NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China effectively protects cultural heritage through legislation – report

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) — China has emphasized legislative efforts to ensure sound protection of cultural heritage and has drafted a series of laws and regulations in this field, according to a report titled “Jointly Protecting Treasures of Human Civilization: China’s Concept and Practice of Cultural Heritage Preservation in the New Era” released Friday by the Xinhua Institute, a think tank under the Xinhua News Agency.

    According to the report, over the past years, China has enacted the Law on the Protection of Cultural Relics and the Law on Intangible Cultural Heritage, as well as relevant administrative regulations such as the Regulations on the Protection of the Great Wall of China, the Regulations on Museums, and the Regulations on the Protection of Famous Cultural and Historical Cities, Towns and Villages.

    It is noteworthy that in March 2025, the revised Law on the Protection of Cultural Property came into force.

    According to the document, China has now created a multi-level and priority-oriented legal framework that provides reliable and effective judicial support for the protection, preservation and use of the country’s cultural heritage. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The State Ice Ballet of St. Petersburg will present Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty in Beijing

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) — The St. Petersburg State Ice Ballet will present classical ballet performances of “Swan Lake” and “Sleeping Beauty” at the Beijing Performing Arts Center from July 25 to 27, showcasing to Chinese audiences the beautiful combination of the elegance of classical ballet and the dynamics of figure skating.

    The ballet troupe included more than 40 Russian ice ballet dancers, including many Olympic and world championship winners.

    It is noteworthy that the Beijing Performing Arts Center is the first to create a stage using real ice, prepared from 17 tons of pure water. It is maintained by professionals using special equipment.

    The State Ballet on Ice of Saint Petersburg /former Leningrad State Ballet on Ice/, founded in 1967 by the outstanding Russian choreographer Konstantin Boyarsky, is the successor to the traditions of the Saint Petersburg school of Russian classical ballet. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Basic Pension Insurance Covers Over 1.07 Billion People – Report

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) — More than 1.07 billion people in China were covered by basic pension insurance by the end of 2024, up 6.39 million from the end of 2023, Xinhua reported on Friday.

    According to a report jointly released by the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the China National Council on Aging on Thursday, the country is expected to see an increase in the number of people covered by basic pension insurance, basic old-age insurance for urban workers and employees, and basic old-age insurance for enterprise workers by the end of 2024.

    The report said that by the end of 2024, the number of elderly people aged 60 and above in China will reach 310.3 million, accounting for 22 percent of the country’s total population. The number of elderly people aged 65 and above will exceed 220.2 million, accounting for 15.6 percent of the total population.

    Meanwhile, the average life expectancy of the population reached 79 years by the end of last year.

    According to the report, China has seen an improvement in its system for providing dignified old age services. By the end of 2024, there were about 406,000 elderly care institutions and facilities across the country. The number of beds for the elderly in these facilities exceeded 7.99 million. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Military helicopter disappears from radar in Almaty region

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    ALMATY, July 25 (Xinhua) — An EC-145 helicopter of the Air Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan disappeared from radars on Friday during a scheduled flight in the Almaty region of Kazakhstan, the Kazinform news agency reported, citing the Defense Ministry.

    According to preliminary data, there were three crew members on board.

    On the instructions of the Minister of Defense, a special commission was dispatched to the scene to clarify all the circumstances of the incident.

    The forces and resources of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Kazakhstan and two Kazaviaspas helicopters were also immediately sent to carry out search and rescue operations.

    The operation involves units of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Center for Disaster Medicine, the Republican Operational Rescue Squad and the Ministry of Emergency Situations aviation. In total, more than 100 people and about 15 units of equipment, including aviation and drones, are involved.

    Search and rescue operations continue. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Hydrometeorologists from China and Russia held a consultation on summer-autumn floods on the Heilongjiang River

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) — Hydrometeorologists from Heihe City in China’s Heilongjiang Province and Russia’s Amur Region held a consultation on summer-autumn floods on the Heilongjiang River (Amur), which partially flows along the Chinese-Russian border.

    Officials from Heihe City and the Amur Region held an online meeting on Wednesday to forecast summer-autumn floods on the Heilongjiang River and signed a protocol for the event, the Heihe Daily newspaper reported.

    Both sides believe that the Heilongjiang River is expected to have a high water level on the Russian side and a medium level on the Chinese side in July and August this year. Given the impact of typhoons and other extreme weather events, it is possible that the water level in the river will exceed the dangerous level.

    Hydrometeorologists from both sides also summed up the results of their joint work and agreed to intensify cooperation to prevent possible floods and eliminate their consequences.

    As a dialogue mechanism between China and Russia on flood prevention and damage mitigation, the consultations have a history of more than 20 years. Both sides maintain cooperation in meteorological and hydrological forecasting, monitoring and warning, and joint action in emergency situations. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 155th Joint Patrol of Mekong River Concluded

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    KUNMING, July 25 (Xinhua) — Law enforcement agencies from China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand concluded the 155th joint patrol of the Mekong River on Friday, the public security department of southwest China’s Yunnan Province said.

    The four-day, three-night joint patrol involved seven patrol vessels and more than 100 law enforcement officers from four countries, covering a total of more than 700 km.

    The mission included combined water-land inspections in some key water areas of the Mekong River. During the patrol, the relevant law enforcement agencies of the four countries also held an information-sharing meeting in Chiang Saen, Thailand, where they had an in-depth exchange of views on the current security situation in the Mekong River basin, experience in joint law enforcement, and key areas for further law enforcement cooperation. Following the meeting, the parties reached a number of agreements.

    In addition, China, Laos and Myanmar will also conduct a joint deployment and training mission in the Mekong waters to further enhance their emergency response capabilities and combat interoperability in real conditions.

    The Mekong River, known in China as the Lancangjiang, is one of the most important waterways for transboundary shipping in Southeast Asia. Joint patrols of the Mekong involving China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand have been conducted since December 2011. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Essay: “Remembering the Past, Creating the Future” — a photo exhibition in honor of the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the World Anti-Fascist War as a reflection of the history of friendship between China and Russia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    Moscow, July 25 (Xinhua) — A photo exhibition titled “Remembering the Past, Creating the Future” in honor of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War was held at the Chinese Embassy in Moscow on Thursday. Sixty-one unique photographs from the archives of the Xinhua News Agency were on display, depicting key events of the war years and the heroic feat of the Chinese people in the war, and also reflecting the contribution of China and the Soviet Union to the victory over fascism and militarism. In addition, visitors were able to see modern photographs telling about the development of Russian-Chinese military and cultural-humanitarian cooperation in recent years.

    Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui, who visited the photo exhibition, said that 80 years ago, China and the Soviet Union, as the main theaters of military operations in Asia and Europe in World War II, played a key role in the fight against Japanese militarism and German Nazism and in achieving Victory. “The countries made a great historical contribution. The Chinese and Russian people fought side by side, at the cost of their lives and blood, accomplished a great feat that went down in history, defending human dignity and restoring peace throughout the world,” he noted.

    The diplomat stressed that as the main victorious countries in World War II and permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and Russia will firmly uphold the victory in World War II, maintain the post-war international order, resist any attempts to interfere in history, safeguard international justice and fairness, jointly promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, and work tirelessly to create a better future for mankind.

    The guest of honor at the photo exhibition was State Secretary – Deputy Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation Anna Tsivileva. She looked at the archival photographs with interest. Her attention was drawn to a black-and-white photo from 1945, which captured the touching moment of farewell of the residents of the city of Luida /now the city of Dalian, Liaoning Province, Northeast China/ to Soviet soldiers and officers returning home after the victory.

    A. Tsivileva also stopped at a bright color photograph taken 10 years ago on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. It shows the long-awaited meeting of Chinese and Russian veterans. The already very elderly men, dressed in military uniforms, hug each other tightly. There are tears in their eyes. “Such warm photographs, and a very emotional message of sincere joy from the meeting. Thank you for such a wonderful exhibition,” A. Tsivileva said after viewing the exposition.

    Andrey Vinogradov, head of the Center for the Study of Modern China at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, called the exhibition very timely in an interview with Xinhua. As a researcher of 20th-century Chinese history, he was interested in looking at the photographs — historical evidence of World War II and the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression.

    “China took part in the war longer than any other coalition country, since 1931. For 14 years, China courageously resisted and thus tied down Japanese forces and contributed to the coalition’s victory, which took place in other theaters, in particular, in the Pacific theater, in Southeast Asia. China contributed to the overall victory throughout this time,” he emphasized.

    Professor of the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Economic Cooperation with Countries of Asia and Oceania of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation Vadim Saltykovskiy believes that today’s unprecedented level of relations between Russia and China is based on the historical experience of interaction that the peoples of the two countries had during the joint fight against fascism. “The basis is still in those 30-40s, when our peoples, our countries really created the basis of our relations,” he noted, adding that preserving historical memory plays an important role in strengthening relations between China and Russia and confronting external challenges.

    Roskino employee Ivan Buzko admitted to a Xinhua correspondent that the exhibition is very emotionally charged. “Looking at these photographs, you can feel how hard it was for the Chinese people in those years, you can feel the pain, the trials that they had to overcome. At the same time, the heroism of the Chinese people is reflected here. It also shows how, through the joint efforts of China, the Soviet Union, the allies and all the movements that fought fascism, they managed to defeat the common enemy. The exhibition is breathtaking,” he shared his feelings. According to him, this exhibition is an important element in the formation of intercultural ties between Russia and China through the prism of those great historical events.

    The exhibition was prepared by the Xinhua Asia-Europe Bureau, the Xinhua Hubei Bureau, and China Image Group. The co-organizer was Angel Yeast Co. Ltd. The event was held with the support of the Chinese Embassy in the Russian Federation. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow hosts formal reception to mark 98th anniversary of PLA founding

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    Moscow, July 25 (Xinhua) — A reception to mark the 98th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), which is celebrated on August 1, was held at the Chinese Embassy in Moscow on Thursday.

    The event was attended by employees of diplomatic and military departments of various countries, representatives of the socio-political and expert communities of Russia. Descendants of Russian veterans who fought in China were also invited to the Chinese diplomatic mission.

    As Major General Li Yuge, Defense Attaché at the Chinese Embassy in the Russian Federation, noted in his welcoming speech, over the 98 years of its existence, the PLA, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, has played an important role in achieving national independence, liberating the people and ensuring the prosperity of the country.

    “Today, the People’s Liberation Army of China is following the instructions of Chairman Xi Jinping to strengthen the armed forces and implement a new military strategy for a new era,” he said, adding that the PLA is striving to achieve all its goals by its 100th anniversary.

    In his speech, the Chinese military attaché also recalled that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Great Patriotic War and the World Anti-Fascist War. He stressed that China and Russia, as the main theaters of military operations in Asia and Europe during World War II, played a decisive role in the victory over fascism. “We deeply honor the memory of all veterans whose outstanding feats ensured victory in the world anti-fascist war. We categorically reject any attempt to distort the historical truth about World War II,” he assured.

    Speaking about military and military-technical cooperation between China and Russia, Li Yuge said that it has reached the highest level in history. The commanders of the armed forces of the two countries maintain close contacts, the armies constantly expand their professional experience, conduct joint exercises, sea and air patrols, and actively cooperate in training military personnel. “This is conducive to strengthening mutual trust and practical cooperation between the two armies, and contributes to maintaining international peace and regional stability,” the Chinese military officer added.

    On behalf of the Russian Ministry of Defense, State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation Anna Tsivileva congratulated on the 98th anniversary of the PLA. She noted that a huge path has been covered since the PLA was created on August 1, 1927, and today the Chinese army is one of the most modern and high-tech armies in the world.

    As A. Tsivileva stated, China and Russia demonstrate an example of military cooperation and readiness to jointly counter any challenges and threats. “Moreover, all our joint actions are not directed against third countries and are carried out exclusively in the interests of each other,” she pointed out, noting that the consistent development of interaction between the two states in the field of defense, based on a high level of mutual strategic trust, effectively strengthens regional and global security.

    A festive concert was prepared for the guests of the Chinese embassy with the participation of artists from the Academic Song and Dance Ensemble of the Russian Army named after A. V. Alexandrov and the legendary Russian ensemble “Beryozka”. A photo exhibition “Remembering the Past, Creating the Future” was also organized in honor of the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggressors and the World Anti-Fascist War, where one could see unique historical photographs from the Xinhua archive. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: The Lafayette Fellowship

    Source: France-Diplomatie – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development

    1. Home
    2. Latest News
    3. The Lafayette Fellowship

    Published on July 25, 2025

    A New Opportunity for Graduate Studies in France

    The French Embassy in the United States is launching the Lafayette Fellowship, a new scholarship program designed to support the next generation of young leaders with a strong interest in the transatlantic relationship.

    Launching on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence and celebrating the French-American friendship, the Lafayette Fellowship will fund one year of master’s level study in France for up to 30 outstanding American students.

    Open to both Francophone and non-Francophone candidates, the initiative will partner with top French higher education institutions that offer programs across STEM, the humanities, social sciences, and the arts, either in French or entirely in English.

    In addition to their academic studies, fellows will take part in the French-American Leadership Program, a dynamic, year-long experience featuring lectures, masterclasses, site visits, and mentorship support, offering a 360-degree immersion into European innovation, culture, and policy.

    This annual program aims to deepen academic and cultural exchange between France and the U.S. and nurture future leaders committed to strengthening the transatlantic relationship. It also strives to spread awareness about France’s many internationally ranked universities and academic excellence programs taught in English.

    The Fellowship will encourage reflection on major global challenges, such as environmental challenges and sustainable transition; health and biotechnology; peace and security; social equity and democratic issues; digital technologies; and artificial intelligence.

    Learn more about the program here.

    Applications open in late August 2025 for the 2026-2027 academic year.

    Questions?

    E-mail lafayettefellowship@villa-albertine.org

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Volleyball Coach Sentenced to 33 Years for Using His Position to Sexually Abuse More Than a Dozen Victims

    Source: US FBI

    MINNEAPOLIS – Dorian Christopher Barrs, 33, was sentenced yesterday to 400 months in prison for production of child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson.

    “Barrs didn’t just break the law—he shattered the trust placed in him by parents, schools, and the girls he coached and was supposed protect,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “This was a deliberated and calculated abuse of power. And it is part of a broader crisis we are facing in Minnesota. Coaches, state troopers, daycare workers, federal agents, and state senators—case after case of people who hold positions of trust and authority preying on children. It is the ultimate betrayal of power and it demands the full force of federal prosecution. To be clear, while I am tired of seeing these cases, this office will not slow down. If you hold a position of trust or authority and harm a child: we will find you, we will expose you, and you will see federal justice.”

    According to court documents, for nearly a decade, Barrs used his position as a volleyball coach to prey on and sexually abuse his players and other victims, as young as 14-years-old.

    Barrs coached volleyball for Maple Grove High School and club volleyball programs and also coached players in private lessons. Barrs used social media to groom, sexually exploit, and abuse young, impressionable, and vulnerable girls for his sexual gratification. Often, Barrs used another minor’s identity to “catfish” his unsuspecting victims, wearing them down or removing their defenses. Barrs sent hundreds of messages to his victims, frequently steering conversations to sexualized topics in a short amount of time. Barrs was a master manipulator. His scheme was simple and horrible. He built relationships with his minor victims with one goal in mind: his sexual gratification. His gratification came in both the production and receipt of sexually explicit images and videos, as well as sexual acts with at least five of the minor victims. Unfortunately, as he took advantage of his position as a volleyball coach—and ultimately these girls—Barrs’s scheme was frighteningly successful. To date, the government has identified at least 19 minor victims who Barrs victimized in his scheme, 14 of whom were being coached by Barrs.

    U.S. District Judge Nancy E. Brasel sentenced the defendant to 400 months—33 years—of imprisonment followed by a lifetime of supervised release. In handing down her sentenced, Judge Brasel said, “This case represents every parent’s nightmare.”  She noted that “The defendant abused a position of trust for both the victims and their families.”  Judge Brasel explained, “Sometimes sports are the only lifeline for a child with a bad situation at home, which is ironic because the defendant knows how important sports were in his own life, so it’s even more unfathomable what he did in this case.”

    “The 33-year prison sentence in this case serves as a stern warning to those who prey upon and sexually exploit children for their own gratification,” said FBI Minneapolis Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. “Dorian Barrs, a youth volleyball coach, egregiously abused his position of trust for over a decade, coercing vulnerable young girls into sexual activities. The FBI remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting children within our communities. We take great pride in our collaborative efforts with local authorities  throughout this investigation.”

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office commends the bravery of the victims in this case. In 2024, one victim told her parents what was happening and then contacted law enforcement. This was the first step in unraveling Barrs’s crimes. More victims then came forward, which allowed law enforcement and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to piece together the scope of this horrifying scheme and bring Barrs to justice. To the survivors: your courage in coming forward is the reason this predator was held accountable. And your strength protected other girls from ever experiencing Barrs’s abuse.

    This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Carver County’s Sheriff’s Office and the FBI.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan B. Gilead prosecuted the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Micheal Ward charged with rape and sexual assault by the Met Police

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the Metropolitan Police Service to charge a man following an investigation by detectives.

    The Met has charged Micheal Ward, 27 (18.11.1997) of Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, with two counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault.

    The offences relate to one woman and are reported to have taken place in January 2023.

    Detective Superintendent Scott Ware, whose team is leading the Met’s investigation, said: “Our specialist officers continue to support the woman who has come forward – we know investigations of this nature can have significant impact on those who make reports.”

    Micheal Ward will appear at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 28 August.

    We urge responsible reporting in line with guidance from the Attorney General’s Office. Editors, publishers, and social media users should take legal advice to ensure they are in a position to fully comply with the obligations to which they are subject under the common law and Contempt of Court Act 1981.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Speaks with Nominees about Supporting Vets at SVAC Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville

    WASHINGTON – This week, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) spoke with John Bartrum, President Trump’s nominee to be Under Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and Jeremiah Workman, President Trump’s nominee to be Assistant Secretary for Training at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) during a Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) hearing. Sen. Tuberville spoke with the nominees about their plans to improve care for veterans, especially those living in rural areas. Some of the ways discussed included streamlining communication across agencies and expanding Community Care access.

    Read Sen. Tuberville’s remarks below or on YouTube or Rumble.

    ON IMPROVING COMMUNICATION WITH VETERANS IN RURAL AREAS:

    TUBERVILLE: “[Thank you,] Mr. Chairman. Thank you both for being here. I look forward to supporting you both. 

    Mr. Bartrum, one of the biggest complaints I hear about the VA healthcare services is communication. In my state of Alabama, we are very rural, and it’s a huge problem. If confirmed, how will you work with the Secretary in utilizing the new technology that we have for community service?”

    BARTRUM: “Thank you, sir. As you know—we talked a little bit about this when I met with you—rural veterans who live in the rural area are somewhere between 60-66% of our veterans. So, reaching out, and reaching to our veterans, and partnering with not only the VSOs and our service organizations that are out there, but using our technology that we have with our communication strategy, websites, and reaching out to folks with our provider network […] and community care partners is something that I wanna look into and work with you [to] partner on, and look at the strategies. I’m not steeped into what strategies VHA is using since I’m not in the role. But once I’m in the role, I would love to partner with you and bring back what we’re doing specifically and figure out how we can best reach out to our rural networks.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you.”

    ON PLACING VETERANS IN LONG-TERM, QUALITY JOBS:

    TUBERVILLE: “Mr. Workman, in your testimony, you highlighted the need for DOL vets to focus on outcomes and performances. If confirmed, how will you ensure veterans are not just a number, but instead placed in long-term, quality jobs?”

    WORKMAN: “Thank you for the question, Senator. I think when it comes to our veterans and when they’re transitioning from that [active veteran status], it is important for us to capture them as they’re leaving the door in what we call the Transition Systems Program (TAP). I believe a lot of folks are falling through the cracks, and for whatever reason, not attending TAP or just not soaking it in. I think that’s where it starts is that last six months to a year before they leave active duty or reserve status. Once out into small, wherever they go in America, that’s generally where we start to see issues. They lose that support network. That’s where our American job centers come into play. We need to make sure that the folks out there are properly trained and doing what they need to do to take care of our transitioning veterans and their family members.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you.”

    ON INCREASED COMMUNITY CARE:

    TUBERVILLE: “Mr. Bartrum, in May, the VA announced the policy change that would make it easier for veterans to access Community Care when a VA doctor determines it is in their best medical interest. What’s your opinion on this announcement?”

    BARTRUM: “I thought it was the right announcement, and it should have been done years ago. I believe that when a veteran and their doctor says they need to go to a referral on the outside and they both agree that that is enough to send them to the outside to get preferred.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you.

    ON IMPROVING COMMUNICATION BETWEEN DOD & VA:

    TUBERVILLE: “Mr. Workman, as you know, the federal government is very siloed, and agencies often do not communicate with each other. [It] seems like we can’t get information from the DOD to the VA coordinated, because all the systems are different. It’s been a disaster since I’ve been here. We spent billions of dollars. We can’t seem to do it. But if confirmed, how will you improve coordination across agencies to veterans and put them first?”

    WORKMAN: “Thank you for the question, Senator. If confirmed, […] you’re 100% correct—we need to tighten up communications across the different departments and agencies. I feel like sometimes vets, [DOL vets], sometimes do not always have a seat at the table, and if confirmed, I can assure you that we will have a seat at the table with the DOD and also the VA, so it can better serve our veterans and their family members.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Are you aware of the problems that we’ve had [about all the information going from DOD to the veterans]?”

    WORKMAN: “Yes, Senator. I spent 10-11 years working at the VA. I’ve also worked for DOD in a civilian capacity, and I do know that it is a challenge. Like I said, if confirmed, we will have a seat at the table and we look forward to working with our counterparts.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Mr. Bartrum, you and I talked about this—but coinciding information—you cannot get something done unless you get both sides working together. What’s your thoughts on that?”

    BARTRUM: “I think we need to re-energize the sharing agreements of data and get data across the system. I also think we have to do a better job of coordinating data [within] VHA and VBA, because that data needs to flow smoother. So, I think there are lots of opportunities to do data sharing within the department and within intergovernmental agencies.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chariman.”

    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Northern Cape a province making strides

    Source: Government of South Africa

    President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared the Northern Cape a province “on the move”. following a Presidential engagement between national and provincial leaders in Kimberley on Friday.

    The President spoke to the media following the engagement which was held at the province’s Sol Plaatje University.

    The President was accompanied by various Minster, Deputy Ministers and senior government officials. 

    “We were very impressed with the presentation that they gave us and the vision that they have for the Northern Cape, [and] various projects, which they are hoping would turn around the economy of the province — from Boetgooebaa,i which is the port, water projects, roads and a whole number of projects. 

    “This is the province that’s on the move. And… as you know, when it comes to renewable energy, it is the one province that has attracted more investment,” he said.

    President Ramaphosa said the province is seen as a future leader of industrialisation and manufacturing.

    “We’re looking at setting up an SEZ and making sure that manufacturing does come here which will be underpinned by the natural resources that the province has.

    “The [irradiation] in this province are second to none in the world and that is why we’ve been able to attract so many investments to come to this province,” he said.

    In a statement, the Presidency explained the key issues discussed at the engagement with the Northern Cape’s executive.

    “The meeting discussed the ongoing roll out of catalytic economic development projects that require the deepening of cooperation between the national and provincial governments.

    “These include the Boegoebaai Harbor and SEZ development, revitalisation and expansion of Vaalharts, Namakwa SEZ and the development of the infrastructure masterplan. The meeting further affirmed closer cooperation on issues of climate change mitigation considering the province’s vulnerability to erratic weather conditions.

    “The national executive pledged to continue working closely with the province in areas of Transport and Logistics, Basic Education, Water and Sanitation infrastructure development, Human Settlements, Tourism and Energy and Electricity,” the statement read.

    The engagement with the Northern Cape’s provincial government is the sixth such following meetings with executive councils of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape.

    According to the Presidency, the sessions have resulted in “strengthening cooperative governance, breaking down silos and cooperative project planning that leads to collaborative execution”.

    “As President Ramaphosa said during the Budget Debate last week, when the three spheres of government work together, the lives of the people of South Africa are improved.

    “The President emphasised the importance of structured engagements between the national and provincial executives that assist government coordinate more efficiently, resolve challenges together and to plan smarter.

    “The meetings are also meant to facilitate innovative ideas and proposals to address service delivery and skills challenges,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Villa Named Interim Director of North Carolina Zoo

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Villa Named Interim Director of North Carolina Zoo

    Villa Named Interim Director of North Carolina Zoo
    jejohnson6

    Diane Villa, deputy director and chief communications officer for the North Carolina Zoo, has been named interim director of the Zoo following the passing of Director and CEO Pat Simmons. The Zoo is part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Villa will lead the N.C. Zoo during a national search for a new director.

    “Diane’s many years of experience at the Zoo and her role as a member of the senior leadership team make her uniquely qualified to lead the North Carolina Zoo through this transition period,” said DNCR Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell. “I am grateful for her willingness to take on this important role at one of North Carolina’s most beloved institutions.”

    During her 31 years working at the North Carolina Zoo, Villa has served as the Zoo’s director of communications and marketing, curator of design, and art director. In her current role of deputy director and chief communications officer, she leads the Zoo’s communications section, which includes marketing, public relations, social media, graphic design, guest services, special events, and park security/emergency operations. She is also involved in the community, serving on the Randolph County Tourism Development Authority Board of Directors.

    “I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead the North Carolina Zoo in this interim period,” Villa said. “Under Pat’s leadership, the Zoo built a thoughtful and creative community that I will continue to nourish as we move forward to opening Asia in 2026.”

    Villa holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from East Carolina University and served for five years with the United States Air Force prior to working at the North Carolina Zoo.

    About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
    The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

    The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
    Jul 25, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jonesboro Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine

    Source: US FBI

          JONESBORO—Thomas Demetrius Williams, a multi-convicted felon, will spend the next 216 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down on Monday, July 21, 2025, by United States District Judge D. P. Marshall Jr.

          On April 29, 2024, Williams, 41, of Jonesboro, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Judge Marshall also sentenced Williams to five years’ supervised release. Williams was indicted on April 2, 2024, in a second superseding indictment, on two counts of felon in possession of a firearm, two counts of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual), two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, one count of possession with intent to distribute oxycodone, and one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

          On October 12, 2021, law enforcement officers received information that Williams was in possession of a large amount of methamphetamine. An investigation revealed that Williams was on parole with an active search waiver on file. As law enforcement officers approached Williams’ residence he shared with his girlfriend to conduct a parole search, they observed three vehicles in the driveway. While at the residence, law enforcement officers observed the girlfriend and a small child in the grey vehicle in the driveway. The girlfriend stated the vehicle belonged to Williams. At that time, law enforcement officers circled the block and when they arrived back at Williams’ residence, they observed the white vehicle that had previously been in the driveway was no longer there.

          During a parole search of Williams’ residence, law enforcement officers located a debit card in Williams’ name. While awaiting the arrival of a canine officer, Williams was observed driving by his residence in the white vehicle. Not long afterwards, Williams stopped his vehicle and made contact with the law enforcement officers at his residence. Upon arrival of the canine officer, it was deployed to search the area. The canine officer alerted to the presence of narcotics in the grey vehicle. Law enforcement officers searched the grey vehicle and located the bag the girlfriend had been carrying. During a search of the bag, it was revealed to contain 730.4 grams of pure methamphetamine, 299.5 grams of marijuana, 19.7651 grams of ecstasy pills, 4.7289 grams of oxycodone pills, $1,999 in cash, and a stolen Ruger, LCP .380 firearm.

          Williams was sentenced as a Career Offender on the drug conviction due to his criminal history that includes aggravated assault, three domestic battery convictions, a terroristic threatening conviction, three serious drug convictions, drug trafficking convictions, and felon in possession of firearm convictions. There is no parole in the federal system.

          This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

          The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin O’Leary.

    # # #

    Additional information about the office of the

    United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at

    https://www.justice.gov/edar

    X (formerly known as Twitter):

    @USAO_EDAR 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Madera, California, School Executive Charged with Stealing Federal Funds From Charter School for Disadvantaged K–8th Graders

    Source: US FBI

    On July 17, 2025, a federal grand jury returned a sealed indictment charging Nicholas M. Retana, 67, of Madera, with one count of embezzling money from a program that received federal funding, Acting U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez announced.

    On Monday the indictment was unsealed and Retana was arraigned.

    According to court documents, Retana was the founder and executive director of a kindergarten through 8th grade charter school in Madera County until early 2020. As executive director, Retana used school funds on improper personal expenses for himself, his family, and associates. He concealed the misused funds by mislabeling the expenses in school accounting records and misrepresenting the expenses when asked. For example, Retana purchased new Ford F-150 Raptor pickup trucks for his two sons using school funds. He also had a personal relationship with a self-proclaimed sex worker turned relationship coach whom he paid $12,000 using school funds.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey A. Spivak and Cody S. Chapple are prosecuting the case.

    If convicted, Retana faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former East Bay Financial Advisor Charged with Allegedly Operating Long-Running $9.5 Million Ponzi Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    OAKLAND – A federal grand jury indicted Edwin Emmett Lickiss, Jr., on one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering in connection with an alleged $9.5 million investment fraud scheme.  

    According to the indictment filed on July 17, 2025, and unsealed today, between 1998 and September 2024, Lickiss, 77, was a financial advisor based in Danville and Alamo, Calif., who owned and operated Foundation Financial Group, a firm that provided investment services to investors in the Northern District of California, Idaho, and throughout the United States.  Lickiss was a registered broker until 2014, when the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority suspended his broker’s license.  Despite the suspension and loss of his broker’s license, Lickiss allegedly continued to solicit and obtain investments from victim investors until around September 2024.  

    The indictment alleges that as part of his scheme, Lickiss falsely represented to investors that he would invest their funds in government bonds and other bonds.  To induce his victims to invest their money with him, Lickiss claimed he had exclusive access to fictitious bonds that paid very high rates of returns, including rates in excess of 20 percent.  Lickiss described the fictitious bonds as safe, secure, and tax-free, and falsely claimed, among other things, that they could be redeemed at any time.  

    In order to convince investors that he had invested their funds as promised, Lickiss allegedly gave fraudulent promissory notes that included the terms of the fake bond investments and purported to track investors’ total investment in the fake bonds.  Lickiss also occasionally made lulling payments to victim investors, falsely describing the payments as interest that had accrued on the nonexistent bonds, when, in fact, the payments were made with funds Lickiss fraudulently obtained from subsequent victim investors.  In addition to making the foregoing misrepresentations, Lickiss allegedly failed to disclose to victim investors that he had been suspended in 2014 from association with any broker-dealer and that he subsequently lost his broker’s license in 2016.

    Instead of investing the funds as promised, Lickiss allegedly used victim investors’ funds to pay earlier investors, in the manner of a Ponzi scheme, and for his personal use, including cash withdrawals, home renovations, travel, and car, mortgage, and personal credit card payments.  In all, Lickiss allegedly obtained at least $9.5 million from no fewer than 50 victim investors.  

    United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian, FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani, and IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Oakland Field Office Special Agent in Charge Linda Nguyen made the announcement.

    Lickiss is scheduled to make his initial appearance on July 22, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nathanael Cousins in Courtroom F in San Francisco.

    An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.  Defendant faces a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the wire fraud count, and 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the money laundering count.  Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

    The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has also filed a civil enforcement action against Lickiss in the Northern District of California.  

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Arash Rezaei and Benjamin J. Wolinsky are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Lynette Dixon.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and IRS-CI.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanks the Atlanta Regional Office of the SEC for its assistance in the investigation.

    Lickiss Indictment
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Conspiracy Ringleader of $78 Million Diverted Prescription Drug Operation Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison

    Source: US FBI

    MIAMI – Stephen Costa, 40, was sentenced to fourteen years in prison after pleading guilty to his leadership role in a conspiracy that distributed thousands of bottles of diverted pharmaceutical drugs, many intended for HIV and cancer patients, into the legitimate supply chain around the United States.

    According to court documents, Costa was the architect of a scheme, which resulted in the prosecution of 20 defendants in a series of superseding indictments issued between 2019 and 2024. The conspiracy originated in early 2013, when Costa began acquiring licensed pharmaceutical wholesale companies using the names of recruited associates, and established new corporations to distribute the drugs he acquired. Several of Costa’s accomplices were individuals he had previously conspired with in a similar scheme based in New York and others he had known from other businesses or high school.

    Once Costa had control of these companies, he purchased diverted drugs from suppliers he had worked with before and directed his co-conspirators on how to price, market, sell, and distribute the drugs. These diverted drugs were ultimately funneled to legitimate pharmacies around the country.

    Costa continued to expand the Miami-based conspiracy even after his conviction in the New York scheme. Before reporting to prison to serve his sentence, Costa facilitated the introduction of his primary supplier of diverted pharmaceuticals to a co-conspirator to perpetuate the operation during his imprisonment. Costa received several payments from the proceeds of his co-conspirator’s continuing operation.

    In total, approximately $78 million worth of diverted drugs were sold to unsuspecting patients, believing their medications had been shipped directly from legitimate manufacturers—not purchased on the streets and repackaged under false labeling. The criminal operation was shut down in May 2019 through a joint effort by the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA-OCI), and FBI Miami.

    U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of FBI Miami, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Maximillian Pagano of the FDA-OCI Miami Field Office made the announcement.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Tamen prosecuted the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Grosnoff is handling asset forfeiture.

    You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls.

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 19-cr-20674.

    ###  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Deputy Charged with Receipt and Production of Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: US FBI

    MIAMI – Carle Miranda Blum, 51, a sworn uniformed deputy with the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, was arrested today following the filing of a federal complaint charging her with receipt of visual depictions involving the sexual exploitation of minors and production of visual depictions involving the sexual exploitation of minors.

    According to the complaint, Blum received multiple videos and images of the victim, who was 17 years old at the time, engaged in sexually explicit conduct. In the spring of 2025, Blum traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, where she recorded multiple videos of herself engaging in sex acts with the then-minor victim.

    The charge of production of visual depictions involving the sexual exploitation of minors carries a mandatory-minimum of 15 years in prison and a statutory maximum of up to 30 years. The charge of receipt of visual depictions involving the sexual exploitation of minors carries a mandatory-minimum of 5 years in prison and a statutory maximum of up to 20 years. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne and Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of FBI Miami made the announcement. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office provided assistance in the investigation. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia and FBI Atlanta assisted in Blum’s apprehension and arrest.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Ilana R. Malkin and Major Crimes Deputy Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Astigarraga are prosecuting the case.

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

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

    To report suspected human trafficking or to obtain resources for victims, please call 1-888-373-7888; text “BeFree” (233733), or live chat at HumanTraffickingHotline.org. The toll-free phone, SMS text lines, and online chat function are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Help is available in English, Spanish, Creole, or in more than 200 additional languages. The National Hotline is not managed by law enforcement, immigration, or an investigative agency. Correspondence with the National Hotline is confidential, and you may request assistance or report a tip anonymously.

    “To report online child sexual exploitation, use the electronic Cyber Tip Line or call 1-800-843-5678. The Cyber Tip Line is operated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in partnership with the HSI and other law enforcement agencies.”

    To learn more about the National Resource Hotline, visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. To learn more about the U.S. Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking, visit www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.

    You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl.

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 24-mj-02786.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Coca-Cola Beverages Africa invests R365m in new high-speed line in South Africa

    Source: APO – Report:

    Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) (www.CCBAGroup.com) has invested R365m in a new state-of-the-art bottling line capable of producing 72,000 bottles per hour at its plant in Midrand, South Africa.

    The high-speed production line marks a South African first, producing Bonaqua Pump Still 750ml and Powerade 500ml packs with an innovative sports bottle cap. Beyond this milestone, the line will also produce Bonaqua Still in 330ml and 500ml packs, further driving the company’s efforts to expand its hydration category. Underscoring a commitment to innovation, the line will additionally produce the recently launched Powerade Springboks Edition.

    “By launching this new line, we strengthen our ability to meet growing consumer demand and create shared value across the local value chain, including for our customers and communities,” said Moses Lubisi, Manufacturing and Technical Director at Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA), a company in the CCBA group.

    “Importantly, this investment reaffirms the Coca-Cola system’s local approach – we produce locally, distribute locally and, where possible, source locally.”

    “At CCBA, our passion for refreshing the continent drives everything we do,” said Sunil Gupta, Chief Executive Officer of CCBA. “This new production line in South Africa represents a key step in our ambitious growth plans in all our markets on the continent. It enhances our ability to meet consumer needs while reinforcing our commitment to delivering reliability and top-quality beverages across Africa.”

    To help support the company’s environmental goals, the new production line features advanced technology to optimise water and energy use. Additionally, the line required skills training for employees, contributing to the development of a future-ready workforce for both the business and the country.  

    – on behalf of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa.

    ISSUED BY:
    Motshidisi Mokwena
    Head: Reputation and Communication Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa
    Tel: +27 83 306 0349
    Email: mmokwena@ccbagroup.com

    Keli Fernie
    Head: Reputation and Communication Coca-Cola Beverages Africa
    Tel: +27 82 419 8766
    Email: kfernie@ccbagroup.com

    Follow us on: 
    LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/456e7ua

    About CCBA:
    CCBA is the eighth largest Coca-Cola authorised bottler in the world by revenue, and the largest on the continent. It accounts for over 40% of all Coca-Cola ready-to-drink beverages sold in Africa by volume. With over 18,000 employees in Africa, CCBA group services more than 735,000 customers with a host of international and local brands. CCBA group operates in 15 countries, including its six key markets of South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Mozambique and Namibia, as well as Tanzania, Botswana, Ghana, Zambia, the islands of Comoros and Mayotte, Eswatini, Lesotho, and Malawi.

    Learn more at  https://www.CCBAGroup.com

    Media files

    .

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Angola’s National Oil, Gas & Biofuels Agency (ANPG) Drives Ambitious Investment Strategy, Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 as Diamond Partner

    Source: APO – Report:

    Angola’s upstream regulator the National Oil, Gas & Biofuels Agency (ANPG) has joined Africa’s largest energy event – African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies – as a Diamond Partner. The ANPG’s participation comes as Angola witnesses a $60 billion investment drive across its upstream oil and gas industry between 2025 and 2030, led by a series of ambitious exploration and production projects. As the country strives to sustain oil production above one million barrels per day (bpd) while diversifying the industry through non-associated gas development, AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 will serve as a vital platform for advancing investment across Angola’s blocks.

    Angola’s upstream capital expenditure drive is largely accredited to the ANPG’s multi-year licensing strategy – launched in 2019 -, which laid the foundation for greater investment in both brownfield and greenfield blocks. Through this strategy, the ANPG aims to award 50 concessions by 2025, with 30 new concessions already awarded to date. Currently, the ANPG is preparing to launch its next licensing round in 2025, offering ten blocks for investment in the offshore Kwanza and Benguela basins. At AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025, insights into this licensing strategy will support future investments in Angola.

    AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit https://AECWeek.com/ for more information about this exciting event.

    Beyond the multi-year licensing strategy, the ANPG has introduced a series of flexible investment structures that enable operators to invest in Angolan blocks out of the confines of traditional bid rounds. Through its permanent offer program, the ANPG has enticed spending across blocks that have not been awarded under the bid rounds. At present, up to 11 blocks are available on direct negotiation. Meanwhile, the country also launched five marginal fields for investment in 2024. These fields are suited for smaller players seeking near-term production and are situated in producing blocks with proven petroleum systems. The ANPG also introduced an Incremental Production Initiative in 2024, aimed at enticing investment in producing and maturing assets. The program features improved fiscals for operators seeking to reinvest in ageing assets and has already yielded positive results. Energy major ExxonMobil, for example, made a discovery at the Likember-01 well in 2024. This find represented the first under the initiative.

    These investment structures have laid the groundwork for billion-dollar projects in Angola. Between 2025 and 2028, the country expects several major projects to come online. These include the Cabinda Oil Refinery (2025); the Agogo Integrated West Hub Development (2025); the New Gas Consortium’s non-associated gas project (2026); and the Kaminho Deepwater Development (2028). The country is also spearheading onshore exploration with the aim of revitalizing production across inland basins. A range of onshore contracts have been signed by the ANPG and international operators in recent months, covering strategic acreage in the onshore Kwanza and Lower Congo basins. The ANPG also signed deals with XTG and ReconAfrica for exploration rights in the frontier Etosha-Okavango basin, with the companies targeting play-opening discoveries.  

    As sub-Saharan Africa’s second largest oil producer, Angola is also making forays into non-associated gas development. With the majority of the country’s gas developed through associated projects, the country is targeting gas-focused exploration wells under efforts to enhance feedstock for the Angola LNG plant, increase LPG production and support long-term economic growth through gas-to-power, petrochemicals and job creation opportunities. In July 2025, project partners at Block 1/14 in the Lower Congo basin made a new gas discovery at the Gajajeira-01 exploration well. Initial assessments suggest reserves of up to one trillion cubic feet of gas and up to 100 million barrels of associated condensate. An upcoming Gas Master Plan – offering a comprehensive guide to investing in Angola’s gas industry – is expected to further support discoveries of this nature, affirming the country’s position as a major gas producer.

    “The ANPG’s investment strategy is one that should be replicated across various African countries. It’s multi-year licensing round offers recurring opportunities for companies to invest in onshore and offshore blocks while its permanent offer program introduces flexibility for operators. Marginal fields entice smaller players to invest while incremental production encourages spending in producing assets. This strategy has already led to large-scale projects and will continue to strengthen Angola’s oil and gas market for years to come,” states Tomás Gerbasio, VP Commercial and Strategic Engagement, African Energy Chamber.

    – on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

    Media files

    .

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Merck Foundation marks World ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) Day 2025 by providing 716 scholarships of Embryology, Fertility and Reproductive care in 41 countries in Africa and Asia

    Source: APO – Report:

    • Merck Foundation has made history by training the first local Embryologists and Reproductive & Fertility Experts in many countries such as The Gambia, Liberia,  Burundi, Guinea, Chad, Niger, Sierra Leone, Malawi, and Congo. Moreover, supported training for the staff of First Public IVF Centers in Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Niger, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
    • Merck Foundation launched “More Than a Mother Animation Film” that raises awareness about breaking infertility stigma, infertility prevention and male infertility, watch here: https://apo-opa.co/44PGUEB

    Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, marks ‘World ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) Day 2025’ together with African and Asian First Ladies, who are also the Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” Campaign, by building and advancing fertility care capacity in Africa and Asia.

    Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than  a Mother” emphasized, “At Merck Foundation we mark World Assisted Reproductive Technology Day by building Fertility and Reproductive Care capacity and empowering infertile women by improving their access to information, change of mindset and quality & equitable fertility care across Africa & Asia as part of our “More than a Mother” campaign.

    I am very proud to share that we have provided till today 716 scholarships of Embryology, Fertility and Sexual & Reproductive care to young doctors from 41 countries in Africa and Asia to be the local Embryologists, Fertility & Reproductive care experts in their countries. Moreover, many of our Alumni were trained to be the first local experts in their countries where they never had even a single local embryologist or fertility specialist before our program such as; The Gambia, Burundi, Guinea, Chad, Niger, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Malawi, Congo , Mozambique and more.

    Together with African First Ladies, and other important partners, we are making history and reshaping the landscape of fertility & Reproductive care across Africa and beyond”, added Dr. Kelej.

    Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” is a powerful campaign that defines interventions to build quality and equitable Reproductive and Fertility Care Capacity, Break Infertility Stigma and Raise Awareness about Infertility Prevention and Male Infertility.

    Merck Foundation has provided 2280 scholarships for doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.

    “To give an overview, out of our total 716 scholarships for Fertility and Reproductive care, we have provided more than 324 Scholarships for clinical and practical training to Fertility Specialists and Embryologists, and more than 392 Scholarships for PG Diploma and Master Degree in Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Psychiatry, Women’s Health, Biotechnology of Human Assisted Reproduction & Embryology, Urology, Laparoscopic Surgical skills and Family Medicine to doctors from 41 countries across Africa and Asia. We are proud of this achievement”, added Dr. Rasha Kelej.

    According to WHO data, more than 180 million couples in developing countries – that is 1 in every 4 couple, suffer from infertility. In many cultures in Africa, infertility is a huge stigma. Women are solely blamed for failing to conceive and the social stigma of childlessness, especially for women leads to isolation and stigmatization and results in discrimination and ostracism. This mostly also leads to divorce or physical or psychological violence. As a part of “More Than a  Mother” Campaign, Merck Foundation has launched many initiatives to break this stigma and create a culture shift.

    Merck Foundation has also been empowering childless and infertile women through their “Empowering Berna” initiative under their “More Than a Mother” movement. This initiative helps women who cannot be treated for infertility anymore by helping them get trained to establish small businesses so that they can be independent and rebuild their lives. Through ‘Empowering Berna’, the lives of many infertile women have been transformed in many African countries like Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Central African Republic, Niger, Malawi, and many more.

    “It’s all about giving every woman the respect and the help she deserves to lead a fulfilling life, with or without a child,” added Dr. Kelej.

    Moreover, Merck Foundation has trained more than 3700 media representatives from more than 35 countries to raise community awareness and break the stigma around infertility and infertile and childless women.

    Merck Foundation in partnership with Africa’s First Ladies, has also launched ‘More Than Mother’ Children’s storybook to emphasize strong family values of love and respect from a young age which will reflect on eliminating the stigma of infertility and the resulted domestic violence in the future. The storybooks have been localized for each country and in three languages, English, French and Portuguese to better connect with the young readers. The book has also been adapted to an animation film.

    Watch More Than a Mother Animation Film here: https://apo-opa.co/44PGUEB

    Merck Foundation’s pan African TV program “Our Africa”, that is conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and features African Fashion Designers, Singers, and prominent experts from various domains with the aim to raise awareness and create a culture shift across Africa, has many episodes dedicated to raise awareness about infertility and breaking infertility stigma.

    Watch the episodes here:

    Episode 3: https://apo-opa.co/44OQc3I

    Episode 5: https://apo-opa.co/4f6JZDz

    Episode 10: https://apo-opa.co/4lgc7Wx

    Merck Foundation has also released about 30 songs, many of these songs have been created with the aim to break the infertility stigma, as a part of their “More Than a Mother” campaign. Listen to some of the songs here:

    1. Watch, share & subscribe to the ‘Plus qu’une MERE’ composed and sung by Ms. Lucky-Lou, the daughter of The President and The First Lady of Burundi: https://apo-opa.co/46YM2aD
    2. Watch, share & subscribe to the “More Than a Mother” song by Cwesi Oteng and Adina from Ghana: https://apo-opa.co/3H5X2bP
    3. Watch, share & subscribe to the “More Than a Mother” song by Zambian Soul Singer Wezi: https://apo-opa.co/4f3DIIM
    4. Watch, share & subscribe to the “More Than a Mother” song by Sunita Daffeh from the Gambia: https://apo-opa.co/471MBAx

    Listen to all “More than a Mother” songs here:

    https://apo-opa.co/4mai2wX

    “To address this important issue of breaking infertility stigma and also a wide range of other social issues, we annually launch Merck Foundation ‘More Than a Mother’ Awards in partnership with African First Ladies. I would also like to invite the African Community of Media, Fashion, Filmmaking, and Musicians, students, and potential talents in these fields to apply for the awards this year by sharing their creative work on submit@merck-foundation.com”, concluded Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej.

    – on behalf of Merck Foundation.

    Addtional Images: 
    https://apo-opa.co/4f3DDEY

    Contact:
    Mehak Handa
    Community Awareness Program Manager 
    Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
    Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

    Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard:
    Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4f6SOgJ
    X: https://apo-opa.co/4f9yYRV
    YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4lIrMyD
    Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4mgf4XZ
    Threads: https://apo-opa.co/3IEKOaL
    Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4lIrQ1l
    Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
    Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/3GR2fEp

    About Merck Foundation:
    The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare and scientific research capacity and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4f6SOgJ), X (https://apo-opa.co/4f9yYRV), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4mgf4XZ), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4lIrMyD), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/3IEKOaL) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4lIrQ1l).

    Media files

    .

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tillis, Padilla Applaud Senate Judiciary Committee Passage of the TRACE Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Alex Padilla (D-CA) applauded the passage of the TRACE Act out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The TRACE Act is a bipartisan, bicameral bill that would require the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to include an additional category to the existing National Missing and Unidentified Persons Systems (NamUs) database so the public and law enforcement partners can denote cases where the person went missing or was identified on federal land or territorial waters of the United States —including by providing specific location details. 
    The bill also requires DOJ to submit an annual report to Congress on the number of cases of persons missing or suspected of going missing on public lands or territorial waters of the United States from the previous year. With this new feature, family and friends of people who have gone missing on public lands could more easily find and include this information in NamUs, while law enforcement agencies can simultaneously work to improve the national records of individuals missing on public lands.  
    “Every year, people go missing on public lands without being recorded in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System,” said Senator Tillis. “This oversight is impeding law enforcement from keeping track of those who go missing to help search and rescue efforts. I applaud the Senate Judiciary Committee for passing this bipartisan, bicameral legislation so these cases can be added to the database and potentially save hundreds of lives in the future, and I look forward to supporting this legislation on the Senate floor.”
    “Thousands of people go missing on public lands every year in the United States, but without an effective tracking system, law enforcement faces significant challenges in finding them,” said Senator Padilla. “Public lands should be safe for everyone. That’s why I will keep working with Senator Tillis and my colleagues across the aisle to pass this bipartisan legislation to improve data accuracy and accessibility, give law enforcement better tools to resolve cases, and bring peace of mind to affected families.”
    Background:
    According to a NamUs report, over 600,000 people go missing in the United States annually. While the majority of these cases are resolved, tens of thousands of people remain missing every year. There are approximately 640 million acres of federal land which include national parks, national forests, and Bureau of Land Management lands. 
    Estimates suggest that at least 1,600 people have gone missing on public lands, though the number is likely much higher, as isolated or rugged terrain on public lands can make it especially difficult to find or identify people who go missing. Despite this, there is no functional system to report people who have gone missing on public lands. Having accurate data on how many people go missing on our public lands every year is crucial to aid search and rescue efforts and resolve cases. 
    NamUs is the main system used by law enforcement, families and friends of missing persons, medical examiners, and coroners to report unidentified remains and missing persons, and is also used by the public.  
    The TRACE Act is endorsed by the Public Lands Solution, Jewish Women’s Institute, Major County Sheriffs Association, Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies (ASCIA), NDAA, Raven, National Association to End Sexual Violence, and the Outdoor Industry Association.
    Full text of the bill is available HERE.
      

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Luján, Markey Slam FCC’s Partisan Approval of Paramount, Skydance Merger

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    Merger approval comes 2 days after Paramount settles with Trump for $36 million 
    Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Telecommunications and Media Subcommittee, and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, released the following statement after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted today to approve a merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media. 
    “The FCC’s approval of the Paramount-Skydance merger reeks of the worst form of corruption. The timing speaks for itself: Paramount settled with Trump for $36 million on Tuesday and the FCC approved the merger on Thursday. While we’re glad that the Commission took a vote on the deal, as we have repeatedly called for, the partisan vote is a dark day for independent journalism and a stain on the storied history of the Federal Communications Commission. The stench of this transaction will linger over the Commission for years.” 
    Senators Markey and Luján have aggressively pushed back on the Trump administration’s efforts to attack news organizations and intimidate the media. On July 18, Senator Markey wrote to Paramount Global Chair Shari Redstone, demanding answers on the circumstances surrounding the cancellation of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” specifically requesting whether anyone in the Trump administration asked for the show to be cancelled. On July 10, Senators Markey and Luján wrote to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Olivia Trusty, urging the FCC to hold a full Commission vote on the Paramount and Skydance merger. In May 2025, Senators Markey and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) wrote to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, urging the FCC to take a vote on the merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: New polling: Reform is winning over Britain’s Christian support

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Stuart Fox, Senior Lecturer in Politics, University of Exeter

    When we look at how people vote in elections and why they choose certain parties, analysis often focuses on age, education, location or socioeconomic status. Less discussed in Britain is religion. But close to two-thirds of its adults are still religious – expressing either a religious identity, holding religious beliefs, or taking part in religious activities.

    For the one-in-three adults in Britain who are Christian, this identity remains an important influence on their political behaviour. New polling, published here for the first time, shows how Reform UK is disrupting our previous understanding of how Christians vote in British elections.

    Want more politics coverage from academic experts? Every week, we bring you informed analysis of developments in government and fact check the claims being made.

    Sign up for our weekly politics newsletter, delivered every Friday.

    The relationship between Britain’s Christian communities and the major political parties goes back centuries. The Conservative party has been very close to English Anglicanism since its emergence in the mid-19th century. Catholics and free-church Protestants (such as Baptists and Methodists) have tended towards the Labour and Liberal/Liberal Democrat parties. Even as Britain has become more secular, these relationships have persisted.

    Anglicans, for example, have tended to vote Conservative even when the party was in dire straits. In the 2024 election, 39% of Anglicans voted Tory even as the party’s national vote share fell to 24%.

    Since the 1980s and particularly in elections since 2015, however, we have started to see changes to the Christian vote. The traditional Catholic attachment to Labour has deteriorated, as has Labour’s appeal to other Christian communities such as Baptists, Methodists and Presbyterians.



    Read more:
    Britain’s changing religious vote: why Catholics are leaving Labour and Conservatives are hoovering up Christian support

    Instead, driven by the rising salience of social values (attitudes towards immigration, social change and national identity) as a determinant of political support, the socially conservative leanings of some Christians of all stripes has led to increased support for the Conservatives. And those who traditionally did so – the Anglicans – have become even more supportive. The result has been a steady coalescing of the Christian vote behind the Conservatives.

    But now, new polling by YouGov (on June 23-24 2025) for the University of Exeter reveals that this realignment is being disrupted by the growing popularity of Reform UK.

    Instead of asking who people would vote for tomorrow, a nationally representative sample of 2,284 adults was asked how likely they were to ever vote for each major party, on a scale from zero (very unlikely) to ten (very likely).

    While not the same as a direct question about how someone would vote in an election, the likelihood question provides a much richer measure of the strength of their support for all of the major parties.


    Stuart Fox, data by YouGov for the University of Exeter

    Among Anglicans, Labour remains deeply unpopular: over half gave the party a 0. In contrast, the Conservatives still enjoy strong support among Anglicans, with 35% giving them a vote likelihood of seven or higher – the kind of support associated with voting for the party in an election.

    Reform, however, has caught up. Despite only 15% of Anglicans voting Reform in 2024, 38% now rate their likelihood of voting for the party as high. That’s the same as the proportion who are strongly opposed to Reform – showing that while the party polarises Anglicans more than the Conservatives, Reform could win as much Anglican support as the Tories in an election.

    Catholics show a similar trend. Labour’s traditional support is eroding: 40% of Catholics said they had zero likelihood of voting Labour, while 29% are strong supporters. As with Conservatives for the Anglican vote, Reform is almost level-pegging with Labour for the Catholic vote at 28%. It has even supplanted the Conservatives, of whom 22% of Catholics are strong supporters.

    It is not yet clear why this is happening. The distinction of Christian (and non-Christian) voting patterns is not an artefact of age – there are many studies that prove this is the case.

    It may be that Reform’s stances on issues such as immigration resonate with Christians’ concerns to the extent that they are willing to set aside their historic party loyalties. Or it may be that Christians are as prone as other British voters to turn to Reform out of frustration with the performances of Labour and the Conservatives in office.

    Swing voters and party competition

    This data also shows the extent to which voters’ support for parties overlaps or is exclusive. In other words, which voters have a high vote likelihood for only one party (and so are likely committed to backing that party in an election), which do not have such high likelihoods for any party (and so will probably not vote at all), and which have similarly high likelihoods for more than one party (effectively swing voters, persuadable one way or the other).

    Among the religiously unaffiliated, 29% aren’t strong supporters of any party. For Catholics, it’s 26%. Anglicans are more politically anchored, however, with only 20% in this category.

    While traditionally, we would have expected this to reflect Anglicans’ greater tendency to support the Tories, only 17% of Anglicans are strong supporters of only that party, compared with 21% who are firmly behind Reform. These aren’t swing voters; they’ve switched sides.

    A further 12% of Anglicans have high vote likelihoods for both the Tories and Reform. These are swing voters that the two parties could realistically expect to win over.


    Stuart Fox, data by YouGov for the University of Exeter

    Catholics are even more fragmented. Only 13% are strong supporters of Labour alone, along with 12% and 17% who are strong supporters of the Conservatives and Reform alone, respectively.

    Few Catholics are torn between Labour and the other parties, but 5% are swing voters between the Conservatives and Reform: the Tories’ gradual winning over of Catholics over the last 50 years is also being challenged by the appeal of Reform.

    The party has provided a socially conservative alternative to the Conservatives, with the result that the Christian vote has become more fragmented. The Tories are no longer the main beneficiaries of Labour’s loss of its traditional Catholic vote.

    In addition, Reform is as popular as the Conservatives among Anglicans, and as popular as Labour among Catholics. This suggests it is appealing across the traditional denominational divide more successfully than either of the major parties.

    If there is to be a single party that attracts the bulk of Britain’s Christian support, at this point it is far more likely to be Reform than anyone else.

    This article was based on analysis by Dr Stuart Fox (University of Exeter), Dr Ekaterina Kolpinskaya (University of Exeter), Dr Steven Pickering (University of Amsterdam) and Prof Dan Stevens (University of Exeter), connected to the research project Investigating the individual and contextual role of religion in British electoral politics, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council. Stuart Fox also receives funding from the British Academy.

    – ref. New polling: Reform is winning over Britain’s Christian support – https://theconversation.com/new-polling-reform-is-winning-over-britains-christian-support-260751

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Fear of crime is a useful political tool, even if the data doesn’t back it up

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Emily Gray, Assistant Professor of Criminology, University of Warwick

    “We’re actually facing, in many parts of our country, nothing short of societal collapse.” This was the dire warning from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, in setting out his party’s goal of halving crime.

    In an op-ed in the Daily Mail and a press conference, Farage framed Britain as a nation in crisis from rising crime and lawlessness. But, he said, Reform had the solution: mass deportation of foreign offenders, the construction of prefabricated “Nightingale” prisons, and a wholesale crackdown on offending.

    He insisted that British streets were out of control (although recent rises in crime come mainly from online fraud and shoplifting, according to the latest data), pledged to simultaneously increase prison sentences and reduce overcrowding, and vowed to restore order with a “higher and physically tougher standard of police officer”.

    Speaking after a weekend of violent anti-immigration protests in Epping, Farage also tied Britain’s supposed lawlessness to migration: “Many break the law just by entering the UK, then commit further crimes once here – disrespecting our laws, culture and civility. The only acceptable response is deportation.”

    Invoking crime as a threat, and the politician as its solution, is a tried-and-tested political manoeuvre. We’ve seen it deployed from both left and right, in many parts of the world, for decades. Stuart Hall and colleagues famously examined this phenomenon in the 1970s in their seminal book Policing the Crisis.

    Our own analysis suggests that the accuracy of crime statistics often matters less than how politicians frame public anxieties – through media, public rhetoric and policy initiatives. In short: the public often responds to emotion as much as evidence.

    One tension in England and Wales is that there are two major sources of crime data. The first – on which Farage leans heavily – is police-recorded crime. But, as is widely understood, that data provides only a partial picture of the true extent of crime. Many people, especially those from marginalised or vulnerable groups, choose not to report their experiences of crime.



    Read more:
    Most crime has fallen by 90% in 30 years – so why does the public think it’s increased?

    Moreover, the consistency and accuracy with which police forces record these offences has been questioned over time. Indeed, police-recorded crime statistics are not designated as official national statistics.

    The other (and more robust) source is the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW), which asks a representative sample of the public about their experiences of crime over the past 12 months. Notably, it includes those incidents that were not reported to the police.

    Running since the early 1980s, the CSEW has demonstrated long-term declines in incidents of theft, criminal damage and violence (with or without injury) since the mid-to-late 1990s. Curiously, Farage told reporters that the CSEW was “based on completely false data”, without providing any evidence.

    The Office for National Statistics (ONS), and most criminologists, regard the CSEW as the more accurate metric of long-term crime trends. (The Conversation asked the CSEW to comment but hadn’t received a response when this article was published.)

    The political weight of crime

    Crime has electoral value. It allows parties and political campaigners to project strength, decisiveness and control. Farage’s rhetoric is designed to provoke urgency and anxiety. It’s a well-worn script. Margaret Thatcher’s government leveraged fears of law and order. New Labour made “anti-social behaviour” a central point of focus at a time when crime was, in fact, falling.

    In research conducted with colleagues, we examined how people’s fears about specific crimes are shaped not just by actual crime rates, or by the person’s age, gender or ethnicity, but also by the political context in which they grew up.

    Using data from the CSEW and a method called age-period-cohort analysis, we explored how different “political generations” developed and retained distinct concerns about crime.

    We found clear patterns. Those who grew up during the James Callaghan era in the mid-to-late 1970s – when politicians repeatedly warned of “muggings” – were more likely to report anxieties about street robbery over time.

    Thatcher’s generation, who came of age during a sharp rise in property crime, were more likely than other groups to express long-term fears about burglary. And those who grew up under New Labour – during the height of the “anti-social behaviour” agenda – reported persistent concerns about neighbourhood disorder, even as recorded incidents declined.

    Is crime on the rise? Depends who you ask.
    Loch Earn/Shutterstock

    In other words, the political rhetoric people are exposed to during their formative years leaves a lasting impression on their relationship to crime. Debates about crime become embedded in personal and generational memory.

    Crime is real and victims suffer. But distorting its nature and prevalence can erode public trust in the institutions tasked with protecting us. It can foster punitive and ineffective policy responses. And it can leave whole communities feeling targeted, criminalised or unsafe, based on selective and often sensational narratives.

    We absolutely need to talk about crime. But we also need to talk about how we talk about crime. Who frames the debate, which statistics are used, who and how many are left out of the official records, whose fears are being amplified, and who is looking to exploit crime?

    Emily Gray has received funding from the Economic and Social Research Council.

    Stephen Farrall has received funding from the Economic and Social Research Council.

    – ref. Fear of crime is a useful political tool, even if the data doesn’t back it up – https://theconversation.com/fear-of-crime-is-a-useful-political-tool-even-if-the-data-doesnt-back-it-up-261777

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Fear of crime is a useful political tool, even if the data doesn’t back it up

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Emily Gray, Assistant Professor of Criminology, University of Warwick

    “We’re actually facing, in many parts of our country, nothing short of societal collapse.” This was the dire warning from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, in setting out his party’s goal of halving crime.

    In an op-ed in the Daily Mail and a press conference, Farage framed Britain as a nation in crisis from rising crime and lawlessness. But, he said, Reform had the solution: mass deportation of foreign offenders, the construction of prefabricated “Nightingale” prisons, and a wholesale crackdown on offending.

    He insisted that British streets were out of control (although recent rises in crime come mainly from online fraud and shoplifting, according to the latest data), pledged to simultaneously increase prison sentences and reduce overcrowding, and vowed to restore order with a “higher and physically tougher standard of police officer”.

    Speaking after a weekend of violent anti-immigration protests in Epping, Farage also tied Britain’s supposed lawlessness to migration: “Many break the law just by entering the UK, then commit further crimes once here – disrespecting our laws, culture and civility. The only acceptable response is deportation.”

    Invoking crime as a threat, and the politician as its solution, is a tried-and-tested political manoeuvre. We’ve seen it deployed from both left and right, in many parts of the world, for decades. Stuart Hall and colleagues famously examined this phenomenon in the 1970s in their seminal book Policing the Crisis.

    Our own analysis suggests that the accuracy of crime statistics often matters less than how politicians frame public anxieties – through media, public rhetoric and policy initiatives. In short: the public often responds to emotion as much as evidence.

    One tension in England and Wales is that there are two major sources of crime data. The first – on which Farage leans heavily – is police-recorded crime. But, as is widely understood, that data provides only a partial picture of the true extent of crime. Many people, especially those from marginalised or vulnerable groups, choose not to report their experiences of crime.



    Read more:
    Most crime has fallen by 90% in 30 years – so why does the public think it’s increased?

    Moreover, the consistency and accuracy with which police forces record these offences has been questioned over time. Indeed, police-recorded crime statistics are not designated as official national statistics.

    The other (and more robust) source is the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW), which asks a representative sample of the public about their experiences of crime over the past 12 months. Notably, it includes those incidents that were not reported to the police.

    Running since the early 1980s, the CSEW has demonstrated long-term declines in incidents of theft, criminal damage and violence (with or without injury) since the mid-to-late 1990s. Curiously, Farage told reporters that the CSEW was “based on completely false data”, without providing any evidence.

    The Office for National Statistics (ONS), and most criminologists, regard the CSEW as the more accurate metric of long-term crime trends. (The Conversation asked the CSEW to comment but hadn’t received a response when this article was published.)

    The political weight of crime

    Crime has electoral value. It allows parties and political campaigners to project strength, decisiveness and control. Farage’s rhetoric is designed to provoke urgency and anxiety. It’s a well-worn script. Margaret Thatcher’s government leveraged fears of law and order. New Labour made “anti-social behaviour” a central point of focus at a time when crime was, in fact, falling.

    In research conducted with colleagues, we examined how people’s fears about specific crimes are shaped not just by actual crime rates, or by the person’s age, gender or ethnicity, but also by the political context in which they grew up.

    Using data from the CSEW and a method called age-period-cohort analysis, we explored how different “political generations” developed and retained distinct concerns about crime.

    We found clear patterns. Those who grew up during the James Callaghan era in the mid-to-late 1970s – when politicians repeatedly warned of “muggings” – were more likely to report anxieties about street robbery over time.

    Thatcher’s generation, who came of age during a sharp rise in property crime, were more likely than other groups to express long-term fears about burglary. And those who grew up under New Labour – during the height of the “anti-social behaviour” agenda – reported persistent concerns about neighbourhood disorder, even as recorded incidents declined.

    Is crime on the rise? Depends who you ask.
    Loch Earn/Shutterstock

    In other words, the political rhetoric people are exposed to during their formative years leaves a lasting impression on their relationship to crime. Debates about crime become embedded in personal and generational memory.

    Crime is real and victims suffer. But distorting its nature and prevalence can erode public trust in the institutions tasked with protecting us. It can foster punitive and ineffective policy responses. And it can leave whole communities feeling targeted, criminalised or unsafe, based on selective and often sensational narratives.

    We absolutely need to talk about crime. But we also need to talk about how we talk about crime. Who frames the debate, which statistics are used, who and how many are left out of the official records, whose fears are being amplified, and who is looking to exploit crime?

    Emily Gray has received funding from the Economic and Social Research Council.

    Stephen Farrall has received funding from the Economic and Social Research Council.

    – ref. Fear of crime is a useful political tool, even if the data doesn’t back it up – https://theconversation.com/fear-of-crime-is-a-useful-political-tool-even-if-the-data-doesnt-back-it-up-261777

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Major Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Supplier Sentenced to 145 Months

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

    Andora Smith Conspired with Others to Traffic Drugs From Kentucky into Southwest Virginia

    ABINGDON, Va. – A major supplier of methamphetamine and fentanyl, who conspired with others to traffic over 20 kilograms of methamphetamine and fentanyl into Southwest Virginia, was sentenced yesterday to 145 months in federal prison.

    Andora Lee Smith, 62, of Whitesburg, Kentucky, previously pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and one count of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. 

    Smith conspired with others, including Eric Coffey, Daniel Hafemeister, Michael Hicks, Cody Rose, and Ashley Beverly Jr., to distribute large amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl in Southwest Virginia.

    Most of Smith’s distributions took place at her Kentucky residence, where she kept multiple pounds of methamphetamine and fentanyl and distributed ounce-plus quantities at a time to her customers.  Smith also delivered drugs to Virginia and routinely traveled to Louisville, Kentucky, to obtain quantities of xylazine and fentanyl (“black”) for distribution.

    Smith worked as a teacher at Norton Elementary School and John I. Burton High School in Norton, Virginia, for 15 years prior to committing her crimes.

    C. Todd Gilbert, United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia, and Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Southwest Drug Task Force, Kentucky State Police, and Wise County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Lena Busscher prosecuted the case for the United States.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mobile Man Sentenced to 156 Months in Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm

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

    MOBILE, AL – Joseph Ambrose Wilburn, Jr., of Mobile, Alabama, was sentenced to 156 months in prison for possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. 

    According to court documents, on April 11, 2024, the Mobile Police Department received information about an active arrest warrant for Wilburn in connection to him using a firearm to kidnap and sexually assault a woman.  Later that day, Wilburn was stopped pursuant to a traffic stop where he was found to be in possession of two additional firearms.  Wilburn has multiple prior felony convictions including multiple convictions of Domestic Violence – Assault, and convictions of Criminal Trespass, Possession/Receipt of a Controlled Substance, and Reckless Endangerment, among others. As a convicted felon, Wilburn is prohibited from possessing a firearm.

    Wilburn was indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm and pleaded guilty to the charge.  United States District Court Judge Terry F. Moore sentenced Wilburn to 156 months in prison followed by a 3-year term of supervised release for illegally possessing the firearm.

    U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Mobile Police Department investigated the case.

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

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica S. Terrill and Jimmy L. Thomas prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Harrold Man Sentenced to Prison for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person

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

    PIERRE – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Shulte has sentenced a man from Harrold, South Dakota, who was convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on July 21, 2025.

    Jerrod Fallis, age 47, was sentenced to six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Forfeiture of the firearm and silencer was also ordered.

    Fallis was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2024. He pleaded guilty on April 17, 2025.

    On December 8, 2023, a traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle driven by Fallis. During a search of the vehicle, officers discovered a Rock River Arms AR15 rifle, silencer, and methamphetamine paraphernalia. Fallis is prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior state felony drug convictions.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Hyde County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.

    Fallis was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. 

    MIL Security OSI –