Category: Great Britain

MIL-OSI China: Bellingham to miss start of season after shoulder surgery

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

Real Madrid’s England midfielder, Jude Bellingham looks likely to miss the first six weeks of the 2025-26 La Liga season due to an operation to cure a longstanding shoulder injury.

Jude Bellingham (L) of Real Madrid vies with Clement Lenglet of Atletico de Madrid during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg football match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid in Madrid, Spain, on March 12, 2025. (Photo by Gustavo Valiente/Xinhua)

The Athletic and the BBC both reported that the 21-year-old will have the operation after the Club World Cup which will be played in the United States in June and July and where his side is the one of the favorites.

Bellingham has struggled with his shoulder problem since 2023 when he injured it in a La Liga match with Rayo Vallecano and has had to play with a strapping to prevent further damage.

The midfielder scored only 14 goals in 52 games this seaon, compared with 23 goals in 43 appearances in his debut campaign with the Spanish giant.

If Bellingham has the operation in the middle of July, he will miss the pre-season and around six weeks of the next La Liga campaign.

MIL OSI China News –

May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: E-scooter trial to be extended for another 12 months

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

The share hire e-scooter trial in urban Bendigo will be extended for another 12 months, following a decision at Council last Monday night.

Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said the trial extension was approved after much deliberation.

“Council carefully considered all of the findings from the community survey, data, and feedback from an external stakeholder group – this includes Victoria Police and Bendigo Health, who have been involved since the trial began last year,” Cr Metcalf said.

“Much of community feedback centred on issues such as poorly parked e-scooters obstructing footpaths and buildings, and unsafe behaviour from some riders who are not complying with stricter Victorian road rules for e-scooters.

“The survey also highlighted that regular users, particularly people aged under 34, have benefited from the share hire service. For this group, the trial e-scooters are seen as a convenient and useful transport option, improving connectivity between precincts in urban Bendigo.

“There were also calls in the feedback to expand the operating area to include Golden Square, Long Gully and White Hills to align with the shared walking/cycling networks in place.

“The survey and stakeholder collaboration was intentionally designed to focus on areas where the City has the authority to act. While we understand there are broader concerns about e-scooters, the aim was to collect feedback that could directly inform potential improvements or policy decisions within our jurisdiction.

“Council has very much taken all of this on board which has resulted in the trial being extended for another 12 months. This next phase will incorporate key learnings from the initial trial and provide opportunities for further improvement based on a set of recommendations.

“New technology to curb illegal footpath riding has been proposed by the Victorian Government for share hire e-scooters, which is something we welcome, together with tougher e-scooter Victorian Road Rules and penalties that are enforced by Victoria Police.

“Improved parameters during the extended trial will allow for a more accurate assessment of whether or not share hire e-scooters can serve as a viable alternative transport option to meet the needs of community members and tourists.”

Beam Mobility (Beam), which has operated the trial for the past 12 months, will have its contract extended temporarily until the procurement process for a commercial operator is finalised.

The trial has been operating a small trial area in urban Bendigo to provide better links between precincts and encourage a shift away from cars for shorter trips.

The share hire e-scooters are only available for hire between 5am and 11pm, 7 days a week. The maximum speed limit is set at 20km/h, and 15km/h in some busy areas, and e-scooters are only allowed to ride on roads, bicycle lanes, and shared cycle paths in line with Victorian road rules. It is illegal to ride e-scooters on footpaths and significant penalties apply. The Victorian Police enforce fines.

To view more survey results, visit:

MIL OSI News –

May 22, 2025

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Investing in community regeneration

Source: Scottish Government

Projects to unlock economic growth and tackle poverty.

Projects across Scotland will benefit from Scottish Government investment to help regenerate communities and drive economic growth.

More than £21.5 million from two Scottish Government funds will bring 24 disused or derelict sites and buildings into use, creating more than 160 jobs and support nearly 900 training opportunities.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes confirmed the 2025-26 allocations from the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) and Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme (VDLIP) during a visit to Powderhall in north Edinburgh.

City of Edinburgh Council will receive £1.4 million for remedial works at the former waste disposal site, paving the way for a housing-led regeneration project that will provide 259 homes, including affordable housing.

Other initiatives being supported include:

reviving a slate quarry in Cullipool owned and operated by the Isle of Luing Community Trust
converting a former tram depot in Dundee into a new transport museum
redeveloping a former derelict school into energy efficient housing units in Borrodale on the Isle of Skye
creating film production suites and a training centre at a former glue factory in Glasgow
extending Lochvale House community centre in Dumfries to include a café and soft play area

The announcement coincides with a call for expressions of interest in 2026-27 funding to support regeneration projects in disadvantaged communities. As set out in the 2025 Programme for Government, future Scottish Government support for regeneration projects will be channelled through one national fund – the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund – to streamline the application and delivery process.

The Deputy First Minister said:

“This funding will help to transform derelict sites the length and breadth of Scotland, creating homes, jobs and facilities that drive economic growth, tackle poverty and help support and growing thriving communities.

“This funding forms part of a wider £62.15 million investment by the Scottish Government towards regeneration projects in 2025-26. This will help to revitalise green spaces, town centres and derelict sites to benefit people across Scotland.

“The 2025 Programme for Government stets out our renewed commitment to supporting regeneration projects across the country with one streamlined fund delivering this vision from next year.”

The RCGF is delivered in partnership with COSLA.

COSLA’s Spokesperson for Environment and Economy, Councillor Gail Macgregor, said:

“Today’s announcement sees the return of invaluable tools and resources for local authorities to help deliver on the regeneration aspirations of the communities which they represent.

“The diversity of successful projects on show demonstrates how localised approaches can deliver benefits across the country and showcase the best of partnership between local authorities and our communities to deliver economic and social renewal.

“We look forward to continuing to work with Scottish Government on regeneration in the months to come.”

City of Edinburgh Council’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Lezley Marion Cameron said:

“Our development plans at Powderhall are breathing new life into an excellently located, long unused industrial site, and are set to deliver hundreds of much-needed new homes and work and community spaces too.

“The transformation of Powderhall is already well underway with the restoration of the former stable block, which retains unique heritage features of the site’s former use.

“Regenerating a historic, brownfield site like Powderhall is complex, challenging, and costly therefore I warmly welcome this Scottish Government investment.”

Background

Regeneration Projects supported through the RCGF and VDLIP fund in 2025/2026:

Fund	Organisation	Project	Award
RCGF	Angus Council	Arbroath Courthouse Community Trust	£2,138,985
RCGF	Argyll & Bute Council	Fyne Futures Local Food Production and Training Centre	£250,000
RCGF	Argyll & Bute Council	Isle of Luing Community Owned Slate Quarry	£1,747,936
RCGF	City of Edinburgh Council	Spartans Youth Work and Education Building
RCGF	Clyde Gateway	Baltic Street Play	£850,000
RCGF	Dumfries and Galloway Council	Let’s Get Sporty – Lochvale House	£1,572,370
RCGF	Dundee City Council	Dundee Museum of Transport – A Catalyst for Regeneration of Stobswell	£1,001,430
RCGF	Fife Council	Together Cowdenbeath People’s Centre	£1,000,000
RCGF	Glasgow City Council	SEC Possilpark	£600,000
RCGF	Glasgow City Council	Glue Factory	£398,169
RCGF	Highland Council	Glen Urquhart Public Hall	£602,500
RCGF	Inverclyde Council	Bank St. Community Hub	£515,000
RCGF	South Lanarkshire Council	Cathcart Road Net Zero Industrial Units	£963,000
VDLIP	City of Edinburgh Council	Powderhall Housing-Led Regeneration	£1,400,000
VDLIP	Clyde Gateway	Cuningar Loop Woodland Park Completion	£500,000
VDLIP	Dumfries and Galloway Council	Annan Harbour Regeneration – Phase 1	£1,343,683
VDLIP	Dundee City Council	Placemaking Lochee	£695,000
VDLIP	East Dunbartonshire Council	Lennoxtown Community Greenspace Project	£472,952
VDLIP	Glasgow City Council	Milton Discovery Wood	£655,200
VDLIP	Glasgow City Council	Tureen Street School Conversion	£1,978,441
VDLIP	Highland Council	Borrodale School Renovation Project	£450,000
VDLIP	North Ayrshire Council	Kyle Road Phase 2 Development	£892,990
VDLIP	North Lanarkshire Council	Cumbernauld Village Green-Blue Space	£735,770
VDLIP	Renfrewshire Council	Ferguslie Green Line – Belltrees	£650,436

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 22, 2025

MIL-OSI Global: FDA limits access to COVID-19 vaccine to older adults and other high-risk groups – a public health expert explains the new rules

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Libby Richards, Professor of Nursing, Purdue University

Older adults will continue to receive yearly COVID-19 shots, but lower-risk groups will not, says the FDA. dusanpetkovic via iStock / Getty Images Plus

On May 20, 2025, the Food and Drug Administration announced a new stance on who should receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

The agency said it would approve new versions of the vaccine only for adults 65 years of age and older as well as for people with one or more risk factors for severe COVID-19 outcomes. These risk factors include medical conditions such as asthma, cancer, chronic kidney disease, heart disease and diabetes.

However, healthy younger adults and children who fall outside of these groups may not be eligible to receive the COVID-19 shot this fall. Vaccine manufacturers will have to conduct clinical trials to demonstrate that the vaccine benefits low-risk groups.

FDA Commissioner Martin Makary and the agency’s head of vaccines, Vinay Prasad, described the new framework in an article published in the New England Journal of Medicine and in a public webcast.

The Conversation U.S. asked Libby Richards, a nursing professor involved in public health promotion, to explain why the changes were made and what they mean for the general public.

Why did the FDA diverge from past practice?

Until the May 20 announcement, getting a yearly COVID-19 vaccine was recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older, regardless of their health risk.

According to Makary and Prasad, the Food and Drug Administration is moving away from these universal recommendations and instead taking a risk-based approach based on its interpretation of public health trends – specifically, the declining COVID-19 booster uptake, a lack of strong evidence that repeated boosters improve health outcomes for healthy people and the fact that natural immunity from past COVID-19 infections is widespread.

The FDA states it wants to ensure the vaccine is backed by solid clinical trial data, especially for low-risk groups.

Was this a controversial decision or a clear consensus?

The FDA’s decision to adopt a risk-based framework for the COVID-19 vaccine aligns with the expected recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, an advisory group of vaccine experts offering expert guidance to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on vaccine policy, which is scheduled to meet in June 2025. But while this advisory committee was also expected to recommend allowing low-risk people to get annual COVID-19 vaccines if they want to, the FDA’s policy will likely make that difficult.

Although the FDA states that its new policy aims to promote greater transparency and evidenced-based decision-making, the change is controversial – in part because it circumvents the usual process for evaluating vaccine recommendations. The FDA is enacting this policy change by limiting its approval of the vaccine to high-risk groups, and it is doing so without any new data supporting its decision. Usually, however, the FDA broadly approves a vaccine based on whether it is safe and effective, and decisions on who should be eligible to receive it are left to the CDC, which receives research-based guidance from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

Change is coming to COVID-19 vaccine policy.
Rock Obst, CC BY-SA

Additionally, FDA officials point to Canada, Australia and some European countries that limit vaccine recommendations to older adults and other high-risk people as a model for its revised framework. But vaccine strategies vary widely, and this more conservative approach has not necessarily proven superior. Also, those countries have universal health care systems and have a track record of more equitable access to COVID-19 care and better COVID-19 outcomes.

Another question is how health officials’ positions on COVID-19 vaccines affect public perception. Makary and Prasad noted that COVID-19 vaccination campaigns may have actually eroded public trust in vaccination. But some vaccine experts have expressed concerns that limiting COVID-19 vaccine access might further fuel vaccine hesitancy because any barrier to vaccine access can reduce uptake and hinder efforts to achieve widespread immunity.

What conditions count as risk factors?

The New England Journal of Medicine article includes a lengthy list of conditions that increase the risk of severe COVID-19 and notes that about 100 million to 200 million people will fall into this category and will thus be eligible to get the vaccine.

Pregnancy is included. Some items on the list, however, are unclear. For example, the list includes asthma, but the data that asthma is a risk factor for severe COVID-19 is scant.

Also on the list is physical inactivity, which likely applies to a vast swath of Americans and is difficult to define. Studies have found links between regular physical activity and reduced risk of severe COVID-19 infection, but it’s unclear how health care providers will define and measure physical inactivity when assessing a patient’s eligibility for COVID-19 vaccines.

Most importantly, the list leaves out an important group – caregivers and household members of people at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 infection. This omission leaves high-risk people more vulnerable to exposure to COVID-19 from healthy people they regularly interact with. Multiple countries the new framework refers to do include this group.

Why is the FDA requiring new clinical trials?

According to the FDA, the benefits of multiple doses of COVID-19 vaccines for healthy adults are currently unproven. It’s true that studies beyond the fourth vaccine dose are scarce. However, multiple studies have demonstrated that the vaccine is effective at preventing the risk of severe COVID-19 infection, hospitalization and death in low-risk adults and children. Receiving multiple doses of COVID-19 vaccines has also been shown to reduce the risk of long COVID.

The FDA is moving to risk-based access for COVID-19 vaccines.

The FDA is requiring vaccine manufactures to conduct additional large randomized clinical trials to further evaluate the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 boosters for healthy adults and children. These trials will primarily test whether the vaccines prevent symptomatic infections, and secondarily whether they prevent hospitalization and death. Such trials are more complex, costly and time-consuming than the more common approach of testing for immunological response.

This requirement will likely delay both the timeliness and the availability of COVID-19 vaccine boosters and slow public health decision-making.

Will low-risk people be able to get a COVID-19 shot?

Not automatically. Under the new FDA framework, healthy adults who wish to receive the fall COVID-19 vaccine will face obstacles. Health care providers can administer vaccines “off-label”, but insurance coverage is widely based on FDA recommendations. The new, narrower FDA approval will likely reduce both access to COVID-19 vaccines for the general public and insurance coverage for COVID-19 vaccines.

The FDA’s focus on individual risks and benefits may overlook broader public health benefits. Communities with higher vaccination rates have fewer opportunities to spread the virus.

What about vaccines for children?

High-risk children age 6 months and older who have conditions that increase the risk of severe COVID-19 are still eligible for the vaccine under the new framework. As of now, healthy children age 6 months and older without underlying medical conditions will not have routine access to COVID-19 vaccines until further clinical trial data is available.

Existing vaccines already on the market will remain available, but it is unclear how long they will stay authorized and how the change will affect childhood vaccination overall.

Libby Richards has received funding from the National Institutes of Health, the American Nurses Foundation, and the Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute

– ref. FDA limits access to COVID-19 vaccine to older adults and other high-risk groups – a public health expert explains the new rules – https://theconversation.com/fda-limits-access-to-covid-19-vaccine-to-older-adults-and-other-high-risk-groups-a-public-health-expert-explains-the-new-rules-257226

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 22, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Drivers of SUVs and pick-ups should pay more to be on our roads. Here’s how to make the system fairer

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milad Haghani, Associate Professor & Principal Fellow in Urban Risk & Resilience, The University of Melbourne

In the year 2000, almost 70% of all new cars sold in Australia were small passenger vehicles – mainly sedans and hatchbacks. But over 25 years, their share has dropped dramatically to just 17%, as a car “size race” took hold.

Now, SUVs and light commercial vehicles comprise almost 80% of the market. Four in five new vehicles sold in Australia today are an SUV, ute, van or light truck.

As larger vehicles become the new norm, they bring more road wear, urban congestion and demands on infrastructure such as parking.

It’s time to ask: should drivers of larger vehicles pay for the damage and disruption they cause, through higher registration charges? Generally, yes. Bigger cars mean bigger costs for everyone else. It’s only fair those costs are reflected in how we price their use of public roads.

Reasons for going big

There are several reasons for the shift to larger passenger vehicles in Australia. They include perceptions that bigger cars are safer and more prestigious, as well as lifestyle preferences.

A loophole in the luxury car tax also encourages car buyers to go big. The tax was introduced on imports in 2000 and this financial year applies to vehicles worth more than A$80,576.

Many utes and SUVs are exempt because they’re classified as light commercial vehicles. The exemption applies regardless of whether the car is used privately or for business.

Counting the costs on our roads

Larger vehicles – no matter how they are powered – generally impose bigger costs on society than smaller cars.

Large SUVs and utes (if powered by fossil fuels) have a far greater climate impact. On average, a small car emits 2,040 kilograms less carbon dioxide (CO₂) a year than a pickup truck.

But even big electric vehicles can cause climate harm. The substantial resources required to manufacture a large EV creates emissions, which may undermine the climate benefits electrification promises.

Large passenger vehicles also create health system costs. In road crashes, for example, they may better protect their occupants, but pose greater risks to others – especially pedestrians and those in smaller vehicles.

Research suggests for each fatal crash that occupants of large vehicles avoid, at least 4.3 fatal crashes involving others occur.

Bigger vehicles also need more space. Standards Australia has proposed making car-parking spaces larger to accommodate the trend to larger cars. Cities such as Paris have introduced higher parking fees for SUVs on these grounds.

Larger vehicles also slow overall traffic flow. For example, they have longer braking distances and other motorists tend to drive further behind them than smaller cars.

And at signalised intersections, a large SUV’s impact on traffic flows is equal to 1.41 passenger cars.

In real-world terms, these differences add up. In the United States in 2011, the annual cost of light-duty trucks on congestion and lost productivity was estimated at more than US$2 billion.

Then there’s the cost of road wear. You might think heavier vehicles just wear roads a bit faster than smaller ones. But in reality, the relationship is far more dramatic.

Let’s compare a vehicle with an axle weight of 500 kg and a vehicle with an axle weight of 1,000 kg. The second vehicle doesn’t produce double the road damage – it produces 16 times the damage. This phenomenon is known as the “fourth power rule”.

It means heavier vehicles cost far more in road maintenance. Curious to test it? The Road Damage Calculator lets you compare the relative impact of vehicles of different weights.

What does car rego pay for?

Vehicle registration offers a way to recoup the societal costs caused by large vehicles.

Part of car registration fees go toward administration, but they also help governments pay for the broader cost of vehicles on public infrastructure and shared spaces.

In Australia, car registration systems vary widely between states. Not all reflect the impact of the vehicles on the road.

In Victoria, fees are based mostly on location – whether the car is registered in a metropolitan, outer-metro or rural area. In the Australian Capital Territory, fees are calculated on a vehicle’s emissions.

Queensland and Tasmania use the number of engine cylinders to set fees – a rough proxy for vehicle size, but not a precise one.

In New South Wales and Western Australia, heavier vehicles pay more.

South Australia and the Northern Territory apply different models again, using a combination of settings not directly based on weight.

A fairer system

Larger vehicles take up more road space, contribute more to congestion, and cause exponentially more damage to road surfaces. These are exactly the kinds of impacts a vehicle registration system should help account for.

So, what would a truly equitable registration fee model look like? Based on the evidence, it would not only account for vehicle size and weight, but also how often the vehicle is driven. After all, a heavy car parked in a garage all year causes less impact than one on the road every day.

Several countries, including New Zealand, have adopted distance-based or road-use charging schemes for certain types of vehicles, which uses a combination of vehicle weight and distance travelled.

As our vehicle fleet continues to evolve, Australia should follow suit, with a smarter and more equitable registration fee system.

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

– ref. Drivers of SUVs and pick-ups should pay more to be on our roads. Here’s how to make the system fairer – https://theconversation.com/drivers-of-suvs-and-pick-ups-should-pay-more-to-be-on-our-roads-heres-how-to-make-the-system-fairer-252381

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI: Paperclip Adds Renowned CISO and Cybersecurity Expert to Advisory Committee for SAFE® Encryption Technology

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

HACKENSACK, N.J., May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Heather Lowrie, a highly-experienced CISO, keynote speaker, and cybersecurity advocate, joins Paperclip as an advisor for its SAFE encryption solution. Lowrie will help guide Paperclip SAFE into the international cybersecurity market and bring data-centric security and encryption to the forefront of enterprise security.

With more than 25 years’ experience across cybersecurity, technology, risk, and resilience, Lowrie has led major digital and security transformations for high-impact public and private sector organizations. She is known for delivering business-aligned security that drives growth, builds trust, and creates societal value—underpinned by deep, hands-on experience in managing major cyber incidents.

“We’re thrilled to have Heather join us in an advisory capacity and to benefit from her deep expertise as we continue to advance Paperclip SAFE®,” said Chad Walter, CRO at Paperclip. “We’re excited to collaborate on cybersecurity thought leadership, participate in key industry events, and refine our go-to-market strategy to elevate encryption-in-use and the SAFE technology across the data security landscape.”

Lowrie was recognized by her peers as CISO of the Year at the 2024 SC Awards Europe and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Information Security. She is an accomplished strategist with extensive experience leading through crises—including major cyber incidents—and driving strategic change across digital transformation, data and AI, cybersecurity, and organizational culture initiatives.

Lowrie is also the Co-Founder of Resilionix, a deep-tech startup dedicated to helping organizations build resilience in an increasingly complex and uncertain world.

“I’m delighted to join Paperclip in an advisory capacity and help bring data-centric security and encryption to the forefront of enterprise security,” Lowrie said. “I look forward to working with the excellent team at Paperclip to advance the adoption of encryption-in-use and to support organizations in building resilience”.

Lowrie is a graduate of the University of Edinburgh, where she earned a Master of Science by Research in Science, Technology and Innovation Studies with distinction. She also holds a postgraduate diploma in Information Technology, awarded with distinction, from the University of the West of Scotland, alongside other academic qualifications. Lowrie holds numerous cybersecurity certifications from both U.S. and European organizations, including CISSP, CCSP, CISM, CDPSE, CIPP/E, and more.

About Paperclip, Inc.

Paperclip is a proven technology partner that continues to revolutionize data security, content and document management for Fortune 1,000 companies worldwide. Every second of every day, our innovative solutions are securely processing, transcribing, storing, and communicating highly sensitive content across the internet. Maximizing efficiency to save millions annually, while maintaining absolute security and compliance. For more information, visit paperclip.com.

About SAFE

Paperclip SAFE builds on the foundation of trust and collaboration that Paperclip has established with its security and content management solutions over three decades. Paperclip SAFE utilizes in-depth knowledge of the database and data pipeline to secure all points within the data lifecycle. Nine of the 10 top life insurance carriers in the U.S. are currently protected by Paperclip SAFE. With Paperclip SAFE, outpace threats with data that is always encrypted and always ahead of evolving risk. For more information, visit paperclip.com/safe.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Megan Brandow
Paperclip, Inc.
MBrandow@paperclip.com
585.727.0983

The MIL Network –

May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Kneecap decision should cause some to reflect

Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

Statement by TUV deputy leader Court Councillor Ron McDowell:

“I welcome the decision by the Metropolitan Police to charge a member of the rap group Kneecap with displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah, a proscribed terrorist organisation.

“For too long, the powers that be have turned a blind eye to this group’s open glorification of terrorism. This charge is long overdue.

“Last year, TUV lodged a formal complaint with the BBC over its uncritical and irresponsible promotion of Kneecap. It is worth revisiting what we said at that time:

“This morning on BBC Radio Ulster, both the news bulletins and the BBC Northern Ireland website provided entirely uncritical coverage of the ‘Kneecap’ film.

“They even platformed a character calling himself DJ Provai — of all things — to tell us that Irish is not just a language for one side of the community.

“There are many people in Northern Ireland who still carry the scars of being literally kneecapped by paramilitaries. Many more can testify to how ‘cross community’ the Provos truly were.

“That innocent victims should now have to watch a rap group build a career off the back of the IRA campaign is bad enough. But for a public service broadcaster to present them as inclusive cultural advocates — and report on them without so much as a whisper of criticism — is utterly intolerable.

“We wrote to the Director of BBC Northern Ireland to raise these concerns and requested a meeting where innocent victims of the Provos could express their outrage in person.”

“The truth is simple: we cannot and must not permit the glorification of terror — whether the terrorism is rooted in Northern Ireland or the Middle East.

“Kneecap crossed that line long ago.

“Those who have enabled or excused this — including figures in the media — must seriously reflect on their actions. Some have even tried to gaslight Unionists and victims by presenting these glorifiers of terrorism as cross-community ambassadors for the Irish language.

“It’s offensive. It’s dangerous. And it’s wrong.

“And while it may be too much to expect the BBC, given their track record, to apologise — they owe one to the innocent victims whose pain has been trivialised and ignored for far too long.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Highland Council takes forward plans to explore heat networks in Inverness

Source: Scotland – Highland Council

The Highland Council is taking the next step in its journey to Net Zero by exploring the development of city-wide heat networks in Inverness, as part of the Council’s Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES). Members of the Council’s Climate Change Committee met today to review progress on the project.

Chair of the Climate Change Committee, Councillor Sarah Fanet, said: “This strategic study is a key part of our Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy and a big step forward in helping Highland reach Net Zero. Heat networks are already common in countries like Denmark, and we’re now looking seriously at how they can work for Inverness too. Done well, they can offer more sustainable and affordable heating, especially for places like care homes, hospitals, social housing, and retirement complexes.”

The LHEES is a legally required strategy for every local authority in Scotland, setting out a clear plan for how carbon emissions can be reduced from heating buildings and improve energy efficiency across the Highlands. Through this work, Highland Council has identified areas across Inverness that may be well suited for a future heat network—an energy system that could bring long-term benefits for our communities, economy, and environment.

So far, four potential heat network zones have been identified in areas with higher energy demand. These zones include large public buildings and housing estates, where collective heating could make the biggest impact. The next phase will assess technical options, costs, and the best models for delivering heat networks in these areas.

Cllr Fanet added: “This work is about reducing emissions and making energy more affordable. But it’s also about building long-term resilience into how we heat our homes and public buildings. We’ll be working closely with partners and communities to make sure this opportunity brings real social and economic benefits for the people of Highland.”

Heat networks, also known as district heating, work by supplying low-carbon heat from a central source to a group of buildings such as homes, schools, care homes, hospitals or offices. Instead of a boiler or electric heater in each building, the heat is shared more efficiently, which can help cut energy bills and reduce our carbon footprint.

The Highland Council secured funding through the Strategic Heat Network Support programme, provided by the Heat Network Support Unit—a partnership between the Scottish Government, Scottish Futures Trust, and Zero Waste Scotland. This allowed the Council to undertake a strategic city-wide feasibility study to assess opportunities for developing heat networks in Inverness.

Ends

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Highland Council’s Progress Update on Net Zero Programme

Source: Scotland – Highland Council

At today’s meeting of the Highland Council’s Climate Change Committee, Members were given an update on the Council’s Net Zero Programme.

Members welcomed the development of projects that will deliver carbon reductions, operational efficiencies and financial savings.

Councillor Sarah Fanet, Chair of the Climate Change Committee said: “Delivery of the Council’s Route Map to Net Zero requires a cross-service collaborative approach. The Climate Change and Energy Team continues to work closely with services across the Council to develop and deliver projects that will accelerate the Council’s transition to Net Zero and becoming a climate-ready organisation.”

Projects include piloting reusable lunch packaging in Kingussie High School to reduce the amount of single-use canteen containers. This is part of a wider project to benchmark waste and recycling rates in schools.

A short-term working group has been formed to support High Life Highland in its ambitions to achieve gold standard in the Green Tourism Award for the Inverness Castle Experience scheduled to open in 2025. The award recognises sustainable practices in the tourism sector.

Additionally, the Council will continue to implement a fleet replacement programme to transition diesel/petrol vehicles to Ultra Low Emission Vehicles. Data relating to staff business travel was presented to the Committee with detailed analysis of the data ongoing to identify opportunities for cost optimisation, improved efficiency, and reduced emissions.

Councillor Sarah Fanet added: “The Climate Change Committee is responsible for the oversight of the Net Zero Programme including the scrutiny of progress and performance, and it is encouraging to see a number of projects coming to fruition following Member discussion.”

For more information on the Highland Council’s Net Zero Programme and to view the full reports, please visit: https://www.highland.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/5161/climate_change_committee

21 May 2025

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MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Partnership working to tackle climate adaptation strengthened through Highland Adapts initiative

Source: Scotland – Highland Council

Highland Council’s Climate Change Committee has today reaffirmed its commitment to climate adaptation by supporting the continued work of Highland Adapts – a regional initiative focused on building climate resilience through partnership and community-led action.

Chair of the Climate Change Committee, Councillor Sarah Fanet, said: “The Highland region is already experiencing the effects of climate change from increased flooding to changes in biodiversity and these impacts are only expected to intensify. Highland Adapts ensures that our response is not only evidence-based but routed in the experiences and needs of the local community.”

Highland Adapts will deliver a programme of activity throughout 2025-26 to further develop the partnership, explore circular economy opportunities and support locally driven resilience projects. The initiative continues to build strong relationships across the public, private and community sectors ensuring local voices shape the region’s approach to climate risk and resilience.

Cllr Fanet continued: “By working together we can identify shared risks, develop the right actions and support investment in projects that help protect people, infrastructure and the environment. Community needs to be at the heart of our response to the climate emergency and Highland Adapts creates the space for shared learning, innovation and practical action.”

Highland Adapts is governed by nine partner organisations: The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Climate Hub, NHS Highland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, NatureScot, Forestry and Land Scotland, Zero Waste Scotland, Changeworks, and Verture. These partners are working together to codevelop risk assessments, identify priority areas for adaptation and ensure the Highland region is prepared for the challenges ahead.

21 May 2025

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MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hospital Authority’s statement regarding worker passed away at the Prince of Wales Hospital redevelopment project construction site

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hospital Authority’s statement regarding worker passed away at the Prince of Wales Hospital redevelopment project construction siteIssued at HKT 20:20

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The spokesperson for the Hospital Authority (HA) has the following statement today (May 21) regarding a worker passed away at the Prince of Wales Hospital (PWH) redevelopment project construction site:

The HA received notification this afternoon from the main contractor of the PWH redevelopment project that a worker employed by the concrete works subcontractor suddenly collapsed during work. Site management called for an ambulance and the worker was sent to the Accident and Emergency Department (AED) of PWH, where the worker was subsequently certified dead upon arrival at the AED.

The HA expresses deep sorrow over this incident and extends sincere condolences to the deceased worker’s family. The HA has directed the main contractor to provide appropriate assistance to the family and support them in handling the family member’s after-death arrangements. The HA treats this incident with utmost seriousness. The PWH has referred the case to the Coroner for follow-up investigation. The HA has also requested the main contractor to conduct a thorough investigation and submit a detailed report. The HA notes that the contractor will report this incident to the Labour Department, and the HA will ensure the contractor’s full co-operation with investigations by the Labour Department and other relevant law enforcement agencies.

The HA has always placed paramount importance on industrial safety at hospital construction sites. Project consultants would supervise contractors to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and guidelines, providing suitable and safe working conditions for workers, including appropriate rest periods and heat stroke prevention measures during hot weather. The HA will review the contractor’s safety arrangements to ensure site safety and regulatory compliance, while requiring contractors to prioritize workers’ welfare and occupational health.

Ends/Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Issued at HKT 20:20

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Reed & Whitehouse Pay Tribute to the Late RI Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

WATCH: RI’s U.S. Senators remember the life and legacy of Donny Ruggerio

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse took to the floor of the U.S. Senate last night to pay tribute to the life and legacy of the late Dominick J. Ruggerio, the legendary former Rhode Island Senate President who passed away last month at the age of 76.

A distinguished public servant and a champion for working people and the State of Rhode Island, Donny Ruggerio was the longest-serving legislator in the state when he passed away. An influential community leader for decades, he served as a state legislator for nearly 44 years, representing District 4, which includes parts of North Providence and Providence.

A transcript of the floor statements follows:

Remembering Dominick J. Ruggerio

Mr. REED: Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Rhode Island’s Senate President Dominick Ruggerio of North Providence, RI, who passed away on April 21, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. As the longest serving member of the Rhode Island State Senate, Donny was affectionately known as the “Dean” of the Senate.

I first met Donny as a young man when we both attended La Salle Academy in Providence, Rhode Island. We played high school football together, and indeed he was a remarkable gentleman then, both on and off the field.

One of the things we discovered is that–Donny was about 6 feet 2 inches. He was a wide receiver. He would be running down the field, looking at the goal line with nothing in front of him, catch the ball, and then he would trip over me. I was a defensive halfback. So we got to know each other pretty well.

He was one of the nicest gentlemen you could ever meet. He was especially kind and reached out to the younger players on the team, you know, encouraging us and also acting as sort of a custodian in making sure we got a chance and we weren’t mistreated. Throughout his entire life, Donny carried that spirit to raise others up and provide opportunities for all.

Then I later had the privilege of serving with him in the Rhode Island State Senate from 1985 to 1990. Once again, he paved the way for me with his advice and assistance. Indeed, his quiet commitment to the people of Rhode Island had always been an inspiration to me and, frankly, to anyone who ever met him.

Donny was a strong advocate for organized labor and joined the Laborers’ International Union of North America as a field representative and organizer, eventually becoming administrator of the New England Laborers’ Labor-Management Cooperation Trust.

Donny started his public service long before we linked up again in the State Senate. He began working for the late Lieutenant Governor Thomas DiLuglio and then the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority. His career continued in public service in the 1980s, when he was elected as Representative of House District 5 in Providence, Rhode Island. Four years later, he succeeded his father-in-law, Majority Leader Rocco Quattrocchi, to Rhode Island Senate District No. 4, beginning his 40-year tenure in the Rhode Island State Senate.

In that role in the Senate, Donny served as Vice Chairman of the Senate Labor Committee, Senate majority Whip, Deputy Majority Leader, and Majority Leader. In 2017, he was honored by his colleagues with his election to the Office of Senate President. The hallmark of Donny’s leadership style was to have an open-door policy which encouraged colleagues and constituents and elected officials to become engaged. He devoted his life to improving our community, to strengthening public health and public safety, and to creating new opportunities for all Rhode Islanders to thrive. He made significant strides toward improving the lives of working Rhode Islanders, and he is credited with spearheading efforts to preserve pensions and raise the minimum wage.

In the face of recent, incredible, and ultimately insurmountable health challenges, Donny valiantly sought reelection last November in his beloved community and was returned by his Senate colleagues to his post of Senate President after he won reelection. He led the Senate with tenacity and unwavering dedication.

Throughout his decades of public service to his constituents in North Providence and Providence and to the entire State of Rhode Island, he was strongly committed to fulfilling his responsibilities, obligations, and tasks with a sense of accountability, decency, and honor. He led his life with purpose and served the people of Rhode Island extremely well.

Donny leaves behind a devoted family, and I express my heartfelt condolences to the Ruggerio family: his children Charles Ruggerio and his wife Jillian and Amanda Fallon and her husband William; his grandchildren Ava Ruggerio, Mia Ruggerio, Natalie Fallon, and Jameson Fallon; his sister Lisa Aceto and brother-in-law James Aceto; and his nieces and nephews.

I will miss Donny’s friendship, his unwavering advocacy for our State and the people who make it a special place. Rhode Island is much better today because of Senate President Ruggerio’s leadership and dedication. He inspired us all and will continue to do so.

I yield the floor to my colleague from Rhode Island, Senator Whitehouse.

The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Rhode Island.

Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, I join my senior Senator today to honor our friend Dominick Ruggerio, who was both president and the dean of the Rhode Island Senate.

President Ruggerio, who passed away last month, was affectionately known as “Donny.” He leaves behind his children Amanda and Charles and four beloved grandchildren.

Donny was a graduate of two great Rhode Island institutions–La Salle Academy and Providence College. At La Salle, Senator Reed was his schoolmate and teammate on the football team.

After finishing college, Donny served as a policy aide for former Lieutenant Governor Tom DiLuglio, who was a Rhode Island classic in his own right. Donny went on to spend many years with Laborers’ Local Union 271, serving in multiple leadership roles.

Donny’s career in public service continued when he was elected to the Rhode Island House of Representatives, in 1981, where he stayed for a few years until making the jump to the Rhode Island Senate, in 1984, where then-State Senator Jack Reed was again his teammate in the State Senate.

The Senate was Donny’s home. For over four decades, he was the champion for the residents of District 4, which includes parts of North Providence and Providence. After holding several leadership positions in the Senate, he was elected by his peers to serve as Rhode Island’s Senate President in 2017. His legacy at the statehouse will be defined by his decades of forceful advocacy for working people and his practical, highly effective style of legislating.

He never forgot his background as a laborer and never stopped working to create opportunities for working men and women. To that end, he fought for a higher minimum wage and for specific projects that would create union, family-supporting jobs. He also led the charge to eliminate lead pipes, making our tap water safer to drink for Rhode Islanders.

Among his many accomplishments was his work to address the State’s opioid crisis. He created a fund to support statewide opioid treatment, recovery, prevention, and education programs and shaped a law to ensure that filling a prescription for lifesaving anti-overdose medication would not create a barrier for Rhode Islanders getting life insurance.

I am grateful, in particular, for Donny’s leadership on climate. He sponsored legislation that put Rhode Island on a path to 100 percent renewable energy by 2033. When that legislation was signed into law, it was the most aggressive statewide energy standard anywhere in the country.

Donny was beloved by his lifelong North Providence community, and he was always a pleasure to work with. In a profession that is not always gentlemanly, he was always a gentleman. He took pride in the senate being a place where people had, as he would say, always been able to disagree without being disagreeable.

So I thank Senate President Ruggerio for his dedicated and successful service to our State. I offer my condolences to his family. We will miss him.

I yield the floor.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: DOJ Press releases at OCI (Prior Years)

Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

05/21/2019
December 10, 2018: Olympus Medical Systems Corporation, Former Senior Executive Plead Guilty to Distributing Endoscopes After Failing to File FDA-Required Adverse Event Reports of Serious Infections

03/26/2019
March 30, 2018: KC Paramedic Indicted for Stealing Fentanyl, Morphine from Ambulances

03/26/2019
March 30, 2018: Counterfeit Cigarette Smuggler Sentenced to Prison

03/20/2019
April 4, 2018: Canadian Pharmacist Sentenced for Distributing Counterfeit and Adulterated Botox to Local Doctors

03/20/2019
March 27, 2018: Compounding Pharmacy Owner Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for $10.5 Million Health Care Fraud

03/20/2019
March 27, 2018: Federal Jury Finds Three Guilty in Fentanyl Distribution Conspiracy

03/20/2019
April 4, 2018: Fences Indicted in Multi-Million Dollar, Multi-State Criminal Theft Operations

03/19/2019
March 30, 2018: Lynn Man Sentenced to Over 10 Years in Prison for Role in Counterfeit Steroid Conspiracy

03/05/2019
October 1, 2018: AmerisourceBergen Corp. to Pay $625 Million to Settle Civil Fraud Allegations Resulting from Its Repackaging and Sale of Adulterated Drugs and Unapproved New Drugs, Double Billing and Providing Kickbacks

03/05/2019
October 18, 2018: Pharmacist Indicted for Taking Drugs, Carrying Firearm in Violation of Court Order

03/05/2019
October 15, 2018: Leader of Fraudulent Prescription Conspiracy Sentenced to Six Years in Prison

03/05/2019
November 29, 2018: Two Practitioners Sentenced for Drug Crimes in Connection with HOPE Clinic

03/05/2019
December 4, 2018: Medical Device Maker ev3 Agrees to Plead Guilty and Pay $17.9 Million for Distributing Adulterated Device

03/05/2019
November 20, 2018: Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Smuggling Counterfeit Cialis and Viagra into the United States

03/05/2019
November 19, 2018: Georgia Man Charged with Social Security and Wire Fraud

03/05/2019
October 22, 2018: Medical Equipment Company Agrees to Pay $5.25 Million to Resolve Allegations of Fraudulent Claims for Compounded Medical Creams

03/05/2019
October 15, 2018: Four Men and Seven Companies Indicted for Billion-Dollar Telemedicine Fraud Conspiracy, Telemedicine Company and CEO Plead Guilty in Two Fraud Schemes

03/05/2019
November 5, 2018: Nurse Sentenced for Taking Fentanyl for Personal Use

03/05/2019
November 28, 2018: Former Vice President of Insys Pharmaceuticals Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Scheme

03/05/2019
October 18, 2018: Grand Jury Returns Superseding Indictment In Shamo Case; Adds Distribution Of Fentanyl Count Resulting In Death

03/05/2019
November 29, 2018: Dietary Supplement Ingredient Importers Arrested in Connection with Large-Scale Smuggling and Money Laundering Scheme

03/05/2019
December 4, 2018: Memphis Man Pleads Guilty to Tampering with Consumer Products

03/05/2019
October 22, 2018: Oklahoma Orthopedic Company to Pay $455,000 to Settle Claims of False Medical Billing

02/25/2019
December 13, 2018: Floridian Pleads Guilty in Complex Fraud Scheme Related to the Processing of Credit Card Payments

02/25/2019
December 13, 2018: Owner and Four Former Employees of New England Compounding Center Convicted Following Trial

02/25/2019
December 7, 2018: VA Nurse Admits to Fraudulently Obtaining and Tampering with Opioid Prescriptions

02/25/2019
December 4, 2018: Des Moines Residents Sentenced for Felony Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act Offense

02/13/2019
October 11, 2018: Two Companies Ordered to Pay More Than $7 Million for Adulterated and Misbranded Pet Food Ingredients

02/13/2019
October 4, 2018: Troutdale Doctor Sentenced for Purchasing and Administering Foreign-Sourced Botox and Juvaderm

09/25/2018
September 24, 2018: Board Certified Ophthalmologist Agrees to Civil Fraud Settlement in Medicare Fraud Investigation

09/19/2018
September 19, 2018: Springfield Doctor Sentenced for Illegally Sharing Patient Medical Files

09/17/2018
September 11, 2018: Columbus Pharmacist Sentenced for Health Care Fraud Scheme

09/17/2018
September 8, 2017: Galena Biopharma Inc. to Pay More than $7.55 Million to Resolve Alleged False Claims Related to Opioid Drug

09/10/2018
September 6, 2018: Cattle Company and Veterinarian Indicted for False Health Certificates on Livestock

09/06/2018
August 31, 2018: Former Home Health Nurse Pleads Guilty to Tampering with Patients’ Drugs

09/04/2018
August 30, 2018: Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Misbranded Prescription Horse Drugs

08/30/2018
August 28, 2018: Providence Nurse Sentenced for Tampering with Oxycodone

08/23/2018
August 22, 2018: Louisiana Pharmacist Convicted of Trafficking and Selling Stolen Medication

08/20/2018
August 17, 2018: Unlicensed Pharmacy Technician Pleads Guilty to Working at New England Compounding Center

08/16/2018
August 16, 2018: Genesee County Physician and Two Others Charged with Health Care Fraud

08/16/2018
August 15, 2018: Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Scheme to Market Dietary Supplements

08/06/2018
August 3, 2018: Northwest ENT Associates, P.C. to Pay Approximately $1.2 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations

08/01/2018
July 31, 2018: Three Canadians and their Company Sentenced for Wholesale Distribution of Misbranded Prescription Drugs and Money Laundering

07/31/2018
July 30, 2018: Two People Guilty of Distributing Tramadol Pills

07/30/2018
July 26, 2018: Miami-Dade Resident Charged in Connection with Performance of Illicit Silicone Injections

07/24/2018
July 23, 2018: Springfield EMT/Paramedic Pleads Guilty to Stealing Fentanyl, Morphine

07/19/2018
July 18, 2018: Medical Device Maker AngioDynamics Agrees to Pay $12.5 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations

07/17/2018
July 17, 2018: Former President of Cumberland Distribution, Inc. Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for $50 Million Drug Diversion Scheme

07/12/2018
July 10, 2018: Pawtucket Woman Sentenced for Participation in Opioid Prescription Conspiracy

07/11/2018
July 10, 2018: VA Medical Center Nurse Indicted, Arraigned for Allegedly Tampering with and Stealing Prescription Opioids

07/11/2018
July 10, 2018: Former Des Moines Pharmacy Technician Sentenced for Illegally Tampering with Fentanyl

07/11/2018
July 10: 2018: Former Pharmacy Technician Indicted for Stealing Fentanyl, Morphine

07/09/2018
July 6, 2018: Vero Beach Orthopedic Surgeon Sentenced to Life in Prison Following Conviction for Fentanyl Analog Drug Conspiracy Resulting in Death

07/09/2018
July 6, 2018: Internet Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Selling $2.3 Million Worth of Non-FDA Approved and Misbranded Botox and Juvederm-Related Products

07/05/2018
July 3, 2018: Canton Man Indicted on Fentanyl and Firearms Charges

06/28/2018
June 28, 2018: Southern District of Florida Charges 124 Individuals Responsible for $337 Million in False Billing as Part of National Healthcare Fraud Takedown

06/22/2018
June 20, 2018: Fitchburg Woman and Saugus Man Sentenced for Roles in Counterfeit Steroid Conspiracy

06/18/2018
June 15, 2018: Theranos Founder and Former Chief Operating Officer Charged in Alleged Wire Fraud Schemes

06/05/2018
June 5, 2018: Opioid Prescription Conspiracy Leader Pleads Guilty

05/31/2018
May 31, 2018: Notification of Stolen Fertility Drugs: Gonal-f® RFF Redi-ject® and Gonal-f® Multi-Dose

05/21/2018
May 21, 2018: Mississippi Man Pleads Guilty to Fraud Scheme Involving the Reselling of Food Products That Were to Be Destroyed

05/08/2018
May 8, 2018: Notification of Stolen Octagam

04/19/2018
April 13, 2018: Canadian Drug Firm Admits Selling Counterfeit and Misbranded Prescription Drugs Throughout the United States

04/19/2018
April 12, 2018: Chinese Citizen Pleads Guilty to Mail Fraud Related to Dietary Supplement Scheme

04/19/2018
April 6, 2018: New Hampshire Residents Sentenced for Participating in Scheme to Distribute Misbranded Drugs

03/15/2018
March 14, 2018: Meridian Nurse Practitioner Pleads Guilty to Obtaining Controlled Substances by Fraud

03/14/2018
March 12, 2018: Champaign, Illinois, Resident Sentenced to One Year in Prison for Producing and Selling Over 80,000 Homemade Tramadol Capsules to Customers without Verifying Prescriptions

03/13/2018
March 12, 2018: Pharmacist and Pharmacy Employee Sentenced for Involvement in Over $30 Million Health Care Fraud

03/08/2018
March 6, 2018: Monterey Park Woman Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Injecting Foreign Substance into Woman for Buttocks Enhancement

03/08/2018
March 8, 2018: Four Individuals Indicted for Trafficking in Counterfeit Goods

03/05/2018
March 2, 2018: Woman Sentenced for Injecting Adulterated Liquid Silicone

03/05/2018
February 23, 2018: Lake Charles Veterinarian, Pharmacy Sentenced for In-Race Horse Doping Conspiracy

03/01/2018
February 28, 2018: Two Doctors Arrested Pursuant to Federal Indictment That Alleges Bogus Sleep Studies Helped 1-800-Get-Thin Fraudulently Bill Insurance Programs Over $250 Million Related to Lap-Band Surgeries

02/27/2018
February 27, 2018: Former President of Houston-Based Drug Company Convicted in $50 Million Drug Diversion Scheme

02/22/2018
February 21, 2018: Pharmacy Tech Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Tampering with Opioids for IV Fluid

02/21/2018
February 20, 2018: U.S. Attorney Announces 69-count Indictment Charging Owners, Managers and Physicians Associated with Hope Clinic

02/21/2018
February 14, 2018: Palmer Man Sentenced for Conspiring to Import Prescription Drugs from Pakistan

02/20/2018
August 19, 2016: Pharmacy Owner and Medical Doctor Charged in an Internet Scheme to Dispense Medications to Customers without Valid Prescriptions

02/14/2018
February 14, 2018: Two Indian Citizens and India-based Corporation Sentenced for Conspiring to Smuggle Counterfeit Cigarettes

02/12/2018
February 8, 2018: Queensbury Oncologist and Spouse to Pay $500,000 for Submitting False Claims to Medicare for the Administration of Unapproved Cancer Drugs

02/12/2018
February 9, 2018: Tampa Resident Convicted for Involvement with Tricare Health Care Fraud Scheme

02/05/2018
February 5, 2018: Pennsylvania Firearms Dealer Sentenced To 100 Months Imprisonment

02/05/2018
November 25, 2018: Nevada Man Indicted for Distribution of Anabolic Steroids and Drug Misbranding

02/05/2018
February 5, 2018: Three Florida Residents Sentenced for Operating an Illegal Steroid and Counterfeit Prescription Drug Lab

01/31/2018
January 31, 2018: New England Compounding Center Pharmacist Sentenced for Role in Nationwide Fungal Meningitis Outbreak

01/24/2018
September 25, 2017: U.S. Attorney Charges Pharmacy Tech for Tampering with Opioids

01/24/2018
January 13, 2017: Two Louisiana Men Sentenced for Roles in On-line Pharmacy Scheme

01/24/2018
May 17, 2017: Gardner Man Charged with Conspiracy to Traffic Counterfeit Steroids

01/24/2018
December 6, 2016: Two Sentenced for Trafficking in Counterfeit Viagra and Cialis

01/24/2018
September 11, 2017: Knoxville Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Defraud the FDA

01/24/2018
December 9, 2016: Carroll County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Conspiracy Charge

01/24/2018
July 18, 2016: Cincinnati Man Sentenced for Illegally Importing Drugs into U.S.

01/24/2018
July 7, 2016: Johnston Resident Charged with Drug Trafficking, Money Laundering

01/24/2018
January 7, 2016: Former Nurse Pleads Guilty to Stealing Narcotics from Hospital

01/24/2018
February 15, 2017: Hampton-Based Spice Dealer Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison

01/24/2018
July 13, 2017: Four Charged in Counterfeit Body Building Steroid Conspiracy

01/24/2018
December 8, 2016: Pharmaceutical Executives Charged in Racketeering Scheme

01/24/2018
December 2, 2016: Woman Arrested For Injecting Adulterated Liquid Silicone

01/24/2018
September 20, 2017: Registered Nurse Sentenced for Tampering with Fentanyl

01/24/2018
June 28, 2017: Registered Nurse Pleads Guilty to Tampering with Fentanyl

01/24/2018
June 27, 2016: Hampton-Based Spice Retailer and Wholesaler Pleads Guilty

01/24/2018
May 31, 2016: Worcester Nurse Indicted on Federal Drug Tampering Charges

01/24/2018
August 7, 2017: Notification of Stolen Sterile Prescription Injectable Products

01/23/2018
January 23, 2018: Two Indian Citizens and India-based Corporation Plead Guilty to Conspiring to Smuggle Counterfeit Cigarettes

01/17/2018
January 12, 2018: Owner of Seafood Company Charged in Atlantic Blue Crab Scam

01/17/2018
September 22, 2017: Drug Maker Aegerion Agrees to Plead Guilty; Will Pay More Than $35 Million to Resolve Criminal Charges and Civil False Claims Allegations

01/16/2018
June 30, 2017: Bath County Man Sentenced For Misbranding Drugs and Obstructing Justice

01/16/2018
June 21, 2017: Gardner Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Traffic Counterfeit Steroids

01/16/2018
August 28, 2017: Costa Rican Defendant Appears in Federal Court to Face Fraud Charges

01/16/2018
July 17, 2017: Leader of $17 Million Health Insurance Fraud Scheme Ordered to Prison

01/16/2018
October 11, 2016: Foreign National Pleads Guilty To International Wire Fraud Scheme

01/16/2018
August 30, 2017: Two Charged in Federal Court with Smuggling Counterfeit Cigarettes

01/16/2018
May 31, 2017: Men Sentenced to Combined 60 Years for Selling Spice in Hampton Roads

01/12/2018
December 20, 2016: New England Compounding Center’s National Sales Director Pleads Guilty

01/12/2018
July 19, 2017: Texas Man Sentenced to Prison for Conspiring to Import Prescription Drugs

01/12/2018
March 13, 2017: Vice-President of SK Labs Found Guilty of Conspiracy, Mail Fraud Charges

01/12/2018
December 27, 2016: Providence Nurse Charged in Connection with Tampering with Oxycodone

01/12/2018
January 20, 2016: Businessman Sentenced for Marketing and Selling Unapproved Remedies for Cancer

01/12/2018
March 2, 2017: Bath County Man Convicted of Obstructing Justice and Selling Misbranded Products

01/12/2018
February 6, 2017: Arizona Man Sentenced for Trafficking in Pet Products with Counterfeit Labels

01/12/2018
January 17, 2017: Tampa-Area Medical Device Salesman Guilty of Selling Expired Lap-Band Devices

01/12/2018
August 1, 2017: Two Kansans Sentenced for Operating Multimillion-Dollar Designer Drug Business

01/12/2018
June 2, 2016: Additional Criminal Charges Brought Against Indicted Penn National Horse Trainer

01/12/2018
June 15, 2017: Gloucester Woman Charged with Conspiracy to Traffic Steroids and Launder Money

01/12/2018
June 15, 2017: Two Kansans Sentenced for Operating Multimillion-Dollar Designer Drug Business

01/12/2018
May 15, 2017: Vitamin Shop Owner Guilty of Selling Misbranded Drugs and Controlled Substance

01/12/2018
August 15, 2016: Second Trafficker Convicted of Distributing Dangerous Counterfeit Viagra and Cialis

01/12/2018
July 17, 2017: Gloucester Woman Pleads Guilty to Her Role in Counterfeit Steroid Trafficking Scheme

01/12/2018
October 12, 2016: Colombian National Charged for Unlawfully Injecting Silicone into Victims Bodies

01/12/2018
July 28, 2017: Westerly Resident to Plead Guilty to Trafficking Steroids, Money Laundering Charges

01/12/2018
September 22, 2016: Hoover Man Charged for Marketing Misbranded Male Enhancement Drugs from China

01/12/2018
September, 22, 2016 Hoover Man Charged for Marketing Misbranded Male Enhancement Drugs from China

01/12/2018
August 2, 2016: Colombian National Charged for Unlawfully Injecting Silicone into Victims’ Bodies

01/12/2018
December 13, 2016: Tampa Resident Indicted for Involvement with Tricare Health Care Fraud Scheme

01/12/2018
September 5, 2017: New Hampshire Residents Plead Guilty to Conspiracy Involving Misbranded Drugs

01/12/2018
April 3, 2017: Printing and Packaging CEO Pleads Guilty to Trafficking in Counterfeit Labels and Packaging

01/12/2018
March 14, 2017: Woman Admits to Causing the Death of Another Person by Injecting Her with Liquid Silicone

01/12/2018
April 12, 2017: Former Medical Product Distributor Charged with False Statements about Hormone Shipments

01/12/2018
September 29, 2016: New York Man Pleads Guilty To Conspiring To Illegally Manufacture Designer Steroids

01/12/2018
July 1, 2016: New Hampshire Couple Indicted On Two Counts Of Illegal Distribution Of Prescription Drugs

01/12/2018
September 22, 2017:Woman Admits to Illegally Selling Prescription Drugs Not Approved for Use in the US

01/12/2018
June 22, 2016: Former Nurse Sentenced to 82 Months for Stealing and Tampering with Patient Medications

01/12/2018
June 13, 2017: Cherry Hill Doctor and Son Admit Defrauding Medicare, Agree To $1.78 Million Settlement

01/12/2018
December 19, 2016: New York Man Sentenced to Lengthy Prison Term for Selling Unsafe Dietary Supplements Online

01/12/2018
September 25, 2017: Pharmacy Manager Pleads Guilty to Illegal Prescription Drug Diversion and Money Laundering

01/12/2018
July 28, 2017: Tampa Woman Sentenced to Prison For Misbranded Drugs Used in Connection with Buttocks Injection

01/12/2018
March 28, 2017: Former Atlantic County, New Jersey, Man Charged with Smuggling and Dispensing Misbranded Drugs

01/12/2018
September 12, 2017: Former Paramedic Pleads Guilty to Stealing Pain-killing Drugs, Replacing Vials with Water

01/12/2018
July 29, 2016: Majority Owner of NECC and Husband Plead Guilty to Illegal Cash Withdrawals Following Outbreak

01/12/2018
May 15, 2017: Printing and Packaging Business Owner Convicted of Trafficking in Counterfeit Veterinary Labels

01/12/2018
July 14, 2017: Senior Executives of Medical Drug Re-Packager Plead Guilty to Defrauding Healthcare Providers

01/12/2018
July 20, 2016: Former Acclarent, Inc. Executives Convicted of Crimes Related to the Sale of Medical Devices

01/12/2018
June 6, 2016: Pharmaceutical Companies To Pay $67 Million To Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Relating To Tarceva

01/12/2018
February 16, 2017: Atlanta Man Convicted of Illegally Importing and Distributing Male Enhancement Products from China

01/11/2018
January 11, 2018: Former New Hampshire Pharmacist Pleads Guilty for Tampering with Narcotics at Bedford Pharmacy

01/11/2018
July 22, 2016: Medical Device Manufacturer Acclarent Inc. to Pay $18 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations

01/11/2018
November 15, 2016: Miami-Dade Resident Sentenced to Fifteen Months in Prison for Distributing Contaminated Cheese

01/11/2018
September 25, 2017: Millions of Medicines Seized in Largest INTERPOL Operation Against Illicit Online Pharmacies

01/11/2018
January 3, 2017: Notification of Stolen Reckitt Benckiser Retail, Non-Prescription, Consumer Healthcare Products

01/09/2018
August 1, 2017: Radford Nurse Who Tampered with Liquid Morphine Intended for Nursing Home Patients Sentenced in Federal Court

01/09/2018
November 4, 2016: Two Pakistani Nationals Sentenced for Conspiring to Illegally Ship Pharmaceuticals into the United States

01/09/2018
November 29, 2016: Eight Defendants Convicted For Conspiracy to Manufacture and Distribute Counterfeit 5-Hour Energy Drink

01/09/2018
September 11, 2017: Three Florida Residents Arrested After Law Enforcement Discover Steroid and Fake Prescription Drug Lab

01/09/2018
June 21, 2017: Counterfeiters Sentenced for Convictions in Nationwide Conspiracy to Distribute Fake 5-Hour Energy Drink

01/09/2018
May 31, 2017: Drug Trafficking Organization Faces Indictment For Involvment In Manufacturing Fake Prescriptions Drugs With Fentanyl

01/09/2018
July 6, 2016: New Jersey Medical Device Manufacturer Admits Selling Contaminated Ultrasound Gel; Court Orders Permanent Injunction

01/09/2018
June 26, 2017: Owner of New England Compounding Center Sentenced for Racketeering Leading to Nationwide Fungal Meningitis Outbreak

01/09/2018
June 21, 2016: Two Pharmacists Sentenced to Prison for Adulteration of Drugs in Connection with Alabama-Based Compounding Pharmacy

01/09/2018
February 14, 2017: Two Miami-Dade Women Charged in Connection with Their Operation of a Spa Performing Illicit Silicone Injections

01/09/2018
June 22, 2017: Pharmacy Owner and Director of Compliance Charged with Defrauding United States and Distributing Adulterated Drugs

01/09/2018
April 12, 2017: Owners of Two Los Angeles-Area Drug Wholesale Companies Arrested in $20 Million Federal ‘Structuring’ Conspiracy

01/09/2018
December 2, 2016: Former Police Officer Sentenced in White Plains Federal Court to 8 Years in Prison for Selling Date Rape Drug

01/09/2018
February 7, 2017: Randallstown Woman Pleads Guilty to Injecting Non-Medical Grade Silicone into the Bodies of Victim Customers

01/09/2018
August 30, 2017: Miami-Dade Resident Sentenced to More Than 6 Years in Prison for Operating a Miami Spa Performing Illicit Silicone Injections

01/09/2018
March 28, 2017: 3 Canadians and their Vancouver Company Charged with Conspiring to Sell Foreign-Made Drugs to Western Pennsylvania Pharmacists

01/09/2018
March 9, 2017: Internet Business Owner Indicted for Selling Non-FDA Approved and Misbranded Versions of Botox and Juvederm Related Products

01/09/2018
June 8, 2017: Houston, Texas Man convicted of Smuggling Korean Human Growth Hormone Drugs to Local Patients and Professional Wrestlers

01/09/2018
February 16, 2017: Oncology Practice, Doctor and Practice Manager Pay $1.7 Million to Resolve Allegations They Billed Medicare for Illegally Imported Drugs

01/09/2018
June 27, 2017: Physician and Wife to Pay $1.2 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations That They Billed Medicare and Medicaid for Unapproved Drugs

01/09/2018
December 13, 2016: O.C. Man Charged with Selling Pet Meds Without a Prescription, Some of Which Were Not Approved for Distribution in the United States

01/09/2018
September 6, 2017: Bronx Pharmacist Pleads Guilty To Illegally Selling Millions Of Prescription Pills On The Internet And Agrees To Forfeit $9 Million

01/09/2018
November 10, 2016: Nurse Who Operated Spa in Laguna Niguel Agrees to Plead Guilty to Illegally Dispensing Botox Not Approved for Use in United States

01/09/2018
March 30, 2017: Lincoln Mother and Son Convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Misbranded Substances, Drug Paraphernalia, and Related Financial Crimes

01/09/2018
January 12, 2017: Baxter Healthcare Corporation to Pay More than $18 Million to Resolve Criminal and Civil Liability Relating to Sterile Products

01/09/2018
September 20, 2017: Miami-Dade Resident Sentenced to More Than 4 Years in Prison for Managing a Miami Spa Performing Illicit Silicone Injections

01/09/2018
May 23, 2017: Citizen of Pakistan and United Kingdom Sentenced For International Wire Fraud Scheme That Sold False Cures For Multiple Illnesses

01/09/2018
April 18, 2017: SCM True Air Technologies, of Ohio and Kentucky, and Its Former Company President – Guilty of Delivering Misbranded Medical Devices from Unregistered Facilities to a Georgia V.A. Medical Center and Obstructing an FDA Investigation into their Conduct

01/09/2018
November 28, 2016: Iowa Cancer Clinic and Oncologist to Pay More Than $176,000 To Settle False Claims Act Allegations They Recklessly Billed for Cancer Drugs That Were Unapproved, Misbranded, or Counterfeit and Improperly Upcoded Office Visit Claims

01/09/2018
September 9, 2016: Owner of Major Online Colored Contact Lens Business Pleads Guilty in Largest-Ever Investigation of Counterfeit and Misbranded Contact Lenses in the United States

01/09/2018
November 7, 2016: Medical Device Maker Biocompatibles Pleads Guilty to Misbranding and Agrees to Pay $36 Million to Resolve Criminal Liability and False Claims Act Allegations

01/09/2018
September 26, 2017: Houston, Texas Man Sentenced to 40 Months and a $95,000 Fine for Smuggling Korean Human Growth Hormone Drugs to Local Patients and Professional Wrestlers

01/09/2018
December 7, 2016: GNC Enters Into Agreement with Department of Justice to Improve Its Practices and Keep Potentially Illegal Dietary Supplements Out of the Marketplace

01/09/2018
September 27, 2017: Amerisourcebergen Specialty Group Pleads Guilty to Distributing Misbranded Drugs and is Sentenced to Pay $260 Million to Resolve Criminal Liability

01/09/2018
December 5, 2016: Medical Device Saleswoman Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Charges Relating to the Transport of Stolen Medical Devices and Money Laundering

01/09/2018
May 26, 2017: Florida Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Causing the Death of One Victim and Hospitalization of Others by Injecting them With Liquid Silicone

01/09/2018
September 11, 2017: Owner of O.C. Pet Products Company Pleads Guilty to Selling Pet Meds without Prescriptions, Some of Which Were Not Approved for U.S. Sale

09/17/2018
September 8, 2017: Galena Biopharma Inc. to Pay More than $7.55 Million to Resolve Alleged False Claims Related to Opioid Drug

01/24/2018
September 25, 2017: U.S. Attorney Charges Pharmacy Tech for Tampering with Opioids

01/24/2018
January 13, 2017: Two Louisiana Men Sentenced for Roles in On-line Pharmacy Scheme

01/24/2018
May 17, 2017: Gardner Man Charged with Conspiracy to Traffic Counterfeit Steroids

01/24/2018
September 11, 2017: Knoxville Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Defraud the FDA

01/24/2018
February 15, 2017: Hampton-Based Spice Dealer Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison

01/24/2018
July 13, 2017: Four Charged in Counterfeit Body Building Steroid Conspiracy

01/24/2018
September 20, 2017: Registered Nurse Sentenced for Tampering with Fentanyl

01/24/2018
June 28, 2017: Registered Nurse Pleads Guilty to Tampering with Fentanyl

01/24/2018
August 7, 2017: Notification of Stolen Sterile Prescription Injectable Products

01/17/2018
September 22, 2017: Drug Maker Aegerion Agrees to Plead Guilty; Will Pay More Than $35 Million to Resolve Criminal Charges and Civil False Claims Allegations

01/16/2018
June 30, 2017: Bath County Man Sentenced For Misbranding Drugs and Obstructing Justice

01/16/2018
June 21, 2017: Gardner Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Traffic Counterfeit Steroids

01/16/2018
August 28, 2017: Costa Rican Defendant Appears in Federal Court to Face Fraud Charges

01/16/2018
July 17, 2017: Leader of $17 Million Health Insurance Fraud Scheme Ordered to Prison

01/16/2018
August 30, 2017: Two Charged in Federal Court with Smuggling Counterfeit Cigarettes

01/16/2018
May 31, 2017: Men Sentenced to Combined 60 Years for Selling Spice in Hampton Roads

01/12/2018
July 19, 2017: Texas Man Sentenced to Prison for Conspiring to Import Prescription Drugs

01/12/2018
March 13, 2017: Vice-President of SK Labs Found Guilty of Conspiracy, Mail Fraud Charges

01/12/2018
March 2, 2017: Bath County Man Convicted of Obstructing Justice and Selling Misbranded Products

01/12/2018
February 6, 2017: Arizona Man Sentenced for Trafficking in Pet Products with Counterfeit Labels

01/12/2018
January 17, 2017: Tampa-Area Medical Device Salesman Guilty of Selling Expired Lap-Band Devices

01/12/2018
August 1, 2017: Two Kansans Sentenced for Operating Multimillion-Dollar Designer Drug Business

01/12/2018
June 15, 2017: Gloucester Woman Charged with Conspiracy to Traffic Steroids and Launder Money

01/12/2018
June 15, 2017: Two Kansans Sentenced for Operating Multimillion-Dollar Designer Drug Business

01/12/2018
May 15, 2017: Vitamin Shop Owner Guilty of Selling Misbranded Drugs and Controlled Substance

01/12/2018
July 17, 2017: Gloucester Woman Pleads Guilty to Her Role in Counterfeit Steroid Trafficking Scheme

01/12/2018
July 28, 2017: Westerly Resident to Plead Guilty to Trafficking Steroids, Money Laundering Charges

01/12/2018
September 5, 2017: New Hampshire Residents Plead Guilty to Conspiracy Involving Misbranded Drugs

01/12/2018
April 3, 2017: Printing and Packaging CEO Pleads Guilty to Trafficking in Counterfeit Labels and Packaging

01/12/2018
March 14, 2017: Woman Admits to Causing the Death of Another Person by Injecting Her with Liquid Silicone

01/12/2018
April 12, 2017: Former Medical Product Distributor Charged with False Statements about Hormone Shipments

01/12/2018
September 22, 2017:Woman Admits to Illegally Selling Prescription Drugs Not Approved for Use in the US

01/12/2018
June 13, 2017: Cherry Hill Doctor and Son Admit Defrauding Medicare, Agree To $1.78 Million Settlement

01/12/2018
September 25, 2017: Pharmacy Manager Pleads Guilty to Illegal Prescription Drug Diversion and Money Laundering

01/12/2018
July 28, 2017: Tampa Woman Sentenced to Prison For Misbranded Drugs Used in Connection with Buttocks Injection

01/12/2018
March 28, 2017: Former Atlantic County, New Jersey, Man Charged with Smuggling and Dispensing Misbranded Drugs

01/12/2018
September 12, 2017: Former Paramedic Pleads Guilty to Stealing Pain-killing Drugs, Replacing Vials with Water

01/12/2018
May 15, 2017: Printing and Packaging Business Owner Convicted of Trafficking in Counterfeit Veterinary Labels

01/12/2018
July 14, 2017: Senior Executives of Medical Drug Re-Packager Plead Guilty to Defrauding Healthcare Providers

01/12/2018
February 16, 2017: Atlanta Man Convicted of Illegally Importing and Distributing Male Enhancement Products from China

01/11/2018
September 25, 2017: Millions of Medicines Seized in Largest INTERPOL Operation Against Illicit Online Pharmacies

01/11/2018
January 3, 2017: Notification of Stolen Reckitt Benckiser Retail, Non-Prescription, Consumer Healthcare Products

01/09/2018
August 1, 2017: Radford Nurse Who Tampered with Liquid Morphine Intended for Nursing Home Patients Sentenced in Federal Court

01/09/2018
September 11, 2017: Three Florida Residents Arrested After Law Enforcement Discover Steroid and Fake Prescription Drug Lab

01/09/2018
June 21, 2017: Counterfeiters Sentenced for Convictions in Nationwide Conspiracy to Distribute Fake 5-Hour Energy Drink

01/09/2018
May 31, 2017: Drug Trafficking Organization Faces Indictment For Involvment In Manufacturing Fake Prescriptions Drugs With Fentanyl

01/09/2018
June 26, 2017: Owner of New England Compounding Center Sentenced for Racketeering Leading to Nationwide Fungal Meningitis Outbreak

01/09/2018
February 14, 2017: Two Miami-Dade Women Charged in Connection with Their Operation of a Spa Performing Illicit Silicone Injections

01/09/2018
June 22, 2017: Pharmacy Owner and Director of Compliance Charged with Defrauding United States and Distributing Adulterated Drugs

01/09/2018
April 12, 2017: Owners of Two Los Angeles-Area Drug Wholesale Companies Arrested in $20 Million Federal ‘Structuring’ Conspiracy

01/09/2018
February 7, 2017: Randallstown Woman Pleads Guilty to Injecting Non-Medical Grade Silicone into the Bodies of Victim Customers

01/09/2018
August 30, 2017: Miami-Dade Resident Sentenced to More Than 6 Years in Prison for Operating a Miami Spa Performing Illicit Silicone Injections

01/09/2018
March 28, 2017: 3 Canadians and their Vancouver Company Charged with Conspiring to Sell Foreign-Made Drugs to Western Pennsylvania Pharmacists

01/09/2018
March 9, 2017: Internet Business Owner Indicted for Selling Non-FDA Approved and Misbranded Versions of Botox and Juvederm Related Products

01/09/2018
June 8, 2017: Houston, Texas Man convicted of Smuggling Korean Human Growth Hormone Drugs to Local Patients and Professional Wrestlers

01/09/2018
February 16, 2017: Oncology Practice, Doctor and Practice Manager Pay $1.7 Million to Resolve Allegations They Billed Medicare for Illegally Imported Drugs

01/09/2018
June 27, 2017: Physician and Wife to Pay $1.2 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations That They Billed Medicare and Medicaid for Unapproved Drugs

01/09/2018
September 6, 2017: Bronx Pharmacist Pleads Guilty To Illegally Selling Millions Of Prescription Pills On The Internet And Agrees To Forfeit $9 Million

01/09/2018
March 30, 2017: Lincoln Mother and Son Convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Misbranded Substances, Drug Paraphernalia, and Related Financial Crimes

01/09/2018
January 12, 2017: Baxter Healthcare Corporation to Pay More than $18 Million to Resolve Criminal and Civil Liability Relating to Sterile Products

01/09/2018
September 20, 2017: Miami-Dade Resident Sentenced to More Than 4 Years in Prison for Managing a Miami Spa Performing Illicit Silicone Injections

01/09/2018
May 23, 2017: Citizen of Pakistan and United Kingdom Sentenced For International Wire Fraud Scheme That Sold False Cures For Multiple Illnesses

01/09/2018
April 18, 2017: SCM True Air Technologies, of Ohio and Kentucky, and Its Former Company President – Guilty of Delivering Misbranded Medical Devices from Unregistered Facilities to a Georgia V.A. Medical Center and Obstructing an FDA Investigation into their Conduct

01/09/2018
September 26, 2017: Houston, Texas Man Sentenced to 40 Months and a $95,000 Fine for Smuggling Korean Human Growth Hormone Drugs to Local Patients and Professional Wrestlers

01/09/2018
September 27, 2017: Amerisourcebergen Specialty Group Pleads Guilty to Distributing Misbranded Drugs and is Sentenced to Pay $260 Million to Resolve Criminal Liability

01/09/2018
May 26, 2017: Florida Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Causing the Death of One Victim and Hospitalization of Others by Injecting them With Liquid Silicone

01/09/2018
September 11, 2017: Owner of O.C. Pet Products Company Pleads Guilty to Selling Pet Meds without Prescriptions, Some of Which Were Not Approved for U.S. Sale

12/21/2017
December 19, 2017: Senior Executives of Medical Drug Repackager Sentenced for Defrauding Healthcare Providers

12/21/2017
December 20, 2017: Fitchburg Woman Pleads Guilty to Role in Counterfeit Steroid Conspiracy

12/18/2017
December 18, 2017: Cherry Hill Doctor and Son Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding Medicare

12/14/2017
December 12, 2017: Iserve Technologies, Inc. Pled Guilty in Connection with Guilty Pleas of Former Exec and Manager of Med-Fast Pharmacy Inc.

12/04/2017
November 30, 2017: Lynn Man Pleads Guilty to Counterfeit Steroid Conspiracy

12/04/2017
November 30, 2017: Paramedic Sentenced for Stealing Fentanyl from Ambulance Company

12/04/2017
November 28, 2017: Champaign, Illinois, Resident Guilty of Producing and Selling Over 80,000 Homemade Tramadol Capsules to Customers Without Verifying Prescriptions

12/04/2017
November 29, 2017: Knoxville Man Sentenced for Conspiring to Defraud the FDA

11/27/2017
November 21, 2017: Williamsville Couple Pleads Guilty

11/27/2017
November 22, 2017: Former Pharmacy Compliance Director Pleads Guilty to Introducing Adulterated Drugs into Interstate Commerce and Conspiracy to Defraud the United States

11/27/2017
November 20, 2017: Vitamin Shop Owner Sentenced for Misbranded Drugs and Controlled Substance Conviction

11/21/2017
November 20, 2017:Queensbury Oncologist and Office Manager Plead Guilty in Connection with Administering Unapproved Drugs

11/21/2017
November 16, 2017: Palmer Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Import Prescription Drugs from Pakistan

11/20/2017
November 7, 2017: Federal Jury Convicts Lake Charles Veterinarian, Pharmacy in Race Horse Doping Conspiracy

11/06/2017
November 3, 2017: Vero Beach Orthopedic Surgeon Charged in Drug Conspiracy Resulting in Death

11/06/2017
November 3, 2017: Five Charged in Alleged Opioid Prescription, Healthcare Fraud Scheme

11/06/2017
November 1, 2017: New York Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Misbranded Animal Drugs Containing Steroids

11/01/2017
November 1, 2017: FDA Supervisor and Local Businessman Charged in Bribery Scheme

11/01/2017
November 1, 2017: Pair Sentenced on Federal Conspiracy

10/31/2017
October 31, 2017: South Korean Maker of Contact Lenses, Company CEO Charged with Smuggling Products into U.S. by Failing to Declare Full Value

10/31/2017
March 28, 2017: Oakland Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Conspiracy to Manufacture Counterfeit Drugs

10/30/2017
October 27, 2017: Central Kentucky Pharmacist Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Oxycodone and Money Laundering

10/26/2017
October 26, 2017: Founder and Owner of Pharmaceutical Company Insys Arrested and Charged with Racketeering

10/26/2017
October 25, 2017: Five Chinese Citizens and Four Chinese Companies Indicted in Scheme to Sell Mislabeled Dietary Supplements

10/26/2017
October 25, 2017: Supervisory Pharmacist of New England Compounding Center Convicted of Racketeering Leading to Nationwide Fungal Meningitis Outbreak

10/17/2017
October 16, 2017: Omak, Washington Nurse Sentenced to Federal Prison for Adulterating and Misbranding Pain Medications

10/10/2017
October 4, 2017: Med-Fast Pharmacy Inc. and Former Exec Agree to Resolve Criminal and Civil Charges

10/03/2017
October 2, 2017: Compounding Pharmacy Owner Charged with $10 Million Health Care Fraud

10/02/2017
September 29, 2017: Randallstown Woman Sentenced To 2 Years In Prison For Injecting Non-Medical Grade Silicone Into The Bodies Of Victim Customers

09/28/2017
September 20, 2017: Pair Plead Guilty to Federal Conspiracy Charge

08/29/2017
August 28, 2017: Shrewsbury Man Pleads Guilty to Operating Counterfeit Steroid Scheme

08/18/2017
August 18, 2017: Former Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Steroids, Money Laundering

07/18/2017
July 6, 2017: North Olmsted Man Charged with Selling Misbranded Drugs

07/03/2017
June 28, 2017: Former VA Nurse Re-Sentenced for Stealing and Tampering with Patient Medications

07/03/2017
June 28, 2017: Distributor of Counterfeit Medications Arrested

06/28/2017
June 23, 2017: Monterey Park Woman Arrested on Federal Charges after Allegedly Injecting Foreign Substances into Woman for Buttocks Enhancement

06/26/2017
June 22, 2017: Paramedic Pleads Guilty to Removing Liquid Fentanyl from Ambulance

06/19/2017
June 16, 2017: Leawood Woman Charged With Importing Misbranded Drugs

06/09/2017
June 9, 2017: Providence Nurse Pleads Guilty to Tampering with Oxycodone

04/24/2017
April 19, 2017: Radford Nurse, Who Tampered with Liquid Morphine Intended for Nursing Home Patients, Pleads Guilty

04/13/2017
April 12, 2017: Six Charged with Trafficking Counterfeit Steroids

04/06/2017
April 5, 2017: Worcester Nurse Sentenced for Drug Tampering

03/30/2017
March 22, 2017: Diamond Bar Man Pleads Guilty to Smuggling ED Drugs that Were Sold as ‘Herbal Enhancement’ Products without Prescriptions

03/27/2017
March 22, 2017: Owner of New England Compounding Center Convicted of Racketeering Leading to Nationwide Fungal Meningitis Outbreak

01/19/2017
January 18, 2017: Owner of Major Online Colored Contact Lens Business Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison in Largest-Ever Scheme to Import and Sell Counterfeit and Misbranded Contact Lenses Prosecuted in the United States

01/19/2017
January 13, 2017: Paramedic Pleads Guilty to Tampering with Drugs

01/17/2017
January 11, 2017: Worcester Nurse Pleads Guilty to Drug Tampering

02/20/2018
August 19, 2016: Pharmacy Owner and Medical Doctor Charged in an Internet Scheme to Dispense Medications to Customers without Valid Prescriptions

01/24/2018
December 6, 2016: Two Sentenced for Trafficking in Counterfeit Viagra and Cialis

01/24/2018
December 9, 2016: Carroll County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Conspiracy Charge

01/24/2018
July 18, 2016: Cincinnati Man Sentenced for Illegally Importing Drugs into U.S.

01/24/2018
July 7, 2016: Johnston Resident Charged with Drug Trafficking, Money Laundering

01/24/2018
January 7, 2016: Former Nurse Pleads Guilty to Stealing Narcotics from Hospital

01/24/2018
December 8, 2016: Pharmaceutical Executives Charged in Racketeering Scheme

01/24/2018
December 2, 2016: Woman Arrested For Injecting Adulterated Liquid Silicone

01/24/2018
June 27, 2016: Hampton-Based Spice Retailer and Wholesaler Pleads Guilty

01/24/2018
May 31, 2016: Worcester Nurse Indicted on Federal Drug Tampering Charges

01/16/2018
October 11, 2016: Foreign National Pleads Guilty To International Wire Fraud Scheme

01/12/2018
December 20, 2016: New England Compounding Center’s National Sales Director Pleads Guilty

01/12/2018
December 27, 2016: Providence Nurse Charged in Connection with Tampering with Oxycodone

01/12/2018
January 20, 2016: Businessman Sentenced for Marketing and Selling Unapproved Remedies for Cancer

01/12/2018
June 2, 2016: Additional Criminal Charges Brought Against Indicted Penn National Horse Trainer

01/12/2018
August 15, 2016: Second Trafficker Convicted of Distributing Dangerous Counterfeit Viagra and Cialis

01/12/2018
October 12, 2016: Colombian National Charged for Unlawfully Injecting Silicone into Victims Bodies

01/12/2018
September 22, 2016: Hoover Man Charged for Marketing Misbranded Male Enhancement Drugs from China

01/12/2018
September, 22, 2016 Hoover Man Charged for Marketing Misbranded Male Enhancement Drugs from China

01/12/2018
August 2, 2016: Colombian National Charged for Unlawfully Injecting Silicone into Victims’ Bodies

01/12/2018
December 13, 2016: Tampa Resident Indicted for Involvement with Tricare Health Care Fraud Scheme

01/12/2018
September 29, 2016: New York Man Pleads Guilty To Conspiring To Illegally Manufacture Designer Steroids

01/12/2018
July 1, 2016: New Hampshire Couple Indicted On Two Counts Of Illegal Distribution Of Prescription Drugs

01/12/2018
June 22, 2016: Former Nurse Sentenced to 82 Months for Stealing and Tampering with Patient Medications

01/12/2018
December 19, 2016: New York Man Sentenced to Lengthy Prison Term for Selling Unsafe Dietary Supplements Online

01/12/2018
July 29, 2016: Majority Owner of NECC and Husband Plead Guilty to Illegal Cash Withdrawals Following Outbreak

01/12/2018
July 20, 2016: Former Acclarent, Inc. Executives Convicted of Crimes Related to the Sale of Medical Devices

01/12/2018
June 6, 2016: Pharmaceutical Companies To Pay $67 Million To Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Relating To Tarceva

01/11/2018
July 22, 2016: Medical Device Manufacturer Acclarent Inc. to Pay $18 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations

01/11/2018
November 15, 2016: Miami-Dade Resident Sentenced to Fifteen Months in Prison for Distributing Contaminated Cheese

01/09/2018
November 4, 2016: Two Pakistani Nationals Sentenced for Conspiring to Illegally Ship Pharmaceuticals into the United States

01/09/2018
November 29, 2016: Eight Defendants Convicted For Conspiracy to Manufacture and Distribute Counterfeit 5-Hour Energy Drink

01/09/2018
July 6, 2016: New Jersey Medical Device Manufacturer Admits Selling Contaminated Ultrasound Gel; Court Orders Permanent Injunction

01/09/2018
June 21, 2016: Two Pharmacists Sentenced to Prison for Adulteration of Drugs in Connection with Alabama-Based Compounding Pharmacy

01/09/2018
December 2, 2016: Former Police Officer Sentenced in White Plains Federal Court to 8 Years in Prison for Selling Date Rape Drug

01/09/2018
December 13, 2016: O.C. Man Charged with Selling Pet Meds Without a Prescription, Some of Which Were Not Approved for Distribution in the United States

01/09/2018
November 10, 2016: Nurse Who Operated Spa in Laguna Niguel Agrees to Plead Guilty to Illegally Dispensing Botox Not Approved for Use in United States

01/09/2018
November 28, 2016: Iowa Cancer Clinic and Oncologist to Pay More Than $176,000 To Settle False Claims Act Allegations They Recklessly Billed for Cancer Drugs That Were Unapproved, Misbranded, or Counterfeit and Improperly Upcoded Office Visit Claims

01/09/2018
September 9, 2016: Owner of Major Online Colored Contact Lens Business Pleads Guilty in Largest-Ever Investigation of Counterfeit and Misbranded Contact Lenses in the United States

01/09/2018
November 7, 2016: Medical Device Maker Biocompatibles Pleads Guilty to Misbranding and Agrees to Pay $36 Million to Resolve Criminal Liability and False Claims Act Allegations

01/09/2018
December 7, 2016: GNC Enters Into Agreement with Department of Justice to Improve Its Practices and Keep Potentially Illegal Dietary Supplements Out of the Marketplace

01/09/2018
December 5, 2016: Medical Device Saleswoman Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Charges Relating to the Transport of Stolen Medical Devices and Money Laundering

12/15/2016
December 13, 2016: Conagra Subsidiary Sentenced in Connection with Outbreak of Salmonella Poisoning Related to Peanut Butter

12/13/2016
December 9, 2016: Two South Florida Residents Charged with Conspiring to Misbrand and Sell Expired Gastric Banding Systems

11/21/2016
November 18, 2016: Palm Harbor Oncologist Convicted Of Buying Unapproved Cancer Medications From Foreign Sources And Defrauding Medicare

11/08/2016
November 4, 2016: University Hospital Nurse Arrested Following Grand Jury Indictment for Illegally Obtaining and Tampering with Fentanyl and Hydomorphone

10/17/2016
October 11, 2016: Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Manufacturing, Distributing Performance Enhancing Drugs

09/26/2016
September 9, 2016: Medical Device Saleswoman Convicted on Charges of Conspiring to Transport Stolen Medical Devices in Interstate Commerce, Money Laundering and Other Charges

08/19/2016
August 19,2016: North Carolina Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Providing Silicone Buttocks Injections Resulting in the Death of a Client

07/26/2016
July 25, 2016: Three Charged with Manufacturing, Distributing Performance Enhancing Drugs

06/20/2016
June 20, 2016: R.I. Businessman Pleads Guilty to Running International Scheme to Label and Sell Misbranded Drugs

06/08/2016
June 2, 2016: President of Pharmaceutical Companies Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Long-Running Scheme to Sell Misbranded and Unapproved Chemotherapy and Other Prescription Drugs

05/27/2016
May 26, 2016: Owner of “The Wholesale Source” Convicted for Selling Unsafe Dietary Supplements Online

05/27/2016
May 27, 2016: North Carolina Man Admits Receiving and Selling Misbranded Silicone for Buttocks Injections Resulting in the Death of a Client

05/23/2016
May 9, 2016: California Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Unapproved Drug in Rhode Island

05/19/2016
May 18, 2016: Woman Charged with Illegally Administering Silicone Injections

05/16/2016
May 13, 2016: Two Key Players in Illegal Online Pharmacy Scheme Sentenced to Prison

05/16/2016
May 12, 2016: Windsor Mill Woman Indicted for Allegedly Injecting Non-Medical Grade Silicone into the Bodies of Victim Customers

05/09/2016
May 9, 2016: Owner of Bodybuilding Drug Companies Sentenced for Selling Misbranded Drugs

05/09/2016
May 9, 2016: Lodi Oncologist and Office Administrator Pay $300,000 to Settle False Claims Act Allegations

05/06/2016
May 5, 2016: Florida Man Sentenced To Prison For Illegal Diet Pill Scheme

05/05/2016
May 4, 2016: Former Buffalo Nurse Sentenced For Stealing Pain Medications Intended For Patients From Local Hospital

05/04/2016
April 28, 2016: Jury Convicts Former Police Officer For Selling Date Rape Drug

05/04/2016
May 3, 2016: Gainesville Physician Convicted of 162 Counts of Health Care Fraud

05/02/2016
April 29, 2016: Manhattan U.S. Attorney Announces Arrest Of Black Market Distributor Of Diverted HIV Medications Worth Approximately $4 Million

04/20/2016
April 20, 2016: Norfolk Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Distributing Insulin

04/14/2016
April 7, 2016: Former Nurse Sentenced for Stealing Narcotics from Hospital

04/06/2016
April 4, 2016: Former Carlsbad Resident Jailed for Sale of Unapproved “Energy Wave” Medical Devices

03/24/2016
March 23, 2016: Federal Jury Convicts Destrehan Woman in Scheme to Sell Illegal and Mislabelled Diet Pills

03/24/2016
March 23, 2016: Detroit-Area Physician Sentenced to 45 Months in Prison for Role in $5.7 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme

03/21/2016
March 18, 2016: Bookkeeper for Online Pharmacy Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Money Laundering

03/11/2016
March 8, 2016: Cincinnati Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Importing Drugs into U.S.

03/08/2016
March 7, 2016: Tehachapi Doctor Sentenced to 6 Months in Prison for Defrauding Patients and Insurers by Implanting Unapproved IUDs

03/08/2016
March 4, 2016: First of Seven Defendants Who Operated Illegal Online Pharmacy Sentenced to Prison

03/04/2016
March 4, 2016: Mumbai, India, Man Sentenced on Misbranding Charge

03/03/2016
March 1, 2016: Principal of Dietary Ingredient Companies Pleads Guilty to Multi-Million Dollar Fraud and Meth Precursor Scheme

02/29/2016
February 26, 2016: Florence Man Sentenced for Smuggling and Distributing Prescription Drugs

02/25/2016
February 17, 2016: Danville Man Pleads Guilty to Manufacturing and Distributing Illegal Dietary Supplements

02/24/2016
February 24, 2016: Former VA Nurse Pleads Guilty To Stealing Controlled Substance From Hospital Syringes

02/24/2016
February 17, 2016: Two Men Sentenced For Involvement in Scheme to Distribute Misbranded Drugs

02/23/2016
February 10, 2016: Las Vegas Resident Indicted For Running Counterfeit and Misbranded Contact Lens Operation

02/19/2016
February 17, 2016: United States And Vermont Doctor Resolve Matter Involving Non-FDA Approved Drugs And False Claims

02/19/2016
February 16, 2016: Swedish Medical Center Surgical Tech/Technologist Indicted by Federal Grand Jury in Denver on Charges of Tampering with a Consumer Product and Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Deceit

02/19/2016
February 10, 2016: Owner of Cancer Treatment Clinic Convicted of Providing Fraudulent Medical Treatments to Patients

02/04/2016
January 28, 2016: Federal Criminal Charges Filed Against Two Pharmacists for Adulteration of Drugs in Connection with Alabama-Based Compounding Pharmacy

02/02/2016
February 1, 2016: Pakistani Man Makes Appearance in U.S. District Court in Denver Following Indictment and Arrest for Sale and Distribution of New, Misbranded and Counterfeit Prescription Drugs

02/02/2016
February 1, 2016: Worcester Nurse Sentenced for Stealing Oxycodone from Patients

02/02/2016
January 22, 2016: Counterfeit Cigarette Smuggler Receives Jail Sentence

02/02/2016
January 5, 2016: Two Defendants Sentenced to Prison in Conspiracy to Distribute Over $6.6 Million in Contraband Cigarettes

MIL OSI USA News –

May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: ICE Boston arrests Dominican fugitive charged with firearms, drug crimes in Massachusetts

Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

May 21, 2025Boston, MA, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

BOSTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, arrested a 44-year-old Dominican national charged in Boston with fentanyl trafficking and possession of a firearm. Officers with ICE Boston and CBP Boston arrested Julio Soto-Heredia in Boston May 18.

Additionally, Soto-Heredia has been charged by Dominican authorities for firearms trafficking crimes in the Dominican Republic.

“Julio Soto-Heredia attempted to flee justice in the Dominican Republic by hiding out in Boston,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “If that weren’t bad enough, Soto-Heredia apparently illegally armed himself and attempted to peddle poison in our Massachusetts neighborhoods. ICE Boston will not stand idly by while illegal alien offenders victimize the residents of our New England communities. We will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing criminal alien offenders.”

Soto-Heredia remains in ICE custody.

Members of the public with information about suspected immigration violations or related criminal activity are encouraged to contact the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or submit information online via the ICE Tip Form.

Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X at @EROBoston.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Rediscovering lost Gaelic words
Source: Scottish Government

Funding for Gaelic cultural projects.

An online dictionary which has rediscovered lost Gaelic phrases and word meanings is one of 12 projects set to benefit from Scottish Government funding.

Faclair na Gàidhlig (the Historical Dictionary of Scottish Gaelic) seeks to provide a better understanding of Gaelic’s history and culture. It is the first dictionary of the language which aims to detail the origins and meanings of every known Gaelic word. Compilers expect that it will contain more than 100,000 entries.

As part of the initiative, researchers have investigated historical manuscripts dating back to the 12th Century.

Rediscovered phrases and word meanings include:
- the phrase “Ciod fo na rionnagan” (“what under the stars”), which was used in the early 1900s to emphasise a point similar to “what on earth”
- the Gaelic word for prickly pear fruit, “peur stobach”, was first used in a letter documenting a visit to Saint Helena in 1900
- “uircean”, which is the Gaelic word for “piglet”, also used to mean “whale calf” in the 1800s
The investment will build on 20 years of work by helping Faclair na Gàidhlig to reach new audiences including learners, researchers, writers and speakers of Gaelic.

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic Kate Forbes announced the funding as part of a wider £500,000 package to support the language’s growth across Scotland. The investment will also support the publication of Gaelic language books, local mòd events throughout Scotland and Gaelic cultural activities including a summer school and musical events.

Ms Forbes said:

“The dictionary initiative is providing researchers, writers, speakers and learners of Gaelic with new insight into the language and it will be a valuable resource for future generations.

“Gaelic is a core part of Scotland’s culture, heritage and history. To support the language’s growth across Scotland, I am announcing funding for a range of Gaelic publishing, education, arts and community projects today.

“This will build on measures set out in the Scottish Languages Bill to strengthen Gaelic education provision and our investment of £35.7 million in initiatives to promote the language in 2025-26.”

Ola Szczesnowicz, Senior Editor of Faclair na Gàidhlig, said:

“Faclair na Gàidhlig will be the most comprehensive dictionary of Scottish Gaelic compiled on historical principles, similar to the Oxford English Dictionary. This is a big undertaking, and we welcome the Scottish Government’s funding to help continue our work. Our dictionary entries are already going online, freely available to Gaelic speakers and everyone interested in the language.”

Background

Audio clips to assist with the pronunciation of Gaelic words are available from LearnGaelic’s website online.

Faclair na Gàidhlig is available to read online.

The initiative is based at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture. It involves the universities of Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Strathclyde. Scottish Government funding for Faclair na Gàidhlig is delivered through the Scottish Funding Council and Bòrd na Gàidhlig.

Organisations which will benefit from funding include:
- Comunn na Gàidhlig, which has been allocated £134,190 to promote Scottish Gaelic language and culture
- An Comunn Gàidhealach (organisers of the Royal National Mòd) will benefit from £74,000 to support the organisation of local mòd events
- Fèisean nan Gàidheal (National Association of Scottish Gaelic Arts Youth Tuition Festivals) will be provided £37,000 to support Gaelic music
- Tobar an Dualchais is to receive £35,000 to support the ongoing collection of online materials in Gaelic and Scots including songs, stories and rhythms
- Ceòlas is to receive £30,000 to support Gaelic cultural activities including its summer school and musical events
- Comhairle nan Leabhraichean (Gaelic Book Council), which will receive £49,000, and Acair Publishing, which will be provided £30,000, to support the publication of Gaelic books
- Ainmean Àite na h-Alba (Gaelic Place-Names of Scotland) has been allocated £20,000 to continue its work as the national advisory partnership for Gaelic place-names in Scotland
- Faclair na Gàidhlig will receive £17,500 to reach new audiences in collaboration with other Gaelic organisations
- Ionad Chaluim Chille Ìle (Islay Gaelic Centre) has been allocated £17,500 to host Gaelic classes, exhibitions and early years groups
- Theatre gu Leòr will benefit from £10,000 to deliver Gaelic theatrical performances across Scotland
Faclan Gàidhlig caillte air an lorg às ùr

Maoineachadh airson pròiseactan cultarail Gàidhlig

’S e faclair air-loidhne a tha air abairtean is brìghean Gàidhlig caillte a lorg às ùr aon de 12 pròiseactan a tha gus buannachd fhaighinn à maoineachadh le Riaghaltas na h-Alba.

Tha Faclair na Gàidhlig airson a bhith a’ toirt seachad tuigse nas fheàrr de dh’eachdraidh is cultar na Gàidhlig. ’S e a’ chiad fhaclair den chànan a bhios ag amas mìneachadh a thoirt seachad air tùs agus brìgh a h-uile facal Gàidhlig air a bheil eòlas againn. Tha an fheadhainn a tha an sàs san fhaclair an dùil gum bi còrr air 100,000 facal is abairt ann.

Mar phàirt den iomairt, rinn luchd-rannsachaidh sgrùdadh air làmh-sgrìobhainnean a’ dol cho fada air ais ris an 12mh Linn.

Am measg nan abairtean is brìghean a chaidh a lorg às ùr tha:
- an abairt “Ciod fo na rionnagan”, a chaidh a chleachdadh tràth san 12mh Linn ann an seagh coltach ri “dè fon ghrèin” san latha an-diugh
- chaidh “peur stobach” a chleachdadh son a’ chiad uair mar ainm Gàidhlig airson “prickly pear fruit” ann an litir ag aithris air turas gu St Helena ann an 1900
- bha “uircean”, a tha mar as trice a’ ciallachadh muc òg, air a chleachdadh sna 1800an mar fhacal airson cuilean na muice-mara
Bidh an tasgadh-airgid a’ togail air 20 bliadhna de dh’obair le bhith a’ cuideachadh Faclair na Gàidhlig ann a bhith a’ ruighinn luchd-leughaidh ùr – nam measg luchd-ionnsachaidh, luchd-rannsachaidh, sgrìobhadairean agus luchd-labhairt na Gàidhlig.

Chaidh maoineachadh a’ phròiseict fhoillseachadh leis an Leas-Phrìomh Mhinistear agus Rùnaire a’ Chaibineit airson na h-Eaconamaidh agus na Gàidhlig, Ceit Fhoirbeis, mar phàirt de phacaid nas motha luach £500,000 gus taic a chur ri fàs na Gàidhlig air feadh Alba.

Cuiridh an tasgadh-airgid taic cuideachd ri bhith a’ foillseachadh leabhraichean Gàidhlig, a’ cumail thachartasan airson nam Mòd ionadail air feadh Alba is cuideachd cur-seachadan cultarail Gàidhlig – nam measg sgoil samhraidh agus tachartasan ciùil.

Thuirt a’ Bh-uas. Fhoirbeis:

“Tha iomairt an fhaclair a’ toirt sheallaidhean ùra air a’ chànan do luchd-rannsachaidh, luchd-labhairt agus luchd-ionnsachaidh is bidh e na stòras luachmhor do ghinealaichean ri thighinn.

“Tha a’ Ghàidhlig na prìomh phàirt de chultar, dualchas agus eachdraidh na h-Alba. Gus taic a chur ri fàs a’ chànain, tha mi an-diugh a’ cur an cèill maoineachadh airson measgachadh de phròiseactan Gàidhlig ann am foillseachadh, foghlam, na h-ealainean agus aig ìre na coimhearsnachd.

“Bidh seo a’ togail air na ceumannan a tha an lùib Bile nan Cànan Albannach gus foghlam Gàidhlig a neartachadh, agus cuideachd air an tasgadh-airgid as fhiach £35.7 millean a tha sinn a’ cur ri iomairtean gus an cànan a bhrosnachadh ann an 2025-26.”

Thuirt Ola Szczesnowicz, Àrd-dheasaiche Fhaclair na Gàidhlig:

“Bheir Faclair na Gàidhlig seachad am faclair as mionaidiche a chaidh a chruthachadh don Ghàidhlig a rèir phrionnsapalan eachdraidheil, coltach ri Faclair Eachdraidheil Oxford anns a’ Bheurla. ’S e obair mhòr a tha seo agus tha sinn a’ cur fàilte air maoineachadh Riaghaltas na h-Alba is e gar cuideachadh ann a bhith a’ leantainn na h-obrach. Tha faclan is abairtean an Fhaclair mu thràth a’ dol air-loidhne is iad ri fhaighinn gu saor an-asgaidh do luchd-labhairt na Gàidhlig agus duine sam bith aig a bheil ùidh sa chànan.”

Cùl-fhiosrachadh

Gheibhear criomagan-fuaime air-loidhne aig LearnGaelic gus cuideachadh le bhith a’ fuaimneachadh nam facal Gàidhlig.

’S urrainnear Faclair na Gàidhlig a leughadh air-loidhne.

’S ann aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Ionad Nàiseanta na Gàidhlig, a tha an iomairt stèidhichte. Tha oilthighean Obar Dheathain, Dhùn Èideann, Ghlaschu agus Shrath Chluaidh an sàs sa phròiseact. Tha am maoineachadh a tha Riaghaltas na h-Alba a’ toirt dha Faclair na Gàidhlig air a thoirt seachad tro Chomhairle Mhaoineachaidh na h-Alba agus Bòrd na Gàidhlig.

Am measg nam buidhnean a gheibh buannachd às a’ mhaoineachadh seo tha:
- Chaidh £134,190 a chomharrachadh do Chomunn na Gàidhlig, gus cànan agus cultar na Gàidhlig a chur air adhart
- Thèid £74,000 a thoirt don Chomunn Ghàidhealach (leis a bheil Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail) gus taic a chur ri bhith ag ullachadh tachartasan nam Mòd ionadail
- Gheibh Fèisean nan Gàidheal £37,000 airson taic a chur ri ceòl Gàidhlig
- Tha Tobar an Dualchais gus £35,000 fhaighinn gus taic a chur ris an obair leantainnich aca a’ cruinneachadh stuthan air-loidhne sa Ghàidhlig agus Albais. Am measg seo tha òrain, sgeulachdan agus ruitheaman
- Tha Ceòlas gus £30,000 fhaighinn a chuireas taic ri cur-seachadan cultarail Gàidhlig mar an sgoil samhraidh aca
- Acair, a gheibh £30,000, agus Comhairle nan Leabhraichean, a gheibh £49,000, gus cuideachadh le bhith a’ foillseachadh leabhraichean Gàidhlig
- Chaidh £20,000 a chomharrachadh airson Ainmean-Àite na h-Alba, gus an cùm iad orra leis an obair aca mar a’ bhuidhinn-chomhairleachaidh nàiseanta airson ainmean-àite Gàidhlig ann an Alba
- Gheibh Faclair na Gàidhlig £17,500 gus luchd-leughaidh ùr a ruighinn ann an com-pàirt le buidhnean Gàidhlig eile
- Chaidh £17,500 a chomharrachadh airson Ionad Chaluim Chille Ìle gus an urrainn dhaibh clasaichean, taisbeanaidhean agus buidhnean tràth-bhliadhnaichean
- Thèid £10,000 a thoirt do Theatre gu Leòr airson dealbhan-cluiche a lìbhrigeadh air feadh Alba
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Teachers knew what children needed to recover from the pandemic – but their insights were ignored

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Alice Bradbury, Professor of Sociology of Education, UCL

PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

Five years have passed since schools and nurseries closed in England as a result of COVID-19 lockdowns. This unprecedented disruption to children’s normal routines created considerable concern – both at the time and in the years since.

But based on our research into the impact of school closures on children, we believe that many of the long-term effects have been misdiagnosed or ignored. Funding has been channelled in the wrong direction, hampering real recovery.

We researched what was happening in primary schools during the pandemic. We used surveys, interviews and school-based case studies to collect insights from school staff and parents.

Our survey data and case studies showed that teachers recognised straight away how the pandemic was affecting the children they taught and their families.

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Schools knew that not receiving free school meals and being confined to inadequate housing during lockdown would affect children’s health and nutrition. They saw that some children would be exposed to greater risk from being at home, and that they needed to take action. They also recognised that children living in poverty would be affected the most.

We also conducted two systematic literature reviews which assessed the findings of a large range of scholarly research. In one, we reviewed the evidence for how schools recover from sudden closures due to natural disasters or epidemics. In the other, we assessed studies published towards the end of the pandemic on the harm done to pupils.

Priorities for recovery

We wanted to know the key areas to focus on to help children recover from the disruption of lockdown. Our own research in schools arrived at similar answers to the review of research on school closures associated with natural disasters.

First, it is important to recognise the value of local knowledge. Recovery strategies that are decided without insight into the local context may be poorly designed and unable to address the actual issues facing particular schools.

Second, schools need to have the freedom to reset the pace at which the curriculum is taught, as both pupils and staff needed time to process what had happened during the pandemic. Rushing to catch up would prove counter-productive. And third, government responses need to make staff and pupil welfare a priority, and help repair wellbeing.

Our review of the evidence of harm to pupils, published as the pandemic ended, found negative effects on physical health and nutrition, mixed effects on mental health and uncertainty about effects on learning.

We saw how far the impact of COVID-19 on employment, and the prevalence of household bereavements, varied from place to place. We advised the Department for Education that insights from local communities were needed to help recovery, and that without them, centrally designed schemes might be unsuccessful.

But instead, the government focused its immediate efforts on a time-limited national tutoring programme, intended to counter “learning loss” – to help pupils recover the knowledge they missed out on learning during school closures and to close the attainment gap.

But the programme was poorly reviewed. Funding for tutors with no knowledge of the school or its pupils led to disappointing uptake and an early switch to a school-led funding route.

The government’s appointed “catch-up tsar”, Kevan Collins, resigned early on. He commented that the “support announced by government so far does not come close to meeting the scale of the challenge”. This has proved true.

Lasting consequences

Five years on, it is not in the areas of learning loss that the long-term effects are being most felt. Evidence of learning loss is mixed, with exam results showing near recovery to pre-pandemic standards.

Rather, it is the complex interactions between pupil absence and exclusions, the ongoing impacts on children with special educational needs and disabilities (as the strongest predictor of persistent absence) and the impacts on wellbeing that are most clearly indicative of an ongoing problem.

Children’s wellbeing should be a key focus of continuing pandemic recovery.
New Africa/Shutterstock

A recent report from the charities The Institute For Public Policy Research and The Difference has found that absence and suspensions are two-thirds higher in England than before the pandemic. The findings suggest that this is the “lost learning” we should be concerned about.

This has been compounded by a cost-of-living crisis that is deepening child poverty.

Schools need support to help get past the consequences of the pandemic. This means a better funding formula that resources them properly for what they do – including the role they play in addressing child poverty. Teachers’ expertise needs to be recognised, and they need to feel valued.

What’s more, the social value of primary school matters. It should not be seen only as preparation for an academic secondary school curriculum. Room for play, for physical activity, for arts and self-expression would greatly enrich this phase and set good foundations for the later years.

While it may be many years until we really understand what the pandemic meant for children, we can at least use what we know now to inform the long process of recovery.

Alice Bradbury receives funding from the Helen Hamlyn Trust which funds the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Pedagogy at UCL. She has also received research funding from the Economic and Social Research Council and Department of Education/SAGE for the research discussed here. She is a member of the Labour Party and the Universities and College Union.

Gemma Moss receives funding from the Economic and Social Research Council for the research discussed here.

Sinead Harmey receives funding from the Economic and Social Research Council for the research discussed here.

– ref. Teachers knew what children needed to recover from the pandemic – but their insights were ignored – https://theconversation.com/teachers-knew-what-children-needed-to-recover-from-the-pandemic-but-their-insights-were-ignored-253181

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Why the UK government is opposing universities on immigration

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Chris Millward, Professor of Practice in Education Policy, University of Birmingham

PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

The UK government has announced its plans for controlling immigration, and these include new rules for international students.

The recent white paper on immigration proposes that most graduates will be allowed to stay in the UK for 18 months after their course finishes. This is six months less than currently permitted.

There will be a higher bar for universities to sponsor visas, excluding those universities at which higher numbers of students fail to complete their courses. The white paper also proposes a 6% levy on universities’ income from international students.

Universities think these changes will worsen their financial problems. However, this appears less important to the government than controlling immigration.

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Universities are one of the UK’s strongest global assets, generating influence alongside export income. After the general election last year, science minister Peter Kyle vowed Labour would end what he termed the “war on universities” conducted by the previous Conservative government. That included a more welcoming approach to international students.

One reason for the change in tone and policy signalled by the white paper is common to other popular destinations for international students: the rise of nationalist parties opposed to immigration. But there is another reason specific to the UK, which is the government’s aim to reform higher education.

Politics and immigration

Two weeks before the release of the immigration white paper, the Reform party secured control of ten local authorities across England, winning 677 seats. The party’s rising popularity will be of increasing concern to the Labour government.

Reform is concerned about the effects of immigration on communities and wages. This affects international students because they figure within immigration statistics and increasingly stay for work.

Like nationalist and anti-immigration parties in other countries, Reform also gains more support from voters without a university degree.

In the US and Netherlands, similar movements have taken steps to reduce university funding and international students once in power. But these policies are not confined to nationalist parties.

Canada and Australia’s Liberal and Labour governments also signalled caps on international student recruitment before their re-election earlier this year.

This appears to be the strategy adopted by the UK’s Labour party – that it wants to assure voters who are more concerned about immigration than university finances.

Higher education policy

Alongside this, the government thinks employers are too reliant on migrant labour, and universities on international students. It wants them to focus more on developing the UK workforce. That requires employers to invest in skills development, and universities to provide courses that build crucial capabilities for the future.

The white paper states that “at a time when skills matter more than ever to the economy and people’s employment prospects, there has been a long-term lack of coordination or investment to deliver the skills and capabilities our economy needs”.

In England, coordinated higher education investment is difficult because most government funding is routed through loans to students. This encourages universities to meet demand from young people, which does not necessarily align with economic and public service priorities.

After years of anaemic economic and productivity growth but repeated increases to the minimum wage, one-tenth of graduates now earn little more than that threshold.

Higher education policy is increasingly focused on key skills.
goodluz/Shutterstock

In response, the last government encouraged young people to take apprenticeships rather than university degrees. It also allowed student maintenance loans and fees to decline in value in real terms.

Universities filled the gap in their income with international students – particularly one-year taught postgraduates from Nigeria and India who often bring family members then stay for work. This made universities reliant on short-term income, while increasing immigration statistics.

Changes to family visa rules, combined with a global economic downturn and geopolitical tensions, have led universities to forecast a 21% reduction in new international student entrants this year. And 44% of universities are expecting to be in financial deficit.

Unlike its predecessor, the government accepts that UK student fees should increase with inflation, so has allowed this for the first time since 2017. But it wants a change from universities in return. Rather than relying on international students, they should make efficiencies and focus on courses that align with government priorities.

In a system mostly financed by student fees, there are few levers for influencing this. The Office for Students, which regulates higher education, has been asked to focus on managing quality and financial risks rather than policy.

Its funding for strategic priorities has been reduced. There are, though, three measures highlighted within the white paper that could become influential.

First, the government is reforming the apprenticeships levy, so it can be used more flexibly for workforce development priorities. Second, the tightening of sponsorship rules aims to drive international recruitment towards courses supplying the highest levels of skills and knowledge. Third, the proposed levy on international student income equips the government to invest in priority courses, rather than relying on student choice.

The first measure is already being implemented. A new organisation, Skills England, has been established to determine priorities for investment.

This may include funds from the proposed levy on international student income, though the precedent of Australia suggests that may be difficult. Regardless, there is a mood in government for higher education reform.

Chris Millward is a member of staff at the University of Birmingham. He is also a board member of MEDR, the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research in Wales, and a Trustee of the Academy of Social Sciences. All of these organisations are affected by the issues addressed in this article.

– ref. Why the UK government is opposing universities on immigration – https://theconversation.com/why-the-uk-government-is-opposing-universities-on-immigration-256526

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Continuing to seek Chinese investment in the UK comes at a heavy political price

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jeffrey Henderson, Professor Emeritus of International Development, University of Bristol

Steel blast furnaces in Scunthorpe, UK. Baxter Media/Shutterstock

One major consequence of the UK government’s resistance to rejoining the European single market is that it is forced to go around the world seeking trade deals and investment.

Recently, the government has boasted of successful arrangements with India, the US, and some new agreements with the EU. But it has also found itself courting one highly dubious suitor.

Since the chancellor of the exchequer, Rachel Reeves, went to Beijing in January 2025, the government has been focusing much of its attention on China. And while investment from the world’s second-largest economy is fairly unproblematic in a few sectors (some services and domestic real estate, for example), other areas are a cause for concern.

Relying on Chinese money to support key sectors such as steel, telecommunications, advanced electronics, power and transport – all vital for Britain’s economic and geopolitical security – is potentially dangerous.

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Yet it has been going on for years. Efforts to secure funding by a previous Conservative government even allowed state-owned Chinese companies to invest in the UK’s nuclear future, despite considerable criticism from the likes of MI5 and the British military.

Then there was the 2017 acquisition by a Chinese state-backed private equity firm of cutting-edge semi-conductor company, Imagination Technologies. Subsequent concerns over the leaking of its intellectual property prompted a parliamentary enquiry into foreign corporate asset-stripping.

British Steel was also a target. Sold in 2019, it is now owned by a private company, Jingye, which in April 2025 moved to shut down operations at its Scunthorpe site by not supplying the raw materials required for its blast furnaces.

In response, the UK government took emergency control of production in a scramble to stop the furnaces from going cold.

That incident should have served as an urgent reminder to the government that it needs to be wary of the effect Chinese companies can have on the UK.

Early signs, however, are not reassuring. Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds commented that Jingye was not acting in the “rational way” he would expect of a company in a market economy.

But the government should know that when it comes to strategic decision-making, Chinese companies do not operate in ways that others consider rational. Put simply, they are not comparable to their equivalents in Britain or other liberal-market economies – because they are effectively controlled by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

According to the CCP’s data, by 2017 it had established a formal presence inside 92% of larger private companies and 73% of all private companies in China. Those figures will certainly be higher now. And, as with the digital-technology firm Huawei, senior CCP members are often on a company’s boards of directors.

So, while Jingye almost eliminated British Steel as a viable company, it can be reasonably assumed that a decision of such strategic and geopolitical importance would not have been taken by Jingye’s executives alone. They would have been “guided” by the CCP.

Influence and infrastructure

And of course, it’s not just steel production the UK should be concerned about. Chinese ownership now extends across many vital sectors.

There’s the Chinese state-owned company, Beijing Construction Engineering helping to build a new science and innovation park next to Manchester airport. And the private Hong Kong company, CK Infrastructure which owns water companies serving north-east England, Essex and Suffolk.

China Investment Corporation (state-owned) owns part of Heathrow, while China Huaneng (state-owned) operates Europe’s largest battery storage facility in Wiltshire. Meanwhile, wind turbine producer Mingyang (privately owned and reputedly linked to the Chinese military) is the preferred bidder for a new Scottish wind farm, despite being barred from a similar Norwegian development.

All of these companies, irrespective of formal ownership, are likely to be subject to varying degrees of CCP influence and control (comment on the issue from Chinese companies is rare). And successive UK governments have either failed to appreciate the implications of this, or have accepted it as the price of gaining greater access to the Chinese market – especially for London’s financial sector.

This was almost certainly a factor behind China’s involvement in the building of Hinkley Point’s new nuclear power station, and was at the forefront in Rachel Reeves’s discussions with the Chinese government earlier this year.

Separately, Chinese investment in non-strategic sectors is much less controversial. One private conglomerate (Fosun) owns the Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers and formerly owned Thomas Cook.

But the lesson from the British Steel fiasco is clear. We are now in a world where the political interests of major states trump the economic interests of their business corporations. Geopolitics takes precedence over geoeconomics.

Consequently, Chinese firms – regardless of ownership status – should be barred from industries vital to the UK’s economic and political security. Anything less risks subordinating British interests to those of the Chinese Communist Party.

Funding from European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST), for the China in Europe Research Network, contributed to the research on which this article is based.

– ref. Continuing to seek Chinese investment in the UK comes at a heavy political price – https://theconversation.com/continuing-to-seek-chinese-investment-in-the-uk-comes-at-a-heavy-political-price-255340

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI: Best Horse Racing Betting Sites in Australia – Donbet Picked as the Top AU Racebook
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

New York City, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

Horse racing is more than just a pastime in Australia—it’s practically a national obsession. From the Melbourne Cup to the raw excitement of local meets, Australians love the thrill of the track.

Betting on horse racing has become an integral part of this beloved sport, with numerous horse racing betting sites Australia bettors can join vying for attention from punters. But with so many options, how do you choose the best?

JOIN THE BEST HORSE RACEBOOK IN AU: DONBET

Why Donbet Is the Best Horse Racing Betting Site in Australia

When you’re placing bets online, reliability and ease of use are paramount. Donbet not only meets these criteria but exceeds them. Donbet’s platform is crafted specifically with Aussie punters in mind, combining user-friendly design, excellent odds, comprehensive race coverage, and robust security features.

One of Donbet’s standout features is its exceptional user interface. Easy navigation ensures bettors can quickly find odds and place wagers without unnecessary complications. Additionally, Donbet consistently provides competitive odds on all major and minor races, ensuring maximum value for every wager.

The platform also offers extensive coverage of Australian and international races. Whether you’re betting on prestigious races like the Melbourne Cup or smaller local meets, Donbet ensures you never miss a beat.

What to Consider When Choosing Horse Racing Sportbooks in Australia

User Experience and Interface

A seamless betting experience is crucial. Choose platforms like Donbet, known for their intuitive navigation, quick loading times, and responsive customer support.

Betting Markets and Odds

The best horse racing betting sites Australia has ever seen should offer a wide variety of betting markets, from straightforward win/place/show bets to more exotic wagers. Competitive odds significantly enhance potential returns.

Security and Licensing

Always prioritize betting sites that are licensed and regulated by Australian gaming authorities. Secure platforms utilize advanced encryption to protect your personal and financial details.

Promotions and Bonuses

Look for sites offering generous sign-up bonuses, free bets, cashback offers, and loyalty programs. Donbet excels by regularly updating promotions tailored to horse racing enthusiasts.

Payment Methods and Speed of Withdrawals

Efficient payment processing is vital. Ensure your chosen betting site supports popular Aussie-friendly payment methods like credit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets.

Mobile Compatibility

With betting increasingly moving online, top sites must offer mobile-optimized platforms or dedicated betting apps to allow seamless betting on-the-go.

How to Join Horse Racing Sportsbooks in Australia

Joining horse racing betting sites like Donbet in Australia is straightforward and quick. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the steps to help you easily get started:

Step 1: Visit the Website

Navigate to Donbet’s official site using your desktop or mobile browser. You’ll easily spot the “Join” or “Register” button, usually prominently displayed at the top right corner of the homepage.

Step 2: Complete the Registration Form

Click the button and enter your personal details accurately. These typically include your full name, date of birth, residential address, email, and contact phone number. It’s crucial to provide accurate information to ensure smooth verification and secure account management.

Step 3: Verify Your Identity

Australian betting regulations mandate identity verification for security purposes. You’ll be prompted to upload documents like your passport, driver’s license, or national ID card. Occasionally, additional proof of address might be required, such as a recent utility bill or bank statement.

Step 4: Make Your First Deposit

Once your account is verified, deposit funds using your preferred method. Donbet supports various popular payment options, including credit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets. Deposits are typically processed swiftly, allowing immediate betting access.

Step 5: Place Your Bets

With your account funded, explore Donbet’s extensive race listings. You can choose from numerous betting markets, including win/place/show, quinellas, trifectas, and more exotic options. Select your races, choose your bets, confirm your wagers, and you’re all set!

TAKE THE 600 AUD BONUS

Most Popular Racetracks You Can Bet On In Australia

Australia boasts some of the most prestigious and exhilarating racetracks worldwide, each with its distinctive charm and betting opportunities:
- Flemington Racecourse, Victoria: Located in Melbourne, Flemington is internationally renowned, especially for hosting the Melbourne Cup—Australia’s most famous horse race. The Melbourne Cup Carnival attracts thousands of spectators and bettors every November, making it a highlight of the global racing calendar.
- Randwick Racecourse, New South Wales: Situated in Sydney, Randwick is the home of The Championships, a celebrated event featuring races such as the Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the Doncaster Mile. Its modern facilities and historic charm make it a favourite amongst punters.
- Caulfield Racecourse, Victoria: Known for the prestigious Caulfield Cup, this Melbourne-based venue provides a critical testing ground for horses aiming for Melbourne Cup glory. Its engaging track layout ensures dynamic racing, offering bettors thrilling and strategic betting opportunities.
- Moonee Valley Racecourse, Victoria: Located in Melbourne, Moonee Valley is famed for hosting the Cox Plate, known as Australia’s weight-for-age championship. Its compact and tight-turn course creates intense, exciting races ideal for experienced punters looking for challenging odds.
- Eagle Farm Racecourse, Queensland: Brisbane’s leading racetrack, Eagle Farm, regularly hosts high-profile events like the Stradbroke Handicap and Queensland Derby. With a long straight track, it rewards strategic betting and offers great opportunities for punters looking to capitalize on form and distance specialists.
- Ascot Racecourse, Western Australia: Ascot, located in Perth, combines lively atmosphere and competitive racing. It hosts major events like the Perth Cup and the Railway Stakes, attracting crowds and bettors keen on the vibrant social scene and competitive odds.
What Makes Donbet Ideal for Aussie Bettors

Donbet’s superiority comes down to several unique features tailored explicitly for Australian punters:
- Local Expertise: Donbet is staffed with industry experts who understand the nuances of Australian horse racing.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Whether it’s major metropolitan races or regional meets, Donbet offers extensive markets to suit every preference.
- Enhanced Odds and Promotions: Regularly updated special offers and boosted odds provide more value to bettors, making Donbet particularly attractive for seasoned and new punters alike.
- Reliable Customer Support: Accessible 24/7 customer service via live chat, email, and phone ensures you always have assistance when needed.
- Robust Security Protocols: Licensed by reputable gaming authorities and employing cutting-edge encryption technologies, Donbet ensures your betting experience is secure.
5 Essential Tips for Betting on Horse Racing

1. Research Thoroughly

Extensive research is crucial to successful betting. Study each horse’s recent form, historical performance on specific tracks, jockey and trainer stats, and the horse’s preferred distance. Look at past race videos and consider expert opinions to build a detailed understanding of potential outcomes.

2. Understand and Identify Betting Value

Understanding betting odds is essential. Recognize how bookmakers set odds and spot value bets—horses that have higher odds than their realistic winning probability. Developing a knack for identifying these bets can significantly enhance your long-term profitability.

3. Practice Bankroll Management

Responsible bankroll management protects your finances and improves your betting strategy. Set clear betting limits and stick to them. Allocate specific amounts per bet and avoid impulsive decisions like chasing losses. Disciplined betting will lead to more consistent and enjoyable betting experiences.

4. Diversify Your Betting Strategy

Don’t rely only on straightforward win bets. Explore various betting markets such as place bets, each-way bets, quinellas, trifectas, and exactas. Diversification helps balance risk and reward, potentially increasing overall returns and keeping betting engaging.

5. Monitor Track and Weather Conditions

Conditions greatly influence race outcomes. Horses can perform differently depending on weather (dry, wet, muddy tracks). Check accurate weather forecasts and track reports on race day. Understanding how these factors affect each horse can provide crucial betting insights and improve your decision-making.

Final Thoughts on Horse Racing Betting Sites in Australia

Horse racing is woven into Australia’s cultural fabric, and betting enhances the excitement of each event. Choosing the right betting site makes all the difference in your horse racing betting sites Australia experience. Donbet rises above the competition, perfectly aligning with what Australian bettors value most—reliability, extensive market coverage, superior odds, security, and outstanding customer support.

Whether you’re a seasoned punter or just starting, Donbet and horse racing betting sites in Australia offer an exhilarating, user-friendly, and safe betting experience. Enjoy the thrills and excitement of Australian horse racing with confidence and ease at Donbet—Australia’s premier destination for horse racing betting.

Editorial Note

This article is provided solely for informational and entertainment purposes. Nothing within should be interpreted as legal, financial, or professional advice. Readers should carry out their own research before participating in any gambling activities or signing up with any online casinos mentioned.

Gambling Caution

Online gambling comes with financial risks and may lead to addictive behavior or monetary loss. We urge all readers to gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, professional help is available. In Australia, you can dial 1800 858 858.

18+ only. It is up to each individual to verify whether online gambling is permitted under their local, state, or federal laws. Neither the publisher, the authors, nor any syndication partners condone or support unlawful gambling. Participation in online gambling is done at the reader’s own discretion and risk.

Affiliate Transparency

This article may include affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase or register, a commission may be earned, at no extra cost to you.

Syndication and Liability Disclaimer

Any third-party publishers, media platforms, or syndication partners that republish this content do so understanding that it is meant for informational purposes only. These entities are not responsible for the legality, accuracy, or interpretation of the material.

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Attachment

The MIL Network –
May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON PASSING OF CONGRESSMAN GERALD E. CONNOLLY

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland

May 21, 2025 202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON PASSING OF CONGRESSMAN GERALD E. CONNOLLY

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement on the passing of Congressman Gerald E. Connolly.

“I was deeply saddened to hear of Congressman Connolly’s passing. A consummate statesman, he advocated fiercely for his constituents and was a passionate legislator.

“I had the pleasure of working with Gerry when I first came to Congress on the Oversight Committee and appreciated his commitment to performing his duties to keep our federal government working efficiently, as well as his defense and advocacy for government employees—so many of whom worked in his district. When I worked with him in the last Congress, we were both members of the Weaponization of the Federal Government Select Subcommittee; Gerry was passionate about defending our democratic values and was a great team player.

“I offer my prayers and deepest condolences to his family, his staff and all those who loved him.”

###

MIL OSI USA News –

May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Over 1600 children and young people take part in Benedetti Foundation residency

Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

Pupils and young string instrumentalists from 50 City of Edinburgh Council schools have taken part in the prestigious Benedetti Foundation Residency which took place from May 12 to 15.

The week started with the Benedetti Foundation delivering concert performances at nine primary schools in Edinburgh to approximately 1200 learners across the city, before the city’s young string players, from P5 to P7, came together for a ‘play day’ in collaboration with the City of Edinburgh Council Instrumental Music Service.

The Benedetti Sessions Strings Day workshop was attended by violin, viola, cello and double bass players from P5 to P7 and S1 who took part in engaging sessions followed by a concert performance for parents and carers. The string orchestra was made of a staggering number of over 400 young musicians with 122 young people forming the enormous cello section.

During the sessions, the children and young people worked with a team of 25 Instructors from the City of Edinburgh Council Schools Instrumental Service, tutors from the Benedetti Foundation and a group of ambassadors made up of Conservatoire students. Young musicians had the opportunity to practice and finesse two contrasting pieces of music – Bubble Pop and Enchanted Caroussel.

The Residency session was delivered in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council Schools Instrumental Service who hosted the event, organised the venue and resources and supported in preparing learners in lessons ahead of the residency session. The Benedetti Foundation provided their expert tutor team to lead the day and provided the wonderful musicians to deliver the concerts in our schools.

Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convener said:

The City of Edinburgh Councils Schools Instrumental Service is a jewel in the crown of our education service with over 5,000 children and young people across Edinburgh benefitting from weekly instrumental lessons. I am proud to be part of a city that invests in making it accessible for all children and young people to learn to play a musical instrument.

It is incredible to hear that over 400 of our young musicians took part in what I’m sure was a fantastic day of music making, collaboration and performance. My thanks to our schools’ instrumental teachers and to the team at the Benedetti Foundation for organising a special day that I’m sure will be a formative memory for those learners who attended.

Published: May 21st 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Get ready to embark on an exciting digital journey with Wallace and Gromit and Vaughan Williams this summer
Source: City of Manchester

For two weeks in June, Manchester Libraries will be hosting state-of-the-art VR headsets and a feast of digital experiences for the public.

Launching in Manchester Libraries in June, this forward-thinking initiative will be offering an array of incredible free digital experiences at both Manchester Central Library and Wythenshawe Forum Library.

Available between Saturday 7th June to Thursday 12th June (Central Library) and Monday 16th June to Thursday 19th June (Wythenshawe Forum Library), visitors to the libraries will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in an array of awe-inspiring virtual worlds. Amongst the thrilling programme of VR offerings, the experiences on offer include:
- Wallace & Gromit in the Grand Getaway: Join the beloved Aardman characters on a brand new immersive adventure. Expect cracking graphics Gromit
- The Philharmonia Virtual Orchestra – The Lark Ascending: Experience a mesmerising 360-degree performance of Vaughan Williams’ masterpiece featuring Nicola Benedetti.
- Monoliths: Explore England’s northern landscape through the voices of three women in this immersive XR experience by Pilot Theatre and One to One Development Trust.
- Berlin Blitz: 80 years on from VE Day, step back in time to this especially tense period of WWII history.
- Phase Space: A multi-sensory, immersive experience that provides immediate stress and anxiety relief by harnessing the power of VR to transport you to a place where you can relax and re-set your mind, emerging refreshed in just seven minutes.
The VR headset experiences arrive as part of Manchester Libraries recently announced participation in the new Libraries Digital Network, a groundbreaking collaboration with eight other library services, including: Bradford, Cambridgeshire, Coventry, Leeds, Newham, Nottinghamshire, Somerset, and Sunderland.

This innovative network is the first of its kind, uniquely combining local relevance with national impact. It aims to empower our local community and is supported by comprehensive training for our colleagues, who will guide our networks on exciting digital journeys.

Speaking about the arrival of the Digital Spaces VR headsets at Manchester Libraries this Summer, Councillor John Hacking Executive Member for Skills Employment and Leisure said:

“We are thrilled to be able to showcase this rich collection of fully immersive Virtual Reality titles which I know will be very popular and that will have broad appeal for all our library users. In today’s society technology is moving ever faster and as a member of the new Libraries Digital Network we are determined to continue to make available new digital opportunities and experiences to all our residents.”

The Digital Spaces VR headsets will be freely available to the public to experience in open drop-in sessions as part of the Festival of Libraries, plus for a series of bookable sessions between 7th -19th June.

All bookable Central Library sessions can be booked at: VR Headset Experience Manchester Central Library

Join a session at these dates and times as follows:

Saturday 7th June – Festival of Libraries @ Central Library

– Drop In Session [10.00-12.00]

– Drop In Session [14.00-16.00]

Sunday 8th June – Festival of Libraries @ Central Library

– Drop In Session [12.00-16.00]

Monday 9th June – Bookable Sessions @ Central Library

– Book Ahead to Guarantee A Place [11.00 – 12.00]

– Book Ahead to Guarantee A Place [13.00 – 14.00]

– Book Ahead to Guarantee A Place [15.00 – 16.00]

Tuesday 10th June – Bookable Sessions @ Central Library

– Book Ahead to Guarantee A Place [11.00 – 12.00]

– Book Ahead to Guarantee A Place [17.00 – 18.00]

Wednesday 11th June – Bookable Sessions @ Central Library

– Book Ahead to Guarantee A Place [11.00 – 12.00]

– Book Ahead to Guarantee A Place [15.00 – 16.00]

Thursday 12th June – Drop In Sessions @ Central Library

– Drop In Session [10.00 – 12.00]

– Drop In Session [16.00 – 19.00]

Saturday 16th June – Thursday 19th June @ Wythenshawe Forum Library

Wythenshawe Forum free tickets can be booked at VR Headset Experience Wythenshawe Forum

Monday 16th June : 10-11, 1-2, 2-3

Tuesday 17th June: 10-11, 1-2, 2-3

Wednesday 18th June : 10-11, 1-2, 2-3

Thursday 19th June: 2-3

For more details, go to Library Live

The headsets are also confirmed to return to Manchester Libraries later in 2025. Standby for further news of hands-on immersive film-making masterclasses and opportunities for creating new digital content in association with the Digital Spaces initiative later this year.
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Kicking on with Dundee’s Living Wage City Ambitions

Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

The ‘Making Dundee a Living Wage City’ campaign has entered its 6^th year and a senior councillor has visited a local employer to meet with staff who have benefitted from accreditation.

Kanzen for Life is an award-winning social enterprise charity who support over 1,200 people weekly through physical exercise, education and wellbeing. They are well known in the city for excelling in Karate but also offer a wide range of classes and programmes for all ages and backgrounds, delivering an impressive range of community activities each week.

They have been accredited as a Living Wage employer since 2022 and have recently joined the Dundee Living Wage Action Group as a partner member following on from being a vocal, passionate supporter of the Living Wage movement.

Oliver Bruce, a team member at Kanzen for Life, met with Cllr Steven Rome to discuss how the uplift in pay and working for an accredited employer has benefitted him.

Oliver said: “Paying the Living Wage at Kanzen for Life shows that we genuinely value our team. For me, it’s not just about fair pay – it’s about respect, dignity, and creating a positive environment where people can thrive, both in work and life.”

Oliver has also written a blog about why being living wage accredited is important to him as an employee and to Kanzen for Life as his employer.

Roy O’Kane, Charity Chief Officer at Kanzen for Life, said: “Paying the Living Wage is about fairness, respecting the dignity of hard work, and showing our team they’re valued. When we treat people right, they stay, they grow, and they bring their best to everything we do.”

Councillor Steven Rome, Convener of Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure said: “I was pleased to take up the opportunity to visit Kanzen for Life and speak with Oliver and Roy about their role in the local community and thank them for the positive impact they have had in Dundee.

“They have enhanced the reputation of the city by supporting major events as well as working to improve the health and wellbeing of citizens of all ages. It was also clear to me that they are really proud of being Living Wage accredited and that it goes hand in hand with their ethos as an organisation.”

This year the action group will be finalising the new Living Wage Action Plan, leading the implementation of the new Living Wage branding, attending key events, meeting with accredited employers and running the Living Wage Week 2025 programme.

Cllr Rome added: “We look forward to seeing their future plans come to fruition and are pleased that they have joined the group and know they will make many valuable contributions.

“I highly recommend anyone interested in becoming accredited to read Oliver’s eloquently written blog as it clearly highlights the benefits of paying the Living Wage. The action group is ready and waiting to hear from you.”

More information about the ‘Making A Living Wage Living City’ campaign as well as contact details for the action group can be found on the council’s website.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Award-winning author to hold talk at Central Library

Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

An international award-winning author will be hosting a free talk this Saturday at Aberdeen Central Library.

Leila Aboulela will discuss her latest book ‘A New Year’, released as part of this year’s World Book Night, as well as talking about her career, inspirations and love of reading and writing.

Councillor Martin Greig, Aberdeen City Council’s culture spokesperson, said: “We are delighted to welcome such a distinguished author to our library.

“Leila’s work is hugely influential and insightful and I encourage everyone to come along and be inspired.”

Leila Aboulela said: “I am delighted to be back at the central library. Here in the early 1990s, my ambition to become a writer was first ignited.

“I attended creative writing workshops and author events which introduced me to the works of Scotland’s top writers. And of course I borrowed and read lots of books. I also made friends at the library, lifelong friends. The library will always be one of my favourite places in Aberdeen.”

The talk will be followed by a book signing, and copies of Leila’s books will be available to purchase.

Born in Cairo, Egypt, and brought up in Khartoum, Sudan, Leila began her literary career after moving to Aberdeen. Her work has received critical recognition for its depiction of the interior lives of Muslim women and the exploration of identity, migration and Islamic spirituality.

An Afternoon with Leila Aboulela will be held on Saturday 24 May at 2:30pm at Aberdeen Central Library. Booking is required to attend this event. To reserve a place, please email libraryevents@aberdeencity.gov.uk or phone 01224 070707.

Image credit: Rania Rustom

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Greens welcome apparent U-turn from government on winter fuel payments

Source: Green Party of England and Wales

21 May 2025/ 21 May 2025 by Green Party

Reacting to comments in the Commons today in which Keir Starmer said he wanted to ensure more pensioners are eligible for winter fuel payments, Sian Berry MP said:

“The Prime Minister’s statement shows just how much pressure he is now under, from the public, Greens and others in opposition, and many Labour MPs, to demonstrate he has at least some understanding that his Government’s cuts are hurting people.

“To truly right these many wrongs, the Chancellor must try harder, and use her upcoming fiscal decisions to tax extreme wealth fairly. This could not only restore payments in full to the millions of pensioners Labour has betrayed, but also enable her to reconsider other cruel political choices, including £5 billion in cuts to welfare and her refusal to cancel the two-child benefit cap.

“Together, these u-turns would save hundreds of thousands from being pushed into poverty, and Greens will be making the case for this alongside everyone affected until this Government does the right thing.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government Taskforce meets on Merseyside to bolster nation’s flood resilience
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

Government Taskforce meets on Merseyside to bolster nation’s flood resilience

Flood response capabilities on display at Merseyside fire base
The third meeting of the Government’s national Floods Resilience Taskforce convened in Aintree today

Bolstering the nation’s resilience to flooding, including in Merseyside, was top of the agenda as the Government’s national Floods Resilience Taskforce convened in Aintree today (Wednesday 21 May).

The meeting was chaired by Floods Minister Emma Hardy and hosted by Mersey Fire and Rescue Service at their National Resilience Centre of Excellence, one of the UK’s most advanced emergency service training facilities, used to co-ordinate national responses to large scale incidents and provide firefighters with the necessary training and skills to respond to events such as severe flooding.

The Government inherited the nation’s flood defences in their worst condition on record. To ensure the country is protected from the devastating impacts of flooding, more than 1,000 flood defences will be built or repaired through the Plan for Change as part of a record £2.65 billion two-year investment.

Today’s Taskforce meeting brought together partners including Defra, Cabinet Office, the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Environment Agency, the Met Office, Local Resilience Forums, Mayoral Offices, emergency responders, the National Farmers Union, and environmental interest groups.

Floods Minister Emma Hardy said:

The role of any government is to protect its citizens. Having inherited flood defences in disrepair, we are bringing together valued partners through our Floods Resilience Taskforce here in Aintree as we look to speed up and co-ordinate flood preparation and resilience.

Through our Plan for Change, we’re investing a record £2.65 billion to repair and build more than 1,000 flood defences across the country, protecting tens of thousands of homes and businesses including on Merseyside.

The group discussed plans to modernise the UK’s system for flood warnings further, stressing the need for users to understand better how it works for effective decision-making, planning and response. The development of a common warnings framework across the UK will enhance the service and support actions to reduce risks to people, property and livelihoods.

The Taskforce also confirmed plans to improve the way the government identifies individuals vulnerable to flooding. This includes using the risk vulnerability tool, unveiled last month by the Cabinet Office, which will enable thousands of officials to see how vulnerable particular areas are to risks by mapping real time crisis data such as live weather warnings, alongside demographic statistics.

The meeting touched upon the flood recovery framework, which through local authorities in England provides government support in the aftermath of flooding in exceptional circumstances. There was also discussion of the Bellwin scheme, which is used to reimburse local authorities in England for the costs of the actions they take in the immediate aftermath of an emergency or disaster that endangers life or property. It was agreed that further work is required to improve public understanding of flood resilience.

Caroline Douglass, Executive Director for Flood and Coastal Risk Management at the Environment Agency, said:

Protecting communities in England from the devastating impact of flooding is one of our top priorities as climate change brings more extreme weather.

By participating in the Floods Resilience Taskforce, we’re ensuring we share information and co-ordinate our approach to bolster protection for thousands of homes and businesses from the dangers of flooding, preventing billions of pounds worth of damages.

Minister Oppong-Asare, Parliamentary Secretary at the Cabinet Office, said:

The Flood Resilience Taskforce sits at the heart of our work to protect communities from extreme weather and flooding.

Today’s meeting highlighted how digital tools can strengthen our flood response to identify and support those who are most vulnerable to the impacts of flooding.

Through the taskforce, we’re continuing to work closely with key partners to keep people, homes, and businesses safe.

Met Office Services Director Simon Brown said:

Our observations show that the UK is getting wetter, we are seeing more days with over 50mm rainfall in autumn months. A warmer, moister atmosphere increases the capacity for deluges of rain, which can result in serious flooding. A recent study looking at the storms through autumn and winter in 2023/24 found climate change increased the amount of rainfall from these storms, making them about 20% more intense.

A number of recent Met Office attribution studies have shown that some recent heavy rainfall events in the UK associated with flooding can be linked to human-caused climate change. Since 1998 the UK has seen six of the 10 wettest years on record. Events such as the wettest February on record in 2020, are expected to become more frequent by 2100 due to climate change.

The Government’s record investment in flood defences includes around £2.5 million in funding for Merseyside across 2024/25 and 2025/26, including £1 million for a flood alleviation scheme to protect communities near the Pool watercourse at Churchtown in Southport.

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Published 21 May 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Next generation farming

Source: Scottish Government

Support for young people into agricultural careers.

More than £2 million will be available to support young people entering farming through a pre-apprenticeship programme and training fund.

Speaking at a joint NFU Scotland and Scottish Government summit on new entrants, Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie launched a newly procured Land Based Pre-apprenticeship Programme with £1.8 million committed over three years.

Mr Fairlie also confirmed the relaunch and procurement of the Next Generation Practical Training Fund. The fund is open from now until March 2027 with at least £300,000 a year to help young people access skills training in a flexible, individual way.

Mr Fairlie said:

“I know from my own experience the hard work and dedication that it takes to enter the industry as a new entrant farmer and the challenges young people can face. These two funds will help more people get practical training to launch their agriculture careers.

“The pre-apprenticeship programme has been expanded to take on close to 400 people and to date we have had more than 60 applications for the training fund. This is a really promising start and is a positive step towards improving safety on-farm and training up the depleted post-Brexit labour force.”

Duncan Macalister, Vice President, NFU Scotland, said:

“We welcome this vital investment in practical training and pre-apprenticeship opportunities. These programmes are not just about developing skills, they are about securing the future of Scottish agriculture.

“We urgently need action on land access and capital support to complement this step forward, so that young people can see a clear, supported path into the sector.”

Lantra Scotland Director Dr Liz Barron-Majerik said:

“Lantra works to enhance Scotland’s natural environment and support the rural economy, by increasing the number and diversity of employees in Scotland’s land-based and aquaculture sector and driving their skills development. The training fund and the pre-apprenticeship programme are both of great benefit to new entrants to agriculture as they start on their career path, and so I’m delighted that we’re going to be managing them on behalf of, and in partnership with, FONE and the Scottish Government.

“We look forward to working with our training provider partners on the delivery of the training funds, and the Scottish Machinery Rings, SRUC and Borders College on the pre-apprenticeship. We would also like to encourage others who are interested in becoming involved to please get in touch via scotland@lantra.co.uk.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Chair and members of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee appointed
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

News story

New Chair and members of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee appointed

Dr David Cooper named as new Chair; Professor Tom Meagher reappointed and Professor Julia Jones confirmed as new member
Dr David Cooper has been appointed as the Chair of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC). The appointment was made in conjunction with the devolved governments and is for a three-year term from 1 June 2025 to 31 May 2028.

Professor Tom Meagher has been reappointed as an independent member of the Committee. Tom’s term will run for four years until 3 April 2029.

Furthermore, Professor Julia Jones has been appointed as an independent member of the Committee. Julia’s term will run for three years until 31 May 2028.

The new appointments have been made on merit and in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

As the UK’s statutory advisor on nature, the JNCC provides scientific evidence and advice to the devolved governments of the UK, the UK government, and the UK’s Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies, to help policymakers turn science into action for nature.

Biographical details

Dr David Cooper

David Cooper is Visiting Fellow at the Oxford Martin School and Honorary Researcher of the Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery at the University of Oxford.

David has more than 30 years’ experience in international science and policy, including at the Convention on Biological Diversity and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. As CBD Deputy Executive Secretary and Acting Executive Secretary, he was instrumental in facilitating the development and adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and related agreements.

David has contributed to the work of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services among other scientific reports and assessments.

He has chaired a number of bodies including the Collaborative Partnership on Sustainable Wildlife Management, the Biodiversity Indicators Partnership, and the Inter-agency liaison group on Invasive Alien Species.

Professor Tom Meagher

Tom Meagher has been a member of the JNCC since April 2021. He is Professor of Plant Biology at the University of St Andrews and served as Director of the St Andrews Global Challenges Forum. He was previously a member of the Defra Science Advisory Council and the Natural Environment Research Council.

Tom leads an international and interdisciplinary initiative developing novel remote sensing technology to aid the assessment and conservation of plant biodiversity. He has also worked with the British Council, the British Embassy Lima, and government agencies in Peru to promote the establishment of a national botanic garden and plant biodiversity initiative.

He has been an active contributor to the Scottish Government’s environmental and conservation science strategy, following his former role as a Trustee of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

Julia Jones

Julia Jones is Professor in Conservation Science at Bangor University and currently holds the Prince Bernhard Chair of International Nature Conservation at Utrecht University.

She is a trustee of WWF-UK and is a member of the British Ecological Society and the Society for Conservation Biology. She serves on the advisory board of the Sounds Right initiative, a collaboration between the Museum for the United Nations and the music industry to allow nature to collect royalties from her sounds.

She has previously served as the Director of the Low Carbon Energy and Environment Research Network Wales, and on the Welsh committee of the RSPB.

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Published 21 May 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
May 22, 2025

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: DfE Update: 21 May 2025

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Correspondence

DfE Update: 21 May 2025

Latest information and actions from the Department for Education about funding, assurance and resource management, for academies, local authorities and further education providers.

Applies to England

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Latest for further education

Article	Title
Action	Declare your subcontracting arrangements for the 2024 to 2025 academic year
Information	Adult funding allocations for 2024 to 2025
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Latest information for academies

Article	Title
Action	Declare your subcontracting arrangements for 2024 to 2025 academic year
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Action	Declare your subcontracting arrangements for 2024 to 2025 academic year
Information	Consistent financial reporting data collection for 2024 to 2025 is now open
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Information	Earnings adjustment statement (EAS)
Information	New foundation apprenticeships available from 1 August 2025
Reminder	Submit your section 151 (S151) officer assurance return and schools financial value standard (SFVS) assurance statement for 2024 to 2025
Reminder	Year-end funding claim for 2024 to 2025
Events and webinars	‘Buying for schools’ summer term webinar schedule is open for bookings

Published 21 May 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 22, 2025

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Seed sowers sought to explore food potential of Scotland’s underutilised land Nutrition scientists are recruiting an army of seed sowers to help them understand how Scotland could better exploit its underutilised – or “marginal” – lands.

Source: University of Aberdeen

Freda Farquharson (left) and Wendy Russell

Nutrition scientists are recruiting an army of seed sowers to help them understand how Scotland could better exploit its underutilised – or “marginal” – lands.
Nutrition scientists are recruiting an army of seed sowers to help them understand how Scotland could better exploit its underutilised – or “marginal” – lands.
Researchers at the university’s Rowett Institute have been very busy filling small packs with dozens of sorrel seeds to send out to participants across the country.
Now they are appealing for anyone with an interest in taking part in the Wild Edibles Citizen Science project to get in touch and join the community.
The idea is for as many people as possible to then share their experiences of how they get on nurturing the plants – and then using them in the kitchen.
A dedicated Facebook group has been set up to share hints and tips and encourage a wider debate about the role wild edibles may play in the future.
Wild edibles can be cultivated across much of Scotland. They thrive in poorer soils, are more climate resilient than many of our modern crops and have lower water, nutrients and pesticides requirements.
They are also rich in phytochemicals, compounds that we think help prevent diseases such as cardiovascular disease and some cancers.
Professor Wendy Russell, who leads the Rowett’s Scottish Government-funded research into sustainable food systems and supply, is spearheading the project.

Only a small proportion of Scotland can be used to grow mainstream crops, and with increasing urban spread and ambitious plans to protect nature and biodiversity, as well as to reforest and protect our peat bogs, it is important to think about how we use our land.” Professor Wendy Russell

In an introductory video posted to the Facebook group, Prof Russell said: “We’re really interested in how Scotland uses its underutilised – sometimes called ‘marginal’ – lands.
“Only a small proportion of Scotland can be used to grow mainstream crops, and with increasing urban spread and ambitious plans to protect nature and biodiversity, as well as to reforest and protect our peat bogs, it is important to think about how we use our land.
“This citizen science project is an opportunity for us to have a discussion around the use of wild edibles in our food system. Everyone should have a say about these important questions about the way we adapt what we grow and eat in the future and we are looking forward to building a community of seed planters to help grow that conversation.”
Project co-leader Freda Farquharson told potential recruits: “We are keen to hear as many of your stories as possible – where are you planting the seeds, how are you tending them, how well are they growing, what dishes are you planning to use the sorrel in?”
The Rowett research led by Prof Russell is showing how nature-based solutions could be pivotal in mitigating and adapting to climate change whilst restoring nature.
Scotland’s future landscape will look very different, having to accommodate increased urban spread as well as larger areas of afforestation and peatland restoration. There is also an immediate necessity to produce our food in the most efficient and environmentally friendly way possible, but also to be mindful that we restore and enhance important habitats for our precious and unique biota.
Mainstream agriculture will have to quickly adapt to contribute to meeting Scotland’s climate, biodiversity and heath targets, but we must also identify opportunities for nature-based food solutions as they could be pivotal in mitigating and adapting to climate change whilst restoring nature.
Participants (UK only) can sign up for their seeds and get more information here: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/rowett/research/wild-edibles/ Or contact the team at: wildedibles@abdn.ac.uk

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Dr David Cooper

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