European Central Bank (video statements)

    Today our Governing Council decided on monetary policy, determining what’s needed to return inflation to our 2% goal in a timely manner.

    Listen to President Christine Lagarde present today’s decisions. The statement also covers:
    • how the economy is performing
    • how we expect prices to develop
    • the risks to the economic outlook
    • the dynamics behind financial and monetary conditions

    Published and recorded during our press conference on 30 January 2025

    Our monetary policy statement at a glance, 30 January 2025 www.ecb.europa.eu/press/press_conf…_january.en.html

    Christine Lagarde, Luis de Guindos: Monetary policy statement, 30 January 2025 www.ecb.europa.eu/press/press_conf…418aa0f4.en.html

    Monetary policy decisions, 30 January 2025 www.ecb.europa.eu/press/pr/date/20…0b29e622.en.html

    Combined monetary policy decisions and statement, 30 January 2025 www.ecb.europa.eu/press/press_conf…fb5af6f3189be827

    European Central Bank
    www.ecb.europa.eu/home/html/index.en.html

    You can also listen on all major podcast platforms.

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

    MIL OSI Video –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Trump Holds Press Briefing on Aviation Disaster

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    The White House

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShRYdYTtIx8

    MIL OSI Video –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Solensia 7 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Cats

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    VMD response to concerns raised following media reports of serious adverse events in cats administered Solensia.

    The VMD is aware of media reports and concerns, including those raised on social media, following cases of serious adverse events in cats administered Solensia 7 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Cats.

    Solensia 7 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Cats is an authorised injectable veterinary medicinal product containing the active substance frunevetmab. It is indicated for the alleviation of pain associated with osteoarthritis in cats.

    The VMD assesses the safety, quality and efficacy of veterinary medicines before and after authorisation to ensure that the benefit-risk balance remains positive.  The VMD’s Pharmacovigilance team monitors all reports of suspected adverse events (both adverse reactions and lack of efficacy reports) from authorised veterinary medicinal products that are submitted to the VMD from veterinary professionals and from animal owners.

    The Veterinary Medicines Regulations also requires Marketing Authorisation Holders (MAHs) to monitor and report on the benefit-risk of their veterinary medicines on a continuous basis, including reporting adverse events within 30 days of awareness. All reports received by the VMD are evaluated and where appropriate, actions based on available data may be taken – for example adding additional warnings on the packaging or changing the way a product is used.

    We would like to reassure veterinary professionals and cat owners that we are constantly reviewing adverse event report data to ensure that the overall benefits of each UK licensed veterinary medicine product, when used in accordance with its labelling, outweighs the risks posed by their potential adverse events.

    As with any veterinary medicinal product marketed in the UK, Solensia has been subject to continuous monitoring since it was first authorised in February 2021.

    No medicine is 100% risk free. The VMD does not publish specific adverse event data, however information on adverse events that have been known to occur following administration of a particular product are summarised in sections 3.6/4.6 of the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC).

    About the SPC

    The SPC is a document describing the properties and the officially approved conditions of use of a medicine. The SPC and associated product information are updated as new information is available, and the latest version of an SPC can be found on our publicly available Product Information Database. 

    Product information also physically  accompanies every authorised veterinary medicinal product when marketed and it is important for veterinary professionals to ensure that this information is reviewed prior to administering the product.  A rolling 6-month list of Summary of Product Characteristic (SPC) changes for veterinary medicines can be found on the Connect monthly medicines update page Vet practice & supply.

    The SPC and associated product information for Solensia, including a list of Post Authorisation Assessments that have occurred since the products were first authorised, can be found on this database.

    Following monitoring of pharmacovigilance data, the latest update to the adverse event section of the product information resulted in the addition of the adverse event anaphylaxis; (Solensia 7 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Cats – SPC change – GOV.UK).

    The following adverse events were already listed in the product information: alopecia, dermatitis, pruritus, injection site reaction (e.g. pain and alopecia) and skin disorders (e.g. skin scab, skin sore).

    Reporting incidence rate

    Based on Periodic Safety Update Report data that has been received for Solensia since authorisation, the incidence of adverse events in animals was 0.0025.[i]

    This means that according to the data the VMD has received, fewer than 3 animals have experienced a suspected adverse event for every 1000 doses of Solensia sold.

    This includes reports where more than one product was used, reports when the product was used off-label, that is using a medicine in a way that is not specified on the product’s label, or reports where, on further evaluation, there were other reasons for the adverse reaction occurring. We will continue to review data as it is received, and further data-led actions will be taken if appropriate.

    Jurisdictions

    There may be differences in the data that appears on product information in different jurisdictions. Each jurisdiction follows specific legislation and guidelines which regulate the safety information to be included on the veterinary medicine label and information leaflet during the authorisation process and the procedures to change this label as necessary, once the medicine is placed on the market and following analysis of post-marketing pharmacovigilance data.

    The current Veterinary Medicines Regulations can be found here: The Veterinary Medicines Regulation 2013 (legislation.gov.uk). The GB legislation is similar to that of comparative European countries.  

    How to report

    The reporting of adverse events is critical to increasing the volume of data available for ongoing monitoring in order to protect animal health, public health and the environment, and we strongly encourage reporting of adverse events by both veterinary professionals and animal owners.

    To report an adverse event, we would advise veterinary professionals to contact the Marketing Authorisation Holder/MAH (pharmaceutical company) for the product and animal owners to contact their veterinary practice and/or the MAH for the product.

    A MAH’s contact details can be found:

    • within the product information that comes with a medicine
    • by searching for the product on the Product information Database
    • on the MAH’s website

    Further information

    Important information for veterinary surgeons (PDF, 105 KB, 2 pages)

    The VMD does not give individual clinical advice, for advice on individual cases we would advise veterinary professionals to contact the MAH.

    The VMD cannot help with complaints or concerns regarding the conduct of veterinary surgeons, including the way an animal has been treated using veterinary medicines. These concerns should be addressed to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).

    Pharmacovigilance updates are published on gov.uk at  Urgent safety updates for veterinary-medicines; this also includes any updates involving non-veterinary medicines used in animals.

    To receive these pharmacovigilance updates via email, please click on the ‘Get emails about this page’ button. In addition, changes to authorisations most relevant to vets are published monthly in the Vet Record (the official journal of the British Veterinary Association).

    [i] Incidence of adverse events is rounded to 4 decimal places and is calculated by dividing the number of doses of a product sold during the period by the number of animals experiencing a suspected adverse event.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 30 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Improving Healthcare for Kids with Developmental Disabilities

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul and Senator Charles Schumer today announced the opening of The Center for Discovery’s Children’s Specialty Hospital in Rock Hill, New York. This innovative facility is dedicated to supporting children and adolescents with complex disabilities, including autism, through specialized short-term inpatient care. Developed by The Center for Discovery’s (TCFD) multidisciplinary team over the past decade in close partnership with the NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), it introduces a new care model focused on proactive treatments to reduce long-term residential placements.

    “New York State is devoted to improving health outcomes for all children, particularly those with developmental disabilities whose families face challenges in accessing suitable medical care for their child’s needs,” Governor Hochul said. “By bolstering this continuum of care through The Center for Discovery’s Children’s Specialty Hospital, families will spend less time apart and remain connected to their communities following treatment.”

    Senator Charles Schumer said, “The Center for Discovery’s Children’s Specialty Hospital will provide critical life enhancing care to children and teens and be a beacon of hope in Sullivan County for generations to come. The impacts of the discoveries and systems of care made at this facility will stretch far beyond the Hudson Valley to help thousands of kids across America and the world. I was proud to deliver the historic federal investment to jumpstart this new first-of-its-kind hospital paving the way for a healthier future for vulnerable young patients and brighter future for the Hudson Valley, and I deeply appreciate the partnership of Governor Hochul and New York State legislative leaders in making this facility a reality. The Center for Discovery is a pillar of the Sullivan County economy, and this new hospital will create 400+ jobs while expanding the world class care provided here at the Center. Governor Hochul has been a tremendous partner and thanks to our team effort the dream for this facility that started so many years ago is finally a reality.”

    Funding for the Children’s Specialty Hospital project was made possible through a $48 million low-interest loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of Rural Development’s Community Facilities Program, that Senator Schumer a longtime TCFD advocate helped secure, as well as a $4 million investment from New York State’s Empire State Development. The project also received critical support from the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), the New York State Department of Health (DOH), and the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY).

    Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State has made significant strides with this innovative initiative, positioning itself as a national leader in preventive and holistic care for people with developmental disabilities. The launch of this facility reflects Governor Hochul’s dedication to improving the lives of families across New York.

    The Specialty Hospital is designed for children ages five to 21 who meet OPWDD’s eligibility criteria and require medical care, in addition to supporting their developmental disabilities. The Children’s Specialty Hospital will provide inpatient treatment and conduct comprehensive medical, behavioral, and clinical assessments over a maximum of six months. Through a collaborative approach, this program is designed to help children and adolescents thrive at home, in school, and remain integrated in the community.

    New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Acting Commissioner Willow Baer said, “Achieving health equity for people with developmental disabilities is a priority for the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities and ensuring access to complete medical care for children, in an appropriate setting, is a part of that goal. We’re so excited for The Center for Discovery’s new Children’s Specialty Hospital to begin to help New York families and are grateful to our state and federal partners for making this vital resource possible for children and teenagers with complex medical conditions.”

    Designed with both medical and therapeutic needs in mind, the new facility where the Children’s Specialty Hospital is located includes classrooms, a health clinic, sensory rooms, a therapeutic gym for physical and occupational therapies, a café, and a training kitchen. The 15-acre campus also offers outdoor walking trails, healing gardens, and a Food is Medicine® greenhouse, all supporting TCFD’s holistic approach to care.

    After completing short-term treatment at the Hospital, patients will return home with a specialized care plan that includes training for families, caregivers, and school districts. TCFD’s team of experts will continue to support families as they build on the progress made during their child’s stay.

    The Center for Discovery President & CEO Dr.Terry Hamlin said, “The Center for Discovery is deeply committed to supporting children and adolescents in innovative and expanded ways. With the launch of our new Children’s Specialty Hospital, we are thrilled to extend our reach and impact, providing a lifeline to families in search of answers. The children admitted to our hospital face extraordinary challenges. They live with co-occurring medical conditions that make their developmental disabilities profoundly complex to treat. Many of these medical issues are accompanied by pain, which often leads to maladaptive behaviors that further impact their quality of life. Families have long needed a place where their children’s complex needs are understood, and where there is integrated and coordinated care in one place. At The Center for Discovery, we are dedicated to addressing these medical complexities head-on, treating the root causes, and improving outcomes in ways that transform lives.”

    The Children’s Specialty Hospital is poised to establish a new benchmark for specialized care and is projected to make a significant impact both nationally and internationally. This new facility will enhance the range of services available throughout New York State, offering a model of care that has the ability to revolutionize the treatment of children with complex disabilities while providing essential support for families statewide.

    This groundbreaking initiative not only improves the level of care for children with disabilities but also aims to reduce extended hospital stays, enabling them to return home more swiftly.

    Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara said, “As Chair of the Assembly Committee on People with Disabilities and as a parent of a child with autism who attends The Center for Discovery, I know firsthand the challenges families face in accessing specialized care for children with complex disabilities. The opening of this first-of-its-kind Children’s Specialty Hospital is a monumental step forward for New York, providing critical medical care and much-needed support for families. This innovative model will not only improve health outcomes but also help reduce the need for long-term residential placements. I thank Governor Hochul, Senator Schumer, and all those who made this vision a reality.”

    About The Center for Discovery

    The Center for Discovery (TCFD) is a leading provider of healthcare and education services for more than 1,200 children and adults with complex conditions, medical frailties and autism spectrum disorders, located 90 miles northwest of New York City. Named a Center of Excellence in 2016, TCFD has long been a leader in developing new models of care for individuals with complex conditions. Located on 1,500 acres of land in Sullivan County, TCFD houses school campuses, residences, medical and research facilities, organic and biodynamic farmland, and leased private businesses offering meaningful employment opportunities. Deeply focused on an individual’s personal potential and possibilities, rather than a disability, TCFD strives to create better care and unique and challenging opportunities for the most vulnerable populations. For more information about TCFD, please visit their website.

    For more information about The Children’s Specialty Hospital, please contact Michael Rosen, Executive VP of Development, Marketing, and Strategic Communications, at [email protected].

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Subway Fare Evasion Down 26 Percent in New York City

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced significant progress on multi-faceted efforts to combat fare evasion across the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). In the last six months, from June 2024 through December 2024, subway fare evasion is down 26 percent. Across buses, including both the local and express bus network, fare evasion is down by 9.1 percent over the same period of time. This progress follows a comprehensive strategic response implemented by Governor Hochul, MTA and NYPD — including strategic deployment of enforcement, modifications to fare gates at numerous transit stations, and other measures helping to reduce fare evasion. The Governor also highlighted ongoing efforts to further crack down on fare evasion, including new anti-fare evasion measures being installed at all subway turnstiles this year and new fare gates being installed at 20 high-traffic stations this year.

    “We’re turning the tide against fare evasion to help protect transit riders and taxpayers and continue strengthening our transit system,” Governor Hochul said. “Our work is far from over – and we’ll continue to crack down on fare evasion this year through strong enforcement and new measures coming to subway turnstiles and fare gates throughout the system.”

    MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said, “Our strategy has been to publicize the seriousness of the problem, to put in place stronger physical barriers, and to make sure there’s plenty of enforcement. We welcome the support we’re getting from Governor Hochul and the NYPD, and also the work that MTAPD is doing on the railroads, and it’s all starting to pay off.”

    NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow said, “Fare evasion undermines the very system that moves New York City and provides essential transportation for our communities. Our team has made real progress, driving down fare evasion for the first time in years. We will continue to explore all measures and means to ensure fare compliance and sustain a system that is equitable for all.”

    NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch said, “This significant decline in fare evasion is a critical first step in our efforts to make the transit system safer for all New Yorkers. Everyone should be able to ride the subway without fear of violence or chaos, and the NYPD will continue to patrol every station and overnight train to ensure that crime continues to decrease across our transit system. I thank Governor Hochul and the MTA for their partnership in keeping our city safe.”

    According to the MTA’s Blue-Ribbon Panel report, the situation regarding fare evasion had reached crisis levels, with the MTA losing an estimated $690 million in unpaid fares and tolls in 2022.

    To drive down fare evasion, Governor Hochul and the MTA have utilized recommendations from the report to advance a comprehensive strategy that has included strategic deployment of enforcement and ongoing modernization of turnstiles and fare gates, as well as other measures. This effort has also included strengthening coordination with NYPD to boost on-the-ground resources and increase the number of summonses for fare evasion.

    The results have shown clear progress. From June 2024 through December 2024, subway fare evasion is down 26 percent – from 14 percent of subway riders evading the fare to 10 percent. Across buses, including both the local and express bus network, fare evasion is down by 9.1 percent – from 50 percent of riders evading the fare last summer down to 45 percent, marking a pivotal shift in combating fare evasion.

    Strategic Deployment of Enforcement

    NYPD Collaboration

    NYPD issued 143,100 TAB summonses for subway fare evasion in 2024, a 96 percent increase from 2019. NYPD also created a new uniformed Bus Enforcement Unit that has been deployed alongside the MTA’s “EAGLE Team” to support fare compliance across all five boroughs.

    Bus Fare Enforcement: MTA EAGLE Team

    Following recommendations from the Blue-Ribbon Panel Report, the MTA took a data-driven approach to optimize deployment of the EAGLE Team, the MTA’s civilian bus fare inspection team, to the bus stops and times of day with the highest concentration of fare evaders. EAGLE Team inspectors are charged with inspecting fares on local and SBS bus routes, and with NYPD support, the officers both educate members of the community on fare payment options and issue summonses. The MTA has stepped up EAGLE Team deployment, enforcing bus fare payment on 148,000 buses at over 370 stops since September 2024. In 2025, the MTA will also implement sensors and screens on buses to further track and deter fare evasion.

    Subway Fare Enforcement – Gate Guards

    The MTA deployed unarmed gate guards across more than 208 subway stations, an expansion from 50 stations, taking a data-driven approach to optimize deployments based on station characteristics, ridership patterns, and more. Gate guards deter fare evasion.

    Environment: Improving the Fare Control Environment

    Expanding on several successful pilots from 2024, the MTA is rolling out data-backed modifications to more fare gates across the subway system and expects to see an even greater impact by combining multiple efforts together.

    Turnstile Modifications

    The MTA has made steps to tackle evasion tactics at the turnstiles to create stronger, more resilient barriers against fare evasion. This includes reconfiguration of turnstiles to prevent back-cocking at 75 percent of all turnstiles and installation of turnstile fins at 20 fare control areas, which have dissuaded and reduced the number of individuals jumping the turnstile.

    In the coming months, the MTA will scale up this initiative and implement a newer generation of fins, pilot additional anti-jumping interventions, and complete anti back-cocking modifications at the remainder of the turnstiles systemwide.

    Stopping the “Superhighway” of Fare Evasion

    Delaying the opening of the emergency exit gate by 15 seconds has proven to be cost-effective in pilots, reducing gate evasion by nearly 40 percent. The MTA will build on this successful pilot and roll out this delay at exit gates in at least 150 stations in 2025, beginning at 34 St-Penn Station, Canal St, 161 St-Yankee Stadium, and Jay St-MetroTech.

    Modern Fare Gates

    The MTA replaced traditional emergency exit gates with new, accessible wide-aisle gates at Atlantic Av-Barclays Center, 34 St-Penn Station and Astoria Blvd, and introduced a new full array at Sutphin Blvd-Archer  Av, where fare payment increased by 20 percent compared to 2023.

    In December 2023, the MTA released a Request for Information (RFI) to qualify the next generation of secure, accessible, and modern fare gates. After receiving and evaluating 12 responses from gate vendors, the MTA began in-lab testing of promising gate technology. The MTA will be conducting in-system testing and implementation of new fare gates at 20 stations by the end of 2025, and an additional 20 stations in 2026.

    The MTA will prioritize stations with higher ridership traffic, accessibility features and those with high fare evasion. Initial installation is scheduled to begin at 42 St-Port Authority, Delancey St-Essex St, and Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Av.

    The MTA’s proposed 2025-2029 Capital Plan will accelerate this implementation even further, including $1.1 billion to install modern fare gates in at least 150 stations systemwide.

    Additional Strategies to Reduce Fare Evasion

    In 2024, the MTA began adopting best practices in behavioral change to further reinforce the need for fare payment. Through campaigns that highlight the humanity of transit workers and create a sense of collective responsibility to digital signs on buses stating that fares are required, the MTA is resetting social norms around fare payment.

    The MTA’s work with NYCPS to encourage student use of OMNY cards reinforces the importance of fare payment. Since the launch of student OMNY cards in September there has been a 51 percent increase in rides and 18 percent increase in weekly active rides among students. There has also been a 27 percent increase in taps-per-active-card during the previous semester compared to 2023. The new partnership with New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) has resulted in consistent fraud monitoring to ensure student cards are being used by the student to which they are assigned. The MTA has also created 15 Customer Service Centers that will be integrated with enrollment in Fair Fares, the City of New York’s program to provide eligible New Yorkers with half-fare MetroCards and OMNY accounts, as well as the MTA’s Reduced-Fare program.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pennsylvania Resident Who Defrauded Allied World Insurance Company Sentenced to Prison

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAMES KEATING, 52, of Paoli, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 20 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for defrauding his former employer of more than $1.4 million.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Keating was an Assistant Vice President and surety bond claims handler at Allied World Insurance Company (“Allied World”).  He later served in the same capacity at Crum and Forster subsidiary U.S. Fire Insurance Company, where he also handled claims on Allied World surety bonds.  All surety bond claims were handled through Allied World’s offices in Farmington, Connecticut.

    Between 2017 and 2021, Keating defrauded Allied World in two ways.  First, he used a shell company, American Construction & Industrial LLC, to bill Allied World for unnecessary claims work that was not performed and took the proceeds for himself.  Second, he solicited and received kickbacks from Allied World vendors through another Keating-owned company, Surety Risk Solutions (also known as “SRS” or “SR5”), without the knowledge of his employer.  Keating also caused these vendors to use another company in which he had an undisclosed ownership interest, Kodiak Asset Recovery, for asset searches at vastly inflated prices.  Keating profited nearly $1 million through American Construction & Industrial LLC, more than $350,000 in kickbacks through Surety Risk Solutions, and nearly $125,000 through Kodiak Asset Recovery.

    Judge Bolden ordered Keating to pay restitution of $1,226,603.97, which represents the loss to Allied World of $1,446,491.95, less $219,887.98 that he previously repaid as part of a civil judgment.

    On July 30, 2024, Keating pleaded guilty to wire fraud.

    This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David E. Novick.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Waterford Woman Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Stealing From Addiction and Mental Health Services Nonprofit

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHELE DEVINE, 51, of Waterford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for embezzling from the Southeastern Regional Action Council on Substance Abuse, Inc. (“SERAC”), where she was employed as its executive director.  Judge Underhill also ordered Devine to pay a $2,000 fine and perform 300 hours of community service while on supervised release.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, SERAC, headquartered in Norwich, is a 501(c)(3) organization that serves 41 towns in southeastern and northeastern Connecticut with substance abuse, problem gambling, and mental health related services.  SERAC is primarily funded through hundreds of thousands of dollars in state and federal grants from the State of Connecticut’s Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

    Devine was the executive director of SERAC until July 2022.  Beginning in approximately 2008, Devine spent thousands of dollars on purchases that did not relate SERAC but instead were personal expenses for Devine and her family, including thousands of dollars spent on home appliances; travel; timeshare fees at a Connecticut resort; stays at the Canyon Ranch in the Berkshires, Massachusetts; and private school donations.

    Judge Underhill ordered Devine to pay $397,064.93 in restitution.

    Devine was arrested on August 3, 2023.  On October 21, 2024, she pleaded guilty to wire fraud.

    Devine, who is released on a $25,000 bond, is required to report to prison on March 12.

    This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, with the assistance of the New London State’s Attorney’s Office and the State of Connecticut Office of the Attorney General.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Boynton Beach Man Sentenced to Five Years for Distributing Videos Depicting the Sexual Abuse of Children

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    Jacksonville, Florida – Chief United States District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Timothy Burch Morris (46, Boynton Beach) to five years in federal prison for distributing over the internet two videos depicting the sexual abuse of young children. Morris was also ordered to serve a five-year term of supervised release, pay $10,000 in assessments for child victims, and register as a sex offender.

    According to court documents, on November 20, 2023, an FBI agent (UC) in Jacksonville was working in an undercover capacity on a particular social media application (app) to identify individuals who were attempting to sexually exploit children using the internet. The UC joined an online public chatroom on the app posing as an adult with access to a child. App user “timkw37138,” who was later identified as Morris, posted within this public group – “Hi all. 44 very well hung male in Florida. My PM is open.” Later that day, the UC and Morris began texting using the private messaging feature of the app. Morris typed, “I just love stroking to guys [sic] daughters,” and stated that his favorite age is “prob 13-15 give or take a couple years neither side.”

    On November 22, 2023, when asked to verify if he was “legit,” Morris sent the UC a sexually explicit photo of himself. Five minutes later, Morris distributed two videos to the UC depicting minors being sexually abused. During another online conversation on November 27, 2023, Morris sent the UC another sexually explicit photo of himself taken at his residence.

    After further investigation, FBI agents arrested Morris. During a search incident to his arrest, agents seized Morris’s cellphone which contained several sexually explicit photos of Morris that he had taken while at his home that were consistent with those sent to the UC. During an interview with law enforcement, Morris admitted having the “timkw37138” user account on the app for over five years.   

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Jacksonville and West Palm Beach, with assistance from the Boynton Beach Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.

    It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. 

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Germany — Lunenburg County District RCMP requesting public assistance with break and enter investigations

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Lunenburg County District RCMP is seeking the public’s assistance in relation to a series of break and enters that have recently occurred in New Germany and Barss Corner.

    On January 27, at approximately 2:48 a.m., Lunenburg County District RCMP was called to a gas station in Barss Corner where at least one person tried to enter the business, triggering the business’s alarm. No items were taken but the building was damaged during the break and enter.

    Later that morning, Lunenburg County District RCMP responded to a workshop in Barss Corner where at least one person had gained access to the shop overnight and taken approximately $8,000 of tools.

    On January 29, Lunenburg County District RCMP members were called to a business in New Germany where at least one person had entered the business overnight and took approximately $4,000 of equipment.

    There is no suspect description available at this time. Lunenburg County District RCMP, with assistance of RCMP Forensic Identification Services, is investigating and asking the public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity in the area.

    Anyone with information is asked to contact the Lunenburg County District RCMP at 902-527-5555. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI Charge Farmington Woman with Assault and Child Abuse

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Farmington woman faces charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and child abuse stemming from an incident on the Navajo Nation.

    According to court records, on or about September 2, 2024, Tenille Quintawna Peshlakai, 32, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, allegedly assaulted the victim with a motor vehicle, intending to cause bodily harm, while simultaneously endangering a minor who was improperly restrained in the front passenger seat.

    Peshlakai will remain in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for January 31, 2025. If convicted, Peshlakai faces up to 10 years in prison.

    U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: We studied more than 500 giraffe skulls from all over Africa – and confirmed there are 4 distinct species

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Nikolaos Kargopoulos, Post-doctoral fellow, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town

    Giraffes are among the world’s most recognisable animals. With their elongated necks and long legs, their gracious movements and unique coat patterns, they have inspired people’s imaginations for centuries.

    But is a giraffe just a giraffe? Or is there more variety between the animals at a genetic level than is evident just from looking at them?

    For more than a decade many researchers have compared the DNA of giraffes from all parts of Africa. These studies have revealed that there are four distinct giraffe species: the southern (Giraffa giraffa), Masai (Giraffa tippelskirchi), reticulated (Giraffa reticulata), and northern (Giraffa camelopardalis) giraffe.

    Different giraffe species face different risks. Some are among the most threatened large mammals in the world. While the southern and the Masai giraffe are relatively numerous and their populations estimated at approximately 45,000 and 50,000 individuals respectively, the situation does not look quite as rosy for the reticulated and the northern giraffe. Based on the latest estimates from the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF), only 16,000 and 6,000 individuals respectively remain in the wild.

    Therefore, it is critical to verify whether there are indeed different species of giraffe or not so that direct conservation efforts for the most threatened species can be increased before it’s too late.

    Read more: How many giraffe species are there? Understanding this is key to their protection

    The concept of species is fundamental in biology – but there is no consensus on its definition. There are many different approaches depending on individual scientists’ points of view. The best possible way to clarify the taxonomy (the system that organises living entities into groups) of organisms is through multiple approaches.

    Read more: Giraffes could go extinct – the 5 biggest threats they face

    There have been several studies of giraffe species based on their DNA, as well as on their ecology, behaviour, health and coat patterns.

    But there haven’t been many based on their skulls. That’s where our new study comes in. By examining the skulls of more than 500 giraffes from across the African continent, we were able to show that there are significant differences in the skull shapes of the different types of giraffe – and confirm that there are four species.

    These new findings are crucial for giraffe taxonomy and, ultimately, their conservation.

    How the study was done

    Giraffe skulls are important to the animals’ reproduction and evolution. That’s because of their ossicones, the horn-like structures that are longer and wider in males than in females.

    The size and shape of the ossicones is important in the dominance of males and their mating success with female giraffe. While some preliminary data already suggested some potential differences in the ossicone morphology between the giraffe species, limitations on the available specimens and the methodologies at the time reduced the validity of the results.

    Comparison of male and female skulls of the four species in lateral view. Kargopoulos et al 2024

    For our research we used state-of-the-art equipment and methodologies, and we studied more than 500 giraffe skulls from all over Africa. The skulls were directly sampled in the field from across their natural range in Africa, as well as museum collections, wildlife authority offices, and taxidermists in different countries in Africa, Europe and the US.

    Map showing the geographical range of the extant giraffe species and subspecies as well as representative male skulls of each subspecies in lateral view. Kargopoulos et al 2024, CC BY

    This extensive study required help from many different partners. While the project was initiated and guided by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation and the University of Cape Town, many colleagues in Africa, Europe and North America contributed.

    We used a handheld 3D scanner to capture the skulls’ shape in 3D. Then we used 3D geometric morphometrics methods to compare the shape of the giraffe skulls and find out if we could group them and find any significant differences. We chose so-called landmarks – specific points on the skulls – and captured their coordinates in space (their 3D distance from the centre of mass of the skull).

    Finally, specialised software was used to compare the differences in the coordinates of landmarks between our specimens and to conduct statistical analyses to show if these differences were significant or not.

    Skull variations

    These rigorous analyses allowed us to show skull variations between four species.

    These differences mostly concerned the ossicones. But there were also minor differences in their face, eye sockets, the region around the teeth, and the back part of the skull.

    The most striking difference concerned the median ossicone of the males. This is a smaller third ossicone situated in the midline of the skull above their eyes. We determined that there is a general trend in the size and shape of this ossicone that follows geography and taxonomy. In southern giraffe, the third ossicone is practically a small protrusion; in northern giraffe it is large and pointed; the Masai and reticulated giraffe have ossicones that are somewhere between those two forms.

    Such differences are likely important in the way individuals of a species recognise each other, thus affecting their reproductive success. Males with more developed ossicones intimidate their rivals to gain access to territory and females.

    Attention for individual species

    Angolan giraffe eating in north-west Namibia. © Giraffe Conservation Foundation, Author provided (no reuse)

    Our study is confirmation of what scientists have known for almost a decade and supports the taxonomic split of the giraffe.

    Similar discussions over two decades finally resulted in the African elephant being split into two distinct species in 2021.

    The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) – which, it must be pointed out, is not a taxonomic authority – still only recognises one species of giraffe. It lumps all giraffes into one broad, threatened Red List category.

    We strongly believe that the IUCN needs to stand tall for these animals and reassess their status. It is time for each giraffe species to get separate and enhanced attention, both locally and internationally, in particular when it comes to their conservation. Giraffes and their wild habitats must be protected before it’s too late.

    – We studied more than 500 giraffe skulls from all over Africa – and confirmed there are 4 distinct species
    – https://theconversation.com/we-studied-more-than-500-giraffe-skulls-from-all-over-africa-and-confirmed-there-are-4-distinct-species-247466

    MIL OSI Africa –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Met police drive down violent crime in Merton in response to community concerns

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Local neighbourhood and specialist officers in Merton have led a series of intelligence-led warrants with more than £850,000 worth of suspected criminal property being taken off the streets of London this week alone.

    Officers visited 39 properties and made 32 arrests targeting the most prolific and dangerous offenders. Class A and Class B drugs with an estimated street value of £200,000 were seized, along with 14 offensive weapons, a firearm, and other high value items including cash.

    The operation, known as ‘Hessian’, has involved more than 600 officers since April 2024. It comes as part of the Met’s focus on community policing and tackling crime that matters most to residents who had raised concerns about serious violence in their area.

    As a result, Merton has recorded the largest fall in robbery offences (33 per cent) across the Met. Firearm offences are also down by 33 per cent, violent crime resulting in injury has decreased by 24 per cent and knife crime is down 14 per cent.

    In total across the operation, officers have now:

    • Carried out 71 warrants
    • Arrested 72 people
    • Seized 14 firearms with associated ammunition and 62 bladed and offensive weapons
    • Collected more than £620,000 worth of Class A and B drugs
    • Removed £1.4million in cash and other valuable items suspected to be the proceeds of crime
    • Upped patrols in the hotspot areas and been conducting weapons sweeps.

    Inspector Kevin Chambers, from the Met’s Merton Safer Neighbourhood Team, said:  

    “We remain focused on tackling the crimes that cause misery to communities and our targeted approach is working to reduce violence and organised crime in Merton and across London.

    “The Met has worked hard in South West London over the last 12 months to remove drugs, weapons and firearms from our streets, and relentlessly target criminal gangs to reduce offending and improve neighbourhoods.

    “The relationship with the people we serve is at the heart of everything we do and our ongoing commitment to prioritise community crime fighting is one of the key improvements that resulted in the Met recently being moved out of special measures.”

    Councillor Edith Macauley MBE, the London Borough of Merton’s Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety, said:

    “Operation Hessian, which was carried out by the police in response to concerns from residents, sends a clear message to criminal gangs that we won’t tolerate crime, drugs or violence in our community.

    “We’re determined to make sure Merton remains one of London’s safest boroughs and are joining forces with multiple partners, including the police, to act together to address residents’ fears about crime.”

    Last week (23 January), the Met moved out of special measures after making major improvements in many areas of service to London. This was a result of collective effort to change the Met and ensure it can deliver on its promise to Londoners – More Trust, Less Crime, High Standards.

    Over the last two-and-a-half years Met officers and staff have worked tirelessly to address more than 100 recommendations, several causes for concern and improve our service to London in areas far beyond those highlighted by HMICFRS.

    They have done so in the face of significant budget challenges, the sustained demand of public order and protest in London, increased scrutiny and accountability, all while continuing to do their day jobs keeping Londoner’s safe.

    To report a crime in your area ring 101 or visit the Met’s website. Always ring 999 in an emergency.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two jailed for murder of Sarah Mayhew in Croydon

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man and a woman have been jailed for murder after detectives pieced together a wealth of evidence to prove they murdered Sarah Mayhew, then dismembered her and dumped her body over several trips, in plain sight of the public.

    Steve Samson, 45 (10.05.79) of Burnell Road, Sutton, and Gemma Watts, 49 (22.07.75) of Holmbury Grove, Croydon, were sentenced to life imprisonment at the Old Bailey on Thursday, 30 January for the murder of Sarah Mayhew.

    Samson will serve a whole life order and Watts will serve a minimum of 30 years’ imprisonment.

    The pair were also sentenced to five years each for perverting the course of public justice, to run concurrently.

    At an earlier hearing they both pleaded guilty to murder and preventing a lawful burial.

    Detective Chief Inspector Martin Thorpe, from the Specialist Crime Command, who led the investigation, said: “I would like to send my deepest condolences to Sarah’s family and friends. A loss is always hard, but to hear about the way Sarah spent her last moments must be heart-breaking. I commend their bravery and strength throughout this investigation; we will continue to support them should they need us.

    “Secondly, I would like to commend my colleagues from across the Met. The dedication shown to this investigation, which has been complex and challenging, has been extraordinary, they worked around the clock to pull together the evidence needed to bring this case to court.

    “The investigation included viewing hundreds of hours of CCTV, extensive forensic examinations within the defendants’ houses, the searching of fields and rivers, witness accounts, and reviewing the defendants’ phones. These revealed messages detailing what the defendants planned to do to Sarah, with texts and voice notes recorded by the defendants themselves, also revealing their intention to carry out violent attacks on others.

    “Sarah was a young woman who had the rest of her life ahead of her, before it was selfishly taken by Samson and Watts for their own sadistic motive.

    “Their sick and twisted desires were heard in court by her family. They listened to traumatising evidence which revealed that the two enjoyed the pain and torment that they put Sarah through. No sentence can ever bring Sarah back or compensate for her loss, we ask for you to please respect their privacy during this tough time.”

    An investigation was launched following a call to police shortly after 09:00hrs on 2 April 2024, to reports of human remains found in Rowdown Fields in Croydon.

    A forensic examination revealed the remains to be of Sarah Mayhew, 38, who was living in Croydon at the time of her death.

    Shortly after the first discovery, remains were also found in Mitcham in May 2024. A further examination revealed that the remains also belonged to Sarah.

    The investigation revealed messages on Samson’s phone which showed a conversation that suggested the pair wanted to murder Sarah. The conversation revealed that Samson was going to invite Sarah over to his house to which Watts replied “only if it’s a deal she ain’t leaving in one piece” to which Samson added “okay”.

    Following on from the discussion further messages were sent that indicated a sexual and sadistic motivation.

    Sarah was last seen on CCTV entering a property in Sutton on 8 March 2024 accompanied by Samson and his dog. It is believed that Sarah was murdered on this day.

    Messages were found from the same date sent by Samson who was trying to justify what they had done. The message to Watts said “we’re not evil, we’re not evil”.

    Two days later, Samson was captured on CCTV in a retail shop purchasing a hacksaw, blades and a bucket.

    The pair then began their attempt to clean-up the crime scene and conceal their involvement in the murder. Watts was seen on CCTV in a retail shop buying multiple cleaning products such as bleach and scourers, a receipt was later recovered for these following a search of her property.

    Further intelligence found that as well as the cleaning products, a silver incinerator bin was purchased to burn Sarah’s personal belongings, which were never recovered.

    Officers discovered that Samson and Watts travelled to and from Rowdown Fields using public transport on 11 March 2024 while carrying oversized shopping bags, which they appeared to have struggled to carry.

    In April, parts of Sarah’s body were found in the same location.

    It was also found that the pair travelled to the River Wandle with a suitcase. CCTV showed them returning from their journey with no suitcase.

    Sarah’s torso was then found in May in the same location.

    Following the discovery of Sarah’s remains in April, Samson was arrested at his home address on 6 April 2024 and Watts was arrested later on the same day.

    A search of Samson’s house found traces of blood in the same black bucket he had earlier purchased.

    A forensic detection dog also indicated areas of interest, one being the bottom of a wall in Samson’s bedroom – testing revealed extensive amounts of blood.

    They were charged on 9 April 2024 and convicted as above.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Continues Raising Alarm On Illegal Trump Admin Attempt to Freeze Federal Funding, Ongoing Lack of Clarity for Panicked Families and Communities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Murray: “The Trump administration’s half-hearted steps yesterday to clean up this massive mess they have made just affirms two things—one: they are still illegally withholding federal funds that are law; and two: this is an administration whose sheer incompetence, combined with their bad intentions and willful disregard of the law, is creating mass panic and chaos, and hurting people everywhere.”
    Murray lays out how funding freeze is still hurting Head Start providers, rental assistance, community health centers, hurting Tribes in Washington state
    ***VIDEO HERE***
    Washington, D.C. – This morning, at a press conference with Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Gary Peters (D-MI), Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, once again spoke out forcefully to raise the alarm over the illegal, sweeping Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memo issued by the Trump administration on Monday night that directed agencies to freeze vast swaths of federal funding passed into law by Congress.
    Yesterday morning—just hours after the OMB memo was issued—Murray joined Leader Schumer and Senators Merkley, Klobuchar, Murphy, Kim, and King for a press conference hammering the Trump administration for the unprecedented and dangerous move, and highlighting the mass panic and confusion it was already creating for families, businesses, nonprofits, towns, and communities in every part of the country. Immediately after the OMB memo became public Monday night, Murray and House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro sent a letter to Acting OMB Director Matthew J. Vaeth raising the alarm on President Trump’s unlawful executive orders and the new memoranda. A fact sheet on the issue of the impoundment is available HERE.
    Senator Murray’s remarks, as delivered, are below and video is HERE:
    “While a judge has put this illegal move to freeze federal grants on hold for a very few short days, as Senator Schumer talked about, the threat, and the chaos, and the panic remain.
    “And, let’s be clear, the Trump administration’s half-hearted steps yesterday to clean up this massive mess they have made just affirms two things—one: they are still illegally withholding federal funds that are law; and two: this is an administration whose sheer incompetence, combined with their bad intentions and willful disregard of the law, is creating mass panic and chaos, and hurting people everywhere.
    “Their explanations have created no clarity or certainty for many panicked families, businesses, nonprofits, towns, and states. And they don’t actually change the basic fact that Trump is holding up funding our communities are counting on—and funding that is law.
    “Because first off, there are lots of programs they are saying won’t be affected when that is not what organizations across the country are experiencing.
    “Just one example: yesterday, Head Start providers were locked out of their reimbursement portal—meaning folks that are taking care of our youngest kids were suddenly not sure how they were going to keep the doors open or pay their teachers and staff.
    “Rental assistance—the payment system for housing authorities was down yesterday, I checked again with my staff this morning; it is still down.
    “And beyond that, there is just a long list of programs still left completely on the chopping block. Programs that help red states and blue states alike.
    “Meanwhile, a Tribe back in my home state of Washington told me just a little bit ago that they are having to determine if they need to lay off 400 people.
    “Community Health Centers have been having difficulty drawing down their federal funds. Sometimes they are the only providers, especially in our rural or remote communities. It is the end of the month, they need to make payroll!
    “There are real patients to consider here as clinics have to think about whether they have the funds to cover services because of this illegal move. 
    “Funding for firefighters—you know what doesn’t stop when federal funding stops? Fires! I mean the list goes on, and on. The calls are coming in, and the chaos—I am here to tell you—has not died down this morning.
    “There is really only one solution here in the Senate, and that is for all of us—all of us—to stand up and say ‘enough.’ To demand President Trump revoke these reckless orders and recognize Congress—Congress—has the power of the purse.
    “We will fight this in the courts, yes, but President Trump needs to back down from this reckless order that is hurting Americans and just follow the law as Congress wrote it.
    “This kind of freeze is going to hurt their states just as much, if not more. This is not a red or blue issue.
    “So, as Leader Schumer has said, we are going to keep sounding the alarm and pointing out who President Trump is hurting. We are going to listen to folks back home and raise their stories for everyone to hear.
    “None of us were elected to hurt people or sow chaos. We are elected to help people and solve problems. I hope every Member of Congress works with us to make clear, and work to tell President Trump: the law is the law. Work to tell him that Congress is a co-equal branch of government and the executive is there to execute the laws Congress has written. “The White House needs to stop hurting the American people.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Statement on Trump Rescinding Devastating Memo in Face of National Backlash—While Continuing Efforts to Steal Power & Block Resources Across America

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    ICYMI: Senator Murray Continues Raising Alarm On Illegal Trump Admin Attempt to Freeze Federal Funding, Ongoing Lack of Clarity for Panicked Families and Communities
    ICYMI: Senator Murray Blasts Trump Admin for Illegally Blocking Funding for Communities, Comments on Latest OMB Update & Continued Chaos Nationwide
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on OMB rescinding its memo illegally freezing vast swaths of federal funding:
    “This is an important victory for the American people whose voices were heard after massive pressure from every corner of this country—real people made a difference by speaking out. Still, the Trump administration—through a combination of sheer incompetence, cruel intentions, and a willful disregard of the law—caused real harm and chaos for millions over the span of the last 48 hours which is still ongoing.
    “This fight is far from over; the Trump administration is still illegally withholding funding for communities in red states and in blue states. Senate Republicans are still intent on confirming Russ Vought, chief architect of Project 2025 as this country’s budget director. This is a man who time and again has refused to say he will follow the law.
    “I will keep working to hold this administration accountable and ensure President Trump follows the laws as intended by Congress.”
    Just this morning, Murray continued to raise the alarm on the funding freeze. Yesterday morning—just hours after the OMB memo was issued—Murray joined Leader Schumer and Senators Merkley, Klobuchar, Murphy, Kim, and King for a press conference hammering the Trump administration for the unprecedented and dangerous move, and highlighting the mass panic and confusion it was already creating for families, businesses, nonprofits, towns, and communities in every part of the country. Immediately after the OMB memo became public Monday night, Murray and House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro sent a letter to Acting OMB Director Matthew J. Vaeth raising the alarm on President Trump’s unlawful executive orders and the new memoranda. A fact sheet on the issue of the impoundment is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray’s Remarks at Presser After OMB Rescinds Disastrous Memo: “This Fight is Far From Over”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Murray: “Make no mistake—the Trump Administration is still illegally holding up billions of dollars across the federal government through their Day One Executive Orders… Trump has made it clear he is not going to stop.”
    ICYMI: Senator Murray: “No Senator Who Believes Congress Holds the Power of the Purse Should Vote for Russ Vought” 
    ***VIDEO HERE***
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, spoke at a press conference with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) immediately after OMB rescinded its disastrous Monday night memo that illegally froze vast swaths of federal funding appropriated by Congress for communities all over the country.
    Senator Murray has consistently raised alarm bells over President Trump and his top advisors’ ongoing efforts and plans to illegally block funding Congress has provided from making it out to American families, businesses, and communities. Last week, she grilled President Trump’s nominee to lead the Office of Management and Budget, Russ Vought, on his loud declarations that President Trump should unilaterally hold up funding—and his refusal to commit to Congress to follow the law. She called out President Trump’s unlawful executive orders holding up funding for infrastructure, national security programs, good-paying clean energy jobs and innovations, and much more—and released a fact sheet detailing how his orders violate the law and the constitution. On Monday night, after OMB issued its sweeping memo freezing trillions of dollars in funding for America, Senator Murray and House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro sent a letter to Acting OMB Director Matthew J. Vaeth raising the alarm on President Trump’s unlawful executive orders and the new memoranda. She joined Leader Schumer and Senators Merkley, Klobuchar, Murphy, Kim, and King hours later for a press conference highlighting the mass panic and confusion the memo was already creating for families and communities in every part of the country. This morning, Senator Murray spoke at a press conference with Leader Schumer and Senators Heinrich and Peters hammering how badly Trump’s actions are hurting their states—and working people all across the country.
    Senator Murray’s remarks, as delivered, are below and video is HERE:
    “Never in my time in the Senate have I seen a President cause as much chaos, and panic, and damage in such a short time as President Trump has caused with his brazen and illegal move to freeze federal grants, across the government, and across the country.
    “The Trump administration—through a combination of sheer incompetence, cruel intentions, and a willful disregard of the law—caused real harm and chaos for millions over the span of just 48 hours.
    “But we learned something important: when the American people speak out with one voice—when regular people stand up, it makes a difference. This victory belongs to everyone who raised their voice.
    “But make no mistake, the fight is far from over. My phone was ringing off the hook, and it still is.
    “You know, everyday Americans actually understand a freeze like this would hurt them, cause serious problems in their lives, and make their lives worse—homeless shelters kicking out kids, clinical trials getting canceled, child care providers laying people off, roads and bridges not getting built, cops not getting hired.
    “You know, while people like Elon Musk may not feel the pain of a single one of those cuts or delays, everyday Americans—who work hard every day, expect a fair shake, and expect the government to be there when it counts—they knew this would be catastrophic.
    “But again—and please understand this—the fight is not over. Because even though, after the intense outcry from the American people, Trump has now admitted this was a colossal mistake by rescinding the guidance—the threat, the chaos, the panic, can’t just be wiped away.
    “We have a lot of work to do right now, to make sure all the funding now actually does get moving again—this is not like turning on a light switch.
    “And as we just saw through the chaotic rollout, its complicated stuff. So we will all be watching closely to make sure funds get where they belong ASAP.
    “And even afterwards, no one is forgetting what they just tried to do, and what they are still doing.
    “Make no mistake: the Trump Administration is still illegally holding up billions of dollars across the federal government through their Day One Executive Orders.
    “You don’t have to take my word for it, the White House Press Secretary just said, and I quote: ‘This is not a rescission of the federal funding freeze. […] The President’s [Executive Orders] on federal funding remain in full force and effect, and will be rigorously implemented.’
    “That means they are still blocking investments Congress passed into law to help our communities.
    “They are still blocking things like international aid, clean air and water projects, investments in new clean energy jobs, and a lot of other projects funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Trump is stopping with his illegal executive orders.
    “And, aside from the fact they have not stopped blocking this funding illegally, their blatant attempt this week to illegally freeze trillions more in one fell swoop is, mark my words, a clear sign of what is to come: more lawless cuts, more chaos, more pain for our families.
    “Trump has made it clear he is not going to stop. Unless—unless Congress, and the American people, make clear we are not going to stand for it.
    “And we have an opportunity now to make that clear, when we vote on Russ Vought’s nomination to be Budget Director. He is the chief architect of Project 2025—which left its digital fingerprints all over the illegal OMB guidance that was issued.
    “This is a man who time and again has refused to say he will follow the law—including to me and to many others directly. 
    “Every lawmaker who doesn’t want to see funds that they worked to secure for their state—funds they know families are counting on—ripped away must vote ‘no.’ And that’s a start!
    “But, as long as the Trump administration is illegally holding back funds and harming families, this fight is not over.
    “I—and all of my colleagues— will keep working to hold this administration accountable, make sure our communities get the resources they are owed, and make certain President Trump follows the law as intended by Congress.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Statement on Release of New Data on Students’ Learning Post-Pandemic

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, issued the following statement on the release of the National Assessment of Educational Progress, which shows that in 2024, students’ learning nationwide continued a more than decade-long trend of a growing achievement gap between higher-performing and lower-performing students.
    “These scores make painfully clear how much work remains to be done to help our students thrive in the classroom and learn the skills they need to succeed. I have pushed for years to get our schools the resources and tools needed to help students get ahead—including delivering record investments for our students and schools without any Republican votes—and I will continue to work with anyone and everyone focused on improving outcomes for our kids and closing widening achievement gaps.
    “But as we get these bleak results, one thing’s clear as day: President Trump trying to freeze federal funding headed to our students and schools—creating mass chaos and confusion—does absolutely nothing to address the challenges our kids are facing in the classroom. Nor will shutting down the Department of Education, slashing education funding to afford tax cuts for billionaires, or focusing on privatization efforts that help a sliver of students instead of the vast majority of kids who attend public schools, as the president is doing. This year’s scorecard should redouble our commitment to investing in our schools and students and in evidence-based approaches that support their learning and development, and I will keep fighting to do just that.”
    Senator Murray has long fought to ensure students can get a quality education and to ensure our nation’s students and schools have both the tools and the resources they need to thrive. From the very beginning of her service in the Senate, including throughout the pandemic, she worked to deliver resources for schools, including to reopen safely for in-person learning and support students, families, and educators throughout the public health crisis. In March 2020, Senator Murray introduced the Supporting Students in Response to Coronavirus Act to support students as COVID-19 spread, and she proceeded to work across the aisle to deliver resources to schools to support students in the CARES Act in March 2020 and in December 2020 through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA). In March 2021, Senator Murray helped secure critical resources for K-12 schools in the American Rescue Plan, which was passed without any Republican votes. She also worked to require a portion of the resources are specifically used to address learning loss—and has pushed to ensure the resources are being used effectively to help students get back on track. In the years since, Senator Murray has fought to renew federal investments in our schools, ensure resources are used effectively and consistent with federal laws, and successfully defeated House Republicans’ efforts to gut federal educational funding as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee in the 118th Congress.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schatz Presses Commerce Secretary Nominee Howard Lutnick on Census, NOAA Protection, Pacific Fisheries Consultation, AI Safety

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz
    WASHINGTON — At today’s Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing for Secretary of Commerce nominee Howard Lutnick, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) pressed Lutnick on conducting a fair census count, protecting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from Project 2025 threats, consulting with Hawai‘i leaders on Pacific fisheries decisions, and strengthening artificial intelligence (AI) safety.
    First, Schatz asked Lutnick if he would pledge to carry out the census in an apolitical manner. Lutnick responded, “I promise you we will count each whole person. That’s what the Constitution says, and we will stick right to it rigorously.”
    Schatz then questioned whether Lutnick agreed with Project 2025’s threat to “dismantle” NOAA, to which Lutnick replied, “No.”
    Schatz also raised the issue of NOAA’s impact on the Hawai‘i Longline Fishery, asking, “Do I have your assurance that before NOAA, National Marine Fisheries, or anyone makes a move regarding our fishery in the Pacific that you will consult with our office, and our delegation, and the state of Hawai‘i?”
    In response, Lutnick said, “I’d be delighted to consult with your office… On the things that matter to you, I will happily commit to working with your office. That sounds like it would make me better at my job, so I’d appreciate your input.”
    Schatz brought up President Trump’s repeal of President Biden’s AI executive order, including potential impacts to the AI Safety Institute, asking, “What do we do in place of this and how quickly can we get it done? Because that part of this was one of the few things that we were not arguing about when it comes to AI policy.”
    Lutnick said, “The Department of Commerce has the gold standard when it comes to cybersecurity standards, so I think AI standards along the lines of that gold standard, that same model will be very effective. So that if you think of it as standards, I think we can get bipartisan agreement that we can find the right way to set those standards.”
    Schatz said he would continue to urge the Department of Commerce to ensure greater AI safety.
    Since the previous Trump Administration attempted to interfere with the count for political purposes, Schatz has led efforts to ensure a fair census. He has introduced legislation to ensure any future proposed changes are studied and tested.
    Video of Senator Schatz’s full exchange at today’s hearing is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU next generation defence technologies get €1 billion in funding

    Source: European Union 2

    More than €1 billion has been allocated by the European Defence Fund for the development of critical defence technologies and capabilities. Around €100 million each is set aside for critical fields such as ground combat, space, air and naval combat, energy resilience and environmental transition.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Thousands of fake medicines seized by EU-supported criminal investigation

    Source: European Union 2

    Europol investigated some 52 organised crime groups as part of a global effort to crack down on the trafficking of fake medicines and illicit doping substances. More than €11 million’s worth of fake medicines were taken off the markets, as a result of the investigation.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: From mine awareness to radio communication: OSCE and the Austrian Armed Forces International Centre mark 10 years of collaboration

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

    Headline: From mine awareness to radio communication: OSCE and the Austrian Armed Forces International Centre mark 10 years of collaboration

    From mine awareness to radio communication: OSCE and the Austrian Armed Forces International Centre mark 10 years of collaboration | OSCE
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    Home Newsroom News and press releases From mine awareness to radio communication: OSCE and the Austrian Armed Forces International Centre mark 10 years of collaboration

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Turn Last Year’s Dreams Into Reality with Samsung’s Blue Tag Sale

    Source: Samsung

     
    As the new year unfolds, it’s time to turn your dreams into reality with Samsung’s Blue Tag Sale, running from 13 January to 2 March 2025. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your home appliances, tech gadgets, or enhance your lifestyle, Samsung’s latest innovations are here to help you make your 2025 a year of progress and transformation.
     
    Featuring cutting-edge products packed with advanced AI technology, Samsung is your partner in elevating your home and turning it into a space that works harder for you. We can help you turn last year’s dreams, into this year’s upgrade. From the kitchen to the living room, from productivity to entertainment, Samsung is committed to helping you create the home and lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of.
     
    Samsung believes in making your home a place where technology supports your goals and where AI-driven solutions empower you to live better, work smarter, and enjoy more. So start the new year with a Samsung upgrade that will elevate your home.
     
    Thanks to this year’s Blue Tag Sale offers of up to 30% off, you can get a wide selection of Samsung products, each designed to enhance your personal, professional, and lifestyle goals. Whether you want a smarter, more efficient kitchen, a seamless entertainment setup, or a connected home, Samsung’s ground-breaking technology helps you level up in every area.
     
    Deals to Jumpstart Your Year
    Take advantage of the incredible Blue Tag Sale offers including these:
    Side by Side Fridge, Non-Plumbed Water & Ice Dispenser, Gentle Black, 617L (RS64DG53R3B1FA) – Now at R29,999* (Save R2,100). The sophisticated, modern design of this fridge makes it a perfect addition to any kitchen.
    Side by Side Fridge, Plumbed Water & Ice Dispenser, Gentle Silver, 617L (RS65DG54R3S9FA) – Now at R28,999* (Save R2,200). Samsung’s SpaceMax technology offers more storage capacity inside, while maintaining a sleek, space-efficient exterior.
     

     
    These fridges deliver both functionality and style. They make smart living simple with SmartThings, enabling energy monitoring and usage patterns from the app. It is designed for families who need more from their home appliances. Plus, when you purchase any of the above fridges, you’ll receive a complimentary Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE 5G, allowing you to stay connected and productive throughout the year.
     
    Redemption steps:
     
    BUY
    Simply purchase any participating refrigerators. Purchase on or before 23 February 2025.
     
    VISIT
    https://www.samsung.com/za/offer/blue-tag-sale/redemption/
     
    COMPLETE
    Complete the redemption form, upload all required documents before the 31 March 2025. Upon successful submission and verification, an email will be sent to the participant, who will receive their gift within 7 to 14 working days.
     
    The Samsung Blue Tag Sale runs from 13 January – 2 March 2025, in Samsung stores, online, the Samsung Shop App, as well as participating retailers. Don’t miss out!
     
    For more information, visit www.samsung.com/za

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    January 31, 2025
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