NewzIntel.com

Category: Natural Disasters

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Stakeholders acknowledge progress with Zimbabwe arrears clearance dialogue, call for more effort and support

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    WASHINGTON D.C., United States of America, April 23, 2025/APO Group/ —

    • Challenges should not overshadow the good results achieved so far, says former president Chissano
    • “Zimbabwe has made a lot of progress, against all odds. Now, we all should rally around it to conclude this process,” Adesina
    • Former farm owners welcome compensation payment

    International organisations, creditors, and other stakeholders in the Zimbabwe arrears clearance and debt resolution unanimously acknowledged on Monday that tremendous progress has been made after two years of an extensive Structured Dialogue process but observed several challenges that need to be addressed.

    At a roundtable meeting on Zimbabwe’s Arrears Clearance and Debt Resolution Process held on the sidelines of the IMF and World Bank Group Spring Meetings in Washington, participants highlighted achievements in two of three reform areas: economic growth and stability, land reforms, and compensation of former farm owners. However, they called for more effort in the governance pillar.

    “The parameters of the dialogue have been set. Most issues have been dealt with. Commitments and targets have been agreed upon. We should all be proud of the dialogue process and what it has achieved,” said Joachim Chissano, former president of Mozambique and facilitator of Zimbabwe’s Arrears Clearance and Debt Resolution Process.

    Other speakers included Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank and champion of the dialogue process; Ndiamé Diop, the World Bank Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa; Abebe Selassie, Director of the African Department at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who represented the Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva; representatives of the governments of the Netherlands, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany; and the Southern African Development Community Executive Secretary Elias M. Magosi.

    “Zimbabwe has made a lot of progress, against all odds,” said Adesina, pointing out, however, that recent ascent to the Private Voluntary Organization (PVO) bill is a significant setback and poses a risk to the arrears clearance and debt resolution process.

    Adesina laid out several concrete next steps, including the need for the IMF to approve the Staff Monitored Programme for Zimbabwe at the Spring Meetings, support from potential donors for bridge loan financing, exploration of additional resources from the African Development Fund, and prioritisation of Zimbabwe’s arrears clearance within the G20 Common Framework.

    He said the African Development Bank Group will explore the possibility of mobilising additional resources for Zimbabwe’s arrears clearance within the framework of the 17th replenishment of the African Development Fund coming up towards the end of the year. This will form part of an agreed-upon process for clearing the bridge loan.

    “Similarly, we encourage the World Bank’s International Development Association to do the same to clear arrears,” the Bank Group president said.

    “To move the arrears clearance and debt resolution forward, the African Development Bank Group is financing the Global Sovereign Advisory and legal advisors, Kepler-Karst, to support the arrears clearance and debt resolution process, with clear timelines,” Adesina said.

    Progress across three reform pillars

    Chissano outlined other reforms that the Zimbabwe government undertook within the dialogue process framework, including the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe ceasing its quasi-fiscal operations, with all liabilities transferred to the treasury; the exchange rate system moving closer to market-determined rates; prudent fiscal policy and expenditure rationalisation being pursued; and the ongoing token payments to creditors.

    Under the land tenure reform, Chissano and other speakers welcomed the ongoing compensation for former farm owners and the Farm Title Deed programme launched in December 2024. The programme provides for a 99-year lease agreement that is bankable and transferable.

    Regarding governance reforms, the meeting heard that Zimbabwe had abolished the death penalty and that other significant reforms were underway to improve efficiency in the justice sector, enhance measures to fight corruption, and improve public sector transparency and accountability.

    However, like other speakers, Chissano noted that challenges remain in civil society engagement, democratic elections, judicial processes, freedom of assembly, and freedom of expression.

    “These challenges show that dialogue is still needed for reforms to take root. They also show that political reforms are not a linear process,” he said, urging that these challenges “should mobilise us to redouble our efforts and re-energise the dialogue process.”

    The government of Zimbabwe has proposed a plan to secure bridge financing of $2.6 billion to clear arrears to international financial institutions.

    In his presentation, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion, Mthuli Ncube said the country’s economic outlook shows signs of recovery with expected growth of 6.0% in 2025. This is a remarkable improvement on last year’s 2.0% due to severe drought. The introduction of ZiG currency in April 2024 is helping to restore macroeconomic stability.

    The arrears clearance roadmap aims to secure and implement a Staff Monitored Programme with the IMF in 2025, develop a credible strategy to close the fiscal financing gap, clear arrears with international financial institutions by early 2026, and complete comprehensive debt restructuring under the G20 Common Framework.

    The Southern African Development Community Executive Secretary, Elias M. Magosi, said Zimbabwe should be supported to bounce back, pointing to its strategic role in regional trade, integration, and development.

    Back in Zimbabwe, the former president of the Commercial Farmers Union, Mr. Andrew J. Pascoe, confirmed receipt of payments made to former landowners, describing the development as “another momentous event.”

    “Monday, 24 March 2025, saw the first US Dollar Cash payments due under this plan being paid to the signed-up Former Farm Owners (FFOs),” he said. “After almost 20 years, we, as Zimbabweans had been able to put aside our differences and, in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust, negotiated an agreement that laid the foundation for the payment of compensation for improvements on farms which the government of Zimbabwe had acquired under the Fast Track Land Reform Programme.”

    “I would like, as a representative of these farmers, to sincerely thank His Excellency, President Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa and his government for standing by the commitment made by His Excellency in 2018 to pay compensation for acquired farms in line with the Constitution of Zimbabwe,” he said.

    Nearly three years ago, President Emmerson Mnangagwa asked Dr Adesina to champion Zimbabwe’s arrears clearance and debt resolution process.

    “I knew the job would be difficult,” Adesina recalled and expressed confidence, saying, “We will succeed in giving Zimbabwe and its people a full arrears clearance and debt resolution so that it can receive critical concessional financing needed to boost its growth and development further.”

    “Now, we all should rally around it to conclude this process,” he added.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Albuquerque Man Sentenced in Federal Firearms Case Adopted from Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A previously convicted felon has been sentenced to 84 months in prison after violently assaulting his pregnant partner and threatening her with a loaded rifle during a domestic incident.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    According to court records, on August 13, 2023, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a 911 call reporting a violent domestic assault at a residence in the South Valley. The victim, who was six months pregnant, reported that Marlando Luis Martinez, 36, had physically assaulted her throughout the night, including punching her, striking her with a whip, choking her multiple times to near unconsciousness, and threatening her with an AR-15 rifle, which he discharged near her face. Deputies observed visible injuries on the victim, including welts, bruising, and a cut lip.

    The victim recounted to responding officers that Martinez threatened to kill her and her unborn child if she contacted law enforcement. After Martinez fell asleep, the victim escaped and sought help from a neighbor. Deputies transported her to safety and documented her injuries. A subsequent search of the residence uncovered multiple firearms, ammunition, and evidence corroborating the victim’s account, including a rifle with a round in the chamber and a bullet hole in the headboard.

    The loaded rifle, ammunition and extended magazine
    Second rifle, ammunition and extended magazine

    Martinez was apprehended later that day with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service Task Force. He was arrested without incident and federally charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, having previously been convicted of aggravated battery against a household member.

    Upon his release from prison, Martinez will be subject to three years of supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison, Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Haynes is prosecuting this case as part of an agreement with the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

    Through the agreement, Assistant District Attorneys are designated Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSAs) in the United States Attorney’s Office. The SAUSA from the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office screens felony criminal complaints filed in Bernalillo County for federal criminal offenses, prioritizing federal charges against those who drive violence in the Albuquerque metropolitan area. Since 2020, the United States Attorney’s Office has reviewed almost 3,000 cases and has charged more than 300 criminal cases pursuant to this program.

    The United States Attorney’s Office has similar agreements with the New Mexico Department of Justice and the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office and plans to expand the program throughout the state. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Farmers of Salem Proudly Spotlights Employee Tammy Stell for Her Generous Charitable Giving Work

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WILMINGTON, Del., April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Property and Casualty insurer, Farmers of Salem, is proud to support employee involvement in community activities that improve the quality of life in those communities where our employees live. Today, we spotlight Tammy Stell, Claims Customer Service Supervisor, who will be celebrating her 6-year career with Farmers later this year.

    We all felt the helpless and scary effects of the COVID Pandemic. But some of us recognized the needs of others and did something about it. It all started with a visit to the dollar store. While at the cash register, Tammy’s husband, Al Stell, noticed an older woman at the register. Without enough money, she had to put back some food items for herself in order that she could afford food for her precious pet cat. Al stepped in and paid for the woman’s whole grocery bill. As he was driving home, his wheels started turning. Tammy and Al put their extra time and energy into a new mission: “To help people feed their animals when they are financially distressed.”

    Bo Lends a PAW Pet Pantry held its first event on June 6, 2020, in Salem County, NJ. The pantry is named after the Stell family dog, Bo, who was adopted from a shelter in 2019.  The pantry is a non-profit organization that helps people feed their fur babies. Says Tammy, “We want to help people with their animals, so there will be less animals on the streets and less animals being “surrendered” to animal shelters.  It helps relieve the financial burden on people, allowing them to focus on paying for other essential items they need”

    Al Stell has a long history of community service volunteering as a firefighter since he was 16. Tammy loves animals and says, “We are at a point in our lives that we can help the community and make a difference.  We are big animal lovers, and we want to help people take care of them.  When someone thanks me it means the world to me.  People are eternally grateful. It makes me feel warm and fuzzy.”

    The organization has big party plans to celebrate their 5-year anniversary, on June 7, 2025, at the Engine House in Pennsville, NJ. Recently, on March 13th, Tammy and Al went to a local school for a meet-n-greet with Bo. The students held a donation drive, and the winning class got a Pizza Party and an in-person meeting with the famous Bo Stell. Bo Lends a PAW has been featured by multiple media outlets and just this month was awarded the Best Community Strengthening Non-Profit in the 2025 Best in Salem County contest.

    Regarding Tammy’s career at Farmers, she stated: “I love my job!” Tammy is a Customer Service Rep II and has enjoyed working at Farmers for 5+ years.

    For more information about Bo Lends a PAW Pet Pantry, visit www.BoLendsAPaw.org or, visit their Facebook page www.facebook.com/bolendsapawpetpantry.

    About Farmers of Salem
    Founded in 1851, Farmers of Salem provides insurance coverage to homeowners and businesses in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland through a network of independent agents. Rated A- Excellent by A.M. Best Company and has received a Financial Stability Rating of A Exceptional by Demotech, Inc. We pride ourselves in providing Superior Service with Personal Attention.

    Farmers of Salem provides compensated Volunteer Time Off (VTO) to full-time employees for use during their regular workday. Farmers’ recognizes volunteering provides employees with a valuable opportunity to meaningfully support their chosen charitable missions and is very proud of their employee’s service to others.

    For more information about Farmers of Salem, visit farmersofsalem.com

    As a mutual corporation, fundamentally rooted in serving our community, we engage in corporate philanthropy, giving annually to an array of organizations and causes. Through our giving, in local markets where we have a presence, Farmers of Salem has supported educational development, physical education, and health and wellness programs that provide communities in most need with essential services, opportunities to improve the quality of their lives and provide them with assets to create a better future.

    A partial list of events and organizations that Farmers of Salem supports annually:

    • Autism Delaware
    • Serviam Girls Academy
    • Vehicles for Veterans
    • Salem County Humane Society
    • Habitat for Humanity
    • VFW Post #253
    • Operation Legacy
    • Keeping Hope Alive, Inc.
    • Temple University 
    • Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts
    • Holiday Service Project – Thanksgiving Food Baskets – Salvation Army
    • Make A Wish
    • American Red Cross
    • American Cancer Society
    • Longwood Gardens
    • Bo Lends a Paw Pet Pantry

    Contact:
    Kim Lorenzini
    856-628-0150
    klorenzini@fosnj.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d857c142-941d-46ad-97eb-4f0372670258

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pittsburgh Man Charged with Hobbs Act Robbery and Firearm Violations

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of Hobbs Act robbery and violating federal firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    The three-count Indictment named Yamin A. Harris, 31, as the sole defendant.

    According to the Indictment, on December 29, 2024, Harris committed a Hobbs Act robbery at a Monroeville, Pennsylvania, fast food restaurant, carrying and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of the robbery, and unlawfully possessing that firearm as a previously convicted felon. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

    The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

    Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Monroeville Police Department, and Pitcairn Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

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

    An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: District Man Indicted for Illegal Firearm Possession Following Arrest in Northeast D.C.

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WASHINGTON – Antowan Tyrone Hagans, 30, of Washington, D.C., has been indicted on a federal firearm charge as part of the Make D.C. Safe Again initiative. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr., Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                Make D.C. Safe Again is a public safety initiative led by U.S. Attorney Martin aimed at reducing violent crime in the District by prioritizing federal firearms violations, seeking tougher penalties, and pursuing detention for firearms offenders.

                Hagans is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

                According to court documents, on March 27, 2025, MPD officers encountered Hagans in a high-crime area of the Sixth District. As officers approached, Hagans fled into an apartment building. During the pursuit, he fell in a stairwell, and a loaded 9mm Smith & Wesson pistol fell to the ground during the struggle with officers

                Hagans was arrested at the scene. He is prohibited from possessing firearms due to two prior felony convictions, including robbery while armed and unlawful possession of a firearm.

                The case is being investigated by the ATF Washington Field Division and the Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Martin is prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: OTCQX Best 50 Virtual Investor Conference Agenda Announced for April 24th

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Virtual Investor Conferences, the leading proprietary investor conference series announced the agenda for the OTCQX Best 50 Virtual Investor Conference on April 24th.

    Individual investors, institutional investors, advisors, and analysts are invited to attend.

    REGISTER HERE

    It is recommended that investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates. There is no cost to log-in, attend live presentations, or schedule 1×1 meetings with management.

    “We are excited to highlight companies featured in this year’s OTCQX Best 50 list,” said Jason Paltrowitz, Executive Vice President of Corporate Services at OTC Markets Group. “The OTCQX Best 50 speaks to the diversity of companies that find success on our OTCQX Market, representing various industries and specialties.”

    April 24th

    To facilitate investor relations scheduling and to view a complete calendar of Virtual Investor Conferences, please visit www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.

    About Virtual Investor Conferences®

    Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

    Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

    Media Contact: 
    OTC Markets Group Inc. +1 (212) 896-4428, media@otcmarkets.com

    Virtual Investor Conferences Contact:
    John M. Viglotti
    SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
    OTC Markets Group
    (212) 220-2221
    johnv@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Chancellor unveils plans to maintain level playing field for British business

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Press release

    Chancellor unveils plans to maintain level playing field for British business

    British businesses will be supported to trade freely as the Chancellor chooses to act on practices that undercut fair trade, such as the dumping of cheap goods into the UK.

    • Chancellor Rachel Reeves takes action to mitigate the impacts of practices such as potential future ‘dumping’ of cheap goods into the UK to help boost growth and deliver the Plan for Change.

    • Increased support for businesses to report unfair practices, improved monitoring of trade data, and an acceleration of potential measures to deter import surges. 

    • Review of the customs treatment of Low Value Imports – which some of the UK’s best-known retailers argue disadvantages them with overseas competitors.

    The government announced immediate action by the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA), the body responsible for defending the UK against certain unfair international trade practices.  

    The Chancellor also announced her intention to review the customs treatment of Low Value Imports, which allows goods valued at £135 or less to be imported without paying customs duty.  

    Some of Britain’s best-known retailers such as Next and Sainsburys, have called to amend the treatment, arguing that it disadvantages them by allowing international companies to undercut them.  

    Speaking in Washington D.C. at the annual IMF Springs meetings, Reeves was clear that an open global economy is crucial for UK growth, the number one priority of the government’s Plan for Change. 

    She said that free and open trade is good for the UK, but fairness needs to be injected into the global economic system.  

    Gains from global economic growth have not been equally shared both at home and abroad, and more needs to be done to tackle the rise in non-market practices that harm working people’s incomes.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:

    The world has changed, and we are in a new era of global trade.  

    We must stand up for free and open trade – crucial to deliver our Plan for Change to make everyone better off. We must help businesses keep their access to trade around the world.   

    This government is meeting the moment to protect fair and open trade. Following recent announcements reducing tariffs and support for the zero-emissions vehicles industry, today’s package will help businesses compete fairly with international exporters, supporting a world economy that provides stability and fairness for working people and businesses alike.

    Today’s (23 April) support comes in addition to recent action taken by the government recently to support industry and businesses navigate tough global economic headwinds.   

    This includes action to protect British steelmaking, as the UK vows to take a strategic approach to the forthcoming industrial strategy so the economy that can make, sell, and buy more in Britain.   

    As part of the Spring Statement tariffs were suspended on 89 foreign products – ranging from pasta, fruit juices and spices to plastics and gardening supplies – over the next two years.  

    The Prime Minister announced earlier this month that the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate is changing to make it easier for industry to upgrade to make electric vehicles while delivering the manifesto commitment to stop sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030.

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    This government won’t stand idly by while cheap imports flood our markets and harm British industries. That is why I met with the TRA recently to agree urgent steps to tackle these issues in real time to deliver quicker protections for firms. 

    This is about standing up for our national interest, and as part of our Plan for Change, creating a level playing field where UK businesses can thrive and grow.

    More information

    Low Value Imports

    • Many of Britain’s most well-known domestic retailers have criticised the customs treatment of Low Value Imports.

    • They argue that it gives preferential tariff treatment to firms who manufacture and warehouse their goods overseas and then ship directly to UK customers – paying no tariffs.

    • Listening to the concerns the Chancellor will review this regime. Officials will engage stakeholders from next month to consider the impact on UK consumers, minimising administrative costs and other factors.

    • For stakeholders looking to engage the government on the review of the customs treatment of low value imports, please contact lowvalueimports@hmtreasury.gov.uk.

    Theo Paphitis, Retail Entrepreneur, said:

    This is a much-needed injection of confidence for retailers and a common sense move to protect the UK economy. The sector has been crying out to level the unfair playing field and is a welcome, positive and strong step in the right direction by the Chancellor. This shows the government is listening and responding to UK business.

    George Weston, Chief Executive of Associated British Foods, said:

    We welcome the Chancellor’s plan to review the customs treatment of Low Value Imports. The abolition of the favourable tax treatment of low value imports would be a significant step forwards in the government’s support for British businesses. We have long advocated for the closure of this tax loophole which undermines many UK companies that make a substantial contribution to the British economy, to the British high street and to the British Government’s own revenues.

    Alex Baldock, CEO of Currys PLC said:

    Today’s government announcement is encouraging. All retailers selling to UK consumers should play by the same rules. If you want to sell to UK consumers, then abide by UK standards, and pay UK tax, just as UK retailers do.    Today, low-value shipments delivered from abroad straight to UK consumers avoid import duty, often evade VAT, and can fail to meet safety standards. There’s a growing risk of unsafe and tax-dodging product being dumped in the UK, as tariffs bite and the US and EU close their own import duty loopholes. I’m pleased that the government is urgently reviewing the low-value shipment loophole, and that they’re committed to levelling the playing field between British and overseas retailers.

    Improved Global Trade Data

    • Dumping of cheap goods into the UK is where foreign exports are sold into the UK at lower than market rates, harming UK producers as a result.

    The government announced immediate steps the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) – which defends the UK against certain unfair international trade practices – will take to mitigate risks to the UK economy:

    • The TRA will be surging resources into its pre-application office by pulling in the best and the brightest analysts, lawyers and accountants from across the Civil Service to support British businesses. The pre-application office advises and supports businesses with the evidence the TRA needs to launch cases. Staff will shift more focus to work with businesses on the ground, especially small and medium companies, to help them report and evidence unfair trade practices where they see them happening.

    • The TRA will act to enhance it’s monitoring of emerging trade risks; including new surveillance and data gathering measures. This will help the government spot and tackle the potential dumping of cheap goods into the UK.

    • The TRA are going to work to reduce the time it takes them to carry out investigations and implement measures – to deter harmful imports and help bring action quicker to British businesses.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hudson County Man Sentenced to 26 Years in Prison for Role in Four Robberies and Two Shootings in Jersey City, New Jersey

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWARK, N.J. – A Hudson County man was sentenced today for his role in four robberies and two shootings in Jersey City, New Jersey, which took place the same night, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced today.

    Rodney Williams, 33, of Jersey City, New Jersey pleaded guilty in December 2024 before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti in Newark federal court to an Indictment charging him with conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to use and carry a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, Hobbs Act robbery, attempted Hobbs Act robbery, using and carrying a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

    In addition to the prison term, Judge Martinotti sentenced Williams to 5 years of supervised release.  Williams’ co-defendant, Siobhan Chandler, was sentenced on April 25, 2024 to 12 years’ imprisonment followed by 5 years’ supervised release for her role.

    According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

    On the evening of November 14, 2021, Williams and Chandler committed multiple armed robberies and two shootings in Jersey City.  The criminal activity began when Williams, acting alone, robbed a store while he pointed his gun at the clerk and demanded money.  The clerk handed money to Williams who then fled.

    A short time later, Williams, now with Chandler, robbed a gas station, where Williams pointed his gun at two attendants and demanded money.  When the attendants did not immediately comply, Williams shot one of the attendants in the chest.  Williams and Chandler then fled.

    Williams and Chandler later entered another store, and Williams again pointed his gun at a clerk and demanded money.  The clerk handed money to Williams and he and Chandler fled.

    Williams and Chandler then entered a nearby restaurant, and Williams again pointed his gun at the cashier and demanded money.  When the cashier did not immediately comply, Williams shot the cashier in the chest.  The cashier then handed money to Williams, after which Williams and Chandler fled.

    U.S. Attorney Habba credited officers of the Jersey City Police Department, under the direction of Acting Chief Kearns, and the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office with the investigation leading to today’s sentence.  She also thanked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their assistance.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shontae D. Gray and Eli Jacobs of the Criminal Division in Newark.

                                                                           ###

    Defense counsel: John C. Whipple, Esq. and Adam M. Elewa, Esq. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Monongalia County Man Sentenced for Firearms Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Todd Matthew Houston, 36, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 51 months in federal prison for to conspiring to straw purchase firearms.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, officers were called to a home in Morgantown on a domestic violence incident involving Houston and a firearm. Officers later found Houston attempting to pawn more than 2,000 rounds of ammunition at a pawn shop. The vehicle Houston was driving was searched and officers found a pistol. Investigators determined the firearm had been purchased by someone else for Houston in exchange for heroin. Houston is prohibited from having firearms because of prior felony convictions that include domestic battery, drug trafficking, robbery, and grand larceny.

    Houston will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Will Rhee prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office investigated.

    Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren Releases New Social Security Explainer Video on YouTube to Reach Seniors Concerned About Benefits, Services

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    April 23, 2025
    “This is about all of us getting into the fight to defend the Social Security that people have paid into all of their working lives.”
    Senator Warren led Senate Democrats in launching Social Security War Room to fight back against Trump, Musk Attacks on Social Security
    Watch the Video (YouTube)
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) released a new Social Security explainer video on YouTube to reach seniors concerned about cuts to their benefits and services. In the video, entitled “What’s going on with Social Security — and how we’re fighting back,” Sen. Warren explains the state of play, lays out the fight ahead to protect Social Security from Trump and Musk’s attempts to gut the agency, and urges people to share their stories about what Social Security means to them. According to AARP, at least half of Americans aged 50 and older use YouTube.
    “One of the best things we can do is tell the stories. Tell the stories about why Social Security matters. Tell the stories if you’re running into problems. Tell the stories about the people you know, maybe people who work at the Social Security Administration. This is about all of us getting into the fight to defend the Social Security that people have paid into all of their working lives,” said Senator Warren.
    Senator Warren recently led Senate Democrats in launching their Social Security War Room, a coordinated effort to fight back against the Trump administration’s attack on Americans’ Social Security. The War Room coordinates messaging across the Senate Democratic Caucus and external stakeholders; encourages grassroots engagement by providing opportunities for Americans to share what Social Security means to them; and educates Senate staff, the American public, and stakeholders about Republicans’ agenda and their continued cuts to Americans’ Social Security services and benefits.
    Transcript: What’s going on with Social Security — and how we’re fighting back.YouTubeApril 23, 2025
    Senator Elizabeth Warren: You might have heard that Donald Trump and Elon Musk are taking a chainsaw to your Social Security. So let’s talk about it.
    Moderator: So what have Donald Trump and Elon Musk done to Social Security so far? 
    Senator Warren: Donald Trump and Elon Musk are saying 78% of the people they want to fire are the folks working in those field offices to help people across this country when they have a problem. This is Donald Trump and Elon Musk working together as co-presidents to keep people from getting the Social Security benefits that they earned and they were promised by law.
    Moderator: Can Trump and Musk actually do this? 
    Senator Warren: No. Not legally. Congress established Social Security, and only Congress can cut benefits officially. But Trump and Musk are so determined to cut people’s access to Social Security, they’re trying a backdoor way. They’re making it harder and harder and harder and harder for people to get the Social Security benefits that they earned, and that the law says that they have a right to.
    That’s what they’re up to.
    Moderator: Are people seeing issues with their Social Security benefits?
    Senator Warren: Oh, yeah. Tom and Chris in Massachusetts have an adult son on the autism spectrum. He relies on Social Security benefits, for his support and for the care that he needs. So they check routinely to make sure everything is okay. 
    They checked last week and they’re told “nothing.” He has no benefits, no right to any benefits. And now what are they going to do? So this is what is happening around the country. 
    Shoot, there’s a guy out in Seattle, Ned. He finds out from checking about his Social security. He receives a notice that he’s dead, and has to spend weeks going back and forth to the Social Security office just to say, “not really. I’m still alive. Please don’t take back the money already in my account and please restart my Social Security payments.” 
    Look, Social Security is a great agency and bless them and bless those workers for the work they do every day. But mistakes do happen.
    When Elon Musk and Donald Trump come in with a chainsaw and they’re firing people and creating chaos, two things happen: the number of mistakes goes up and the people there to help you get them fixed goes down. And that’s bad for everyone who counts on Social Security.
    Moderator: So what’s anyone doing about it? 
    Senator Warren: Well, I’ve established a Social Security War Room. This means I’m going to be doing oversight, investigations, we’ll be sending out letters, visiting Social Security offices, but I need help from all of you.
    One of the best things we can do is tell the stories. Tell the stories about why Social Security matters. Tell the stories if you’re running into problems. Tell the stories about the people you know, maybe people who work at the Social Security Administration. This is about all of us getting into the fight to defend the Social Security that people have paid into all of their working lives.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Democrats seek answers from inspector general on Social Security cuts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    April 23, 2025

    Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (New York) and four other Senate Democrats are urging the Social Security Administration’s inspector general’s office to investigate the impacts of the U.S. DOGE Service’s dramatic restructuring and sweeping cuts to the government agency.
    The letter sent to the inspector general’s office Wednesday is part of a broader Democratic effort to defend Social Security from what they describe as a reckless government downsizing campaign spearheaded by Donald Trump adviser Elon Musk. The agency provides critical benefits to more than 70 million Americans, and the lawmakers say the recent upheaval could leave many without access to basic services.

    Having received few answers about the scale and effect of the cuts, Schumer led the call for oversight from the agency’s independent watchdog because that avenue has yielded answers in the past, according to a person familiar with his thinking who spoke on the condition of anonymity to speak candidly.
    The letter was signed by Schumer, Sens. Ron Wyden (Oregon), Elizabeth Warren (Massachusetts), Kirsten Gillibrand (New York), and Mark Kelly (Arizona).
    In the sharply worded letter to acting inspector general Michelle L. Anderson, the lawmakers expressed “deep concern” over what they called a “drastic” disruption to Social Security’s ability to serve the public. The letter cites mass layoffs, additional pressure on existing staff and a dramatic overhaul of internal agency structures — many carried out, the lawmakers say, with little to no transparency.
    “This will undoubtedly lead to disruption in benefit payments and increasing barriers for Americans to access their Social Security benefits,” the senators wrote.
    The senators asked the inspector general to determine whether Social Security assessed what effect the changes could have had and whether they have affected customer service. The lawmakers also requested quarterly updates from the independent watchdog on the effects stemming from the agency’s changes.
    White House spokeswoman Liz Huston told The Post in a statement that Democrats’ concerns were “fake.”
    “President Trump will fiercely protect Social Security, eliminate unfair benefit taxes to boost seniors’ take-home pay, and drive the Social Security Administration to modernize systems, enhance customer service, and combat fraud,” she said.
    The move follows a similar push in the House. Last week, Gerry Connolly (Virginia) — the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee — sent a separate letter to Anderson urging a full investigation into DOGE’s changes within the agency, citing whistleblower allegations that the restructuring has “already degraded operations” and put beneficiaries’ sensitive data at risk.
    While Musk and DOGE officials have defended their approach as an overdue modernization of a bloated bureaucracy, Democrats argue the opaque, rapid-fire changes are putting some of the country’s most vulnerable citizens at risk.
    The growing drumbeat from Democrats suggests Social Security could become a centerpiece issue in the lead-up to the 2026 midterm elections. Party operatives have already begun using the Musk-led restructuring efforts in political ads targeting Republican lawmakers. Last week, former president Joe Biden broke his silence for the first time since leaving office to warn of the consequences of cuts to Social Security.
    By:  Meryl KornfieldSource: Washington Post

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Chorlton Library opens its doors after major renovation

    Source: City of Manchester

    Following a one-year transformation project, the crowds returned to the Grade II listed Chorlton Library on Saturday 5 April to celebrate the grand reopening of the main library building, and were sui

    The iconic building in the heart of Chorlton has been lovingly refurbished unveiling long-hidden architectural treasures including the reveal of the stunning dome in the library entrance not seen since the 1970s, flooding the library with natural light.

    The Lord Mayor, Councillor Paul Andrews and the Lady Mayoress joined Cllr John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure, contractors, designers, staff and lots of local residents and children to mark the historic day.

    They were treated to a fun-filled event, including a choir singing in the newly unveiled balcony around the atrium of the library. They also had the chance to check out the modern facilities and admire the restoration work including the original tiles and historic lettering which adorned key areas of the library which have been uncovered and carefully preserved and restored.

    As Manchester journeys towards becoming a UNICEF recognised Child Friendly City and being the best place possible to grow up in, children and the needs of young readers have been very much also at the heart of the library renovations – with a new dedicated children’s library space in the building, a computer suite for research and homework tasks, and even a play climbing frame to keep tiny tots active once they’ve chosen their library books to take home with them.

    Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure said:

    “This was a fantastic day for everyone involved. The sun shone, the library looked wonderful, residents were thrilled to have this historic library open for business and were delighted by the care and attention and detailed work in the restoration of this much-loved local library. I’d like to thank everyone who played a part in the journey to get us here.”

    Alyson Seddon, Construction Director at Equans who managed the project said:

    “Chorlton library is a beloved landmark in the local community, and we are incredibly proud of our role in restoring it to its former glory. We’re excited to see the community benefit from their renewed access to this historically significant space, and making the most of its modernised facilities which will meet the needs of today’s users whilst having preserved the library’s timeless charm.”

    Daniela Hislop, CEO, The Design Concept said:

    “It was our honour to be a part of this significant restoration. We worked closely with the amazing team at Manchester Libraries to seamlessly blend the old and the new and the result is a brilliant example of how classic and contemporary design can enrich each other.

    We also loved adding a touch of magic to the history, transforming the children’s area into a jungle-themed wonderland with a bespoke tree house and sensory features designed to inspire young readers. The library’s redesigned spaces offer a calm, welcoming atmosphere with modern amenities, including a sleek digital zone. This refurbishment beautifully marries the library’s historical significance with its role as a vibrant community hub, celebrating both heritage and imagination.“

    Visitors to the library have also heaped praise on the refurbishment leaving comments such as :

    ” I think the library is fantastic” ;
    “Such a sympathetic refurbishment. The building looks beautiful.” ;
    “Stunning, I love how light it feels. The playhouse is a wonderful idea, I can’t wait to bring my daughter.”
    “What a difference. Stylish, colourful, and so light! Terrific job, well done.”
    “It is a fantastic community space. Wonderful.”

    Alongside the internal restoration work, the exterior stonework and windows have been repaired and electrical and mechanical systems renewed, to ensure the building contributes to lower carbon emissions to help the council meet its target of becoming zero carbon by 2038.

    The second phase of the refurbishment to enhance the flexible community and new meeting spaces within the existing structure at the building’s rear will now start and will be ready later in the year.
    Ends

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Police accountability reforms to enter Parliament

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Police accountability reforms to enter Parliament

    Police officers will be given greater confidence to carry out their roles, with reforms to the systems that hold them to account set to enter Parliament.

    Getty Images

    The government will table an amendment to the flagship Crime and Policing Bill later this week to provide a presumption of anonymity for firearms officers who are subject to a criminal trial following a shooting.

    This will apply during court proceedings and in media reporting up until the point of conviction.

    Improving policing systems is a crucial part of making our streets safer under the Plan for Change, and this move addresses specific concerns raised during the accountability review about the risks firearms officers face from criminal gangs and will protect them and their families against any such threat.

    Three measures to improve the timeliness and appropriateness of investigations into police use of force and the rights of victims will also be also included in the bill:

    1. Aligning the threshold for referrals by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) of officers to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to that used by police when referring cases involving members of the public. This is to avoid the system being clogged up with cases, allowing greater focus and swifter resolution of those that are referred.

    2. Speeding up processes by allowing the IOPC to send cases to the CPS where there is sufficient evidence, prior to their final investigation report.

    3. Putting the IOPC victims’ right to review policy on a statutory footing to ensure the voices of victims and their families are heard.

    This is a crucial step in delivering measures set out by the Home Secretary to parliament in October, in which she set out a package of reforms to rebuild confidence for police officers and communities. The measures are designed to tackle unacceptable delays and confusion in the system, to ensure that the complexity of specialist operations is considered at an early stage, and that the highest standards within policing are upheld and maintained.

    Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

    The proud British tradition of policing by consent depends on mutual bonds of trust between the police and the communities they serve. That’s why we have set out an ambitious package of measures to rebuild both public trust in policing and the confidence of police officers in their vital work to keep the public safe.

    Police officers in specialist roles who make split-second decisions to keep the public safe must have the confidence to carry out their duties, knowing that the systems which hold them to account for their decisions are fair.

    Too often those processes have involved unacceptable delays and confusion, which has been damaging both for the police and the public. These changes will help to boost confidence that the system will work swiftly and effectively for all those involved.

    The accountability review found that the current system for holding police officers to account is not commanding the confidence of either the public or the police, with misconduct proceedings too often plagued by delays stretching for years, which is damaging for complainants, police officers and police forces alike.

    Alongside the changes being made in the Crime and Policing Bill, the Director for Public Prosecutions has already completed a review of CPS guidance and processes in relation to charging police officers for offences committed in the course of their duties. Revised guidance provides greater clarity for prosecutors, ensuring the dynamic and fast-changing nature of specialist policing decisions are taken into account when charging decisions are made.

    Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, said:

    The progress that has been made on vital accountability reform should be welcomed. In particular, I am very pleased to see that the previous commitment on anonymity for firearms officers subject to criminal trials is going to be introduced as an amendment to legislation going through Parliament.

    We know further reform is needed if officers are to have full confidence in the system that holds them to account but alongside our policing partners we are working positively and constructively with the government and that work will continue.

    Lead of the National Police Chiefs’ Council Operations Coordination Committee and the Senior Responsible Officer for the accountability review, Chief Constable BJ Harrington, said:

    We welcome today’s announcement. These are positive changes which will ensure that the public interest is served, and that police officers and staff will have the confidence to protect the public and uphold the law.

    Everyone in policing expects to be held to account for their actions and use of powers. However, too often we hear of the devastating, and often disproportionate, impact on officers, staff and their families after they have stepped forward with courage and professionalism on behalf of the public.

    Whether it’s an issue concerning use of force, death following contact with the police, police driving or where officers are alleged to have broken the law, it is important that the accountability mechanism is swift, balanced, and fair. This in turn will give our people the confidence to fulfil their duties, and the public confidence in their professionalism and decision making.

    We remain determined to get police accountability right and we will support government to improve the current accountability system to ensure community support, and importantly, to give police officers and staff the knowledge that where they act, to do the right things for the right reasons, they have the support to do their job of tackling crime and protecting the public.

    This comes as the government has today set out further reforms to rebuild public confidence in policing, including new regulations to ensure police chiefs can automatically sack officers who fail background checks, allowing them to root out those who are unfit to serve.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: April 29: IAM Union, NFFE-IAM, Labor Allies to Celebrate Federal Workers Outside Union Station

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    MEDIA ADVISORY

    WASHINGTON, April 23, 2025—The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers), along with the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM), will host a federal worker thank you event on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. outside Union Station in Washington, D.C. 

    This gathering of hundreds of union members and leaders will celebrate the contributions of federal workers and will be held during the week of the IAM Union Legislative Conference. The conference serves as a vital platform for IAM members to strategize and amplify their voices in the halls of Congress. Throughout the three-day event, IAM members engaged in productive discussions with lawmakers, advocating for policies supporting working families nationwide.

    Federal workers are the backbone of our nation, providing essential services that keep our country running. They are healthcare professionals caring for our military veterans, wildland firefighters protecting our lives and property, and park rangers watching after our national treasures. The IAM Union, America’s largest defense labor union, has the highest percentage of military veteran members in the labor movement.

    Event Details:

    What: IAM Union and NFFE-IAM to host a visibility event to thank federal workers

    When: Tuesday, April 29, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

    Where: At Columbus Circle in front of Union Station

    Who: IAM Union, NFFE-IAM, labor allies, and community supporters

    RSVP: Interested reporters can RSVP by emailing Bethany Shelton (bshelton@iamaw.org).

    Volunteers will distribute informational materials, engage with commuters, and hold signs thanking federal workers. Members of Congress, elected officials, and local community leaders are invited to attend this event.

    The National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) recently launched the “Rise Up: Federal Workers Legal Defense Network.”

    This collaborative initiative, developed in partnership with the AFL-CIO, We The Action, Democracy Forward, AFGE, ACS, NTEU, Partnership for Public Service, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, and other organizations, aims to provide free and direct legal support to federal workers who have been unjustly terminated or mistreated during the Trump administration.

    In light of the significant challenges faced by many federal employees, the Rise Up network seeks to ensure that those who have been wrongfully terminated, as well as current workers concerned about their employment rights, have access to essential legal resources and support.

    Workers can find the assistance they need by visiting workerslegaldefense.org .

    “The IAM Union will come together to make our voices heard and to strategize on the best ways forward in the fight for federal workers and workers’ rights everywhere,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “We will continue to hold events that uplift the contributions of federal workers and let them know that the IAM has their backs.”

    The IAM Union invites members of the media to attend and cover this event. Visuals and interview opportunities will be available.

    “Federal employees need the support of their elected officials, community partners, and the American people now more than ever,” said Randy Erwin, National President of the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM). “The dedicated workers who have given their careers to serving this nation are facing the biggest threat to their right to form and join a union that this country has ever seen. NFFE and the IAM will continue to fight against these unconstitutional attacks and promote the critical work that civil servants accomplish every day across the country on behalf of their fellow Americans.” 

    The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries. 

    goIAM.org | @IAM_Union

    Share and Follow:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: DeFi Tax Uncovers Systemic Failures in Crypto Tax Reporting Leaving Millions of U.S. Taxpayers at Risk Ahead of New IRS 1099-DA Regulations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHERIDAN, Wyo., April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A multi-year investigation by crypto tax experts revealed pervasive, critical flaws in the current crypto tax reporting ecosystem in a newly published report, warning of dire consequences for traders, investors, and miners as the IRS prepares to enforce new 1099-DA regulations.

    Researchers at DeFi Tax conducted an extensive, multi-year effort involving data validation, platform testing, and direct engagement with regulatory bodies. Their findings point to a widespread “systemic failure” across popular crypto tax platforms, including IRS-endorsed tools, in accurately calculating gains, losses, and taxable income.

    Crypto Tax Tools Falling Short

    From 2021 to 2024, DeFi Tax researchers manually reviewed hundreds of transactions using raw blockchain data and IRS cost accounting rules. Their analysis uncovered consistent miscalculations by leading platforms. These issues stem from incomplete data collection, flawed asset disposal methodologies, and incorrect transaction classifications.

    Mainstream exchanges will likely further complicate matters when they issue inaccurate or contradictory 1099 forms, resulting in users unknowingly submitting false income tax returns.

    “None of the platforms we reviewed could produce audit-ready reports with consistent accuracy,” said Janna Scott, Head of DeFi Tax. “This exposes taxpayers to enormous financial and legal risk.”

    Scott reports that despite concerted outreach efforts to multiple crypto tax platforms and exchanges in an effort to sound the alarm, the responses were either dismissive or entirely absent. She explains that in mid-2023 many of the solutions quietly made tweaks to their algorithms in response to the feedback, but adds that these changes did not correct the errors. They did, however, change the numbers for all previous reports without ever informing their clients.

    She adds that while federal agencies, including the SEC and IRS, acknowledged the accuracy of DeFi’s findings in multiple lengthy private meetings, they took no public action and instead contracted with a third-party provider to assist with crypto tracing, sidestepping the tax compliance issue altogether. They also tacitly acknowledged the strength of the research by suspending crypto audits in 2023 and 2024.

    Unfortunately, one of the largest exchanges did not respond to DeFi Tax’s recent detailed Request for Comment. Coincidentally, however, that exchange did take action within 24 hours to update its terms of service, attempting to bar users of the platform from participating in class action lawsuits against the company. Tellingly, a search of our available records revealed that this is the first such emailed terms update for this exchange since prior to 2017.

    Taxpayers Defenseless against Billions of Faulty 1099-DA Forms

    As the IRS mandates new 1099-DA forms for 2025, it is clear that platforms are poised to distribute billions of documents, most of which are expected to be severely flawed. Worse, upon receiving one of these flawed 1099-DA forms, users of the exchanges will be faced with limited support, no clear mechanisms for correction, and very little accountability from the issuers. Alone, with nothing but their faulty DA-1099s and the unreliable data printed thereon, taxpayers will face audits they are guaranteed to fail, with automatic penalties and even criminal prosecution all but assured..

    “It’s a perfect storm,” said Scott. “The IRS is arming itself with flawed data and aggressive enforcement tools, while taxpayers are left with platforms that can’t get it right.”

    The Solution: A Transparent, Immutable, Blockchain-Driven Platform

    To address these systemic vulnerabilities in crypto tax reporting, DeFi Tax has developed a groundbreaking, blockchain-driven platform that draws immutable data directly from APIs, eliminating the possibility of transaction manipulation and generating audit-ready reports.

    This solution has been independently reviewed and validated by leading university professors who help shape national crypto tax policy, reinforcing its accuracy and integrity.

    With billions in taxpayer dollars at stake and the 1099-DA form rollout approaching, DeFi Tax is calling on regulators, policymakers, and journalists to scrutinize the crypto tax software ecosystem before taxpayers begin to pay the consequences for the negligence of others.

    Join the DeFi Tax waitlist today and be part of a solution built for transparency, security, and accountability.

    About DeFi Tax:

    DeFi Tax is a groundbreaking tax software platform created to address the widespread inaccuracies of digital asset tax filing tools. By utilizing rigorously validated blockchain data and custom-built APIs, DeFi Tax offers an audit defense guarantee and eliminates the inaccuracies commonly found in all the currently available mainstream tax solutions for digital asset trading. DeFi Tax supports individuals, businesses, and accountants with audit-proof reports, smart categorization of transactions (like NFTs and staking), and unmatched precision and legal compliance. DeFi Tax is the go-to solution for anyone looking to navigate the world of crypto taxes with confidence and transparency. Visit defitax.us to learn more.

    Contact:

    Mark Crawford

    press@defitax.us

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Disposable vapes ban to be introduced from June

    Source: City of Derby

    From 1 June 2025 it will be illegal for businesses to sell or supply, offer to sell or supply, or have in their possession for sale or supply all single use vape products.

    The new legislation applies to all vapes whether they contain nicotine or not and will affect both sales in shop and online.

    A recent study identified that almost five million single use vapes were either littered or thrown away in general waste every week in the UK. Vape batteries contain lithium which can be recycled. This resource is lost when vapes are put in black bins as they end up either in landfill or being incinerated.

    Incorrect disposal can also lead to fires, posing a risk to waste management workers, the fire service, and the public.

    Derby City Council’s Trading Standards team will enforce the ban in the city, with several civil sanctions at their disposal including a stop notice, compliance notices, and fines of £200. Should a business continue to sell or supply vapes, they may be charged with an unlimited fine, a prison sentence up to two years, or both.

    For vapes to be considered reusable, replacement components (including the pre-filled pods, e-liquid refill bottles and coils) must be separately available to buy either in-store or online.

    Businesses can check whether a nicotine-containing vaping product is reusable on the MHRA website, but you must first consider the ‘definition of a reusable vape’ above to make sure the product is refillable and rechargeable.

    As this new legislation will have an impact particularly on small businesses Derby City Council’s Trading Standards team will be visiting selected retailers to offer guidance and support them in being compliant with the regulations.

    Councillor Shiraz Khan, Cabinet Member for Housing, Strategic Planning, and Regulatory Services, said: 

    Single use vapes present a real challenge for our environment, present a safety risk, and can take up valuable time for our waste management workers and emergency service. This new legislation will help us tackle the issues and make our city a cleaner place.

    Businesses should take the time now to prepare so they are not caught out after 1 June. If you need support or any advice around this legislation, please reach out to our Trading Standards team.

    For more information and advice about the ban, businesses can contact the Derby City Council trading standards team on 01332 642424 or by emailing environmental.services@derby.gov.uk.

    More guidance can be found on the Government website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Controlled burns reduce wildfire risk, but they require trained staff and funding − this could be a rough year

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Laura Dee, Associate Professor of Ecology, University of Colorado Boulder

    Prescribed burns like this one are intentional, controlled fires used to clear out dry grass and underbrush that could fuel more destructive wildfires. Ethan Swope/Getty Images

    Red skies in August, longer fire seasons and checking air quality before taking my toddler to the park. This has become the new norm in the western United States as wildfires become more frequent, larger and more catastrophic.

    As an ecologist at the University of Colorado Boulder, I know that fires are part of the natural processes that forests need to stay healthy. But the combined effects of a warmer and drier climate, more people living in fire-prone areas and vegetation and debris built up over years of fire suppression are leading to more severe fires that spread faster. And that’s putting humans, ecosystems and economies at risk.

    To help prevent catastrophic fires, the U.S. Forest Service issued a 10-year strategy in 2022 that includes scaling up the use of controlled burns and other techniques to remove excess plant growth and dry, dead materials that fuel wildfires.

    However, the Forest Service’s wildfire management activities have been thrown into turmoil in 2025 with funding cuts and disruptions and uncertainty from the federal government.

    The planet just saw its hottest year on record. If spring and summer 2025 are also dry and hot, conditions could be prime for severe fires again.

    More severe fires harm forest recovery and people

    Today’s severe wildfires have been pushing societies, emergency response systems and forests beyond what they have evolved to handle.

    Extreme fires have burned into cities, including destroying thousands of homes in the Los Angeles area in 2025 and near Boulder, Colorado, in 2021. They threaten downstream public drinking water by increasing sediments and contaminants in water supplies, as well as infrastructure, air quality and rural economies. They also increase the risk of flooding and mudslides from soil erosion. And they undermine efforts to mitigate climate change by releasing carbon stored in these ecosystems.

    In some cases, fires burned so hot and deep into the soil that the forests are not growing back.

    While many species are adapted to survive low-level fires, severe blazes can damage the seeds and cones needed for forests to regrow. My team has seen this trend outside of Fort Collins, Colorado, where four years after the Cameron Peak fire, forests have still not come back the way ecologists would expect them to under past, less severe fires. Returning to a strategy of fire suppression − or trying to “go toe-to-toe with every fire” − will make these cases more common.

    Parts of Cameron Peak, burned in a severe fire in 2020, still showed little evidence of recovery in 2024. Efforts have been underway to try to replant parts of the burned areas by hand.
    Bella Oleksy/University of Colorado

    Proactive wildfire management can help reduce the risk to forests and property.

    Measures such as prescribed burns have proven to be effective for maintaining healthy forests and reducing the severity of subsequent wildfires. A recent review found that selective thinning followed by prescribed fire reduced subsequent fire severity by 72% on average, and prescribed fire on its own reduced severity by 62%.

    Prescribed burns and forest thinning tend to reduce the risk of extremely destructive wildfires.
    Kimberley T. Davis, et al., Forest Ecology and Management, 2024, CC BY

    But managing forests well requires knowing how forests are changing, where trees are dying and where undergrowth has built up and increased fire hazards. And, for federal lands, these are some of the jobs that are being targeted by the Trump administration.

    Some of the Forest Service staff who were fired or put in limbo by the Trump administration are those who do research or collect and communicate critical data about forests and fire risk. Other fired staff provided support so crews could clear flammable debris and carry out fuel treatments such as prescribed burns, thinning forests and building fire breaks.

    Losing people in these roles is like firing all primary care doctors and leaving only EMTs. Both are clearly needed. As many people know from emergency room bills, preventing emergencies is less costly than dealing with the damage later.

    Logging is not a long-term fire solution

    The Trump administration cited “wildfire risk reduction” when it issued an emergency order to increase logging in national forests by 25%.

    But private − unregulated − forest management looks a lot different than managing forests to prevent destructive fires.

    Logging, depending on the practice, can involve clear-cutting trees and other techniques that compromise soils. Exposing a forest’s soils and dead vegetation to more sunlight also dries them out, which can increase fire risk in the near term.

    Forest-thinning operations involve carefully removing young trees and brush that could easily burn, with a goal of creating conditions less likely to send fire into the crowns of trees.
    AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez

    In general, logging that focuses on extracting the highest-value trees leaves thinner trees that are more vulnerable to fires. A study in the Pacific Northwest found that replanting logged land with the same age and size of trees can lead to more severe fires in the future.

    Research and data are essential

    For many people in the western U.S., these risks hit close to home.

    I’ve seen neighborhoods burn and friends and family displaced, and I have contended with regular air quality warnings and red flag days signaling a high fire risk. I’ve also seen beloved landscapes, such as those on Cameron Peak, transform when conifers that once made up the forest have not regrown.

    Recovery has been slow on Cameron Peak after a severe fire in 2020. This photo was taken in 2024.
    Bella Oleksy/University of Colorado

    My scientific research group and collaborations with other scientists have been helping to identify cost-effective solutions. That includes which fuel-treatment methods are most effective, which types of forests and conditions they work best in and how often they are needed. We’re also planning research projects to better understand which forests are at greatest risk of not recovering after fires.

    This sort of research is what robust, cost-effective land management is based on.

    When careful, evidence-based forest management is replaced with a heavy emphasis on suppressing every fire or clear-cutting forests, I worry that human lives, property and economies, as well as the natural legacy of public lands left to every American, are at risk.

    Laura Dee receives funding from NASA.

    – ref. Controlled burns reduce wildfire risk, but they require trained staff and funding − this could be a rough year – https://theconversation.com/controlled-burns-reduce-wildfire-risk-but-they-require-trained-staff-and-funding-this-could-be-a-rough-year-251705

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Justice Department lawyers work for justice and the Constitution – not the White House

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Cassandra Burke Robertson, Professor of Law and Director of the Center for Professional Ethics, Case Western Reserve University

    The U.S. flag flies above Department of Justice headquarters on Jan. 20, 2024, in Washington. J. David Ake/Getty Images

    In the 1970s, President Richard Nixon tried to fire the Department of Justice prosecutor leading an investigation into the president’s involvement in wiretapping the Democratic National Committee’s headquarters.

    Since then, the DOJ has generally been run as an impartial law enforcement agency, separated from the executive office and partisan politics.

    Those guardrails are now being severely tested under the Trump administration.

    In February 2025, seven DOJ attorneys resigned, rather than follow orders from Attorney General Pam Bondi to dismiss corruption charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams. Adams was indicted in September 2024, during the Biden administration, for alleged bribery and campaign finance violations.

    One DOJ prosecutor, Hagan Scotten, wrote in his Feb. 15 resignation letter that while he held no negative views of the Trump administration, he believed the dismissal request violated DOJ’s ethical standards.

    Among more than a dozen DOJ attorneys who have recently been terminated, the DOJ fired Erez Reuveni, acting deputy chief of the department’s Office of Immigration Litigation, on April 15. Reuveni lost his job for speaking honestly to the court about the facts of an immigration case, instead of following political directives from Bondi and other superiors.

    Reuveni was terminated for acknowledging in court on April 14 that the Department of Homeland Security had made an “administrative error” in deporting Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador, against court orders. DOJ leadership placed Reuveni on leave the very next day.

    Bondi defended the decision, arguing that Reuveni had failed to “vigorously advocate” for the administration’s position.

    I’m a legal ethics scholar, and I know that as more DOJ lawyers face choices between following political directives and upholding their profession’s ethical standards, they confront a critical question: To whom do they ultimately owe their loyalty?

    President Donald Trump speaks before Pam Bondi is sworn in as attorney general at the White House on Feb. 5, 2025.
    Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

    Identifying the real client

    All attorneys have core ethical obligations, including loyalty to clients, confidentiality and honesty to the courts. DOJ lawyers have additional professional obligations: They have a duty to seek justice, rather than merely win cases, as well as to protect constitutional rights even when inconvenient.

    DOJ attorneys typically answer to multiple authorities, including the attorney general. But their highest loyalty belongs to the U.S. Constitution and justice itself.

    The Supreme Court established in a 1935 case that DOJ attorneys have a special mission to ensure that “justice shall be done.”

    DOJ attorneys reinforce their commitment to this mission by taking an oath to uphold the Constitution when they join the department. They also have training programs, internal guidelines and a long-standing institutional culture that emphasizes their unique responsibility to pursue justice, rather than simply win cases.

    This creates a professional identity that goes beyond simply carrying out the wishes of political appointees.

    Playing by stricter rules

    All lawyers also follow special professional rules in order to receive and maintain a license to practice law. These professional rules are established by state bar associations and supreme courts as part of the state-based licensing system for attorneys.

    But the more than 10,000 attorneys at the DOJ face even tougher standards.

    The McDade Amendment, passed in 1998, requires federal government lawyers to follow both the ethics rules of the state where they are licensed to practice and federal regulations. This includes rules that prohibit DOJ attorneys from participating in cases where they have personal or political relationships with involved parties, for example.

    This law also explicitly subjects federal prosecutors to state bar discipline. Such discipline could range from private reprimands to suspension or even permanent disbarment, effectively ending an attorney’s legal career.

    This means DOJ lawyers might have to refuse a supervisor’s orders if those directives would violate professional conduct standards – even at the risk of their jobs.

    This is what Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon wrote in a Feb. 12, 2025, letter to Bondi, explaining why she could not drop the charges against Adams. Sassoon instead resigned from her position at the DOJ.

    “Because the law does not support a dismissal, and because I am confident that Adams has committed the crimes with which he is charged, I cannot agree to seek a dismissal driven by improper considerations … because I do not see any good-faith basis for the proposed position, I cannot make such arguments consistent with my duty of candor,” Sassoon wrote.

    As DOJ’s own guidance states, attorneys “must satisfy themselves that their behavior comports with the applicable rules of professional conduct” regardless of what their bosses say.

    Post-Watergate principles under pressure

    The president nominates the attorney general, who must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

    That can create the perception and even the reality that the attorney general is indebted to, and loyal to, the president. To counter that, Attorney General Griffin Bell, in 1978, spelled out three principles established after Watergate to maintain a deliberate separation between the White House and the Justice Department.

    First, Bell called for procedures to prevent personal or partisan interests from influencing legal judgments.

    Second, Bell said that public confidence in the department’s objectivity is essential to democracy, with DOJ serving as the “acknowledged guardian and keeper of the law.”

    Third, these principles ultimately depend on DOJ lawyers committed to good judgment and integrity, even under intense political pressure. These principles apply to all employees throughout the department – including the attorney general.

    Recent ethics tests

    These principles face a stark test in the current political climate.

    The March 2025 firing of Elizabeth Oyer, a career pardon attorney with the Justice Department, raises questions about the boundaries between political directives and professional obligations.

    Oyer was fired by Bondi shortly after declining to recommend the restoration of gun rights to actor Mel Gibson, a known Donald Trump supporter. Gibson lost his gun rights after pleading no contest to a misdemeanor domestic battery charge in 2011.

    Oyer initially expressed concern to her superiors about restoring Gibson’s gun rights without a sufficient background investigation, particularly given Gibson’s history of domestic violence.

    When Oyer later agreed to testify before Congress in a hearing about the White House’s handling of the Justice Department, the administration initially planned to send armed U.S. Marshals officers to deliver a warning letter to her home, saying that she could not disclose records about firearms rights to lawmakers.

    Oyer was away from home when she received an urgent alert that the marshals were en route to her home, where her teenage child was alone. Oyer’s attorney described this plan as “both unprecedented and completely inappropriate.”

    Officials called off the marshals only after Oyer confirmed receipt of the letter via email.

    Elizabeth Oyer, a former U.S. pardon attorney at the Justice Department, speaks at a Senate hearing on April 7, 2025, in Washington.
    Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images

    Why independence matters

    In my research, I found that lawyers sometimes have lapses in judgment because of the “partisan kinship,” conscious or not, they develop with clients. This partisan kinship can lead attorneys to overlook serious red flags that outsiders would easily spot.

    When lawyers become too politically aligned with clients – or their superiors – their judgment suffers. They miss ethical problems and legal flaws that would otherwise be obvious. Professional distance allows attorneys to provide the highest quality legal counsel, even if that means saying “no” to powerful people.

    That’s why DOJ attorneys sometimes make decisions that frustrate political objectives. When they refuse to target political opponents, when they won’t let allies off easily, or when they disclose information their superiors wanted hidden, they’re not being insubordinate.

    They’re fulfilling their highest ethical duties to the Constitution and rule of law.

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

    – ref. Justice Department lawyers work for justice and the Constitution – not the White House – https://theconversation.com/justice-department-lawyers-work-for-justice-and-the-constitution-not-the-white-house-254763

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why Hollywood is finally taking horror films seriously

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Reece Goodall, Director of Student Experience and Progression for the Faculty of Arts, University of Warwick

    Horror films have always held an interesting place in cultural and cinematic circles. Despite proving consistently profitable and boasting a considerable fanbase, the genre has also been the target in several moments of cultural crisis. Think the video nasties of the 1970s and 80s, or the implied conservatism of the violence in torture porn films of the 2000s.

    Though the genre has been one of the industry’s most profitable genres since the 1930s, due to its perceived low status, horror has largely been unrecognised by award bodies, mainstream critics and the gatekeepers of more “legitimate” cinema. There’s an implied sense that the genre is somewhat different from respectable film-making – that it is low status, trashy and in some cases outright nasty.

    Only seven horror films have been nominated for best picture at the Oscars since the first ceremony in 1929. Two of those nominations were in the last decade, and there was widespread conversation about the bias against the genre after Toni Collette failed to receive an Oscar nomination for her performance in the 2018 film Hereditary.

    Even then, Collette’s excellent performance was in an auteur film released by indie studio A24. Far from the more conventional forms of horror that tend to be overlooked year on year by bodies recognising the year’s achievements in film-making. However, if we leap ahead to 2025 and look at the horror films that took the past year by storm – The Substance, Nosferatu, Terrifier 3 – all forms of the genre are represented.

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

    The Substance and Nosferatu could both be described as “elevated horror”, a sub-genre that focuses on negative moods rather than explicit gore (although both films certainly get bloody, especially in The Substance’s monstrous climax).

    On the other end of the scale, Terrifier 3 is particularly brutal, aligning itself more with grindhouse and slasher films and celebrating the practical effects that bring violence to the big screen. In another era, there is no doubt that Terrifier 3 would have been a target of censors and the cultural critics over its depictions of violence, with brutal deaths and the murder of several children. But in 2025, it is celebrated by genre fans and an object of serious academic interest.

    The films were all successes. Both The Substance and Nosferatu received multiple nominations at the 2025 Academy Awards. Along with Alien: Romulus, the horror genre picked up ten nominations, its best performance since 1974.

    Nosferatu was nominated for several Academy Awards.

    Elsewhere, Terrifier 3 broke records as the highest-grossing unrated film (a movie not given a rating by film censors, normally because of offensive content) of all time. Terrifier 3 never seemed likely to receive an Oscar nomination, even despite its success and a sustained and entertaining marketing campaign. Nonetheless, both fans and industry figures alike have suggested that its practical make-up effects warranted recognition.

    So why is horror becoming more widely appreciated in the 21st century? The “elevated horror” dimension is certainly one factor, presenting works that align more with the conventions of art cinema, which is essentially easier to sell as legitimate.

    Alongside this, we have the political dimension. Horror films have always been political, representing the fears and marginal identities of a particular country and time period. But in an era characterised by increased instability, pandemics, wars and all manner of social crises, the need for the genre might be more prevalent than ever.

    The terrifying trailer for Terrifier 3.

    In light of the industry’s continuing struggle with declining cinema attendance numbers, horror remains one of the rare genres that consistently draws audiences to theatr. Although films like Terrifier 3 might be looked down on by the cinema establishment, it was event cinema and widely discussed in a way that few films in the past five years have managed to be.

    Audiences have always loved horror, and in a tough period for the cinema industry, the genre continues to prove financially stable and appealing to film-goers. That the gatekeepers of the industry are tentatively starting to recognise the genre is a new development, and although it remains to be seen whether this recognition will be sustained in future years, we’re in a moment when horror of all varieties is being praised like never before.

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

    – ref. Why Hollywood is finally taking horror films seriously – https://theconversation.com/why-hollywood-is-finally-taking-horror-films-seriously-253687

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: DWS continues to monitor Integrated Vaal River System water inflow

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Wednesday, April 23, 2025

    With more rainfall predicted in the Upper Vaal Catchment, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has reaffirmed its commitment to monitor inflow water levels in the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS) to ensure that appropriate safety measures are in place.

    In a statement on Tuesday, the department said it is maintaining the current water outflow of 292.86 cubic metres per second (m3/s) at the Vaal Dam via two sluice gates, following the closure of the third sluice gate on 16 April 2025.

    The department said the water inflow has also reduced from 277.63 m3/s to 229.71 m3/s, as of Tuesday morning, while the dam storage levels are currently sitting at 107.69%.

    “The water releases at the Bloemhof Dam were also gradually reduced to 700.0 mᵌ/s on 15 April 2025 and further reduced to 500.0 m3/s on 18 April 2025. These adjustments are necessary to manage the continuous inflows and safe operation of the dam, which is at 106.91% today [Tuesday],” the department said.

    The department added that two sluice gates of the Vaal Dam will remain opened to manage water outflows.

    At Grootdraai Dam, all sluice gates have now been closed, and the storage capacity is at 104.90%, with inflows of 41.43 m³/s. 

    “The department will continue to monitor inflow water levels in the Integrated Vaal River System to ensure that the necessary precautions are in place, in line with dam safety standards and hydrological monitoring systems to safeguard infrastructure and attenuate any flood conditions,” the department said.

    As part of dam safety protocols, sluice gates are opened for controlled water releases when dams breach the full capacity mark. This is to prevent the water resource infrastructure from failing, as it may lead to a dam bursting and causing a disaster of significant magnitude.

    The department implements these necessary controlled water releases at the dams as part of dam safety precautions to safeguard the infrastructure and protect human life. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SA extends condolences to India following Pahalgam terror attack

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Wednesday, April 23, 2025

    The South African Government, through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, has expressed deep sadness over the attack on tourists in India.

    According to reports, Indian security forces are currently searching for the gunmen responsible for the attack on tourists in Pahalgam, located in Indian-administered Kashmir, which resulted in 26 deaths, all of whom were men.

    This was after gunmen emerged from the forests and opened fire on visitors with automatic weapons near the scenic tourist town, according to media reports. 

    “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives and to all those who have been injured in this horrific incident,” the department’s statement read. 

    “The South African Government believes that acts of violence and extremism have no place in society and constitute a threat to peace, security and development.” 

    The department reiterated its condemnation of terrorist attacks in any form and from any source. 

    “The South African Government extends its condolences to the Government and people of India.”

    The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, who is said to have cut short a state visit to Saudi Arabia, strongly condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. 

    He sent his condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. 

    “I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected. 

    “Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice…they will not be spared. Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger,” he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Joins Schiff, Reed, Lawmakers Call on Trump Administration to Reverse Plans to Defund Libraries and Museums

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    “The consequences of eliminating IMLS will be devastating for states, local communities, and the millions of Americans who rely on these institutions every day.”
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and 23 lawmakers in writing to the Acting Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) about serious concerns regarding President Trump’s call to eliminate IMLS which was created by a Republican-led Congress in 1996 and is the only federal agency dedicated to supporting the nation’s libraries and museums. In the letter, the Senators call on the Administration to ensure there is continued funding in accordance with federal law for libraries and museums and to reverse any actions that jeopardize their provision of critical services on which many communities rely on. 
    “The consequences of eliminating IMLS will be devastating for states, local communities, and the millions of Americans who rely on these institutions every day. These institutions are critical pillars of educational opportunity, cultural preservation, civic engagement, and economic development in our communities,” wrote the lawmakers.  
    “We urge you to uphold the law, immediately disburse all LSTA grant funding to our states, including California, Connecticut and Washington, and reverse any actions that jeopardize the future of the libraries and museums our communities rely on,” the lawmakers concluded.  
    Libraries serve as essential lifelines for families, students, and workers throughout California providing literacy programs, access to technology, job training, small business support, and more. 
    This letter is also signed by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Kristen Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). In the U.S. House of Representatives, this letter is signed by Representatives Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.-15), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.-26), Scott Peters (D-Calif.-50), Jim Costa (D-Calif.-21), Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.-25), Juan Vargas (D-Calif.-52), Mark Takano (D-Calif.-39), George Whitesides (D-Calif.-27), Mike Thompson (D-Calif.-04), Norma Torres (D-Calif.-35), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.-34), J. Luis Correa (D-Calif.-46), Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.-24) Nanette Barragan (D-Calif.-44) and Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.-18). 
    The full text of the letter is available here and below.   
    Dear Mr. Sonderling,
    We write to express our serious concerns regarding President Trump’s call to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the only federal agency dedicated to supporting the nation’s libraries and museums. On March 14, 2025 President Trump issued the Executive Order “Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy” which includes IMLS to be eliminated “to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law” and for IMLS to submit a report to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to confirm compliance. We are reminding the Administration of its obligation to fully execute the law as authorized by Congress under the Museum and Library Services Act (MLSA) of 2018 (PL 115-40), as signed by President Trump. Beginning on April 3, 2025, several grantees— including the states of California, Connecticut and Washington— received written notice from IMLS that their federal Fiscal Year 2024–25 grants under the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) had been terminated. We strongly urge the Administration to reverse these terminations and ensure continued funding in accordance with federal law.
    For Fiscal Year 2024, Congress appropriated $294.8 million for IMLS, specifying funding should be allotted across the programs in the following manner:
    Library Services Technology Act
    Grants to States                                                                                            $180,000,000
    Native American Library Services                                                             $5,763,000
    National Leadership: Libraries                                                                  $15,287,000
    Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian                                                            $10,000,000
    Museum Services Act
    Museums for America                                                                                 $30,330,000      
    Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services                           $3,772,000
    National Leadership: Museums                                                                 $9,348,000
    African American History and Culture Act                                                $6,000,000
    National Museum of the American Latino Act                                         $6,000,000
    Research, Analysis, and Data Collection                                                   $5,650,000
    Program Administration                                  $22,650,000
    We expect the Administration to fully implement the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025 consistent with the Fiscal Year 2024 allocations. We also urge the Administration to allow IMLS to continue to engage with and support libraries and museums as Congress intended and as authorized in the MLSA, including maintaining the expertise of the IMLS staff to carry out the functions of the agency.
    Libraries and museums are deeply embedded in local communities across the country and millions of Americans rely on their services and programs, particularly the most rural and underserved areas. In 2024, IMLS funding reached 140,000 libraries and museums across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Public, school, academic, and specialty libraries provide a wide range of local services such as summer reading programs for youth, high-speed internet, workforce training, and support for small businesses. Libraries are especially vital for low-income families, students, and workers who depend on them for free access to technology, educational resources, and job search support. In California, local libraries serve as critical lifelines for families experiencing homelessness and those displaced by natural disasters, offering space for community gathering and access to emergency information. Every year, more than 1.2 billion people visit libraries in-person—and they are deeply valued by the American public.
    Museums serve as crucial sources of information for history, art, science, and culture and have broad public support. In fact, 96 percent of surveyed Americans believe lawmakers should support museums. Museums support more than 726,000 American jobs and contribute $50 billion to the U.S. economy every year. Beyond their cultural significance, museums play a vital role in education, offering hands-on learning opportunities for students of all ages and providing resources that supplement school curricula, especially in underserved communities. For states like California, Connecticut, and Washington, museums are essential pillars of local identity, tourism, and community development.
    The consequences of eliminating IMLS will be devastating for states, local communities, and the millions of Americans who rely on these institutions every day. These institutions are critical pillars of educational opportunity, cultural preservation, civic engagement, and economic development in our communities.
    As such, please provide us with a written response to the questions below no later than May 1, 2025.
    How many IMLS employees have been fired, put on administrative leave, accepted the deferred resignation program offer, or accepted the Voluntary Early Retirement Authority or Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment offer since January 20, 2025?  Please provide the number of employees in each category.
    How many individuals are currently employed at the agency?  Please provide their titles and duties.
    How many of these employees were responsible for, or assisted in, administering grants?
    Which officials at IMLS were involved in the staffing reduction decisions and what planning, if any, was undertaken prior to these reductions?
    What factors are being used to determine the cancellation of grants, including the Grants to States funding?
    Please provide a full list of cancelled grants, including the date of cancellation, type of grant, and dollar amount.
    Please share what the agency’s “updated priorities” are and how grants are being assessed for alignment and plans for grant competitions in Fiscal Year 25.
    Which officials at IMLS are involved in developing the report to the Director of OMB?
    What are such officials’ expertise in IMLS administration and the Museum and Library Services Act statute?
    Please share with Congress the report detailing the functions of IMLS and what is statutorily required and to what extent.
    Museums and libraries are the cornerstone of our society that serve as protected spaces for people to learn, engage with their community, and build curiosity. We urge you to uphold the law, immediately disburse all awarded LSTA grant funding to our states, including California, Connecticut and Washington, and reverse any actions that jeopardize the future of the libraries and museums our communities rely on.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Retirement Industry Disruptor™, Human Interest, Introduces PartnerConnect™, Redefining the 401(k) Experience for Financial Advisors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Human Interest, a multi award-winning 401(k) provider1, is once again pushing boundaries in the retirement industry by launching PartnerConnect™, an integrated platform that empowers financial advisors to seamlessly create, manage, and monitor their clients’ 401(k) plans and investments from a single dashboard. To build this intuitive digital platform, Human Interest invested over 50,000 hours in product and engineering over the last year in direct consultation with dozens of financial advisors.

    Targeted to both retirement plan advisors and wealth advisors, PartnerConnect includes innovative features that have long been on advisors’ wish lists: the ability to view and manage multiple clients across one platform, tools to quickly design and change custom investment lineups, and the elimination of dozens of manual processes historically associated with setting up 401(k) plans. PartnerConnect is designed to be an integral tool for advisors to help them grow their business and better advise their clients.

    “Advisors are on the front lines of the effort to help investors and businesses navigate our challenging retirement system – and their partnership is crucial to Human Interest’s mission to deliver retirement plans for people from all lines of work,” said Rakesh Mahajan, Chief Revenue Officer at Human Interest. “That’s why we designed PartnerConnect with advisors at the heart of the experience.”

    Hot on the heels of their brazen Customer Experience Guarantee, an industry-leading commitment to service excellence for all 401(k) customers, Human Interest has now taken on legacy providers who expect advisors to toggle between clunky tools, spreadsheets, and endless rounds of phone tag with offshore support teams. Advisors spend nearly 1,000 hours2 a year on administrative and compliance tasks instead of focusing their time on their customers. PartnerConnect is specifically designed to eliminate many of the burdensome, mundane administration tasks that advisors hate.

    “Setting up new plans takes a fair amount of time and several manual processes, including sending emails and documents back and forth. A platform that could automate this process will help me spend less time on administrative work and more time focused on my clients,” said Noel Dulac, Managing Partner, Retirement Fiduciary Group, LLC.

    PartnerConnect integrates plan design, proposal management, fund lineup, and participant data into a single solution, with features that include:

    • A digital-first approach enables advisors to request and review proposals online and onboard new clients directly into the platform, eliminating multiple email threads.
    • An integrated dashboard provides a single view across all retirement plans in an advisor’s book of business, eliminating the need for multiple login accounts.
    • A flexible investment toolkit offers over 3,000 funds, and advisors can easily adjust funds or create lineup templates for replication across multiple plans, eliminating the need to email Excel files manually.
    • Bulk fund mapping allows advisors to select a single fund used across multiple plans and initiate a swap in just five clicks, eliminating the need for creating innumerable support cases for dozens of plans to make the same change.
    • ParticipantIQ™ will spotlight participant milestones (retirement, termination, salary increase, etc.) and help identify new participant engagement opportunities.

    In describing PartnerConnect, Bob Darrow, President at Strive Retirement, commented, “It’s about time the industry created something like this. Most platforms make it too complicated to support our clients and grow our book of business. This platform is comprehensive and easy to use, and will allow us to scale up our service model, delivering even more value to our clients.”

    The retirement savings gap is a significant challenge affecting millions of workers in America, and Human Interest is committed to being part of the solution. PartnerConnect is the latest in a series of innovations transforming the retirement industry, with an unwavering focus on removing barriers that keep people from investing in their future.

    Financial advisors interested in learning more can contact their Human Interest representative or visit our website at humaninterest.com/solutions/partnerconnect/.    

    About Human Interest

    Human Interest, Retirement Industry Disruptor™, is focused on fixing a broken industry that often relies on legacy technology, manual processes, and offshored service models. Human Interest is transforming the way 401(k)s should work, including several industry firsts: eliminating transaction fees3, offering a cash-back incentive program for plan participants, and the first of its kind money-backed customer experience guarantee.

    Human Interest has won several accolades this year, including the 2025 Fast Company Most Innovative Award and the 2025 Stevie Gold Award in Customer Experience. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in San Francisco, Human Interest has helped provide retirement benefits to employees at nearly 35,000 companies and counting. For more information, please visit humaninterest.com.

    Media Contacts
    press@humaninterest.com

    Maura Lafferty
    Firebrand Communications for Human Interest
    humaninterest@firebrand.marketing


    1     Human Interest was awarded the “Gold Stevie Award” medal in the 2025 Stevie AwardsⓇ for Sales & Customer Service in “Customer Experience.” The company was awarded a “Silver Stevie Award” in “Customer Service Employer of the Year.” Winners were determined by the average scores of more than 170 professionals worldwide in the three-month judging process. Read more about the winning organizations here and criteria for the award here. American Business Awards are registered trademarks of Stevie Awards, Inc. Stevie Awards, Inc. is not affiliated with Human Interest. This recognition is not indicative of Human Interest’s future performance.
    Human Interest was awarded the “Gold Stevie Award” medal in the 2025 Stevie AwardsⓇ for Sales & Customer Service in “Customer Experience.” The company was awarded a “Silver Stevie Award” in “Customer Service Employer of the Year.” Winners were determined by the average scores of more than 170 professionals worldwide in the three-month judging process. Read more about the winning organizations: https://stevieawards.com/sales/2025-stevie-award-winners and criteria for the award here: https://stevieawards.com/aba/judging-awards-process. American Business Awards are registered trademarks of Stevie Awards, Inc. Stevie Awards, Inc. is not affiliated with Human Interest. This recognition is not indicative of Human Interest’s future performance.
    Human Interest Inc. is honored to be recognized as one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies in Finance and Personal Finance for 2025. See the full list here.

    2Natixis Global Survey of Financial Professionals, 2024

    3For non-rollover distributions, shipping and handling fees may apply to requests for check issuance and delivery.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Harvard is suing the White House: here’s what Trump hopes to achieve by targeting universities

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Thomas Gift, Associate Professor and Director of the Centre on US Politics, UCL

    A few days ago, in a move that attracted international attention, the White House threatened to strip Harvard University of US$2 billion (£1.5 billion) in federal funding, potentially revoke its tax-exempt status and even prevent it from enrolling international students if it didn’t capitulate to a new list of demands.

    The five-page ultimatum reads like a political ransom note. It calls on Harvard to make major “governance reform” including enforcing “viewpoint diversity” in admissions and hiring, squashing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and more screening of foreign student applicants for their beliefs and reporting those who commit “conduct violations” to authorities.

    Now, the White House says it was all a big misunderstanding – that the letter was “unauthorized” and that it was Harvard’s fault for not recognising the mistake. Instead of “pick[ing] up the phone … Harvard went on a victimhood campaign,” said a senior policy strategist for Trump in the New York Times. Never mind, as Harvard noted, that the letter was signed by three federal officials and printed on official letterhead.

    But the war between the White House and Harvard is far from over. Trump is likely to be in it for the long game and have many more plays to make.

    On Monday, Harvard announced it was suing the Trump administration for its prior threat to axe the school’s funding – a move Harvard said would have “severe and long-lasting” effects.

    Harvard’s huge US$50 billion endowment gives it the ability to absorb federal spending cuts in a way that even other wealthy US universities can’t. Yet the university’s leadership still says that it would need to make draconian slashes to its research and student programming if federal cuts happened.

    “We are going to choke off the money to schools that aid the Marxist assault on our American heritage and on Western civilization itself,” Trump has previously stated, hinting at his wider project to wield power over universities and significantly change the way they operate.

    Part of a bigger plan

    It’s not just Harvard that’s facing the heat — although as the nation’s most prestigious and high-profile university, its decisions will set the tone for the rest of the sector. More than 40 universities across the US are under investigation by the Trump administration, including for alleged illicit actions by DEI offices and charges of tolerating anti-semitism.

    Another Ivy League university, Columbia in New York, for example, has caved to Trump’s demands as a precondition for restoring US$400 million in federal grants, with one group alleging that the cuts constitute an existential “gun to the head”. Johns Hopkins University, in Maryland, has seen at least US$800 million in federal spending cut, forcing the school to slash more than 2,000 jobs.

    J.D. Vance outlines his views on US universities.

    It’s hard to overstate the backlash. Princeton president Christopher Eisgruber has called Trump’s latest moves “the greatest threat to American universities since the Red Scare of the 1950s”. Political analyst Fareed Zakaria believes that the Trump White House is waging a version of Mao Zedong’s Cultural Revolution, when the Chinese leader took control of China’s leading universities.

    “No government — regardless of which party is in power — should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue,” said Harvard president Alan Garber.

    Trump’s attacks on universities follow a blueprint: identify institutions seen as elite, liberal and out of touch, and undercut their legitimacy relentlessly.

    The current crackdown fits a broader pattern, which includes the dismantling of the US Agency for International Development, seen as a soft target when many Americans think the country spends too much on foreign aid, and swipes at some of the nation’s top law firms, cast by Trump as part of an out-of-control, “rigged” legal system.

    Perhaps the only question is why the Trump administration didn’t come after universities sooner. As CNN’s Stephen Collinson has noted: “Harvard University is such a perfect foil for Trumpism that it’s a wonder it avoided the MAGA maelstrom for so long.”

    Recent campus unrest and rising concerns over anti-semitism — spotlighted by a trio of controversial congressional testimonies by the presidents of Harvard, MIT, and the University of Pennsylvania in 2023 — have provided a convenient political opening for Maga crusaders. However, Trump’s latest tirade almost certainly has less to do with principle than political opportunity.

    Recent polling from Gallup shows that trust in higher education has plummeted since roughly the first time Trump ran for president. In 2015, 57% of Americans possessed “a great deal” or “quite a lot” of confidence in higher education. Today, that number is just 36%. For Republicans, those numbers have dropped even more sharply, from 56% to 20%.

    There’s plenty of speculation about what’s driving these figures, but most are inextricably linked to partisan politics. Harvard Law School’s Jack Goldsmith and Adrian Vermeuele say that elite colleges have made it easy for conservatives to dislike them, and should reflect on why.

    Critiques of academia include accusations that faculties and student bodies tilt far to the left. At Harvard, for example, just 3% of professors identify as conservative, and 13% of recent graduates.

    These charges coincide with allegations of illiberal student “mobs” who shout down and heckle speakers and refuse to allow dissenting opinions. According to the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, for instance, Harvard is at the bottom of the table – scoring zero out of 100 – in its annual college free speech ranking.

    Adding to the controversy are claims that DEI offices have gone “too far” in inculcating a “oppressor-oppressed” mentality on campuses. The Trump administration views universities as ground-zero of the broader DEI trend that proliferated in the public and private sector during the Biden years.

    Declining trust in universities has doubtlessly been exacerbated by Maga rhetoric. Before being elected, Vice-President J.D. Vance announced that “the professors are the enemy”. Marc Lampkin, a longtime Republican strategist, said that “Republicans believe that … universities are the training ground for left, progressive camps”.

    That Harvard sits on a US$50 billion endowment, even as it takes advantage of tax benefits as a nonprofit, strikes many in the Trump camp as unfair.

    The clash between Harvard and the White House is laying the groundwork for a high-stakes showdown, pitting academia’s defenders against the Magaverse. Yet it’s possible to believe two things at once: that universities do suffer from some, even many, of the ailments that Trump has alleged; and that Trump’s onslaught against higher education is strategically misguided, politically motivated and aimed at putting universities under the president’s thumb.

    Thomas Gift teaches an annual course in the Harvard Summer School, and worked full-time at the Harvard Kennedy School in 2015-16.

    – ref. Harvard is suing the White House: here’s what Trump hopes to achieve by targeting universities – https://theconversation.com/harvard-is-suing-the-white-house-heres-what-trump-hopes-to-achieve-by-targeting-universities-254850

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Apr 23, 2025 Day 4-8 Severe Weather Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Day 4-8 Severe Weather Outlook Issued on Apr 23, 2025

    Updated: Wed Apr 23 08:17:02 UTC 2025

     .

    D4
    Sat, Apr 26, 2025 – Sun, Apr 27, 2025
    D7
    Tue, Apr 29, 2025 – Wed, Apr 30, 2025

    D5
    Sun, Apr 27, 2025 – Mon, Apr 28, 2025
    D8
    Wed, Apr 30, 2025 – Thu, May 01, 2025

    D6
    Mon, Apr 28, 2025 – Tue, Apr 29, 2025
    (All days are valid from 12 UTC – 12 UTC the following day)

    Note: A severe weather area depicted in the Day 4-8 period indicates 15%, 30% or higher probability for severe thunderstorms within 25 miles of any point.

    PREDICTABILITY TOO LOW is used to indicate severe storms may be possible based on some model scenarios. However, the location or occurrence of severe storms are in doubt due to: 1) large differences in the deterministic model solutions, 2) large spread in the ensemble guidance, and/or 3) minimal run-to-run continuity.

    POTENTIAL TOO LOW means the threat for a regional area of organized severe storms appears unlikely (i.e., less than 15%) for the forecast day.

     Forecast Discussion

    ZCZC SPCSWOD48 ALL
    ACUS48 KWNS 230815
    SPC AC 230815

    Day 4-8 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0315 AM CDT Wed Apr 23 2025

    Valid 261200Z – 011200Z

    …DISCUSSION…
    …Days 5-7/Sun-Tue — Great Plains to the Midwest…

    Forecast guidance is in good agreement that a deepening upper trough
    over the western states will eject eastward across the Plains and
    Midwest early next week. Beginning Day 5/Sun, the upper trough will
    extend from the central Rockies to the Southwest, with a belt of
    strong southeasterly flow emerging over the central/southern High
    Plains Sunday night. Surface lee low development is forecast over
    the northern/central Plains Sunday afternoon, with the low moving
    into SD/NE by Monday morning. Southerly low-level flow will
    transport ample moisture northward across the Plains and Mid-MO
    Valley on Sunday, with a sharpening dryline extending southward from
    western NE into western TX. Some severe potential could develop
    along the dryline and near the surface low/triple point. However,
    forecast soundings maintain strong capping and any convective
    development could be rather sparse. For now, this will preclude
    severe probabilities for Day 5/Sun.

    On Day 6/Mon, the upper trough will continue eastward, moving into
    the Plains by Tuesday morning. Ahead of the trough, a belt of strong
    southwesterly flow aloft will extend from OK into the Upper Midwest.
    A deepening surface low over SD will shift east/northeast through
    the period, with a trailing cold front shifting east/southeast
    across the Plains. Rich boundary layer moisture within a moderate to
    strongly unstable airmass and favorable shear parameter space will
    support an all-hazards severe weather episode across a fairly broad
    area from OK to MN/WI Monday afternoon into Monday night.

    Severe potential is likely to continue into Day 7/Tue, though some
    differences within medium range guidance with the evolution of the
    upper trough and key surface features does result in a bit more
    uncertainty compared to Monday, especially on the eastward extent of
    severe potential. Nevertheless, strong forcing atop a broad warm
    sector ahead of an eastward advancing cold front will continue to
    support severe potential from northeast Texas into Lower MI.

    ..Leitman.. 04/23/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS48 PTSD48 PRODUCT

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Tessell Named to CRN’s 2025 Big Data 100 List for Its AI-Powered Multi-Cloud DBaaS Platform

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tessell, the leading next-generation multi-cloud database-as-a-service (DBaaS) that enables enterprises and startups to accelerate database, data, and application modernization journeys at scale, today announced it has been named to the CRN® 2025 Big Data 100, an annual list published by CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, that recognizes technology vendors delivering innovation and growth in big data, analytics, and data management.

    This year’s list arrives amid an explosion of global data creation—forecasted to reach 394 zettabytes by 2028, according to Statista—as businesses struggle to keep up with the volume, complexity, and performance requirements of modern data ecosystems. Tessell was recognized in the Database Systems category for its AI-powered, cloud-native platform that simplifies and supercharges the deployment and management of popular database engines like PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server, Oracle, MongoDB, and Milvus across any cloud environment.

    “Being named to the CRN Big Data 100 reflects the momentum we’ve built in enabling enterprises to overcome the legacy barriers of cloud database management,” said Bakul Banthia, Co-Founder of Tessell. “We’re empowering our customers to transition from fragmented, high-cost environments to a unified, intelligent data platform built for performance, resilience, and AI-driven scale.”

    Tessell’s inclusion highlights the platform’s growing traction among enterprises modernizing their infrastructure and adopting AI-centric workflows. On April 9th, Tessell announced a $60 million Series B led by WestBridge Capital, with participation from Lightspeed Venture Partners, B37 Ventures, and Rocketship.vc. The funding is being used to accelerate go-to-market expansion and enhance AI-driven features—including vector search, conversational query interfaces, and intelligent workload automation.

    Key Capabilities Driving Recognition:

    • Conversational Data Management (CoDaM): Natural-language interaction with data systems, turning any business user into a data user.
    • Vector Extension & AI-Readiness: Enhanced support for generative AI workloads with integrated vector search on popular database engines.
    • Unified Control Plane: One interface to deploy, manage, and govern databases across multiple clouds and engines.
    • Zero RPO/RTO: Built-in disaster recovery and high availability for mission-critical workloads.
    • Enterprise Security & Compliance: Robust guardrails and policy-driven access controls for regulated industries.
    • 10x Performance, Fraction of the Cost: Patent-backed innovations eliminate IOPS bottlenecks while reducing TCO.

    CRN’s 2025 Big Data 100 is segmented into technology categories—including database systems, analytics software, data management, observability, and cloud platforms. Tessell is featured in the Database Systems section alongside a select group of vendors leading innovation in the age of AI, automation, and intelligent data architecture.

    For more information about Tessell and its DBaaS solutions, visit https://www.tessell.com/.

    About Tessell
    Tessell is a multi-cloud DBaaS platform redefining enterprise data management with its comprehensive suite of AI-powered database services. By unifying operational and analytical data within a seamless data ecosystem, Tessell enables enterprises to modernize databases, optimize cloud economics, and drive intelligent decision-making at scale. Through AI and Conversational Data Management (CoDaM), Tessell makes data more accessible, interactive, and intuitive, empowering businesses to harness their data’s full potential easily.

    Media Contact
    Len Fernandes
    Firecracker PR for Tessell
    len@firecrackerpr.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Cloudbrink Leads the Way in SASE Performance with Per-Datacenter Capacity of 300 Gbps and Per-User Throughput of 1 Gbps

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cloudbrink, a leader in high-performance secure connectivity, today announced that its award-winning solution provides industry-leading performance that meets the rigorous performance demands of game development and creative content industries, as well as the large data transfer requirements of large IT and QA teams.

    “Cloudbrink is committed to providing the industry’s best and highest performing solution,” said Prakash Mana, CEO of Cloudbrink. “Our goal is to enable hybrid work at scale. That means supporting users that are doing everything from developing graphics-intensive video games, to holding high-attendance video conferences, to running systems backup over our service. We put a priority on innovation and we are constantly pushing the envelope to provide application performance that no one can match.”

    SASE-Leading Capacity and Performance Through Innovation

    Unique Cloudbrink innovations have pushed the solution to the leading edge of performance, while maintaining the security of ZTNA, simplicity of management, all at a lower cost. Cloudbrink delivers the following high performance features for all Cloudbrink customers:

    • 300 Gbps per-datacenter capacity – Using a unique horizontal scaling of connector components, Cloudbrink provides an industry-leading per-datacentre capacity of 300 Gbps throughput without networking or firewall changes. This agile method of scaling datacenter capacity with only software-based virtual machines is achieved with Active-Active Connector support for on-prem deployments that can be deployed on any hypervisors. The Connectors can be grouped as one logical entity to provide higher capacity. Cloudbrink supports adding up to 64 Connector instances in Active-Active mode in one logical Connector entity.
    • Per-User Throughput of 1Gbps – Unlike most ZTNA solutions, Cloudbrink can fully utilize a 1Gbps ISP link to meet the rigorous requirements of Fortune 100 customers in the game development and creative content industries that need to access highly immersive content from anywhere.
    • 8TB per day per user data transfer – Cloudbrink can support high-data transfer scenarios where users need consistent and high throughput performance. For example, IT and large QA teams that need to transfer backups of critical app-data, or users that utilize cache farming apps on the endpoint which are constantly accessing data from the central repositories hosted inside the datacenter
    • Adaptive Last-Mile Optimization for the lowest latency – Cloudbrink leverages advanced optimization techniques, including preemptive and accelerated packet recovery, to adapt to dynamic network conditions. This ensures a seamless and dependable user experience on enterprise applications, even in scenarios of high packet loss or fluctuating bandwidth.

    “No vendor in the market today comes close to the throughput capacity that Cloudbrink can support,” adds Mana. “Customers who need higher capacity are traditionally pressed to purchase additional hardware gateways, and are required to manage them separately to meet the capacity requirements of 10Gbps. With Cloudbrink, customers can eliminate unneeded overhead and infrastructure and get the highest performance in the business.”

    About Cloudbrink
    Cloudbrink delivers a high-performance secure connectivity solution that significantly enhances productivity for the work-from-anywhere generation. The Personal SASE service offers up to a 30-fold increase in network performance and ensures a secure, seamless, in-office experience for employees, no matter where they are. With a focus on speed, simplicity, security, and savings, Cloudbrink streamlines management and support while providing edge-native zero-trust access for users and devices for simplified operations, reduced complexity, and fewer support calls. For more information go to www.cloudbrink.com.

    Media contact:
    Chris Fucanan
    AquaLab PR for Cloudbrink
    chris@aqualabpr.com
    916-345-3475

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Stifel Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ST. LOUIS, April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) today reported net revenues of $1.26 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared with $1.16 billion a year ago. Net income available to common shareholders was $43.7 million, or $0.39 per diluted common share, compared with $154.3 million, or $1.40 per diluted common share for the first quarter of 2024. Non-GAAP net income available to common shareholders was $54.2 million, or $0.49 per diluted common share for the first quarter of 2025.

    Ronald J. Kruszewski, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said “Our net revenue of $1.26 billion marks the highest first-quarter revenue in our history, with year-over-year growth across all revenue lines. The investments we’ve made in our business and our focus on delivering valued advice drove growth in both our Global Wealth Management and Institutional Group — despite the headwinds from market volatility and a significant legal charge. We remain optimistic about long-term growth, emphasizing the resilience of U.S. financial markets and the value our advice-driven model delivers during periods of uncertainty.”

    Highlights

    • The Company reported net revenues of $1.26 billion, the third best quarter in its history, driven by higher asset management revenues, investment banking revenues, transactional revenues, and net interest income.
    • Non-GAAP net income available to common shareholders of $0.49 per diluted common share was negatively impacted by elevated provisions for legal matters of $1.16 per diluted common share (after-tax).
    • Record asset management revenues, up 11% over the year-ago quarter.
    • Advisory revenues increased 15% over the year-ago quarter.
    • Capital raising revenues increased 6% over the year-ago quarter.
    • Client assets of $485.9 billion, up 4% over the year-ago quarter.
    • Recruited 52 financial advisors during the quarter, including 9 experienced employee advisors.
    • Non-GAAP pre-tax margin of 6% was negatively impacted by elevated provisions for legal matters.
    • Annualized return on tangible common equity (ROTCE) (5) of 6%.
    • Tangible book value per common share (7) of $33.31, up 9% from prior year.
     
    Financial Summary (Unaudited)
    (000s) 1Q 2025 1Q 2024
    GAAP Financial Highlights:            
    Net revenues $1,255,469   $1,163,038  
    Net income (1) $43,672   $154,255  
    Diluted EPS (1) $0.39   $1.40  
    Comp. ratio   58.3%     58.4%  
    Non-comp. ratio   36.7%     22.8%  
    Pre-tax margin   5.0%     18.8%  
    Non-GAAP Financial Highlights:            
    Net revenues $1,255,455   $1,163,038  
    Net income (1)(2) $54,236   $163,346  
    Diluted EPS (1) (2) $0.49   $1.49  
    Comp. ratio (2)   58.0%     58.0%  
    Non-comp. ratio (2)   35.9%     22.2%  
    Pre-tax margin (3)   6.1%     19.8%  
    ROCE (4)   4.4%     14.3%  
    ROTCE (5)   6.2%     20.9%  
    Global Wealth Management (assets and loans in millions)         
    Net revenues $850,559   $790,500  
    Pre-tax net income $126,405   $290,748  
    Total client assets $485,860   $467,697  
    Fee-based client assets $189,693   $177,108  
    Bank loans (6) $21,241   $19,484  
    Institutional Group            
    Net revenues $384,929   $351,376  
    Equity $236,192   $206,417  
    Fixed Income $148,737   $144,959  
    Pre-tax net income $27,431   $37,109  


    Global Wealth Management

    Global Wealth Management reported net revenues of $850.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared with $790.5 million during the first quarter of 2024. Pre-tax net income was $126.4 million compared with $290.7 million in the first quarter of 2024.

    Highlights

    • Recruited 52 financial advisors during the quarter, including 9 experienced employee advisors, with total trailing 12 month production of $11.7 million.
    • Client assets of $485.9 billion, up 4% over the year-ago quarter.
    • Fee-based client assets of $189.7 billion, up 7% over the year-ago quarter.

    Net revenues increased 8% from a year ago:

    • Transactional revenues increased 3% over the year-ago quarter reflecting an increase in client activity.
    • Asset management revenues increased 11% over the year-ago quarter reflecting higher asset values and net new asset growth.
    • Net interest income increased 4% over the year-ago quarter driven by balance sheet growth, partially offset by lower interest rates and changes in the deposit mix.

    Total Expenses:

    • Compensation expense as a percentage of net revenues increased to 49.6% primarily as a result of higher compensable revenues.
    • Provision for credit losses was primarily impacted by an increase in reserves driven by loan growth and changes in the outlook for macroeconomic conditions.
    • Non-compensation operating expenses as a percentage of net revenues increased to 35.5% primarily as a result of higher litigation-related expenses.
                 
    Summary Results of Operations
    (000s)    1Q 2025      1Q 2024  
    Net revenues $850,559   $790,500  
    Transactional revenues   186,395     181,753  
    Asset management   409,506     367,450  
    Net interest income   245,534     236,269  
    Investment banking   5,908     4,280  
    Other income   3,216     748  
    Total expenses $724,154   $499,752  
    Compensation expense   422,293     389,536  
    Provision for credit losses   12,020     4,968  
    Non-comp. opex   289,841     105,248  
    Pre-tax net income $126,405   $290,748  
    Compensation ratio   49.6%     49.3%   
    Non-compensation ratio   35.5%     13.9%   
    Pre-tax margin   14.9%     36.8%   


    Institutional Group

    Institutional Group reported net revenues of $384.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared with $351.4 million during the first quarter of 2024. Pre-tax net income was $27.4 million compared with $37.1 million in the first quarter of 2024.

    Highlights

    Investment banking revenues increased 11% from a year ago:

    • Advisory revenues increased 15% from the year-ago quarter driven by higher levels of completed advisory transactions.
    • Fixed income capital raising revenues decreased 9% from the year-ago quarter primarily driven by lower bond issuances.
    • Equity capital raising revenues increased 22% over the year-ago quarter driven by higher volumes.

    Fixed income transactional revenues increased 1% from a year ago:

    • Fixed income transactional revenues were impacted by increased activity in securitized products, partially offset by lower levels of activity in credit products.

    Equity transactional revenues increased 10% from a year ago:

    • Equity transactional revenues increased from the year-ago quarter primarily driven by increased client activity amid a more volatile trading environment.

    Total Expenses:

    • Compensation expense as a percentage of net revenues increased to 65.6% primarily as a result of higher fixed compensation expenses in our international operations.
    • Non-compensation operating expenses as a percentage of net revenues decreased to 27.3% from the year-ago quarter primarily as a result of higher revenues.
     
    Summary Results of Operations
    (000s)   1Q 2025     1Q 2024  
    Net revenues $384,929   $351,376  
    Investment banking   232,034     209,669  
    Advisory   137,470     119,252  
    Fixed income capital raising   45,559     50,116  
    Equity capital raising   49,005     40,301  
    Fixed income transactional   89,345     88,654  
    Equity transactional   59,590     54,083  
    Other   3,960     (1,030)  
    Total expenses $357,498   $314,267  
    Compensation expense   252,585     215,749  
    Non-comp. opex.   104,913     98,518  
    Pre-tax net income $27,431   $37,109  
    Compensation ratio   65.6%     61.4%  
    Non-compensation ratio   27.3%      28.0%  
    Pre-tax margin   7.1%     10.6%   


    Other Matters

    Highlights

    • The Company repurchased $210.9 million of its outstanding common stock during the first quarter, including $117.8 million in connection with net-share settlements under its equity compensation plan.
    • Weighted average diluted shares outstanding increased primarily as a result the increase in the Company’s share price, partially offset by an increase in share repurchases.
    • The Board of Directors declared a $0.46 quarterly dividend per share payable on March 17, 2025 to common shareholders of record on March 3, 2025.
    • The Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend on the outstanding shares of the Company’s preferred stock payable on March 17, 2025 to shareholders of record on March 3, 2025.
     
      1Q 2025 1Q 2024
    Common stock repurchases    
    Repurchases (000s) $210,934   $159,348  
    Number of shares (000s)   2,029     2,254  
    Average price $103.95   $70.71  
    Period end shares (000s)   103,078     102,649  
    Weighted average diluted shares outstanding (000s)   110,635     109,985  
    Effective tax rate   16.4%     25.2%  
    Stifel Financial Corp. (8)    
    Tier 1 common capital ratio   14.7%     14.3%  
    Tier 1 risk based capital ratio   17.6%     17.3%  
    Tier 1 leverage capital ratio   10.8%     10.6%  
    Tier 1 capital (MM) $4,163   $3,911  
    Risk weighted assets (MM) $23,661   $22,588  
    Average assets (MM) $38,397   $37,018  
    Quarter end assets (MM) $40,384   $38,258  
    Agency Rating Outlook
    Fitch Ratings BBB+ Stable
    S&P Global Ratings BBB Stable

    Conference Call Information

    Stifel Financial Corp. will host its first quarter 2025 financial results conference call on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time. The conference call may include forward-looking statements.

    All interested parties are invited to listen to Stifel’s Chairman and CEO, Ronald J. Kruszewski, by dialing (866) 409-1555 and referencing conference ID 2769458. A live audio webcast of the call, as well as a presentation highlighting the Company’s results, will be available through the Company’s web site, www.stifel.com. For those who cannot listen to the live broadcast, a replay of the broadcast will be available through the above-referenced web site beginning approximately one hour following the completion of the call.

    Company Information

    Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) is a financial services holding company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, that conducts its banking, securities, and financial services business through several wholly owned subsidiaries. Stifel’s broker-dealer clients are served in the United States through Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, including its Eaton Partners and Miller Buckfire business divisions; Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.; and Stifel Independent Advisors, LLC. The Company’s broker-dealer affiliates provide securities brokerage, investment banking, trading, investment advisory, and related financial services to individual investors, professional money managers, businesses, and municipalities. Stifel Bank and Stifel Bank & Trust offer a full range of consumer and commercial lending solutions. Stifel Trust Company, N.A. and Stifel Trust Company Delaware, N.A. offer trust and related services. To learn more about Stifel, please visit the Company’s website at www.stifel.com. For global disclosures, please visit www.stifel.com/investor-relations/press-releases.

    A financial summary follows. Financial, statistical and business-related information, as well as information regarding business and segment trends, is included in the financial supplement. Both the earnings release and the financial supplement are available online in the Investor Relations section at www.stifel.com/investor-relations.

    The information provided herein and in the financial supplement, including information provided on the Company’s earnings conference calls, may include certain non-GAAP financial measures. The definition of such measures or reconciliation of such measures to the comparable U.S. GAAP figures are included in this earnings release and the financial supplement, both of which are available online in the Investor Relations section at www.stifel.com/investor-relations.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This earnings release contains certain statements that may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements in this earnings release not dealing with historical results are forward-looking and are based on various assumptions. The forward-looking statements in this earnings release are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements include, among other things, the following possibilities: the ability to successfully integrate acquired companies or the branch offices and financial advisors; a material adverse change in financial condition; the risk of borrower, depositor, and other customer attrition; a change in general business and economic conditions; changes in the interest rate environment, deposit flows, loan demand, real estate values, and competition; changes in accounting principles, policies, or guidelines; changes in legislation and regulation; other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory, geopolitical, and technological factors affecting the companies’ operations, pricing, and services; and other risk factors referred to from time to time in filings made by Stifel Financial Corp. with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For information about the risks and important factors that could affect the Company’s future results, financial condition and liquidity, see “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. Forward-looking statements speak only as to the date they are made. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made.

     
    Summary Results of Operations (Unaudited)
     
      Three Months Ended  
    (000s, except per share amounts) 3/31/2025 3/31/2024 % Change 12/31/2024 % Change
    Revenues:          
    Commissions $193,670 $185,476 4.4   $203,786 (5.0)  
    Principal transactions   141,660   139,014 1.9     174,887 (19.0)  
    Investment banking   237,942   213,949 11.2     304,419 (21.8)  
    Asset management   409,541   367,476 11.4     405,825 0.9  
    Other income   10,581   4,950 113.8     3,294 221.2  
    Operating revenues   993,394   910,865 9.1     1,092,211 (9.0)  
    Interest revenue   475,632   506,828 (6.2)     500,661 (5.0)  
    Total revenues   1,469,026   1,417,693 3.6     1,592,872 (7.8)  
    Interest expense   213,557   254,655 (16.1)     228,190 (6.4)  
    Net revenues   1,255,469   1,163,038 7.9     1,364,682 (8.0)  
    Non-interest expenses:          
    Compensation and benefits   732,220   679,695 7.7     795,750 (8.0)  
    Non-compensation operating expenses   459,885   264,652 73.8     302,731 51.9  
    Total non-interest expenses   1,192,105   944,347 26.2     1,098,481 8.5  
    Income before income taxes   63,364   218,691 (71.0)     266,201 (76.2)  
    Provision for income taxes   10,372   55,116 (81.2)     22,196 (53.3)  
    Net income   52,992   163,575 (67.6)     244,005 (78.3)  
    Preferred dividends   9,320   9,320 0.0     9,320 0.0  
    Net income available to common shareholders $43,672 $154,255 (71.7)   $234,685 (81.4)  
    Earnings per common share:          
    Basic $0.42 $1.48 (71.6)   $2.26 (81.4)  
    Diluted $0.39 $1.40 (72.1)   $2.09 (81.3)  
    Cash dividends declared per common share $0.46 $0.42 9.5   $0.42 9.5  
    Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:                
    Basic   104,764   104,275 0.5     103,856 0.9  
    Diluted   110,635   109,985 0.6     112,089 (1.3)  
     
    Non-GAAP Financial Measures (9)
     
      Three Months Ended
    (000s, except per share amounts) 3/31/2025 3/31/2024
    GAAP net income $52,992   $163,575  
    Preferred dividend   9,320     9,320  
    Net income available to common shareholders   43,672     154,255  
         
    Non-GAAP adjustments:    
    Merger-related (10)   12,661     12,154  
    Provision for income taxes (11)   (2,097)     (3,063)  
    Total non-GAAP adjustments   10,564     9,091  
    Non-GAAP net income available to common shareholders $54,236   $163,346  
         
    Weighted average diluted shares outstanding   110,635     109,985  
         
    GAAP earnings per diluted common share $0.47   $1.48  
    Non-GAAP adjustments   0.10     0.09  
    Non-GAAP earnings per diluted common share $0.57   $1.57  
         
    GAAP earnings per diluted common share available to common shareholders $0.39   $1.40  
    Non-GAAP adjustments   0.10     0.09  
    Non-GAAP earnings per diluted common share available to common shareholders $0.49   $1.49  
    GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation (9)
     
      Three Months Ended
    (000s) 3/31/2025 3/31/2024
    GAAP compensation and benefits $732,220   $679,695  
    As a percentage of net revenues   58.3%     58.4%  
    Non-GAAP adjustments:    
    Merger-related (10)   (4,056)     (5,533)  
     Non-GAAP compensation and benefits $728,164   $674,162  
    As a percentage of non-GAAP net revenues   58.0%     58.0%  
         
    GAAP non-compensation expenses $459,885   $264,652  
    As a percentage of net revenues   36.7%     22.8%  
    Non-GAAP adjustments:    
    Merger-related (10)   (8,619)     (6,621)  
     Non-GAAP non-compensation expenses $451,266   $258,031  
    As a percentage of non-GAAP net revenues   35.9%     22.2%  
    Total merger-related expenses $12,675   $12,154  
     
    Footnotes
         
    (1)   Represents available to common shareholders.
    (2)   Reconciliations of the Company’s GAAP results to these non-GAAP measures are discussed within and under “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and “GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation.”
    (3)   Non-GAAP pre-tax margin is calculated by adding total merger-related expenses (non-GAAP adjustments) and dividing it by non-GAAP net revenues. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and “GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation.”
    (4)   Return on average common equity (“ROCE”) is calculated by dividing annualized net income applicable to common shareholders by average common shareholders’ equity or, in the case of non-GAAP ROCE, calculated by dividing non-GAAP net income applicable to commons shareholders by average common shareholders’ equity.
    (5)   Return on average tangible common equity (“ROTCE”) is calculated by dividing annualized net income applicable to common shareholders by average tangible shareholders’ equity or, in the case of non-GAAP ROTCE, calculated by dividing non-GAAP net income applicable to common shareholders by average tangible common equity. Tangible common equity, also a non-GAAP financial measure, equals total common shareholders’ equity less goodwill and identifiable intangible assets and the deferred taxes on goodwill and intangible assets. Average deferred taxes on goodwill and intangible assets were $82.5 million and $73.9 million as of March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
    (6)   Includes loans held for sale.
    (7)   Tangible book value per common share represents shareholders’ equity (excluding preferred stock) divided by period end common shares outstanding. Tangible common shareholders’ equity equals total common shareholders’ equity less goodwill and identifiable intangible assets and the deferred taxes on goodwill and intangible assets.
    (8)   Capital ratios are estimates at the time of the Company’s earnings release, April 23, 2025.
    (9)   The Company prepares its Consolidated Financial Statements using accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP). The Company may disclose certain “non-GAAP financial measures” in the course of its earnings releases, earnings conference calls, financial presentations and otherwise. The Securities and Exchange Commission defines a “non-GAAP financial measure” as a numerical measure of historical or future financial performance, financial position, or cash flows that is subject to adjustments that effectively exclude, or include, amounts from the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Non-GAAP financial measures disclosed by the Company are provided as additional information to analysts, investors and other stakeholders in order to provide them with greater transparency about, or an alternative method for assessing the Company’s financial condition or operating results. These measures are not in accordance with, or a substitute for U.S. GAAP, and may be different from or inconsistent with non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. Whenever the Company refers to a non-GAAP financial measure, it will also define it or present the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, along with a reconciliation of the differences between the non-GAAP financial measure it references and such comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure.
    (10)   Primarily related to charges attributable to integration-related activities, signing bonuses, amortization of restricted stock awards, debentures, and promissory notes issued as retention, additional earn-out expense, and amortization of intangible assets acquired. These costs were directly related to acquisitions of certain businesses and are not representative of the costs of running the Company’s on-going business.
    (11)   Primarily represents the Company’s effective tax rate for the period applied to the non-GAAP adjustments.
         

    Media Contact: Neil Shapiro (212) 271-3447 | Investor Contact: Joel Jeffrey (212) 271- 3610 | www.stifel.com/investor-relations

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: 541 illegal shebeens, taverns shutdown over Easter

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    A total of 541 illegal shebeens and taverns were shut down by police across the country during the Easter long weekend. 

    Of these, 270 were shut down in KwaZulu-Natal.

    A total of 757 suspects who were found dealing in illegal liquor were also arrested – 270 were arrested in KwaZulu-Natal, while 144 were arrested in Mpumalanga and 142 arrested in Gauteng.

    A total of 1 166 motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs during that period – 265 of them were arrested in Mpumalanga.

    A total of 1209 suspects who were found to be in possession of drugs were arrested – 393 of them were arrested in KwaZulu-Natal. 

    Also, 249 suspects were arrested for dealing in drugs and the Western Cape registered the majority of those arrested, with 61.

    “Just this past week alone, a total of 17 605 suspects were arrested through Operation Shanela. The highest number of arrests registered a week in months,” the South African Police Service said in a statement.

    It said police officers across the country remain hard at work in preventing, combating and investigating crime.

    “Through various interventions and takedowns, police operations led to the arrest of 3 662 wanted suspects for rape, murder and attempted murder amongst a host of other serious and violent crimes,” the police said.

    Of these, 215 suspects were arrested and charged for rape. The majority of those arrested for rape were apprehended in KwaZulu-Natal (67).

    Over and above these, the following arrests were made across the country:

    • 145 murder suspects were arrested and the majority were arrested in Gauteng (30).
    • 129 suspects were arrested for attempted murder;
    • 1 574 suspects were arrested for assault grievous bodily harm;
    • 110 suspects were arrested for being in the illegal possession of firearms, majority of these suspects were arrested in KwaZulu-Natal (35)

    Police registered the following successes:

    • 128 firearms were confiscated in the past week;
    • 4220 rounds of ammunition were confiscated;
    • 87 hijacked and stolen vehicles were recovered during this week’s operations.

    Two businessmen were rescued by the anti-kidnapping task team after they were hijacked and kidnapped in Midrand on Monday. The two male victims were found in dense bushes and rescued. Their hijacked SUV Range Rover was later recovered in Tembisa.

    A multi-disciplinary law enforcement operation led by the Nelson Mandela Bay Crime Prevention Unit and DPCI, resulted in the successful rescue of a 45-year-old US pastor, who was kidnapped and held at a safe house in KwaMagxaki, Gqeberha, on 15 April 2025.

    Police in Northern Cape seized 39 uncut diamonds through Operation Vala Umgodi.

    KwaZulu-Natal police seized five unlicensed firearms and ammunition in the Msinga area. Two suspects were arrested in this intelligence driven operation.

    Five suspects were arrested between North West and Gauteng for the kidnapping and murder of a 63-year-old pensioner. The man was allegedly robbed of thousands of rands before being killed.

    Western Cape police arrested a second suspect after a taxi boss was killed at the Wynberg Magistrate Court over a week ago.

    In Operation Vala Umgodi, 104 suspects were arrested in connection with illegal mining activities across the North West province while 11 suspects were arrested by Free State police.

    “Police will continue with their operations by asserting the authority of the state to ensure the safety and security of all South Africans and visitors to the country,” the police said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Presidential Protection Service high skilled, sufficiently resourced

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Wednesday, April 23, 2025

    The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, has assured the nation that the Executive of the country, President Cyril Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile, are in safe hands. 

    “Members of the Presidential Protection Service (PPS) who are assigned to both the President and the Deputy President are trained to a high level of skill and possess the necessary expertise and capabilities to avert any risk and threat,” Masemola said. 

    He said the resources assigned to safeguard the Executive are also adequate and designed to prevent any direct and imminent threat on their lives.

    “While it is not common practice to discuss safety and security aspects of the Executive, the National Commissioner deems it fit to assure the country that sufficient resources are always assigned to safeguard members of the national executive,” Masemola said in a statement. 

    The statement follows a shooting incident involving the Deputy President’s convoy.

    Deputy President Mashatile was returning from an ANC meeting in Boksburg when his convoy came under fire. At first it was thought stones were being hurled at the vehicle, but it was discovered that it was being shot at. 

    “Following the incident, an extensive investigation was conducted and still underway with the ballistics report already concluded. Crime Intelligence is also continuing with its regular risk and threat assessment on both the President and the Deputy President,” the General explained. 

    He confirmed the reinforcement of the security detail to both principals and expressed gratitude to members of the PPS with the manner in which they safeguard and handle the safety of both principals. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –